Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that makes it difficult for players to know the results of the internal lottery. [Solution] When the 15-coin smash order bell A2 is won, if the smash order is correct, the correct small win, small win 1, is awarded. If the smash order is incorrect and the first reel to be stopped is different from the correct smash order, the stopping control is performed so that there are cases where the incorrect small win, small win 12, is awarded, and cases where neither win is awarded. When the 8-coin smash order bell A1 is won, if the smash order is correct, the correct small win, small win 2, is awarded. If the smash order is incorrect and the first reel to be stopped is different from the correct smash order, the stopping control is performed so that there are cases where the incorrect small win, small win 9, is awarded, and cases where neither win is awarded. In the case of the 15-coin smash order bell A2 and the 8-coin smash order bell A1, if neither win is awarded, the stopping control is performed so that the same combination of symbols is displayed on the active line regardless of the type of incorrect small win.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

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

Background Art

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

[0003] In recent years, by executing a winning assistance effect for assisting the winning of a correct small winning combination under predetermined conditions, the winning probability of the correct small winning combination is varied, and an assist time game that makes it easier to obtain gaming media such as medals in an AT state where the winning assistance effect can be executed has received favorable reviews.

[0004] In this type of gaming machine, a plurality of types of specific winning modes are provided, and a correct winning order corresponding to the type of each specific winning mode is set. In the correct winning order, the correct small winning combination wins, and in an incorrect winning order different from the correct winning order, stop control is performed so that the winning of the correct small winning combination is avoided and an incorrect small winning combination can win (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] In gaming machines like the one shown in Patent Document 1, if the result of the internal lottery can be determined by the way the reels stop when a specific winning pattern is achieved, it becomes possible to increase the probability of winning the correct small prize, thus creating a cheating element. Therefore, it is desirable to make it difficult for players to know the result of the internal lottery.

[0007] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that makes it difficult for players to grasp the results of the internal lottery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising: a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer surface; an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a plurality of types of roles, including minor roles, are won or lost; and a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and controlling the rotation of the reels to stop them when a stop operation is performed, wherein the minor roles are set to be a first correct minor role, a second correct minor role, and a plurality of types of incorrect minor roles, and the winning modes of the minor roles are provided to be a first winning mode in which the first correct minor role is won in conjunction with the incorrect minor role, and a second winning mode in which the second correct minor role is won in conjunction with the incorrect minor role, and different incorrect minor roles are won in the first winning mode and the second winning mode, and a correct operation mode is set in advance for the first winning mode, and a correct operation mode is set in advance for the second winning mode, and an operation mode different from the correct operation mode is The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which, as an incorrect operation mode, the reel control means controls the reels to stop such that, when the first winning mode is obtained through internal lottery, the first correct small win is awarded in the correct operation mode, and in the incorrect operation mode, where the reel to be stopped first is different from the correct operation mode, there are cases where the incorrect small win is awarded and cases where no wins are awarded. The present invention also relates to a gaming machine in which, as an incorrect operation mode, the reel control means controls the reels to stop such that, when the first winning mode is obtained through internal lottery, the second correct small win is awarded in the correct operation mode, and in the incorrect operation mode, where the reel to be stopped first is different from the correct operation mode, there are cases where the incorrect small win is awarded and cases where no wins are awarded. In both cases where the first winning mode and the second winning mode are obtained through internal lottery, if no wins are awarded, the reels control the reels to stop such that the same combination of symbols is displayed on the active line regardless of the type of incorrect small win.

[0009] In this invention, multiple types of incorrect winning combinations are provided that do not use the symbols of either the first correct winning combination or the second correct winning combination. Different incorrect winning combinations are awarded in the first winning mode and the second winning mode. In the incorrect operation mode, where the correct operation mode and the first reel to be stopped are different, there are cases where an incorrect winning combination is awarded and cases where no combination is awarded. In the case where no combination is awarded, the stopping control is performed so that the same combination of symbols is displayed on the active line regardless of the type of incorrect winning combination. As a result, in this invention, the combination of symbols that can be displayed when no combination is awarded in the incorrect operation mode, where the correct operation mode and the first reel to be stopped are different in the first winning mode and the second winning mode, is made common, making it difficult for the player to grasp the result of the internal lottery. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the schematic electrical configuration of a gaming machine and dedicated unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the internal lottery table in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the winning mechanism for a replay in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the order of pressing the stop button and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the order of pressing the stop button and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the order of pressing the stop button and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the order of pressing the stop button and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a transition diagram of the game state in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] It is a transition diagram of the effect state in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is a transition diagram of the game section in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] It is a diagram for explaining the correct small winning combination and incorrect small winning combination in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24]This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 8-shot bell A1 is won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 8-shot bell A1 is won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 8-shot bell A1 is won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 8-shot bell A1 is won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 8-shot bell A1 is won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 15-shot bell A1 is won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 15-shot bell A1 is won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 15-shot bell A1 is won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 8-shot bell C1 and the 15-shot bell C1 are won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is a diagram for explaining the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 8-shot bell A3, the 8-shot bell C3, the 15-shot bell A3, and the 15-shot bell C3 are won, as well as the stop control of an incorrect first stop operation sequence when the 8-shot bell A1 and the 15-shot bell A2 are won in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This is a diagram for explaining the production image of a specific suggestion production in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35]This figure illustrates the image of a specific suggestive effect in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] This figure illustrates the stop control of the recommended batting order when a chance replay 1 is won in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] This figure illustrates the stop control of the recommended batting order when a chance replay 1 is won in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] This figure illustrates the stop control of the recommended batting order when a chance replay 1 is won in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] This figure illustrates the stop control of the recommended batting order when a chance replay 1 is won in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] This figure illustrates the stop control of the recommended batting order when a chance replay 1 is won in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] This figure illustrates the stop control of the recommended batting order when a chance replay 1 is won in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] This is a perspective view showing the back side of the front door in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] This is a front view showing a schematic representation of the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] Figure 45 shows a cross-sectional view along the YY line. [Figure 47] This figure illustrates a predetermined area in the main circuit board case of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] This is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of the main part illustrating the reel relay board unit in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] This is a diagram illustrating a predetermined space in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] This figure illustrates a predetermined area in the reel relay board case of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] This figure illustrates the cooling fan installation section of the sub-board case in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] This is a schematic rear view of a storage box for a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53] This is a schematic rear view showing the storage box of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with the back panel removed. [Figure 54] This is a schematic rear view of a storage box for a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] This is a schematic perspective view of a sub-board unit of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 56] This is a schematic front view showing a sub-board unit of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 57] This is a front view of a sub-board in a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a partially enlarged (schematic) view illustrating the development connector arrangement area of ​​the sub-board. [Figure 58] This is a perspective view of the case cover of a sub-board case in a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a partially enlarged view (schematic diagram) illustrating the protruding portion of the case cover. [Figure 59] This shows a sub-board case for a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, where (A) is a perspective view of the board case and is a partially enlarged (schematic) view illustrating the protruding part of the case cover, and (B) is a front view of the sub-board and is a partially enlarged (schematic) view illustrating the protruding part of the case cover. [Figure 60] This is a side view of a sub-board case in a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic diagram illustrating the protruding portion of the case lid. [Figure 61] This is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 62] This is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of the main part illustrating the centralized terminal board unit in a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 63] This is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit and the through-hole. [Figure 64] This is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to a modified fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit and the through-hole. [Figure 65] This figure illustrates a sub-circuit board unit in a gaming machine that is a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 66] This figure illustrates a predetermined area in the main circuit board case of a gaming machine according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 67] This is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of a key part illustrating a reel relay board unit in a gaming machine that is a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68] This is a schematic rear view showing a storage box for a gaming machine, which is a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 69] This diagram illustrates the positional relationship between the fixing points of the top plate and back plate with wood screws and the mounting holes of the top plate in a modified embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all configurations described in these embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0012] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Composition Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The gaming machine of this embodiment is called a smart pachislo, and it is a type of gaming machine that maintains the gameplay of a slot machine while using electronic tokens, which are electronic game tokens with electronic value, as the game medium instead of physical tokens.

[0014] The gaming machine of this embodiment houses a reel unit 310 consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) within a box-shaped casing consisting of a storage box BX (an example of the gaming machine body), an upper front door UD (an example of the front door), and a lower front door (an example of the front door) DD. Below the reel unit 310 inside the casing is a power supply unit which incorporates a power supply device and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch, a setting change key cylinder, and a setting change button. The casing of the gaming machine of this embodiment also houses a control board which controls the operation of the gaming machine and is equipped with a CPU (an example of the calculation means), ROM (an example of the information storage medium), RAM (an example of the temporary storage means), etc. In this embodiment, the control board includes a main board 10 that controls the progress of the game, a sub-board 20 that receives signals transmitted from the main board 10 and performs control to execute game effects in accordance with the progress of the game, and a medal count control board 30 that controls the number of electronic medals (number of game medals) that are electronically held in the game machine and can be used for playing the game. In the following, the total number of electronic medals that are electronically held in the game machine and can be used for playing the game will be referred to as the "number of game medals," and the storage unit that holds the electronic medals will be referred to as the "medal holding unit."

[0015] The first to third reels R1 to R3 shown in Figure 1 are each divided into 20 regions (each region referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals on their outer surface, and one of several types of patterns is arranged in each frame. The first to third reels R1 to R3 are pivotally supported by a stepping motor (reel driving means: not shown) and are rotationally driven around the axis of the stepping motor. By controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the stepping motor's drive pulses, they are designed to be stopped in frame units (units of predetermined rotation angle and predetermined rotation amount). In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stepping motor rotates the first to third reels R1 to R3 in response to drive pulses supplied from the control board, and when a drive pulse for full-phase excitation is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor stops, and the first to third reels R1 to R3 stop as a result.

[0016] The upper front door UD and lower front door DD, which can be opened and closed to close the front of the storage box BX (an example of the front), are individually designed to be opened and closed. The upper front door UD is provided with a display window DW that allows observation of the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. When the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW.

[0017] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and the active line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the number of electronic tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens, is set to 3 (first number of tokens) or 2 (second number of tokens). When electronic tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens are inserted (bet), the active line L1, which consists of the lower part of the first reel R1, the middle part of the second reel R2, and the upper part of the third reel R3, is activated. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the prescribed number of tokens differs depending on the game state. In the normal state and the BB (Big Bonus) state, the prescribed number of tokens is set to 3, and in the BB state, the prescribed number of tokens is set to 2, and the active line L1 is activated based on the insertion of 2 or 3 tokens.

[0018] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active lines in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active lines corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the winning combination is considered achieved and electronic tokens are dispensed.

[0019] Furthermore, the upper front door UD is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) (an example of an image display device) and a frame lamp AL for displaying game effects. The liquid crystal display (LCD) displays various videos (or images) to assist or enhance the gameplay, and the frame lamp AL performs lighting and flashing actions to enhance the gameplay.

[0020] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, multiple speakers SP are provided on the lower front door DD for providing game-related effects. These speakers SP output various sounds to assist or enhance the gaming experience.

[0021] Furthermore, a game token count display device 70 (an example of a display device) is provided on the lower front door DD. The game token count display device 70 displays the total number of electronic tokens held in the token holder, i.e., the number of game tokens (an example of the number of game tokens). However, the number of game tokens does not include the electronic tokens that have been bet. Therefore, the game token count display device 70 displays the number obtained by subtracting the number of electronic tokens that were bet from the number of electronic tokens that the player has acquired. The number of game tokens is displayed on a 5-digit or 6-digit 7-segment display or the like, positioned in a location visible to the player, and is shown in a numerical range of 0 to 16382.

[0022] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a bet button (an example of an insertion operation means, a game operation means) B0 for inserting (betting) electronic medals held in the medal holder; a start lever SL (an example of a game start operation means, a game operation means) for initiating the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3; stop buttons B1 to B3 (an example of a stop operation means, a game operation means) for initiating the operation to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotated by a stepping motor; and a settlement button B4 (a predetermined operation means, a settlement operation means, a game operation means) for returning (settling) all inserted (betted) electronic medals to the medal holder.

[0023] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is provided with a counting button B8 (an example of a counting operation means, a game operation means) for performing an operation (counting operation) to transfer some or all of the electronic medals held in the medal holder to a dedicated unit 50 (an example of a specific unit) described later.

[0024] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is equipped with a game information display unit DS. The game information display unit DS consists of LEDs, lamps, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of electronic tokens dispensed or acquired in a single game (the difference between the number of electronic tokens dispensed and the number inserted), and the total number of electronic tokens dispensed or acquired during bonus games.

[0025] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the player presses the bet button B0 in a state where the game can be started, a predetermined number of electronic tokens are inserted (bet), and the machine is set to a ready state in which the rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started, and the operation of pressing the start lever is permitted (activated). When the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using random values, and if the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, the operation of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (activated).

[0026] Subsequently, when the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are activated, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the off state to the on state.

[0027] Furthermore, when the player releases stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0028] The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stopping position corresponding to the result of an internal lottery, based on the change in the reel stop signal state from the off state to the on state, which changes in response to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0029] When medals are dispensed according to the game's outcome, the electronic medals are dispensed (stored) in the medal holder, and the display of the number of game medals on the game medal count display device 70 is updated.

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic electrical configuration of the gaming machine and dedicated unit 50 of this embodiment, and Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0031] The gaming machine in this embodiment is electrically connected to an external device, a dedicated unit 50, via a gaming ball dispensing device connection terminal board 40. The dedicated unit 50 is equipped with a dedicated unit control board 60 that transmits and receives electronic tokens to and from the gaming machine.

[0032] Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main board 10 (an example of a main control unit and a first control unit), a sub-board 20 (an example of a sub-control unit), and a medal count control board 30 (an example of a game value count control unit and a second control unit). The main board 10 receives input signals from input means such as a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a settlement switch 250, a setting change switch 260, and a setting change permission switch 265, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a reel unit 310 based on the calculation results. The sub-board 20 receives signals sent from the main board 10, performs various calculations to execute effects according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a display device 330 and a sound device 340 based on the calculation results. The medal count control board 30 receives input signals from input means such as a counting button switch 255, performs various calculations to manage the number of game medals, and controls the operation of output means such as a game medal count display device 70 based on the calculation results. Furthermore, the functions of each board, such as the main board 10, sub-board 20, and medal count control board 30, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of given programs pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0033] The main board 10 is equipped with a main CPU 10a, a main ROM 10b, a main RAM 10c, etc., and the main CPU 10a executes various programs stored in the main ROM 10b, thereby functioning as an input reception means 105 (reception control means, input processing means, settlement processing means), a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a prize determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state control means 170, a performance state control means 180 (auxiliary game control means), a communication control means 190, etc.

[0034] The coin insertion receiving means 105 accepts the insertion of electronic tokens for each game and, based on the insertion of a predetermined number of electronic tokens (2 or 3 tokens), performs control to activate the game start operation on the start lever SL (game start operation means). In this embodiment of the game machine, the first press of the start lever SL, which has been activated based on the insertion of a predetermined number of electronic tokens, is accepted as the game start operation, triggering the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and also triggering the execution of an internal lottery.

[0035] Furthermore, when the bet button B0 is operated while the input receiving means 105 is in a state of accepting the input of electronic medals, the bet switch 220 is activated, and an input process (betting process) is performed to set the electronic medals held in the medal holder to the input state (betting state), up to a predetermined number of inputs.

[0036] Furthermore, when the input receiving means 105 is in a state where it is accepting the insertion of electronic medals, and the settlement button B4 is operated, the settlement switch 250 is activated, and a settlement process is performed in which all electronic medals set to the inserted state are returned to the medal holding unit.

[0037] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the coin insertion receiving means 105 controls the number of coins to be inserted to 2 when the game state transitions to the BB state, to 3 when the game state returns from the BB state to the normal state, and to 3 when the game state transitions from the normal state to the BB established state.

[0038] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for drawing lots. Random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle within a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, "random numbers" include not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0039] The internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether multiple types of roles, such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, are achieved based on a start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first press operation on the activated start lever SL). If a win is achieved in the internal lottery, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning role is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In this embodiment, the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage area of ​​the main RAM 10c.

[0040] In the internal lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the internal lottery table stored in the main ROM 10b, and the success or failure of a winning combination is determined according to the comparison result. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, three types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3) are provided as shown in Figure 4. In each internal lottery table, various winning combinations such as replays, minor wins, and bonuses, as well as misses (failures), are associated with each of the multiple random number values ​​(for example, 65,536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535).

[0041] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are 30 types of small wins, and as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the winning patterns for the small wins are as follows: 8-coin sequence bell group A (8-coin sequence bell A1 to 8-coin sequence bell A4), 8-coin sequence bell group B (8-coin sequence bell B1 to 8-coin sequence bell B4), 8-coin sequence bell group C (8-coin sequence bell C1 to 8-coin sequence bell C4), 8-coin sequence bell group D (8-coin sequence bell D1 to 8-coin sequence bell D4), and 15-coin sequence bell group A (15-coin sequence The following symbols are set: Bell A1 (15-coin bells in order A4), Bell B group (15-coin bells in order B1 (15-coin bells in order B4)), Bell C group (15-coin bells in order C1 (15-coin bells in order C4)), Bell D group (15-coin bells in order D1 (15-coin bells in order D4)), Weak Cherry, Strong Cherry, Common 3-coin payout, Ordered 3-coin payout, Common 1-coin payout, Ordered 1-coin payout group (Ordered 1-coin payout A1 (1-coin payout A4)), and JAC1 (1-1JAC2). In the following explanation, the 16 types of winning patterns of the 8-coin batting order bell group A, 8-coin batting order bell group B, 8-coin batting order bell group C, and 8-coin batting order bell group D will be collectively referred to as the 8-coin batting order bell; the 16 types of winning patterns of the 15-coin batting order bell group A, 15-coin batting order bell group B, 15-coin batting order bell group C, and 15-coin batting order bell group D will be collectively referred to as the 15-coin batting order bell; and the 4 types of winning patterns of the 1-coin batting order winning pattern group will be collectively referred to as the 1-coin batting order winning pattern.

[0042] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays 1 to 23 are provided, and as shown in Figure 8, the winning patterns for replays are set to normal replays 1 to 2, middle cherry replay, chance replay 1 (an example of a predetermined winning pattern), chance replay 2, and watermelon replay.

[0043] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability and manner of winning minor roles are the same in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, the probability of winning a replay is higher in internal lottery table 2 than in internal lottery table 1, replays are not included in the lottery in internal lottery table 3, and the manner of winning minor roles in internal lottery table 3 is different from that of internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, and the probability of winning minor roles is higher in internal lottery table 3 than in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0044] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a Big Bonus (BB) is provided as a bonus, and the Big Bonus (BB) is subject to drawing in the internal drawing table 1. In the internal drawing table 1, the drawing method is set so that the Big Bonus (BB) can be won in combination with the common 3-coin combination, the order 3-coin combination, the common 1-coin combination, and the order 1-coin combinations A1 to A4, as well as being won on its own.

[0045] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a BB (Big Bonus) established state, and a BB state, and the internal lottery means 120 selects one of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 as the internal lottery table to be used for internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0046] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are two types of lottery flags: one that allows the winning state to be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flag), and another that resets to a non-winning state regardless of whether a win is achieved, without carrying over the winning state to subsequent games (carry-over non-flag). The former carry-over flag is associated with the Big Bonus (BB), while the latter carry-over non-flag is associated with the Small Win and Replay. In the internal lottery process, for example, if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the internal lottery, the winning state of the Big Bonus (BB) lottery flag is carried over until a Big Bonus (BB) is achieved. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine the win or loss of Small Wins and Replays, even in games where the winning state of the Big Bonus (BB) lottery flag has been carried over. In other words, in the internal lottery process, when a game is played in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag associated with the carryover flag is carried over, if a small win or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of wins, consisting of the bonus lottery flag that has already been won and the small win or replay lottery flag that was won in the internal lottery, are set to a winning state.

[0047] The reel control means 130, based on a start signal from the start switch 230 which is activated by the start lever SL when the game is started, starts the rotational drive of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 with a stepping motor, and controls the operation to enable the stop operation by pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotational speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute), and also controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are being rotated by the stepping motor, to stop in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

[0048] The reel control means 130, when the stop operation for stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled and the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3, thereby activating the stop switch 240, disables the operation for the operated stop button and, based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, supplies a drive pulse of full-phase excitation to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310, thereby controlling the stopping of each reel from the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0049] In other words, each time one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is pressed, the reel control means 130 determines the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stopping position. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, pressing stop button B1 corresponds to the operation to stop the first reel R1, pressing stop button B2 corresponds to the operation to stop the second reel R2, and pressing stop button B3 corresponds to the operation to stop the third reel R3. In other words, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, if the pressing order of stop buttons B1 to B3 (the order of operations for stopping) changes, the stopping order of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 changes. In this embodiment, among the first reels R1 to the third reels R3, the stop operation corresponding to the first reel to stop is referred to as the first stop operation, the stop operation corresponding to the second reel to stop is referred to as the second stop operation, and the stop operation corresponding to the last reel to stop is referred to as the third stop operation. The stop of the reel corresponding to the first stop operation may be referred to as the first stop, the stop of the reel corresponding to the second stop operation as the second stop, and the stop of the reel corresponding to the third stop operation as the third stop. In this embodiment, the order of operations for stopping the first reel R1 (an example of a specific reel) first may be referred to as the recommended batting order (an example of a specific operation order), and the order of operations for stopping the second reel R2 (an example of a reel different from the specific reel) or the third reel R3 (an example of a reel different from the specific reel) first may be referred to as the irregular batting order (an example of a non-specific operation order).

[0050] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button stops within 190ms from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. When stopping the rotating reels within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each rotating reel is determined within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. The reel control means 130 controls the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button so that, on the outer surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, if the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames relative to the display position on the active line at the time the stop button is pressed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the active line. In this embodiment, the stopping position is determined so that the patterns located within a predetermined pull-in range are displayed on the active line L1.

[0051] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the following symbols are arranged on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 that constitute the reel unit 310: red 7 symbol A "red 7A", red 7 symbol B "red 7B", blue 7 symbol "blue 7", BAR symbol "BAR", replay symbol "RP", bell symbol "BL" (an example of a specific symbol), watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", cherry symbol "CH", and dummy symbol "DUM". When drawing symbols that are within 4 frames from the press detection position onto the active line, symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the outer circumferential surface of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch 240 is activated (when the press of the stop button is detected). In this embodiment, the press detection position is based on the display position of the upper row of each reel.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, the reel unit 310 is equipped with a reel index consisting of a photosensor, and the reel control means 130 can monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 315) based on the reference position signal detected by the reel index each time the reel rotates once. In other words, the reel control means 130 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position. In this embodiment, the pressed detection position (operation detection position) is obtained based on the upper display position of the reel to be stopped at the time the stop operation is performed.

[0053] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 performs a process (table reference process) to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the main ROM 10b.

[0054] In the stop control table, a correspondence is set between the pressed position, which is the position of the reels at the time the stop switch 240 is activated (when the stop button is detected to be pressed), and the number of sliding frames, which indicates the amount of rotation from the pressed position to the actual stop position, depending on the setting of the lottery flag. In addition, the stop control table may also set a correspondence between the pressed position and the actual stop position depending on the setting of the lottery flag.

[0055] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, priority is set for small wins, replays, and bonuses in the order of "replay > bonus" and "small win > bonus," and the stop control table is set so that a stop position including the symbols that constitute the winning pattern of the highest priority win is selected according to the priority assigned to each win.

[0056] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, the stopping position of the reels is determined in two ways: one is determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate the winning form of the small win (number priority control: an example of first control); the other is determined according to the number of electronic medals dispensed based on predetermined payouts for the small wins (dispensing number priority control: an example of second control). When the stopping position is determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate the winning form of the small win, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate the winning form of the small win is increased. When the stopping position is determined according to the number of electronic medals dispensed, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that the number of electronic medals dispensed based on the winning of the small win corresponding to the symbols that can be displayed at the display positions on the active line is increased.

[0057] In particular, in this embodiment, when any of the 8-spin sequence bells are won, a correct sequence of spins (an example of a correct operation) is set for each winning pattern according to the type of 8-spin sequence bell, and a pressing order different from the correct sequence of spins is treated as an incorrect sequence of spins (an example of an incorrect operation). When the stopping operation is performed according to the correct sequence of spins, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that the number of electronic medals paid out based on the winning combinations corresponding to the symbols that can be displayed on the active line is increased, and when the stopping operation is performed according to an incorrect sequence of spins, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that the number of symbol combinations indicating the winning combinations that can be displayed on the active line is increased.

[0058] Similarly, when any 15-coin bell combination is won, a correct sequence of presses (an example of the correct operation) is set for each winning combination according to the type of 15-coin bell combination. Pressing in a different sequence from the correct sequence is treated as an incorrect sequence of presses (an example of the incorrect operation). If the stopping operation is performed according to the correct sequence of presses, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that the number of electronic medals paid out based on the winning combinations corresponding to the symbols that can be displayed on the active line is increased. If the stopping operation is performed according to an incorrect sequence of presses, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that the number of symbol combinations indicating the winning combinations that can be displayed on the active line is increased.

[0059] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stop control table is set so that as many winning combinations as possible can be awarded when the lottery flag is set to a winning state, and the stop control table is set so that winning combinations when the lottery flag is set to a non-winning state cannot be awarded.

[0060] In this embodiment, a unique stop control number is provided according to the result of an internal lottery, and the reel control means 130 calls up a stop control table based on the stop control number to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel.

[0061] In this embodiment, a symbol number is pre-assigned to each position (frame) where the symbols are arranged (placed) on each reel, and as shown in Figure 9, the symbol numbers are assigned in the range of 0 to 19. The stop control table is set with table data (table data for 20 frames) that defines the number of sliding frames for each of the press detection positions from 0 to 19.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, minor roles may be classified and referred to collectively by their payout, such as, for example, minor roles with a payout of 1 coin (minor roles 1 to 71) being called 1-coin minor roles, minor roles with a payout of 3 coins (minor roles 72 to 73) being called 3-coin minor roles, minor roles with a payout of 8 coins (minor roles 74 to 75) being called 8-coin minor roles, and minor roles with a payout of 15 coins (minor roles 76 to 95) being called 15-coin minor roles.

[0063] In the stop control table, which is referenced when any of the 8-coin bell sequences are won in the internal lottery, as shown in Figure 10, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct sequence, an 8-coin small win (an example of a correct small win) is awarded. When stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the incorrect sequence, an incorrect sequence that stops the first reel R1 first (sequence 1 or sequence 2) awards a 1-coin small win (an example of an incorrect small win). In incorrect sequences that stop the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first (sequences 3 to 6), the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that there is a possibility of either a 1-coin small win or no win at all (missed).

[0064] In Figures 10 to 12, "single-coin win (1 / 4)" means that in a situation where only single-coin wins are possible, there is a 1 / 4 probability of winning a single-coin win, and a 3 / 4 probability of missing out on any win.

[0065] Furthermore, in the stop control table, which is referenced when any of the 15-coin bell sequences are won in the internal lottery, as shown in Figure 11, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct sequence, a 15-coin prize (an example of a correct prize) is awarded. When stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the incorrect sequence, if the incorrect sequence that stops the first reel R1 first (sequence 1 or sequence 2) awards a 1-coin prize (an example of an incorrect prize), and if the incorrect sequence that stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first (sequence 3 to sequence 6) awards a 1-coin prize, or if no prize is awarded (missed), the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that there are two possibilities.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, there are cases where the correct sequence of spins and the first reel to be stopped are the same, and the second stop operation results in an incorrect sequence of spins. With regard to the 8-coin and 15-coin bell sequences, in the case of an incorrect sequence where the correct sequence of spins and the first reel to be stopped are the same, and the second stop operation results in an incorrect sequence of spins, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a 1-coin small win is guaranteed.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a bell is won in each batting order, if the stop operation is performed in the correct batting order, the symbols that constitute the winning combination of 8-coin or 15-coin small wins are preferentially displayed on the active line by payout priority control, and if the stop operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, the symbols that constitute the winning combination of 1-coin small wins are preferentially displayed on the active line by quantity priority control, with the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position set in each stop control table.

[0068] In this embodiment, for the 8-coin bell group C, 8-coin bell group D, 15-coin bell group C, and 15-coin bell group D, the correct batting order is only valid when the Big Bonus (BB) state is active. In the normal state, if these bell sequences are won, even if the stop operation is performed according to the correct batting order, a single-coin win will be awarded. In other words, in the normal state, for the 8-coin bell group C, 8-coin bell group D, 15-coin bell group C, and 15-coin bell group D, even if the stop operation is performed in a manner that allows for the awarding of an 8-coin or 15-coin win while the BB state is active, the stop position is determined by quantity priority control to avoid awarding an 8-coin or 15-coin win. On the other hand, for the 8-coin bell group A, 8-coin bell group B, 15-coin bell group A, and 15-coin bell group A, the correct batting order is valid in both the normal state and the bonus state, and in any game state, the stopping position is determined by payout priority control so that the winning of an 8-coin or 15-coin small win is prioritized when the correct batting order is used.

[0069] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a weak cherry is won in the internal lottery, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a 3-coin small win is awarded, as shown in Figure 12. In the stop control table referenced when a strong cherry is won in the internal lottery, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a 3-coin small win is awarded. In the stop control table referenced when a common 3-coin win is won in the internal lottery, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a 3-coin small win is awarded.

[0070] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a 3-coin payout is won in the internal lottery, as shown in Figure 12, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a 3-coin payout is awarded when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the order in which the first reel R1 is stopped first (order 1 to order 2), and the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a 1-coin payout is awarded when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the order in which the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is stopped first (order 3 to order 6). In addition, in the stop control table referenced when a common 1-coin payout is won in the internal lottery, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a 1-coin payout is awarded.

[0071] Furthermore, in the stop control table, which is referenced when any single-coin payout is won in the internal lottery, as shown in Figure 12, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a single-coin payout is awarded when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the order in which the first reel R1 is stopped first (order 1 to order 2), and the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set so that a single-coin payout is awarded when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the order in which the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is stopped first (order 3 to order 6), and so that there are cases where a single-coin payout is awarded and cases where no payout is awarded (missed payout).

[0072] Furthermore, in the stop control table, which is referenced when JAC1 or JAC2 is won in the internal lottery, the number of sliding frames relative to the button press detection position is set so that a single-coin small win occurs.

[0073] Furthermore, regarding the winning patterns for various replays such as Normal Replay 1, Normal Replay 2, Middle Cherry Replay, Chance Replay 1, Chance Replay 2, and Watermelon Replay, as shown in Figure 13, the number of sliding frames relative to the press detection position is set in the stop control table so that one of the replays included in the winning pattern will always be awarded regardless of the stopping operation.

[0074] Furthermore, regarding the Big Bonus (BB), it can only be awarded if the Big Bonus (BB) is won alone in the normal state. When a BB is established, there are no misses, and a minor role or replay with a higher priority than the Big Bonus (BB) is always won in conjunction with it. Therefore, the number of sliding frames relative to the button press detection position is set in the stop control table to prevent the Big Bonus (BB) from being awarded.

[0075] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the main ROM 10b, it determines whether the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is a predetermined winning combination. The prize determination table is then prepared so that, as shown in Figures 14 to 19, it can determine whether a Big Bonus (BB), Replay 1 to Replay 23, and Small Win 1 to Small Win 30 have been achieved based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when each reel has stopped. The prize determination means 140 is not limited to performing prize determination processing based on the stopping pattern of each reel (information on the actual stopping position of each reel). For example, it may perform prize determination processing based on the stopping position of each reel determined by the reel control means 130 (the expected stopping position of each reel during the stopping operation), or it may perform prize determination processing based on the actual stopping position of a reel that has already stopped and the expected stopping position (planned stopping position) of the reel for the third stopping operation. In this example, prize determination processing can be performed before all reels have stopped (when the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the third stopping operation has been determined). Then, when a combination of symbols indicating a predetermined prize winning pattern for each winning combination is displayed on the active line, a win is achieved.

[0076] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, if a winning combination is achieved based on the result of the winning determination means 140, a winning process is executed. For example, if a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 150 performs the payout of electronic tokens; if a replay is achieved, the replay processing means 160 performs the replay processing; and if a bonus is achieved, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process to change the game state.

[0077] The payout control means 150 determines the number of electronic tokens to be paid out based on the predetermined payout for each winning combination when a minor win occurs, and dispenses the determined number of electronic tokens to the token holder.

[0078] In this embodiment, the payout limit for electronic tokens is set according to the prescribed number of tokens inserted, and when electronic tokens are paid out in conjunction with winning a minor role, control is implemented to prevent the payout of more electronic tokens than the payout limit from being exceeded in a single game. Specifically, if the prescribed number of tokens inserted is 3, the payout limit is set to 15, and if the prescribed number of tokens inserted is 2, the payout limit is set to 1. For example, if the prescribed number of tokens inserted is 2, even if an 8-coin minor role is won, the payout limit is set to 1, so the number of electronic tokens paid out in conjunction with the 8-coin minor role will be 1. In this embodiment, the payout for each minor role is set in relation to the prescribed number of tokens inserted, and with the exception of some minor roles, the payout when the prescribed number of tokens inserted is 3 is the same as the payout when the prescribed number of tokens inserted is 2. However, as shown in Figure 17, the payouts for minor roles 1 through 8 differ depending on whether the prescribed number of coins to be inserted is 3 or 2. When the prescribed number of coins to be inserted is 3, the payouts are 15 coins for minor role 1, 8 coins for minor role 2, and 3 coins for minor roles 3 through 8, whereas when the prescribed number of coins to be inserted is 2, the payouts for minor roles 1 through 8 are 1 coin.

[0079] The replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (re-play process) when a replay is awarded, which sets the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any electronic tokens they possess. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay is awarded, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of electronic tokens as in the previous game are automatically inserted without using any electronic tokens the player possesses, and the machine waits for the next game start operation by pressing the start lever SL with the same active lines as in the previous game set.

[0080] As shown in Figure 20, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process to transition the game state between the normal state, the BB (Big Bonus) established state, and the BB state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the game state storage area of ​​the main RAM 10c. The conditions for transitioning game states may be one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0081] The normal state is the initial state among several types of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the BB established state or the BB state. Specifically, if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the normal state but the Big Bonus (BB) is not awarded, the game transitions to the BB established state, and if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the normal state and the Big Bonus (BB) is awarded, the game transitions to the BB state. In the normal state, the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 1, one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to approximately 1 / 7.3 or higher and the Big Bonus (BB) is set as the target of the lottery.

[0082] The BB (Big Bonus) state is a game state that is entered when, in the normal state, a Big Bonus (BB) is selected in the internal lottery but is not awarded. In this state, an internal lottery is conducted referring to Internal Lottery Table 2, one of the Internal Lottery Tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, where the probability of winning a replay is higher than that of Internal Lottery Table 1, so no misses (failures) occur, and the Big Bonus (BB) is excluded from the lottery.

[0083] Furthermore, in the Big Bonus (BB) established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the Big Bonus (BB) is maintained in a winning state until a Big Bonus (BB) is awarded. When a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of the Big Bonus (BB) is displayed on an active line, the game state control means 170 transitions the game state from the BB established state to the BB state.

[0084] The BB state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating a Big Bonus (BB) win is displayed on an active line. Among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 3, which has a different method of drawing small wins than internal lottery tables 1 and 2. In this embodiment, when in the BB state, the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted is set to 2, and one small win is achieved in each game, so the payout rate, which is the expected value of the acquisition rate of electronic tokens (number of tokens paid out / number of tokens inserted) in the BB state, can be set to less than 100% (for example, 50%).

[0085] Furthermore, in the BB state, the game state control means 170 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of electronic tokens dispensed during gameplay in the BB state. If it is determined that more than a predetermined number of electronic tokens (for example, 100 tokens) have been dispensed, the game state control means 170 terminates the BB state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information regarding the number of tokens dispensed in the BB state is stored in the game state storage area.

[0086] As shown in Figure 21, the performance state control means 180 performs a performance state transition process to transition between the initial performance state, the normal performance state, and the AT state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current performance state is stored in the performance state storage area of ​​the main RAM 10c. The performance state transition conditions may consist of one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the performance state can be transitioned to another performance state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0087] In this embodiment, when in AT state, the performance control means 210 performs an assist performance to help in winning a prize, making it possible to play an assist time game (an example of an assist game, advantageous game, or bonus game) in which electronic medals can be acquired more easily than in normal gameplay when in the initial performance state or normal performance state. In this embodiment, the function to execute the assist time game in the advantageous section is an instruction function, and the processing that affects the execution of the assist time game is the processing related to the instruction function.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 22, the performance state control means 180 allows setting a normal section (non-advantageous section) and an advantage section. In the normal section, the performance state is fixed to the initial performance state, and a lottery for transitioning to the advantage section is held. If the lottery for transitioning to the advantage section is won, the advantage section is started, and the performance state can be set to the AT state, provided that the player is in the advantage section.

[0089] The performance state control means 180 then performs a lottery for transitioning to the advantageous section when the normal section is in the normal state or the BB established state. In the normal state, the lottery for transitioning to the advantageous section is performed when a winning pattern other than normal replay 1 is selected in the internal lottery, and in the BB established state, the lottery for transitioning to the advantageous section is performed when a winning pattern other than normal replay 1, batting order 3-coin combination, common 1-coin combination, and batting order 1-coin combination A1 to batting order 1-coin combination A4 is selected in the internal lottery.

[0090] If you win the advantageous period transition lottery, the advantageous period transition process will be performed based on your win, the advantageous period will start from the next game after the game in which you won the advantageous period transition lottery, and the presentation state will be set to the normal presentation state.

[0091] Furthermore, the performance state control means 180 performs an AT lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) based on whether a weak cherry, strong cherry, watermelon replay, chance replay 1, chance replay 2, or middle cherry replay has been won in the internal lottery when the performance state is in the normal performance state during the advantageous section. In this embodiment, the probability of winning the AT lottery differs depending on the result of the internal lottery, and the probability of winning is set to increase in the order of "weak cherry < watermelon replay < chance replay 2 < chance replay 1 < strong cherry < middle cherry replay".

[0092] Furthermore, the performance state control means 180 is capable of setting penalty state and non-penalty state as penalty management states for managing whether or not a penalty unfavorable to the player occurs. When the penalty occurrence condition is met, it controls to the penalty state, and when the penalty occurrence condition is not met, it controls to the non-penalty state. In this embodiment, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order during a game that is in an advantageous section and in a normal performance state, it is determined that the penalty occurrence condition has been met, and the game controls to the penalty state at the end of the game. That is, the next game after a game in which a stop operation was performed in an irregular batting order will be in the penalty state. In the penalty state, as a penalty, the AT lottery is performed at an extremely low probability (for example, 1 / 65536) than in the non-penalty state. When a stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order in the penalty state, it is determined that the penalty release condition has been met, and the game controls to the non-penalty state at the end of the game. On the other hand, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order in the penalty state, the penalty state continues.

[0093] Furthermore, if the performance state control means 180 finds that the penalty conditions have been met, it performs a penalty process with respect to that game that invalidates the result of the AT lottery.

[0094] The performance state control means 180 then controls the transition of the performance state to the AT state based on the fact that the AT lottery has been won (AT win) in the normal performance state.

[0095] Furthermore, the performance state control means 180 performs a process to set the value of the AT counter in the main RAM 10c to a given value when transitioning to the AT state. In this embodiment, the value set in the AT counter is set to "50", which corresponds to 50 rounds of gameplay. Note that the value set in the AT counter is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily.

[0096] In this embodiment, the assist time game is performed based on the fact that the performance state is the AT state. After each game played in the AT state, for example, triggered by pressing the start lever SL, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value equivalent to the number of games played (for example, 1) from the value of the AT counter. When the value of the AT counter reaches a threshold (for example, 0), it is determined that the termination condition of the AT state has been met, and the AT state is terminated, and the performance state is returned to the normal performance state.

[0097] Furthermore, the performance state control means 180 performs an additional win lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) based on whether a weak cherry, strong cherry, watermelon replay, chance replay 1, chance replay 2, or middle cherry replay has been won in the internal lottery when the performance state is in the AT state during the advantageous section. In this embodiment, the probability of winning the additional win lottery differs depending on the result of the internal lottery, and the probability of winning is set to increase in the order of "weak cherry < watermelon replay < chance replay 2 < chance replay 1 < strong cherry < middle cherry replay".

[0098] The performance state control means 180 then performs an addition process, which adds a given value to the value of the AT counter based on the fact that the addition lottery has been won. In this embodiment, an additional value corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is added to the value of the AT counter. The value to be added to the AT counter can be set arbitrarily.

[0099] In this embodiment, when the performance state is the normal performance state, the game state may be the normal state, the BB (Big Bonus) established state, or the BB state, and depending on the change in the game state, the performance state will not change and the normal performance state will continue. Similarly, when the performance state is the AT (Attack Time) state, the game state may be the normal state, the BB established state, or the BB state, and depending on the change in the game state, the performance state will not change and the AT state will continue.

[0100] In this embodiment, the performance state control means 180 sets the value of the first clear counter of the main RAM 10c to a predetermined value "1" during the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, an increment update is performed by adding a fixed value (for example, 1) corresponding to one game to the value of the first clear counter each time a game is played. When the value of the first clear counter exceeds a threshold (for example, 4000) (when the value of the first clear counter reaches "4001"), it is determined that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met. In this embodiment, the update of the first clear counter is performed after all the spinning reels in each game have stopped. However, the update of the first clear counter may be performed at any trigger, as long as it is predetermined for each game. For example, the game start operation on the start lever SL may be used as the trigger for the update.

[0101] Furthermore, the performance state control means 180 sets the value of the second clear counter of the main RAM 10c to its initial value "0" during the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, it updates the value of the second clear counter based on the difference in the number of electronic tokens in each game. It subtracts the value "3" corresponding to the number of electronic tokens inserted into the game (3 tokens) from the value corresponding to the number of electronic tokens paid out (for example, "15" if 15 electronic tokens were paid out, and "0" if no winning combinations were achieved). The calculation result of the difference in the number of tokens in that game is obtained by subtracting this calculation result from the value of the second clear counter. The update process adds this calculation result to the value of the second clear counter, and it determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met when the value of the second clear counter exceeds a threshold (for example, 2400: a predetermined number). Furthermore, the difference in the number of tokens in the advantageous period, which is counted by the second clear counter, starts counting from a base of 0 tokens when the advantageous period begins (after the advantageous period transition process), and even if the value of the second clear counter falls below the initial value of "0", the counting of the difference in tokens continues, and negative amounts are also counted as they are. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to acquire more than a predetermined amount of 2400 tokens from the lowest point of the difference in tokens in one advantageous period. For example, if the lowest point is -600 tokens, it is possible to acquire 3000 tokens (=600 tokens + 2400 tokens) + α (for example, if a 15-token small win occurs in the next game after the game in which the difference in tokens reached +2400 tokens, 12 tokens (=15 tokens - 3 tokens) can be acquired). Furthermore, if a replay is awarded during gameplay, the game in which the replay was awarded is treated as if a payout of electronic tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens for that game had been made, and the difference in tokens is calculated accordingly. For the next game, which is provided free of charge due to the replay award, even if no actual electronic tokens have been inserted, it is treated as if an electronic token equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens for that game had been inserted, and the difference in tokens is calculated accordingly.

[0102] Furthermore, the performance state control means 180 also determines that the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section have been met if the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section are met at the end of the AT state. In this embodiment, the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section are determined to be met if the number of games played in which an AT win was obtained in the AT lottery during the normal performance state is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of games (for example, 2001 games) since the start of the advantageous section. Specifically, when an AT win is obtained in the AT lottery during the normal performance state, the value of the first clear counter is checked, and if the value of the first clear counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 2001), the advantageous section reset flag of the main RAM 10c is set to the ON state, and if the value of the first clear counter is less than a predetermined value (for example, 2001), the advantageous section reset flag is set to the OFF state. In this embodiment, the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section are determined to be met if the advantageous section reset flag is set to the ON state at the end of the AT state.

[0103] Furthermore, during the advantageous period, unless the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met, the first and second clear counters will be updated even if a change in game state or performance state occurs.

[0104] Furthermore, when the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met, the performance state control means 180 ends the advantageous period and returns to the normal period, and performs initialization processing to initialize the information stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​the main RAM 10c based on the end of the advantageous period. Specifically, AT-related information such as the AT counter, first clear counter, second clear counter, performance state, and advantageous period reset flag is initialized by the initialization processing that accompanies the end of the advantageous period. However, information such as the number of electronic tokens bet, the number of game tokens played, the internal lottery table, the internal lottery flag, and the game state are not initialized by the initialization processing that accompanies the end of the advantageous period.

[0105] Then, when the initialization process is performed upon the end of the advantageous period, the performance state is reset to the initial performance state and returns to the normal period. For this reason, at the end of the AT state, if the advantageous period reset flag is set to the off state, the performance state transitions to the normal performance state and the advantageous period continues, while if the advantageous period reset flag is set to the on state, the advantageous period ends and the performance state transitions to the initial performance state.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since initialization processing is performed upon the end of the advantageous period and the player returns to the normal period, if the value of the first clear counter or the second clear counter exceeds a threshold while the player is in the AT state, the AT state is forcibly terminated by the initialization processing upon the end of the advantageous period and the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state.

[0107] The communication control means 190 controls the transmission of signals to the sub-board 20. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, only unidirectional communication from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20 is possible between the main board 10 and the sub-board 20, and the communication connection is configured such that the sub-board 20 cannot transmit signals to the main board 10.

[0108] The communication control means 190 then transmits signals (commands) to the sub-board 20 that notify the results of the internal lottery, the results of the prize winning determination, the results of the advantageous section transition lottery, the results of the AT lottery, the operations performed by the player (operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1-B3, and settlement button B4), the game state, the performance state, the penalty management state, the value of the AT counter, etc. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, based on various notifications from the main board 10, the performance control means 210 of the sub-board 20 can cause the display device 330, sound device 340, etc. to execute performances corresponding to the results of the internal lottery, the results of the prize winning determination, the results of the advantageous section transition lottery, the results of the AT lottery, the operations performed by the player, the game state, the performance state, the penalty management state, the value of the AT counter, etc.

[0109] Furthermore, the communication control means 190 performs control by sending signals (commands) to the medal count control board 30. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the main board 10 and the medal count control board 30 are connected via bidirectional communication, and by exchanging various information, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the machine is playable or has an error state.

[0110] The communication control means 190 then, when it is accepting the insertion of electronic tokens, transmits a token insertion command to the token count control board 30, notifying the number of tokens to be inserted, when the bet button B0 or ​​the payout button B4 is pressed. The communication control means 190 also transmits a payout completion command to the token count control board 30, notifying the number of electronic tokens dispensed, when electronic tokens are dispensed due to a winning combination.

[0111] Next, the sub-board 20 will be described. The sub-board 20 is equipped with a sub-CPU 20a, sub-ROM 20b, sub-RAM 20c, etc., and the sub-CPU 20a executes various programs stored in the sub-ROM 20b, thereby functioning as a performance control means 210, etc., as shown in Figure 3.

[0112] The performance control means 210 controls display effects performed using the display device 330 (an example of a performance device) and sound effects performed using the sound device 340 (an example of a performance device) based on performance data stored in the sub-ROM 20b of the sub-board 20. For example, in response to the occurrence of game events such as operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1-B3, and counting button B8, changes in game state and performance state, it controls the execution of performances (for example, prize-winning assistance performances) to enhance or assist the game according to the progress of the game by lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, changing the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD, or outputting sound from the speaker SP. The content of the performances to be performed in the game is determined by referring to the performance lottery table stored in the sub-ROM 20b according to the game state, performance state, results of internal lottery, etc.

[0113] Furthermore, the performance control means 210 controls the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute an award assistance performance that assists in winning an 8-coin small prize by notifying the correct batting order according to the type of 8-coin batting order bell when any of the 8-coin batting order bells is won in the internal lottery during the AT state.

[0114] Furthermore, the performance control means 210 controls the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a prize-winning assistance performance that assists in winning 15-coin prizes by notifying the correct sequence of batting according to the type of 15-coin batting sequence bell when any of the 15-coin batting sequence bells is won in the internal lottery during the AT state.

[0115] Furthermore, the performance control means 210 causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a recommended batting order warning performance (a predetermined warning performance, an example of a warning performance) to warn the user that if a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order (batting order 3 to 6) in which the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is stopped first when it is in a normal section or when it is in an advantageous section and in a normal performance state, the user should stop the reels in the recommended batting order (batting order 3 to 6) in which the stop operation should be performed in which the first reel R1 is stopped first (an example of an event different from an error). In the recommended batting order warning performance, a recommended batting order warning image (for example, an image including the message "Left press recommended") that warns the user that the stop operation should be performed in the recommended batting order is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a recommended batting order warning voice (for example, a voice saying "Left press recommended": an example of a warning voice) that warns the user that the stop operation should be performed in the recommended batting order is output from the speaker SP.

[0116] Furthermore, the performance control means 210 controls the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a specific suggestive performance that suggests (or notifies) the symbols that may be displayed on the active line L1 when a normal replay 1, chance replay 1, or common 3-coin combination is won in the internal lottery during the normal performance state and a stop operation is performed on the stop button B1 as the first stop operation.

[0117] Next, the medal count control board 30 will be described. The medal count control board 30 is connected to the main board 10 and is equipped with a medal CPU 30a, a medal ROM 30b, a medal RAM 30c, etc. The medal CPU 30a manages the electronic medals used for the game by executing various programs stored in the medal ROM 30b, and the medal RAM 30c functions as a medal holder (an example of a storage unit or storage means) which is a storage unit that holds the electronic medals. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the medal count control board 30 is also connected to the dedicated unit 50 in a bidirectional manner via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 40. The medal holder also stores the number of game medals up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 16,382 medals).

[0118] When the medal CPU 30a receives a game medal insertion command transmitted by the main board 10, it determines the total number of electronic medals that can be inserted (bet) from the medal holder, which is the number of medals that can be inserted, and updates the number of game medals based on the determined number of medals that can be inserted. Therefore, when an insertion process is performed on the main board 10, the number of game medals held in the medal holder decreases, and when a settlement process is performed, the number of game medals increases.

[0119] The medal CPU 30a also sends a medal count control information command to the main board 10 to notify it of the number of medals that can be inserted and the updated number of game medals, and updates the display of the number of game medals on the game medal count display device 70. Furthermore, when the medal CPU 30a receives a lending command sent by the dedicated unit 50, it updates the number of game medals and updates the display of the number of game medals on the game medal count display device 70.

[0120] Furthermore, when the medal CPU 30a receives a payout completion command transmitted by the main board 10, it adds the number of payouts to the number of game medals, and based on the number of game medals after the addition, it sends a medal count control information command to the main board 10 to notify the number of game medals after the addition, and updates the display of the number of game medals on the game medal count display device 70.

[0121] Next, the dedicated unit 50 will be described. The dedicated unit 50 is installed near the gaming machine and is a device for lending electronic tokens to players and counting the electronic tokens acquired by players. The dedicated unit 50 is equipped with a dedicated unit control board 60, and when a predetermined lending operation is performed, the dedicated unit control board 60 performs lending processing by sending a lending command to the gaming machine (medal CPU 30a) and updates the number of electronic tokens held by the dedicated unit 50. Also, when electronic tokens are sent from the gaming machine, the number of electronic tokens held by the dedicated unit 50 is updated.

[0122] 1-2. Method of this embodiment In this embodiment, a control method is employed that allows for the unification of stop control for incorrect spin sequences with respect to 8-spin bells and 15-spin bells. The control method employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 23 to 33. Figure 23 is a diagram illustrating the correct and incorrect small wins in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figures 24 to 28 are diagrams illustrating the stop control for incorrect spin sequences in the first stop operation when an 8-spin bell A1 is won in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figures 29 to 31 are diagrams illustrating the stop control for incorrect spin sequences in the first stop operation when a 15-spin bell A1 is won in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 32 illustrates the 8-spin bell C1 and 15-spin spin sequence in the gaming machine of this embodiment Figure 33(A) illustrates the stop control for incorrect first stop operation sequence when Bell C1 is won, and Figure 33(B) illustrates the stop control for incorrect first stop operation sequence when 8-coin sequence Bell A3, 8-coin sequence Bell C3, 15-coin sequence Bell A3, and 15-coin sequence Bell C3 are won in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 33(B) illustrates the stop control for incorrect first stop operation sequence when 8-coin sequence Bell A1 and 15-coin sequence Bell A2 are won in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0123] First, in this embodiment, with respect to the 8-coin bell sequence and the 15-coin bell sequence, there are correct small wins, which are awarded for the correct sequence of spins, and incorrect small wins, which are awarded for the incorrect sequence of spins. As shown in Figure 23, there are small wins 1 (an example of the first correct small win) and small wins 2 (an example of the second correct small win) as correct small wins, and there are four types of incorrect small wins (an example of multiple types of incorrect small wins) that are awarded for the incorrect sequence of spins, which is a first stop operation incorrect sequence where the first reel to stop is different from the correct sequence, specifically spin wins 9 (an example of an incorrect small win), spin wins 12 (an example of an incorrect small win), spin wins 15 (an example of an incorrect small win), and spin wins 18 (an example of an incorrect small win).

[0124] In this embodiment, the symbol combinations representing the winning patterns for minor role 9, minor role 12, minor role 15, and minor role 18 are assigned to symbols on each reel that are different from any of the symbols on the same reel that constitute the winning patterns for minor role 1 and minor role 2, respectively. Specifically, as shown in Figure 23, for each of the winning patterns for minor roles 9, 12, 15, and 18, the symbols on the first reel R1 do not include the bell symbol "BL" which constitutes the winning pattern for minor role 1, nor the replay symbol "RP" which constitutes the winning pattern for minor role 2. The symbols on the second reel R2 do not include the bell symbol "BL" which constitutes the winning patterns for minor role 1 and minor role 2. The symbols on the third reel R3 do not include the bell symbol "BL" which constitutes the winning pattern for minor role 1, nor the blue 7 symbol "Blue 7" and replay symbol "RP" which constitute the winning pattern for minor role 2.

[0125] As a result, in this embodiment, when an incorrect spin sequence is stopped, the symbols that constitute the winning patterns for small wins 9, 12, 15, or 18 are displayed, thereby preventing the winning of either the correct small win 1 or small win 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, small wins 9, 12, 15, and 18 are used in common for both the 8-coin spin sequence bell and the 15-coin spin sequence bell. The 8-coin spin sequence bell and the 15-coin spin sequence bell have a winning pattern in which multiple types of correct small wins (small wins 1 and 2) are awarded in combination with incorrect small wins (small wins 9, 12, 15, or 18) without overlapping with each other. The stop control for an incorrect spin sequence in the first stop operation will be explained below using the 8-coin spin sequence bell A1 and the 15-coin spin sequence bell A1 (an example of multiple types of specific winning patterns) as examples.

[0126] First, regarding the 8-spin batting order bell A1 (an example of the second winning pattern), we will explain the stop control for incorrect batting order in batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1).

[0127] As shown in Figure 24, the 8-coin batting order bell A1 includes minor roles 2, 9, 10, 25, 27, 28, and 30. As shown in Figure 25(A), when the 8-coin batting order bell A1 is won, if the first stop operation is incorrect in batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1), there are two possibilities: minor role 9 is awarded, or no roles are awarded (missed). If no roles are awarded, the stop control is performed so that one of the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations is displayed on the active line L1. As shown in Figure 25(B), the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations do not constitute a winning combination. Furthermore, the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations do not trigger changes in the game state or performance state.

[0128] Furthermore, when the 8-coin batting order bell A1 is won, if the correct batting order is 3 (B2→B1→B3), a small prize of 2 will be awarded as shown in Figure 25(A). If the incorrect batting order is 1 (B1→B2→B3) or 4 (B2→B3→B1), a small prize of 25 will be awarded. If the incorrect batting order is 2 (B1→B3→B2), the machine will be controlled to stop so that a small prize of 27, 28, or 30 is awarded.

[0129] In this embodiment, the symbols that constitute the winning combinations included in the 8-coin bell sequence A1 on the third reel R3 are, as shown in Figure 26, eight types of symbols: blue 7 symbol "blue 7", replay symbol "RP", red 7 symbol B "red 7B", cherry symbol "CH", watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", dummy symbol "DUM", and bell symbol "BL". Of these eight types of symbols, the symbols that have the most combinations of symbols that indicate the winning combinations of small wins that can be displayed on the active line are red 7 symbol B "red 7B" and cherry symbol "CH". In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the red 7 symbol B "red 7B" or cherry symbol "CH" are arranged on the third reel R3 at intervals of four frames or less.

[0130] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the 8-spin sequence bell A1 is won, if the stop operation on stop button B3 is performed as the first stop operation in the incorrect first stop sequence of spin sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1), the third reel R3 is stopped so that the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" or the cherry symbol "CH" is displayed on the active line L1. In this case, only small wins 9 and 10 become possible.

[0131] Next, in the third reel R3, when the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" or the cherry symbol "CH" is displayed on the active line L1, the symbols on the second reel R2 that constitute the winning patterns for small wins 9 and 10 that can be displayed are, as shown in Figures 27(A) and 27(B), five types of symbols: watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", BAR symbol "BAR", and dummy symbol "DUM". Since these five types of symbols have the same number of symbol combinations that indicate the winning patterns for small wins that can be displayed on the active line, in this embodiment, watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" and watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", which constitute the winning patterns for small win 9, are given priority. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" or watermelon symbol 2 "WM2" are arranged on the second reel R2 at intervals of four frames or less.

[0132] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the 8-spin sequence bell A1 is won, if the first stop operation is incorrect in the sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1), and the stop operation is performed on stop button B2 following stop button B3 as the second stop operation, the second reel R2 is stopped so that watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" or watermelon symbol 2 "WM2" is displayed on the active line L1. In this case, only the small win 9 can be awarded.

[0133] In this embodiment, only one red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", which constitutes the winning pattern for small win 9, is arranged on the first reel R1. Therefore, in this embodiment, when an 8-coin bell sequence A1 is won, if the first stop operation is incorrect in the sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1), and the stop operation is performed on stop buttons B3 and B2 followed by stop button B1 as the third stop operation, if the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is within a predetermined pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) from the press detection position, the first reel R1 is stopped so that the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is displayed on the active line L1. This results in a small win 9. On the other hand, if the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is not within the predetermined pull-in range (0 to 4 frames), the first reel R1 is stopped so that the replay symbols "RP", which are arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the first reel R1, are displayed on the active line L1. Then, one of the pattern combinations from Blank 1 to Blank 4 will be displayed on the active line L1.

[0134] To give a specific example, as shown in Figure 28(A), when the 8-spin sequence bell A1 is won and all reels are spinning, if the stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop operation when the 16th watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" is positioned in the upper position on the third reel R3, the third reel R3 will be stopped so that the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is displayed in the display position (upper position) on the active line L1, as shown in Figure 28(B).

[0135] Next, as shown in Figure 28(C), if, in the situation shown in Figure 28(B), a stop operation is performed on the stop button B2 as the second stop operation when the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" (number 7) is in the upper position on the second reel R2, the second reel R2 will be stopped so that the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" is displayed in the display position (middle position) on the active line L1, as shown in Figure 28(D).

[0136] Next, as shown in Figure 28(E), if, in the situation shown in Figure 28(D), the first reel R1 is in the upper position of the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", and the stop operation is performed on the stop button B1 as the third stop operation, the first reel R1 will be stopped so that the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is displayed in the display position (lower position) on the active line L1, as shown in Figure 28(F). Then, a small win of 9 will be awarded.

[0137] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 28(G), if, in the situation shown in Figure 28(D), the bell symbol "BL" (number 9) is positioned in the upper position on the first reel R1, and the stop operation is performed on the stop button B1 as the third stop operation, the first reel R1 will be stopped so that the replay symbol "RP" is displayed in the display position (lower position) on the active line L1, as shown in Figure 28(H). Then, the symbol combination of Blank 1 will be displayed on the active line L1.

[0138] In this embodiment, when the 8-spin bell A1 is won, if the first stop operation is incorrect in spinning sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1), depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B1, the stop control is performed so that a small win of 9 is awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames) and one of the symbol combinations from Blank 1 to Blank 4 is displayed on the active line L1 with a probability of 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames). Similarly, in the case of spinning sequence 5 (B3→B1→B2), where the first stop operation is incorrect, depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B1, a small win of 9 is awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames) and one of the symbol combinations from Blank 1 to Blank 4 is displayed on the active line L1 with a probability of 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames).

[0139] In this embodiment, when the 8-spin bell A1 is won, the small prize 10 is not awarded, and the small prize 10 is awarded only when JAC1 or JAC2 is won.

[0140] Next, we will explain the stop control for incorrect first stop operations in batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1) for 15-coin batting order bell A1 (an example of the first winning pattern).

[0141] As shown in Figure 29(A), the 15-coin batting order bell A1 includes minor roles 1, 9, 10, 23, 24, and 25. As shown in Figure 29(B), when the 15-coin batting order bell A1 is won, if the first stop operation is incorrect in batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1), there are two possibilities: minor role 9 may be awarded, or no roles may be awarded (missed). If no roles are awarded, the stopping control is performed so that one of the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations shown in Figure 25(B) is displayed on the active line L1.

[0142] Furthermore, when the 15-coin batting order bell A1 is won, if the correct batting order is 3 (B3→B1→B3), a small prize 1 will be awarded as shown in Figure 29(B). If the incorrect batting order is 1 (B1→B2→B3) or 4 (B2→B3→B1), a small prize 25 will be awarded. If the incorrect batting order is 2 (B1→B3→B2), a small prize 9 or small prize 24 will be awarded.

[0143] In this embodiment, the symbols that constitute the winning combinations included in the 15-coin bell sequence A1 on the third reel R3 are, as shown in Figure 30, eight types of symbols: bell symbol "BL", red 7 symbol B "red 7B", cherry symbol "CH", blue 7 symbol "blue 7", replay symbol "RP", watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", and dummy symbol "DUM". Of these eight types of symbols, the symbols that produce the most combinations of symbols that can be displayed on the active lines to represent winning combinations are the bell symbol "BL", red 7 symbol B "red 7B", and cherry symbol "CH". In this embodiment, priority is given to the red 7 symbol B "red7B" and the cherry symbol "CH" that constitute the winning combination for small win 9, and as shown in Figure 9, the red 7 symbol B "red7B" or the cherry symbol "CH" are arranged on the third reel R3 at intervals of 4 frames or less.

[0144] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the 15-coin batting order bell A1 is won, if the first stop operation is performed on stop button B3 in accordance with the incorrect batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1), the third reel R3 is stopped so that the red 7 symbol B "red7B" or the cherry symbol "CH" is displayed on the active line L1. In this case, only small wins 9 and 10 become possible.

[0145] Next, in the third reel R3, when the red 7 symbol B "red7B" or the cherry symbol "CH" is displayed on the active line L1, the symbols on the second reel R2 that constitute the winning patterns for small wins 9 and 10 that can be displayed are, as shown in Figures 31(A) and 31(B), five types of symbols: watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", red 7 symbol B "red7B", BAR symbol "BAR", and dummy symbol "DUM". Since these five types of symbols have the same number of symbol combinations that indicate the winning patterns for small wins that can be displayed on the active line, in this embodiment, watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" and watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", which constitute the winning patterns for small win 9, are given priority. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" or watermelon symbol 2 "WM2" are arranged on the second reel R2 at intervals of four frames or less.

[0146] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the 15-coin batting order bell A1 is won, if the first stop operation is incorrect in batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1), and the stop operation is performed on stop button B2 following stop button B3 as the second stop operation, the second reel R2 is stopped so that watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" or watermelon symbol 2 "WM2" is displayed on the active line L1. In this case, only the small win 9 can be awarded.

[0147] As mentioned above, since only one red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" which constitutes the winning pattern for small win 9 is arranged on the first reel R1, when the 8-coin bell A1 is won, if the first stop operation is incorrect in the 6th order (B3→B2→B1), and the stop operation is performed on stop buttons B3 and B2 followed by stop button B1 as the third stop operation, if the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is within a predetermined pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) from the press detection position, the first reel R1 is stopped so that the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is displayed on the active line L1. This results in a small win 9. On the other hand, if the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" is not within the predetermined pull-in range (0 to 4 frames), the first reel R1 is stopped so that the replay symbols "RP", which are arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the first reel R1, are displayed on the active line L1. Then, one of the pattern combinations from Blank 1 to Blank 4 will be displayed on the active line L1.

[0148] In this embodiment, when the 15-coin batting order bell A1 is won, if the first stop operation is incorrect in batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1), depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B1, the stop control is performed so that a small win of 9 is awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames) and one of the symbol combinations from Blank 1 to Blank 4 is displayed on the active line L1 with a probability of 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames). Similarly, in the case of the first stop operation incorrect in batting order 5 (B3→B1→B2), depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B1, the stop control is performed so that a small win of 9 is awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames) and one of the symbol combinations from Blank 1 to Blank 4 is displayed on the active line L1 with a probability of 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames).

[0149] In this embodiment, when the 15-spin bell sequence A1 is won, the small prize 10 is not awarded, and the small prize 10 is awarded only when JAC1 or JAC2 is won.

[0150] As described above, in this embodiment, in both the 8-coin bell sequence A1 and the 15-coin bell sequence A1, a common prize, prize 9, which does not use the symbols of either prize 1 or prize 2, is awarded. In the first incorrect stop sequences of 5 (B3→B1→B2) and 6 (B3→B2→B1), stop control is performed so that prize 9 can be awarded regardless of the type of correct prize. As a result, in this embodiment, in both the 8-coin bell sequence A1 and the 15-coin bell sequence A1, the incorrect prize that can be awarded in the first incorrect stop sequences of 5 (B3→B1→B2) and 6 (B3→B2→B1) is common to prize 9, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of prize types.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stop control is standardized by displaying a common symbol combination (a combination of blank 1 to blank 4 symbols) on the active line L1 even when the small win 9 is not achieved for both the 8-spin bell A1 and the 15-spin bell A1, thereby reducing the amount of data in the stop control table.

[0152] In this embodiment, for the 8-coin batting sequence bell C1 and 15-coin batting sequence bell C1, which award the small prize 9, the same applies as the 8-coin batting sequence bell A1 and 15-coin batting sequence bell A1. For incorrect first stop operations in batting sequence 5 (B3→B1→B2) and batting sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1), as shown in Figure 32, depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B1, there is a 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames) probability of winning the small prize 9, and a 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames) probability of displaying one of the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations on the active line L1. This suppresses the increase in the number of small prize types and reduces the amount of data in the stop control table.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 33(A), for the 8-coin batting order bells A3, C3, A3, and C3, which are winning patterns in which the small prize 9 is won and for batting order 5 (B3→B1→B2), the correct batting order is set, similar to the 8-coin batting order bells A1 and A3, for the incorrect first stop operations of batting order 3 (B2→B1→B3) and batting order 4 (B2→B3→B1), depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B1, the small prize 9 is awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames), and the stopping control is performed so that one of the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations is displayed on the active line L1 with a probability of 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames). As a result, in this embodiment, for the 8-coin bell sequence A3, 8-coin bell sequence C3, 15-coin bell sequence A3, and 15-coin bell sequence C3, the incorrect small wins that can be awarded for incorrect first stop operations in sequence 3 (B2→B1→B3) and sequence 4 (B2→B3→B1) are common to small win 9, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of small win types. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when small win 9 is not awarded in the 8-coin bell sequence A3, 8-coin bell sequence C3, 15-coin bell sequence A3, and 15-coin bell sequence C3, a common symbol combination (symbol combination of blank 1 to blank 4) is displayed on the active line L1, thereby unifying the stop control and suppressing the amount of data in the stop control table.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the 8-coin bell sequence A1, 8-coin bell sequence A3, 8-coin bell sequence C1, 8-coin bell sequence C3, 15-coin bell sequence A1, 15-coin bell sequence A3, and 15-coin bell sequence C1, 15-coin bell sequence C3, the incorrect small wins that can be achieved with incorrect first stop operations for each sequence from sequence 3 (B2→B1→B3) to sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1) are common to small win 9, thereby suppressing an increase in the number of small win types.

[0155] In this embodiment, for the 8-coin smash order bells A2, A4, C2, C4, A2, A4, C2, and C4, which award the small prize 12, the same applies to the 8-coin smash order bells A1, etc., in each incorrect first stop sequence from smash order 3 (B2→B1→B3) to smash order 6 (B3→B2→B1), depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B1, the small prize 12 is awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames), and the stopping control is performed so that one of the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations is displayed on the active line L1 with a probability of 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames). As a result, in this embodiment, for the 8-coin bell sequence A2, 8-coin bell sequence A4, 8-coin bell sequence C2, 8-coin bell sequence C4, 15-coin bell sequence A2, 15-coin bell sequence A4, and 15-coin bell sequence C2, 15-coin bell sequence C4, the incorrect small wins that can be awarded for each incorrect first stop sequence from sequence 3 (B2→B1→B3) to sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1) are common to the small win 12, thereby suppressing the increase in the number of small win types. Furthermore, by displaying a common symbol combination (a symbol combination of Blank 1 to Blank 4) on the active line L1 even when the small win 12 is not awarded, the stop control is standardized, thereby suppressing the amount of data in the stop control table.

[0156] Furthermore, for the 8-coin batting order bells B1, B3, D1, D3, B1, B3, D1, and D3, which award the small prize of 15, the same as the 8-coin batting order bell A1, etc., in each batting order from 3 (B2→B1→B3) to 6 (B3→B2→B1) where the first stop operation is incorrect, depending on the timing of pressing stop button B1, there is a 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames) probability of winning the small prize of 15, and there is a 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames) probability of displaying one of the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations on the active line L1. As a result, in this embodiment, for the 8-coin bell sequence B1, 8-coin bell sequence B3, 8-coin bell sequence D1, 8-coin bell sequence D3, 15-coin bell sequence B1, 15-coin bell sequence B3, and 15-coin bell sequence D1, 15-coin bell sequence D3, the incorrect small wins that can be awarded for each incorrect first stop sequence from sequence 3 (B2→B1→B3) to sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1) are common to the small win 15, thereby suppressing the increase in the number of small win types. Furthermore, by displaying a common symbol combination (a symbol combination of Blank 1 to Blank 4) on the active line L1 even when the small win 15 is not awarded, the stop control is standardized, thereby suppressing the amount of data in the stop control table.

[0157] Furthermore, for the 8-coin smash order bells B2, B4, D2, D4, B2, B4, D5-coin smash order bells, D2, and D4, which award the small prize 18, the same as the 8-coin smash order bell A1, etc., in each smash order 3 (B2→B1→B3) to 6 (B3→B2→B1) where the first stop operation is incorrect, depending on the timing of pressing stop button B1, the small prize 18 is awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 (=5 frames / 20 frames), and the stopping control is performed so that one of the blank 1 to blank 4 symbol combinations is displayed on the active line L1 with a probability of 3 / 4 (=15 frames / 20 frames). As a result, in this embodiment, for the 8-coin bell sequence B2, 8-coin bell sequence B4, 8-coin bell sequence D2, 8-coin bell sequence D4, 15-coin bell sequence B2, 15-coin bell sequence B4, and 15-coin bell sequence D2, 15-coin bell sequence D4, the incorrect small wins that can be awarded for each incorrect first stop sequence from sequence 3 (B2→B1→B3) to sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1) are common to the small win 18, thereby suppressing the increase in the number of small win types. Furthermore, by displaying a common symbol combination (a symbol combination of Blank 1 to Blank 4) on the active line L1 even when the small win 18 is not awarded, the stop control is standardized, thereby suppressing the amount of data in the stop control table.

[0158] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, different incorrect small wins (small win 9 or small win 12) are awarded in the 8-spin bell sequence A1 (an example of the second winning pattern) and the 15-spin bell sequence A2 (an example of the first winning pattern). In the first incorrect stop sequence of each of the spin sequence 5 (B3→B1→B2) and spin sequence 6 (B3→B2→B1), as shown in Figure 33(B), there are cases where an incorrect small win (small win 9 or small win 12) is awarded and cases where no win is awarded. In the case where no win is awarded, regardless of the type of incorrect small win, the stop control is performed so that the same combination of symbols is displayed on the active line L1. As a result, in this embodiment, for the 8-coin bell sequence A1 and the 15-coin bell sequence A2, the symbol combinations that can be displayed when a winning combination is not achieved in the incorrect first stop sequence for each of the sequences 5 (B3→B1→B2) and 6 (B3→B2→B1) are made common to the symbol combinations of Blank 1 to Blank 4, making it difficult for the player to grasp the results of the internal lottery. In particular, in this embodiment, for the entire 8-coin bell sequence and 15-coin bell sequence that include any of the incorrect winning combinations among the winning combinations 9, 12, 15, and 18, the symbol combinations that can be displayed when a winning combination is not achieved in the incorrect first stop sequence for each of the sequences 3 (B2→B1→B3) to 6 (B3→B2→B1) are made common to the symbol combinations of Blank 1 to Blank 4, making it difficult for the player to grasp the results of the internal lottery.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a control method is employed that allows all the symbols targeted in the specific suggestion effect to be displayed on the active lines in a game in which Chance Replay 1 is won by internal lottery. The control method employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 34 to 41. Figures 34 to 35 are diagrams illustrating the effects of the specific suggestion effect in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figures 36 to 41 are diagrams illustrating the stop control of the recommended batting order when Chance Replay 1 is won in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0160] First, in this embodiment, when a normal replay 1, a chance replay 1, or a common 3-coin combination is won in an internal lottery during the normal performance state, the sub-CPU 20a executes a specific suggestion performance that suggests (or notifies) the symbols that may be displayed on the active line L1. In this embodiment, when a normal replay 1, a chance replay 1, or a common 3-coin combination is won, the performance is executed at a predetermined probability by a performance lottery.

[0161] In the specific suggestion animation, when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL or a stop operation is performed on the stop button B1 as the first stop operation, an animation image including a replay symbol display IMG1 indicating the replay symbol "RP", a bell symbol display IMG2 indicating the bell symbol "BL" (an example of a specific display), and a chance display IMG3 that does not correspond to any of the symbols is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, as shown in Figure 34(B). In this embodiment, this suggests (or notifies) that the replay symbol "RP", the bell symbol "BL", or either of the symbols may be displayed on the active line L1.

[0162] Specifically, in the normal performance state, the sub-CPU 20a displays the normal performance image, which is the performance image in the normal performance state, on the liquid crystal display LCD, as shown in Figure 34(A). When the start operation is performed on the start lever SL, in the specific suggestion performance when a chance replay 1 is won, the display of the normal performance image continues as shown in Figure 34(A). When the stop operation is performed on the stop button B1 as the first stop operation, the performance image including the replay symbol display IMG1, the bell symbol display IMG2, and the chance display IMG3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, as shown in Figure 34(B). Thus, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 34(A) and 34(B), the replay symbol display IMG1, the bell symbol display IMG2, and the chance display IMG3 appear in response to the first stop operation on the stop button B1. In this embodiment, if a stop operation is performed on stop button B2 or stop button B3 as the first stop operation, the specific suggestion effect is terminated without displaying the replay symbol display IMG1, the bell symbol display IMG2, and the chance display IMG3, and the recommended batting order warning effect is executed.

[0163] On the other hand, in the specific suggestive effects that occur when a normal replay 1 or common 3-coin combination is won, in response to the start operation of the start lever SL, the replay symbol display IMG1, the bell symbol display IMG2, and the chance display IMG3 appear as shown in Figure 34(B).

[0164] Subsequently, when a third stop operation is performed on the stop button in the situation shown in Figure 34(B) and all reels stop, only one of the following displays will be shown: the replay symbol display IMG1, the bell symbol display IMG2, and the chance display IMG3.

[0165] In detail, during the specific suggestive animation when Chance Replay 1 is won, if all reels stop in the situation shown in Figure 34(B), the animation image changes to one that does not include the replay symbol display IMG1 and the bell symbol display IMG2, as shown in Figure 34(C). This erases the replay symbol display IMG1 and the bell symbol display IMG2, and displays only the chance display IMG3.

[0166] Furthermore, in the specific suggestive animation that occurs when a normal replay 1 is won, if all reels stop in the situation shown in Figure 34(B), the animation image changes to one that does not include the bell symbol display IMG2 and the chance display IMG3, as shown in Figure 35(A). This erases the bell symbol display IMG2 and the chance display IMG3, and displays only the replay symbol display IMG1.

[0167] Furthermore, in the specific suggestive animation that occurs when a common three-symbol combination is won, if all reels stop in the situation shown in Figure 34(B), the animation image will change to one that does not include the replay symbol display IMG1 and the chance display IMG3, as shown in Figure 35(B). This will erase the replay symbol display IMG1 and the chance display IMG3, and only the bell symbol display IMG2 will be displayed.

[0168] Subsequently, when an electronic medal is inserted (bet) in the situation shown in Figure 34(C), Figure 35(A), or Figure 35(B), as shown in Figure 35(C), the displayed replay symbol IMG1, bell symbol IMG2, or chance symbol IMG3 is erased, ending the specific suggestion effect and returning to the normal effect image.

[0169] Next, we will explain the stop control for the recommended batting order (batting order 1 or batting order 2) for Chance Replay 1.

[0170] Chance Replay 1 includes Replays 1 to 9, Replays 11 to 15, and Replay 21, as shown in Figure 36(A). As shown in Figure 36(B), when Chance Replay 1 is won, the machine stops in the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3) so that Replay 1 is awarded, and in the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2) so that Replay 1, Replays 7 to 9, Replay 11, Replay 14, or Replay 21 are awarded.

[0171] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 37(A), multiple symbol combinations are set as winning patterns for Replay 1. When Chance Replay 1 is won, in the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3), stop control is performed so that a specific symbol combination among the multiple symbol combinations indicating the winning patterns for Replay 1, where the symbol on the third reel R3 is Red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", BAR symbol "BAR", or Replay symbol "RP", is displayed on the active run L1. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", the BAR symbol "BAR", the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", or the dummy symbol "DUM" are arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the first reel R1, the replay symbol "RP" is arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the second reel R2, and the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", the BAR symbol "BAR", or the replay symbol "RP" is arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the third reel R3. Therefore, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3, a specific symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 1 is displayed on the active run L1.

[0172] Thus, in this embodiment, when a chance replay 1 is won, in the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3), a first stop control is performed to display a specific symbol combination from among multiple symbol combinations indicating the winning form of replay 1 on the effective run L1, as shown in Figure 37(B).

[0173] In this embodiment, when Chance Replay 1 is won, in the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2), in addition to the first stop control, the second stop control and the third stop control can be executed, and the stop control is switched according to the detection position of the second stop operation. The second stop control is a stop control that displays a symbol combination indicating the winning form of Replay 8, Replay 9, or Replay 21 on the active line L1, and the third stop control is a stop control that displays a specific symbol combination from among multiple types of symbol combinations indicating the winning form of Replay 7, Replay 11, or Replay 14 on the active line L1. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 38, the following are set as the button press detection positions for the second stop operation in the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2): a first press position (an example of the first operation mode), a second press position (an example of the second operation mode), and a third press position (an example of the third operation mode). The first press position performs the first stop control, the second press position performs the second stop control, and the third press position performs the third stop control. Here, as shown in Figure 38, the first press position is set to a wider range than the second and third press positions.

[0174] Specifically, when Chance Replay 1 is won, if the stop operation on stop button B1 is performed as the first stop operation in accordance with the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2), the first stop operation is the same as the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3). Therefore, as described above, the first stop control stops the first reel R1 so that, as shown in Figure 37(B), the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", the BAR symbol "BAR", the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", or the dummy symbol "DUM" is displayed on the active line L1. Then, as shown in Figure 39(A), if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", only replays 1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 14 can be won. If the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the BAR symbol "BAR", only replays 1, 4, 6-8, 10, 11, and 14 can be won. If the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2" or the dummy symbol "DUM", only replays 1, 4, 11, 14, and 21 can be won.

[0175] Next, when Chance Replay 1 is won, if the stop operation on stop button B3 is performed as the second stop operation in accordance with the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2), as shown in Figure 39(B), if the stop operation on stop button B3 is performed at the first pressed position where any of the symbols from bell symbol 0 "BL" to red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" to 13, or bell symbol 15 "BL" to cherry symbol "CH" to 18 are in the upper position, the first stop control will stop the third reel R3 so that Replay 1 is awarded regardless of the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 39(B), if a stop operation is performed on stop button B3 at the second press position where the replay symbol "RP" number 19 is located in the upper position, the second stop control will stop the third reel R3 so that if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the red 7 symbol B "red 7B", a replay 9 will be awarded; if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the BAR symbol "BAR", a replay 8 will be awarded; and if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2" or the dummy symbol "DUM", a replay 21 will be awarded. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 39(B), if a stop operation is performed on stop button B3 at the third press position where the replay symbol "RP" number 14 is in the upper position, the third stop control will stop the third reel R3 so that if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the red 7 symbol B "red 7B" or the BAR symbol "BAR", a replay 7 or replay 14 will be awarded. If the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", the third reel R3 will stop so that a replay 11 will be awarded. If the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the dummy symbol "DUM", the third reel R3 will stop so that a replay 14 will be awarded.

[0176] In detail, during the first stop control, if either the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" or the BAR symbol "BAR" from the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", the BAR symbol "BAR", and the replay symbol "RP" that constitute the winning pattern for Replay 1 are within a predetermined pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) from the press detection position, the third reel R3 is stopped so that the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" or the BAR symbol "BAR" is displayed on the active line L1. If neither the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B" nor the BAR symbol "BAR" are within the predetermined pull-in range (0 to 4 frames), the third reel R3 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP" that constitutes the winning pattern for Replay 1 is displayed on the active line L1. Subsequently, when a stop operation is performed on the stop button B2 as the third stop operation, the second reel R2 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP" that constitutes the winning pattern for Replay 1 is displayed on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2. Then Replay 1 wins the prize.

[0177] Furthermore, in the second stop control, as shown in Figure 40, if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the red 7 symbol B "red 7B", the third reel R3 is stopped so that the bell symbol "BL", which constitutes the winning form of Replay 9, is displayed on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B3. Subsequently, when a stop operation is performed on the stop button B2 as the third stop operation, the second reel R2 is stopped so that the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" or watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", which constitutes the winning form of Replay 9, is displayed on the active line L1, depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B2. Then, Replay 9 is won.

[0178] In the second stop control, as shown in Figure 40, if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the BAR symbol "BAR", and the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" of the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" and bell symbol "BL" that constitute the winning form of replay 8 is within a predetermined pull-in range (range of 0 to 4 frames) from the press detection position, the third reel R3 is stopped so that the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" is displayed on the active line L1. If the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" is not within the predetermined pull-in range (range of 0 to 4 frames), the third reel R3 is stopped so that the bell symbol "BL" is displayed on the active line L1. Subsequently, when a stop operation is performed on the stop button B2 as the third stop operation, the second reel R2 is stopped so that the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" or watermelon symbol 2 "WM2" that constitute the winning form of replay 8 is displayed on the active line L1, depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B2. Then Replay 8 wins.

[0179] Furthermore, in the second stop control, as shown in Figure 40, if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2" or the dummy symbol "DUM", the third reel R3 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP", which constitutes the winning form of replay 21, is displayed on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B3. Subsequently, when a stop operation is performed on the stop button B2 as the third stop operation, the second reel R2 is stopped so that the bell symbol "BL", which constitutes the winning form of replay 21, is displayed on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2. Then, replay 21 is won.

[0180] Furthermore, in the third stop control, as shown in Figure 41, if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is either the red 7 symbol B "red 7B" or the BAR symbol "BAR", and the red 7 symbol A "red 7A" which constitutes the winning form of replay 7 and the replay symbol "RP" which constitutes the winning form of replay 14 is located within a predetermined pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) from the press detection position, the third reel R3 is stopped so that the red 7 symbol A "red 7A" is displayed on the active line L1. If the red 7 symbol A "red 7A" is not located within the predetermined pull-in range (0 to 4 frames), the third reel R3 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP" is displayed on the active line L1. Next, as the third stop operation, when a stop operation is performed on stop button B2, the second reel R2 is stopped so that the cherry symbol "CH", which constitutes the winning form of Replay 7 or Replay 14, is displayed on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing stop button B2. Then Replay 7 or Replay 14 is won. In this way, the third stop control is performed so that a specific symbol combination in which the symbol on the third reel R3 is the red 7 symbol A "red 7A", which is one of the multiple symbol combinations that indicate the winning form of Replay 7, is displayed on the active line L1, and the stop control is performed so that a specific symbol combination in which the symbol on the first reel R1 is the red 7 symbol B "red 7B" or the BAR symbol "BAR", which is one of the multiple symbol combinations that indicate the winning form of Replay 14, is displayed on the active line L1.

[0181] Furthermore, in the third stop control, as shown in Figure 41, if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", the third reel R3 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP", which constitutes the winning form of replay 11, is displayed on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B3. Subsequently, when a stop operation is performed on the stop button B2 as the third stop operation, the second reel R2 is stopped so that either the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1" or the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", which constitutes the winning form of replay 11, is displayed on the active line L1, depending on the timing of pressing the stop button B2. Then, replay 11 is won. In this way, the third stop control performs stop control so that a specific symbol combination, among the multiple symbol combinations that indicate the winning form of replay 11, in which the symbol on the first reel R1 is the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", is displayed on the active line L1.

[0182] Furthermore, in the third stop control, as shown in Figure 41, if the displayed symbol on the active line L1 of the first reel R1 is the dummy symbol "DUM", the third reel R3 is stopped so that the replay symbol "RP", which constitutes the winning form of replay 14, is displayed on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B3. Subsequently, when a stop operation is performed on the stop button B2 as the third stop operation, the second reel R2 is stopped so that the cherry symbol "CH", which constitutes the winning form of replay 14, is displayed on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2. Then, replay 14 is won. In this way, the third stop control performs stop control so that a specific symbol combination, among the multiple symbol combinations that indicate the winning form of replay 14, in which the symbol on the first reel R1 is the dummy symbol "DUM", is displayed on the active line L1.

[0183] As described above, in this embodiment, when Chance Replay 1 is won in the internal lottery, a specific suggestion effect is performed that suggests (or notifies) the symbols that may be displayed on the active line L1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when Chance Replay 1 is won in the internal lottery, in the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3) and batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2), as shown in Figure 37(B), a first stop control is made possible to display a symbol combination that does not include the bell symbol "BL" (a symbol combination that indicates the winning form of Replay 1) on the active line L1. In the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2), in addition to the first stop control, a second stop control and a third stop control are also possible, and the stop control is switched according to the detection position of the second stop operation. Specifically, in the second stop control, as shown in Figure 40, the stop control is performed so that a combination of symbols including the bell symbol "BL" (a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of Replay 8, Replay 9, or Replay 21), which is not displayed on the active line L1 in the first stop control, is displayed on the active line L1.

[0184] In this embodiment, in a game where Chance Replay 1 is won by internal lottery, and in a specific situation where only the first reel R1 of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is stopped by the first stop control and the bell symbol "BL" is not displayed on the active line L1, a specific suggestion effect is used to display an effect image including the bell symbol display IMG2 on the liquid crystal display LCD, as shown in Figure 34(B). This suggests to the player that the bell symbol "BL" may be displayed on the active line L1. In this specific situation, even if the bell symbol display IMG2 is displayed, there is still a possibility that the bell symbol "BL" may be displayed on the active line L1 on the remaining reels (second reel R2 or third reel R3), thus minimizing misunderstandings regarding the game.

[0185] Furthermore, in the first stop control of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 37(B), in a specific situation where only the first reel R1 of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is stopped and the replay symbol "RP" is not displayed on the active line L1, the stop control is performed so that a symbol combination including the replay symbol "RP" (a symbol combination indicating the winning form of replay 1) is displayed on the active line L1.In this embodiment, in a game in which chance replay 1 is won by internal lottery, in a specific situation where only the first reel R1 of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is stopped by the first stop control and the replay symbol "RP" is not displayed on the active line L1, as shown in Figure 34(B), a special suggestion effect displays an effect image including the replay symbol display IMG1 on the liquid crystal display LCD. This suggests to the player that the replay symbol "RP" may be displayed on the active line L1. In certain situations, even if the replay symbol display IMG1 is displayed, the replay symbol "RP" may still be displayed on the active line L1 on the remaining reels (second reel R2 or third reel R3), thus minimizing the possibility of misinterpretation during gameplay.

[0186] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in a specific situation in a game where Chance Replay 1 is won by internal lottery, the first stop control displays the red 7 symbol B "Red 7B", the BAR symbol "BAR", or the replay symbol "RP" on the active line L1 on the remaining reels (second reel R2 or third reel R3) as shown in Figure 37(B), and the second stop control displays the watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", the watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", the bell symbol "BL", or the replay symbol " In the third stop control, as shown in Figure 41, the remaining reels (second reel R2 or third reel R3) display either the red 7 symbol A "red 7A", watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", cherry symbol "CH", or replay symbol "RP" on the active line L1. Therefore, the red 7 symbol A "red 7A", red 7 symbol B "red 7B", BAR symbol "BAR", watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", and cherry symbol "CH" can also be included as targets for specific suggestive effects. This makes it possible to minimize misinterpretations of gameplay even when displaying indicators for red 7 symbol A ("Red 7A") or red 7 symbol B ("Red 7B"), BAR symbol ("BAR"), watermelon symbol 1 ("WM1") or watermelon symbol 2 ("WM2"), or cherry symbol ("CH") in specific suggestive effects, thereby increasing the design flexibility of specific suggestive effects.

[0187] In this embodiment, in a game in which Chance Replay 1 is won by internal lottery, a second stop control is performed when the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2) is followed by a stop operation on stop button B3 at the second pressing position (an example of a specific operation mode), and a third stop control is performed when the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2) is followed by a stop operation on stop button B3 at the third pressing position. Since the second pressing position and the third pressing position are each assigned a range of only one frame, the second stop control and the third stop control are executed with a probability of 1 / 20 (=1 frame / 20 frames) in the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2), and the first stop control is executed with a probability of 18 / 20 (=18 frames / 20 frames) in the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2). As a result, in this embodiment, when Chance Replay 1 is won in the internal lottery, the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2) will stop the reels in the same stopping pattern as the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3) with a probability of 18 / 20 (=18 frames / 20 frames), thus minimizing any impact on gameplay.

[0188] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a normal replay 1 or a common three-symbol combination is won, in response to the start operation on the start lever SL, the replay symbol display IMG1, the bell symbol display IMG2, and the chance display IMG3 appear as shown in Figure 34(B). In the case of a normal replay 1, replay 1 including the replay symbol "RP" and replay 3 including the bell symbol "BL" are won, and in the case of a common three-symbol combination, small win 3 including the bell symbol "BL" and small win 5 including the replay symbol "RP" are won. When all reels are spinning, both the replay symbol "RP" and the bell symbol "BL" may be displayed on the active line L1, thus minimizing misinterpretations of the game.

[0189] 1-3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. These modifications are introduced below. The embodiments described above, as well as the various methods described below as modifications, can be appropriately combined and adopted as control methods to realize the present invention.

[0190] In the above embodiment, the case where the correct small win (8-coin or 15-coin small win) is awarded in the correct sequence of 8-coin and 15-coin bells was explained as an example. However, the stopping control may be configured such that whether or not the correct small win is awarded is determined by the pressing detection position of the first stop operation in the correct sequence. If the pressing detection position of the first stop operation in the correct sequence is the correct position (an example of the correct operation mode) (when it is both the correct sequence and the correct position), the correct small win is awarded (a 1 / 2 chance of being awarded), and if it is an incorrect position different from the correct position (an example of the incorrect operation mode) (when it is both the correct sequence and the incorrect position), a 1-coin small win is awarded (a 1 / 2 chance of being awarded). Alternatively, the stopping control may be configured such that the correct small win is awarded (a 1 / 2 chance of being awarded) when the pressing detection position of the first stop operation in the correct sequence is the correct position, and neither win is awarded (a 1 / 2 chance of being missed) when it is an incorrect position.

[0191] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, regarding the 8-coin bell sequence and the 15-coin bell sequence, the example given was that in an incorrect sequence where the first reel R1 is stopped first, the stopping control is performed so that a single-coin win is always achieved. However, in an incorrect sequence where the first reel R1 is stopped first, the stopping control may be performed so that there are cases where a single-coin win is achieved and cases where no wins are achieved (missed wins).

[0192] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example was explained using the case where minor roles 9, 12, 15, and 18 do not use the symbols of either minor role 1 or minor role 2. However, for minor roles 9, 12, 15, or 18, it is sufficient that at least the symbols of the same reel as the correct minor role are not assigned, and symbols of different reels of the correct minor role may be used. For example, regarding the winning patterns for minor roles 9, 12, 15, or 18, the symbol on the first reel R1 may be the blue 7 symbol "blue 7" of the third reel R3 that constitutes the winning pattern for minor role 2, and the symbols on the second reel R2 and the third reel R3 may be assigned similarly.

[0193] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have explained using the example of providing two types of winning combinations (winning combination 1 and winning combination 2) as correct winning combinations for the 8-spin sequence bell and the 15-spin sequence bell, but it is also possible to provide three or more types of correct winning combinations.

[0194] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was a case where the maximum payout was 1 when the prescribed number of inserts was 2. However, it is sufficient for the maximum payout to be less than or equal to the prescribed number of inserts, and the maximum payout may be 2 when the prescribed number of inserts is 2.

[0195] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was that the number of electronic medals paid out when a minor role is won in bonus mode is kept below the specified number of medals by setting the payout limit below the specified number of medals. However, if the specified number of medals is 2, the payout for all minor roles that were set to pay out 2 or more medals when the specified number of medals is 3 may be changed to 2 or less so that the number of electronic medals paid out when a minor role is won in bonus mode is kept below the specified number of medals.

[0196] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have explained the case where JAC1 and JAC2 are provided as winning patterns for small wins that can be won in the internal lottery during the bonus state. However, in the bonus state, it is also possible that only JAC1, which allows all small wins to be won simultaneously, is subject to the lottery.

[0197] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have explained the case where, in the bonus state, one of the minor roles is always won, and one of the minor roles is always awarded regardless of the manner of stopping the reels. However, in the bonus state, if a minor role is won, a so-called "missed prize" may occur if the minor role is not awarded depending on the manner of stopping the reels.

[0198] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have explained the case in which the first stop control, second stop control, and third stop control can be executed in a game in which Chance Replay 1 is won in the internal lottery. However, it is also perfectly fine to execute the first stop control, second stop control, and third stop control when other winning patterns are obtained in the internal lottery. For example, it is perfectly fine to execute the first stop control, second stop control, and third stop control when a winning pattern for a minor role is obtained in the internal lottery.

[0199] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in a game in which Chance Replay 1 is won by internal lottery, the first stop control, second stop control, and third stop control can be executed, and the explanation was given using the example where only a range of one frame is allocated to the second press position where the second stop control is performed and the third press position where the third stop control is performed. However, it is also possible to set a range of multiple frames as the second press position or the third press position.

[0200] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first pressing position for the first stop control, the second pressing position for the second stop control, and the third pressing position for the third stop control were explained using the example of setting them for the second stop operation in the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2). However, for example, they may also be set for the third stop operation in the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2). That is, in a game in which Chance Replay 1 is won by internal lottery, two reels are stopped by the first stop control and a specific symbol (for example, the bell symbol "BL") is not displayed on the active line, it may be possible to execute a first stop control that displays a symbol combination that does not include the specific symbol on the active line L1, and a second stop control that displays a symbol combination that includes the specific symbol on the active line L1.

[0201] For example, this setting may also be applied to the second or third stop operation in the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3). For example, in a game where Chance Replay 1 is won in the internal lottery, the first stop control may be performed regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B1 to B3 in the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3), and the second stop control may be performed regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B1 to B3 in the recommended batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2) (an example of a specific operation pattern).

[0202] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have explained as an example a case in which, when a specific suggestive animation is performed when a normal replay 1 or a common 3-symbol win occurs and all reels stop, one of the replay symbol display IMG1, bell symbol display IMG2, and chance display IMG3 is displayed. However, when all reels stop, the specific suggestive animation may be terminated by erasing the replay symbol display IMG1, bell symbol display IMG2, and chance display IMG3, and returning to the normal animation image.

[0203] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was the case in which a performance image using a display object that shows the same symbols as those arranged on the outer surface of the reel in a specific suggestion performance is displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD). However, a performance image including a display object that mimics the symbols arranged on the outer surface of the reel may be displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD), suggesting that the symbols that can be inferred from this display object may be displayed on the active line L1. In other words, the display object showing the symbols included in the performance image displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) in a specific suggestion performance may be a display object that shows a symbol that can be identified with the symbols arranged on the outer surface of the reel due to similarity in shape, color scheme, motif, etc., or a display object that shows a symbol that can be inferred from the symbols arranged on the outer surface of the reel.

[0204] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have explained the case in which a penalty state is controlled when a stop operation is performed with an irregular batting order from batting order 3 (B2→B1→B3) to batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1) during gameplay in an advantageous section and normal performance state. However, it is also possible to designate only batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3) as the recommended batting order, and designate batting orders 2 (B1→B3→B2) to batting order 6 (B3→B2→B1) as irregular batting orders, and control a penalty state when a stop operation is performed with an irregular batting order. In this case, when Chance Replay 1 is won, the first stop control, second stop control, and third stop control may be made possible for the irregular batting order 2 (B1→B3→B2) in which a penalty may occur, or the first stop control, second stop control, and third stop control may be made possible for the recommended batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3) in which no penalty occurs.

[0205] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, regarding batting order cards A1 to A4, the example given was that in the recommended batting order, the stopping control is performed so that one small win is always achieved. However, in the recommended batting order, the stopping control may be performed so that there are cases where one small win is achieved and cases where no wins are achieved (misses).

[0206] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the main CPU 10a notifies the sub-CPU 20a of the results of the internal lottery was explained as an example. However, when notifying the results of the internal lottery when any of the 8-coin batting order bells are won, in the normal section, it is notified that any of the 8-coin batting order bells have been won in the internal lottery, and in the advantageous section, it is notified of the type of 8-coin batting order bell that was won. However, in the penalty state during the advantageous section, it may be notified that any of the 8-coin batting order bells have been won in the internal lottery. Similarly, for the 15-coin batting order bell, when notifying the results of the internal lottery when any of the 15-coin batting order bells are won, in the normal section, it is notified that any of the 15-coin batting order bells have been won in the internal lottery, and in the advantageous section, it is notified of the type of 15-coin batting order bell that was won. However, in the penalty state during the advantageous section, it may be notified that any of the 15-coin batting order bells have been won in the internal lottery.

[0207] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example described was one in which the main board 10, sub-board 20, and medal count control board 30 are arranged to share the functions necessary for advancing the game. However, some of the functions of the main board 10 may be placed on the sub-board 20 or medal count control board 30, some of the functions of the sub-board 20 may be placed on the main board 10 or medal count control board 30, some of the functions of the medal count control board 30 may be placed on the main board 10 or sub-board 20, or all the functions may be placed together on a single control board. Moreover, all the functions of the medal count control board 30 may be placed on the main board 10, and the medal count control board 30 may not be provided at all.

[0208] Furthermore, the invention of the above embodiment is not limited to smart pachislo, but can also be applied to slot machines that use actual tokens (game value) for gameplay, and gaming machines that use game balls (pachinko balls) for gameplay (spinning game machines, smart pachinko (registered trademark)). In smart pachinko, a main board (first control unit) that controls the progress of the game, a sub-board that controls the effects, and a frame control board (second control unit) that can communicate with the main board and a dedicated unit (specific unit) that dispenses game balls can be provided, and the frame control board can manage the number of game balls.

[0209] 2. Second Embodiment In this embodiment, detailed explanations of configurations and control methods common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. Figure 42 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 43 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 44 is a perspective view showing the back of the front door of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0210] 2-1. Composition In the following explanation, "front and back" generally means that when the player is in front of the gaming machine, the player's side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "back." "Up and down" means that the top of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom is "down." "Left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the gaming machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right."

[0211] The gaming machine of this embodiment is a type of gaming machine that is commonly known as a slot machine or reel-type gaming machine, and uses tokens as the game medium (game value) for gameplay.

[0212] The gaming machine of this embodiment houses a reel unit 310 consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) within a box-shaped casing consisting of a storage box BX (an example of the gaming machine body) with a front opening and a front door FD (an example of the front door). Below the reel unit 310 inside the casing is a power supply unit 305, which has a built-in power supply and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch and a reset switch, and a hopper unit 320, which serves as a medal dispensing device. The casing of the gaming machine of this embodiment also houses a control board that controls the operation of the gaming machine, which is equipped with a CPU (an example of a calculation means), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc. In this embodiment, the control board includes multiple types of electronic circuit boards, including a main board 414 that controls the progress of the game and a sub-board 444 that receives signals transmitted from the main board 414 and performs control to execute game effects according to the progress of the game. Furthermore, the gaming machine casing of this embodiment is also provided with a reel relay board for connecting the main board 414, the reel unit 310, and the power supply unit 305, as well as a centralized terminal board (an example of a connection terminal board) for transmitting signals to external devices (such as data display devices and hall computers).

[0213] The front door FD of the storage box BX, which can be opened and closed to close the front (an example of the front), is provided with an indicator window DW that allows observation of the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0214] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and the active lines are set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the number of medals required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of medals, is inserted (bet), the active lines consisting of the middle positions of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are activated.

[0215] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active lines in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active lines corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the hopper unit 320 dispenses medals as if the winning combination has been achieved.

[0216] The front door FD is also equipped with a rotating light LP and a frame lamp AL for gameplay effects. The rotating light LP performs rotating, lighting, and flashing actions to enhance the gameplay, while the frame lamp AL also performs lighting and flashing actions to enhance the gameplay.

[0217] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, multiple speakers SP are provided on the front door FD for displaying game effects. These speakers SP output various sounds to assist or enhance the gaming experience.

[0218] Furthermore, various operating means are provided in the center of the front door FD. These operating means include a bet button (insertion operation means, game operation means) B0 for inserting credited (internally stored) tokens, a start lever (game start operation means, game operation means) SL for initiating the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, stop buttons (stop operation means, game operation means) B1 to B3 for initiating the operation to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotated by stepping motors, and a settlement button (predetermined operation means, settlement operation means, game operation means) B4 for settling the credited (internally stored) tokens.

[0219] The front door FD may be divided into multiple doors, such as an upper and lower section. Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment may be a so-called separable type, in which, when changing machines in a gaming hall, the storage box BX, the lower section of the front door FD, the power supply unit 305, and the hopper unit 320 remain attached to the island equipment of the gaming hall, while the upper section of the front door FD and the reel unit 310 can be replaced.

[0220] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a player inserts a medal into the medal slot MI or presses the bet button B0, the machine is set to a ready state where rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started, and the start lever is enabled. When the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using random values. Once the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, the stop buttons B1 to B3 are enabled.

[0221] Subsequently, when the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are activated, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the off state to the on state.

[0222] Furthermore, when the player releases stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0223] The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stopping position corresponding to the result of an internal lottery, based on the change in the reel stop signal state from the off state to the on state, which changes in response to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0224] Furthermore, the lower part of the front door FD is equipped with a medal dispenser and a medal tray MP, and the number of medals corresponding to the game result is dispensed from the medal dispenser into the medal tray MP.

[0225] Furthermore, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a door sensor (detection means) that detects the open / closed state of the front door FD, and is configured to detect the open / closed state of the front door FD based on an input signal (detection signal) input from the door sensor to the control board (main board 414).

[0226] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 42 and 43, the storage box BX comprises a top plate 400, a back plate 402, a bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406, 408, and is made of wood or the like. However, the material of the storage box BX is not limited to wood, and may be synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Furthermore, the material of the storage box BX is not limited to one type; for example, part of it (top plate 400) may be made of wood, and the rest (back plate 402, bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406, 408) may be made of resin. Also, the top plate 400 may have a structure in which two plates are stacked, for example, a plate of resin (outer) and a plate of metal (inner).

[0227] Furthermore, the top panel 400 of the storage box BX is provided with multiple mounting holes 420. The mounting holes 420 are holes used when attaching the gaming machine to the island equipment in the gaming hall (island fixing holes), and are through holes.

[0228] The worker, with the front door FD open, screws (for example, wood screws) serving as fixing members (fastening members) are screwed into the mounting holes 420 from the inside of the storage box BX (casing) from bottom to top, and then the screws are also screwed into the mating member (the island-side member) to fix the gaming machine to the island equipment. As a result, the heads of the screws are positioned on the inside of the storage box BX (casing). The mounting holes 420 are formed so that screws can be screwed into them, and the diameter of the mounting holes 420 is smaller than, for example, the diameter of the threaded portion (thread portion) of the screw (outer diameter of the thread portion). In this embodiment, the mounting holes 420 are circular (round holes), but they may be elliptical, elongated, etc., as long as they can accommodate screws. Furthermore, the mounting holes 420 are not limited to through holes and may be non-through holes, for example, recessed shapes with a certain depth provided on the inner surface of the top plate 400. Furthermore, the fastening members are not limited to screws; other fastening members such as nails may also be used.

[0229] In this embodiment, the mounting holes 420 are arranged in a row at predetermined intervals along the front-to-back direction (depth direction) on the left and right sides of the top plate 400. Specifically, there are a total of six mounting holes 420: three on the left side and three on the right side. It is not necessary for all six mounting holes 420 to be used for mounting (fixing) the gaming machine. That is, it is sufficient to have at least one mounting hole 420 on both the left and right sides of the top plate 400. However, when six mounting holes 420 are provided as in this embodiment, the worker can appropriately select which mounting holes 420 to use. That is, they can select one of the three mounting holes 420 on the left side and one of the three mounting holes 420 on the right side. By providing multiple mounting holes 420 in this way, the position of the mounting hole 420 used can be changed in the front-to-back direction when screw tightening becomes difficult due to deterioration of the mounting mating member, etc. The mounting hole 420 can also be considered a temporary hole provided for screwing in the fixing member (screw), and serves as a guide when screwing in the fixing member (screw).

[0230] In this embodiment, a main board unit 410 (first board unit, an example of a board unit) is provided on the upper side inside the storage box BX. The main board unit 410 comprises a base member 720 (see Figure 46), a main board 414 (first board, an example of a board), and a main board case 412 (first board case, an example of a board case) that covers (houses) the main board 414, and is attached to the back plate 402 of the storage box BX via the base member 720.

[0231] The main board 414 is equipped with multiple electronic components (CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.) and receives input signals from input means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, payout button B4, setting change switch, setting change button, and door sensor. It performs various calculations to execute the game and controls the operation of output means such as the reel unit 310 and hopper unit 320 based on the calculation results.

[0232] The main board 414 is also provided with multiple connectors 430. One end of a harness or cable (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) is connected to the connectors 430, and the harness or cable connects to other boards such as the sub-board 444 or the reel relay board.

[0233] The main board case 412 is made of a transparent resin or the like and protects the main board 414. The main board case 412 is also provided with a connector opening 416 (an example of a first opening) that exposes the connector 430 of the main board 414.

[0234] Furthermore, the main board case 412 is provided with a predetermined sealing section, and can be opened by releasing the seal imposed by this sealing section.

[0235] In this embodiment, the main board case 412 is rotatable (openable and closable) in the left-right direction, using a vertically extending shaft (rotation axis) provided on the left side as a pivot point.

[0236] Here, the first position (initial position, surface visible position) is defined as a position where the main board case 412 and the base member 720 are in close proximity (the back surface of the main board 414 and the plate surface of the base member 720 are facing each other), the front surface (mounting surface) of the main board 414 is visible, but the back surface of the main board 414 is not visible. In the first position, the angle between the main board case 412 (main board 414) and the base member 720 is, for example, 0°, the front surface of the main board 414 faces forward, and the back surface of the main board 414 faces backward. In the first position, the rotation of the main board case 412 can be restricted by a predetermined rotation restricting part.

[0237] Furthermore, the second position (backside visible position) is defined as the position where the main board case 412 rotates on its left side as an axis, separating from the base member 720, so that the back surface of the main board 414 faces to the right and becomes visible. In the second position, the angle between the main board case 412 (main board 414) and the base member 720 is, for example, 90°, and the back surface of the main board 414 faces to the right (right side). The second position is preferably a position where the main board case 412 has been rotated 70° to 90°, and more preferably a position where it has been rotated 90°. The second position also includes a position where the amount of rotation (rotation) relative to the first position is the maximum.

[0238] In this embodiment, the main board case 412 is supported by the base member 720 so as to be rotatable between a first position in which the surface of the main board 414 is visible and a second position in which the back surface of the main board 414 is visible. This makes it easy to inspect whether any unauthorized modifications have been made to the back side (back surface) of the main board 414, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0239] The main board 414 is also provided with a setting change switch (an example of an operating means) for switching between setting change mode and game mode, and a setting change button (an example of an operating means) for changing the setting value between multiple levels (for example, 6 levels) of setting values ​​with different degrees of advantage (payout rates). In this embodiment, the system is configured to switch between starting in game mode and starting in setting change mode depending on the state of the setting change switch when the power is turned on. When the setting change switch is ON when the power is turned on, the system starts in setting change mode, and the setting value can be changed by operating the setting change button. In this embodiment, the setting change switch is a device into which a setting change key is inserted (a setting change key switch). When the setting change key is inserted into the setting change switch and the setting change key is rotated to the ON position to activate the setting change switch, and then the power is turned on, the game machine starts in setting change mode. The operating means mounted on the "board" housed in a board case that can rotate between a first position and a second position in this invention include not only a setting change button but also a setting change switch (a setting change key switch).

[0240] Furthermore, the main board case 412 is provided with openings that expose the setting change switch and setting change button, allowing the setting change switch and setting change button to be operated from the outside even when the main board case 412 is closed and sealed.

[0241] In this embodiment, a centralized terminal board unit (not shown) is provided on the upper side inside the storage box BX. The centralized terminal board unit (an example of a connection terminal board unit) comprises a centralized terminal board (an example of a connection terminal board) and a centralized terminal board case (an example of a connection terminal board case) that covers (houses) the centralized terminal board, and is attached to the right side panel 406 of the storage box BX.

[0242] The centralized terminal board receives signals from the main board 414 and controls the transmission of signals (for example, signals notifying the number of medals inserted and paid out, signals notifying the occurrence of gaming events such as bonus wins and AT wins, signals notifying the occurrence of errors, etc.) to external devices (data display devices, whole computers, etc.). Also, between the centralized terminal board and the main board 414, only one-way communication from the main board 414 to the centralized terminal board is possible, and they are communicatively connected so that the centralized terminal board cannot transmit signals to the main board 414. Also, between the centralized terminal board and the external device, only one-way communication from the centralized terminal board to the external device is possible, and they are communicatively connected so that the external device cannot transmit signals to the centralized terminal board.

[0243] Also, a plurality of connectors are provided on the centralized terminal board. One end (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) of a harness or cable is connected to the connector, and it is connected to the main board 414 or an external device via the harness or cable. Regarding the connection to the external device, it is connected at the gaming hall. Also, in the vicinity of the centralized terminal board unit on the right side plate 406 of the storage box BX, a through-hole (not shown) for inserting a cable (external device connection cable) used for connecting to the external device is formed.

[0244] Also, the centralized terminal board case is formed of a transparent resin or the like and protects the centralized terminal board. Also, a connector opening for exposing the connectors of the centralized terminal board is provided on the centralized terminal board.

[0245] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44, a sub-board unit 440 (an example of a second board unit) is provided on the upper side on the back side (rear side) of the front door FD. The sub-board unit 440 includes a sub-board 444 (an example of a board) and a sub-board case 442 (an example of a board case) that covers (houses) the sub-board 444.

[0246] The sub-board 444 is equipped with a plurality of electronic components (CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.). It receives the signals sent from the main board 414, performs various calculations for executing effects according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the output means of the effect devices (rotating lamp LP, pedestal lamp AL, speaker SP, etc.) based on the calculation results. As the effect devices, a liquid crystal display for displaying images (still images, moving images), a movable accessory operable by an actuator, etc. may be provided.

[0247] Also, a plurality of connectors 450 are provided on the sub-board 444. One end (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) of a harness or a cable is connected to the connector 450, and it is connected to other boards such as the main board 414 by the harness or the cable.

[0248] Also, the sub-board case 442 is formed of a transparent resin or the like and protects the sub-board 444. Further, the sub-board case 442 is provided with a connector opening (an example of the second opening) for exposing the connector 450 of the sub-board.

[0249] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.44, a cooling fan 460 is mounted on the sub-board unit 440. The cooling fan 460 is covered (accommodated) by the sub-board case 442, and an exhaust port 470 is formed at the installation position of the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board case 442. By the operation of the cooling fan 460, air is discharged from the exhaust port 470 to the outside of the sub-board case 442. Thereby, the CPU etc. of the internal sub-board 444 are cooled. Thus, in the present embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 has the cooling fan 460 and its exhaust port 470.

[0250] 2-2. Positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 44 and the main-board unit 410

[0251] The positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the main board unit 410 will be explained below with reference to Figures 45 to 47. Figure 45 is a front view showing a schematic of the external configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view along the YY line shown in Figure 45, and Figure 47 is a diagram illustrating a predetermined area 480 in the main board case 412 of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0252] In this embodiment, the main board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 are arranged to face each other when the front door FD is closed, as shown in Figure 46. In particular, the main board unit 410 is positioned to face the exhaust port 470 of the cooling fan 460 of the sub-board unit 440. As a result, air is discharged from the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 toward the main board unit 410 by the operation of the cooling fan 460.

[0253] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 47, the connector opening 416 is not located in the predetermined region 480 of the main board case 412 of the main board unit 410, which is the region facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460). In other words, in this embodiment, the main board unit 410 is located in a position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440, but the connector opening 416 of the main board case 412 is located in a different position from the predetermined region 480 of the main board case 412. As a result, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the main board unit 410 is such that the main board unit 410 is located in a position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460), but the connector opening 416 of the main board case 412 is not present.

[0254] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 46, when the front door FD is closed, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. Here, the dashed lines a, b, and c in Figure 46 are dashed lines drawn vertically (vertically downward, directly below) from the mounting holes 420 (3 of them), respectively. In this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 located furthest forward in the front-to-back direction (or vertically below any of the mounting holes 420). In other words, in this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is positioned in a location that is not vertically below the mounting hole 420. As a result, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the mounting hole 420 and the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is such that the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420.

[0255] In this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 is installed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the vertical, as shown in Figure 46. Specifically, the lower end of the sub-board unit 440 is positioned in front of the upper end. In other words, in this embodiment, the sub-board unit 440 is installed so that the exhaust port 470 faces diagonally downward.

[0256] In this embodiment, the region (predetermined region 480) facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the main board case 412, and the position of the sub-board unit 440 facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) refer to the region (predetermined region 480) or position facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the horizontal direction.

[0257] Next, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the reel relay board unit 490 will be explained with reference to Figures 48 to 50. Figure 48 is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of the main part illustrating the reel relay board unit 490 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 49 is a diagram illustrating the predetermined space 500 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 50 is a diagram illustrating the predetermined area 510 in the reel relay board case 492 of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0258] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 46 and 48, a reel relay board unit 490 (an example of a third board unit) is provided on the top surface of the reel unit 310. The reel relay board unit 490 comprises a reel relay board (an example of a third board) and a reel relay board case 492 (a reel relay board cover, an example of a third board case) that covers the reel relay board, and is attached to the reel unit 310.

[0259] The reel relay board is also provided with multiple connectors. One end of a harness or cable (harness-side connector, cable-side connector) is connected to each connector, and the harness or cable then connects to the main board 414, the reel unit 310, and the power supply unit 305, among others.

[0260] The reel relay board case 492 is made of a transparent resin or the like to protect the reel relay board. The reel relay board case 492 is also provided with a connector opening 496 (an example of a third opening) that exposes the connector of the reel relay board.

[0261] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 49, the reel relay board unit 490 is positioned vertically below a predetermined space 500, which is the space from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 to a predetermined area 480 of the main board case 412.

[0262] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 50, the connector opening 496 is not located in the predetermined region 510, which is the area vertically below the predetermined space 500 in the reel relay board case 492. In other words, in this embodiment, the reel relay board unit 490 is located vertically below the predetermined space 500, but the connector opening 496 of the reel relay board case 492 is located in a different position from the predetermined region 510 in the reel relay board case 492. As a result, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 and the reel relay board unit 490 is such that the reel relay board unit 490 is located vertically below the predetermined space 500, but the connector opening 496 of the reel relay board case 492 is not present.

[0263] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 46, the main board unit 410 and the sub-board unit 440 are arranged to face each other when the front door FD is closed. As shown in Figure 47, a connector opening 416 is not placed in a predetermined area 480 facing the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the main board case 412 of the main board unit 410. This prevents dust and debris discharged from the cooling fan 460 from entering the main board case 412 as much as possible, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris adhering to the electronic components and connectors 430 of the main board 414.

[0264] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 46, when the front door FD is closed, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. Therefore, even if debris is generated when fixing members (e.g., screws) are screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent debris from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris accumulating inside the cooling fan 460.

[0265] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 46, since the sub-board unit 440 is installed such that the exhaust port 470 faces obliquely downward, even if dust is generated when a fixing member (e.g., a screw) is screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent the dust from entering the cooling fan 460 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent a failure caused by dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible.

[0266] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49, the reel relay board unit 490 is disposed vertically below a predetermined space 500 from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 to a predetermined region 480 of the main board case 412. As shown in FIG. 50, a connector opening 496 is not disposed in a predetermined region 510 vertically below the predetermined space 500 in the reel relay board case 492. Therefore, it is possible to prevent dust such as dust and dirt discharged from the cooling fan 460 from entering the reel relay board unit 490 as much as possible, and it is possible to prevent a failure caused by dust adhering to the connector of the reel relay board as much as possible.

[0267] FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining a cooling fan installation portion 540 of the sub-board case 442 in the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

[0268] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 51(A) and 51(B), a cooling fan installation portion 540 for installing (accommodating) the cooling fan 460 is provided on the surface of the sub-board case 442. The cooling fan installation portion 540 is formed to protrude outward, has substantially the same dimensions as the cooling fan 460, and is capable of accommodating the cooling fan 460. An exhaust port 470 is formed on the surface (bottom surface) of the cooling fan installation portion 540.

[0269] As shown in FIGS. 51(A) and 51(B), two screw receiving portions 542 provided with screw holes are provided on the surface (bottom surface) of the cooling fan installation portion 540.

[0270] In this embodiment, when installing the cooling fan 460, the cooling fan 460 is placed in the cooling fan mounting section 540 from the inside of the sub-board case 442, screws are screwed into the screw holes provided in the cooling fan 460 from the inside of the sub-board case 442, and then screwed further into the screw receiving section 542 to fix it to the sub-board case 442. As a result, the heads of the screws are positioned on the inside of the sub-board case 442.

[0271] In this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 is mounted from the inside of the sub-board case 442, making it easier to assemble the cooling fan 460. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the screw heads for securing the cooling fan 460 are located inside the sub-board case 442, preventing accidental removal of the cooling fan 460.

[0272] 2-3. Assembly structure of storage box BX

[0273] The assembly structure of the storage box BX will be described below with reference to Figures 52 to 54. Figure 52 is a schematic rear view of the storage box BX of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 53 is a schematic rear view of the storage box BX of the gaming machine of this embodiment with the back plate 402 removed, and Figure 54 is a schematic rear view of the storage box BX of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0274] In this embodiment, the storage box BX (enclosure), as shown in Figure 52, comprises a top plate 400, a back plate 402, a bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406 and 408, and is made of wood. The back plate 402 is thinner than the top plate 400, the bottom plate 404, and the left and right side plates 406 and 408.

[0275] In the following explanation, the underside of the top panel 400, the front of the back panel 402, the top surface of the bottom panel 404, the right side of the left side panel 408, and the left side of the right side panel 406, that is, the panel surfaces of the top panel 400, back panel 402, bottom panel 404, and the left and right side panels 406 and 408 that face inward from the enclosure will be referred to as the inner surfaces. The top surface of the top panel 400, the back of the back panel 402, the underside of the bottom panel 404, the left side of the left side panel 408, and the right side of the right side panel 406, that is, the panel surfaces of the top panel 400, back panel 402, bottom panel 404, and the left and right side panels 406 and 408 that face outward from the enclosure will be referred to as the outer surfaces.

[0276] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 53, back plate support portions 600, 602, and 604 are formed on the inner surface of the rear ends of the bottom plate 404 and the left and right side plates 406 and 408, respectively, for installing and fixing the back plate 402. The back plate support portion 600 of the left side plate 408 and the back plate support portion 602 of the right side plate 406 have an L-shaped cutout in the cross-sectional shape along line AA in Figure 53, and the back plate support portion 604 of the bottom plate 404 has an L-shaped cutout in the cross-sectional shape along line BB in Figure 53.

[0277] Furthermore, near the approximate center of the rear end of the top plate 400, as shown in Figure 53, a left back plate support portion 606 and a right back plate support portion 608 are formed for installing and fixing the back plate 402. The left back plate support portion 606 has an L-shaped cutout in the cross-sectional shape along line CC in Figure 53, and the right back plate support portion 608 has an L-shaped cutout in the cross-sectional shape along line BB in Figure 53. Screw holes are also formed approximately in the center of both the left back plate support portion 606 and the right back plate support portion 608.

[0278] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 52, a left fixing portion 610 and a right fixing portion 612 are formed near the approximate center of the upper part of the back panel 402 for fixing to the top panel 400. The left fixing portion 610 and the right fixing portion 612 are formed as protruding pieces that project upward from the upper part of the back panel 402. Screw holes are also formed approximately in the center of each of the left fixing portion 610 and the right fixing portion 612.

[0279] In this embodiment, the top plate 400, the bottom plate 404, and the left and right side plates 406 and 408 are assembled and fixed, and the back plate 402 is fixed to this frame. Specifically, the left end of the back plate 402 is aligned with the back plate receiving portion 600 of the left side plate 408 that constitutes the frame, the right end of the back plate 402 is aligned with the back plate receiving portion 602 of the right side plate 406 that constitutes the frame, and the lower end of the back plate 402 is aligned with the back plate receiving portion 604 of the bottom plate 404 that constitutes the frame, thereby installing the back plate 402 to the frame. As a result, the left fixing portion 610 of the back plate 402 overlaps with the left back plate receiving portion 606 of the top plate 400, and the right fixing portion 612 of the back plate 402 overlaps with the right back plate receiving portion 608 of the top plate 400.

[0280] In this embodiment, the left side plate 408 and the back plate 402, the right side plate 406 and the back plate 402, and the bottom plate 404 and the back plate 402 are fixed together with staples 620 (an example of the first fixing means, first fixing member, first fixing device, and first fastener). Specifically, the staples 620 are driven in from the outer surface to the inner surface of the back plate 402 to fix it. Also, as shown in Figure 52, the back plate 402 is fixed to the back plate receiving portion 600 of the left side plate 408 by driving staples 620 along the left edge of the back plate 402 to fix it, thereby fixing the left side plate 408 and the back plate 402. In this embodiment, the back plate 402 is fixed at multiple locations (for example, 6 locations) at regular intervals along the left end with staples 620. Note that the fixing with staples 620 is not limited to 6 locations; there may be more or fewer locations.

[0281] As shown in Figure 52, the back plate 402 is fixed to the back plate receiving portion 602 of the right side plate 406 by driving staples 620 along the right edge of the back plate 402, thereby fixing the back plate 402 to the right side plate 406. In this embodiment, the back plate 402 is fixed at multiple locations (for example, 6 locations) at regular intervals along its right edge with staples 620. Note that the fixing with staples 620 is not limited to 6 locations; there may be more or fewer locations.

[0282] As shown in Figure 52, the back plate 402 is fixed to the back plate receiving portion 604 of the bottom plate 404 by driving staples 620 along the lower edge of the back plate 402, thereby fixing the bottom plate 404 and the back plate 402. In this embodiment, the lower end of the back plate 402 is fixed with staples 620 at multiple locations (for example, four locations) at regular intervals. Note that the fixing with staples 620 is not limited to four locations; there may be more or fewer locations.

[0283] In this embodiment, the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed together with wood screws 622 (an example of a second fixing means, second fixing member, second fixing device, and second fastener). Specifically, the wood screws 622 are screwed into the back plate 402 from the outer surface towards the inner surface. As shown in Figure 52, when a wood screw 622 is screwed into the screw hole of the left fixing part 610 of the back plate 402, the wood screw 622 is screwed into the screw hole of the left back plate receiving part 606 of the top plate 400, and when a wood screw 622 is screwed into the screw hole of the right fixing part 612 of the back plate 402, the wood screw 622 is screwed into the screw hole of the right back plate receiving part 608 of the top plate 400. In this manner, the back panel 402 is fixed to the left back panel support portion 606 of the top plate 400 by screwing wood screws 622 into the screw holes of the left fixing portion 610 of the back panel 402, and the back panel 402 is fixed to the right back panel support portion 608 of the top plate 400 by screwing wood screws 622 into the screw holes of the right fixing portion 612 of the back panel 402, thereby fixing the back panel 402 to the back panel 402. In this embodiment, the upper end of the back panel 402 is fixed at multiple locations (for example, two locations) with wood screws 622. Note that the fixing with wood screws 622 is not limited to two locations (left fixing portion 610, right fixing portion 612), and there may be more or fewer locations.

[0284] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the staples 620 are cheaper per unit than the wood screws 622, the wood screws 622 have stronger fastening force (strength) than the staples 620, and are easier to remove with a screwdriver (an example of a specified tool) than the staples 620. Also, the wood screws 622 are easier to remove without damaging the area around the fastening point on the outer surface of the back plate 402 than the staples 620. In addition, the staples 620 can be fastened more quickly than the wood screws 622, and once removed, they are more difficult to reuse than the wood screws 622.

[0285] Thus, in this embodiment, staples 620 are used to fasten the left side panel 408 to the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 to the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 to the back panel 402, but wood screws 622 are not used. Similarly, wood screws 622 are used to fasten the top panel 400 to the back panel 402, but staples 620 are not used. Furthermore, fewer wood screws 622 are used than staples 620 in these fastening operations.

[0286] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 52, four heat dissipation holes are formed side by side at regular intervals near the top of the back plate 402: a first heat dissipation hole 624 (an example of a heat dissipation hole), a second heat dissipation hole 626 (an example of a heat dissipation hole), a third heat dissipation hole 628 (an example of a heat dissipation hole), and a fourth heat dissipation hole 630 (an example of a heat dissipation hole). These heat dissipation holes are for dissipating (releasing) the heat generated inside the main board unit 410 to the outside, and are formed as elongated openings in the left-right direction. The shape of the heat dissipation holes is not limited to this and can be any shape. The number of heat dissipation holes is also not limited to four; there may be fewer than four or five or more.

[0287] In this embodiment, these four heat dissipation holes are formed in a position that avoids being directly below the fixing points by the wood screws 622. Specifically, as shown in Figure 52, the right fixing part 612 is formed above the space between the first heat dissipation hole 624 and the second heat dissipation hole 626, and the left fixing part 610 is formed above the space between the third heat dissipation hole 628 and the fourth heat dissipation hole 630. This arrangement ensures that there are no heat dissipation holes directly below the fixing points by the wood screws 622.

[0288] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 46, the main circuit board unit 410 is positioned (fixed) on the upper part of the inner surface of the back plate 402, and the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation hole 624 to the fourth heat dissipation hole 630, are formed in the area where the main circuit board unit 410 is positioned, as shown in Figure 54.

[0289] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 54, the shortest straight-line distance S1 from the wood screw 622 to the main circuit board unit 410 is shorter than the shortest straight-line distance S2 from the staple 620 to the main circuit board unit 410.

[0290] In this embodiment, the left side plate 408 and the top plate 400, and the right side plate 406 and the top plate 400 are fixed together with wood screws. Specifically, as shown by arrow A in Figure 54, the wood screws are screwed into the top plate 400 from the outer side toward the inner side to secure it. The wood screws used to fix the top plate 400 to the left and right side plates 406 and 408 have a larger diameter (stronger fixing force) than the wood screws 622 used to fix the top plate 400 to the back plate 402. As mentioned above, when fixing the gaming machine to the island equipment, as shown by arrow B in Figure 54, screws acting as fixing members (fastening members) are screwed into the top plate 400 from the inner side toward the outer side to secure it to the island equipment.

[0291] The left side panel 408 and the bottom panel 404, and the right side panel 406 and the bottom panel 404 are also secured with wood screws. The wood screws used to secure the bottom panel 404 to the left and right side panels 406 and 408 are larger in diameter (stronger fastening screws) than the wood screws 622 used to secure the top panel 400 to the back panel 402.

[0292] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 52, the left side plate 408 and the back plate 402, the right side plate 406 and the back plate 402, and the bottom plate 404 and the back plate 402 are fixed with staples 620. Since staples 620 are cheaper than wood screws 622, costs can be reduced compared to using wood screws 622 for these fasteners. In this embodiment, the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed with wood screws 622. Since wood screws 622 have a stronger fixing force than staples 620, the strength of the top plate 400 can be ensured. In particular, in this embodiment, sufficient strength can be ensured to withstand the load on the top plate 400 caused by the work of installing the gaming machine on the island equipment of the gaming hall. This allows for cost reduction while ensuring strength.

[0293] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left side panel 408 and the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 and the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 and the back panel 402 are fixed together with staples 620, so the left side panel 408, the right side panel 406, and the bottom panel 404 can be reused.

[0294] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed with wood screws 622. Since wood screws 622 are easier to remove than staples 620, compared to using staples 620 to fix the top plate 400 and the back plate 402, it is possible to easily remove the top plate 400, which is not intended for reuse.

[0295] In this embodiment, the main board unit 410, which includes a main board 414 equipped with a setting change switch and a setting change button, and a main board case 412 rotatable between a first position and a second position, is fixed to the upper part of the inner surface of the back plate 402. The top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed with wood screws 622, which have stronger fixing force than staples 620. As a result, sufficient strength can be ensured to withstand the load on the back plate 402 caused by inspection work to inspect the back of the main board 414 (such as releasing the rotation restriction of the main board case 412 in the first position or returning the main board case 412 from the second position to the first position) and operation of the setting change switch or setting change button.

[0296] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 54, the shortest straight-line distance S1 from the wood screw 622 to the main circuit board unit 410 is shorter than the shortest straight-line distance S2 from the staple 620 to the main circuit board unit 410. Therefore, when an external force is applied to the main circuit board unit 410 toward the back plate 402, the presence of the wood screw 622, which has strong fixing force, can suitably maintain the connection between the back plate 402 and the other boards (top plate 400, left and right side plates 406, 408, bottom plate 404) that are fixed to the back plate 402.

[0297] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of wood screws 622, which have a higher unit price than staples 620, used to fasten the left side panel 408 to the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 to the back panel 402, the bottom panel 404 to the back panel 402, and the top panel 400 to the back panel 402 is less than that of staples 620, thus reducing costs.

[0298] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tacker pins 620 used to fasten the left side panel 408 to the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 to the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 to the back panel 402, as well as the wood screws 622 used to fasten the top panel 400 to the back panel 402, are performed on the outer surface of the back panel 402, thereby improving the work efficiency of assembling the storage box BX.

[0299] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 52, the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation holes 624 to the fourth heat dissipation holes 630, are positioned to avoid being directly below the fixing points by the wood screws 622, thereby ensuring the strength of the back plate 402.

[0300] In this embodiment, the left side panel 408 and the top panel 400, the left side panel 408 and the bottom panel 404, the right side panel 406 and the top panel 400, and the right side panel 406 and the bottom panel 404 may be fixed with staples 620, or they may be fixed by means other than staples 620 or wood screws 622.

[0301] In this embodiment, adhesive tape or glue may be used in conjunction with fastening means such as staples 620 or wood screws 622 to assemble and fix the top plate 400, back plate 402, bottom plate 404, and left and right side plates 406, 408.

[0302] The configuration and structure of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0303] 3. Third Embodiment In this embodiment, detailed explanations of configurations and control methods common to the second embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. In this embodiment, the structure of the sub-board unit 440 differs from that of the second embodiment, and the sub-board unit 440 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 55 to 60. Figure 55 is a perspective view showing a schematic of the sub-board unit 440 of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 56 is a front view showing a schematic of the sub-board unit 440 of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 57 is a front view of the sub-board 444 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and is a partially enlarged view (schematic diagram) illustrating the development connector arrangement area 640 of the sub-board 444, and Figure 58 is a perspective view of the case cover 672 of the sub-board case 442 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and is a part illustrating the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672. Figures 55 to 57 and 59 to 60 omit the illustration of electronic components such as the CPU, ROM, and RAM in the sub-board 444.

[0304] As shown in Figure 55, the sub-board case 442 of this embodiment is composed of a case body 674 and a case lid 672, and the case body 674 and the case lid 672 are combined to form a box-shaped sub-board case 442. The sub-board 444 is housed inside the sub-board case 442 with the case lid 672 facing the front surface of the sub-board 444 and the case body 674 facing the back surface of the sub-board 444.

[0305] Furthermore, the sub-board 444 of this embodiment is provided with an unmounted component placement area (an example of a predetermined area) that indicates the placement of components that are not mounted during mass production (components not mounted during mass production).

[0306] Components not mounted during mass production include development components used only during development and not mounted during mass production (e.g., development connectors, development ICs, development passive elements, etc.), function expansion components that are mounted when additional functions (specifications) are decided for later models and are not mounted during mass production (current models) (e.g., function expansion connectors, function expansion ICs, function expansion passive elements, etc.), and test components used in prescribed tests conducted to provide gaming machines to the market and not mounted during mass production (e.g., test connectors, test ICs, test passive elements, etc.). Mass production refers to the time when a large quantity of a product is produced for the market. In other words, gaming machines distributed in the market generally do not have components (components not mounted during mass production) mounted in the areas designated for components not mounted during mass production.

[0307] In this embodiment, the unmounted component placement area is defined as the area occupied by the unmounted component when it is placed in a predetermined position, as well as the area occupied by the markings related to the unmounted component. Here, the mounting area includes the area occupied by mounting parts (lands, through-holes, pads, etc.) for attaching (soldering) the unmounted component. Multiple unmounted component placement areas may be provided, or multiple unmounted components may be mounted in a single unmounted component placement area.

[0308] In this embodiment, a development connector placement area 640 is provided as an unmounted component placement area, indicating the placement of development connectors (an example of electronic components not mounted during mass production), which are components not mounted during mass production (development components). As shown in Figure 56, the development connector placement area 640 is provided on the surface of the sub-board 444, near the upper right corner in Figure 56. The development connector is a vertical mating connector (a connector in which the insertion direction intersects the surface of the sub-board 444).

[0309] Specifically, as shown in Figure 57, the development connector placement area 640 is provided with a mounting section 676 composed of multiple pads (approximately rectangular copper foil portions). In this embodiment, the development connector is a surface mount component that is mounted by soldering to the mounting surface, and is mounted using surface mount technology (SMT). In this embodiment, the multiple pads (copper foil portions) of the mounting section 676 are arranged horizontally in two rows, upper and lower, corresponding to each terminal (each pin) of the development connector. More specifically, as shown in Figure 57, 17 pads (copper foil portions) are arranged horizontally in the upper row, and 15 pads (copper foil portions) are arranged horizontally in the lower row.

[0310] Furthermore, in the development connector placement area 640, as shown in Figure 57, the string "CN9," which is an identification mark (development connector identification mark 678) indicating a development connector, is displayed to the right of the mounting section 676 in Figure 57 as an indication of components not mounted during mass production.

[0311] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 57, the development connector placement area 640 displays terminal identification markings to allow identification of each terminal of the development connector, as an indication of components not mounted during mass production. Specifically, the terminal identification markings include the number "1" and a triangle symbol, which represent the identification marking for pin 1 (first terminal identification marking 680), displayed near the pin 1 pad (copper foil portion); the number "2" representing the identification marking for pin 2 (second terminal identification marking 682), displayed near the pin 2 pad (copper foil portion); the number "15" representing the identification marking for pin 15 (third terminal identification marking 684), displayed near the pin 15 pad (copper foil portion); and the number "16" representing the identification marking for pin 16 (fourth terminal identification marking 686), displayed near the pin 16 pad (copper foil portion).

[0312] In this embodiment, the development connector placement area 640 includes the mounting section 676 composed of multiple pads (copper foil portions), the string "CN9" which is the development connector identification mark 678, the number "1" and the triangle symbol which are the first terminal identification mark 680, the number "2" which is the second terminal identification mark 682, the number "15" which is the third terminal identification mark 684, and the number "16" which is the fourth terminal identification mark 686. The development connector placement area 640 may not include some or all of the first to fourth terminal identification marks.

[0313] Furthermore, the sub-board 444 of this embodiment has multiple connectors 450 provided in positions different from the development connector placement area 640, and these connectors 450 are components that will be mounted during mass production (mass-production mounted components).

[0314] Specifically, the sub-board 444 has six connectors 450 arranged vertically along the left edge in Figure 56: the first connector 642, the second connector 644, the third connector 646, the fourth connector 648, the fifth connector 650, and the sixth connector 652. Three more connectors 450, the seventh connector 654, the eighth connector 656, and the ninth connector 658, are arranged horizontally along the top edge near the upper left of Figure 56. These connectors are vertically mating connectors.

[0315] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 55 and 56, the front surface of the case cover 672 is provided with openings (connector openings) at positions facing each of the nine connectors 450, from the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658, so that each of the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658 is exposed from the sub-board case 442.

[0316] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 55 and 56, the front surface of the case lid 672 in this embodiment has a projection 670 that protrudes toward the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444 at a position facing the development connector placement area 640. As shown in Figure 58, the projection 670 is formed in a plate shape on the inner (back) side of the front surface of the case lid 672.

[0317] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 58, the protruding portion 670 is formed such that the facing portion 688 (the tip of the protruding portion 670), which is the surface of the protruding portion 670 that faces the development connector placement area 640, fits within the development connector placement area 640. Specifically, the opposing portion 688 is formed in a rectangular shape, and as shown in Figures 59(A) and 59(B), its longitudinal dimension is less than or equal to the dimension S1 (the dimension from the outer edge of one pad to the outer edge of the other pad in a group of pads, an example of the dimension from one pad to the other pad in a group of pads) from the right end of the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the left end of the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444, and its short-side dimension is less than or equal to the dimension S2 (the short-side dimension of the development connector body) from the upper end of the 1-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the lower end of the upper pad (copper foil portion) located opposite the 1-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. In particular, in this embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the opposing portion 688 is approximately the same as dimension S1. As a result, when the sub-board 444 is housed in the sub-board case 442, as shown in Figures 59(A) and 59(B), the left end of the facing portion 688 faces the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) (one end of the facing portion in the longitudinal direction faces one end of the multiple pads), and the right end of the facing portion 688 faces the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) (the other end of the facing portion in the longitudinal direction faces the other end of the multiple pads).

[0318] In other words, in this embodiment, the opposing portion 688 is formed smaller than the mounting portion 676 in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. In particular, in this embodiment, the opposing portion 688 is formed smaller than the outer dimensions of the insertion opening (insertion opening) of the development connector. Thus, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 670 is formed to fit within the development connector placement area 640 when the sub-board 444 is housed in the sub-board case 442. As a result, when attempting to assemble the development sub-board on which the development connector is mounted and the sub-board case 442, which is a board case for mass production, the left and right ends of the opposing portion 688 will not collide with the housing that constitutes the outer shape of the development connector and thus will not fit together.

[0319] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 59(B), the dimension S1 from the right end of the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the left end of the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444 is the same as or approximately the same as the longitudinal dimension of the development connector.

[0320] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 670 is formed such that the distance between the opposite side 688 of the protruding portion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter than the height of each of the first connectors 642 to the ninth connector 658 of the sub-board 444. In this embodiment, the heights of the connectors from the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658 increase in the order of "first connector 642 = third connector 646 < second connector 644 = fourth connector 648 = fifth connector 650 < sixth connector 652 < seventh connector 654 = eighth connector 656 < ninth connector 658". As shown in Figure 60, the distance H1 between the opposite side 688 of the protruding portion 670 of the case lid 672 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter than the heights of the first connector 642 and the third connector 646, which have the lowest height H among the first connectors 642 to the ninth connector 658. Note that in Figure 60, the illustration of connectors 654 to 658 (connectors 7 to 9) is omitted.

[0321] Furthermore, in this embodiment, no opening is formed on the front surface of the case lid 672 at a position facing the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444.

[0322] In addition, in the sub-board unit 440 of this embodiment, the cooling fan 460 is located near the middle right of Figure 56.

[0323] In this embodiment, the sub-board 444 is provided with a development connector placement area 640 indicating the placement of development connectors, which are components not mounted during mass production (development components). A protrusion 670 that projects toward the development connector placement area 640 is provided on the case lid 672 at a position facing the development connector placement area 640. Therefore, when attempting to assemble the development sub-board with the development connector mounted on it and the sub-board case 442, which is a board case for mass production, the protrusion 670 of the case lid 672 can interfere with the development connector, preventing them from being assembled. Specifically, when the sub-board 444 is housed in the sub-board case 442, as shown in Figures 59(A) and 59(B), the left end of the opposing portion 688 of the protruding portion 670 faces the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640, and the right end of the opposing portion 688 of the protruding portion 670 faces the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640. Therefore, when attempting to assemble the development sub-board with the development connector mounted on it and the sub-board case 442 for mass production, the left and right ends of the opposing portion 688 will collide with the housing that constitutes the outer shape of the development connector, preventing them from being assembled correctly. This prevents accidental assembly of the development sub-board and the sub-board case 442 for mass production. In particular, in the development of a gaming machine like the one in this embodiment, it is necessary to prepare a test gaming machine to be used for predetermined tests before starting mass production. At the stage of preparing such a test gaming machine, development sub-boards and mass-production sub-boards 444 may get mixed together, which can lead to misassembly. However, according to this embodiment, development sub-boards and mass-production sub-board cases 442 can be prevented from being assembled together, thus preventing misassembly.

[0324] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672 is formed to a size that fits within the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444, and is positioned within the development connector placement area 640. This prevents the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672 from interfering with the periphery of the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 59(A) and 59(B), the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672 is formed such that the longitudinal dimension of the facing portion 688 that faces the development connector placement area 640 is less than or equal to the dimension S1 from the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. This prevents the protruding portion 670 of the case cover 672 from interfering with the periphery of the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. As a result, in this embodiment, electronic components and the like can be placed around the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444, thereby increasing the design flexibility of the sub-board 444.

[0325] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 670 is formed such that the distance H1 between the opposite side 688 of the protrusion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter than any of the heights of the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658 of the sub-board 444. As a result, the protrusion 670 of the case cover 672 will not interfere with the development connector of the development sub-board and will not be able to assemble, regardless of the height of the development connector. This prevents the accidental assembly of the development sub-board and the mass-production sub-board case 442.

[0326] In this embodiment, the example described was that an area for unmounted components is provided on the sub-board 444. However, an area for unmounted components may also be provided on other boards such as the main board 414 (an example of a board), a reel relay board (an example of a board), or a centralized terminal board (an example of a board), and a protrusion may be provided on the board case covering the board that faces the area for unmounted components, so as to project toward the area for unmounted components.

[0327] In this embodiment, the example described was that a development connector placement area 640 indicating the placement of a development connector was provided as an area for placing unmounted components. However, an unmounted component placement area (an example of a predetermined area) may also be provided to indicate the placement of components that are not mounted during mass production, other than development connectors, such as development ICs (an example of electronic components that are not mounted during mass production) and development passive elements (an example of electronic components that are not mounted during mass production).

[0328] In this embodiment, the example given for the opposite portion 688 of the protruding portion 670 is that the longitudinal dimension of the opposite portion 688 is less than or equal to the dimension S1, which is the distance from the right end of the 2-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the left end of the 16-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444, and the short-side dimension is less than or equal to the dimension S2, which is the distance from the upper end of the 1-pin pad (copper foil portion) to the lower end of the upper pad (copper foil portion) located opposite the 1-pin pad (copper foil portion) in the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. However, the opposite portion 688 may have a longitudinal dimension shorter than dimension S1 and a short-side dimension shorter than dimension S2. That is, the opposite portion 688 may have a longitudinal dimension less than or equal to the longitudinal dimension S1 of the mounting portion 676 or shorter than dimension S1, and a short-side dimension less than or equal to the short-side dimension S2 of the mounting portion 676 or shorter than dimension S2.

[0329] In this embodiment, the case in which the vertically mating connectors of the first connector 642 to the ninth connector 658 are provided at a position different from the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444 was described as an example. However, horizontally mating connectors (connectors whose insertion direction is substantially parallel to the surface of the sub-board 444 (a different direction from that of the development connectors)) may also be provided. In this case, the protrusion 670 of the case cover 672 may be formed such that the distance between the opposite side 688 of the protrusion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter or longer than the height of the horizontally mating connector on the sub-board 444.

[0330] In this embodiment, the example of forming the protruding portion 670 of the case lid 672 of the sub-board case 442 in a plate shape was used for explanation. However, the shape of the protruding portion 670 is not limited to a plate shape. It can be formed into any shape, such as a column shape, as long as the opposite portion 688 is sized to fit within the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. Similarly, the opposite portion 688 is not limited to a rectangular shape. It can be formed into any shape as long as it is sized to fit within the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444.

[0331] In this embodiment, the example described was that the protruding portion 670 of the case lid 672 is formed to fit within the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444. However, the opposite portion 688 of the protruding portion 670 may be formed to be larger than the development connector placement area 640 of the sub-board 444.

[0332] In this embodiment, the example described was that the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 670 is formed such that the distance H1 between the opposite side 688 of the protrusion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is shorter than any of the heights of the first connectors 642 to the ninth connectors 658 of the sub-board 444. However, as long as the size allows for interference with the development connector, the amount of protrusion of the protrusion 670 may be formed such that the distance H1 between the opposite side 688 of the protrusion 670 and the surface of the sub-board 444 is longer than any of the heights of the first connectors 642 to the ninth connectors 658 of the sub-board 444.

[0333] The configuration and structure of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0334] 4. Fourth Embodiment In this embodiment, detailed explanations of configurations and control methods common to the second embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. In this embodiment, the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712 through which the cable for connecting external devices is inserted differs from that of the second embodiment. The positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712 in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 61 to 64. Figure 61 is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 62 is an enlarged view (schematic diagram) of the main part illustrating the centralized terminal board unit 690 in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 63 is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712, and Figure 64 is a front view (schematic diagram) showing the internal configuration of a modified gaming machine of this embodiment, and is an explanatory diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712. Note that in Figures 61 and 63-64, the power supply unit 305 and the hopper unit 320, which are located at the bottom of the reel unit 310 inside the storage box BX, are not shown. Also, in Figures 61-64, the CPU, ROM, RAM, and other electronic components on the main board 414 are not shown.

[0335] As shown in Figure 61, the centralized terminal board unit 690 of this embodiment is attached to the inner surface of the right side panel 406 of the storage box BX, similar to the first embodiment described above. The centralized terminal board unit 690 also comprises a centralized terminal board 692 and a centralized terminal board case 694, as shown in Figure 62. The centralized terminal board case 694 is composed of a case body 696 and a case lid 698, and the case body 696 and the case lid 698 are combined to form a box-shaped centralized terminal board case 694. The centralized terminal board 692 is housed inside the centralized terminal board case 694 with the case lid 698 facing the surface of the centralized terminal board 692 and the case body 696 facing the back surface of the centralized terminal board 692. The centralized terminal board unit 690 is attached so that the surface of the centralized terminal board 692 faces outwards (towards the left side panel 408).

[0336] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 62, the surface of the centralized terminal board 692 in this embodiment is provided with multiple connectors, including a main board connection connector 700 used for connecting to the main board 414, and an external device connection connector 702 (an example of a connector) used for connecting to external devices. These connectors are vertical mating connectors. As a result, the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) of the main board connection connector 700 and the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 face the left side plate 408. Note that in Figures 61 to 64, various harnesses and cables, such as cables used for connecting the main board 414 and the centralized terminal board 692 and cables for connecting external devices, are not shown.

[0337] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 62, the front surface of the case cover 698 of the centralized terminal board case 694 in this embodiment is provided with openings (connector openings) at positions facing the main board connection connector 700 and the external device connection connector 702, respectively, so that the main board connection connector 700 and the external device connection connector 702 are exposed from the centralized terminal board case 694.

[0338] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 62, the centralized terminal board case 694 of this embodiment is provided with four fixing parts for fixing the case body 696 and the case lid 698: a first case lid fixing part 704, a second case lid fixing part 706, a third case lid fixing part 708, and a fourth case lid fixing part 710. Each fixing part is composed of the case body 696 and the case lid 698. The first case lid fixing part 704 and the fourth case lid fixing part 710 are protruding parts that project in the longitudinal direction of the centralized terminal board case 694 and are formed as protruding parts that project in opposite directions to each other, while the second case lid fixing part 706 and the third case lid fixing part 708 are protruding parts that project in the short direction of the centralized terminal board case 694 and are formed as protruding parts that project in the same direction. Each fixing part also has a screw hole, and the case body 696 and the case lid 698 are fixed by screwing a screw into the screw hole.

[0339] In this embodiment, the through-hole 712 for inserting an external device connection cable (an example of a cable) is formed near the upper right end of the back plate 402 of the storage box BX, as shown in Figure 61. The through-hole 712 is formed in a roughly rectangular shape. However, the shape of the through-hole 712 is not limited to this and can be any shape (for example, a circular shape).

[0340] Furthermore, the main board case 412 of the main board unit 410 in this embodiment is formed in a different shape from that of the first embodiment. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 61, the right corner of the main board case 412 is cut out so as not to overlap with the through hole 712 of the back plate 402. This prevents the through hole 712 from being blocked.

[0341] In this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402, such that the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) for the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712 in the left-right direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 63, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned on the right side plate 406 of the storage box BX, below and in front of the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402. Here, the dashed lines a and b in Figure 63 are dashed lines drawn vertically (vertically downward and directly below) from the left and right ends of the through-hole 712, respectively. In this embodiment, the connector 702 for connecting external devices is mounted on the centralized terminal board 692 such that its insertion opening 716 faces the left side plate 408, as shown in Figure 62. The centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned such that the insertion opening 716 of the connector 702 for connecting external devices is located between dashed lines a and b in Figure 63.

[0342] In this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned such that the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) for the main board connection connector 700 is also within the width range of the through hole 712.

[0343] In this embodiment, when installing the gaming machine into the island equipment of the gaming hall, a connection operation is performed in which an external device connection cable is inserted from outside the gaming machine into the through hole 712 of the back plate 402 and then inserted into the external device connection connector 702 of the central terminal board 692.

[0344] As described above, in this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402, making it easy to see both the centralized terminal board unit 690 and the through-hole 712 simultaneously, and making it easier to connect the cable for connecting an external device to the external device connection connector 702 of the centralized terminal board 692. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned below and in front of the through-hole 712, such that the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712, so that when the external device connection cable is inserted into the storage box BX from the through-hole 712, the cable is positioned close to the external device connection connector 702, making it easier to connect the cable.

[0345] In this embodiment, the centralized terminal board unit 690 was described as being positioned below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402, such that the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712. However, the centralized terminal board unit 690 only needs to be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712; the entire insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 does not need to be within the width of the through-hole 712. Furthermore, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through-hole 712, but a portion of the main body forming the external device connection connector 702 is outside the width of the through-hole 712. Furthermore, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, but part or all of the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) of the main board connection connector 700 is outside the width range of the through hole 712. Also, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, but part of the main body forming the main board connection connector 700 is outside the width range of the through hole 712. Furthermore, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, but part or all of the centralized terminal board case 694 or centralized terminal board 692 is outside the width range of the through hole 712.

[0346] In this embodiment, the case in which the centralized terminal board unit 690 is placed on the upper side inside the storage box BX was described as an example, but the centralized terminal board unit 690 may also be placed on the lower side inside the storage box BX. For example, as shown in Figure 64, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be placed near the lower right end of the back plate 402 of the storage box BX, and a through hole 712 may be formed above the centralized terminal board unit 690. In this case as well, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be placed below the through hole 712 of the back plate 402, at a position where the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width of the through hole 712. Specifically, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be placed so that the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is located between dashed lines a and b in Figure 64. Even in this way, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment can be achieved, and the cable connection work can be made easier. In this case as well, the centralized terminal board unit 690 only needs to be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, and it is not necessary for the entire insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 to be within the width range of the through hole 712. Alternatively, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, but a portion of the main body forming the external device connection connector 702 is outside the width range of the through hole 712.

[0347] In this case, as shown in Figure 64, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned so that the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) of the main board connection connector 700 is outside the width range of the through hole 712. However, at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 may be positioned so that it is within the width range of the through hole 712, and part or all of the insertion opening 714 (insertion opening) of the main board connection connector 700 is within the width range of the through hole 712. Alternatively, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned so that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, and part or all of the main body forming the main board connection connector 700 is within the width range of the through hole 712.

[0348] In this case, as shown in Figure 64, the centralized terminal board unit 690 is positioned such that a part of the centralized terminal board case 694 (for example, the first case lid fixing part 704 or the second case lid fixing part 706) is outside the width range of the through hole 712. However, at least a part of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) of the external device connection connector 702 may be positioned so that it is within the width range of the through hole 712, and part or all of the centralized terminal board case 694 is within the width range of the through hole 712. Alternatively, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) for the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, while the four fixing parts of the centralized terminal board case 694 (first case lid fixing part 704, second case lid fixing part 706, third case lid fixing part 708, and fourth case lid fixing part 710) are outside the width range of the through hole 712. Alternatively, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the insertion opening 716 (insertion opening) for the external device connection connector 702 is within the width range of the through hole 712, while part or all of the centralized terminal board 692 is outside the width range of the through hole 712.

[0349] In this embodiment, the example of placing the centralized terminal board unit 690 below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402 was described, but it is not limited to placing the centralized terminal board unit 690 below the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402. For example, the centralized terminal board unit 690 may be placed to the side or above the through-hole 712 of the back plate 402.

[0350] In this embodiment, the example described was one in which a through-hole 712 for inserting an external device connection cable is formed in the back plate 402. However, it does not have to be the back plate 402 as long as it is near the centralized terminal board unit 690; for example, it may be formed in the right side plate 406.

[0351] Furthermore, although this embodiment has described the application of the present invention to a slot machine that uses physical tokens (game value) for gameplay, the present invention may also be applied to a smart pachislo (registered trademark), which is a game machine that uses electronic tokens (game value), which are electronic information, as the game medium for gameplay, instead of using physical tokens.

[0352] Smart pachislo includes a medal count control board that controls (manages) the number of electronic medals (number of game medals), and a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board (an example of a connection terminal board) that connects the smart pachislo to an external device, a medal dispensing machine (not shown). The medal count control board is connected to the main board 414 in a bidirectional manner and is connected to the medal dispensing machine in a bidirectional manner via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board. It stores the electronic medals, which are electronic information lent from the medal dispensing machine, in a predetermined memory area and can perform counting processing to transfer some or all of the stored electronic medals to the medal dispensing machine. The game ball dispensing device connection terminal board is connected to the medal count control board and the medal dispensing machine in a bidirectional manner and receives signals related to the lending of electronic medals, transmits the results of the lending of electronic medals, transmits signals related to the counting of electronic medals, and transmits various information of the game machine (transmits signals to the outside).

[0353] The main board 414 then bets electronic medals stored in a predetermined memory area of ​​the medal count control board by operating the bet button B0, and adds the medals dispensed according to the result of the game to the electronic medals stored in the predetermined memory area, thereby providing electronic medals. For this reason, a medal input slot MI, hopper unit 320, etc., are not required in a smart pachislo. In such a smart pachislo, a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board unit (an example of a connection terminal board unit) comprising a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board and a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board case that covers (houses) the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board can be implemented in place of the central terminal board unit 690.

[0354] In this case, the gaming ball dispensing device connection terminal board unit may have the same structure as the centralized terminal board unit 690 in the above embodiment, and the gaming ball dispensing device connection terminal board unit may be positioned below the through hole 712 of the back plate 402, such that the insertion opening (insertion opening) for the external device connection connector mounted on the gaming ball dispensing device connection terminal board is within the width of the through hole 712, as in the above embodiment (as in the example shown in Figures 63 and 64).

[0355] The configuration and structure of this embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments and modifications.

[0356] 5. Variations The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. These modifications are introduced below. The embodiments described above, as well as the various methods described below as modifications, can be appropriately combined and adopted as methods for realizing the present invention.

[0357] In the above embodiment, the example described was one in which the lower end of the sub-board unit 440 is located in front of the upper end, that is, the exhaust port 470 is positioned diagonally downward. However, for example, the upper end of the sub-board unit 440 may be located in front of the lower end. That is, the sub-board unit 440 may be positioned so that the exhaust port 470 is positioned diagonally upward. Even in this case, since the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is positioned at a location different from the vertically downward direction of the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400, even if debris is generated when fixing members (e.g., screws) are screwed into the mounting hole 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent as much debris as possible from entering the cooling fan 460, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by debris accumulating inside the cooling fan 460 as much as possible. Alternatively, for example, the sub-board unit 440 may be positioned so as not to be tilted in the vertical direction.

[0358] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which a cooling fan 460 is mounted on the sub-board unit 440, when mounting the cooling fan 460, a roof portion 520 may be provided above the cooling fan 460, as shown in Figure 65. The roof portion 520 protrudes outward and is integrally formed with the sub-board case 442, but it may be a separate part from the sub-board case 442. It is also desirable that the length of the roof portion 520 is at least greater than the thickness of the cooling fan 460. In this way, even if dust is generated when fixing members (e.g., screws) are screwed into the mounting holes 420 for attachment to the island equipment, it is possible to prevent as much dust as possible from entering the cooling fan 460, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible. In this example, the surface of the cooling fan 460 is not covered by the sub-board case 442, but is covered with a dust cover 530, and even in this way, it is possible to prevent as much dust as possible from entering the cooling fan 460, thereby preventing malfunctions caused by dust adhering to the inside of the cooling fan 460 as much as possible.

[0359] In the above embodiment, the cooling fan 460 was described as being housed inside the sub-board case 442, but the cooling fan 460 may also be provided outside the sub-board case 442, or the cooling fan 460 may be provided inside the sub-board case 442 while a part of the cooling fan 460 is exposed to the outside.

[0360] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the predetermined region 480 was described as the region in the main board case 412 that faces the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) in the horizontal direction. However, as shown in Figure 66, the predetermined region 480 may also be the region that faces the cooling fan 460 in the air discharge direction (airflow direction) of the cooling fan 460.

[0361] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) is not positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400 when the front door FD is closed was described as an example. However, the cooling fan 460 (exhaust port 470) may be positioned vertically below the mounting hole 420 of the top plate 400. In this case, it is desirable to install the sub-board unit 440 so that the exhaust port 470 faces diagonally downward.

[0362] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the reel relay board unit 490 is placed vertically below the predetermined space 500 from the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440 to a predetermined area 480 of the main board case 412 was described as an example. However, as shown in Figure 67, for example, the reel relay board unit 490 may not be placed vertically below the predetermined space 500, but rather at a different location. In other words, the reel relay board unit 490 may not be present vertically below the predetermined space 500.

[0363] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the connector opening 496 is not located in the predetermined area 510 of the reel relay board case 492, the connector opening 496 may be located in the predetermined area 510 of the reel relay board case 492.

[0364] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the main board unit 410 is provided on the back panel 402 of the storage box BX, it can be placed anywhere inside the storage box BX. For example, the main board unit 410 may be provided on either the left or right side panels 406 or 408 of the storage box BX. In this way, air cannot be discharged from the exhaust port 470 of the sub-board unit 440 toward the main board unit 410, so that dust and other debris discharged from the cooling fan 460 does not enter the main board case 412 as much as possible, and malfunctions caused by dust adhering to the electronic components and connectors 430 of the main board 414 can be prevented as much as possible.

[0365] In the above embodiment, the case in which the sub-board unit 440 is provided on the back surface of the front door FD was described as an example, but for example, the sub-board unit 440 may be provided inside the storage box BX. Also, for example, when a liquid crystal display is installed, the sub-board unit 440 may be provided on the back surface of the liquid crystal display.

[0366] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was described using the example of mounting one cooling fan 460 on the sub-board unit 440, multiple (for example, two) cooling fans 460 may be mounted on the sub-board unit 440. In this case, it is desirable that the main board case 412 not place a connector opening 416 in any area (predetermined area 480) facing each of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460). However, doing so may hinder a suitable board design (wiring pattern design). For this reason, the main board case 412 may not place a connector opening 416 in the area (predetermined area 480) facing at least some (for example, one) of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460), and may place a connector opening 416 in the area (predetermined area 480) facing the other exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 470).

[0367] In this case, it is desirable not to place any of the multiple (e.g., two) cooling fans 460 (multiple exhaust ports 470) vertically below the mounting holes 420 of the top plate 400. However, doing so may hinder suitable circuit board design (wiring pattern design). Therefore, in the sub-board unit 440, at least some (e.g., one) of the multiple (e.g., two) cooling fans 460 (multiple exhaust ports 470) may not be placed vertically below the mounting holes 420 of the top plate 400, while the other cooling fans 460 (exhaust ports 470) may be placed vertically below the mounting holes 420 of the top plate 400. In this case, all of the multiple (e.g., two) cooling fans 460 (multiple exhaust ports 470) may be placed vertically below the mounting holes 420 of the top plate 400.

[0368] In this case, it is desirable that the reel relay board case 492 not place a connector opening 416 in any of the areas (predetermined areas 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to each of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460). However, doing so may hinder a suitable board design (wiring pattern design). Therefore, in the reel relay board case 492, the connector opening 416 may not be placed in the area (predetermined area 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to at least some (for example, one) of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460), and the connector opening 416 may be placed in the area (predetermined area 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to the other exhaust ports 470 (cooling fans 470). In this case, the connector opening 416 may be placed in any of the areas (predetermined area 510) vertically below the predetermined space 500 corresponding to each of the multiple exhaust ports 470 (multiple cooling fans 460).

[0369] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the main board unit 410 is the "first board unit" of the present invention, the "first board unit" is not limited to the main board unit 410 as long as it is positioned to face the exhaust port 470 (cooling fan 460) of the sub-board unit 440.

[0370] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the sub-board unit 440 is the "second board unit" of the present invention, the "second board unit" is not limited to the sub-board unit 440 as long as it is equipped with a cooling fan 460 and has an exhaust port 470.

[0371] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the reel relay board unit 490 is the "third board unit" of the present invention, the "third board unit" is not limited to the reel relay board unit 490 as long as it is positioned vertically below the predetermined space 500.

[0372] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the left side panel 408 and the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 and the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 and the back panel 402 are fixed with staples 620 as the first fixing means, and the top panel 400 and the back panel 402 are fixed with wood screws 622 as the second fixing means was explained as an example. However, the first and second fixing means only need to satisfy the relationship that the first fixing means is cheaper than the second fixing means, and the second fixing means has stronger fixing force than the first fixing means, and are not limited to the case in which staples 620 are used as the first fixing means and wood screws 622 are used as the second fixing means. For example, nails may be used as the first fixing means and wood screws 622 may be used as the second fixing means. For example, a stapler 620 may be used as the first fixing means, and a larger stapler 620 (a stapler with a higher unit price and stronger fixing power) may be used as the second fixing means. Alternatively, a wood screw 622 may be used as the second fixing means, and a wood screw with a smaller diameter than the wood screw 622 of the second fixing means (a wood screw with a lower unit price and weaker fixing power) may be used as the first fixing means. In this way, the first and second fixing means may use components (components of the same type) that are used in the same way.

[0373] Furthermore, the first fixing means may be a fixing means that is cheaper in unit cost than the second fixing means, has weaker fixing force (strength) than the second fixing means, and is more difficult to remove with a predetermined tool than the second fixing means. For example, a nail may be used that is cheaper in unit cost than the wood screw 622, has weaker fixing force than the wood screw 622, and is more difficult to remove with a screwdriver than the wood screw 622.

[0374] Furthermore, the second fixing means may be a fixing means that is more expensive than the first fixing means, has stronger fixing force (strength), and is easier to remove with a predetermined tool than the first fixing means. For example, a bolt may be used that is more expensive than the staple 620, has stronger fixing force than the staple 620, and is easier to remove with a wrench (an example of a predetermined tool) than the staple 620.

[0375] In the above embodiment, the example described was the case where the left side panel 408 and the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 and the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 and the back panel 402 are fixed with staples 620. However, wood screws 622 may also be used in combination with staples 620 for these fixings. In this case, it is preferable that the number of wood screws 622 be less than the number of staples 620 for fixing the left side panel 408 and the back panel 402, the right side panel 406 and the back panel 402, and the bottom panel 404 and the back panel 402, but the number of staples 620 may be equal to or less than the number of wood screws 622.

[0376] In the above embodiment, the case in which the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 are fixed with wood screws 622 was described as an example, but staples 620 may also be used in combination with wood screws 622 for this fixing. In this case, it is preferable that the number of wood screws 622 is less than the number of staples 620, but the number of staples 620 may be equal to or less than the number of wood screws 622.

[0377] In the above embodiment, the case in which the main board unit 410 is placed on the upper inner side of the back plate 402 was described as an example, but a sub-board unit 440 (an example of a board unit) may also be placed there. In this case, the sub-board unit 440 may include a sub-board 444 provided with predetermined operating means (for example, a volume setting button), a sub-board case 442 that can rotate between a first position in which the surface of the sub-board 444 is visible and a second position in which the back surface of the sub-board 444 is visible, and a base member, and may be attached to the upper inner side of the back plate 402 via the base member.

[0378] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of screwing in the wood screws 622 to fix the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 was described using the outer surface of the back plate 402 as an example. However, the top plate 402 may be assembled so that its upper end surface (top surface) abuts against the inner surface of the top plate 400, and the wood screws 622 are screwed in from the outer surface to the inner surface of the top plate 400 to fix it, thereby allowing the screwing in of the wood screws 622 to be performed on the outer surface of the top plate 400.

[0379] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example described was one in which the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation holes 624 to the fourth heat dissipation holes 630, in the back plate 402 are formed in a position that avoids being vertically below the fixing points with wood screws 622. However, some or all of the four heat dissipation holes may be formed in a position vertically below the fixing points with wood screws 622.

[0380] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example was given of a case where the multiple mounting holes 420 provided in the top plate 400 of the storage box BX are through holes, but they are not limited to through holes and may be non-through holes, or a marker mark may be displayed without providing holes. In other words, island fixing parts (for example, mounting holes 420 or the display of a marker mark) used when attaching the gaming machine to the island equipment of the gaming hall may be provided in the top plate 400.

[0381] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation holes 624 to the fourth heat dissipation holes 630, are formed in the back plate 402 of the storage box BX in the area where the main board unit 410 is placed was described as an example. However, some or all of the four heat dissipation holes, the first heat dissipation holes 624 to the fourth heat dissipation holes 630, may be formed in a position that avoids the area where the main board unit 410 is placed, for example, above or below the area where the main board unit 410 is placed. In this case as well, as shown in Figure 68, it is desirable to position the main board unit 410 such that the shortest straight-line distance S1 from the wood screw 622 to the main board unit 410 is shorter than the shortest straight-line distance S2 from the staple 620 to the main board unit 410.

[0382] Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, as shown in Figure 69, the fixing points of the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 with wood screws 622 may be positioned to avoid the extension of the line of multiple mounting holes 420 (multiple island fixing points) provided in the top plate 400 in a straight line in the front-to-back direction. In this way, the strength can be increased compared to when the fixing points of the top plate 400 and the back plate 402 with wood screws 622 are positioned on the extension of the line of multiple mounting holes 420 (multiple island fixing points), and sufficient strength can be ensured to withstand the load on the top plate 400 caused by the work of attaching the gaming machine to the island equipment of the gaming hall. Note that the dashed lines A and B in Figure 69 are lines that show the extension of the multiple (3) mounting holes 420 arranged in the front-to-back direction.

[0383] Furthermore, the invention of the above embodiment is not limited to slot machines that use physical tokens (game value) for gameplay, but can also be applied to gaming machines that use electronic tokens (game value), which are electronic information, as a game medium instead of physical tokens, such as Smart Pachislo (registered trademark), and gaming machines that use game balls (pachinko balls) for gameplay (pinball gaming machines, Smart Pachinko (registered trademark)).

[0384] Smart pachislo includes a medal count control board that controls (manages) the number of electronic medals (number of game medals), and a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board (an example of a connection terminal board) that connects the smart pachislo to an external device, a medal dispensing machine (not shown). The medal count control board is connected to the main board 414 in a bidirectional manner and is connected to the medal dispensing machine in a bidirectional manner via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board. It stores the electronic medals, which are electronic information lent from the medal dispensing machine, in a predetermined memory area and can perform counting processing to transfer some or all of the stored electronic medals to the medal dispensing machine. The game ball dispensing device connection terminal board is connected to the medal count control board and the medal dispensing machine in a bidirectional manner and receives signals related to the lending of electronic medals, transmits the results of the lending of electronic medals, transmits signals related to the counting of electronic medals, and transmits various information about the game machine. In such a smart pachislo machine, the "third board unit" of the present invention may be a medal count control board unit that includes a medal count control board and a medal count control board case that covers (houses) the medal count control board. [Explanation of symbols]

[0385] (First Embodiment) BX storage box, UD upper front door, DD lower front door, DW display window, L1 Active line, DS game information display unit, LCD liquid crystal display, AL Frame lamp, R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, SL Start Lever, B0 Bet Button, B1~B3 Stop Buttons, B4 settlement button, B8 counting button, 10 Main board, 10a Main CPU, 10b Main ROM, 10c Main RAM, 20 Sub-board, 20a Sub-CPU, 20b Sub-ROM, 20c Sub-RAM, 30 Medal count control board, 30a Medal CPU, 30b Medal ROM, 30c Medal RAM, 40 Terminal board for connecting game ball dispensing device, 50 Dedicated unit, 60 Dedicated unit control board, 103 Setting change means, 105 Input acceptance means, 110 Random number generation means, 120 Internal lottery means, 130 Reel control means, 140 Prize determination means, 150 Payout control means, 160 Replay processing means, 170 Game state control means, 180 Performance state control means, 190 Communication control means, 210 Performance control means, 220 Bet switch, 230 Start switch, 240 Stop switch, 250 Settlement switch, 255 Counting button switch, 260 Setting change switch, 265 Setting change permission switch, 310 Reel units, 330 Display devices, 340 Sound devices, IMG1 Replay symbol display, IMG2 Bell symbol display, IMG3 Chance display (Second embodiment) BX storage box, FD front door, DW display window, LP rotating light, AL Frame lamp, R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, SL Start Lever, B0 Bet Button, B1~B3 Stop Buttons, B4 Payment button, SP speaker, MP medal tray, 305 Power supply unit, 310 Reel unit, 320 Hopper unit, 400 Top panel, 402 Back panel, 404 Bottom panel, 406 Side panel, 408 Side panel, 410 Main board unit, 412 Main board case, 414 Main board, 416 Connector opening, 420 Mounting hole, 430 Connector, 440 Sub-board unit, 442 Sub-board case, 444 Sub-board, 450 Connector, 460 Cooling fan, 470 Exhaust vent, 480 Designated area, 490 Reel relay board unit, 492 Reel relay board case, 500 Designated space, 510 Designated area, 520 Roof section, 530 Dustproof cover, 540 Cooling fan installation section, 542 Screw receiving part, 600 Back plate holder, 602 Back plate holder, 604 Back plate holder, 606 Left back plate holder, 608 Right back plate support, 610 Left fixing part, 612 Right fixing part, 620 Stapler needle, 622 Wood screws, 624 First heat dissipation vent, 626 Second heat dissipation vent, 628 Third heat dissipation vent, 630 Fourth heat dissipation hole, 720 Base member, (Third embodiment) 640 Development connector placement area, 642 First connector, 644 Second connector, 646 Third connector, 648 Fourth connector, 650 Fifth connector, 652 Connector 6, 654 Connector 7, 656 Connector 8, 658 9th connector, 670 protrusion, 672 case cover, 674 case body, 676 Mounting section, 678 Development connector identification mark, 680 First terminal identification mark, 682 2nd terminal identification display, 684 3rd terminal identification display, 686 4th terminal identification display, 688 Facing section, (Fourth embodiment) 690 Centralized terminal board unit, 692 Centralized terminal board, 694 Centralized terminal board case, 696 Case body, 698 Case lid, 700 Connector for main board connection, 702 Connector for connecting external devices, 704 First case lid fixing part, 706 Second case lid fixing part, 708 Third case lid fixing part, 710 Fourth case lid fixing part, 712 Through hole, 714 Insertion opening, 716 Insertion opening

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels with multiple types of patterns arranged on their outer surface, An internal lottery means that performs an internal lottery to determine whether multiple types of winning combinations, including minor wins, are achieved, A gaming machine comprising: a reel control means that rotates the plurality of reels for each game and controls the rotation of a reel when a stop operation is performed, The aforementioned minor roles include a first correct minor role, a second correct minor role, and multiple types of incorrect minor roles. As for the winning patterns of the aforementioned minor role, there is a first winning pattern in which the first correct minor role is won in conjunction with the aforementioned incorrect minor role, and a second winning pattern in which the second correct minor role is won in conjunction with the aforementioned incorrect minor role, and different aforementioned incorrect minor roles are won in the first winning pattern and the second winning pattern. A correct operation method is predetermined for the first winning method described above. A correct operation method is predetermined for the second winning method described above. The correct operation mode is an operation mode in which a reel different from a specific reel among the plurality of reels is stopped first, Any operation that differs from the correct operation is defined as an incorrect operation. In the incorrect operation mode, the correct operation mode is different from the incorrect operation mode in which the first reel to be stopped is different, and the incorrect operation mode in which a reel different from the specific reel to be stopped first is defined as the specific incorrect operation mode. The reel control means, When the first winning pattern is obtained through internal lottery, in the correct operation pattern, the first correct small win is awarded, and in the specific incorrect operation pattern, the reels other than the specific reel are stopped so that the symbols constituting the winning pattern of the incorrect small win are displayed on the active line regardless of the timing of the stop operation, and the specific reel is stopped so that the symbols constituting the winning pattern of the incorrect small win are displayed on the active line according to the timing of the stop operation, thereby performing stop control so that there are cases in which the incorrect small win is awarded and cases in which no wins are awarded. When the second winning pattern is obtained through internal lottery, in the correct operation pattern, the second correct small win is awarded, and in the specific incorrect operation pattern, the reels other than the specific reel are stopped so that the symbols constituting the winning pattern of the incorrect small win are displayed on the active line regardless of the timing of the stop operation, and the specific reel is stopped so that the symbols constituting the winning pattern of the incorrect small win are displayed on the active line according to the timing of the stop operation, thereby performing stop control so that there are cases where the incorrect small win is awarded and cases where no wins are awarded. In cases where the first winning pattern or the second winning pattern is obtained through internal lottery, and neither winning combination is awarded, the game machine controls the reels to stop so that the same combination of symbols is displayed on the active line, regardless of the type of incorrect winning combination.

Images