Gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine having a feature in a substrate.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a first substrate. The first substrate has a first connector. The first connector has a first terminal assigned as a ground terminal, and a second terminal assigned as a power terminal. The first terminal is assigned to be located toward one side of the first connector. The second terminal is assigned to be located toward the one side of the first connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 58

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as one type of game table, for example, a slot machine is known. Such a slot machine includes a plurality of types of circuit boards (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 circuit board of the conventional game table.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game table having characteristics in the circuit board.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The game table according to the present invention is a game table provided with a first circuit board, wherein the first circuit board has a first connector, the first circuit board has a second connector, and the first circuit board has First a wiring pattern, The first circuit board has a second wiring pattern, and the first connector is a connector that is electrically connected to a certain player operating means. the first connector has a first terminal assigned as a ground terminal, and the first connector has a second terminal assigned as a power supply terminal, The aforementioned first connector has a third terminal assigned as a signal terminal. the second connector has a fourth terminal assigned as a power supply terminal, and the second terminal and the fourth terminal are First connected via the wiring pattern, The third terminal is connected to the second wiring pattern. The first terminal is eccentrically positioned on one side of the first connector, and the second terminal is located on the first connector. The aforementioned It is allocated with an eccentricity on one side. The third terminal is assigned to the other side of the first connector. The fourth terminal is assigned to the side of the second connector where the second terminal is located, as viewed from the second connector. Furthermore, the second wiring pattern is a signal wiring pattern relating to a certain player operating means, the first wiring pattern is connected to the second terminal on one side of the first circuit board, and the second wiring pattern is connected to the third terminal on the other side of the first circuit board, opposite to the one side, with the substrate of the first circuit board in between. This is a gaming machine characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a gaming machine with a distinctive circuit board. [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] This is a front view of the status indicator LED280. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view showing the components that make up the status indicator LED 280. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 280, including the heat-crimped portion 284d of the reflector 284. [Figure 6] (a) A cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 750 according to Modification 1. (b) A bottom view of the status indicator LED as seen from the direction indicated by reference numeral A in (a). (c) A cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 760 according to Modification 2. [Figure 7] (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 8] (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 9](a) is a front view of the LED substrate 288 of the status display LED 280. (b) is a front view of the lighting substrate 268 of the reel backlight 264. [Figure 10] It shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 11] (a) is a plan view of the main control board 600 before separating the identification board 610. (b) is a plan view of the main control board 600 after separating the identification board 610. [Figure 12] It is a plan view of the sub-control board 650. [Figure 13] It is an exploded perspective view showing the main board storage case 640 and the main control board 600. [Figure 14] (a) is a plan view of the main board storage case 640 with the main control board 600 accommodated, seen from the substrate housing 642 side. (b) is a cross-sectional view along the A-A line in (a). (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional substrate corresponding to (b). [Figure 15] (a) and (b) are plan views of the main control board 670 according to the first modification example. [Figure 16] (a) is a plan view of the main control board 690 according to the second modification example. (b) is a plan view of the main control board 696 according to the third modification example. [Figure 17] (a) is a plan view of the substrate 700 according to this example, seen from the power supply layer 710 side. (b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate 700 along the X-X line in (a). [Figure 18] (a) is a terminal layout diagram of the LED driver IC 714. (b) is a terminal layout diagram of the motor driver IC 716. [Figure 19] (a) is a pattern diagram showing an example of the power wiring pattern of the power supply layer 710 of the substrate 700. (b) is a pattern diagram showing the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 of the substrate 700. [Figure 20](a) This is an enlarged partial view of the power supply layer 710, showing the part indicated by reference numeral A in Fig. 19(a). (b) This is an enlarged partial view of the GND layer 706, showing the part indicated by reference numeral B in Fig. 19(b). (c) This is a pattern diagram showing the power supply layer 710 shown in (a) and the GND layer 706 shown in (b) superimposed on each other. [Figure 21] (a) This is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the pattern cutout 706b of the GND layer 706 and the LED driver IC 714 and the motor driver 716 mounted on the power supply layer 710. (b) This is a cross-sectional view along the Y-Y line in the LED driver 714 shown enlarged in (a). (c) This is a cross-sectional view along the Z-Z line in the motor driver 716 shown enlarged in (a). [Figure 22] (a) This is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the problems in the substrate of a conventional gaming table. (b) This is a diagram schematically showing the concept of the substrate of the present invention. [Figure 23] (a) This is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE according to Example 1 and the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conduction path. (b) This is a cross-sectional view along the A-A line in (a). (c) This is 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 conduction path. (d), (d´) These are cross-sectional views along the B-B line in (c). [Figure 24] (a) This is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE2 according to Example 2. (b) This is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE3 according to Example 3. (c) This is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE4 according to Example 4. [Figure 25] (a) This is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE5 according to Example 5. (b) This is a plan view showing an example where the pattern of the power supply wiring line in (a) is changed. [Figure 26] This 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. [Figure 27] This is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations, the names of the conditional devices, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the payout numbers, and remarks. [Figure 28]This is a flowchart showing the main processing flow of the main control unit. [Figure 29] This is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 30] (a) A flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. (b) A flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. (c) A flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 31] (a) A flowchart of the main processing performed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. (b) A flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. (c) A flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. (d) A flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 32] (a) This figure shows an example of the lottery values ​​for the internal winning combinations of slot machine 100. (b) This table shows the display patterns and payout amounts for each operation content of the common bell and push-order combinations among the internal winning combinations. [Figure 33] This diagram shows the winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. [Figure 34] (a) A flowchart of the advantageous interval transition process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. (b) A flowchart corresponding to the advantageous interval transition process program shown in (c). (c) An example of the advantageous interval transition process program. (d) Another example of the advantageous interval transition process program. [Figure 35] (a) A flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. (b) A flowchart corresponding to the instruction monitor setting process program shown in (c). (c) An example of the instruction monitor setting process program. [Figure 36] (a) A flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process according to Modification Example 1. (b) An example of the program for the instruction monitor setting process according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 37] (a) and (b) are figures showing another example of the winning combination data shown in Figure 33. [Figure 38] (a) This figure shows another example of the winning combination data shown in Figure 33. (b) This figure shows the changes in register values ​​during the instruction monitor setting process shown in Figure 39(a). [Figure 39] (a) A flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process related to Modification 2. (b) An example of the program for the instruction monitor setting process related to Modification 2. [Figure 40] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention 2. [Figure 41] This diagram shows the internal configuration of a slot machine according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 42] This is an external view of a portion of the front door 1102 of a coinless slot machine, seen from the front (player side). [Figure 43] (a) An exploded perspective view showing the components of the lower tray 1200 in disassembled form. (b) A partially enlarged view of the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower tray base 1202, viewed from above. (c) A cross-sectional view showing the bottom surface 1208a and the rear vertical wall 1208b of the lower tray cover 1208. [Figure 44] (a) A perspective view of the sticker mounting unit 1250 from the front. (b) A perspective view of the sticker mounting unit 1250 from the rear. [Figure 45] This is an external perspective view of the lower part of the front door 1102, seen from the rear. [Figure 46] (a) An external perspective view and schematic diagram showing the state before the sticker mounting unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1102. (b) An external perspective view and schematic diagram showing the state after the sticker mounting unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1101. [Figure 47] (a) A front view showing a part of the door relay board 1300 of a medalless slot machine. (b) A magnified view showing the area around the clear switch 1304 and reset switch 1306 on the door relay board 1300. [Figure 48] (a) A cross-sectional view along line XX in Figure 47(a). (b) A cross-sectional view along line YY in Figure 47(a). (c) A diagram showing a modified example of the "raised portion" according to the present invention. [Figure 49] This is a schematic plan view of the door relay board 1300. [Figure 50] This is a perspective view of the enclosed gaming machine 100, seen from the front (player side). [Figure 51] This shows the circuit block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 52] This is a block diagram showing the connection relationships between the various (control) boards that make up the main control unit 300, sub-control unit 400, frame control unit 600, and launch control unit 630, and the display device, movable body, etc. [Figure 53] This is a circuit diagram showing an excerpt of the main control board connector of the main control board 301. [Figure 54] This circuit diagram shows the RCN1 and RCN2 connectors of the first and second main relay boards of the main relay board 203 of the main relay board. [Figure 55] (a) A diagram showing a portion of the wiring pattern on the surface of the first layer of the main control board 301. (b) A diagram showing a portion of the wiring pattern on the back surface of the second layer of the main control board 301. [Figure 56] This is a circuit diagram showing the circuit boards and electronic components connected to the handle relay board 901. [Figure 57] This is a circuit diagram showing the circuit boards and electronic components connected to the 901p handle relay board for pachinko machines. [Figure 58] This is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationships of the handle relay board connector on the handle relay board 901. [Figure 59] This is a circuit diagram showing the connection relationships of the handle relay board connector for the 901p handle relay board for pachinko machines. [Figure 60] (a) A plan view showing an example of the handle relay board 901 with the handle relay board connector and components mounted. (b) A diagram showing an example of the terminal arrangement of the handle relay board first connector HCN1. (c) A diagram showing an example of the terminal arrangement of the handle relay board second connector HCN2. (d) A diagram showing an example of the terminal arrangement of the handle relay board fourth connector HCN4. [Figure 61] (a) A plan view showing an example of a handle relay board 901p for a pachinko machine with the handle relay board connector and components mounted. (b) A diagram showing an example of the terminal arrangement of the handle relay board first connector HCN1 of the handle relay board 901p. (c) A diagram showing an example of the terminal arrangement of the handle relay board second connector HCN2 of the handle relay board 901p. (d) A diagram showing an example of the terminal arrangement of the handle relay board fourth connector HCN4 of the handle relay board 901p. [Figure 62] This is a plan view showing the wiring pattern on the component side 910a of the handle relay board 901. [Figure 63] This is a plan view showing only the wiring pattern on the solder side 910b of the handle relay board 901, seen through from the component side 910a. [Figure 64] This is a plan view showing both the component side 910a and the solder side 910b wiring patterns of the handle relay board 901. [Figure 65] This is a plan view showing the wiring pattern on the solder side 910b of the handle relay board 901. [Figure 66] This is a plan view showing the connectors and position markings of the handle relay board 901. [Figure 67] This is a plan view showing the positional relationship of the connectors and position indicators on the handle relay board 901. [Figure 68] This is a plan view showing an example of a frame control board 601 with components mounted on it. [Figure 69] This is a circuit diagram showing the switches and frame control board connectors that are mounted on the frame control board 601. [Figure 70] This is a plan view showing the wiring pattern on the component side 920a of the frame control board 601. [Figure 71] This is a plan view showing the wiring pattern on the solder side 920b of the frame control board 601. [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. 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.

[0012] In this embodiment, each design is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to constitute each reel 110 to 112 (see Figure 26). From the player's perspective, approximately three designs on each reel 110 to 112 are displayed vertically through a design display window 113 located in front of each reel 110 to 112, so that a total of nine designs are visible.

[0013] By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and their installation positions are not limited to this.

[0014] Inside the slot machine 100, optical sensors (also called index sensors; not shown in the figure) consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part are 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 results of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbols are displayed on the winning line.

[0015] On the back of reels 110-112 are reel backlights 264 (see Figures 7(a) and 8; details will be described later) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113. Below reels 110-112 are status indicator LEDs 280 (see Figure 3; details will be described later) for notifying the various states of the slot machine 100. The reel panel lamps 128 are for visual effects.

[0016] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one token is inserted each time bet button 130 is pressed, up to a maximum of three tokens; two tokens are inserted when bet button 131 is pressed; and three tokens are inserted when bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button.

[0017] 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.

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

[0019] The 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.

[0020] The stop button unit 136 is provided 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 button is associated with a specific reel. 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] A title panel 162 is provided below the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and attaching various certification labels. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout port 155 and a medal tray 161. 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 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A performance device 160 is located above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the performance device 160.

[0026] This display device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting 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 shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side).

[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, 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.

[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] <Status Indicator LED> Next, the status indicator LED 280 will be described. Figure 3 is a front view of the status indicator LED 280, and Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the components that make up the status indicator LED 280.

[0040] <Status indicator LED / Upper display section> As shown in Figure 3, the upper section of the status display LED 280 is arranged with a medal insertion display unit 124, a game start display unit 121, a re-game display unit 122, and a medal insertion display unit 129.

[0041] The medal insertion ready indicator unit 124 is a display unit that notifies the player when it is possible to insert medals, and lights up the string "INSERT" when the player is ready to insert medals.

[0042] The game start indicator unit 121 is a display unit that notifies the player that the game can be started when a specified number of tokens have been inserted, and lights up the string "START" when the game can be started.

[0043] The replay indicator unit 122 is a display unit that informs the player that the current game is replayable (no need to insert tokens) if the player won the replay prize, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. If the player won the replay prize, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game, the unit lights up the string "REPLAY".

[0044] The medal insertion indicator unit 129 is a display unit that lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of medals inserted. When one medal is inserted, the string "1BET" lights up; when two medals are inserted, the string "2BET" lights up; and when three medals are inserted, the string "3BET" lights up.

[0045] As shown in Figure 4, the medal insertion display unit 124, the game start display unit 121, the re-game display unit 122, and the medal insertion display unit 129 in this example are all composed of an LED substrate 288 (first substrate), a plurality of LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) arranged in a light-colored region 288a (second region; region where a light-colored coating is formed) on the mounting surface of the LED substrate 288 (first substrate) where a white coating silk is applied, a reflector 284 (first partitioning member) that partitions a rectangular opening 284a (space) through which light from the plurality of LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) passes, and a character sheet 282 (first irradiated member) that is illuminated by light from the plurality of LEDs 286 (light-emitting means).

[0046] Here, "bright color" according to the present invention refers to a color with high brightness, such as white, yellow, or light blue.

[0047] The character sheet 282 that constitutes the medal insertion display unit 124 is equipped with a translucent material consisting of the string "INSERT". When the multiple LEDs 286 that constitute the medal insertion display unit 124 are lit, the string "INSERT" lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0048] The character sheet 282 that constitutes the game start display unit 121 is equipped with a translucent component consisting of the string "START". When the multiple LEDs 286 that constitute the game start display unit 121 are lit, the string "START" is illuminated to indicate that the game is ready to be started.

[0049] The character sheet 282 that makes up the replay display unit 122 is equipped with a translucent material consisting of the string "REPLAY". When the multiple LEDs 286 that make up the replay display unit 122 are lit, the string "REPLAY" is illuminated to indicate that the current game can be played again (no need to insert tokens).

[0050] The character sheet 282 that constitutes the medal insertion display unit 129 is equipped with a translucent material consisting of the strings "3BET", "2BET", and "1BET". When the LED 286 corresponding to the "3BET" character sheet 282 of the multiple LEDs 286 that constitute the game medal insertion display unit 129 is lit, the string "3BET" is illuminated to indicate that three medals have been inserted. When the LED 286 corresponding to the "2BET" character sheet 282 is lit, the string "2BET" is illuminated to indicate that two medals have been inserted. When the LED 286 corresponding to the "1BET" character sheet 282 is lit, the string "1BET" is illuminated to indicate that one medal has been inserted.

[0051] <Status indicator LED / Lower display section> As shown in Figure 3, the lower section of the status indicator LED 280 is arranged with a stored coin count display unit 125, a game information display unit 126, and a payout coin count display unit 127.

[0052] The stored token count display unit 125 is a display unit for displaying the number of tokens electronically stored in the slot machine 100 as a two-digit number.

[0053] The payout display unit 127 is a display unit that displays the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a prize, as a two-digit number.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the stored number display unit 125 and the dispensed number display unit 127 in this example are both composed of an LED substrate 288 (first substrate), a plurality of LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) arranged in a light-colored region 288a (second region; region where a light-colored coating is formed) on the mounting surface of the LED substrate 288 (first substrate) where a white coating silk is applied, a reflector 284 (first partitioning member) partitioned by a rectangular opening 284a (space) and an opening 284b (space) in the shape of a two-digit 7-segment display, through which light from the plurality of LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) passes, and a character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) to which light from the plurality of LEDs 286 (light-emitting means) is irradiated.

[0055] The character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) that constitutes the stored coin count display unit 125 is provided with a translucent member consisting of the string "CREDIT" and a translucent member in the shape of a two-digit seven-segment display corresponding to the opening 284b. When the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) corresponding to the "CREDIT" character sheet 282 among the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) that constitute the stored coin count display unit 125 is lit, the string "CREDIT" is illuminated. By lit up the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) corresponding to the two-digit seven-segment display, it is possible to display the number of electronically stored coins as a two-digit number.

[0056] The character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) that constitutes the payout number display unit 127 is equipped with a translucent member consisting of the string "PAYOUT" and a translucent member in the shape of a two-digit seven-segment display. When the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) corresponding to the "PAYOUT" character sheet 282 among the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) that constitute the payout number display unit 127 is lit, the string "PAYOUT" is illuminated. By lit up the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) corresponding to the two-digit seven-segment display, it is possible to display the number of medals dispensed to the player as a two-digit number.

[0057] The game information display unit 126 is a display device for displaying internal information of the slot machine 100 (for example, setting values, error codes, etc.) as a four-digit number, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push-button navigation effects.

[0058] The game information display unit 126 in this example consists of an LED substrate 288 (first substrate), a plurality of LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) arranged in a dark area 288b (first area; an area where a dark coating is formed, shown by a dotted line in Figure 4) on the mounting surface of the LED substrate 288 (first substrate) where a black coating resist is applied, a reflector 284 (first partitioning member) that partitions an opening 284c (space) in the shape of a 4-digit 7-segment display through which light from the plurality of LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) passes, and a character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) that is illuminated by light from the plurality of LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means).

[0059] Furthermore, the game information display unit 126 in this example is configured to have the shape of a 7-segment display with an opening 284c smaller than the opening 284b. In addition, the multiple LEDs 286 constituting the game information display unit 126 are more densely packed (the spacing between adjacent LEDs is narrower) than the multiple LEDs 286 constituting the stored coin count display unit 125 and the payout coin count display unit 127, thus forming the shape of a 7-segment display. In this way, the game information display unit 126 is configured to have a smaller light-emitting area than the stored coin count display unit 125 and the payout coin count display unit 127.

[0060] Here, "dark color" according to the present invention refers to a color with low brightness, such as black, navy blue, brown, gray, and dark blue.

[0061] Furthermore, if the coating on the LED substrate 288 and the coating on the dark color region 288b are the same color, the region on the LED substrate 288 corresponding to the opening 284c shall be designated as the "first region" according to the present invention. On the other hand, if the coating on the LED substrate 288 and the coating on the dark color region 288b are different colors, the dark color region 288b consisting of the different color may be designated as the "first region" according to the present invention, or the region on the LED substrate 288 corresponding to the opening 284c may be designated as the "first region" according to the present invention.

[0062] The character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) constituting the game information display unit 126 is equipped with a translucent member in the shape of a 4-digit 7-segment display corresponding to the opening 284c. By lighting up multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) constituting the game information display unit 126, it is possible to display internal information of the slot machine 100 (for example, setting values, error codes, etc.) and instruction monitor information numerically.

[0063] In this example, the multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) constituting the game information display unit 126 are arranged in a dark-colored region 288b (first region; region where a dark-colored coating is formed) on the mounting surface of the LED substrate 288 (first substrate), where a black coating resist is applied. This prevents some of the LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) from reflecting light from outside (external light), which can cause the LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) to appear lit when they are off. This ensures that accurate game information is provided to the player and avoids causing any disadvantage to the player. Furthermore, it makes the slight illumination (ghost illumination) of the LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) due to a small current when they are off less noticeable, thus avoiding situations where incorrect displays could mislead the player.

[0064] Furthermore, the multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) constituting the game information display unit 126 are light-emitting means that constitute a notification means that notifies information (e.g., button press order) corresponding to a favorable operation mode for the stop operation means (e.g., stop buttons 137-139) that can stop the reels. Therefore, it is possible to prevent misunderstandings from occurring where an operation mode is not being notified when it is not, thereby providing accurate information to the player and avoiding causing any disadvantage to the player.

[0065] Furthermore, the multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) that constitute the game information display unit 126 are light-emitting means that constitute a notification means for notifying information corresponding to an error (for example, an error code). Therefore, it is possible to prevent misunderstandings that an error is being notified when no error is being notified, to provide accurate information to the player, and to avoid causing any disadvantage to the player.

[0066] The multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) of the game information display unit 126 are light-emitting means that can emit light in a first state (for example, AT state or error state), and the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) of the stored coin count display unit 125 and the payout coin count display unit 127 are light-emitting means that can emit light in a second state (for example, coin storage or payout), and the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) that make up the stored coin count display unit 125 (second light-emitting means) and the payout coin count display unit 127 are arranged in a light-colored region 288a (second region; region where a light-colored coating is formed) to which a white coating silk is applied.

[0067] Furthermore, during gameplay, the number of times the game transitions to AT state or error state is relatively less than the number of times medals are stored or dispensed, while the frequency of entering the second state (medal storage or dispensed) is higher than the frequency of entering the first state (AT state or error state).

[0068] When there are 1 or more medals stored or dispensed, the stored medal count display unit 125 and the dispensed medal count display unit 127 will show "0" (or "00") even when there are 0 medals. In other words, the stored medal count display unit 125 and the dispensed medal count display unit 127 will continuously show some kind of illumination while the game is in progress or in a state where the game can be played.

[0069] In contrast, AT states and error states occur as a result of specific conditions that arise during gameplay or when gameplay is possible. Therefore, AT states and error states occur less frequently than gameplay or when gameplay is possible. Furthermore, even in AT states or error states, the stored coin count display unit 125 and the payout coin count display unit 127 are configured to remain lit, meaning that the frequency of illumination is higher for the stored coin count display unit 125 and the payout coin count display unit 127 than for the game information display unit 126.

[0070] Therefore, the visibility of the stored coin count display unit 125 (second light-emitting means) and the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) of the payout coin count display unit 127, which have a higher light-emitting frequency (higher display update frequency) than the game information display unit 126, can be improved, thereby improving convenience for players.

[0071] Furthermore, the game information display unit 126 is positioned between the stored coin count display unit 125 and the payout coin count display unit 127. The dark area 288b (first area; area where a dark coating is formed), on which the game information display unit 126 is located and coated with a black resist film, is sandwiched on both sides by the light area 288a (second area; area where a light coating is formed), on which the stored coin count display unit 125 is located and coated with a white silk film, and the light area 288a (second area; area where a light coating is formed), on which the payout coin count display unit 127 is located and coated with a white silk film.

[0072] In this example, it is possible to avoid the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) positioned in the light-colored region 288a (second region; region where a light-colored coating is formed) on one side of the dark-colored region 288b (first region; region where a dark-colored coating is formed) affecting the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) positioned in the light-colored region 288a (second region; region where a light-colored coating is formed) on the other side of the dark-colored region 288b (first region; region where a dark-colored coating is formed), thereby making the notification from the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) easier to see.

[0073] Furthermore, by arranging the dark color region 288b and the light color region 288a adjacent to each other, the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) located in the light color region 288a makes ghosting in the LED 286 (first light-emitting means) located in the dark color region 288b less noticeable compared to when two dark color regions 288b are adjacent to each other.

[0074] Furthermore, since the status indicator LED 280 has a dark area 288b (first area, where a dark coating is formed) coated with a black resist film and a light area 288a (second area, where a light coating is formed) coated with a white silk screen film, the light emission pattern (brightness, etc.) of the LED 286 can be changed simply by changing the color of the coating applied to the substrate on which the LED 286 is placed (hardware change), without changing the contents of the control driver (software) that controls the status indicator LED 280 (program change), making it easy to change the specifications of the gaming machine.

[0075] In this example, multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) constituting the game information display unit 126 and multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) constituting the other display units (coin insertion ready display unit 124, game start display unit 121, re-play display unit 122, coin insertion display unit 129, stored coin count display unit 125, payout coin count display unit 127) are shown mounted on the same LED board 288 (first board). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and multiple LEDs 286 may be mounted on multiple different boards.

[0076] Therefore, for example, a dark region 288b (first region; region where a dark coating is formed) coated with a black resist film may be formed on a certain substrate, and a light region 288a (second region; region where a light coating is formed) coated with a white silk screen may be formed on a different substrate from the first substrate.

[0077] In this example, a specific area of ​​the LED substrate 288 coated with a black resist film is coated with a white silkscreen film. However, in an LED substrate coated with a white resist film, a specific area may be coated with a black film.

[0078] <Status Indicator LED / Unitized> Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 280, including the heat-sealed portion 284d of the reflector 284.

[0079] The LED substrate 288 is configured to have a through-hole 288d with an inner diameter w4 and an insertion hole 288c with an inner diameter w5 (w5>w4) into which the heat-crimped portion 284d of the reflector 284 can be inserted. Multiple LEDs 286 with a width w7 and a height h4 are mounted on the mounting surface of this LED substrate 288.

[0080] The reflector 284 is composed of multiple types of openings 284a to 284c, as explained with reference to Figure 4, and a heat-crimped portion 284d. The heat-crimped portion 284d consists of a rod-shaped body with an outer diameter w5 that extends in the thickness direction of the reflector 284 (Figure 5 shows the heat-crimped portion 284d after deformation by heating).

[0081] After inserting the heat-crimped portion 284c of the reflector 284 into the insertion hole 288d of the LED substrate 288, heat is applied to the tip of the heat-crimped portion 284d to soften it, and then it is compressed and crushed, thereby forming a deformed portion 284d2 at the tip of the heat-crimped portion 284d having an outer diameter w6 (w6 > w5) that is larger than the inner diameter w5 of the heat-crimped portion 284d of the LED substrate 288.

[0082] As a result, the reflector 284 is crimped and fixed to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 288, and the reflector 284 and the LED substrate 288 are integrated. The character sheet 282 is positioned to cover the openings 284a to 284d of the reflector 284 and is attached to the surface of the reflector 284.

[0083] In other words, the reflector 284 (first partition member) is crimped and fixed to the mounting surface of the LED substrate 288 (first substrate), and the character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) is attached to the reflector 284 (first partition member). Thus, the LED substrate 288 (first substrate), the reflector 284 (first partition member), and the character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) are unitized.

[0084] In this example, the LED board 288 (first board), the reflector 284 (first partition member), and the character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) are unitized, which makes it easier to replace the status indicator LED 280 and to install it into the gaming machine, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0085] In this example, the deformable portion 284d2 is formed at a position that protrudes by a height h5 from the back surface of the substrate 288, creating a gap between the reflector 284 and the LED substrate 288. However, the deformable portion 284d2 may be made to be in close contact with the back surface of the LED substrate 288.

[0086] <Status Indicator LED / Variation Example 1> Next, the status indicator LED 750 according to modified example 1 will be explained using Figures 6(a) and 6(b).

[0087] Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 750 according to Modification 1, and is a drawing corresponding to the cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 280 shown in Figure 5. Figure 6(b) is a bottom view of the status indicator LED as seen from the direction indicated by the symbol A in Figure 6(a).

[0088] In the following sections, to avoid redundant explanations, we will only describe configurations that differ from the status indicator LED 280 described using Figure 5.

[0089] The status indicator LED 750 consists of an LED substrate (first substrate) 751, a plurality of LEDs (second light-emitting means) 752 arranged on the mounting surface of the LED substrate 751, a reflector (first partitioning member) 753 with an opening (space) 753a through which light from the plurality of LEDs 752 passes, a character sheet (first illuminated member) 754 illuminated by light from the plurality of LEDs 752, a cover member 755 disposed on the side of the LED substrate 751 opposite to the mounting surface, and a connector 756 (shown only in Figure 6(b)) electrically connected to the LEDs 752 and other electronic components mounted on the LED substrate 751.

[0090] The LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755 each have cylindrical insertion holes 751a and 755a, respectively, which have an inner diameter w9 (w9 > w8) that is slightly larger than the outer diameter w8 of the heat-crimped portion 753a before deformation, into which the heat-crimped portion 753a before deformation can be inserted.

[0091] In this example, the LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755 have through holes 751a and 755a formed therein, which have an inner diameter w9 that is slightly larger than the outer diameter w8 of the heat-crimped portion 753a before deformation. This makes it easier to insert the heat-crimped portion 753a of the reflector 753 into the LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755, thereby improving work efficiency during the assembly of the status indicator LED 750. Furthermore, even if the heat-crimped portion 753a expands due to heat generated from the LED 752 and the LED substrate 751 after assembly, the void can absorb the volume of the expansion of the heat-crimped portion 753a, preventing damage to the LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755. Furthermore, by making the inner diameter w9 slightly larger than the outer diameter w8, a small amount of "play" space is created, which reduces the risk of damage to the LED board 751, cover member 755, reflector 753, and heat crimped part 753a (including the cylindrical rod-shaped body leading to the heat crimped part 753a) when transporting the gaming machine or when it is subjected to vibration.

[0092] The heat-crimped portion 753a of the reflector 753 consists of a cylindrical rod-shaped body that extends in the thickness direction of the reflector 753 (Figure 6(a) shows the heat-crimped portion 753a after deformation of the tip due to heating).

[0093] After inserting the pre-deformed heat-crimped portion 753a into the insertion hole 751a of the LED substrate 751 and the insertion hole 755a of the cover member 755, heat is applied to the tip of the heat-crimped portion 753a to soften it, and then it is compressed and crushed, thereby forming a deformed portion 753a1 at the tip of the heat-crimped portion 753a, which has an outer diameter w10 (w10 > w9) that is larger than the inner diameter w9 of the insertion hole 751a of the LED substrate 751 and the insertion hole 755a of the cover member 755.

[0094] As a result, the reflector 753 is crimped and fixed to the LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755, integrating the reflector 753, the LED substrate 751, and the cover member 755. The character sheet 754 is positioned to cover the opening 753a of the reflector 753 and is attached to the surface of the reflector 753.

[0095] In other words, the reflector 753 is crimped and fixed to the LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755 on one side, and the character sheet 754 is attached to the other side, thereby unitizing the LED substrate 751, the cover member 755, the reflector 753, the LED 752, and the character sheet 754.

[0096] In this example, since the LED board 751, cover member 755, reflector 753, LED 752, and character sheet 754 are integrated into a single unit, the replacement of the status indicator LED 750 and the installation into the gaming machine can be made easier, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6(b), the status indicator LED 750 unit (LED substrate 751, cover member 755, reflector 753, LED 752, and character sheet 754) has a polygonal shape with four beveled corners when viewed from below. The deformed portion 753a1 of the heat crimping portion 753a is positioned one at each of the four corners of the LED substrate 751 and cover member 755, and one in the center of the LED substrate 751 and cover member 755.

[0098] In other words, the structure is fixed by crimps provided along the outer shape of the LED substrate 751 and cover member 755, and by crimps provided further inward than these crimps. Furthermore, the inwardly provided crimps are located closer to the connector 756 than the outwardly provided crimps. Also, the connector 756 is not in the center of the status indicator LED 750, but is located slightly to the right in the left-right direction and slightly to the bottom in the up-down direction, and is positioned eccentrically to at least one side of the center in any direction.

[0099] In this example, the status indicator LED 750 unit has a polygonal shape with four beveled corners, which makes it easier to install it into the mounting part of the gaming machine and improves work efficiency.

[0100] Furthermore, by positioning the deformed portion 753a1 of the heat-crimped portion 753a1 on the corner side (outward-facing crimp) of the LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755, and on the central side (inward-facing crimp) of the LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755, rattling of the LED substrate 751 and the cover member 755 can be suppressed. In this example, although a gap is provided between the tip of the heat-crimped portion 753a and the cover member 755, stability can be improved by providing an inward-facing crimp in addition to the outward-facing crimp.

[0101] Furthermore, the crimping on the inside is located closer to the connector 756 than the crimping on the outside, which helps to suppress rattling when inserting or removing the harness.

[0102] Furthermore, by positioning the connector 756 eccentrically to at least one side (up, down, left, or right) of the center of the status indicator LED 750, it can also be used as a handle when removing the LED board 751 from the reflector 753. Additionally, when disassembling the status indicator LED 750, it is possible to remove the LED board 751 from the reflector 753 by destroying only one side of the crimped portion, without destroying the deformed portion 753a1 of all the heat crimped portions 753a.

[0103] Furthermore, when a wiring pattern for transmitting a signal or a wiring pattern for supplying a predetermined voltage is formed near the insertion hole 751a of the LED substrate 751, it is formed to avoid or bypass the insertion hole 751a. However, the wiring pattern may be formed to bypass inward rather than outward from the LED substrate 751. Specifically, for example, in Figure 6(b), where there is a crimp located on the outside of the LED substrate 751 and a crimp located on the inside, the wiring pattern is formed to bypass inward from the crimp located on the outside (no wiring pattern is formed between the insertion hole 751a and the edge of the substrate closest to the insertion hole 751a).

[0104] This design prevents damage to the wiring pattern when a crack develops from the edge of the circuit board towards the insertion hole 751a. Damage to the wiring pattern not only prevents proper transmission of signals and voltages, but also creates resistance, leading to overheating and a risk of fire at the damaged area. By routing the wiring pattern inward, this risk can be mitigated. Furthermore, when disassembling the LED unit, routing the wiring pattern inward allows tools to be inserted from the edge of the circuit board, preventing damage to the wiring pattern.

[0105] Furthermore, the LED board 751 is colored black, the reflector 753 is colored white, and the connector 756 is colored blue, so the LED board 751, reflector 753, and connector 756 are all different colors.

[0106] In this example, when performing replacement work on the reflector 753, there is no risk of accidentally cutting the connector 756 when cutting the deformed portion 753a1 of the heat-crimped portion 753a, thus preventing work errors.

[0107] In this example, the cover member 755 is shown to be placed on the side of the LED board 751 opposite to the mounting surface. However, as with the status indicator LED 280 explained using Figure 5, a cover member may not be provided. Also, in this example, the LED board 751 is shown to be black, the reflector 753 to be white, and the connector 756 to be blue. However, the types of colors are not particularly limited, and it is preferable that the colors are different from each other.

[0108] <Status Indicator LED / Modification Example 2> Next, the status indicator LED 760 relating to the modified example 2 will be explained using Figure 6(c).

[0109] Figure 6(c) is a cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 760 according to modified example 2, and is a drawing that corresponds to the cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 750 shown in Figure 6(a).

[0110] In this example, the heat-crimped portion 763a of the reflector 763 is inserted into the through-hole 761a of the LED substrate 761 before deformation. Then, heat is applied to the tip of the heat-crimped portion 763a to soften it, and a trapezoidal shape is formed in side view, gradually widening towards the tip with the LED substrate 761 as the base end. As a result, a deformed portion 763a1 is formed at the tip of the heat-crimped portion 763a, having an outer diameter w12 (w12 > w11) that is larger than the inner diameter w11 of the through-hole 761a of the LED substrate 761.

[0111] In this deformed portion 763a1, the height h5 of the gap from the tip to the LED substrate 761 is greater than the height h6 of the gap from the central portion to the LED substrate 761 (h5 > h6).

[0112] In this example, the deformed portion 763a1 of the heat-crimped portion 763a is a trapezoidal shape in side view (expanding shape) that gradually widens towards the tip, with the LED substrate 761 as the base end. Therefore, when replacing the reflector 763, it is easy to insert a cutting tool, and the efficiency of cutting the deformed portion 763a1 of the heat-crimped portion 763a is increased. At the same time, the reflector 763 is firmly fixed to the LED substrate 761 at the base of the deformed portion 763a1 (the contact point between the deformed portion 763a1 and the LED substrate 761), so the reflector 763 can be stably supported by the LED substrate 761.

[0113] <Internal structure> Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7(a) is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and Figure 7(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100.

[0114] The main body 101 is a box-shaped body that opens to the front. Inside the main body 101 is a main board storage case 640 (see Figure 13; details will be described later) which houses the main control board 600 (the first board; details will be described later), and below this main board storage case 640 are three reels 110 to 112. To the side of the main board storage case 640 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, to the left when facing the unit, is a sub-control board storage case 220 which houses the sub-control board 650 (the second board; details will be described later).

[0115] 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.

[0116] A medal auxiliary storage compartment 240 is located to the right of the medal dispensing device 180, and an overflow terminal is located behind it (not shown).

[0117] 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 the reel front lighting 250 (details to be described later), the liquid crystal display device 157, the upper speaker 272, and the performance control unit 160 which controls the liquid crystal display device 157, speaker 272, etc. Below the symbol display window 113 are the medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and the passage 265 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops counterfeit medals into the medal tray 161.

[0118] <Reel front lighting> Next, the reel-front lighting 250 will be explained using Figures 7(a) and 7(b).

[0119] The reel front lighting 250 is a 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 7(b)) from the front. In this example, it is installed above the pattern display window 113 on the back of the front door 102, facing the reel strips of reels 110 to 112.

[0120] 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.

[0121] Furthermore, if there is no lens cover for the reel front illumination, 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 reels 110 to 112 (so-called "point light"), which may make reels 110 to 112 look unsightly, or the light emitted from the LED may not spread properly, failing to illuminate the entire reel band uniformly, which may impair the visibility of reels 110 to 112. For these reasons, it is preferable to cover the front of the LED with a lens cover made of a colored, transparent material.

[0122] Furthermore, the relationship between the shortest distance L0 from the reel front light 250 to the reel band and the shortest distance L1 from the reel backlight 264 (described later) to the reel band is "shortest distance L0 < shortest distance L1," meaning that the reel front light 250 is located closer to the reel band than the reel backlight 264.

[0123] 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.

[0124] <Reel backlight> Next, the reel backlight 264 will be explained using Figures 7(b) and 8.

[0125] 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 7(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 7(b)) capable of housing these three reel devices inside.

[0126] 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.

[0127] The intermediate reel device 260 is composed of an intermediate reel 111, a reel drive unit (not shown) that rotates the intermediate reel 111, a reel backlight 264 that illuminates the reel strip 111a (second illuminated member) of the intermediate reel 111 from the rear side (back), and a reel detection unit (not shown) for detecting the rotational position of the intermediate reel 111.

[0128] 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.

[0129] Figure 8(a) is a front view of the reel backlight 264, Figure 8(b) is a side view of the reel backlight 264, and Figure 8(c) is an external perspective view of the components constituting the reel backlight 264, as seen from the front.

[0130] The reel backlight 264 is a light-emitting means that illuminates the reel bands of each reel 110 to 112 from the rear (back side). In this example, it consists of a reflector 266 (second partition member), a lighting substrate 268 (second substrate) 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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] The reflector 266 is a component that partitions the space through which light from multiple LEDs 268a (light-emitting means) mounted on the lighting substrate 268 (second substrate) passes. The reflector 266 has three openings 266a to 266c arranged vertically, which extend from the front to the back, serving as the space through which light passes.

[0133] Six LEDs 268a (light-emitting means) are arranged on the lighting substrate 268 at positions corresponding to the openings 266a to 266c. The LEDs 268a are positioned on the mounting surface of the lighting substrate 268 in the light-colored region 268d (region where a light-colored coating is formed) where a white coating silk is applied.

[0134] The openings 266a to 266c of the reflector 266 and the LEDs 268a of the middle reel device 260 are positioned in the middle reel device 260 to correspond to the positions of the symbols that are displayed in the symbol display window 113 (positions 4 to 6 of the symbols as explained using Figure 2) when the device is attached to the middle reel device 260. With this structure, the back surface of the reel band 111a (second illuminated member) of the middle reel 111 is illuminated by light from multiple LEDs 268a (light-emitting means).

[0135] The openings 266a to 266c and LED 266a of the reflector 266 of the left reel device (not shown) are positioned in the left reel device to correspond to the positions of the symbols that are displayed in the symbol display window 113 (positions 1 to 3 of the symbol positions explained using Figure 2) when the device is attached to the left reel device. With this structure, the back surface of the reel band (second illuminated member) of the left reel 110 is illuminated by light from multiple LEDs 268a (light-emitting means).

[0136] The openings 266a to 266c of the reflector 266 of the right reel device (not shown) and the LED 268a are positioned in the right reel device when attached to the right reel device, corresponding to the positions of the symbols to be displayed in the symbol display window 113 (positions 7 to 9 of the symbols as explained using Figure 2). With this structure, the back surface of the reel band (second illuminated member) of the right reel 112 is illuminated by light from multiple LEDs 268a (light-emitting means).

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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.

[0142] <Differences between status indicator LEDs and reel backlights> Next, we will explain the differences between the status indicator LED 280, which was explained using Figures 3 to 5, and the reel backlight 264, which was explained using Figures 7 and 8.

[0143] First, focusing on the light-emitting means and illuminated member of the status indicator LED 280 and the reel backlight 264, the shortest distance L1 from LED 268a (second light-emitting means) to the reel band (second illuminated member) in the reel backlight 264, as shown in Figure 7(b), is longer than the shortest distance L2 from LED 286 (first light-emitting means) to the character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) in the status indicator LED 280, as shown in Figure 5 (L1 > L2).

[0144] Next, focusing on the partition members of the status indicator LED 280 and the reel backlight 264, the size (opening area) of the openings 266a to 266c (partitioned space) of the reflector 266 (second partition member) in the reel backlight 264, as shown in Figure 7(a), is larger than the size (opening area) of the openings 284a to 284c (partitioned space) of the reflector 280 (first partition member) in the status indicator LED 280, as shown in Figure 4.

[0145] In this example, the shortest distance L1 from LED 268a (second light-emitting means) to the reel strip (second illuminated member) in the reel backlight 264 is longer than the shortest distance L2 from LED 286 (first light-emitting means) to the character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) in the status indicator LED 280 (L1 > L2), the openings 266a to 266c (partitioned spaces) of the reflector 266 (second partitioning member) in the reel backlight 264 are larger than the openings 284a to 284c (partitioned spaces) of the reflector 280 (first partitioning member) in the status indicator LED 280, and LED 268a is positioned in the light-colored region 268d (region where a light-colored coating is formed) on the mounting surface of the lighting substrate 268 where a white coating silk is applied, so that the light emission of the reel strip (second illuminated member) can be made more prominent while suppressing spot lighting on the reel strip (second illuminated member).

[0146] Figure 9(a) is a front view of the LED board 288 of the status indicator LED 280, and Figure 9(b) is a front view of the lighting board 268 of the reel backlight 264.

[0147] As shown in Figure 9(a), the LED board 288 (first board) of the status indicator LED 280 has multiple LEDs 286 densely arranged on it, each with a small illumination range and distance to the first illuminated member (character sheet 282). Because the available space on the mounting surface of the LED board 288 is limited, no identification information (for example, letters indicating the part name, such as "LED1", or numerical values ​​indicating the management number) or shapes indicating the placement of the LEDs 286 (for example, a rectangular frame) is printed on the LED board 288 to identify the LEDs 286 mounted on it.

[0148] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9(b), the lighting board 268 (second board) of the reel backlight 264 has multiple LEDs 268a arranged at predetermined intervals, which have a large illumination range and distance to the second illuminated member (reel strip). Since there is a relatively large empty space on the mounting surface of the lighting board 268, identification information 268b (in this example, letters indicating the part name, such as "LED1" to "LED6", and numerical values ​​indicating the management number) and part marks 268c (in this example, a square frame) indicating the placement location of the LEDs 268a are printed on the lighting board 268 to identify the LEDs 268a mounted on the board.

[0149] Furthermore, while the mounting surface of the lighting board 268 consists of a light-colored area 268d coated with a white silkscreen, the identification information 268b and component mark 268c printed on the same mounting surface are both printed in a color different from white (cream in this example). This makes the identification information 268b and component mark 268c easier to see and allows the LED 268a to be mounted in the correct location.

[0150] Furthermore, since the identification information 268b is printed in a position visible from the front through the openings 266a to 266c (partitioned spaces) of the reflector 266 (second partition member), if a malfunction occurs in the LED 268a (light-emitting means), the identification information 268b corresponding to the malfunctioning LED 268a (light-emitting means) can be easily identified, improving convenience for staff at amusement parlors and enhancing the maintainability of the light-emitting means.

[0151] <Status Indicator LEDs and Reel Backlights / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine comprising a plurality of light-emitting means and a first substrate (for example, the LED substrate 288 shown in Figure 4), wherein the plurality of light-emitting means include a first light-emitting means (for example, the LED 286 of the game information display unit 126 shown in Figure 4) that can emit light in a first state (for example, the AT state (a state that notifies operation navigation), the error state (a state that notifies an error code)), the first light-emitting means is a light-emitting means arranged in a first region on the mounting surface of the first substrate, the first region is a region on which a dark-colored coating film is formed (for example, the dark-colored region 288b on which a black coating resist is applied, as shown in Figure 4), and the dark-colored coating film is a dark-colored coating film different from green, characterized in that the gaming machine is a gaming machine.

[0152] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first light-emitting means is positioned in an area on the mounting surface of the first circuit board where a dark-colored coating is formed. This prevents the first light-emitting means from reflecting external light (external light) and appearing to be lit when it is off, thereby providing accurate game information to the player and avoiding any disadvantage to the player. Furthermore, the slight illumination (ghost illumination) of the first light-emitting means due to a small current when it is off can be made less noticeable, thus avoiding situations where the player is misled by incorrect display.

[0153] While the environment of amusement parlors varies, if the lighting inside the store is bright, the displays on various indicators may be difficult to see due to the store lighting, or they may appear to be lit when they are not, which could lead to misinterpretation by players and store staff. However, with the gaming machine according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent misinterpretation of the displays on indicators due to reflection from the store lighting.

[0154] Furthermore, the system includes stop operation means (for example, stop buttons 137-139 shown in Figure 1) that can stop the reels (for example, reels 110-112 shown in Figure 1), the first state is a state that notifies a favorable operating configuration (for example, a pressing order) for the stop operation means, and the first light-emitting means may be a light-emitting means that constitutes a notification means that notifies information corresponding to the favorable operating configuration.

[0155] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent misunderstandings that may arise when the operating procedure is not being communicated, thereby providing accurate information to the player and avoiding causing any disadvantage to the player.

[0156] Furthermore, the first state is a state in which an error is reported, and the first light-emitting means may be a light-emitting means that constitutes a notification means for reporting information corresponding to the error (for example, an error code).

[0157] This configuration prevents misunderstandings that might arise when an error is not being reported, ensures accurate information is provided to players, and avoids causing them any disadvantage.

[0158] Furthermore, the plurality of light-emitting means include a second light-emitting means (for example, the LED 286 of the stored number display unit 125 and the dispensed number display unit 127 shown in Figure 4) that can emit light in a second state (for example, the state in which medals are stored and the state in which medals are dispensed), the second light-emitting means is a light-emitting means arranged in a second region on the mounting surface of the first substrate, the second region is a region on which a light-colored coating film is formed (for example, the light-colored region 288a on which a white coating film silk is applied, shown in Figure 4), the second region is a larger region than the first region, and the second region may be a region formed adjacent to the first region.

[0159] Furthermore, the plurality of light-emitting means include a second light-emitting means (for example, the LED 286 of the stored number display unit 125 and the dispensed number display unit 127 shown in Figure 4) that can emit light in a second state (for example, the state in which medals are stored, the state in which medals are dispensed), the second light-emitting means is a light-emitting means arranged in a second region on the mounting surface of the first substrate, the second region is a region in which a light-colored coating film is formed (for example, the light-colored region 288a in Figure 4 in which a white coating film silk is applied), and the frequency of the second state may be higher than the frequency of the first state.

[0160] This configuration enhances the visibility of the second light-emitting means, which has a high frequency of illumination (high display update frequency), thereby improving convenience for players.

[0161] Furthermore, the first region may be a region sandwiched on both sides by the second region.

[0162] With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the light-emitting means located in the second region (where a light-colored coating is formed) on one side of the first region (where a dark-colored coating is formed) affecting the light-emitting means located in the second region (where a light-colored coating is formed) on the other side of the first region (where a dark-colored coating is formed), making the notification from the light-emitting means easier to see.

[0163] Furthermore, the system comprises a first partitioning member (for example, a reflector 284 shown in Figures 4 and 5) and a first irradiated member (for example, a character sheet 282 shown in Figures 4 and 5), wherein the first partitioning member is a member that partitions a space through which light from the plurality of light-emitting means mounted on the first substrate passes (for example, openings 284a to 284c shown in Figure 8(b)), the first partitioning member is fixed to the first substrate by crimping (for example, fixed by a heat crimping part 284d shown in Figure 5), the first irradiated member is a member to which light from the plurality of light-emitting means mounted on the first substrate is irradiated, the first irradiated member is attached to the first partitioning member, and the first substrate, the first partitioning member and the first irradiated member may be unitized.

[0164] With this configuration, the replacement of the unitized first circuit board, first partition member, and first irradiated member, as well as their installation into the gaming machine, can be made easier, thereby increasing work efficiency.

[0165] Furthermore, the system comprises a second substrate (for example, the lighting substrate 268 shown in Figures 7(b) and 8(c)), a second partitioning member (for example, the reflector 266 shown in Figures 7(b) and 8(c)), and a second irradiated member (for example, the reel band 111a, lens cover, and panel shown in Figure 7(a)), wherein the second substrate is a substrate on which the plurality of light-emitting means (for example, the LED 268a shown in Figure 8(c)) are mounted, the second partitioning member is a member that partitions the space through which light from the plurality of light-emitting means mounted on the second substrate passes (for example, the openings 266a to 266c shown in Figure 8(b)), the second irradiated member is a member that is irradiated with light from the plurality of light-emitting means mounted on the second substrate, and the shortest distance from the plurality of light-emitting means mounted on the second substrate to the second irradiated member is The distance (for example, the shortest distance L1 shown in Figure 7(b)) is longer than the shortest distance (for example, the shortest distance L2 shown in Figure 5) from the plurality of light-emitting means (for example, the LED 286 shown in Figure 5) mounted on the first substrate to the first illuminated member (for example, the character sheet 282 shown in Figure 5), (L1 > L2), the partitioned space in the second partition member (for example, the openings 266a to 266c shown in Figure 8(b)) (area of ​​the openings) is larger than the partitioned space in the first partition member (for example, the openings 284a to 284c shown in Figure 8(b)) (area of ​​the openings), and the region on the mounting surface of the second substrate where the plurality of light-emitting means are arranged may be a region where a light-colored coating film (for example, a light-colored region 268d coated with white coating silk, as shown in Figure 9(b)) is formed.

[0166] With this configuration, it is possible to make the light emitted from the second irradiated member more noticeable while suppressing the point light emission from the second irradiated member.

[0167] Furthermore, the second substrate is a substrate that can be attached to and detached from the second partition member, and identification information corresponding to each of the plurality of light-emitting means on the mounting surface of the second substrate (for example, identification information 268b shown in Figure 9(b)) is displayed on the mounting surface, and the identification information may be visible through the partitioned space in the second partition member.

[0168] With this configuration, if a malfunction occurs in the light-emitting means, the identification information corresponding to the malfunctioning light-emitting means can be easily identified, thereby improving convenience and maintainability.

[0169] <Department Head> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 10. Note that Figure 10 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0170] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that primarily controls gameplay, a first sub-control unit 400 that primarily controls the game's effects in response to 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.

[0171] <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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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, optical sensor for reel 110, optical sensor for reel 111, optical sensor for reel 112, etc.) at interrupt intervals.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] The optical sensors on 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 rotation position information of the reel to zero.

[0180] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided on the medal selector 170 that sorts the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided on the medal dispensing device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123) and status indicator LEDs 286, including a medal insertion ready indicator 124, a game start indicator 121, a re-play indicator 122, a medal insertion indicator 129, a stored medal count indicator 125, a game information indicator 126, and a payout count indicator 127.

[0181] 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.

[0182] 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).

[0183] 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.

[0184] <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.

[0185] 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0189] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sensor circuit 426, to which a shutter sensor 428 capable of detecting the position of the shutter 163 and an effect button sensor 430 capable of detecting the pressing operation of the effect button 156 are connected via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 and the effect button sensor 430 at interrupt intervals.

[0190] 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 (hereinafter also referred to as the "liquid crystal 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).

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] <Main control board> Next, the main control board 600 (first board) will be described using Figure 11. Figure 11(a) is a plan view of the main control board 600 before the identification board 610 is separated, and Figure 11(b) is a plan view of the main control board 600 after the identification board 610 has been separated.

[0195] The main control board 600 is an example of the "first board" according to the present invention. Therefore, the "first board" according to the present invention is not limited to the board that constitutes the main control unit 300, but may also be a board that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 or the second sub-control unit 500 as explained with reference to Figure 10, or it may be any other board mounted on the gaming machine. Furthermore, a gaming machine may have multiple boards corresponding to the "first board".

[0196] The main control board 600 is composed of a base material 602 made of a rectangular plate-like body, pattern wiring (not shown) and a solder resist layer 604 (hereinafter also referred to as the "resist layer 604", and corresponding to the first resist layer) formed on one side of the base material 602, multiple types of components 606 mounted on one side of the base material 602, identification information 608 printed in a predetermined area on one side of the base material 602 (an area where the pattern wiring and resist layer 604 are not formed), and an identification board 610 having identification information 622 different from the identification information 608. Furthermore, a gap is provided from the edge of the base material 602 to the edge of the resist layer 604.

[0197] In this example, since the identification information 608 is printed in an area where no pattern wiring or resist layer 604 is formed, the visibility of the identification information 608 can be improved even if other information (such as part names) is printed on the resist layer 604, thereby increasing convenience.

[0198] The identification information 608 of the main control board 600 is identification information that includes information that can identify the manufacturer of the gaming machine. In this example, the identification information 608 includes the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100 (in this example, BBB Co.) and the identification number of the main control board 600 (in this example, XXX-YYY), which are printed on one side of the base material 602.

[0199] Furthermore, the "identification information" according to the present invention may be any identification information that includes information capable of identifying the manufacturer of the gaming machine. For example, it may be just the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100, or it may be identification information that includes the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100 and the identification number of the main control board 600, as well as information such as the manufacturing date of the main control board 600, or it may be identification information that includes information other than characters, such as a two-dimensional code or symbols.

[0200] <Main control board / Board housing recess> Next, the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) of the main control board 600 will be described.

[0201] On the right side of the main control board 600 (the short right side when viewed from the front), there is a recess 612 (the first type of recess) that is roughly U-shaped when viewed from the front, and is cut out inward from the short right side of the main control board 600, with a recess size that can accommodate the identification board 610 inside.

[0202] The substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) is composed of two side walls 612a extending inward from the right short side of the main control board 600, and a bottom surface 612b connecting these two side walls 612a.

[0203] The width w1 of the base surface 612b is longer than the height h1 of the side wall 612a (w1 > h1), the direction parallel to the base surface 612b (the shorter side of the main control board 600) is the longer side of the board housing recess 612, and the direction parallel to the side wall 612a (the longer side of the main control board 600) is the shorter side of the board housing recess 612.

[0204] The height h1 of the side wall 612a is slightly higher than the height h2 of the identification substrate 610, and the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b is slightly wider than the width w2 of the identification substrate 610. The entire identification substrate 610 is housed in the inner space of the substrate housing recess 612, and the bottom surface 612b of the substrate housing recess 612 and one opposing side of the identification substrate 610 are connected via a breakable portion 616 so as to be separable.

[0205] When the identification substrate 610 is housed in the substrate housing recess 612, its upper surface (the surface opposite to the substrate housing recess 612) is configured to be substantially flush with the surface on which the substrate housing recess 612 is formed (the right side of the main control substrate 600).

[0206] In this example, the identification board 610 is housed in the board housing recess 612 of the main control board 600, and when housed in the board housing recess 612, its upper surface is configured to be substantially flush with the right side surface of the main control board 600. This prevents the identification board 610 from coming into contact with other components during transport of the main control board 600, thereby improving convenience.

[0207] Furthermore, the "first shape of recess" according to the present invention is not limited to the substrate housing recess 612 according to this example. For example, the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b may be shorter than the height h1 of the side wall 612a (w1

[0208] <Main control board / Identification board> Next, the identification board 610 of the main control board 600 will be described.

[0209] The identification substrate 610 is a substrate in which no pattern wiring or resist layer is formed, and is composed of a base material 620 made of a rectangular plate-like body, and identification information 622 printed on a predetermined area (an area in which no pattern wiring or resist layer is formed) on one side of the base material 620.

[0210] The identification information 622 of the identification board 610 is identification information that can identify the manufacturer of the gaming machine. In this example, the identification information 622 includes the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100 (in this example, AAA Co.) and the identification number of the main control board 600 (in this example, XXX-YYY), which are printed on one side of the base material 620.

[0211] Furthermore, the "identification information" according to the present invention may be any identification information that includes information capable of identifying the manufacturer of the gaming machine. For example, it may be just the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100, or it may be identification information that includes the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100 and the identification number of the main control board 600, as well as information such as the manufacturing date of the main control board 600, or it may be information other than characters, such as a two-dimensional code or symbols.

[0212] <Main control board / broken section> Next, the fractured portion 616 of the main control board 600 will be described.

[0213] ​As shown in Figure 11(a), the fractured portion 616 is a part in which multiple slits (perforations) are formed at predetermined intervals in the connecting portion between the base material 602 of the main control board 600 and the base material 620 of the identification board 610, and is a part that facilitates the separation of the identification board 610 from the base material 602 of the main control board 600.

[0214] By cutting the fractured portion 616 by hand (or using a tool such as pliers), the identification substrate 610 can be separated from the base material 602 of the main control substrate 600, as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0215] As explained using Figure 11(a), the main control board 600 before the identification board 610 is disconnected has two types of identification information: the identification information 618 of the main control board 600 (name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100: BBB Co.) and the identification information 622 of the identification board 610 (name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100: AAA Co.). Therefore, it is not possible to identify the manufacturer of the gaming machine.

[0216] However, as shown in Figure 11(b), by separating the identification board 610 from the base material 602 of the main control board 600, only the identification information 618 (name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100: BBB Co.) remains on the main control board 600. The main control board 600 (first board) is a board that allows the manufacturer of the gaming machine (in this example, BBB Co.) to be identified by cutting the fractured portion 616.

[0217] When a company has multiple affiliated companies, manufacturing circuit boards for each company would increase manufacturing costs. However, in this example, by displaying the names of one or more companies on a single circuit board product, each affiliated company can reduce manufacturing costs by either leaving only their own company name or removing unnecessary company names during the manufacturing and assembly of the gaming machines, while also providing gaming machines that do not malfunction during assembly or inspection.

[0218] Note that the shape and the like of the "breaking part" according to the present invention are not limited to this example. For example, there may be one slit, or instead of the slit (perforation), a V-cut may be adopted. That is, any part that can separate the identification substrate from the base material of the main control substrate is acceptable.

[0219] <Main control substrate / Adapter accommodation recess> Next, the adapter accommodation recess 614 (the recess of the second shape) of the main control substrate 600 will be described.

[0220] On the left side surface of the main control substrate 600 (the short side on the left side in the front view), there is a recess having a size capable of accommodating one or more adapters 624 inside, and an adapter accommodation recess 614 (the recess of the second shape) having a substantially U-shaped cross-section in the front view that is cut out inward from the short side on the left side of the main control substrate 600 is formed.

[0221] The adapter accommodation recess 614 (the recess of the second shape) is composed of two side walls 614a extending inward from the short side on the left side of the main control substrate 600 and a bottom surface 614b connecting the two side walls 614a.

[0222] The width w3 of the bottom surface 614b is longer than the height h3 of the side wall 614a (w3>h3). The direction parallel to the bottom surface 614b (the short side direction of the main control substrate 600) is the longitudinal direction of the adapter accommodation recess 614, and the direction parallel to the side wall 614a (the longitudinal direction of the main control substrate 600) is the short side direction of the adapter accommodation recess 614.

[0223] On the bottom surface 614b of the adapter accommodation recess 614, two adapters 624 to which connectors such as optical fibers can be connected are arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0224] Note that the "recess of the second shape" according to the present invention is not limited to the adapter accommodation recess 614 according to this example. For example, the width w3 of the bottom surface 614b may be shorter than the height h3 of the side wall 614a (w3<h3), or the width w3 of the bottom surface 614b may be the same as the height h3 of the side wall 614a (w3=h3), or it may have a shape other than a rectangular shape (such as a curved surface shape).

[0225] <Main control board / Board housing recess and adapter housing recess> Comparing the shapes of the board housing recess 612 (recess of the first shape) and the adapter housing recess 614 (recess of the second shape) on the main control board 600, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the height h1 of the side wall 612a of the board housing recess 612 is higher than the height h3 of the side wall 614a of the adapter housing recess 614 (h1 > h3), the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b of the board housing recess 612 is narrower than the width w3 of the bottom surface 614b of the adapter housing recess 614 (w1 < w3), and the board housing recess 612 and the adapter housing recess 614 have different shapes from each other.

[0226] According to this example, since it has the feature point of having recesses with different shapes, it becomes easy to identify the board, and it becomes possible to correctly recognize the orientation of the board, so that the workability during installation of the board etc. can be improved, and installation mistakes of the board can be prevented in advance.

[0227] In the manufacturing process of the game table, the board products in the state of being board products are covered with various board cases and installed, fixed, and attached in the game table. However, many board products have similar outer shapes, and installation mistakes may occur during the manufacturing and assembly of the game table, or even if no installation mistakes occur, there may be cases where the installer gets confused about which board to install and wastes working time. According to this example, it becomes easier to distinguish the boards, and the process during the manufacturing and assembly of the game table can be simplified.

[0228] Also, the height h1 of the side wall 612a of the board housing recess 612 (recess of the first shape) is higher than the height h3 of the side wall 614a of the adapter housing recess 614 (recess of the second shape) (h1 > h3), and the bottom surface 612b of the board housing recess 612 (recess of the first shape) is located more inward of the main control board 600 than the bottom surface 614b of the adapter housing recess 614 (recess of the second shape). Therefore, it becomes easy to cut the identification board 610 housed in the board housing recess 612 (recess of the first shape), and the workability can be improved.

[0229] Next, focusing on the positional relationship between the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) of the main control substrate 600 and the resist layer 604 (the first resist layer), and the positional relationship between the adapter housing recess 614 (the recess of the second shape) and the resist layer 604 (the first resist layer), as shown in Figure 11(b), the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (the fracture surface of the first shape) of the substrate housing recess 612 to the edge of the resist layer 604 is longer than the shortest distance x2 from the bottom surface 614b of the adapter housing recess 614 to the edge of the resist layer 604 (x1 > x2).

[0230] In other words, the main control board 600 is configured such that the shortest distance x1 between the substrate housing recess 612 and the resist layer 604 in the first direction (the longitudinal direction of the main control board 600) is longer than the shortest distance x2 between the adapter housing recess 614 and the resist layer 604 in the first direction (the longitudinal direction of the main control board 600) (x1 > x2).

[0231] In this example, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (the fracture surface of the first shape) of the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) of the main control board 600 to the resist layer 604 (the first resist layer) is longer than the shortest distance x2 from the bottom surface 614b of the adapter housing recess 614 (the recess of the second shape) to the resist layer 604 (the first resist layer) (x1 > x2). Therefore, clearance (working space) can be secured from the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fracture portion 616 formed in the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape), thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, even when cutting by placing fingers around the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid fingers or tools touching the resistor layer or pattern wiring, thereby preventing damage to the main control board.

[0232] Also, in this way, by making the shortest distance x1 from the end of the resist layer 604 at the location where the break portion 616 is provided longer than the shortest distance x2 from the end of the resist layer 604 to the location where the break portion 616 is not provided (for example, the adapter housing recess 614 (the recess of the second shape)), it is possible to make it difficult for cracks to occur in the resist layer and the pattern wiring due to stress and strain during cutting from the break portion 616.

[0233] Also, in this example, in order to make it difficult for cracks to occur in the resist layer and the pattern wiring due to stress and strain during cutting from the break portion 616, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b of the substrate housing recess 612 (the fracture surface of the first shape) to the end of the resist layer 604 is configured to be longer (x1>z1) than the shortest distance z1 from one of the long sides of the main control substrate 600 (the long side itself can also be said to be the cross section of the substrate) to the end of the resist layer 604. However, in order to ensure the clearance (working space) from the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) to the resist layer 604, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b of the substrate housing recess 612 (the fracture surface of the first shape) to the end of the resist layer 604 may be configured to be shorter (x1<z1) than the shortest distance z1 from one of the long sides of the main control substrate 600 to the end of the resist layer 604. Such a configuration is not limited to this embodiment and can also be applied to a substrate without a recess of the second shape.

[0234] Also, in this example, in order to make it difficult for cracks to occur in the resist layer and the pattern wiring due to the stress and strain during cutting from the break portion 616, as shown in Fig. 11(b), the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (the fracture surface of the first shape) of the substrate accommodation recess 612 to the end of the resist layer 604 is configured to be longer than the shortest distance z2 from one of the short sides of the main control substrate 600 to the end of the resist layer 604 (x1 > z2). However, in order to secure a clearance (working space) from the substrate accommodation recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) to the resist layer 604, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (the fracture surface of the first shape) of the substrate accommodation recess 612 to the end of the resist layer 604 may be configured to be shorter than the shortest distance z2 from one of the short sides of the main control substrate 600 (the short side itself can also be said to be the cross-section of the substrate) to the end of the resist layer 604 (x1 < z2). Such a configuration is not limited to this embodiment and can also be applied to a substrate without the recess of the second shape.

[0235] Also, in this example, the shortest distance y1 from the side wall 612a of the substrate accommodation recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) of the main control substrate 600 to the end of the resist layer 604 (the first resist layer) is configured to be longer than the shortest distance y2 from the side wall 614a of the adapter accommodation recess 614 (the recess of the second shape) to the end of the resist layer 604 (the first resist layer) (y1 > y2).

[0236] In other words, the shortest distance y1 in the second direction (the lateral direction of the main control substrate 600) between the substrate accommodation recess 612 and the resist layer 604 is configured to be longer than the shortest distance y2 in the second direction (the lateral direction of the main control substrate 600) between the adapter accommodation recess 614 and the resist layer 604 (y1 > y2).

[0237] According to this example, the shortest distance y1 from the side wall 612a of the board accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) of the main control board 600 to the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) is longer than the shortest distance y2 from the side wall 614a of the adapter accommodation recess 614 (recess of the second shape) to the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) (y1 > y2). Therefore, a clearance (working space) from the board accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) to the resist layer can be ensured, the cutting of the break portion 616 formed in the board accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) becomes easy, the workability can be improved, and even when performing a cutting operation by hanging a finger around the board accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) or performing a cutting operation using a tool, it is possible to avoid the finger or the tool from touching the resist layer or the pattern wiring, and damage to the main control board can be prevented in advance.

[0238] Also, in this way, by making the shortest distance y1 from the break portion 616 to the end of the resist layer 604 at the location where the break portion 616 is provided longer than the shortest distance y2 to the end of the resist layer 604 at the location where the break portion 616 is not provided (for example, the adapter accommodation recess 614 (recess of the second shape)), it is possible to make it difficult for cracks to occur in the resist layer or the pattern wiring due to stress or strain during cutting from the break portion 616.

[0239] In this example, the shortest distance from the board accommodation recess 612 to the resist layer 604 is made longer than the shortest distance from the adapter accommodation recess 614 to the resist layer 604 in both the first direction (the longitudinal direction of the main control board 600) and the second direction (the lateral direction of the main control board 600). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be applied only in either one of the first direction (the longitudinal direction of the main control board 600) and the second direction (the lateral direction of the main control board 600).

[0240] <Main control board / Component> Next, the component 606 mounted on the main control board 600 will be described.

[0241] The components 606 mounted on the main control board 600 include the adapter 624 disposed in the adapter housing recess 614 mentioned above, as well as passive components 606a (606a1, 606a2) such as resistors, capacitors, and coils, a connector 606b, an IC 606c, and the like.

[0242] In the example shown in Figure 11(b), multiple passive components 606a (606a1, 606a2) and IC 606c are arranged near the board housing recess 612 of the main control board 600.

[0243] The longitudinal direction of one of the multiple passive components 606a, namely the first passive component 606a1, is the same as the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 612. The longitudinal direction of one of the multiple passive components 606a, namely the second passive component 606a2, is different from the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 612 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape).

[0244] In this example, the longitudinal direction of one of the multiple passive components 606a, the passive component 606a1 (the first passive component), is the same as the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) (the longitudinal direction of the identification substrate 610). Therefore, the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) when cutting the fracture portion 616 can reduce the effect on the passive component 606a1 (the first passive component) mounted on the main control substrate 600 (the first substrate), and damage to the passive component 606a1 (the first passive component) can be prevented.

[0245] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 11(b), multiple passive components 606a (606a1, 606a2) and IC 606c are also arranged near the adapter housing recess 614 of the main control board 600.

[0246] These passive components are axial components with leads extending from both ends of the main body, as shown in Figure 11. Furthermore, while the positional relationship of passive components is described in this embodiment and the modified examples described later, it is not limited to this; it may also include axial components included in passive components, or control ICs included in active components, and may include components that have both a longitudinal and a transverse direction.

[0247] Here, focusing on the positional relationship between the substrate housing recess 612 and the passive component 606a1, and the positional relationship between the adapter housing recess 614 and the passive component 606a2, the shortest distance x3 from the substrate housing recess 612 to the passive component 606a1 is longer than the shortest distance x4 from the adapter housing recess 614 to the passive component 606a2 (x3 > x4).

[0248] In this example, the shortest distance x3 from the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) to the passive component 606a1 (the first passive component) is longer than the shortest distance x4 from the adapter housing recess 614 (the recess of the second shape) to the passive component 606a2 (the second passive component) (x3 > x4). Therefore, clearance (working space) can be secured from the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) to the passive component 606a1 (the first passive component), making it easier to cut the fractured portion 616 formed in the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape), thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, even when cutting by placing fingers around the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid fingers or tools touching the passive component 606a1 (the first passive component), thus preventing damage to the passive component 606a1 (the first passive component).

[0249] Note that, the shortest distance x3 from the substrate accommodation recess 612 to the passive component 606a1 may be configured to be shorter than the shortest distance x4 from the adapter accommodation recess 614 to the passive component 606a2 (x3 < x4). With such a configuration, for the component closer to the end portion having the breaking portion, the longitudinal direction of the component is orthogonal to the direction in which stress is applied during cutting, so that breakage of the component can be prevented.

[0250] Also, the longitudinal direction of the substrate accommodation recess 612 and the longitudinal direction of the passive component 606a2 are different directions, and the shortest distance x3' from the substrate accommodation recess 612 to the passive component 606a2 is configured to be longer than the shortest distance x3 from the substrate accommodation recess 612 to the passive component 606a1 (x3' > x3). Also, these shortest distances are such that "x3 < x4 < x3'", and it can be seen from FIG. 11 that the shortest distance α from the substrate accommodation recess 612 to the passive component 606a2 near the adapter accommodation recess 614 passes through a longer distance than x3', and the component parallel to the stress direction applied to the substrate is arranged at a location far from the breaking portion. Note that the shortest distance x3' is the distance of a line parallel to the long side of the substrate on the virtual extension line of the bottom surface 612b, but it may also be the distance on an oblique line from the substrate accommodation recess 612 toward the passive component 606a2.

[0251] According to this example, the longitudinal direction of the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) is different from the substrate accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape), and the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) is liable to be affected by the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the substrate accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) when cutting the breaking portion 616. However, by arranging the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) at a position farther from the substrate accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) than the passive component 606a1 (first passive component), breakage of the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) can be prevented.

[0252] In other words, if the direction in which stress is applied to the substrate when cutting the fracture portion 616 (the longitudinal direction of the main control substrate 600 in Figure 11) is the same as the longitudinal direction of the component, damage to the component can be prevented by positioning it away from the fracture portion 616.

[0253] <Main control board / fracture surface> Next, we will describe the fracture surface of the main control board 600.

[0254] The outer edges of the base material 602 of the main control board 600 and the outer edges of the base material 620 of the identification board 610 have burrs (not shown; hereinafter sometimes referred to as "molding burrs") formed on them due to fractures caused by router processing or the like during the molding of each board. The main control board 600 (first board) and the identification board 610 are boards that each have fracture surfaces (fracture surfaces of a third shape) where molding burrs have formed.

[0255] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11(b), when the identification substrate 610 is separated from the base material 602 of the main control substrate 600, burrs 632 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "fracture burrs") are formed (remain) on the base material 602 of the main control substrate 600 and the base material 620 of the identification substrate 610, respectively, when the fracture portion 616 is fractured (separated) into two parts. In other words, after separation, the main control substrate 600 and the identification substrate 610 each become substrates having a fracture surface where the molding burrs were generated (a fracture surface of a third shape) as well as a fracture surface where the fracture burrs 632 were generated (a fracture surface of a first shape).

[0256] The burr 632 at the time of fracture is a burr that remains when the fracture portion 616 is fractured (separated) into two parts by a slit (perforation), and is composed of multiple protrusions 632a (first protrusions). The protrusions 632a of this burr at the time of fracture are larger in shape than the burr at the time of molding, and the fracture surface where the burr at the time of molding occurred (the fracture surface with a third shape) has rougher irregularities (larger irregularities) than the fracture surface where the burr at the time of fracture 632 occurred (the cross-section with a first shape).

[0257] The fracture surface (the fracture surface of the first shape) where the burr 632 occurred during breaking is the fracture surface remaining on the main control board 600 side when the identification board 610 is separated from the base material 602 of the main control board 600. Therefore, it is a fracture surface located more inward of the main control board 600 than the fracture surface (the fracture surface of the third shape) where the burr occurred during molding.

[0258] According to this example, since the fracture surface (the fracture surface of the first shape) where the burr 632 occurred during breaking is located more inward than the fracture surface (the fracture surface of the third shape) where the burr occurred during molding, it is possible to secure the clearance (working space) from the recess of the first shape to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fracture part formed in the recess of the first shape, and improving workability. Also, since the rough fracture surface is located inside the main control board, the safety can be enhanced compared to the case where the rough fracture surface is exposed outside the main control board.

[0259] <Sub-control board (second board)> Next, the sub-control board 650 (second board) will be described using FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a plan view of the sub-control board 650.

[0260] The sub-control board 650 is an example of the "second board" according to the present invention. Therefore, the "second board" according to the present invention is not limited to the board constituting the first sub-control unit 400, and may be a board constituting the main control unit 300 or the second sub-control unit 500 etc. described using FIG. 10, or may be other boards mounted on the game table. Also, the game table may be provided with a plurality of boards corresponding to the "second board".

[0261] The sub-control board 650 is composed of a base material 652 in the form of a rectangular plate, a pattern wiring (not shown) formed on one surface of this base material 652, and a resist layer 654 (second resist layer), and a plurality of types of components 656 mounted on one surface of the base material 652.

[0262] <Sub-control board / Fracture surface> Next, the fracture surface of the sub-control board 650 will be described.

[0263] On parts of each side in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the base material 652 of the sub-control board 650, burrs 658 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "molding burrs 658") are formed due to fracture caused by router processing or the like during the molding of the base material 652. The sub-control board 650 (second board) is a board having a first fracture surface 650a (second-shaped fracture surface) where molding burrs 658 are formed, and a second fracture surface 650b where molding burrs 658 are not formed.

[0264] The sub-control board 650 is a board that does not have a fracture portion corresponding to the identification board 610 of the main control board 600, nor a fracture portion corresponding to the fracture portion 616 of the main control board 600.

[0265] The molding burrs 658 of the sub-control board 650 are burrs generated by fracture due to router processing or the like when molding the base material 652 of the sub-control board 650, and consist of multiple protrusions 658a (second protrusions). These molding burrs 658 have smaller irregularities than the fracture burrs 632 of the main control board 600 (first board) described using Figure 11 (burrs remaining when the fractured portion 616 of the main control board 600 is fractured (separated) into two parts by a slit (perforation)), and the fracture surface 660 (second-shaped fracture surface) where the molding burrs 658 were generated has finer irregularities (smaller irregularities) than the fracture surface (first-shaped cross-section) where the fracture burrs 632 were generated.

[0266] Here, focusing on the positional relationship between the substrate housing recess 612 of the main control substrate 600 and the resist layer 604, and the positional relationship between the first fracture surface 650a of the sub-control substrate 650 and the resist layer 654, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b of the substrate housing recess 612 of the main control substrate 600 to the resist layer 604, as shown in Figure 11(b), is configured to be longer than the shortest distance x5 from the first fracture surface 650a of the sub-control substrate 650 to the resist layer 654, as shown in Figure 12 (x1 > x5).

[0267] In this example, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (first-shaped fracture surface) of the substrate housing recess 612 (first-shaped recess) of the main control board 600 to the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) is longer than the shortest distance x5 from the first fracture surface 650a (second-shaped fracture surface) of the sub-control board 650 to the resist layer 654 (second resist layer) (x1 > x5). Therefore, clearance (working space) can be secured from the substrate housing recess 612 (first-shaped recess) to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fractured portion 616 formed in the substrate housing recess 612 (first-shaped recess), thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, even when cutting by placing fingers around the substrate housing recess 612 (first-shaped recess) or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid fingers or tools touching the resistor layer or pattern wiring, thereby preventing damage to the main control board.

[0268] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the shortest distance x5 from the first fracture surface 650a of the sub-control substrate 650 to the resist layer 654 is configured to be longer than the shortest distance x6 from the second fracture surface 650b to the resist layer 654 (x5 > x6). With this configuration, it is possible to make it less likely for cracks to occur in the resist layer when separating the waste plate or adjacent substrates during substrate molding.

[0269] <Main board housing case> Next, the configuration of the main board housing case 640 (642, 644) will be explained using Figures 13 and 14.

[0270] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the main board housing case 640 and the main control board 600, and Figure 14(a) is 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.

[0271] Furthermore, Figure 14(b) is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 14(a), and Figure 14(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional substrate corresponding to Figure 14(b).

[0272] As shown in Figure 13, the main board housing case 640 is a box-shaped structure composed of a board housing 642 (housing) which has a roughly rectangular bottom and a tray-like shape, and a lid 644 which is positioned to cover the space inside the board housing 642.

[0273] The main control board 600 is housed in the internal space of the main board housing case 640, secured to the board housing 642 by screws 646. The board housing 642 and the lid 644 are each made of translucent resin, allowing the main control board 600 housed inside the main board housing case 640 to be visible from the outside through the main board housing case 640.

[0274] The lower edge of the substrate housing 642 is provided with two gate-shaped hinge portions 642b. The lower edge of the lid 644 is provided with two hook-shaped hook portions 644a that engage with these hinge portions 642b, and the left and right ends of the upper edge are provided with locking tongues 644b that engage with the upper edge of the substrate housing 642.

[0275] Therefore, when assembling the main board housing case 640, first the hook portion 644a of the lid 644 is engaged with the hinge portion 642b of the board housing 642, then the lid 644 is swung around the hinge portion 642b to combine the board housing 642 and the lid 644, and the locking tab 644b of the lid 644 is locked into the locking hole on the upper edge of the board housing 642 to fix the lid 644 to the board housing 642.

[0276] As shown in Figure 13, two ribs 642a (protrusions) are formed on the left side of the inner space of the substrate housing 642 in a front view, corresponding to the adapter housing recess 614 (second-shaped recess) of the main control board 600. As shown in Figure 14(a), when the main control board 600 is housed in the substrate housing 642, these two ribs 642a each fit into the two side walls 614a of the adapter housing recess 614 (second-shaped recess) of the main control board 600.

[0277] According to this example, since the main board storage case 640 includes ribs 642a that can be fitted (abutted) into the adapter accommodation recess 614 (recess of the second shape) of the main control board 600 (first board), when accommodating the main control board 600 (first board), the main control board 600 (first board) can be accommodated in the correct position and with the correct orientation, preventing mistakes in mounting the board and the like. Moreover, after accommodating the main control board 600 (first board), since the main control board 600 (first board) can be securely held, it is possible to suppress rattling of the main control board 600 (first board) when inserting or removing a connector from the adapter 624 and the like.

[0278] Also, as described above, the board accommodation recess 612 and the adapter accommodation recess 614 of the main control board 600 have different shapes, and the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b of the board accommodation recess 612 is narrower than the width w3 of the bottom surface 614b of the adapter accommodation recess 614 (w1 < w3). Therefore, the two ribs 642a are structured such that they cannot be fitted into the two side walls 614a of the board accommodation recess 612 of the main control board 600.

[0279] According to this example, since the two ribs 642a of the board housing 642 (housing) cannot be fitted into the two side walls 614a of the board accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) of the main control board 600, when accommodating the main control board 600, the main control board 600 can be accommodated in the correct position and with the correct orientation, preventing mistakes in mounting the board and the like.

[0280] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, at the position corresponding to the board accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) of the main control board 600 on the right side in the front view of the inner space of the board housing 642, no ribs or the like are provided. As shown in FIG. 14(a), in a state where the main control board 600 is accommodated in the board housing 642, voids (spaces where nothing is provided, hereinafter also referred to as "void regions") are formed above and below the board accommodation recess 612 (recess of the first shape) of the main control board 600.

[0281] Therefore, as shown in Figure 14(b), the components (for example, IC606c) disposed on the main control board 600 can be seen from either side of the main board housing case 640, the board housing 642, or the lid 644, via the board housing recess 612.

[0282] IC606c is a component positioned near the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape). IC606c is also a component that allows the chip body to be fitted into the socket. While the short side of IC606c is visible from the air gap, IC606c may be positioned vertically so that it is visible from the long side. In this case, the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape) may be formed so that the entire long side of IC606c is visible from the air gap, or IC606c may be positioned within the recess, or only a portion of the long side of IC606c may be visible.

[0283] Furthermore, no other components may be placed between IC606c and the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape), thereby preventing obstruction of the visibility of IC606c from the air gap. If other components are placed between IC606c and the substrate housing recess 612 (the recess of the first shape), these other components must be shorter than IC606c to ensure visibility from the air gap. In this case, while other components may be damaged when the identification substrate 610 is broken, damage to IC606c can be prevented, and the damage to other components allows for identification of a defective substrate.

[0284] In this example, the circuit board becomes easier to see, making it easier to detect any unauthorized components that may have been attached to the board. Furthermore, components mounted on the circuit board can be inspected while they are housed in their enclosures, improving maintainability and work efficiency.

[0285] <Main control board / summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a first circuit board (for example, the main control circuit board 600 shown in Figure 11), wherein the first circuit board is a circuit board having a recess of a first shape (for example, the circuit board housing recess 612 shown in Figure 11), and the first circuit board is a circuit board having a recess of a second shape (for example, the adapter housing recess 614 shown in Figure 11), and the first shape of the recess and the second shape of the recess are different shapes.

[0286] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the circuit board (first circuit board) has the characteristic feature of having recesses of different shapes, which makes it easy to identify the circuit board and to correctly recognize the orientation of the circuit board. This improves work efficiency when installing the circuit board and prevents installation errors. In this way, a gaming machine in which installation errors are suppressed can be provided.

[0287] In the manufacturing process of gaming machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and mounted inside the gaming machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, which can lead to installation errors during the manufacturing and assembly of gaming machines, or even if no installation error occurs, confusion about which circuit board to install can result in wasted work time. However, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing and assembly process of the gaming machine by making it easier to distinguish between circuit boards.

[0288] Furthermore, the system may include a housing (for example, a substrate housing 642 shown in Figure 14(b)), the housing being capable of housing the first substrate, and when the first substrate is housed in the housing, components (for example, IC606c shown in Figure 14(b)) disposed on the first substrate may be visible through the first-shaped recess (for example, a substrate housing recess 612 shown in Figure 14(b)).

[0289] With this configuration, the circuit board (first circuit board) becomes easily visible, making it easier to detect any unauthorized components if they are installed. Furthermore, components mounted on the circuit board can be inspected while housed in their enclosures, improving maintainability and workability. In this way, a gaming machine with improved maintainability can be provided.

[0290] Furthermore, the device includes a housing (for example, a substrate housing 642 shown in Figure 14(a)), the housing being capable of housing the first substrate, the housing having a protrusion inside (for example, a rib 642a shown in Figure 14(a)), the protrusion being a portion that can be fitted into the second-shaped recess (for example, an adapter housing recess 614 shown in Figure 14(a)) but cannot be fitted into the first-shaped recess (for example, a substrate housing recess 612 shown in Figure 14(a)).

[0291] With this configuration, when installing the circuit board (the first circuit board), it can be installed in the correct position and orientation, preventing errors during installation. Furthermore, after the circuit board is installed, it can be securely held in place, thus suppressing rattling of the circuit board when inserting or removing connectors. In this way, a gaming machine with improved operability during assembly and inspection can be provided.

[0292] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate that allows the manufacturer of the gaming machine to be identified by cutting the fractured portion (for example, the fractured portion 616 shown in Figure 11(a)), and the recess of the first shape may be the part where the fractured portion is formed.

[0293] When a company has multiple affiliated companies, manufacturing circuit boards for each company would increase manufacturing costs. However, with this configuration, one or more company names can be displayed on a single circuit board product. During the manufacturing and assembly of the gaming machines by each affiliated company, they can choose to leave only their own company name or remove unnecessary company names, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while providing gaming machines that do not malfunction during assembly or inspection.

[0294] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a plurality of components (for example, passive components 606 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in Figure 11), and one of the plurality of components is a first component (for example, a passive component 606a1 shown in Figure 11(b)) disposed near the recess of the first shape, and the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape (for example, a substrate housing recess 612 shown in Figure 11(b)) and the longitudinal direction of the first component may be the same.

[0295] With this configuration, the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when cutting the fractured portion can be reduced in effect on the first passive component mounted on the first substrate, thereby preventing damage to the first passive component. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

[0296] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a plurality of components (for example, passive components 606 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in Figure 11, elongated components, and components with terminals protruding from the main body), one of the plurality of components is a first component disposed near the recess of the first shape (for example, the passive component 606a1 shown in Figure 11(b)), one of the plurality of components is a second component disposed near the recess of the second shape (for example, the passive component 606a2 shown in Figure 11(b)), and the shortest distance from the recess of the first shape to the first component (for example, the shortest distance x3 shown in Figure 11(b)) may be longer than the shortest distance from the recess of the second shape to the second component (for example, the shortest distance x4 shown in Figure 11(b)).

[0297] With this configuration, clearance (working space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the first passive component, making it easier to cut the fractured portion formed in the recess of the first shape and improving work efficiency. Furthermore, even when cutting by placing fingers around the recess of the first shape or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid fingers or tools touching the first passive component, thereby preventing damage to the first passive component. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that suppresses malfunctions due to component damage and improves worker safety.

[0298] Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape and the longitudinal direction of the second part are in different directions, and the shortest distance from the recess of the first shape to the second part (for example, the shortest distance α shown in Figure 11(b)) may be longer than the shortest distance from the recess of the first shape to the first part (for example, the shortest distance x3 shown in Figure 11(b)).

[0299] With this configuration, the longitudinal direction of the second passive component is different from that of the recess of the first shape. The second passive component is susceptible to the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when the fracture portion is cut. However, by positioning the second passive component further away from the recess of the first shape than the first passive component, damage to the second passive component can be prevented. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

[0300] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a resist (for example, a resist layer 604 shown in Figure 11), and the first substrate is a substrate on which identification information (for example, identification information 608 shown in Figure 11) is displayed in a predetermined area, the identification information is identification information that can identify one manufacturer of the gaming machine, and the predetermined area may be an area on which the resist is not formed.

[0301] With this configuration, even if other information is printed on the resist layer, the visibility of the identification information can be improved, thereby increasing convenience.

[0302] Furthermore, the predetermined area may be an area where no pattern wiring is formed.

[0303] This configuration enhances the visibility of identification information and improves convenience, even when other information is printed on the item.

[0304] <Main control board and sub-control board / summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine comprising a first circuit board (for example, the main control board 600 shown in Figure 11) and a second circuit board (for example, the sub-control board 650 shown in Figure 12), wherein the first circuit board is a circuit board having a fracture surface of a first shape (for example, the fracture surface where a burr 632 was generated at the time of fracture, as shown in Figure 11(b)), and the second circuit board is a circuit board having a fracture surface of a second shape (for example, the first fracture surface 650a shown in Figure 12), and the first fracture surface and the second fracture surface are of different shapes.

[0305] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first and second circuit boards can be easily identified, improving work efficiency during circuit board installation and preventing installation errors. In this way, a gaming machine with reduced installation errors can be provided.

[0306] In the manufacturing process of gaming machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and mounted inside the gaming machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, which can lead to installation errors during the manufacturing and assembly of gaming machines, or even if no installation error occurs, confusion about which circuit board to install can result in wasted work time. However, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing and assembly process of the gaming machine by making it easier to distinguish between circuit boards.

[0307] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a first resist (for example, a resist layer 604 shown in Figure 11), the second substrate is a substrate having a second resist (for example, a resist layer 654 shown in Figure 12), the fracture surface of the second shape is a fracture surface having a second protrusion (for example, a protrusion 658a shown in Figure 12), the fracture surface of the first shape is a fracture surface having a first protrusion that is larger than the second protrusion (for example, a protrusion 632a shown in Figure 11(b)), and the shortest distance from the fracture surface of the first shape to the first resist (for example, the shortest distance x1 shown in Figure 11(b)) may be longer (further) than the shortest distance from the fracture surface of the second shape to the second resist (for example, the shortest distance x5 shown in Figure 12).

[0308] With this configuration, clearance (working space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fractured portion formed in the recess of the first shape and improving work efficiency. Furthermore, even when cutting by placing fingers around the recess of the first shape or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid fingers or tools touching the resistor layer or pattern wiring, thereby preventing damage to the main control board. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

[0309] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate in which a manufacturer of the gaming machine can be identified by cutting the fractured portion (for example, the fractured portion 616 shown in Figure 11(a)), the second substrate is a substrate without the fractured portion, and the fracture surface of the first shape may be a fracture surface formed by cutting the fractured portion.

[0310] When a company has multiple affiliated companies, manufacturing circuit boards for each company would increase manufacturing costs. However, with this configuration, one or more company names can be displayed on a single circuit board product. During the manufacturing and assembly of the gaming machines by each affiliated company, they can choose to leave only their own company name or remove unnecessary company names, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while providing gaming machines that do not malfunction during assembly or inspection.

[0311] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a fracture surface of a third shape (for example, a fracture surface where burrs are generated during molding), the fracture surface of the third shape is a fracture surface formed during the molding of the first substrate, the fracture surface of the first shape is rougher than the fracture surface of the third shape, and the fracture surface of the first shape may be a fracture surface located inward on the first substrate than the fracture surface of the third shape.

[0312] With this configuration, clearance (working space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fractured portion formed in the recess of the first shape and improving work efficiency. In addition, since the rough fracture surface is located inward on the substrate, safety can be enhanced. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that suppresses malfunctions due to component damage and improves worker safety.

[0313] Furthermore, the fracture surface of the second shape may be a fracture surface that constitutes part of one or more sides of the second substrate.

[0314] This configuration allows for a simplified shape of the second circuit board, thereby increasing the flexibility of circuit design.

[0315] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a first resist (for example, a resist layer 604 shown in Figure 11), the first substrate is a substrate on which identification information (for example, identification information 608 shown in Figure 11) is displayed in a predetermined area, the identification information is identification information that can identify one manufacturer of the gaming machine, and the predetermined area may be an area on which the first resist is not formed.

[0316] With this configuration, even if other information is printed on the resist layer, the visibility of the identification information can be improved, thereby increasing convenience.

[0317] Furthermore, the predetermined area may be an area where no pattern wiring is formed.

[0318] This configuration enhances the visibility of identification information and improves convenience, even when other information is printed on the item.

[0319] Furthermore, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a first substrate (for example, the main control substrate 600 shown in Figure 11), wherein the first substrate is a substrate having a cross-sectional portion of a predetermined shape (for example, the fractured portion 616 shown in Figure 11(a)), the first substrate is a substrate having a cross-sectional portion of a specific shape (for example, molding burrs, recesses, protrusions, the cross-section of the long side of the main control substrate 600, the cross-section of the short side), the first substrate is a substrate having a first resist (for example, the resist layer 604 shown in Figure 11), and the shortest distance from the cross-sectional portion of the predetermined shape to the first resist The game machine is characterized in that the first substrate is a substrate whose first distance is (for example, the shortest distance x1 shown in Figure 11(b)), the first substrate is a substrate whose shortest distance from the cross-section of the specific shape to the first resist is a second distance (for example, the shortest distance z1 shown in Figure 11(b)), the first substrate is a substrate whose break portion can be cut to identify one manufacturer of the game machine, the predetermined cross-section is a cross-section formed by cutting the break portion, the predetermined cross-section and the specific cross-section are different shapes, and the first distance is longer than the second distance.

[0320] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when cutting the broken portion, the stress applied to the circuit board can reduce the distortion generated in the circuit board, thereby preventing damage to the circuit board and components mounted on the circuit board. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

[0321] In the manufacturing process of gaming machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and mounted inside the gaming machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, which can lead to installation errors during the manufacturing and assembly of gaming machines, or even if no installation error occurs, confusion about which circuit board to install can result in wasted work time. However, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing and assembly process of the gaming machine by making it easier to distinguish between circuit boards.

[0322] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a first side (for example, a long side), and the first substrate is a substrate having a cross-sectional portion of the predetermined shape along the first side, and the first side may be a side parallel to the direction in which stress acts on the first substrate.

[0323] With this configuration, the stress applied to the substrate when cutting the fractured portion can be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the substrate and components mounted on it.

[0324] <Main control board relating to modified example 1> Next, the main control board 670 (first board) according to Modification 1 will be described using Figure 15. Figures 15(a) and (b) are plan views of the main control board 670 according to Modification 1.

[0325] The main control board 670 according to the modified example 1 comprises a base material 672 made of a rectangular plate-like body, pattern wiring (not shown) and a resist layer 674 (first resist layer) formed on one side of the base material 672, a plurality of types of components 676 mounted on one side of the base material 672, identification information 678 printed in a predetermined area on one side of the base material 672 (an area where the pattern wiring and resist layer 674 are not formed), and an identification board 680 having identification information 692 different from the identification information 678.

[0326] In the main control board 600 described using Figure 11, an example was shown in which a substrate housing recess 612 (a recess of the first shape) is formed on the right side of the main control board 600 (the short side on the right side when viewed from the front). However, in the modified main control board 670, a substrate housing recess 682 (a recess of the first shape) with the same shape as the substrate housing recess 612 (a recess of the first shape) of the main control board 600 is formed on the lower side of the main control board 670 (the long side on the lower side when viewed from the front). In addition, an adapter housing recess 684 with the same shape as the adapter housing recess 614 of the main control board 600 is formed on the upper side of the main control board 600 (the long side on the upper side when viewed from the front).

[0327] Furthermore, the main control board can be used even if the adapter housing recess 684 is not formed. Also, the "first board" according to the present invention may be a peripheral board (performance board) or a relay board, rather than a main control board.

[0328] In this example, since a substrate housing recess 682 (a recess of the first shape) is formed on the long side of the main control board 670 (first board), when cutting the fracture portion 696, the stress applied from the identification board 680 to the base material 672 of the main control board 670 (first board) can reduce the strain generated in the base material 672 of the main control board 670 (first board), thereby preventing damage to the base material 672 of the main control board 670 (first board) and components mounted on the base material 672 of the main control board 670 (first board).

[0329] In the modified example, the direction in which stress is applied to the main control substrate 670 is the longitudinal direction, and the substrate housing recess 682 is provided along the longitudinal direction and is arranged in a direction parallel to the direction in which stress is applied. On the other hand, when the fractured portion is cut, a force acts in a direction different from the direction in which stress is applied, so the distortion of the base material 672 can be suppressed when the fractured portion is cut.

[0330] Furthermore, if someone attempts to forcibly remove the main control board 670 (the first board) from the main board housing case (for example, the board housing 642 shown in Figure 13), the main control board 670 is more susceptible to damage than a main control board with a board housing recess formed on its short side (for example, the main control board 600 shown in Figure 11(a)). This allows for the removal of evidence of fraudulent activity, thereby enhancing security.

[0331] In this example, the identification information 678 is shown to be placed near the substrate housing recess 682. However, the "predetermined region" according to the present invention is not limited to this example and may be placed in a region at a predetermined distance from the substrate housing recess 682 (for example, the region indicated by the symbol A in Figure 15(a), with the resist layer 674 sandwiched between it and the substrate housing recess 682).

[0332] In this example, because the distance between the identification board 680 and the identification information 692 is increased, the two types of identification information (identification information 678 and identification information 692) can be easily distinguished, thereby reducing work errors.

[0333] <Main control board / components related to modified example 1> Next, we will describe the component 676 mounted on the main control board 670 according to the modified example 1.

[0334] Examples of components 676 implemented on the main control board 670 according to Modification 1 include passive components 676a (676a1, 676a2) such as resistors, capacitors, and coils, and IC 676c.

[0335] In the example shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), multiple passive components 676a (676a1, 676a2) and IC 676c are arranged near the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape) of the main control board 670.

[0336] The longitudinal direction of one of the multiple passive components 676a, namely passive component 676a1 (first passive component), is the same as the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 682, while the longitudinal direction of one of the multiple passive components 676a, namely passive component 676a2 (second passive component), is different from the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 682 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 682.

[0337] In this example, the longitudinal direction of one of the multiple passive components 676a1 (the first passive component) is the same as the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape). Therefore, the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when cutting the fractured portion can reduce the effect on the first passive component mounted on the first substrate, and thus prevent damage to the first passive component.

[0338] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), multiple passive components 676a (676a1, 676a2) and IC 676c are also arranged near the adapter housing recess 684 of the main control board 670.

[0339] The longitudinal direction of one of the multiple passive components 676a, the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component), is different from the longitudinal direction of the adapter housing recess 684, and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the adapter housing recess 684.

[0340] In Figure 15(a), focusing on the positional relationship between the substrate housing recess 682 of the main control board 670 and the passive component 676a1, and the positional relationship between the adapter housing recess 684 and the passive component 676a2, the shortest distance y3 from the substrate housing recess 682 to the passive component 676a1 is longer than the shortest distance y4 from the adapter housing recess 684 to the passive component 676a2 (y3 > y4).

[0341] In this example, the shortest distance y3 from the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape) to the passive component 676a1 (the first passive component) is longer than the shortest distance y4 from the adapter housing recess 684 (the recess of the second shape) to the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component) (y3 > y4). Therefore, clearance (working space) can be secured from the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape) to the passive component 676a1 (the first passive component), making it easier to cut the broken portion formed in the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape), thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, even when cutting by placing fingers around the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape) or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid fingers or tools touching the passive component 676a1 (the first passive component), thus preventing damage to the passive component 676a1 (the first passive component).

[0342] Also, the shortest distance y4 from the adapter accommodation recess 684 (the recess of the second shape) to the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component) was considered. However, even when there is no adapter accommodation recess and the shortest distance y4' (see Fig. 15(b)) from the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component) to the nearest long side on the main control board 670 is used, it may be set as "y3 > y4'", that is, when "the distance from the breakage part to the first passive component > the distance from the side without the breakage part to the second passive component", the first passive component may be arranged in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the board accommodation recess. Even when "y3 < y4 (y4')", by arranging the first passive component in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the board accommodation recess, damage to the components due to the stress at the time of cutting of the breakage part can be prevented.

[0343] Also, in Fig. 15(b), paying attention to the positional relationship between the board accommodation recess 682 of the main control board 670 and the passive component 676a2, and the positional relationship between the adapter accommodation recess 684 and the passive component 676a2, the shortest distance y5 from the board accommodation recess 682 to the passive component 676a2 is configured to be longer than the shortest distance y4 from the adapter accommodation recess 684 to the passive component 676a2 (y5 > y4).

[0344] Also, in Figs. 15(a) and (b), the passive components arranged along the short side of the board such as the passive components 674a4 and 676a5 may be used as the second passive component. The shortest distance y7 from the end of the short side to the passive components 674a4 and 676a5 may also be set as "y3 > y7", and these relationships are the same as those of the passive component 676a2. Also, when the shortest distance γ from the board accommodation recess 682 to the passive components 674a4 and 676a5 is considered, "y3 < γ", and these relationships are also the same as those of the passive component 676a2.

[0345] In this example, the shortest distance y5 from the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape) to the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component) is longer than the shortest distance y4 from the adapter housing recess 684 (the recess of the second shape) to the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component) (y5 > y4). Therefore, clearance (working space) can be secured from the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape) to the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component), making it easier to cut the broken portion formed in the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape), thereby improving work efficiency. Furthermore, even when cutting by placing fingers around the substrate housing recess 682 (the recess of the first shape) or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid fingers or tools touching the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component), thus preventing damage to the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component).

[0346] Furthermore, although the shortest distance y4 was defined as the distance from the adapter housing recess 684 (the second shape of recess) to the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component), even if there is no adapter housing recess and y4' is defined as the shortest distance from the longest side closest to the passive component 676a2 (the second passive component) on the main control board 670, "y5 > y4'" may still be used. In other words, by ensuring a distance greater than y4 (y4') and arranging the passive component in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the board housing recess, the influence of stress during cutting at the fracture point can be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the component.

[0347] Furthermore, focusing on the positional relationship between the substrate housing recess 682 of the main control board 670 and the passive component 676a1 in Figure 15(a), and the positional relationship between the substrate housing recess 682 and the passive component 676a2 in Figure 15(b), the shortest distance y5 from the substrate housing recess 682 to the passive component 676a2 shown in Figure 15(b) is configured to be longer than the shortest distance y3 from the substrate housing recess 682 to the passive component 676a1 shown in Figure 15(a) (y5 > y3).

[0348] In this example, the longitudinal direction of the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) is different from that of the substrate housing recess 682 (first-shaped recess), and the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) is susceptible to the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the substrate housing recess 682 (first-shaped recess) when cutting the fracture portion 696. However, by positioning the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) further away from the substrate housing recess 682 (first-shaped recess) than the passive component 676a1 (first passive component), damage to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) can be prevented.

[0349] Furthermore, other components such as the first passive component 676a1, an IC, or a resistor array may be placed in the shortest distance y5 from the substrate housing recess 682 to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) so that the stress at the time of fracture breakage does not affect the second passive component as much. In this case, it is preferable that the "other components" are larger than the second passive component.

[0350] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15(a) with passive component 676a3 and Figure 15(b) with passive component 676a1, when these components are positioned to the side of the substrate housing recess 682 (the side without the fracture burr 632), they may be positioned closer to the substrate housing recess 682 than passive components positioned on the side with the fracture burr 632 (passive components 676a1 and 676a2 in Figure 15(a)). Since they are positioned in a location less susceptible to the stress during fracture, there is no need to consider clearance, thus increasing the degree of freedom in substrate design.

[0351] Furthermore, such circuit board housing recesses may be provided on multiple circuit boards in a single gaming machine. In this case, if a passive component A (passive component 616a1) is positioned on one circuit board (for example, Figure 11(b)) via a distance m1 (distance x3) from the circuit board housing recess, and a passive component B (passive component 676a2) is positioned on another circuit board (Figure 15(b)) via a distance m2 (y5) longer than distance m1 from the circuit board housing recess, then passive component A may be positioned so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the circuit board housing recess, and passive component B may be positioned so that its longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the circuit board housing recess because a distance m2 longer than distance m1 is secured. This ensures a degree of freedom in circuit board design by not uniformly limiting the direction of placement of passive components during circuit board design. Furthermore, if other boards have fewer components mounted on them than a certain board, and sufficient surface area can be secured on the board mounting surface, passive components may be placed away from the board-mounted recesses. Even for boards with board-mounted recesses, if the number of components mounted on the board is small, the board design can be carried out without considering the orientation of the passive components. By not uniformly limiting the orientation of passive components during board design, a degree of freedom in board design can be ensured. In addition, by varying the distance from the board-mounted recesses to the passive components and the orientation of their placement depending on the board, it becomes easier to identify which board it is.

[0352] <Main control board related to modified example 1 / summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a first circuit board (for example, the main control circuit board 670 shown in Figure 15), wherein the first circuit board is a circuit board having a recess of a first shape (for example, the circuit board housing recess 682 shown in Figure 15), the first circuit board is a circuit board in which a manufacturer of the gaming machine can be identified by cutting a fractured portion (for example, the fractured portion 696 shown in Figure 15(a)), the recess of the first shape is the part in which the fractured portion is formed, and the recess of the first shape is formed along the long side of the first circuit board, characterized in that.

[0353] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, since a recess of the first shape is formed on the long side of the circuit board (first circuit board), when cutting the fractured portion, the stress applied to the circuit board can reduce the distortion generated in the circuit board, thereby preventing damage to the circuit board and components mounted on the circuit board. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

[0354] Furthermore, if someone attempts to forcibly remove the circuit board from the main board housing case, the main control board is more susceptible to damage than the main control board, which has a recess of the first shape formed on its long side. This allows for the removal of evidence of fraudulent activity, thereby enhancing security.

[0355] In the manufacturing process of gaming machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and mounted inside the gaming machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, which can lead to installation errors during the manufacturing and assembly of gaming machines, or even if no installation error occurs, confusion about which circuit board to install can result in wasted work time. However, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing and assembly process of the gaming machine by making it easier to distinguish between circuit boards.

[0356] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a plurality of components (for example, passive components 606 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in Figure 11, and passive components 676 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in Figure 15(a)), and one of the plurality of components is a first component disposed near the recess of the first shape (for example, a passive component 606a1 shown in Figure 11(b), and a passive component 676a1 shown in Figure 15(a)), and the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape and the longitudinal direction of the first component may be in the direction along the long side of the first substrate.

[0357] With this configuration, the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when cutting the fractured portion can be reduced in effect on the first passive component mounted on the first substrate, thereby preventing damage to the first passive component. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

[0358] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a side other than the long side, and the first substrate is a substrate having a plurality of components (for example, passive components 606 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in Figure 11, and passive components 676 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in Figure 15(a)), and one of the plurality of components is a first component disposed near the recess of the first shape (for example, passive component 606a1 shown in Figure 11(b), and passive component 676a1 shown in Figure 15(a)), and one of the plurality of components The component is a second component disposed near the aforementioned side (for example, the passive component 606a2 shown in Figure 11(b) or the passive component 676a2 shown in Figure 15(a)), and the shortest distance from the recess of the first shape to the first component (for example, the shortest distance x3 shown in Figure 11(b) or the shortest distance y3 shown in Figure 15(a)) may be longer than the shortest distance from the aforementioned side to the second component (for example, the shortest distance x4 shown in Figure 11(b) or the shortest distance y4 shown in Figure 15(a)) (x3>x4, y3>y4).

[0359] With this configuration, clearance (working space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the first passive component, making it easier to cut the fractured portion formed in the recess of the first shape and improving work efficiency. Furthermore, even when cutting by placing fingers around the recess of the first shape or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid fingers or tools touching the first passive component, thereby preventing damage to the first passive component. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

[0360] Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the first shaped recess and the longitudinal direction of the second component are in different directions, and the shortest distance from the first shaped recess to the second component (for example, the shortest distance x3' shown in Figure 11(b) or the shortest distances β,γ shown in Figure 15(a)) may be longer than the shortest distance from the first shaped recess to the first component (for example, the shortest distance x3 shown in Figure 11(b) or the shortest distance y3 shown in Figure 15(a)) (x3'>x3, β>y3, γ>y3). Note that the "shortest distance from the first shaped recess to the second component" may be the distance of a line parallel to the short side of the substrate on a virtual extension line, or the distance of a diagonal line from the first shaped recess to the second component.

[0361] With this configuration, the longitudinal direction of the second passive component is different from that of the recess of the first shape. The second passive component is susceptible to the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when the fracture portion is cut. However, by positioning the second passive component further away from the recess of the first shape than the first passive component, damage to the second passive component can be prevented. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

[0362] Furthermore, the system may include a housing (for example, a substrate housing 642 shown in Figure 14(b)), the housing being capable of housing the first substrate, and when the first substrate is housed in the housing, components (for example, IC606c shown in Figure 14(b)) disposed on the first substrate may be visible through the first-shaped recess (for example, a substrate housing recess 612 shown in Figure 14(b)).

[0363] This configuration makes it easier to see the circuit board, making it easier to detect any counterfeit components if they are installed. It also allows for inspection of the components mounted on the circuit board while they are housed in their enclosures, improving maintainability and work efficiency.

[0364] Furthermore, the first substrate is a substrate having a resist layer (for example, the resist layer 604 shown in Figure 11), and the first substrate is a substrate on which identification information (for example, the identification information 608 shown in Figure 11) is displayed in a predetermined area, the identification information is identification information that can identify one manufacturer of the gaming machine, and the predetermined area may be an area on which the resist layer is not formed.

[0365] With this configuration, even if other information is printed on the resist layer, the visibility of the identification information can be improved, thereby increasing convenience.

[0366] Furthermore, the predetermined area may be an area where no pattern wiring is formed.

[0367] This configuration enhances the visibility of identification information and improves convenience, even when other information is printed on the item.

[0368] <Main control board relating to modified example 2> Next, the main control board 690 (first board) according to the modified example 2 will be described using Figure 16(a). Figure 16(a) is a plan view of the main control board 690 according to the modified example 2.

[0369] In the main control board 600 explained using Figure 11, by disconnecting the identification board 610, only the identification information 618 (name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100: BBB Co., Ltd., identification number of the main control board: XXX-YYY) remains on the main control board 600, making it possible to identify the manufacturer of the gaming machine.

[0370] However, the "first substrate" according to the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, as in the main control board 690 according to Modification 2, the manufacturer of the gaming machine may be identified by striking through the identification information 694 of the main control board 690 (name of slot machine manufacturer: BBB Co., Ltd., identification number of main control board: XXX-YYY) by laser engraving or the like, without separating the identification board 692.

[0371] <Main control board related to modified example 3> Next, the main control board 696 (first board) according to the modified example 3 will be described using Figure 16(b). Figure 16(b) is a plan view of the main control board 696 according to the modified example 3.

[0372] In the main control board 600 explained using Figure 11, an example is shown in which identification information 618 (name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100: BBB Co., Ltd., identification number of the main control board: XXX-YYY) is printed on the main control board 600.

[0373] However, the "first substrate" according to the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the main control board 696 according to Modification 3, the main control board 696 may be provided with a plurality of identification boards 698 that can be detached from the main control board 696. One identification board 698 may be printed with first identification information (slot machine manufacturer name: AAA, main control board identification number: XXX-YYY), and the other identification board 698 may be printed with second identification information (slot machine manufacturer name: BBB, main control board identification number: XXX-YYY), and either one may be detached.

[0374] <Pattern arrangement> Next, the arrangement of symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using Figure 26. Figure 26 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a planar view.

[0375] Each reel 110 to 112 has a predetermined number of symbols (20 symbols numbered 0 to 19 in this embodiment) of several types (9 types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0 to 19 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 number 0 on the left reel 110 is a "watermelon symbol", the symbol number 1 on the middle reel 111 is a "bell symbol", and the symbol number 0 on the right reel 112 is a "replay symbol".

[0376] <Measures to prevent the spread of fire to circuit boards> The following explanation of measures to prevent the spread of fire to the circuit board of a slot machine in this example will be given using Figures 17 to 25.

[0377] <Measures to prevent fire spread to circuit boards / circuit boards> Figure 17(a) is a plan view of the substrate 700 in this example, as seen from the power supply layer 710 side, and Figure 17(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate 700 along line XX in Figure 17(a). For illustrative purposes, the thicknesses of the conductor layer, insulating layer, and base material of the substrate 700 are exaggerated in Figure 17(b).

[0378] The slot machine according to this example includes a substrate 700 (a certain substrate) as shown in Figure 17(a). As shown in Figures 17(a) and (b), the substrate 700 is composed of a base substrate (core) 702, a GND layer (second conductor layer) 706 laminated on the substrate 702, a power supply layer (first conductor layer) 710 laminated on the GND layer 706 via an insulating layer 708, a solder resist 713 applied on the power supply layer 710, a silk screen 715 printed on the solder resist 713, and components 712 (LED driver IC 714, motor driver IC 716, passive component 718, connector 720, LED 721, etc.; hereinafter collectively referred to as "components") mounted on the power supply layer 710.

[0379] In Figure 17(b), an example of a double-sided mounting substrate in which conductive layers and insulating layers are mounted on both sides of the substrate (core) 702 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a single-sided mounting substrate in which conductive layers and insulating layers are mounted on only one side of the substrate (core) 702 may also be used. Furthermore, for the sake of explanation, only the structure of one side of the substrate 700 will be described below, and the solder resist 713 and silkscreen 715 will not be shown in the drawings.

[0380] In other words, the substrate 700 (a certain substrate) is a substrate in which a power supply layer (first conductor layer) 710 is formed on one side with an insulating layer 708 in between, and a GND layer (second conductor layer) 706 is formed on the base material 702 side with the insulating layer 708 in between.

[0381] Furthermore, the "certain substrate" according to the present invention may be any substrate comprising at least a plurality of conductor layers, an insulating layer, and a base material. For example, it may be a substrate in which the positions of the power supply layer 710 and the GND layer 706 are swapped, that is, a substrate in which the GND layer (second conductor layer) 706 is configured on one side (upper side) with the insulating layer 708 in between, and the power supply layer (first conductor layer) 710 is configured on the base material side (lower side) with the insulating layer 708 in between. It may also be a substrate having three or more conductor layers, or a substrate having other types of layers in addition to conductor layers, insulating layers, and a base material. Moreover, the "certain substrate" according to the present invention may be a double-sided mounting substrate further having a conductor layer and an insulating layer sandwiching the base material 702.

[0382] Furthermore, the applications of the "certain substrate" according to the present invention are not particularly limited. For example, in addition to the main control board 600 described with reference to Figure 11 and the sub-control board 650 described with reference to Figure 12, a power supply board for power supply control, a dispensing control board for dispensing control, and the like may be applied as the "certain substrate" according to the present invention.

[0383] <Measures to prevent fire spread on circuit boards / components> Next, we will describe the component 712 mounted on the circuit board 700.

[0384] As shown in Figure 17(a), multiple components 712 are mounted (arranged) on the power supply layer 710 of the circuit board 700.

[0385] In this example, component 712 is mounted only on the power layer 710, and the GND layer 706 is a GND plane layer (a GND layer without components mounted). However, the "certain substrate" according to the present invention can be any substrate on which multiple components are arranged on at least one side. For example, components may be mounted only on the GND layer 706, and the power layer 710 may be a power plane layer (a power layer without components mounted), or components may be mounted on both the power layer 710 and the GND layer 706. Furthermore, if the substrate has three or more conductive layers, it can be any substrate on which multiple components are arranged on at least one layer.

[0386] The "components" according to the present invention are not particularly limited, but the power supply layer 710 in this example is equipped with active components such as light-emitting devices such as LEDs and diodes (not shown), an LED driver IC 714 for driving LEDs (described later using Figure 18(a)), and a motor driver IC 716 for driving motors (not shown) (described later using Figure 18(b)), as well as passive components 718 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils, and mechanical components such as connectors 720.

[0387] Furthermore, the "active component" according to the present invention is not limited to light-emitting devices or driver ICs, but may also be, for example, light-receiving devices such as diodes, transistors, and photodiodes, or various sensors such as magnetic sensors.

[0388] <Fire prevention measures for circuit boards / Components / LED drivers> Figure 18(a) is a terminal layout diagram of the LED driver IC 714.

[0389] The LED driver IC 714 is configured with address input terminals A0 to A5 located at terminal numbers 1 to 6, ground terminals GND located at terminal numbers 7, 20, and 33, constant current output terminals XOUT0 to XOUT23 located at terminal numbers 8 to 19 and 21 to 32, an external resistor connection terminal REXT located at terminal number 34, a reset signal input terminal RESET located at terminal number 35, a serial clock input terminal SCLK located at terminal number 36, a serial data input terminal SDA located at terminal number 37, and a power supply terminal VCC located at terminal number 38.

[0390] The power terminal VCC (terminal number 38) of the LED driver IC 714 is soldered to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 of the circuit board 700 (described later using Figure 20, etc.), and is electrically connected to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710.

[0391] The ground terminals GND (terminal numbers 7, 20, 33) are soldered to the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 (described later using Figure 20, etc.) via vias formed in the insulating layer 708, thereby electrically connecting to the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706.

[0392] The constant current output terminals XOUT0 to XOUT23 (terminal numbers 8 to 19, 21 to 32) are all output terminals, and in this example, they are electrically connected to an LED (not shown) and function as output terminals that drive the LED.

[0393] <Fire prevention measures for circuit boards / Components / Motor drivers> Figure 18(b) is a terminal layout diagram of the motor driver IC 716.

[0394] The motor driver IC 716 is configured with the following terminals: power terminal VMA located at terminal numbers 2 and 3; bridge A output 1 terminal AOUT1 located at terminal numbers 4 and 5; bridge A ground output terminal ISNAA located at terminal numbers 6 and 7; bridge A output 2 terminal AOUT2 located at terminal numbers 8 and 9; bridge B output 2 terminal BOUT2 located at terminal numbers 10 and 11; bridge B ground output terminal ISNB located at terminal numbers 12 and 13; bridge B output 1 terminal BOUT1 located at terminal numbers 14 and 15; power terminal VMB located at terminal numbers 16 and 17; ground terminal GND located at terminal number 20; regulator output terminal V3P3OUT located at terminal number 21; various control signal terminals located at terminal numbers 22 to 35; and a reset signal input terminal RESET located at terminal number 36.

[0395] The power terminals VMA (terminal numbers 2 and 3) and VMB (terminal numbers 16 and 17) of the motor driver IC 716 are soldered to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 of the circuit board 700, and are electrically connected to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710.

[0396] The ground terminal GND (terminal number 20) is soldered to the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 via a via formed in the insulating layer 708, thereby electrically connecting to the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706.

[0397] Bridge A output 1 terminal AOUT1 (terminal numbers 4, 5), Bridge A ground output terminal ISNA (terminal numbers 6, 7), Bridge A output 2 terminal AOUT2 (terminal numbers 8, 9), Bridge B output 2 terminal BOUT2 (terminal numbers 10, 11), Bridge B ground output terminal ISNB (terminal numbers 12, 13), and Bridge B output 1 terminal BOUT1 (terminal numbers 14, 15) are all output terminals. In this example, they are electrically connected to a motor (not shown) and function as output terminals that drive the motor.

[0398] <Fire spread prevention measures for substrates / power layer> Next, we will describe the power supply layer 710 of the circuit board 700.

[0399] Figure 19(a) is a pattern diagram showing an example of a power supply wiring pattern of the power supply layer 710 of the substrate 700, and Figure 20(a) is a magnified view of a portion of the power supply layer 710, showing the part indicated by the symbol A in Figure 19(a).

[0400] As shown in an enlarged view in Figure 20(a), the power supply layer (first conductor layer) 710 of the substrate 700 has multiple power supply wiring patterns (first wiring patterns) 711 (711a to 711g) and pads, lands, vias, etc. that are electrically connected to these power supply wiring patterns 711 (711a to 711g).

[0401] The power wiring pattern 711a is composed of a first power line 711a1 and two second power lines 711a2 and a third power line 711a3 that branch off from one end of the first power line 711a1 as the base end.

[0402] Below the first power line 711a1 of the power wiring pattern 711a, the power wiring pattern 711b is formed in close proximity, and multiple pads 722 are formed on the first power line 710a1 of the power wiring pattern 711a and the power wiring pattern 711b, on which components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.) that are arranged to straddle these power wiring patterns are mounted.

[0403] The power wiring pattern 711b is connected to a power supply of a predetermined voltage (DC24V in this example). The first power line 711a1 of the power wiring pattern 711a is electrically connected to the power wiring pattern 711b via a component mounted on pad 722, and therefore functions as a power line of the same voltage (DC24V in this example) as the power wiring pattern 711b.

[0404] Between the second power line 711a2 and the third power line 711a3 of the power wiring pattern 711a, a power wiring pattern 711c is formed in close proximity. Multiple pads 724 are formed on the second power line 710a2 and the third power line 711a3, and on the power wiring pattern 711c, on which components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.) that are arranged to straddle these power wiring patterns are mounted.

[0405] Since the power wiring pattern 711c is electrically connected to the second power line 711a2 and the third power line 711a3 of the power wiring pattern 711a via components mounted on pad 724, it functions as a power line with the same voltage (DC24V in this example) as the power wiring patterns 711a and 711b.

[0406] In Figure 20(a), the power wiring pattern 711d located on the left, the power wiring pattern 711e located in the center, and the power wiring patterns 711f and 711g located on the right are directly or indirectly (via components) connected to a power supply of a predetermined voltage (DC 5V in this example) and function as DC 5V power lines.

[0407] It should be noted that the "first wiring pattern" according to the present invention is not limited to a power supply wiring pattern. For example, if the "first conductor layer" according to the present invention is defined as a GND layer, then the "first wiring pattern" according to the present invention becomes a GND wiring pattern. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the "power supply wiring pattern" according to the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0408] <Fire spread prevention measures for substrates / GND layer> Next, we will describe the GND layer 706 of the substrate 700.

[0409] Figure 19(b) is a pattern diagram showing the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 of the substrate 700, and Figure 20(b) is a magnified view of the GND layer 706, showing an enlarged portion of the part indicated by the symbol B in Figure 19(b).

[0410] As shown in Figures 17(b) and 20(b), the GND layer (second conductive layer) 706 of the substrate 700 consists of a GND wiring pattern 706a, which is composed of a so-called ground plane (solid wiring pattern), and a pattern-less (blank) 706b, where the GND wiring pattern 706a is not formed (removed).

[0411] In this example, the GND wiring pattern 706a of the circuit board 700 is composed of a solid ground plane (solid wiring pattern), which ensures the noise immunity (current capacity) of the circuit board 700.

[0412] Furthermore, the "second wiring pattern" according to the present invention is not limited to a GND wiring pattern. For example, if the "second conductor layer" according to the present invention is defined as a power supply layer, then the "second wiring pattern" according to the present invention becomes a power supply wiring pattern.

[0413] <Measures to prevent fire spread on substrates / GND layer / Non-overlapping area and overlapping area> Next, we will explain the non-superimposed region NOE and superimposed region OE of substrate 700.

[0414] Figure 20(c) is a pattern diagram showing the power supply layer 710 shown in Figure 20(a) and the GND layer 706 shown in Figure 20(b) superimposed.

[0415] Non-supervision of substrate 700 region As shown in Figure 17(b), NOE is a region in the thickness direction of the substrate 700 where the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a do not overlap. In this example, it consists of a first non-overlapping region NOE1 where the power supply wiring pattern 711 is formed and the GND wiring pattern 706a is not formed (composed of pattern-less 706b), and a second non-overlapping region NOE2 where neither the power supply wiring pattern 711 nor the GND wiring pattern 706a is formed.

[0416] In the present invention, the "non-overlapping region" is any region in the thickness direction of the substrate in which the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern do not overlap. For example, it may be a region in the thickness direction of the substrate in which the power wiring pattern 711 is formed but the GND wiring pattern 706a is not formed, or it may be a region without a second non-overlapping region NOE2 in which neither the power wiring pattern 711 nor the GND wiring pattern 706a is formed.

[0417] On the other hand, the superimposed region OE is the region in the thickness direction of the substrate 700 where the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a overlap, as shown in Figure 17(b).

[0418] The "overlapping region" is any region in the thickness direction of the substrate where the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern overlap. For example, it may be a region in the thickness direction of the substrate where a power wiring pattern and a signal wiring pattern are formed, or a region in the thickness direction of the substrate where a GND wiring pattern and a signal wiring pattern are formed.

[0419] <Measures to prevent fire spread on circuit boards / Relationship between non-overlapping areas and component positions> Next, using Figure 21, we will explain the positional relationship between the non-superimposed region NOE of the substrate 700 and the components mounted on the power supply layer 710 (LED driver IC 714, motor driver 716).

[0420] Figure 21(a) is 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. Note that in Figure 21(a), the LED driver IC 714 and motor driver 716 are mounted in the opposite direction vertically compared to the directions shown in Figures 18(a) and (b).

[0421] As explained using Figure 18(a), the power terminal VCC (terminal number 38) of the LED driver 714 is soldered to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 of the circuit board 700, and is electrically connected to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710.

[0422] Figure 21(b) is a cross-sectional view along the YY line in the LED driver 714, which is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 21(a).

[0423] As shown in Figure 21(b), the GND layer 706 below the power wiring pattern 711 to which the power terminal VCC (terminal number 38) of the LED driver 714 is connected does not have a GND wiring pattern 706a, and is composed of a pattern gap 706b.

[0424] In other words, the area where the power supply terminal VCC (terminal number 38) of the LED driver 714 is mounted is the non-overlapping region NOE (in this example, the area where the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710 is formed and the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 is not formed) in the thickness direction of the substrate 700.

[0425] In this example, by providing a non-overlapping region NOE in which the power wiring pattern 711 (first wiring pattern) and the GND wiring pattern 706a (second wiring pattern), which are arranged with an insulating layer in between, do not overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate, it is possible to prevent situations such as a fire originating from a component terminal causing a part of the insulating layer of the substrate to become a carbonized conductive path, resulting in a short circuit between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer. By preventing fires from the gaming machine, a highly safe gaming machine can be provided.

[0426] On the other hand, the GND layer 706, which is below the conductor layer to which the other terminals of the LED driver 714 are connected, is a solid plane wiring pattern.

[0427] In this example, it becomes possible to form the GND wiring pattern with a solid ground plane pattern, which simplifies the design and improves the noise immunity of the circuit board.

[0428] Alternatively, the power supply layer 710 above the GND wiring pattern 706a to which the ground terminals GND (terminal numbers 7, 20, 33) of the LED driver 714 are connected may be configured without a pattern where the power supply wiring pattern 711 is formed. This allows the area where the ground terminals GND (terminal numbers 7, 20, 33) of the LED driver 714 are mounted to be a non-overlapping region NOE (an area where the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a are not superimposed in the thickness direction of the substrate 700) where the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 is formed and the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710 is not formed.

[0429] As explained using Figure 18(b), the power terminals VMA (terminal numbers 2 and 3) and VMB (terminal numbers 16 and 17) of the motor driver IC 716 are soldered to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 of the circuit board 700, and are electrically connected to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710.

[0430] Figure 21(c) is a cross-sectional view along the ZZ line in the motor driver 716, which is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 21(a).

[0431] As shown in Figure 21(c), the GND layer 706 below the power wiring pattern 710 to which the power terminal VMA (terminal number 2) of the motor driver 716 is connected does not have a GND wiring pattern 706a formed on it, and is composed of a pattern gap 706b.

[0432] In other words, the area where the power supply terminal VMA (terminal number 2) of the motor driver driver 716 is mounted is the non-overlapping region NOE (in this example, the region where the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710 is formed and the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 is not formed) in the thickness direction of the substrate 700.

[0433] In this example, by providing a non-overlapping region NOE in which the power wiring pattern 711 (first wiring pattern) and the GND wiring pattern 706a (second wiring pattern), which are arranged with an insulating layer in between, do not overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate, it is possible to prevent situations such as a fire originating from a component terminal causing a part of the insulating layer of the substrate to become a carbonized conductive path, resulting in a short circuit between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer. By preventing fires from the gaming machine, a highly safe gaming machine can be provided.

[0434] Although not shown in the diagram, the GND layer 706 below the power wiring pattern 711 to which the power terminal VMA (terminal number 3) and power terminal VMB (terminal numbers 16, 17) of the motor driver 716 are connected also lacks a GND wiring pattern 706a and is composed of a pattern-less 706b.

[0435] Furthermore, the power supply layer 710 above the GND wiring pattern 706a to which the ground terminal GND (terminal number 20) is connected is composed of a pattern-less structure where the power supply wiring pattern 711 is not formed.

[0436] Furthermore, as explained using Figure 18(b), the motor driver IC 716's bridge A output 1 terminal AOUT1 (terminal numbers 4, 5), bridge A ground output terminal ISNA (terminal numbers 6, 7), bridge A output 2 terminal AOUT2 (terminal numbers 8, 9), bridge B output 2 terminal BOUT2 (terminal numbers 10, 11), bridge B ground output terminal ISNB (terminal numbers 12, 13), and bridge B output 1 terminal BOUT1 (terminal numbers 14, 15) are all output terminals that are electrically connected to a motor (not shown) and drive the motor.

[0437] In this example, the GND layer 706 beneath the signal wiring pattern to which these output terminals are connected also lacks a GND wiring pattern 706a and is instead composed of a pattern-less 706b.

[0438] In other words, the "non-overlapping region" according to the present invention is any region in the thickness direction of the substrate in which the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern do not overlap. For example, it may be a region in the thickness direction of the substrate in which a signal wiring pattern (first wiring pattern) is formed and a GND wiring pattern (second wiring pattern) is not formed, or it may be a region in the thickness direction of the substrate in which a GND wiring pattern (first wiring pattern) is formed and a signal wiring pattern (second wiring pattern) is not formed.

[0439] Furthermore, the region may be one in which a signal wiring pattern (first wiring pattern) is formed in the thickness direction of the substrate, but a power wiring pattern (second wiring pattern) is not formed, or it may be one in which a power wiring pattern (first wiring pattern) is formed in the thickness direction of the substrate, but a signal wiring pattern (second wiring pattern) is not formed.

[0440] On the other hand, the GND layer 706, which is below the conductor layer to which the power terminal, GND terminal, and other terminals of the motor driver 716 (for example, input terminals such as the reset signal input terminal RESET (terminal number 36) and various control signal terminals (terminal numbers 22 to 35)) are connected, is a solid plane wiring pattern.

[0441] In this example, it becomes possible to form the GND wiring pattern with a solid ground plane pattern, which simplifies the design and improves the noise immunity of the circuit board.

[0442] Furthermore, in this example, as shown in Figure 21(a), multiple (six in this example) LED drivers 714 and multiple (two in this example) motor drivers 716 are arranged on the substrate 700 at predetermined intervals. Therefore, the non-overlapping regions NOE formed on each LED driver 714 and motor driver 716 are also formed at intervals on the substrate 700.

[0443] While forming power and ground wiring patterns with solid planes can improve the noise immunity of a circuit board, some degree of noise immunity reduction is unavoidable in non-overlapping areas where the solid plane is absent. However, if areas where the solid plane is absent are continuously present, the noise immunity will be drastically reduced. Therefore, by forming non-overlapping areas at intervals, it is possible to prevent a significant reduction in noise immunity caused by forming power and ground wiring patterns with solid planes.

[0444] Furthermore, the more output and power terminals a driver has, the larger the area of ​​the pattern-less 706b non-overlapping region becomes. In other words, the non-overlapping region near the first driver (first active component), which has many terminals that may overheat or catch fire (specific terminals), will be larger than the non-overlapping region near the second driver (second active component), which has fewer terminals that may overheat or catch fire (specific terminals) than the first driver.

[0445] Furthermore, the dotted areas in Figures 19(a) and 21 indicate via holes x1, x2, and x3, respectively, and no GND wiring pattern is laid in these areas (in this embodiment, vias and through-holes are collectively referred to as "via holes"). Via holes x1 and x2 are via holes provided near the output terminals and power terminals of the LED driver 714 and motor driver 716. Via hole x1 is located on the extension of the wiring pattern connected to the motor driver 716, and via hole x2 is located on the extension of the wiring pattern connected to the LED driver 714 and the adjacent pattern. The areas where GND wiring patterns are not laid, corresponding to via holes x1 and x2, and the pattern cutouts 706b formed as a fire prevention measure are formed continuously. In this way, by continuously forming the unlaid portions of the GND wiring pattern corresponding to via holes x1 and x2 located near the driver, and the pattern cutouts as a fire prevention measure, the fire prevention measure can be effective even if the carbonized conductive path becomes larger than if it were not formed continuously, and even if the board does catch fire, it can be limited to a localized area.

[0446] On the other hand, in the via holes x3 located separately from the LED driver 714 and the motor driver 716, the pattern cutouts 706b are not continuous, nor are they located on the extension of the wiring patterns connected to the LED driver 714 and the motor driver 716, nor are they located on the extension of the wiring patterns adjacent to the wiring patterns connected to the LED driver 714 and the motor driver 716.

[0447] <Measures to prevent fire spread on substrates / Conventional problems and the concept of the present invention> Next, we will explain the conventional problems and the concept of the present invention.

[0448] Figure 22(a) is a conceptual diagram schematically illustrating the problems with conventional gaming machine circuit boards. Note that in Figures 22 and 23, for the sake of simplicity, only the power supply layer, insulation layer, and GND layer of the circuit board are shown.

[0449] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are equipped with various circuit boards. These circuit boards contain active and passive components, and these components generate heat in different ways when their operation is increased.

[0450] Specifically, while passive components themselves become hot, active components have their hottest areas near the output terminals. As shown in Figure 22(a-2), when the area near the terminals of an IC (component) becomes hot, there is a risk of a short circuit (sparks), and in this case, the resulting sparks may gouge (destroy) the insulating layer of the circuit board.

[0451] As shown in Figure 22(a-3), when the insulating layer of the substrate is destroyed, the wiring patterns near the terminals of the IC (component) carbonize, and a portion of the insulating layer becomes a carbonized conductive path. This can cause a short circuit between the wiring patterns of the upper and lower layers that were insulated by the insulating layer (in this example, the power supply layer on the upper layer and the GND layer on the lower layer), potentially inducing ignition.

[0452] Figure 22(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating the concept of the substrate of the present invention.

[0453] The substrate of the present invention is characterized in that, as shown in Figure 22(b-1), it has a non-overlapping region NOE in the thickness direction of the substrate 700 where the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a do not overlap (in this example, the region where the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710 is formed and the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 is not formed).

[0454] Because the substrate of this invention has such a non-superimposed area NOE, even if the vicinity of the terminals of an IC (component) becomes hot and sparks are generated as shown in Figure 22(b-2), and the insulating layer 708 of the substrate is destroyed by the generated sparks as shown in Figure 22(b-3), the non-superimposed area NOE is an area where the GND wiring pattern 706a is not formed (an area where the pattern is removed 706b). Therefore, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the wiring patterns of the upper and lower layers that were insulated by the insulating layer 708 (in this example, the upper power supply layer 710 and the lower GND layer 706), thereby preventing fires from erupting from the gaming machine and providing a highly safe gaming machine.

[0455] In this example, the non-overlapping region NOE is shown as "a region where the power supply wiring pattern of the power supply layer is formed but the GND wiring pattern of the GND layer is not formed," but it may also be "a region where the GND wiring pattern of the GND layer is formed but the power supply wiring pattern of the power supply layer is not formed," or a region that includes "a region where neither the power supply wiring pattern of the power supply layer nor the GND wiring pattern of the GND layer is formed."

[0456] <Measures to prevent fire spread from substrates / Non-overlapping area (Example 1)> Figure 23(a) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE and the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path according to Example 1, and Figure 23(b) is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 23(a).

[0457] As shown in Figures 23(a) and (b), the non-overlapping region NOE of the substrate 700 must be a region of size that includes at least the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path assumed on the substrate 700. In other words, as shown in Figure 23(b), in the thickness direction of the substrate 700, the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710, the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the GDN wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 must not overlap.

[0458] Figure 23(c) is a plan view showing an example where the non-superimposed region NOE of the substrate 700 does not include the entire assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path, and Figures 23(d) and (d') are cross-sectional views along the BB line in Figure 23(c).

[0459] As shown in Figures 23(c) and (d), if the non-superimposed region NOE of the substrate 700 is a region that does not include the entire assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path, as shown in Figure 23(d'), the generated sparks may destroy the insulating layer 708 of the substrate 700, and as a result of the formation of a carbonized conductive path of the assumed maximum region CE, a short circuit may occur between the power supply layer 710 and the GND layer 706, which were insulated by the insulating layer 708, potentially inducing ignition.

[0460] Furthermore, the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path varies depending on the structure and characteristics of the components mounted on the substrate. For example, even for a component consisting of a main body and terminals, if the junction between the main body and terminals is the area that generates the most heat and reaches the highest temperature, the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path will be the area centered around this junction. However, if the internal connection between the circuit inside the main body and the terminals is the area that generates the most heat and reaches the highest temperature, the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path will be the area centered around this internal connection.

[0461] In other words, the "non-overlapping region" according to the present invention is preferably a region located near the part of each component that is most prone to generating heat and reaching high temperatures. Furthermore, if the terminals of the component are thick, the assumed maximum area of ​​the carbonized conductive path becomes larger, and therefore the range of the non-overlapping region also needs to be larger.

[0462] <Measures to prevent fire spread from substrates / Non-overlapping areas (other examples)> Figure 24(a) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE2 according to Example 2.

[0463] This embodiment shows an example in which a non-overlapping region NOE2 (a rectangular region with height H2 and width W2 in this example) is formed to encompass the entirety of the component 712 (a DIP type IC in this example) mounted on the power supply layer 710. In the figure, the power supply terminals are located on one side of the IC in the short-side direction, but in the example shown in Figure 24(a), it is preferable that the power supply terminals are distributed on both sides of the short-side direction, both above and below.

[0464] The non-overlapping region NOE2 of the substrate 700 should be a region of a size that includes at least the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path assumed on the substrate 700. However, since there is a risk that carbonized conductive paths may also be formed near components 712 and power wiring patterns 711, if the average width of the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 is w1, the maximum width is w2, and the maximum horizontal length of the power wiring pattern 711 is w3, then it is preferable that the width W2 of the non-overlapping region NOE2 is longer than all of these, and that the relationship "average width w1 of the power wiring pattern 711 < maximum width w2 of the power wiring pattern 711 < maximum horizontal length w3 of the power wiring pattern 711 < width W2 of the non-overlapping region NOE2" is met.

[0465] Furthermore, for similar reasons, if the maximum vertical length of the power wiring pattern 711 is h1, it is preferable that the height H2 of the non-overlapping region NOE2 is longer than h1, such that "maximum vertical length h1 of the power wiring pattern 711 < height H2 of the non-overlapping region NOE2".

[0466] In this example, the non-overlapping region NOE2 is a region of size that includes at least the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path. In the thickness direction of the substrate, the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710, the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the GDN wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 do not overlap. Therefore, it is possible to prevent short circuits from occurring between the wiring patterns of the upper and lower layers that were insulated by the insulating layer (in this example, the upper power layer and the lower GND layer), thereby preventing fires from erupting from the gaming machine and providing a highly safe gaming machine.

[0467] Furthermore, since the non-superimposed region NOE2 is a region large enough to include the entire component 712 and the power wiring pattern 711, even if a carbonized conductive path is formed near the component 712 or the power wiring pattern 711, it is possible to prevent short circuits from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns (in this example, the upper power layer and the lower GND layer) that were insulated by the insulating layer, thereby preventing fires from erupting from the gaming machine and providing a highly safe gaming machine.

[0468] Figure 24(b) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE3 according to Example 3.

[0469] This embodiment shows an example in which a non-overlapping region NOE3 (in this example, a rectangular region with height H3 and width W3) is formed to include all terminals on one side in the short direction of the component 712 (in this example, a DIP type IC) mounted on the power layer 710. In the figure, the power terminals are located towards the bottom of one side in the short direction of the IC, but in the example shown in Figure 24(b), it is preferable when the power terminals are located on one side in the short direction.

[0470] In this example, the non-overlapping region NOE3 is a region of size that includes at least the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path. In the thickness direction of the substrate, the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710, the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the GDN wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 do not overlap. Therefore, it is possible to prevent short circuits from occurring between the wiring patterns of the upper and lower layers that were insulated by the insulating layer (in this example, the upper power layer and the lower GND layer), thereby preventing fires from erupting from the gaming machine and providing a highly safe gaming machine.

[0471] Furthermore, since the non-superimposed region NOE3 is a region that includes the power wiring pattern 711, even if a carbonized conductive path is formed near the power wiring pattern 711, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer (in this example, the upper power layer and the lower GND layer), thereby preventing fires from erupting from the gaming machine and providing a highly safe gaming machine.

[0472] Furthermore, according to this example, the size of the non-supervised region NOE3 can be made smaller than that of the non-supervised region NOE2 in Example 2, thereby increasing the area of ​​the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706, and improving the noise immunity (current capacity) of the substrate.

[0473] Figure 24(c) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE4 according to Example 4.

[0474] This embodiment shows an example in which a non-overlapping region NOE4 (a rectangular region with height H4 and width W4 in this example) is formed to include multiple terminals on one longitudinal side of a component 712 (a DIP type IC in this example) mounted on the power supply layer 710. In the figure, the power supply terminals are located on the lower side of one longitudinal side of the IC, but in the example shown in Figure 24(c), it is preferable that the power supply terminals are located on one longitudinal side.

[0475] In this example, the non-overlapping region NOE4 is a region of size that includes at least the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path. In the thickness direction of the substrate, the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710, the assumed maximum region CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the GDN wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 do not overlap. Therefore, it is possible to prevent short circuits from occurring between the wiring patterns of the upper and lower layers that were insulated by the insulating layer (in this example, the upper power layer and the lower GND layer), thereby preventing fires from erupting from the gaming machine and providing a highly safe gaming machine.

[0476] Furthermore, since the non-overlapping region NOE4 is an area of a size that includes the power supply wiring pattern 711, even if a carbonized conductive path is formed in the vicinity of the power supply wiring pattern 711, the upper and lower wiring patterns (in this example, the upper power supply layer and the lower GND layer) that are insulated by the insulating layer can be prevented from short-circuiting, and by preventing ignition from the game table, a highly safe game table can be provided.

[0477] Also, according to this example, the size of the non-overlapping region NOE4 can be made smaller than the non-overlapping region NOE2 according to Example 2, and accordingly, the area of the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 can be increased, and the noise resistance (current capacity) of the substrate can be enhanced.

[0478] FIG. 25(a) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping region NOE5 according to Example 5, and FIG. 25(b) is a plan view showing an example in which the wiring pattern of the power supply wiring line in FIG. 25(a) is changed.

[0479] The substrate of this example includes a first power supply wiring pattern 711x capable of supplying power of a first voltage (for example, DC24v) to the component 712 and a second power supply wiring pattern 711y capable of supplying power of a second voltage (for example, DC5v) to the component 712.

[0480] In the examples shown in FIGS. 25(a) and (b), the common point is that a non-overlapping region is formed so as to include the first power supply wiring pattern 711x and the second power supply wiring pattern 711y. However, in the example shown in FIG. 25(b), since the first power supply wiring pattern 711x is arranged closer to the second power supply wiring pattern 711y, the non-overlapping region NOE5' shown in FIG. 25(b) (in this example, a rectangular region with height H5 and width W5') is smaller in area than the non-overlapping region NOE5 shown in FIG. 25(a) (in this example, a rectangular region with height H5 and width W5).

[0481] As shown in the example in Figure 25(b), the first power supply wiring pattern 711x and the second power supply wiring pattern 711y, which supply power from different power sources to component 712, are placed in close proximity. This allows the size of the non-overlapping region NOE5' to be smaller than that of the non-overlapping region NOE5 shown in Figure 25(a). Consequently, the area of ​​the GND wiring pattern 706a (solid ground wiring pattern) of the GND layer 706 can be increased, thereby improving the noise immunity (current capacity) of the substrate.

[0482] <Measures to prevent the spread of fire on circuit boards / Summary> As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1, a pachinko machine, a sealed gaming machine, a medalless slot machine) is a gaming machine that can be played, and the gaming machine comprises a certain circuit board (for example, the circuit board 700 shown in Figure 17(a)), the circuit board is composed of at least a plurality of conductor layers, an insulating layer (for example, the insulating layer 708 shown in Figure 17(b)), and a base material (for example, the base material 702 shown in Figure 17(b)), the circuit board is a circuit board on which a plurality of components are arranged on at least one side, and one of the plurality of conductor layers is a first conductor having a first wiring pattern (for example, the power wiring patterns 710a to 710g shown in Figure 20(a)) A gaming machine characterized in that it has a body layer (for example, a power supply layer 710 shown in Figure 17(b)), one of the plurality of conductor layers is a second conductor layer (for example, a GND layer 706 shown in Figure 17(b)) having a second wiring pattern (for example, a GND wiring pattern 706a shown in Figure 20(b)), a certain substrate is a substrate in which the first conductor layer is formed on one side with the insulating layer in between, a certain substrate is a substrate in which the second conductor layer is formed on the base material side with the insulating layer in between, and a certain substrate is a substrate having a non-overlapping region (for example, a non-overlapping region NOE shown in Figure 17(b)) in the thickness direction of the certain substrate in which the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern do not overlap.

[0483] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, by providing a non-overlapping region in which the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern, which are arranged with an insulating layer in between, do not overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate, for example, if the substrate is damaged (damage during transportation or scratches such as cracks), the resistance at that location will increase, which will promote heat generation and carbonization and may cause a short circuit. Even if such a situation occurs, the extent of the damage can be suppressed by not overlapping the wiring patterns. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a part of the insulating layer of the substrate becomes a carbonized conductive path due to ignition from the terminals of components, etc., and a short circuit occurs between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer. By preventing fires from the gaming machine, a highly safe gaming machine can be provided.

[0484] Furthermore, one of the plurality of components may be a certain component (for example, the LED driver 714 and motor driver 716 shown in Figure 21(a)), and the non-overlapping region may be located in the vicinity of the certain component (for example, one longitudinal side of the LED driver 714 shown in Figure 21(a), one short longitudinal side of the motor driver 716 shown in Figure 21(a), the region including the entire component 712 shown in Figure 24(a), one short longitudinal side of component 712 shown in Figure 24(b), and one longitudinal side of component 712 shown in Figure 24(c)).

[0485] With this configuration, even if a component short-circuits, the area near that component becomes a non-supervised region, thereby preventing a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer.

[0486] Furthermore, the aforementioned component may be a specific active component (for example, the LED driver 714, motor driver 716, light-emitting device, light-receiving device such as a diode, transistor, or photodiode, or various sensors such as a magnetic sensor, as shown in Figure 21(a)).

[0487] In this configuration, active components are more prone to short circuits than passive components, and sparks generated by these short circuits can gouge the substrate, potentially causing a portion of the substrate's insulating layer to become a carbonized conductive path. However, by making the area near the active components a non-supervised region, it is possible to prevent short circuits from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were previously insulated by the insulating layer.

[0488] Furthermore, the region on the substrate where components other than the specific active components (for example, passive components such as resistors, or components that are unlikely to spark at high temperatures) are arranged may be an overlapping region where the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate.

[0489] With this configuration, it becomes possible to form power supply and ground wiring patterns as solid planes in the superimposed region, thereby improving the noise immunity of the circuit board.

[0490] Furthermore, the non-overlapping region (for example, the non-overlapping region NOE shown in Figure 17(b)) may be a region where either the first wiring pattern or the second wiring pattern (for example, the power supply wiring pattern 711 shown in Figure 17(b)) is formed, and where the other of the first or second wiring pattern (for example, the GND wiring pattern 706a shown in Figure 17(b)) is not formed.

[0491] With this configuration, the first and second wiring patterns can be physically separated, preventing short circuits from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer.

[0492] Furthermore, the first wiring pattern may be either a power supply wiring pattern or a GND wiring pattern (for example, the power supply wiring pattern 711 shown in Figure 17(b)), and the second wiring pattern may be the other of the power supply wiring pattern or the GND wiring pattern (for example, the GND wiring pattern 706a shown in Figure 17(b)).

[0493] With this configuration, the power supply wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern can be physically separated, preventing short circuits from occurring between the power supply wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern, which are insulated by the insulating layer.

[0494] Furthermore, the first wiring pattern may be either a signal wiring pattern (for example, the signal line to which the output terminal of the motor driver IC 716 is connected, as shown in Figures 18(b) and 21(c)) or a GND wiring pattern (for example, the GND wiring pattern 706a shown in Figure 17(b)), and the second wiring pattern may be the other of either the signal wiring pattern or the GND wiring pattern.

[0495] With this configuration, the signal wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern can be physically separated, preventing short circuits from occurring between the signal wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern, which were previously insulated by the insulating layer.

[0496] Furthermore, the first wiring pattern may be either a signal wiring pattern (for example, the signal line to which the output terminals of the motor driver IC 716 are connected, as shown in Figures 18(b) and 21(c)) or a power wiring pattern (for example, the power wiring pattern 711 shown in Figure 17(b)), and the second wiring pattern may be the other of either the signal wiring pattern or the power wiring pattern.

[0497] With this configuration, the signal wiring pattern and the power wiring pattern can be physically separated, preventing short circuits from occurring between the signal wiring pattern and the power wiring pattern, which were previously insulated by the insulating layer.

[0498] Furthermore, the aforementioned substrate is a substrate in which at least one of the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern (for example, the GND wiring pattern 706a shown in Figures 20(b) and 21(a) to (c)) is composed of a solid wiring pattern, and the aforementioned substrate is a substrate on which a plurality of the aforementioned specific active components (for example, the LED driver 714 and motor driver 716 shown in Figures 18 and 21(a)) are arranged (for example, in Figure 21, a plurality of LED drivers 714 (of the same type) are arranged spaced apart from each other, a plurality of motor drivers 716 (of the same type) are arranged spaced apart from each other, and an LED driver 714 and a motor driver 716 (of different types) are arranged spaced apart from each other), and the aforementioned substrate is a substrate in which the non-overlapping regions are formed corresponding to each of the aforementioned specific active components, and the aforementioned substrate may be a substrate in which each of the aforementioned non-overlapping regions is formed spaced apart from each other.

[0499] While forming power and ground wiring patterns with solid planes can improve the noise immunity of a circuit board, some degree of noise immunity reduction is unavoidable in non-overlapping areas where the solid plane is absent. However, if areas where the solid plane is absent are continuously present, the noise immunity will be drastically reduced. Therefore, by forming non-overlapping areas at intervals, it is possible to prevent a significant reduction in noise immunity caused by forming power and ground wiring patterns with solid planes.

[0500] <Pattern arrangement> Next, the arrangement of symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using Figure 26. Figure 26 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) in a planar view.

[0501] Each reel 110 to 112 has a predetermined number of symbols (20 symbols numbered 0 to 19 in this embodiment) of several types (9 types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0 to 19 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 number 0 on the left reel 110 is a "watermelon symbol", the symbol number 1 on the middle reel 111 is a "bell symbol", and the symbol number 0 on the right reel 112 is a "replay symbol".

[0502] <Types of prize winning roles> Next, Figure 27 will be used to explain the types of winning combinations for slot machine 100. Figure 27 shows the types of winning combinations, the names of the condition devices, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the payout amount, and remarks.

[0503] The winning combinations in Slot Machine 100 include special combinations (Special Combination 1, Special Combination 2) and general combinations (Replay Combinations 1-3, Minor Combinations 1-5), etc. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these and can be arbitrarily selected; therefore, some winning combinations are not shown in Figure 27.

[0504] <Types of prizes / special roles> In this embodiment, among the winning combinations, Special Combination 1 and Special Combination 2 are combinations that transition the player to a special game state in which a predetermined benefit is granted. In addition, the Replay Combination is a combination that allows the player to continue playing without inserting new tokens (a combination that grants replay). These winning combinations are sometimes referred to as "activation combinations."

[0505] Furthermore, in this embodiment, "winning" also includes cases where combinations of symbols for active roles that do not result in medal payouts (do not result in medal distribution) are displayed on the winning line, for example, winning Special Role 1, Special Role 2, and Replay Role.

[0506] Special Role 1 and Special Role 2 are winning roles that, upon internal winning, transition the game state to the Special Role 1 / 2 internal winning state (RT3), and upon winning, transition the game state to the Special Role 1 / 2 game state (RT4). If more than a specified number of medals (for example, 200 medals) are paid out in the Special Role 1 / 2 game state (RT4), the game state transitions to the low probability of replay state (RT1). Each game state (RT1~RT4) will be described later.

[0507] The symbol combinations corresponding to Special Win 1 (BB) are "Seven 1 symbol - Seven 1 symbol - Seven 1 symbol" or "Seven 2 symbol - Seven 2 symbol - Seven 2 symbol", and the symbol combination corresponding to Special Win 2 (RB) is "BAR symbol - BAR symbol - BAR symbol".

[0508] When a special role 1 or special role 2 is internally won, the special role internal win flag corresponding to that internally won role is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). This flag remains ON until the internally won role is achieved, making it easier to achieve that internally won role in subsequent games. In other words, in a game in which a special role 1 or special role 2 is internally won, even if that special role is not achieved, the game will be in a state where that special role has been internally won in subsequent games, making it easier to achieve the symbol combination corresponding to the special role.

[0509] <Types of winning combinations / Re-play combinations> Replay combinations 1-3 are winning combinations (activating combinations) that allow the player to continue playing without inserting tokens (game currency) in the next game, and no tokens are dispensed. The corresponding symbol combinations are shown in Figure 8. Replay combinations only need to be combinations that allow the player to continue playing without inserting tokens. For example, when a replay combination is won, tokens may be automatically inserted in the next game (the number of tokens inserted is reset in the token insertion memory area), or the tokens inserted in the game in which a replay combination was won may be carried over and used in the next game.

[0510] <Types of winning combinations / minor wins> Minor wins 1 through 5 are winning combinations that, when achieved, result in a predetermined number of medals being dispensed (a set number of medals being dispensed).

[0511] Small win 1 (watermelon) is a winning combination where, upon hitting the target, the combination of "watermelon symbol - watermelon symbol - watermelon symbol" stops on the winning line and 5 medals are paid out.

[0512] Small win 2 (Cherry) is a winning combination where, upon winning, the symbol combination "Cherry symbol-ANY-ANY" stops on the winning line and two medals are paid out. Note that the symbol combination "Cherry symbol-ANY-ANY" only requires that the symbol on the left reel 110 be a "Cherry symbol," and the symbols on the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0513] Hereafter, these two minor roles, watermelon and cherry, may be collectively referred to as "rare roles." However, rare roles are not limited to these specific winning roles; they may include either one of them, or other winning roles as well.

[0514] Furthermore, in the AT state described later, if you hit a rare role, a lottery will be held to add more games or sets (making it easier to win the lottery). On the other hand, even if you hit a rare role in the ED state, a lottery to add more games or sets will not be held.

[0515] Small win 3 (ordered bell) consists of six types of winning combinations: small win 3a to small win 3f. In this example, a predetermined probability (approximately 1 / 6 in this example, common to all settings) is determined by a lottery, and if the order of operation (pressing order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 matches the winning combination that was internally selected, a win is achieved and 12 medals are dispensed.

[0516] The small winning combination 4 (common bell) is a winning combination in which, regardless of the order of stop operations (pressing order) or operation timing by the stop buttons 137 to 139, the symbol combination of "bell symbol - bell symbol - bell symbol" is stopped and displayed on the winning line, and 12 medals are paid out.

[0517] The small winning combination 5 (single medal combination) is a winning combination in which, regardless of the order of stop operations (pressing order) or operation timing by the stop buttons 137 to 139, the symbol combination of "replay symbol - replay symbol - blank 1 symbol" is stopped and displayed on the winning line, and 1 medal is paid out.

[0518] <Types of RT-based game states> Next, the types and transitions of RT-based game states in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0519] <Re-game low probability state (RT1)> The re-game low probability state (RT1) is the default RT-based game state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal game state") that is first set immediately after the power-on of the slot machine 100, etc., and is a game state that is relatively disadvantageous for the player compared to other game states.

[0520] In this example, in this re-game low probability state (RT1), when winning the re-game winning combination 2 (upgraded replay 1) or the re-game winning combination 3 (upgraded replay 2), it transitions to the re-game high probability state (RT2) described later. Also, in this re-game low probability state (RT1), when internally winning the special winning combination 1 or the special winning combination 2, it transitions to the special winning combination 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0521] <Re-game high probability state (RT2)> The re-game high probability state is a game state in which the internal winning probability of the re-game is higher than that in the re-game low probability state (RT1).

[0522] In this example, in this re-game high probability state (RT2), when internally winning the special winning combination 1 or the special winning combination 2, it transitions to the special winning combination 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) described later.

[0523] <Special role 1·2 internal winning state (RT3)> The special role 1·2 internal winning state (RT3) is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to special role 1 or special role 2 is set to on, and by performing a stop operation by the player at a predetermined timing, the symbol combination corresponding to the special role corresponding to this flag can be displayed. It is a gaming state.

[0524] In this example, in this special role 1·2 internal winning state (RT3), when winning a prize in special role 1 or special role 2, it transitions to the special gaming state (RT4) described later.

[0525] <Special gaming state (RT4)> The special gaming state (RT4) is the most advantageous gaming state for the player among all gaming states. In this example, in the special gaming state (RT4), when a specified number of coins (for example, 200 coins) are paid out, it transitions to the low probability of replay state (RT1).

[0526] Note that in this example, the end condition of the special gaming state (RT4) is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be when winning an internal prize in a specified role, when there are winnings a specified number of times (for example, 8 times), or when a specified number of games (for example, 6 times) are played.

[0527] <Transition of AT-based gaming states> Next, the AT-based gaming states will be described.

[0528] The AT-based gaming states are roughly classified into a low navigation state and a high navigation state. The low navigation state is a state in which the probability of executing the operation navigation is low, and is also referred to as the normal mode, non-advantageous section, or normal section. The high navigation state is a state in which the probability of executing the operation navigation is higher than that of the low navigation state, and is also referred to as the AT mode and advantageous section.

[0529] Here, "operation navigation" refers to a feature that notifies the player of the correct stopping operation for stop buttons 137-139 (for example, the correct order of operations or the timing of the stopping operations) in order to acquire medals or maintain a favorable game state. For example, this includes features that notify the player of the correct order of operations for button-pressing combinations (for example, small combination 3 (button-pressing bell LCR)) (for example, a feature that displays the text "left → middle → right").

[0530] If the stopping operation is performed according to the instructions on the operation navigation, it will result in a favorable outcome for the player. Therefore, a high navigation state is a more favorable game state for the player than a low navigation state. Specifically, "favorable" here means that the ratio of the total number of game media dispensed by the game machine to the total number of game media used by the player as bets during a predetermined period of play, also known as the payout rate (payout rate), is favorable.

[0531] In this example, the low navigation state is defined as a state where the probability of executing the operation navigation is low, and the high navigation state is defined as a state where the probability of executing the operation navigation is higher than that of the low navigation state. However, the low navigation state may also be defined as a state where the operation navigation is not executed, and the high navigation state as a state where the operation navigation is executed.

[0532] Each game state in AT (Automatic Trigger) systems is subdivided and managed, and these are called performance states. Specifically, the performance states in low navigation states are the normal game state, while the performance states in high navigation states include the normal state, confirmed notification state, judgment state, pull-back state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ED (ending) state. In principle, the AT1 state, AT2 state, and ED state are states in which the payout increases.

[0533] In this embodiment, when a certain condition is met in the normal game state with low navigation (for example, when a winning combination other than a miss is achieved), the game transitions to the normal state with high navigation. After that, the game transitions in the order of confirmed notification state → AT1 state → judgment state, and from this judgment state, there are routes to transition to the normal game state or AT2 state via the pull-back state, or routes to transition directly from the judgment state to the AT2 state, etc.

[0534] AT state (AT1 state, AT2 state) is a state in which AT gameplay is possible for a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 games per set), and is a more advantageous state for the player than the normal game state with low navigation or the normal state with high navigation.

[0535] In this AT game, at the start of the AT game, a set continuation lottery (for example, a lottery with a winning probability of 1 / 4) is performed to determine whether to continue the AT game. If this set continuation lottery is won, an additional predetermined number of AT games (in this example, 30 games per set) are granted, extending the AT state. Also, if the conditions for transitioning to the normal game state are met while in the AT state (in this example, when all games in the AT state have been played), the game will transition to the normal game state from the next game.

[0536] Furthermore, when the number of remaining games in the high-navigation state falls below a predetermined number (for example, 20 games), the game transitions to the ED state, where an ED (ending) sequence is performed to indicate the end of the high-navigation state.

[0537] Furthermore, the conditions for transitioning to the ED state are not limited to the remaining number of games in the high-navigation state being 20 or less; for example, the predetermined number of games may be 20 or more, or it may be 20 or less, or "number of acquired coins + expected difference in acquired coins > 2000".

[0538] <Main processing of the main control unit> First, using Figure 28, we will explain the main processing performed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main processing of the main control unit.

[0539] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a startup signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302, upon receiving this startup signal, resets via a reset interrupt and executes the main processing of the main control unit shown in Figure 28 according to the control program pre-stored in the ROM 306.

[0540] When power is turned on, the first step, S101, performs various initial settings. These initial settings include setting the initial stack value for the CPU304's stack pointer (SP), disabling interrupts, initializing the I / O310, initializing various variables to be stored in RAM308, and enabling and setting the initial value for WDT314.

[0541] Step S102 executes the bet setting / start operation acceptance process. Here, it checks whether or not medals have been inserted and prepares to send an insertion command indicating that medals have been inserted. If a re-spin win occurred in the previous game, the same number of medals as those inserted in the previous game will be inserted, so the player does not need to insert medals. It also checks whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated, and if the start lever 135 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0542] Step S103 determines the number of medals inserted and performs a winning line confirmation process to determine the valid winning lines.

[0543] In step S104, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is obtained, and the internal prize draw process is performed. In the internal prize draw process, the prize draw table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current game state, and an internal draw is performed using this and the obtained random number, and preparations are made to send an internal draw command indicating the result of this internal draw to the first sub-control unit 400. If the internal draw results in an internal win for any prize (including the activated prize), the flag for that prize is turned on.

[0544] In step S105, a reel stop data selection process is performed to select reel stop data based on the results of the internal lottery process for winning combinations. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. Also in step S105, preparations are made to send a reel stop data command containing information about the selected reel stop data to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0545] In step S106, based on the operation of the start lever, the performance state control process related to the control of the AT system game state described above is executed. In step S107, the performance processing is executed. In this performance processing, various performances are controlled.

[0546] In step S108, the reel rotation start process is executed, and all reels 110 to 112 begin rotating.

[0547] In step S109, reel stop control processing is performed. In the reel stop control processing, stop buttons 137 to 139 become available. When any of the stop buttons are pressed, the stop table of reel stop data is referenced to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of retracted frames set in the stop table. Once all reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S109, preparations are made to send a stop button reception command (specifically, a stop button reception 1 command for the first stop operation, a stop button reception 2 command for the second stop operation, and a stop button reception 3 command for the third stop operation) to the first sub-control unit 400 for each stop operation, and preparations are made to send a reel stop command (specifically, a reel stop 1 command for the first stop reel, a reel stop 2 command for the second stop operation, and a reel stop 3 command for the third stop operation) to the first sub-control unit 400 for each stop operation.

[0548] In step S110, a prize determination process is performed to determine if a prize has been won. In this prize determination process, if a combination of symbols corresponding to a prize is displayed on an activated prize line, it is determined that a prize has been won for that prize. For example, if "Bell-Bell-Bell" is lined up on an activated prize line, it is determined that a prize for small prize 3 (Bell) has been won. Also in step S110, preparations are made to send a prize determination command indicating the result of the prize determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0549] Step S111 performs the medal distribution process. In the medal distribution process, if any winning combination that yields a payout has been achieved, the number of medals corresponding to that winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

[0550] In step S112, game state control processing is performed. In game state control processing, processing related to the transition of each game state of the RT system is performed, and the game state is changed when the start or end conditions for those states are met. Preparations are also made to send a game state command that includes information indicating the current game state of the RT system.

[0551] In step S113, the performance state control process related to the control of the AT system game state described above is executed. In step S114, the high navigation state termination process related to the termination of the high navigation state is executed.

[0552] This completes one game. From here on, the game will proceed by returning to step S102 and repeating the process described above. The various commands prepared in each of the above steps will be transmitted in the command setting transmission process of the main control unit timer interrupt process (step S206 in Figure 29), which will be described later.

[0553] <Main control timer interrupt processing> Next, using Figure 29, we will explain the main control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing.

[0554] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined interval (approximately once every 2ms in this embodiment), and the main control unit timer interrupt processing is started at a predetermined interval triggered by this timer interrupt signal.

[0555] Step S201 performs the timer interrupt start process. This timer interrupt start process includes temporarily saving the values ​​of each register of the CPU304 to the stack area.

[0556] In step S202, the WDT314 is periodically restarted (in this embodiment, once every 2ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) to prevent a WDT interrupt from occurring (to prevent detection of a processing abnormality) if the count value of the WDT314 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8ms in this embodiment).

[0557] In step S203, an input port state update process is performed. In this input port state update process, detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310, the presence or absence of detection signals is monitored, and the signals are stored in the signal state storage area of ​​the RAM 308, which is partitioned for each of the various sensors 318.

[0558] In step S204, various game processes are executed, and processing according to the interrupt status is performed. In step S2005, timer update processing is performed. More specifically, various timers are updated according to their respective time units.

[0559] In step S206, the command setting transmission process is performed, and the various commands that were prepared for transmission are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 can determine the performance control in response to the change in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type included in the received output schedule information, and can also determine the content of the performance control based on the command data information included in the output schedule information.

[0560] In step S207, an external output signal setting process is performed. In this external output signal setting process, the game information stored in RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 651, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334.

[0561] In step S208, device monitoring is performed. In this device monitoring process, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S203 are first read to check for errors related to abnormal medal insertion and abnormal medal dispensing. If an error is detected, error processing is executed (not shown). Furthermore, the settings of the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid installed inside the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) displays are set according to the current game state.

[0562] In step S209, the system monitors whether the low-voltage signal is on or off. If the low-voltage signal is on (i.e., power interruption is detected), the system proceeds to step S211; otherwise, it proceeds to step S210.

[0563] In step S210, various processes are performed to terminate the timer interrupt termination process. In this timer interrupt termination process, the values ​​of each register that were temporarily saved in step S2001 are set back to their original values. After that, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in Figure 28.

[0564] On the other hand, in step S211, specific variables and a stack pointer necessary to return to the state at the time of power loss are saved as recovery data in a predetermined area of ​​RAM308, power loss processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed, and then the system returns to the main processing of the main control unit shown in Figure 28.

[0565] <Processing of the first sub-control unit> Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 30. Figure 30(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 30(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 30(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0566] First, the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 30(a).

[0567] When the power is turned on, the initialization process is first executed in step S301. This initialization process includes initial settings for input / output ports and initialization of the memory area in RAM 408. During this process, an area for storing internal winning information, which represents the result of an internal win, and an area for storing RT update information, which represents the game state, are each created in RAM 408.

[0568] In step S302, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S3003. In step S303, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S304, command processing, which is the processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

[0569] In step S305, performance control processing is performed. Here, preparations for the performance are carried out according to the performance reservation information located in the performance reservation area provided in RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, reading performance data from ROM 406 and, if the performance data needs to be updated, performing performance data update processing.

[0570] In step S306, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to the sound source IC 418 in the performance data read in step S305, this command is output to the sound source IC 418. In step S307, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to various lamps 420 in the performance data read in step S305, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

[0571] In step S308, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S3005. For example, if there is a command for the shutter 163 in the performance data read in step S305, this command is output to the drive circuit 424. In step S309, information output processing is performed to set up the transmission of a command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to send to the second sub-control unit 500 in the performance data read in step S305, the settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S302.

[0572] Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 30(b). This command reception interrupt processing is performed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S401 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command memory area provided in RAM 408.

[0573] Next, using Figure 30(c), the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, which is executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, will be explained. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interval (once every 2ms in this embodiment), and triggers the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined interval based on this timer interrupt.

[0574] In step S501, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 408, as explained in step S302 of the main processing of the first sub-control unit shown in Figure 30(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S302, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20ms (2ms × 10). In step S502, commands are sent to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S309, and processing is performed to update the random value for the performance.

[0575] <Processing of the second sub-control unit> Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 31. Figure 31(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 31(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 31(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 31(d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

[0576] First, in step S601 of Figure 31(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the initialization process is executed in step S601. This initialization process includes initial settings for input / output ports, initialization of the memory area in RAM 508, and initialization of the memory area in VRAM 536.

[0577] In step S602, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S4003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S604, command processing is performed. In command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether or not it has received a command from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0578] Step S605 performs performance control processing. Specifically, if there was a new command in step S604, the process corresponding to this command is performed. For example, the process of reading performance data for image control related to the background image from ROM 506 is executed. In addition, the process of reading other performance data from ROM 506 is performed, and if the performance data needs to be updated, the performance data update process is performed.

[0579] In step S606, image control processing (details described later) is performed based on the processing result of step S605. For example, if there is an image control command in the performance data read in step S605, the corresponding image control is performed. For example, image control related to the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. Once this image control processing is completed, the process returns to step S602.

[0580] Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 31(b). This command reception interrupt processing is executed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400.

[0581] In step S701 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in RAM 508.

[0582] Next, using Figure 31(c), the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, which is executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, will be explained. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined interval (once every 2ms in this embodiment), and triggers the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined interval based on this timer interrupt.

[0583] In step S801, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 508, as explained in step S602 of the second sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 31(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S602, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20ms (2ms × 10). In step S802, processing such as updating the random value for the performance is performed.

[0584] Next, using Figure 31(d), the image control process in step S606 of the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the image control process.

[0585] In step S901, an instruction is given to transfer image data. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the drawing area designations of display area A and display area B of the VRAM 536. As a result, one frame of image stored in the display area not designated as a drawing area is displayed on the animation image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (source address of ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (destination address of VRAM 536), etc., in the attribute register of the VDP 534 based on the position information table, and then sets an instruction to start the transfer of image data from ROM 506 to VRAM 536. The VDP 534 transfers the image data from ROM 506 to VRAM 536 based on the instruction set in the attribute register. After that, the VDP 534 outputs a transfer completion interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

[0586] In step S902, it is determined whether or not a transfer completion interrupt signal has been received from VDP534. If a transfer completion interrupt signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S903; otherwise, the process waits for a transfer completion interrupt signal to be received.

[0587] In step S903, parameter settings are performed based on the production scenario configuration table and attribute data. Here, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to provide information about the image data that constitutes the display image (coordinate axes of VRAM 536, image size, VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in display area A or B of VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to VRAM 536 in step S901. The VDP 534 then performs parameter settings according to the attributes based on the instructions stored in the attribute register.

[0588] In step S904, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, CPU504 instructs VDP534 to start drawing the image. VDP534 starts drawing the image in the frame buffer according to the instruction from CPU504.

[0589] In step S905, it is determined whether or not a generation completion interrupt signal has been input from VDP534 based on the completion of image drawing. If a generation completion interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S906; otherwise, the process waits for a generation completion interrupt signal to be input.

[0590] In step S906, the scene display counter, which is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated, is incremented (+1) and the process ends.

[0591] <Internal winning combination lottery value> Figure 32(a) shows an example of the internal winning combination values ​​for slot machine 100.

[0592] The probability of winning an internally selected role is calculated by dividing the numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each internally selected role by the numerical data within the range of random values ​​obtained during the internal lottery (in this embodiment, 65536). The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each numerical range is associated with its respective internally selected role or losing role.

[0593] In the internal prize draw process, the random number obtained as a result of the internal draw is determined to determine whether it corresponds to the value of the draw data corresponding to one of the internal winning roles. In practice, this draw data is provided in settings 1 to 6, each with a different probability of winning at least one internal winning role, and the staff of the amusement parlor can arbitrarily select and set any of these settings.

[0594] Regarding the settings, the probability of winning an internally winning combination is set to be the same for each setting, while the probability of winning an AT (ease of transitioning to AT) may be different for settings 1 to 6. For example, in setting 1, the probability of an AT being drawn when a certain internally winning combination is determined may be set to probability A, while in setting 6, the probability of an AT being drawn when a certain internally winning combination is determined may be set to probability B, which is higher than probability A.

[0595] In the example shown in Figure 32(a), the range of the lottery data (lottery value) is indicated by letters. Replay 4 to Replay 7 are all shown with (g), which means that the lottery value is the same. For example, (g) = 3000 / 65535. Single-coin win 1 to Single-coin win 8 are all shown with (m), which also means that the lottery value is the same. Bell CLR1 to Bell RCL3 are all shown with (n), which also means that the lottery value is the same.

[0596] The relationship between the lottery values ​​indicated by letters is (a)+(b)+(c)+(d)<(e)+(f)+(g)+(h)+(i)+(j)+(k)+(l)+(m)+(n). Note that the watermelon and cherry symbols are rare symbols with small lottery values.

[0597] <Push order combination> Figure 32(b) is a table showing the display patterns and payout amounts for each operation of the common bell and push-order winning combinations among the internal winning combinations.

[0598] A "press-order combination" refers to an internal winning combination where the winning combination (the display pattern on reels 110 to 112) differs depending on the content of the stopping operation (in this embodiment, the order of operations from the first stopping operation to the third stopping operation).

[0599] In this embodiment, (1) the stop operation for left-center-right (stopping operation where the first stop reel is the left reel 110, the second stop reel is the middle reel 111, and the third stop reel is the right reel 112) is an LCR operation, (2) the stop operation for left-right-center (stopping operation where the first stop reel is the left reel 110, the second stop reel is the right reel 112, and the third stop reel is the middle reel 111) is an LRC operation, (3) the stop operation for center-left-right (stopping operation where the first stop reel is the middle reel 111, the second stop reel is the left reel 110, and the third stop reel is the right reel 112) is a CLR operation, and (4) the stop operation for center-right-left (stopping operation where the first stop reel is the middle reel 111, the second stop reel is the right reel 112, and the third stop reel The stopping operation of (5) Right-Left-Middle (stopping operation where the first stop reel is the right reel 112, the second stop reel is the left reel 110, and the third stop reel is the middle reel 111) may be referred to as the CRL operation, the stopping operation of (6) Right-Middle-Left (stopping operation where the first stop reel is the right reel 112, the second stop reel is the middle reel 111, and the third stop reel is the left reel 110) may be referred to as the RLC operation.

[0600] For example, if the order of the bells_CLR1~3 is internally selected in the internal lottery for winning combinations, then (1) if an LCR operation or LRC operation is performed, it will result in a miss or a 1-coin win, and 0 or 1 medal will be paid out; (2) if a CLR operation is performed, it will result in a bell win, and 9 medals will be paid out; (3) if a CRL operation is performed, it will result in a 1-coin win, and 1 medal will be paid out; and (4) if an RLC operation or RCL operation is performed, it will result in a miss or a 1-coin win, and 0 or 1 medal will be paid out.

[0601] In other words, the push-order bells_CLR1~3 result in a bell win when the CLR operation is performed, and the maximum number of medals are paid out. Hereafter, when an internal win occurs in the push-order role and the maximum number of medals are paid out, the operation sequence will be referred to as the "correct operation". In this embodiment, the correct operation means that the operation sequence from the first stop operation to the third stop operation is correct.

[0602] Similarly, for push-order bells_CRL1~3, the correct operation is CRL, and if CRL is performed, the bell is hit and 9 medals are paid out. Also, for push-order bells_RLC1~3, the correct operation is RLC, and if RLC is performed, the bell is hit and 9 medals are paid out. For push-order bells_RCL1~3, the correct operation is RCL, and if RCL is performed, the bell is hit and 9 medals are paid out.

[0603] On the other hand, for example, if a common bell is internally selected in the internal lottery for winning combinations, regardless of the operation performed, the bell is awarded and 9 medals are dispensed. Hereafter, the above-mentioned push-order bells_CLR1~3, push-order bells_CRL1~3, push-order bells_RLC1~3, and push-order bells_RCL1~3 will be collectively referred to as "push-order bells." Of these "push-order bells," push-order bells_CLR1~3 and push-order bells_CRL1~3 may be called "center first bells" for the sake of explanation, and push-order bells_RLC1~3 and push-order bells_RCL1~3 may be called "right first bells." Furthermore, although the number of medals dispensed for common bells is set to 9, the same as for push-order bells, it is not limited to this, and may be less than the number of medals dispensed for push-order bells. By reducing the number of common bells, it is possible to suppress the medal payout in the normal state.

[0604] In this embodiment, there are no push-order bells where LCR operation or LRC operation (forward pressing or forward pressing) is the correct answer, but there are push-order bells where CLR operation or CRL operation (middle pressing) and RLC operation or RCL operation (reverse pressing or reverse pressing) are the correct answers. In other words, this is a specification called a biased bell. By using a biased bell, it is possible to lower the payout in the normal state (non-AT state) and increase the payout in the AT state. A biased bell is a specification in which a push order other than stopping the left reel first is more advantageous for the game than stopping the left reel first (for example, a larger payout or a higher probability of winning).

[0605] The display patterns and payout amounts for each operation when the internal winning combination (condition device) is 1-coin combination 1-8 and replay 1-7 are as shown in Figure 32(b). In Figure 32(b), "S Blue 7 / BAR" means that either the "Blue Seven 1 symbol" aligns on a single (1 line) winning line or the "BAR symbol" aligns. "Fake" means that even if the target symbol is announced and the player attempts to stop the reels, the announced symbol does not align. "Replay (Peach 7 / W Blue 7 Fake)" means that the player is instructed to aim for the Peach Seven symbol or the Blue Seven symbol on a double (2 lines) winning line, but even if the player attempts to stop the reels, the replay symbol aligns.

[0606] <Winning Role Data> Next, we will explain the winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

[0607] Figure 33 shows the winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

[0608] The winning combination information on the left side of Figure 33 is the same as the winning combination information shown in Figure 32(a). There are four patterns (CLR, CRL, RLC, RCL) for the bell (press-order bell), which is a combination that requires pressing the buttons in a specific order. Furthermore, there are three combinations (1-3) for each pattern.

[0609] In other words, there are three possible outcomes for each button press sequence. While the player's reward is the same for each sequence, having three of each sequence allows for greater variety in the resulting outcomes. For example, if there were only one outcome for each button press sequence, the game would become monotonous, with only specific outcomes displayed for a particular sequence. By providing multiple outcomes for each sequence, the resulting outcomes can vary even with the same sequence, preventing monotony.

[0610] Each winning combination is assigned a sequential number of natural numbers, such as "00" to "34" (winning combination number), which corresponds one-to-one with the winning combination.

[0611] In previous explanations, the transition from a non-advantageous period to an advantageous period occurred when a winning combination other than a losing combination was achieved. In other words, the transition to an advantageous period occurs when an internal win of a combination of "01" or higher, which is associated with Replay 3, is achieved.

[0612] In gaming machines equipped with a favorable period, further ingenuity is required in the process of transitioning to the favorable period. In this example, the game transitions to the favorable period when an internal win occurs with a winning combination of "04" or higher, which is associated with Replay 1. Winning combination numbers of "04" or higher, i.e., winning combination numbers belonging to the range of "04" to "34", are the favorable period numbers. On the other hand, winning combination numbers less than "04", i.e., winning combination numbers belonging to the range of "01" to "03", are the non-favorable period numbers. By defining winning combination numbers separately for combinations that allow transition to the favorable period and those that do not, the process of transitioning to the favorable period, which will be described later, can be implemented with a simpler process.

[0613] The winning combination data shown in Figure 33 includes not only the winning combination information on the left, but also information on minor combination groups and rare combination groups.

[0614] The information on the minor role groups includes all the sequential bell roles and the single-coin roles 7 and 8. Minor roles not included in these sequential role groups are assigned sequential numbers (natural numbers) to each role.

[0615] In other words, each small win is assigned a small win number from "01" to "21" that corresponds one-to-one with the small win. Therefore, small wins can be identified by their small win numbers. On the other hand, in the case of push-order win groups, the entire group is assigned a group number ("00"), and individual bell wins and single-coin wins are not assigned numbers.

[0616] Therefore, while the group number can identify the type of button sequence, it cannot distinguish between minor roles (button sequence bell_CLR, button sequence bell_CRL, button sequence bell_RLC, button sequence bell_RCL, single-coin role 7, single-coin role 8), nor can it identify the stopping operation pattern (button sequence). In other words, the group number can tell you whether or not it is a button sequence, but it cannot tell you which is the correct operation (the operation pattern that may be most advantageous to the player). Furthermore, even if it can be identified as a button sequence, it cannot identify which type of button sequence it is (e.g., bell_CLR1, bell_CRL1, etc.).

[0617] In AT mode, when the main control unit 300 sends an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400, it includes winning role information (winning role number) in the transmission, and the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 uses this winning role information (winning role number) to perform a lottery related to AT effects and other effects. Alternati...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine equipped with a first circuit board, The first substrate has a first connector, The first substrate has a second connector, The first substrate has a first wiring pattern, The first substrate has a second wiring pattern, The first connector is a connector that is electrically connected to a certain player operating means, The aforementioned first connector has a first terminal that is assigned as a ground terminal. The aforementioned first connector has a second terminal that is assigned as a power terminal. The aforementioned first connector has a third terminal assigned as a signal terminal. The aforementioned second connector has a fourth terminal that is assigned as a power terminal. The second terminal and the fourth terminal are connected via the first wiring pattern. The third terminal is connected to the second wiring pattern. The first terminal is eccentrically positioned on one side of the first connector. The second terminal is eccentrically positioned on one side of the first connector. The third terminal is assigned to the other side of the first connector. The fourth terminal is assigned to the side of the second connector where the second terminal is located, The second wiring pattern is a signal wiring pattern relating to a certain player operation means, The first wiring pattern is connected to the second terminal on one side of the first substrate. The second wiring pattern is connected to the third terminal on the other side, which is opposite to the first side, across the substrate of the first substrate. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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