Gaming machines

Abstract

This invention provides a gaming machine with distinctive features regarding the arrangement and configuration of components on the circuit board, relating to gaming machines such as pinball machines, reel machines, sealed gaming machines, and medalless slot machines. [Solution] The cooling means 430 is capable of cooling the first circuit configuration means 404, the first circuit configuration means 404 is located in a first region 4011 of the first surface 401s that overlaps with the cooling means 430, the third circuit configuration means is located in a second region 4012 of the first surface 401s that does not overlap with the cooling means 430 (R2~R7, etc.), and the third display related to the third circuit configuration means R2~R7, etc. is a display (such as the letters "R2"~"R7") that is at least partially displayed within the first region 4011.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by, but not limited to, rotating-reel gaming machines (slot machines), pinball gaming machines (pachinko machines), medal-less slot machines, and enclosed gaming machines. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, slot machines and pachinko machines are known as one type of gaming machine. A slot machine uses a predetermined number of game media, and when a start lever is operated, it performs a lottery to determine an internally winning combination from among a plurality of combinations, rotates a plurality of reels, stops the reels based on the determined internally winning combination and the operation result of a stop button, and is configured to award a profit corresponding to the combination determined to be won according to the mode of the stopped reels.

[0003] Further, in a pachinko machine, it is general that the game area of a game board is provided with obstacles that change the falling direction of game balls, and winning openings, starting openings, variable winning openings and the like into which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters any of these, a benefit is given to the player, such as payout of prize balls.

[0004] Among these gaming machines, there is a gaming machine in which a plurality of boards are incorporated, and a cooling means for cooling circuit configuration means mounted on the board is provided (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2025-32449 [Brief Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] However, in conventional gaming machines, there is room for improvement in the arrangement configuration of components provided on a board.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine with a distinctive arrangement configuration of components provided on a circuit board. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The gaming machine of the present invention, which achieves the above objective, A cooling means having a heat sink, A substrate having a first surface, The first circuit configuration means, A third circuit configuration means, A gaming machine equipped with, The cooling means is capable of cooling the first circuit configuration means, The first circuit configuration means is arranged within a first region of the first surface that overlaps with the cooling means, The aforementioned substrate is one on which a third display related to the third circuit configuration means is displayed, The third circuit configuration means is arranged within a second region of the first surface that does not overlap with the cooling means. The third display is a display in which at least a portion is displayed within the first area. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a distinctive arrangement configuration of components provided on a circuit board. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a circuit block diagram of the control unit of a slot machine relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3](A) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens of a conventional slot machine. [Figure 4] (A) is a time chart showing the transitions between demo screens of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a liquid crystal display device of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is an example of a slump graph showing the trend in the number of tokens won or lost by a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram showing the process of updating the maximum number of tokens in a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] (A) is a flowchart showing the process of displaying the maximum number of coins in the demo screen display of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the liquid crystal command of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram illustrating the display marker and the non-display marker of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] (A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing an example of the connection between the CPU and the drive circuit shown in Figure 8(A). [Figure 9] (A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of LED drivers used as lamp drive circuits in the first sub-control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] (A) and (B) are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of control data for controlling the lamps of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram illustrating a method for communicating control data of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is an external view of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the position of the speaker. [Figure 12](a) is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (b) is an arrangement diagram of each component of the audio circuit shown in (a), (c) is a diagram showing the terminal arrangement of the audio amplifier IC shown in (a) and (b), and (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y in (a). [Figure 13] (a) is a circuit diagram showing signal lines of the audio circuit shown in Fig. 12(a), and (b) is a circuit diagram showing power supply lines of the audio circuit shown in Fig. 12(a). [Figure 14] (a) is a top view of the first sub-control board on which each component of the first sub-control unit of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed, and (b) and (c) are diagrams explaining the ground of the first sub-control board shown in (a). [Figure 15] This is a top view of the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (modified example). [Figure 16] (a) is a circuit diagram of signal lines of the audio circuit shown in Fig. 15, and (b) is a circuit diagram of power supply lines of the audio circuit shown in Fig. 15. [Figure 17] (a) is a diagram showing the first layer of the first sub-control board shown in Fig. 15, and (b) is a diagram showing the third layer of the first sub-control board shown in Fig. 15. [Figure 18] (a) is a diagram showing the fourth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Fig. 15, and (b) is a diagram showing the fifth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Fig. 15. [Figure 19] (a) is a diagram showing the seventh layer of the first sub-control board shown in Fig. 15, and (b) is a diagram showing the eighth layer of the first sub-control board shown in Fig. 15. [Figure 20] (a), (b) and (c) are diagrams for explaining the arrangement layout of an audio circuit provided on the first sub-control board of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] (a), (b) and (c) are diagrams for explaining the positions of output terminals of an audio amplifier IC of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (d), (e) and (f) are diagrams for explaining the arrangement configuration of each component of an audio circuit of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This diagram shows the exterior of a slot machine, which is an example of an improved gaming machine. [Figure 23] This figure shows a table summarizing the results of measuring various sounds emitted from the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 22 at measurement point MP1 shown in Figures 22(A) and 22(B). [Figure 24] Figure 22 is a table summarizing the sound levels at multiple timings when the order in which stop buttons 137-139 are pressed is changed during a certain game on the slot machine shown in Figure 22. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing the exterior of a pachinko machine, which is an example of an improved gaming machine. [Figure 26] This is a plan view of the first sub-control board 401 built into the second improved slot machine gaming unit. [Figure 27] (a) is a plan view of the first sub-control board 401 shown in Figure 26, and (b) is a view of the first sub-control board 401 in (a) from the direction of arrow A (downward). [Figure 28] (a) is a view of the first sub-control board 401 in Figure 27(a) from the direction of arrow B (to the right), and (b) is a plan view of the first sub-control board 401 in a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The slot machines described below employ a so-called "coinless" configuration, using information equivalent to the actual number of tokens (virtual token count). However, in the following explanation, this information will be referred to as "token count."

[0013] [First Embodiment] The slot machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine that proceeds through a series of games in which a predetermined number of game tokens are inserted, and multiple reels, each decorated with multiple types of symbols, start to rotate when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received, and the success or failure of an internal win of one of multiple types of winning combinations is determined by lottery based on the receipt of the rotation start instruction operation, and each of the multiple reels stops rotating individually when a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation is received, and if the conditions determined by the winning combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop match predetermined payout conditions, a process of paying out the number of game tokens is executed and the game ends, and if they do not match, the process of paying out the number of game tokens is not executed and the game ends.

[0014] Traditionally, some gaming machines have displayed the number of coins won during advantageous gameplay states such as AT (Automatic Trigger) or bonus rounds, aiming to give players a sense of satisfaction. However, this sense of satisfaction can only be felt when a certain number of coins are won (for example, 500 or 1000 coins). Conversely, when the number of coins won is small (for example, 50 or 100 coins), displaying the number of coins won may not only fail to satisfy players but could even cause dissatisfaction, potentially irritating them.

[0015] Furthermore, previously, if a minimum number of bets was set that would prevent gameplay (a minimum number of bets below the specified limit), the demo screen was not displayed. As a result, game machines that ended with a minimum number of bets set that would prevent gameplay were not recognized as vacant and were left vacant for extended periods.

[0016] This embodiment provides a gaming machine that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0017] <Overall Configuration> First, we will explain the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700 using Figure 1. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 and the dispensing machine 700 as seen from the front (player side).

[0018] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front side of the main body 101 and which can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), there are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer surfaces, and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by a drive device such as a stepping motor.

[0019] In this embodiment, each design is printed at equal intervals in appropriate numbers on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to constitute each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, approximately three designs are displayed vertically through the display window 113 on the reels 110 to 112, so that a total of nine designs are visible. The symbols displayed on the upper part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel middle symbols, the symbols displayed on the lower part of the left reel 110 are called the left reel lower symbols, the symbols displayed on the upper part of the middle reel 111 are called the middle reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the left reel 111 are called the middle reel middle symbols, the symbols displayed on the lower part of the middle reel 111 are called the middle reel lower symbols, the symbols displayed on the upper part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel upper symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel middle symbols, and the symbols displayed on the lower part of the right reel 112 are called the right reel lower symbols. Each symbol for each reel 110 to 112 is displayed three times vertically on each reel from 110 to 112 through the display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. By rotating each of the reels 110-112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that can display multiple combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to reels, other electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Furthermore, although the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1 has three reels located inside the center of the slot machine 100, the number of reels and their placement are not limited to this.

[0020] A backlight (not shown) is positioned on the back of each reel 110-112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol is illuminated evenly. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part is provided near each reel 110-112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of this optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this optical sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0021] The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the valid winning lines. A winning line is a line on which it is determined whether or not a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination has been displayed. The valid winning lines are predetermined by the number of medals bet as the game medium. There are five winning lines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line becomes valid. If two medals are bet, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added, making a total of three lines valid. If three medals are bet, the lower right downward winning line and the upper right upward winning line are added, making a total of five lines valid as winning lines. Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to five lines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the lower right downward winning line, and the upper right upward winning line may all be considered valid winning lines. Hereafter, the valid winning lines may be referred to as "valid lines."

[0022] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player that, for example, they have internally won a specific winning combination (e.g., a bonus combination, a special combination) in the internal lottery described later, or that this internally won state has been carried over. The coin insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that they can insert coins. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that they can replay the game (no coin insertion is required) if they won a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations, in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for visual effects.

[0023] The bet buttons 130 or 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of tokens (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1, one token is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed. One token is inserted when pressed once, an additional token is inserted when pressed again (total of 2 tokens), and an additional token is inserted when pressed again (total of 3 tokens). When the bet button 132 is pressed, 3 tokens are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 130 may be referred to as the 1-token bet button, and the bet button 132 may be referred to as the MAX bet button. The game token insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of tokens inserted, and when the prescribed number of tokens has been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started. In this embodiment, the slot machine 100 is a game machine exclusively for 3-token bets, so the prescribed number of tokens is 3.

[0024] The game information display unit 126 is a display unit for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals dispensed during bonus gameplay) numerically. The payout display unit 127 is a display unit for displaying the number of medals dispensed to the player as a result of winning a prize. In the following, the expression "dispensed to the player" may be used interchangeably with "given to the player." The game information display unit 126 and the payout display unit 127 are composed of 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0025] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch used to initiate the rotation of reels 110-112. That is, by operating the bet button 130 or 132 and then operating the start lever 135, reels 110-112 will begin to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is referred to as the game start operation.

[0026] The stop button unit 136 is equipped with stop buttons 139, which consist of a left stop button, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and each is associated with a specific reel 110 to 112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being the first stop operation, the next stop operation being the second stop operation, and the last stop operation being the third stop operation. The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations will be referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the sequence in which the stop buttons ~139 are operated to stop all of the rotating reels 110~112 is called the operation sequence or pressing order. Moreover, the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the left reel 110, the second stop operation is the middle reel 111, and the third stop operation is the right reel 112 is called the "forward pressing operation sequence" or simply "forward pressing," and the operation sequence in which the first stop operation is the right reel 112, the second stop operation is the middle reel 111, and the third stop operation is the left reel 110 is called the "reverse pressing operation sequence" or simply "reverse pressing." In addition, a light-emitting element may be provided inside each stop button ~139, and if the stop button ~139 is operational, the light-emitting element can be illuminated to inform the player.

[0027] The instruction monitor 125 is a display unit that shows information regarding the operation sequence (press order) of the stop buttons 139. This instruction monitor 125 is also composed of a 7-segment (SEG) display unit. For example, if the instruction is to operate the left stop button, middle stop button 138, and right stop button 139 in that order, "1" will be displayed on the instruction monitor 125. If the instruction is to operate the left stop button, right stop button 139, and middle stop button 138 in that order, "2" will be displayed on the instruction monitor 125.

[0028] The settlement button 134 is a button for returning the inserted game tokens (number of tokens wagered) to the token count control unit 350. The door keyhole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0029] The game token count display device 170 is a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display that displays the number of game tokens recorded by the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 2.

[0030] The counting button 171 is an operating means for transmitting information about the number of game tokens recorded in the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 2 to the dispensing machine 700.

[0031] A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and for attaching various certification labels.

[0032] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from the speaker 277 (see Figure 2) located inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 located on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enhance the gaming experience. A performance device 160 is located above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 for outputting sound from the speaker 272 (see Figure 2) to the outside is provided above the performance device 160. This display device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two horizontally opening and closing shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, and a display image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) positioned behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the display image display device 157, the display screen of the display image display device 157 appears on the front (player side, front side) of the slot machine 100. Note that any display device capable of displaying various display images and various game information is acceptable, rather than a liquid crystal display device. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the entire screen is visible to the player. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Furthermore, decorative elements (not shown) can be placed around the periphery of the display screen, so that a portion of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by these elements, resulting in the display screen appearing to have an irregular shape. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may also be a curved surface. Note that this presentation image display device 157 is an example of a presentation means.

[0033] The dispensing machine 700 shown in Figure 1 may also be referred to as a card unit and is an example of the gaming media management device of the present invention. This dispensing machine 700 is installed in a one-to-one relationship with the slot machine 100.

[0034] The rental machine 700 accepts cards. There are two types of "cards" referred to here. One is a visitor card (also called a general card), a prepaid gaming memory medium issued to general players who are not registered members. The other is a membership card, a gaming memory medium issued to registered players who have registered with the arcade. IC cards are used for both types of cards.

[0035] The cards store monetary value. This monetary value includes the "number of medals held" and the "money balance," which is the remaining balance of prepaid money.

[0036] The card-receiving dispensing machine 700 has a function to convert the "number of tokens held" stored on the card into "number of game tokens (credits)". The "number of game tokens (credits)" is data that can be used to set the number of bets and can also be converted into the "number of tokens held". The "number of game tokens" is obtained by deducting the "money balance" or "number of tokens held" from the card. The "number of game tokens" also includes the number of tokens won through winning. This "number of game tokens" is managed by the token count control unit 350 shown in Figure 2 and is the number of electronic tokens (amount of electronic game value) stored electromagnetically. The "number of game tokens" is decreased by performing the insertion operation using the bet buttons 130 and 132.

[0037] "Number of tokens held" is the value obtained by counting the "number of game tokens (number of credits)". This "number of tokens held" is stored in a identifiable way on the player's card. In other words, by operating the counting button 171, the "number of game tokens" can be converted to "number of tokens held" and stored on the card. Alternatively, the "number of tokens held" may be managed by a token count management device installed in the arcade.

[0038] The front of the lending machine 700 is provided with a banknote slot 701 at the top for inserting banknotes and a card slot 702 at the bottom for inserting cards. Member cards and visitor cards inserted into the card slot 702 are received by a card reader / writer, and the information stored on the card is read. Banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 701 are identified for authenticity and type, and the face value of the banknotes is stored as the "money balance" on the card inserted into the card slot 702.

[0039] Below the banknote slot 701, an information display 703 is provided. This information display 703 is a display that provides information such as operating instructions for the lending machine 700 and the status of the slot machine 100 in text and images. Alternatively, the surface may be configured as a touch panel, allowing various operations to be input by touching the displayed items with a finger.

[0040] Below the information display 703, the cash balance display 705 and the medal balance display 706 are arranged in two rows, one above the other. The cash balance display 705 displays the "cash balance" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 as an amount. On the other hand, the medal balance display 706 displays the "number of medals held" stored on the card inserted into the card slot 702 as the number of medals.

[0041] The central part of the dispensing machine 700 is provided with a dispensing button 707 and a card return button 708. The dispensing button 707 is an operating means for withdrawing the "money balance" stored in the card inserted into the card slot 702 and obtaining the "number of game tokens". Specifically, if there is a "money balance" on the card inserted into the card slot 702, the LED lamp built into the dispensing button 707 lights up to indicate that it is ready to withdraw. By operating the dispensing button 707 in this state, the "number of game tokens" will be added according to the amount of money to be withdrawn. For example, the "number of game tokens" equivalent to 1000 yen will be added as a predetermined amount. Also, if the "money balance" on the card is less than a predetermined amount (for example, less than 1000 yen), only the "number of game tokens" converted from the current balance at a predetermined rate will be added. Furthermore, even if the card's "money balance" is less than a predetermined amount, it may be replenished from the "number of tokens held" stored on the card, so that the predetermined amount of "game tokens" is added. The card return button 708 is operated when the player finishes playing, and is a means of operation to store the "number of tokens held" determined at the end of the game on the card inserted in the card slot 702 and eject it. The "number of tokens held" determined at the end of the game is the number of tokens obtained by subtracting the number of tokens converted to "game tokens" from the "number of tokens held" stored on the card inserted in the card slot 702, and then adding the number of game tokens counted by the counting operation. The "money balance," "number of tokens held," and "number of game tokens" data described above are converted in the following order: "money balance" and "number of tokens held" → "game tokens" → "number of tokens held." In this way, the "number of tokens held" identified by the card is converted into the "number of game tokens," and in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, the number of tokens can be used to set the bet. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new type of slot machine (managed gaming machine) that does not use physical tokens, without confusing players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines where players receive physical tokens, insert those physical tokens to secure credits, and then use those credits to set the bet.

[0042] Although this specification does not mention "stored medals," this "stored medals" refers to the number of medals deposited with the arcade, not stored on the card. The arcade may manage the number of medals a player has acquired through gameplay as "points" for the day, and as "stored medals" from the following day onward, using a hall management terminal or other management computer. If both "stored medals" and "held medals" are stored, the "held medals" will be deducted first. Both "held medals" and "stored medals" may also be stored in a higher-level server (not shown) in association with the card number. In the case of visitor cards, the "held medals" are stored directly on the visitor card, but the "held medals" may also be stored in a higher-level server in association with the card number. When storing the information in the higher-level server in association with the card number, data that identifies the time the information was stored in the higher-level server may be written to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed. Furthermore, the "money balance" is written directly to the card (member card, visitor card) and dispensed. The timing for storing the "number of tokens held" on the card (member card, visitor card) or on the higher-level server is, for example, when the counting button 171 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, instead, the information may be stored all at once when the card is returned. Moreover, when a player finishes playing and returns the card from the dispensing machine 700, the "number of tokens held" that was stored in the dispensing machine 700 may be temporarily stored as stored tokens in the hall management terminal 800. When that player inserts the card into the same or a different dispensing machine 700 again on the same day the card was returned, only the "number of tokens held" for that day, which was temporarily stored as stored tokens, will be stored again in the dispensing machine 700, and the "number of tokens to play" will be added within the range of that "number of tokens held" so that the player can play.

[0043] Furthermore, the rental machine 700 may be equipped with an IR photosensitive unit that receives infrared signals from a remote control held by an employee of the gaming hall, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

[0044] Furthermore, while the lending machine 700 shown in Figure 1 allowed for the lending of "game tokens" by operating the lending button 707 to withdraw the "money balance" stored on the card, it may also be possible to withdraw the "number of tokens held" recorded on the card and convert it into "game tokens." Specifically, the lending machine 700 is provided with a "number of tokens held" button, and if there are "number of tokens held" on the card inserted in the card slot 702, the built-in LED lamp on that "number of tokens held" button lights up in a manner indicating that it is ready to withdraw. In this state, by operating the "number of tokens held" button, if there are a predetermined number of tokens (for example, 50 tokens) or more, the predetermined number (for example, 50 tokens) of "game tokens" will be added. In addition, the number of tokens held by the player during gameplay, as described above, can be stored on the card as "points held" for the rest of the day, or managed by the hall management terminal 800 or other management computer, and the lending machine 700 is provided with a replay button. If there are "points" remaining, the built-in LED lamp on the replay button lights up in a manner that indicates it is ready to be played. In this state, operating the replay button may add a predetermined number of "game tokens" (for example, 50 tokens).

[0045] <Control Unit Circuit Configuration> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be explained in detail using Figure 2. Note that Figure 2 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0046] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400. Here, regarding the main control unit 300, since a large data capacity would make it difficult to verify the program and could also lead to security problems such as becoming a breeding ground for illegal modifications, the data capacity of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is limited.

[0047] <Main Control Unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 has a game control unit 302 that controls the progress of the game and a medal count control unit 350 that controls the number of game medals owned by the player. The game control unit 302 is an example of a game control means, and the medal count control unit 350 is an example of a game value control means. The game control unit 302 is equipped with a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used when drawing winning combinations, the arrangement of reel symbols and stopping positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) which is not shown. Note that other storage devices may be used instead of the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the medal count control unit 350, the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 which will be described later. The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator (not shown) as the system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 sends frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 then performs monitoring of various sensors and transmission of drive pulses based on this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference interrupt time will be 256 × 47 ÷ 8MHz = 1.504ms.

[0048] The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit (not shown) used as a hardware random number counter that varies a value in the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator (not shown), and a startup signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 starts game control when it receives a startup signal from this startup signal output circuit.

[0049] Furthermore, the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 monitors the status of each bet button 130, 132, start lever 135, each stop button ~139, and payout button 134 at each interrupt time. For example, if it detects that the bet buttons 130 or 132 have been turned on, the medal count control unit 350 executes a process to electronically insert the medals electronically stored in the medal count control unit 350 as medals to be inserted into the game. If it detects that the start lever 135 has been turned on, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit. The random number generation circuit that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random values ​​to be used for the lottery. If it detects that the left stop button, middle stop button 138, or right stop button 139 has been turned on, and the reels 110 ~ 112 corresponding to each stop button are in a stopable state, it executes stop control for the reels 110 ~ 112. If the system detects that the settlement button 134 has been turned on, it executes a process to return the electronically inserted game tokens to the token count control unit 350.

[0050] Furthermore, the CPU 304 of the game control unit 302 also monitors the status of various sensors 318 (optical sensor for the left reel 110, optical sensor for the middle reel 111, optical sensor for the right reel 112, etc.) at each interrupt time. The optical sensors for the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110-112, and each time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes over them, they reach an L level. The rotation position information, which indicates how much the reel has rotated from the reference position between the time it reaches an L level and the next time it reaches an L level, is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the above L level signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once and resets the rotation position information of the reel to zero. This rotation position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0051] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives display devices such as the instruction monitor 125, the game information display 126, and the payout count display 127, and a drive circuit 326 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game token insertion ready lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game token insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121).

[0052] Furthermore, slot machine 100 has different setting values ​​that affect the player's advantage. There are six setting values ​​available, from setting 1 to setting 6. Generally, the higher the setting value, the greater the player's advantage. Specifically, an internal winning probability is determined for each setting value. Even if the internal winning probability is the same for each setting value, there may be differences in the settings for AT-related lotteries such as AT transition lotteries and AT bonus lotteries, and for CZ-related lotteries such as CZ transition lotteries and high-probability transition lotteries that make CZ transitions more favorable. A setting change button 175 is connected to the game control unit 302, which is operated when changing these setting values.

[0053] Furthermore, an information output circuit 328 is connected to the game control unit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information of the slot machine 100 (for example, information indicating the state of the game) to an information input circuit 650 provided by an external hall computer (not shown) via this information output circuit 328.

[0054] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a voltage monitoring circuit (not shown) that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from the power management unit (not shown). This voltage monitoring circuit outputs a low voltage signal to the game control unit 302 and the medal count control unit 350, respectively, when the voltage value of the power supply falls below a predetermined value (for example, 9V), indicating that the voltage has dropped.

[0055] Furthermore, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is unidirectional; the main control unit 300 is configured to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0056] The medal count control unit 350, like the game control unit 302, is equipped with a CPU 354, ROM 356, RAM 358, I / O 360 for controlling the input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 362 for measuring time, counts, etc. The CPUs 304 and 354 are mounted on the same board and connected via a buffer IC. This allows the CPU 304 to use ROM 306 and RAM 308 without using ROM 356 and RAM 358, and vice versa. A WDT (watchdog timer), not shown in the diagram, is also included. The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator (not shown) as the system clock. Furthermore, when power is turned on, the CPU 354 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 356 to the counter timer 362. The counter timer 362 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 354 at each interrupt time. The CPU 354 operates in response to this interrupt request. This medal count control unit 350 executes the interrupt processing every 0.745ms. It also communicates with the dispensing machine 700 every 300ms.

[0057] The CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 is also equipped with a startup signal output circuit (not shown) that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on, and the CPU 354 of the medal count control unit 350 also starts medal count control when a startup signal is input from this startup signal output circuit.

[0058] The basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is connected to a game medal count display device 170 consisting of a 5-digit 7-segment (SEG) display, a counting button 171, and a game medal count clear button 172.

[0059] Furthermore, the basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 is also connected to the lending machine 700 via the lending machine connection terminal board 790. The medal count control unit 350 communicates bidirectionally with the lending machine 700.

[0060] The medal count control unit 350 sends various commands to the game control unit 302. The game control unit 302 also sends various commands to the medal count control unit 350. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the game control unit 302 is bidirectional.

[0061] Furthermore, the medal count control unit 350 stores the "number of game medals" in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. Specifically, the "number of game medals" is stored in the credit counter. The medal count control unit 350 updates the "number of game medals" stored in the predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358 by addition or subtraction processing. Addition processing includes processing based on payout commands transmitted from the game control unit 302, processing based on settlement commands transmitted from the game control unit 302, and processing based on loan notifications transmitted from the loan machine 700. On the other hand, subtraction processing includes counting processing based on the operation of the counting button 171, and processing based on insert commands transmitted from the game control unit 302.

[0062] The game token count clear button 172 shown in Figure 2 is located in a position that cannot be operated by the player (for example, a position that cannot be operated without opening the front door 102), and is a means of clearing the "game token count" stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 358. For example, if the game token count remains at "2" and the player is absent, it becomes difficult to determine whether the player who left "2" intends to continue playing or not, and another player may not be able to start playing. However, if the game token count can be cleared by an employee, another player can be welcomed sooner. Note that the game token count clear button 172 does not necessarily clear the "game token count" when it is operated. For example, it may be set to clear only when the game token count is 2 or less, and if there are 3 or more, the tokens may be counted in the same way as when the counting button 171 is operated. If the counting button 171 malfunctions and the system cannot recognize that it has been operated, it may become impossible to convert the "number of game tokens played" to the "number of tokens held," potentially causing disadvantage to the player. However, if counting is also possible through operation by a store employee, this disadvantage to the player can be avoided. Furthermore, there is no need to install a new counting button for employees, thus avoiding increased costs. In addition, instead of determining the number of game tokens to decide whether to clear or count, the clearing and counting actions could be determined by how the game token count clear button 172 is operated. For example, a short press could clear the tokens, and a long press could count them. This would allow for easy selection of either clearing or counting, regardless of the number of game tokens. Alternatively, if only the game token count clear button 172 is operated, the tokens would be cleared, and if the game token count clear button 172 and another button are operated simultaneously, the tokens would be counted. This would reduce the possibility of operational errors and allow for easy selection of either clearing or counting.

[0063] <Sub-control Unit> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 (game control unit 302) via an input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as the system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting pattern and various displays, etc.

[0064] The CPU 404 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0065] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with an audio amplifier IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are connected to the audio amplifier IC 418 via an output interface. The audio amplifier IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272 and 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) containing audio data is connected to the audio amplifier IC 418, and the audio data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from speakers 272 and 277. These speakers 272 and 277 are examples of performance elements.

[0066] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, bet button lamp, reel backlight, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface. The various lamps 420 are examples of the effects and effects.

[0067] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided on the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0068] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a sensor circuit 426, to which a shutter sensor 428 is connected via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 at interrupt intervals.

[0069] Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including the display control of the performance image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the performance image display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0070] The second sub-control unit 500 receives control commands transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, counts, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as the system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, as well as data for image display, etc.

[0071] The CPU 504 transmits frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and sends an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0072] Furthermore, the second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a VDP 516 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected via a bus. Based on signals from the CPU 504, the VDP 516 reads image data stored in the ROM 506, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the image display device 157.

[0073] <Demo Screen Transitions> Next, the demo screen transitions according to this embodiment will be explained using Figures 3 and 4. As mentioned above, the slot machine 100 is a machine exclusively for betting 3 coins.

[0074] In this embodiment, the demo screen is started when (A) the number of medals acquired on the day (MY) reaches a predetermined number L, and (1) a waiting time M has elapsed since all reels stopped, (2) a waiting time M has elapsed since medals were inserted when the number of bets (number of tokens wagered) is not the predetermined number, i.e., when the number of tokens wagered is 1 or 2, or (3) a waiting time M has elapsed since some operation was performed on the gaming machine.

[0075] Here, "any operation on the gaming machine" refers to operations on the counting button 171 or the payout button 143, or operations on the buttons for calling up the player menu screen or adjusting the volume and brightness of the effects. These operations are accepted during the period before the game starts (non-game period), and the demo screen starts when the waiting time M has elapsed since the last operation was performed. In this embodiment, the predetermined number of coins L is set to 1000 coins and the waiting time M is set to 1 minute, but it is not limited to these values.

[0076] Here, MY refers to the number of medals acquired from the point where the net number of medals for the day (the cumulative difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in a single game (paid out - inserted)) was minimized (the point where the losing streak was the worst). Also, the stopping of all reels refers to the state of waiting to start the game, and more precisely, it means that the game medal insertion ready lamp 124 is lit.

[0077] Figure 3(A) shows a time chart of the demo screen transition in the case of a bet of 0 in this embodiment (cases (A) and (1) above). In this case, as shown in Figure 3(A), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the game screen d1 (Figure 4(B-1) described later) from the previous game, but since no medals are bet, the demo screen d2 (Figures 4(B-2) to (B-4) described later; the configuration of demo screen d2 will be described in detail later) is displayed at time t2, after the waiting time M has elapsed from time t1 when all reels stop. The demo screen d2 is displayed from time t1 until time t3 when the predetermined number of 3 medals are bet.

[0078] Figure 3(B) shows a time chart for the demo screen transition in the case of a bet of 2 in the conventional system. Conventionally, if the number of medals bet was less than the specified number, as shown in Figure 3(B), the demo screen d2 was not displayed even at time t5, after the waiting time M had elapsed from the time of bet t4, and the game screen d1 continued to be displayed. In other words, conventionally, the system was configured so that the demo screen d2 would not be displayed if the number of medals bet was less than the specified number.

[0079] Therefore, conventionally, even if a game was ended with fewer than the required number of tokens bet, the demo screen would not appear, making it difficult to recognize the machine as vacant, and resulting in the problem of machines being left vacant for extended periods.

[0080] In contrast, Figure 4(A) shows a time chart relating to the demo screen transition in the case of a bet of 2 in this embodiment (the case of (A) and (2) above). In this case, as shown in Figure 4(A), the liquid crystal display device 157 continues to display the game screen d1 from the previous game, but the demo screen d2 is displayed at time t5, after the waiting time M has elapsed from the time t4 when a number of medals less than the specified number is bet. The demo screen d2 is displayed until time t3 when the specified number of medals, 3, is bet, similar to Figure 3(A).

[0081] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the game ends with fewer than the specified number of tokens bet, the game transitions to demo screen d2, making it easier to recognize that the machine is vacant. In other words, it is possible to prevent machines from being left vacant for extended periods.

[0082] In this embodiment, the slot machine 100 allows the bet button 132 to be operated even if there are only one or two credits, and one or two tokens are inserted.

[0083] Here, we will explain the configuration and display examples of demo screen d2 using Figures 3(A), 4(A), and 4(B) mentioned above.

[0084] Figure 4(B-1) shows an example of the game screen d1 display, and Figures 4(B-2) to (B-4) show examples of the demo screen d2 display. In this embodiment, the demo screen d2 is composed of, in detail, a performance introduction display screen d2A, a machine name display screen d2B, a warning display screen d2C, and a company name display screen d2D, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(A). Each demo screen is controlled to be displayed sequentially and cyclically as a predetermined display time elapses, in the order of performance introduction display screen d2A → machine name display screen d2B → warning display screen d2C → company name display screen d2D → performance introduction display screen d2A →...

[0085] The performance introduction screen d2A is a demo display screen that introduces the performances performed in slot machine 100, as shown in Figure 4(B-2). The model name display screen d2B is a demo display screen that displays the model name of slot machine 100 (not shown). The warning display screen d2C is a demo display screen that displays a message warning against excessive gambling (for example, "Be careful not to get addicted!") as shown in Figure 4(B-3). The company name display screen d2D is a demo display screen that displays the name of the company that manufactures and sells slot machine 100 (not shown).

[0086] Furthermore, the demo screen d2 of this embodiment displays the maximum number of photos d10, as shown in Figures 3(A) and 4(A). The maximum number of photos d10 is an image that displays the maximum MY value for the day. In this embodiment, the maximum number of photos d10 is displayed when the maximum MY value is 1000 or more, and is not displayed when the maximum MY value is less than 1000, so the number displayed in the maximum number of photos d10 will be 1000 or more. As shown in Figures 4(B-2) to (B-4), the maximum number of photos d10 is displayed together with the demo screen d2.

[0087] As a result, the maximum number of coins display d10 of this embodiment is displayed on the demo screen d2 only when the number of coins won is such that it gives the player a sense of satisfaction, thus preventing the player from getting a negative impression of the maximum number of coins display d10. Furthermore, when the demo screen d2 is displayed while the player is not playing, the maximum number of coins display d10 is displayed only when the maximum MY value for the day is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (1000 coins), thus appealing to players that the available machine is a "payout machine" and encouraging them to play. Conversely, when the maximum MY value for the day is less than a predetermined number (1000 coins), the maximum number of coins display d10 is not displayed, thus preventing the player from getting a negative impression that the machine is a "non-payout machine".

[0088] Furthermore, since the maximum number of coins d10 is displayed using the LCD display device 157 of the slot machine 100, it is possible to easily find an available machine without being distracted by the data display of each machine. As a result, it is possible to prevent disputes between customers where a player starts playing on a machine that has been reserved by another player.

[0089] Furthermore, the maximum number of coins displayed d10 on demo screen d2 eliminates the need for player operation compared to transitioning from the menu screen to display rankings of acquired coins, displays of acquired coins, and the number of times the game has been controlled to a favorable state.

[0090] Furthermore, if the game ends with fewer than the specified number of medals bet, the system transitions to demo screen d2 and displays the maximum number of medals d10, thus preventing machines from being left vacant for extended periods and encouraging players to continue playing.

[0091] In this embodiment, the maximum number of images d10 is displayed on the performance introduction screen d2A, the model name display screen d2B, and the warning display screen d2C, but is configured not to be displayed on the company name display screen d2D, however, it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the demo screen d2 may not be displayed on the warning display screen d2C, or the demo screen d2 may be displayed on the company name display screen d2D.

[0092] <Slump Graph> Next, using Figure 5, we will explain the display of the maximum number of coins d10 and the pre-notification d20 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is an example of a slump graph showing the change in the number of coins for the slot machine 100.

[0093] The slot machine 100 of this embodiment has a complete function. The complete function is a function that makes it impossible to play for the day when the number of coins won (MY) for the day reaches a predetermined number MA (for example, 19,000 coins in this embodiment). The advance notification d20 is a visual display that notifies the player that the MY for the day is approaching this predetermined number MA. In this embodiment, when MY reaches 18,500 coins or more, the advance notification d20 is executed and the number of coins remaining until the predetermined number MA is displayed.

[0094] Figure 4(B-4) shows an example of the display of the pre-notification d20 on the demo screen d2. As shown in Figure 4(B-4), the pre-notification d20 is displayed on the demo screen d2 together with the maximum number display d10. Note that the maximum number display d10 is displayed larger than the pre-notification d20 and is therefore more prominent.

[0095] According to Figure 5, the minimum difference in the number of tokens is -2000 at time T1, so MY is calculated based on the number of tokens gained from this minimum value of -2000. From time T0 to time T4, MY is 1000 or less, so the maximum number of tokens display d10 is not displayed on demo screen d2. Hereafter, the section in which the maximum number of tokens display d10 is not displayed on demo screen d2 will be called the "maximum number not displayed section," and the section in which the maximum number of tokens display d10 is displayed on demo screen d2 will be called the "maximum number displayed section." The section from time T0 to time T4 is the maximum number not displayed section. On the other hand, the section from time T4 onward is the section after MY has reached 1000 or more, so it is the maximum number displayed section.

[0096] In the interval from time T4 to time T5, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 is updated (shown in Figure 5 as "Maximum number updated"). Then, at time T5, the maximum number of medals displayed d10 is 1500. Subsequently, in the interval from time T5 to time T9, the MY value decreases or increases, but since MY does not exceed 1500, the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 remains at 1500 (shown in Figure 5 as "Maximum 1500 medals"). In this way, even in intervals where the number of medals decreases, the maximum MY value up to that point is displayed, allowing the machine to be promoted as having the potential to pay out the maximum number of medals displayed d10.

[0097] In the interval from time T9 to time T11, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 is updated. Here, in the interval from time T10 to time T11, although the state is normal and not AT state, the number of medals acquired has increased slightly, so the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 is updated. Thus, in this embodiment, the updated maximum number of medals displayed d10 is shown on demo screen d2 whether it is AT state or normal state. Then, at time T11, the maximum number of medals displayed d10 of 3020 is displayed. Subsequently, in the interval from time T11 to time T13, the MY value decreases or increases, but since MY does not exceed 3020, the value of the maximum number of medals displayed d10 remains 3020 (shown as "Maximum 3020 medals" in Figure 5).

[0098] From time point T13 to time point T15, the MY value increases, so the value of the maximum number of coins displayed d10 is updated during this period. At time point T14, the MY value reaches 18500, so the display of the advance notification d20 begins from time T14 onward. The advance notification d20 is displayed until MY reaches 19500 coins. At time T15, the maximum number of coins displayed d10 is 18700. Subsequently, from time point T15 to time point T17, the MY value decreases or increases, but MY does not exceed 18700, so the value of the maximum number of coins displayed d10 remains at 18700 (shown as "Maximum 18700 coins" in Figure 5).

[0099] In this embodiment, the maximum number of coins display d10 is displayed only after the MY value for the day reaches 1000 or more, thus preventing the negative impression of a "machine that doesn't pay out" and thereby encouraging players to continue playing. Furthermore, even if the MY value decreases, the maximum MY value up to that point is displayed, allowing the machine to be appealing as having potential. Moreover, if the MY value is 18500 or more, the advance notification d20 is displayed along with the maximum number of coins display d10, allowing players to know the remaining number of coins up to the specified number of 19000.

[0100] While Figure 5 shows a slump graph where the number of tokens increases from time T8, we will now explain the case where the number of tokens does not increase after time T8. Even if the number of tokens continues to decrease from time T8 and the net number of tokens falls below -1500, the maximum number of tokens display d10 will still show "1500". This is because the maximum MY (maximum increase from the minimum value) of 1500 has not been updated. Subsequently, for example, if the number of tokens increases after reaching -3000, and the number of tokens does not increase to -1500, the maximum MY of 1500 will not be updated, so the maximum number of tokens display d10 will show "1500". However, if the number of tokens increases beyond -1500, the maximum MY will be updated beyond 1500, and the maximum number of tokens display d10 will show the updated maximum MY value.

[0101] <Slot Machine Operation> · Maximum Number Update Process Next, the maximum number update process will be explained using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of the maximum number update process executed by the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400.

[0102] When the main control unit 300 enters a state of waiting to start a game, it transmits the current MY value (MY value up to the previous game) to the first sub-control unit 400 (step S101). Here, the state of waiting to start a game means that it is possible to insert tokens, or more precisely, the state in which the token insertion ready lamp 124 is lit. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 receives the current MY value NV.

[0103] Next, the main control unit 300 receives a game start operation by operating the start lever 135 (step S102) and waits until the reels 110 to 112 start rotating (step S103). Meanwhile, the first sub-control unit 400 refers to the MY value transmitted in step S101 during this wait time (step S201). As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 grasps the current MY value NV.

[0104] Next, when the wait time is finished, the main control unit 300 rotates reels 110 to 112 (step S104), and when it receives a stop operation for stop buttons 139 (step S105), it stops the corresponding reels 110 to 112. Based on the stopping patterns of all reels 110 to 112, the main control unit 300 performs a prize determination process and a medal payout process (step S106). In the prize determination process, if a combination of symbols corresponding to a prize is displayed on an activated prize line, it is determined that a prize has been won. In the medal payout process, if a prize that is payable has been won, the number of medals corresponding to that prize is paid out. Also in step S106, the main control unit 300 transmits the number of medals inserted BV and the number of medals paid out OV for the game to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0105] As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 receives the number of tokens inserted BV and the number of tokens paid out OV in the game (step S202) and calculates the remaining number of tokens ZV until the complete function is activated (step S203). Specifically, the remaining number of tokens ZV = specified number of tokens MA - received MY value NV - (number of tokens paid out OV - number of tokens inserted BV). For example, if the specified number of tokens MA is 19000, the MY value NV is 5000, the number of tokens inserted is 3, and the number of tokens paid out is 10, the remaining number of tokens ZV will be 13993.

[0106] Next, the first sub-control unit 400 calculates a new MY value (hereinafter referred to as "this MY value") NV that reflects the current game. Specifically, this MY value NV = prescribed number of coins MA - remaining number of coins ZV. For example, if the prescribed number of coins MA is 19000 and the remaining number of coins ZV calculated in step S203 is 13993, then this MY value NV will be 5007 coins.

[0107] Next, the first sub-control unit 400 determines whether the current MY value NV is greater than the current maximum number of sheets display d10 display value DV (hereinafter also referred to as the "demo MY display value") (step S205). If the current MY value NV is greater than the demo MY display value DV (step S205: YES), the first sub-control unit 400 sets the current MY value NV to the demo MY display value DV (step S206). Otherwise (step S205: NO), it terminates the maximum number of sheets update process.

[0108] Meanwhile, after completing the processing in step S106, the main control unit 300 performs a counter update process to calculate MY (step S107) and returns to step S101.

[0109] Thus, according to the maximum number update process of this embodiment, the demo MY display value is updated only when the current MY value is greater than the demo MY display value. Therefore, the demo MY display value does not decrease, but only remains the same or increases. In other words, the maximum number display d10 shown on the demo screen d2 does not decrease, which can encourage players to continue playing.

[0110] Next, the maximum number of sheets display process (hereinafter simply referred to as "maximum number of sheets display process") in the demo screen d2 will be explained using Figures 7(A) and (B). Figure 7(A) is a flowchart showing the flow of the maximum number of sheets display process executed by the second sub-control unit 500. The maximum number of sheets display process is executed at predetermined intervals (timer interrupt time).

[0111] The second sub-control unit 500 determines whether it has detected either a display marker or a hide marker (steps S301, S305). Here, the display marker is a marker that indicates the start of displaying the demo MY display value DV on the screen while the demo screen d2 is being displayed, and the hide marker is a marker that indicates the start of hiding the demo MY display value DV on the screen. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7(C-1), a display marker is placed at the beginning of the performance introduction screen d2A that constitutes the demo screen d2, and a hide marker is placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D. Therefore, if a display marker is detected on the currently displayed demo screen d2, the system is controlled to display the demo MY display value DV on the screen thereafter, and if a hide marker is detected, the system is controlled not to display the demo MY display value DV on the screen thereafter.

[0112] When the second sub-control unit 500 detects a display marker (step S301: YES), specifically, in the performance introduction screen d2A, the model name screen d2B, and the warning screen d2C, it sets the current value of demo MY display value DV to the extended command "Demo MY value" (step S302), and then sets the display mode corresponding to the current value of demo MY display value DV to the extended command "Demo MY color" (step S303). After the processing in step S303, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0113] Here, the extended command is a parameter associated with the liquid crystal command as shown in Figure 7(B). In a predetermined bit position of the 1-byte liquid crystal command, the "Demo MY Numerical Value" indicating the value of Demo MY Display Value DV and the "Demo MY Color" indicating the color of Demo MY Display Value DV are stored. Specifically, in this embodiment, the Demo MY Color is set to indicate whether to display or not, and the color if displayed, according to the value of Demo MY Display Value DV. Specifically, (1) if Demo MY Display Value DV ≤ 999, it is hidden; (2) if Demo MY Display Value DV ≤ 2999, it is silver; (3) if Demo MY Display Value DV ≤ 4999, it is gold; and (4) if Demo MY Display Value DV ≥ 5000, it is rainbow-colored. Thus, in step S303, the display or not and the display color are set.

[0114] Furthermore, if the second sub-control unit 500 detects a hidden marker (step S305: YES), it sets the extended command "Demo MY Color" to "Hidden" (step S306). After the processing in step S306, the process proceeds to step S307.

[0115] On the other hand, if the second sub-control unit 500 does not detect either the display marker or the non-display marker (step S301: NO, step S305: NO), it proceeds to step S307.

[0116] Next, the second sub-control unit 500 performs a display update process (step S307). In the display update process, an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 based on the value set in the liquid crystal display command.

[0117] As described above, with the maximum number of tokens display processing of this embodiment, the demo MY display value is displayed on demo screen d2 only when MY is 1000 or more, so it is possible to appeal to players by highlighting the tokens on available machines and encouraging them to play. In addition, the display color is changed according to the value of the demo MY display value, so the token situation can be visually appealed to by the display color. Furthermore, since the display and hiding of the demo MY display value are controlled by the display marker and the hide marker, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the configuration of demo screen d2.

[0118] In this embodiment, even if the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets, the "Demo MY value" is set but the "Demo MY color" is hidden, thereby preventing the display of the maximum number of sheets d10 on the demo screen d2 (first method). However, other control methods may be used to prevent the display of the maximum number of sheets d10 on the demo screen d2 when the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets. For example, if the demo MY display value DV is less than 1000 sheets, the "Demo MY value" may not be set (second method). The first method has the advantage of reducing the amount of program code, but it also has the disadvantage that if there is a problem with the data, the maximum number of sheets d10 may be displayed at an unintended time. On the other hand, the second method has the advantage of being able to control display / hide more reliably, but it also has the disadvantage that the amount of program code increases because a branching algorithm is added.

[0119] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7(C-1), a display marker is placed at the beginning of the presentation introduction screen d2A and a hide marker is placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D. However, as shown in 7(C-2), a hide marker may be placed at the beginning of the company name screen d2D and a display marker at the end of the company name screen d2D. The same control as in Figure 7(C-1) can be performed.

[0120] <Modification> In this embodiment, the maximum number of medals display d10 displays the maximum MY value for the day, but it may also display the maximum number of medals paid out. In the case of the number of medals paid out, the number of bets is not taken into consideration, so a larger number can be displayed, and the appeal of winning medals can be further emphasized. Also, in this embodiment, the maximum number of medals display d10 reflects the difference in the number of medals obtained by irregular pressing, but it may be made so that the difference in medals is not reflected in the case of irregular pressing. A larger number of medals can be displayed than the number of medals obtained displayed on the result screen that is displayed when a favorable game ends.

[0121] In this embodiment, if the number of bets is not the specified number, i.e., if the number of bets is 1 or 2, the demo screen is started after a waiting time M has elapsed since the medals were inserted. However, the demo screen may also be started when the number of bets is the specified number, i.e., if the number of bets is 3. Alternatively, the demo screen may be started after a waiting time M has elapsed when a replay is won. In this embodiment, the waiting time M was set to 1 minute, but the waiting time M may be variable depending on the conditions. For example, the waiting time M may be 40 seconds if the number of bets is 0, 60 seconds if the number of bets is 1 or 2, and 120 seconds if the number of bets is 3 (the same applies to replays). A shorter time may be used when the number of bets is 0 because there is a high possibility that the game will be stopped completely, and a longer waiting time may be used when the number of bets is 1 or more because there is a high possibility that the player is temporarily away from their seat (especially when the number of bets is 3). This reduces the annoyance of frequently transitioning to the demo screen d2 even when the game has not been stopped.

[0122] Alternatively, the demo screen may be set to start even if there are medals stored in the medal count display device 170 (number of medals > 0) after the waiting time M has elapsed. This configuration prevents malicious players from intentionally leaving only one medal and leaving the store to reduce the operation of the gaming machine, compared to the configuration in which the demo screen does not start when the number of medals in the medal count display device 170 is > 0.

[0123] On the other hand, the demo screen may be set to start after a waiting time M has elapsed when no medals are stored in the medal count display device 170 (number of medals = 0). This configuration prevents problems such as another player playing the game even though medals are stored in the medal count storage device 170.

[0124] Alternatively, if the medal count display device 170 shows "medal count > 0", the demo screen may be started after a waiting time M has elapsed, provided the bet is 0 (i.e., if the bet ≠ 0, the demo screen will not be shown even after the waiting time M has elapsed). This configuration eliminates both the aforementioned mischief and troubles. Note that the demo screen may also be started even if the bet ≠ 0 when the medal count display device 170 shows "medal count > 0".

[0125] Furthermore, the above embodiments may be combined, and when the medal count display device 170 shows "medal count = 0", if a number of bets that cannot be played is set, the demo screen may start after the waiting time M has elapsed, and when the medal count display device 170 shows "medal count > 0", the demo screen may start after the waiting time M has elapsed, provided that the number of bets is 0.

[0126] Furthermore, the demo screen may not start depending on the state of the game at that time. For example, if the game state is one in which the payout is increasing (during a bonus or AT), the demo screen may not start even after the waiting time M has elapsed, while if the payout is not increasing, the demo screen may start after the waiting time M has elapsed. Also, if a continuous performance spanning multiple games is in progress, the demo screen may not start even after the waiting time M has elapsed, while if a continuous performance is not in progress, the demo screen may start after the waiting time M has elapsed.

[0127] Furthermore, the result screen displayed at the end of a favorable game and the maximum number of tokens display d10 may be displayed together or separately. In the former case, the number of tokens won in that favorable game and the maximum number of tokens for the day can be checked simultaneously, allowing for a comprehensive review of payout information and saving the trouble of operating data displays, for example. In the latter case, multiple token counts are displayed, preventing confusion for the player. Additionally, the waiting time M may be shortened when the result screen is displayed. This allows for quicker notification of available machines.

[0128] Furthermore, a configuration that displays the number of acquired coins depending on the number acquired, or does not, may also be applied to the results screen. For example, if the results screen consists of a "background screen + display of acquired coins," and the number of acquired coins in a favorable game such as a bonus or AT is small (for example, less than 100 coins), the results screen at the end of a favorable game may display only the background screen without showing the number of acquired coins. On the other hand, if the number of acquired coins in a favorable game such as a bonus or AT is large (for example, 100 coins or more), the results screen at the end of a favorable game may display both the number of acquired coins and the background screen. In addition, the background screen may provide some kind of hint. This reduces stress on the player because the screen does not unnecessarily display situations where the number of acquired coins is small. Also, if there are players who quit playing and leave the store after seeing the results screen, the machine's usage may decrease because it is not displayed when the number of acquired coins is small. "Some kind of hint" may, for example, be something that hints at the machine's settings. Furthermore, if there are multiple modes leading up to the granting of advantageous gameplay such as bonuses, ATs, or CZs, the content may indicate the mode being played. Also, if multiple modes are predetermined, the indication may be something like "Mode A is played M times out of N times." In this way, when an indication is given on the background screen, even if the number of acquired coins is not displayed, the result screen may display a background screen that includes the indication. This can reduce stress on the player while increasing their motivation to continue playing. In addition, when the number of acquired coins is small, the indication with a higher degree of advantage may be given more frequently than when the number of acquired coins is large. This can further reduce stress on the player while increasing their motivation to continue playing.

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the maximum number of tokens display d10 is shown on the liquid crystal display device 157, but the device for displaying the maximum number of tokens display d10 is not limited to this. For example, the maximum number of tokens display d10 may be shown on a data display device installed on the slot machine 100. In this case as well, it is possible to appeal to players about the potential payout and avoid giving the impression that the machine is "not paying out."

[0130] For example, the data display device may be able to display the maximum number of coins d10 when the gaming machine is not in a game state and / or is displaying a demonstration. The data display device may also determine that the machine is not in a game state if no operation signal (a signal indicating 1G progress) is input from the gaming machine within a predetermined time M, and may display the maximum number of coins d10 as a result. The data display device may also display the maximum number of coins d10 as a result of receiving a signal from a hall employee indicating that the machine is available.

[0131] <Summary of Embodiments> As described above, the first basic configuration of the gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100) according to the above embodiment is a gaming machine equipped with display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 157, a first sub-control unit 400, and a second sub-control unit 500), wherein the display means is capable of displaying the number of game values ​​acquired based on the number of bets and the number of payouts at a first timing (for example, the timing of displaying the demo screen d2), and the display means is capable of displaying the acquired number at the first timing when a first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value reaches 1000 coins), and the first condition is a condition that is met when the acquired number is a predetermined number (for example, 1000 coins) or more.

[0132] This first basic configuration allows for an appealing payout while avoiding the impression that the machine doesn't pay out, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0133] In the first basic configuration described above, the display means is a means that may perform a demonstration display (for example, display demo screen d2) when the second condition is met (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed after all reels have stopped, or a predetermined time has elapsed since a bet operation) in a non-game state (for example, demo state) when no game is being played, and the first timing is the timing when the demonstration display is being performed, which is the first preferred configuration.

[0134] According to the first preferred configuration, it is possible to appeal to players by displaying payouts on vacant gaming machines, thereby encouraging them to play.

[0135] In the first preferred configuration described above, the second preferred configuration includes a first number of bets (e.g., 3) which is a number of bets that can be played, and a second number of bets (e.g., 2) which is a number of bets that cannot be played, wherein the display means may perform a demonstration display when the second condition is met while neither the first number of bets nor the second number of bets is set, and the display means may perform a demonstration display when the second condition is met while the second number of bets is set, wherein the second condition is a condition that is met when a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute) has elapsed in the non-playing state.

[0136] According to the second preferred configuration, even if a number of bets that cannot be played is set and left unattended, the machine can be recognized as an available machine.

[0137] In a second preferred configuration, the third preferred configuration includes a storage means for storing game value (e.g., RAM 308, medal count control unit 350, etc.) and an operating means (e.g., bet button 132) capable of setting the first bet number from the game value stored in the storage means based on a single operation, wherein the operating means is a means for setting the first bet number based on the single operation when the game value stored in the storage means satisfies the first bet number, and the operating means is a means for setting the second bet number based on the single operation when the game value stored in the storage means is the second bet number.

[0138] According to the third preferred configuration, the processing when the operating means is operated can be standardized, thus reducing the processing capacity in the development process. Furthermore, if the gaming machine is equipped with a medal count display device, when the remaining number of game value stored in the medal count display device is, for example, 1 to 2, the number of bets can be set by operating the operating means, and the remaining number of game value stored in the medal count display device can be set to 0, making it easier to recognize that the machine is vacant. In addition, if a player leaves the store with the remaining number of game value stored in the medal count display device at 1 to 2, the store staff would have to return that number of medals to the dispensing device, or reset the medal count display device during closing (or opening) operations such as maintenance or preparation for the next business day. By reducing such tasks, this can contribute to improving the operations of the gaming store.

[0139] Furthermore, the second basic configuration of the display device according to the above embodiment (for example, a display connected to a slot machine 100) is a display device provided in correspondence with a gaming machine (for example, a slot machine 100) and capable of displaying information about the gaming machine, wherein the display device is capable of displaying the number of game values ​​acquired based on the number of bets and payouts made in the game on the gaming machine, and the display device is capable of displaying the acquired number when the first condition is met (for example, when the minimum MY value of the slot machine 100 reaches 1000 coins), and the first condition is a condition that is met when the acquired number is a predetermined number (for example, 1000 coins) or more.

[0140] This second basic configuration allows for an appealing payout while avoiding the impression that the machine doesn't pay out, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0141] In the second basic configuration described above, the gaming machine may perform a demonstration display when the game is not being played (for example, in a demo state), and the display device is capable of displaying the number of winnings when the gaming machine is in the non-play state, which is a fourth preferred configuration.

[0142] According to the fourth preferred configuration, it is possible to appeal to players by displaying payouts on vacant gaming machines, thereby encouraging them to play.

[0143] [Second Embodiment] The visual effects devices (lamps, speakers, movable parts, etc.) on a gaming machine are important devices that contribute to enhancing the enjoyment of the game. Therefore, when controlling these visual effects devices, stability is required in the data communication between the control unit (CPU) and the drive unit (driver IC). For example, data communication that is resistant to noise and can flexibly handle differences in the type and version of the drive unit (components) is desired.

[0144] In the second embodiment, a gaming machine that solves the above-mentioned problems is provided. In the following description, only the configurations, functions, and processes that differ from the first embodiment will be described, and other configurations, functions, and processes will be omitted from the description, with the same reference numerals used for the same parts.

[0145] <Connection Configuration> In this embodiment (second embodiment), the communication method when the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 shown in Figure 2 transmits control signals to the drive circuit 422 that drives the various lamps 420 will be described.

[0146] Figure 8(A) is a functional block diagram of the first sub-control unit 400 of this embodiment. In detail, the communication method when the CPU 404 sends a control signal to the drive circuit 422X to drive the frame lamp 420X and sends a control signal to the drive circuit 422Y to drive the side lamp 420Y will be described.

[0147] Here, the drive circuit 422X consists of an LED driver for ICxxx, and the drive circuit 422Y consists of an LED driver for ICyyy (xxx and yyy indicate the model number and type of the IC). The top lamp 420X is a lamp driven by ICxxx, and the side lamp 422Y is a lamp driven by ICyyy. ICxxx and the top lamp 420X are installed on the top lamp board, and ICyyy and the side lamp 422Y are installed on the side lamp board.

[0148] Figure 9(A) shows an example of an LED driver for ICxxx, and Figure 9(B) shows an example of an LED driver for ICyyy. As shown in Figure 9, the LED drivers for ICxxx and ICyyy are different types of drivers. Different types of drivers mean, for example, drivers with different pin configurations and different performance. The terminals shown in the pin configuration are assigned to RGB terminals, data input terminals, data output terminals, power terminals, GND terminals, CS signal (chip select), etc. Note that even with the same driver, performance will differ if the pin configuration is different (for example, functions to reduce noise, functions to reduce brightness and cool when the temperature rises, etc.).

[0149] In this embodiment, the drive circuit 422X that drives the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y that drives the side lamp 420Y are of different types, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figures 8(B-1) and (B-2), the same type of drive circuit may be connected, or as shown in this embodiment and Figure 8(B-3), different types of drive circuits may be mixed. As will be explained in more detail later, this is because the packet structure of the control signals transmitted from the CPU 404 is the same regardless of the type of IC in the drive circuit 422.

[0150] <Communication Method> Next, using Figure 10, the communication method when the CPU 404 of this embodiment transmits a control signal (hereinafter referred to as "control data") to the drive circuit 422 will be described.

[0151] Figure 10(A) schematically shows the packet structure of control data CD1 for ICxxx, and Figure 10(B) schematically shows the packet structure of control data CD2 for ICxxx.

[0152] As shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), the configuration of the control data CD for an LED driver is the same regardless of the type of LED driver (control data is collectively referred to as CD). As shown in Figures 10(A) and (B), the control data CD is 8 bytes of data and consists of a start command, slave address, subaddress, data byte, stop command, and noise suppression command. Each item of the control data CD consists of 1 byte (8 bits).

[0153] The start command is a data item that indicates the start of a packet, and in this embodiment, the value FFh (111111111) is set. The slave address and subaddress are the destination addresses of the control data CD, and the address of the LED driver is set. The data byte is set to a value that indicates the control content for the controlled object. The stop command is a data item that indicates the end of a packet, and in this embodiment, the value 81h (10000001) is set. The noise suppression command is a characteristic component of the control data CD in this embodiment, and it plays a role in ensuring stable data communication even when noise bits are mixed into the control data CD due to noise generation, or when a part of the control data CD is missing (the increase and / or loss of bits due to noise is sometimes collectively referred to as "bit shift"). In this embodiment, the value 00h (00000000) is set.

[0154] The premise of the communication method in this embodiment is as follows: The first sub-control unit 400 is configured to transmit control signals to multiple lamps 420 at once each time a timer interrupt process is executed periodically. For example, when transmitting control signals to both the drive circuit 422X for the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y for the side lamp 420Y in one timer interrupt process, a command group consisting of control data CD1 shown in Figure 10(A) and control data CD2 shown in Figure 10(B) is transmitted to the drive circuit 422X and the drive circuit 422Y, respectively. The receiving drive circuits 422X and 422Y take the control data CD addressed to themselves from the received command group and discard the other control data CDs. Specifically, the drive circuits 422X and 422Y recognize the boundary of a control data CD based on the start command and stop command, and then acquire the control data CD addressed to themselves based on the values ​​of the slave address and sub-address.

[0155] Conventionally, such data communication methods have resulted in the problems shown in Figures 10(C1) and (C2). The conventional control data packet structure consists of control data OCD, which is the control data CD of this embodiment with the noise suppression command removed. That is, control data OCD is control data composed of a start command, slave address, subaddress, data byte, and stop command.

[0156] Figure 10(C1) schematically shows data communication when no noise is present in either control data OCD1 or control data OCD2, and Figure 10(C2) schematically shows data communication when noise is present in control data OCD1. In Figures 10(C1) to (C3), control data for the first IC (specifically ICxxx) is described as control data OCD1, and control data for the second IC (specifically ICyyy) is described as control data OCD2.

[0157] Conventionally, as shown in Figure 10(C1), the drive circuit 422X for the frame lamp 420X and the drive circuit 422Y for the side lamp 420Y each received and acquired control data OCD for themselves based on the start command, stop command, and slave address information, as described above.

[0158] However, as shown in Figure 10(C2), if noise is introduced into the control data OCD1 and the control data OCD1 increases by one bit, a problem occurs in which the drive circuit 422Y receives the control data CD2 addressed to itself as data that is shifted by one bit. Specifically, the last bit of the stop command in the control data OCD1 is mistakenly recognized and received as the first bit of the start command in the control data OCD2.

[0159] In contrast, Figure 10(C3) schematically shows data communication when noise is mixed into the control data CD1 of this embodiment.

[0160] In this embodiment, if noise is introduced into the control data CD1 and the control data CD1 increases by one bit, a noise suppression command is inserted between the stop command of control data CD1 and the start command of control data CD2. Therefore, the drive circuit 422Y can correctly receive the control data CD2 without misinterpreting the last bit of the stop command of control data CD1 as the first bit of the start command of control data CD2.

[0161] In this embodiment, when the leading bit value FB (specifically 1) of the start command of the control data CD and the trailing bit value LB (specifically 1) of the stop command of the control data CD are the same, a noise suppression command consisting of a different bit value (specifically 0) from bit values ​​FB and LB is inserted between the stop command of the first control data CD1 and the start command of the second control data CD2. Therefore, even if noise is introduced into the first control data CD1, the presence of the noise suppression command eliminates the bit misalignment and clarifies the end position of the control data CD1, so that the drive circuit 422Y can reliably receive the control data CD2 addressed to it.

[0162] In Figure 10(C3), data communication in the case where noise is mixed into the control data CD1 of this embodiment was explained. However, even if bits are missing from the control data CD1, the presence of noise suppression commands can similarly eliminate the bit misalignment, making the end position of the control data CD1 clear. As a result, the drive circuit 422Y can reliably receive the control data CD2 addressed to itself.

[0163] As described above, the control data CD of this embodiment adds noise suppression commands to the configuration of the conventional control data OCD. Therefore, even if data anomalies such as bit increases or losses occur in the preceding control data CD1, the presence of the noise suppression commands can resolve the data anomalies in the preceding control data CD1. As a result, the subsequent control data CD2 is not affected by the data anomalies, enabling stable communication of the subsequent control data CD2.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the start command for the control data CD is set to FFh (11111111), but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be set to F0h (11110000). Similarly, in this embodiment, the noise suppression command for the control data CD is set to 00h (00000000), but it is not limited to this. For example, if the start command for the control data CD is FFh (11111111) and the stop command is 81h (10000001), the noise suppression command may be set to F0h (11110000). In this case as well, the presence of the noise suppression command eliminates bit misalignment and allows each control data CD to be clearly separated.

[0165] In other words, if the last bit value of the stop command and the first bit value of the start command of the control data CD are the same, the noise suppression command will consist of bit values ​​different from the last bit value of the stop command and the first bit value of the start command of the control data CD. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in one control data CD, subsequent control data CDs can be treated as normal control data CDs. In other words, the noise suppression command is a command that prevents noise from affecting subsequent control data CDs, and even if there is a data abnormality due to noise in the first control data CD, the subsequent control data CD is configured to maintain the state it was in before the noise occurred.

[0166] Furthermore, even when transmitting control data CDs to multiple drive circuits 422 using different types of ICs, the same packet structure is used for the control data CDs, and the same noise suppression commands are interposed between the control data CDs. This ensures stable communication and prevents delays in the development process. In other words, stabilizing communication contributes to improving the enjoyment of the game. Also, if a problem occurs with the supply of parts for one drive circuit 422, it is possible to use parts from other drive circuits 422, thus preventing delays in the development process.

[0167] In this embodiment, the method for communicating control data CD to the IC of the drive circuit 422 that controls the lamp 420 has been described, but this method can also be applied to communication methods for control data CD to amplifier ICs, motor ICs, and the like.

[0168] <Summary of Embodiments> As described above, the gaming machine according to the above embodiment (for example, a slot machine 100) comprises: a plurality of operating means (for example, a lamp 420, etc.) capable of operating in a certain operating mode; a plurality of driving means (for example, a drive circuit 422, etc.) for driving the plurality of operating means; and a control means (for example, a CPU 404, etc.) for transmitting control information (for example, a control data CD, etc.) to control the plurality of driving means, wherein one of the plurality of operating means is a first operating means (for example, a frame lamp 420X, etc.); one of the plurality of operating means is a second operating means (for example, a frame lamp 420Y, etc.); one of the plurality of driving means is a first driving means (for example, a drive circuit 422X, etc.) for driving the first operating means; and one of the plurality of driving means is a second driving means for driving the second operating means. According to the first basic configuration, which is a means (for example, a drive circuit 422Y), the control means transmits the control information to at least the first drive means and the second drive means, and the control information comprises at least first control information for controlling the first drive means (for example, control data CD1 that does not include noise suppression commands), second control information for controlling the second drive means (for example, control data CD2 that does not include noise suppression commands), and noise suppression information (for example, noise suppression commands), and the noise suppression information is information that is sandwiched between the first control information and the second control information, even if the first control information is affected by noise, the presence of the noise suppression information allows the subsequent second control information to be transmitted correctly, thereby minimizing the effects of noise and ensuring the stability of data communication.

[0169] In this first basic configuration, the first preferred configuration is that the second driving means receives the second control information without bit shift occurring in the second control information, even if at least one of the defects and additions occur in the configuration of the first control information due to noise, based on the intervention of the noise countermeasure information.

[0170] According to the first preferred configuration, even if noise causes omissions or additions to the structure of the first control information, the second drive means can correctly receive the second control information through the intervention of noise countermeasure information, thereby ensuring the stability of data communication to the second drive means.

[0171] In this first preferred configuration, the first control information is information composed of a plurality of items (e.g., start command, slave address, sub-address, data byte, stop command, etc.), the second control information is information composed of the plurality of items, the bit sequence including the end of the last item of the first control information (e.g., the last bit) is composed of the first information (e.g., 1), the bit sequence including the beginning of the first item of the second control information (e.g., the first bit) is composed of the first information, and the bit sequence of the noise suppression information is composed of second information different from the first information (e.g., 0), which is the second preferred configuration.

[0172] According to the second preferred configuration, by making the bit sequence of noise suppression information different from the bit sequence containing the end of the last item of the first control information and the bit sequence containing the beginning of the first item of the second control information, the two control information can be clearly distinguished. Therefore, even if noise is mixed into the first control information or part of the first control information is missing, the second drive means can correctly receive the second control information.

[0173] In the second preferred configuration, the first driving means is of a different type from the second driving means (e.g., ICxxx and ICYYY), the bit sequence including the beginning of the first item of the first control information (e.g., the first bit) consists of the first information (e.g., 1), and the bit sequence including the end of the last item of the second control information (e.g., the last bit) consists of the first information, which constitutes the third preferred configuration.

[0174] According to the third preferred configuration, even if the first and second driving means are of different types, the bit sequence including the beginning of the first item and the bit sequence including the end of the last item of the first and second control information are the same and different from the bit sequence of the noise suppression information. Therefore, even if noise is mixed into the first control information or part of the first control information is missing, the second driving means can correctly receive the second control information.

[0175] [Third Embodiment] The speaker of a gaming machine is required to output sound stably. The third embodiment provides a gaming machine that solves this problem. In the following, only the configurations, functions, and processes that differ from the above embodiment will be described, and other configurations, functions, and processes will be described in more detail, with the same reference numerals used for the same parts.

[0176] <Speakers> Figure 11 is an external view of the slot machine of this embodiment (third embodiment), showing the position of the speakers to which the audio amplifier IC 418 of this embodiment is connected. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is equipped with upper speakers 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) located behind the sound hole 143, middle speakers 275 (middle left speaker 275a, middle right speaker 275b) located behind the winning line indicator lamp 120 and reel panel lamp 128, and lower speakers 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) located behind the sound hole 145, and is characterized by the component layout of the audio circuit around the audio amplifier IC 418 connected to these three speakers. In other words, in this embodiment, the component layout of the audio circuit is designed to stably output sound.

[0177] Here, the upper left speaker 272a and the upper right speaker 272b of the upper speaker 272 are of the same type. Also, the left middle speaker 275a and the right middle speaker 275b of the middle speaker 275 are of the same type. Also, the lower left speaker 277a and the lower right speaker 277b of the lower speaker 277 are of the same type. On the other hand, the upper speaker 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) and the middle speaker 275 (left middle speaker 275a, right middle speaker 275b) are of different types. Also, the middle speaker 275 (left middle speaker 275a, right middle speaker 275b) and the lower speaker 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) are of different types. Furthermore, the upper speaker 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b) and the lower speaker 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b) are different types of speakers. There are also audio circuits corresponding to the upper speaker 272 (upper left speaker 272a, upper right speaker 272b), the middle speaker 275 (middle left speaker 275a, middle right speaker 275b), and the lower speaker 277 (lower left speaker 277a, lower right speaker 277b). This embodiment aims to enhance the enjoyment of the game by improving the functionality of these audio circuits.

[0178] <Audio Circuit Arrangement> Figure 12(a) is a top view of the first sub-control board 401 on which the components of the first sub-control unit 400 are arranged, and shows the component layout of the audio circuit 450 around the audio amplifier IC 418. Hereafter, the +X direction in Figure 12 will be referred to as right, the -X direction as left, the +Y direction as up, and the -Y direction as down. The board surface shown in Figure 12(a) on the first sub-control board 401 will be referred to as the component surface or front surface, and the board surface on the opposite side will be referred to as the solder surface or back surface.

[0179] As shown in Figure 12(a), the first sub-control board 401 includes an audio circuit 450A for the upper speaker 272, an audio circuit 450B for the middle speaker 275, an audio circuit 450C for the lower speaker 275, and an audio circuit 450D for the woofer. Audio circuits 450A and 450B are located at the left edge of the first sub-control board 401, and audio circuit 450C is located at the right edge of the first sub-control board 401. In other words, audio circuits 450A, 450B, and 450C (hereinafter, when referring to these three collectively, or including audio circuit 450D, they will be referred to as audio circuit 450) are all located close to the edge of the first sub-control board 401. The audio output from audio circuits 450 requires a large amount of power and thus a large power supply, resulting in a large magnetic field influence on other components. Therefore, the audio circuit 450 is placed at the edge of the first sub-control board 401 (the CPU 404 is located in the center of the first sub-control board 401) to minimize interference with other logic communication signals and power supply systems.

[0180] Furthermore, audio circuits 450A and 450B are connected to connector CN1 near audio circuit 450A, and audio circuit 450C is connected to connector CN3 near audio circuit 450C. This is because audio circuits 450 require a large amount of power, and longer wiring would result in greater power loss due to voltage drop. Therefore, this is a measure to shorten the wiring length and avoid power loss. In other words, the first sub-control board 401 of this embodiment has a first connector (e.g., connector CN1) connected to audio circuit 450 (e.g., audio circuit 450A), and a second connector (e.g., connector CN2) connected to a circuit other than audio circuit 450, with the first connector being closer to audio circuit 450 than the second connector. The second connector (for example, connector CN2) may be a connector electrically connected to a liquid crystal display device, a connector electrically connected to an operation button used to trigger the start of an effect (such as a push button effect, rapid-fire effect, or long-press effect) or to customize the effect, a connector electrically connected to various LEDs, or a connector electrically connected to the main control board.

[0181] Although audio circuits 450A and 450B are connected to a common connector CN1, resulting in a configuration where multiple audio circuits are connected to one connector, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, connector CN-A may correspond to audio circuit 450A, connector CN-B to audio circuit 450B, connector CN-C to audio circuit 450C, and so on, where one audio circuit is connected to one connector. Furthermore, as will be explained in detail later using Figures 15 to 19, a configuration where one audio circuit is connected to multiple connectors is also possible. Specifically, in the audio circuit of the middle speaker, the output of the left speaker is connected to connector CN-L and the output of the right speaker is connected to connector CN-R, while in the audio circuit of the lower speaker, the output of the left speaker is connected to connector CN-L and the output of the right speaker is connected to connector CN-R. In the examples shown in Figures 15 to 19 (multiple connectors for one audio circuit), the audio circuit and the corresponding connector are located far apart. However, even in configurations where multiple connectors are connected to one audio circuit, it is also possible to have a configuration where the corresponding connector is located near the audio circuit, as shown in Figure 12(a).

[0182] As shown in Figure 12(a), the audio circuits 450 all have their components (e.g., audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, capacitor C, electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in a nearly identical layout. This allows for the equalization of the audio output performance of the three speakers (upper speaker 272, middle speaker 275, and lower speaker 277), thereby stabilizing the audio output. For example, the vertical spacing t1 between the two coils L arranged in the audio circuit 450 is nearly identical. By making the spacing t1 between the coils L nearly identical, the heat generation effect of the three speakers can be made equivalent, stabilizing the audio output and also achieving a uniform noise reduction effect. Furthermore, even if different types of speakers are installed, the positional relationship of the components constituting the audio circuit is nearly identical, making it easy to recognize that they are speaker-related components, allowing for quick response if a problem occurs in the audio output. In other words, it is immediately clear where on the circuit board to focus attention.

[0183] Furthermore, no electronic components are placed in the region of the gap t1 between coils L, at least on the component side. This prevents the heat generated by coils L from affecting other components. It also improves heat dissipation compared to when components are placed in the gap t1. The same effect can be achieved by not placing components in the solder side region corresponding to the gap t1, although components may be placed there as the effect of heat generation is reduced compared to the component side.

[0184] In audio circuits 450 (audio circuits 450A, 450B, and 450C), two coils L are provided because the upper speaker 272, middle speaker 275, and lower speaker 277 are stereo output speakers, while in audio circuit 450D, one coil L is provided because the woofer is a monaural output speaker.

[0185] Figure 12(b) is a diagram showing the arrangement of the components of the audio circuit 450. The amplifier circuit 450 generally comprises an audio amplifier IC 418, two coils L, multiple resistors R, multiple capacitors C, and an electrolytic capacitor EC. The audio amplifier IC 418 is positioned midway between the two coils L. More specifically, the two coils L are positioned symmetrically with respect to a virtual extension line L4 that divides the audio amplifier IC 418 vertically. In other words, in the case of the audio amplifier IC 418 and the two coils L, the layout (corresponding to the first positional relationship) is such that at least a part of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the intermediate portion of the two coils L (the region between the virtual extension lines of both the end edge of one coil facing the other coil and the end edge of the other coil facing the first coil, and consisting of a virtual extension line with a distance t1). For example, the audio amplifier IC 418 may be laid out symmetrically with respect to the two coils L, or it may be laid out eccentrically with respect to one of the two coils L. As a result, in the case of stereo output, by making the length of the wiring pattern from the audio amplifier IC to both coils L uniform, the likelihood (or likelihood) of noise generation is also made uniform, stabilizing the audio output and achieving a well-balanced audio output.

[0186] The audio circuit 450 of this embodiment is provided with two LC filters LCF for selectively removing high-frequency noise. That is, the LC filters LCF of this embodiment have the function of low-pass filters that cut high-frequency signals. The LC filter LCF consists of one coil L and two capacitors C to the right of the coil L. In this embodiment, both the coil L and the capacitors C of the LC filter LCF are provided on the front (top) surface of the first sub-control board 401, but the coil L may be provided on the front (top) surface while the capacitors C are provided on the back (bottom) surface (both the coil L and capacitors C may be on the back surface, or the coil L may be on the back surface and the capacitors C may be on the front surface). In addition, the Zobel filter ZOF, which prevents oscillation and noise caused by the speaker load (back electromotive force from the speaker), consists of one capacitor and two resistors R to the left of the coil L. In this embodiment, the Zobel filter ZOF is provided on the left side of the coil L, that is, on the side opposite to the connector CN to which the audio circuit 450 is connected. However, it may also be provided on the right side of the coil L, that is, on the connector CN side to which the audio circuit 450 is connected. In this embodiment, both the capacitor C and the resistor R of the Zobel filter ZOF are provided on the front (top) surface of the first sub-control board 401. However, the capacitor C may be provided on the front (top) surface while the resistor R is provided on the back (bottom) surface (both the capacitor C and resistor R may be on the back surface, or the capacitor C may be on the back surface and the resistor R may be on the front surface).

[0187] Figure 13 shows the circuit diagram of the audio circuit 450. Figure 13(a) shows the circuit diagram of the signal system, and Figure 13(b) shows the circuit diagram of the power supply system. As shown in Figure 13(a), the audio signal is output from the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC 418, first through the LC filter LCF, then through the Zobel filter ZOF, and finally to the connector CN. The power supply bypass capacitor PBC shown in the power supply circuit diagram is a capacitor installed between the power supply and ground, and by bypassing (redirecting) noise to ground, it enables the supply of a stable power supply to the circuit.

[0188] In this embodiment, the coil L of the LC filter LCF uses a coreless coil, but a coil with a core may also be used. The constants of each element of the LC filter LCF are determined based on the switching frequency of the digital amplifier (20kHz to 350kHz). Specifically, a coil L of 10 to 15μH is desirable, and in the case of a 10μH coil L, a capacitor C of 0.33μF is used, and in the case of a 15μH coil L, a capacitor C of 0.22μF is used.

[0189] Note that the capacitor C1 (a capacitor that suppresses high-frequency noise) placed between the LC filter LCF and the Zobel filter is optional. More specifically, if the capacitor C used in the LC filter LCF is a ceramic capacitor, it is preferable to use capacitor C1, but if a film capacitor is used, capacitor C1 is not necessary. In the case of a ceramic capacitor, the piezoelectric effect (electrostrictive effect) when voltage is applied causes the ceramic capacitor to expand and contract, so this expansion and contraction can be suppressed. In this case, it is preferable that the capacitance of capacitor C1 is smaller than that of capacitor C that constitutes the LC filter. For example, if the capacitor C of the LC filter is 0.33μF, then it should be 0.01μF to 0.1μF. If the capacitance of capacitor C1 is large, an LC filter LCF will be formed by capacitor C1 (the LC filter LCF will work twice), resulting in muffled sound and preventing the output of sound with the intended sound quality.

[0190] Furthermore, capacitor C2 before connector CN is a high-pass filter for the tweeter. When the left and right speakers are connected in parallel, with one speaker handling low-mid frequencies and the other handling high frequencies (tweeter), it is used to cut the low-mid frequencies from the other speaker. If the left and right speakers are connected one-to-one, it is not necessary to use it, as one speaker can handle the low-mid frequencies from the start and the other handles the high frequencies.

[0191] Figure 12(c) shows the terminal arrangement of the audio amplifier IC418. As shown in Figure 12(c), the terminals for the left speaker (output terminal and power terminal) LT are provided in a straight line (left-right direction) on the upper edge of the rectangular audio amplifier IC418, and the terminals for the right speaker (output terminal and power terminal) RT are provided in a straight line (left-right direction) on the lower edge of the rectangular audio amplifier IC418.

[0192] Figure 12(d) is a cross-sectional view taken along the YY line in Figure 12(a). Because the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L in this embodiment generate a large amount of heat, ventilation holes 405 are provided in the substrate case 403 covering the first sub-control board 401 near the audio amplifier IC 418 or coil L. The ventilation holes 405 may be ventilation holes 405a formed on the upper or lower surface (hereinafter referred to as the upper and lower surfaces) of the substrate case 403, ventilation holes 405b formed spanning the upper and lower surfaces and the side surface, or both ventilation holes 405a and 405b may be provided. Alternatively, a fan may be provided instead of the ventilation holes 405, or a fan may be provided together with the ventilation holes 405. This enhances the heat dissipation effect of the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L, which generate a large amount of heat, and allows for concentrated heat dissipation of components that tend to generate a lot of heat.

[0193] Figure 14(b) shows the ground region GND and the region without ground N-GND of the first sub-control board 401 (a control board with the same configuration as the audio circuit 450 shown in Figure 12(a)) shown in Figure 14(a). As shown in Figure 14(b), the region where the coils L of audio circuits 450A, 450B, 450C, and 450D are located is designated as the region without ground N-GND (first example of ground GND). This prevents potential instability caused by the magnetic field generated by the coils L of audio circuit 450.

[0194] Figure 14(c) shows a different potential adjustment method than that shown in Figure 14(b). As shown in Figure 14(c), the ground VC1 of the region where audio circuits 450A and 450B are located, and the ground VC2 of the region where audio circuits 450C and 450D are located, may be wired separately from the ground GND of the region where the other circuits are located. In this case, a slit-shaped region N-GND, which does not have a ground connection, may be provided between each region to physically separate them. For example, the regions may be completely separated, such as between ground VC1 and ground GND (second example of ground GND), or they may be separated so that some regions are connected, such as between ground VC2 and ground GND (third example of ground GND). This method also prevents potential instability caused by the magnetic field generated by the coil L of audio circuit 450. Note that while Figure 14(c) shows the second and third examples of separating the ground (GND), it is not necessary for both the second and third examples to coexist on a single board; it is sufficient for either the second or third example to be implemented on a single board.

[0195] <Modified Arrangement of Audio Circuits> Next, the first sub-control board 401A of Modified Arrangement 1 will be described using Figures 15 to 19. Hereafter, the +X direction in Figure 15 will be referred to as right, the -X direction as left, the +Y direction as up, and the -Y direction as down. Figure 15 is a top view of the component side of the first sub-control board 401A, showing the component layout of the audio circuit 451 around the audio amplifier IC 418. Figure 16 is a circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. The first sub-control board 401A is also composed of multiple layers, and Figure 17(a) shows the first layer of the first sub-control board 401A, Figure 17(b) shows the third layer, Figure 18(a) shows the fourth layer, Figure 18(b) shows the fifth layer, Figure 19(a) shows the seventh layer, and Figure 19(b) shows the eighth layer. In Figures 17 to 19, the light gray area represents the ground region (GND), the white area represents the area without ground (N-GND), and the dark gray shaded area represents the wiring pattern of the audio signal from the audio amplifier IC 418 to connector CN.

[0196] As shown in Figure 15, the first sub-control board 401A is equipped with an audio circuit 451A for the upper speaker 272, an audio circuit 451B for the middle speaker 275, and an audio circuit 451C for the lower speaker 277, near the center of the first sub-control board 401A. More specifically, the three audio circuits 451 (referred to collectively as audio circuit 451) are arranged near the center of the first sub-control board 401A in the order of audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, and audio circuit 451C, from top to bottom.

[0197] As shown in Figure 15, all audio circuits 451 have their components (for example, audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, capacitor C, electrolytic capacitor EC, etc.) arranged in a substantially identical layout. This allows for uniform performance of the audio output and stabilizes the audio output. In general, audio circuit 451 comprises an audio amplifier IC 418, multiple coils L, multiple resistors R, multiple capacitors C, and an electrolytic capacitor EC.

[0198] Figure 16 shows the circuit diagram of the audio circuit 451. Figure 16(a) shows the circuit diagram of the signal system, and Figure 16(b) shows the circuit diagram of the power supply system. As shown in Figure 16(a), the audio signal is output from the output terminal of the audio amplifier IC 418, first through the LC filter LCF, then the Zobel filter ZOF, and finally to the connector CN. Also, in the power supply system circuit diagram in Figure 16(b), a power supply bypass capacitor PBC is provided to remove noise, similar to Figure 13(b). Capacitors C1 (C207, C208, C209, C222 in Figure 16) connected to the BST terminal are bootstrap capacitors for voltage boosting and play a role in assisting the output of the positive and negative terminals. Capacitors C1 are not necessary in the case of the audio amplifier IC 418 which does not have a BST terminal. Capacitors C2 (C238, C299, C303, C304 in Figure 16) are provided for noise suppression from the speaker.

[0199] In this embodiment, the coil L of the LC filter LCF uses a coreless coil, but a coil with a core may also be used. The constants of each element of the LC filter LCF are determined based on the switching frequency of the digital amplifier (20kHz to 350kHz). Specifically, a coil L of 10 to 15μH is used, with a capacitor C of 0.33μF used for a 10μH coil L, and a capacitor C of 0.22μF used for a 10μH coil L.

[0200] Returning to Figure 15, the audio output signal wiring C1 from audio circuit 451A to the upper speaker 272 (specifically, the upper left speaker 272a and the upper right speaker 272a) is connected to connector CN1 located in the center of the left edge of the first sub-control board 401A. The audio output signal wiring C2 from audio circuit 451B to the right of the middle speaker 275 (specifically, the middle speaker 275b) and from audio circuit 451C to the right of the lower speaker 277 (specifically, the lower speaker 277b) is connected to connector CN2 located below the left edge of the first sub-control board 401a. The audio output signal wiring C3 from audio circuit 451B to the left of the middle speaker 275 (specifically, the middle speaker 275a) and from audio circuit 451C to the left of the lower speaker 277 (specifically, the lower speaker 277a) is connected to connector CN3 located below the right edge of the first sub-control board 401A.

[0201] Here, we will explain the flow of audio signals from the audio circuit 451 to connector CN using Figures 17 to 19.

[0202] Wiring C1 is connected from the audio circuit 451A to connector C1 via routes C1-1a in Figure 17(a), C1-1b in Figure 19(b), C1-2 in Figure 18(b), C1-3 in Figure 17(a), C1-4 in Figure 18(a), and C1-5 in Figure 17(a).

[0203] Wiring C2 is connected from audio circuits 451B and 451C to connector C2 via routes C2-1a in Figure 17(a), C2-1b in Figure 19(b), C2-2 in Figure 18(b), C2-3 in Figure 17(a), and C2-4 in Figure 18(a).

[0204] Wiring C3 connects from audio circuits 451B and 451C to connector C3 via paths C3-1a in Figure 17(a), C3-1b in Figure 19(b), C3-2 in Figure 18(b), C3-3 in Figure 17(a), and C3-4 in Figure 19(a). Thus, the wiring pattern from the audio amplifier IC to the connector may be configured via multiple layers.

[0205] As shown in Figure 17(a), the region where the coil L of the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) is located is a region N-GND without a ground connection. This prevents potential instability caused by the magnetic field generated by the coil L of the audio circuit 451. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 14(c), the ground connection GND of the region of the audio circuit 451 (audio circuit 451A, audio circuit 451B, audio circuit 451C) may be separated from the ground connection GND of the other circuit regions and wired separately.

[0206] [Other Variations] Using diagram 20(a) of the audio circuit component arrangement, the arrangement of components for multiple (specifically two) audio circuits 450 will be explained. In Figure 20(a), one audio circuit is denoted as 450A and the other audio circuit as 450B. Also in Figure 20(a), virtual extension lines are shown along with each component that makes up the audio circuit 450 (audio amplifier IC 418, coil L, resistor R, electrolytic capacitor EC). A virtual extension line generally represents a straight line that forms the outer outline of the audio circuit 450 composed of multiple components, or a straight line that passes through the center of a predetermined component.

[0207] In Example 1 of Figure 20(a), both audio circuits 450A and 450B are located within the area enclosed by virtual extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418 (the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the virtual extension line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC 418 into left and right halves). In addition, the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned to the right of the power supply IC 418 and parallel to the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0208] In this way, the component layouts within the two audio circuits can be made nearly identical, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R can be placed in symmetrical positions with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0209] In Example 2 of Figure 20(a), similar to Example 1, both audio circuits 450A and 450B are located within the area enclosed by virtual extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4, and the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418 (the coil L, capacitor C, and resistor R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the virtual extension line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC 418 into left and right halves). However, the positional relationship between the electrolytic capacitor EC and the audio amplifier IC 418 is different from that of Example 1. In Example 2, the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned below the position of the audio amplifier IC 418. Thus, the lower end of the electrolytic capacitor EC may be offset from the lower end of the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0210] Here, in Examples 1 and 2 of Figure 20(a), the audio circuits 450A and 450B have substantially the same component layout, but it is not necessary for the layout of all components to be substantially the same. For example, as shown in Example 3 of Figure 20(a), the electrolytic capacitor EC may be placed in an inverted position. The layout of the other components is substantially the same as in Examples 1 and 2. Specifically, in audio circuit 450A, the electrolytic capacitor EC is placed to the right of the audio amplifier IC 418, while in audio circuit 450B, the electrolytic capacitor EC is placed to the left of the audio amplifier IC 418. In this way, audio circuits 450A and 450B may be placed in a symmetrical positional relationship.

[0211] In Example 4 of Figure 20(a), both audio circuits 450A and 450B are located within the area enclosed by virtual extension lines L1, L2, L3, and L4. However, unlike Examples 1 to 3, the components near coil L (coil L, capacitor C, resistor R) are not arranged symmetrically with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418. On the other hand, the components near the audio amplifier IC 418 (capacitor C, resistor R) are arranged symmetrically with respect to the power supply IC 418. Note that audio circuits 450A and 450B in Example 4 of Figure 20(a) have substantially the same component layout within the audio circuits.

[0212] Note that in Examples 1 to 4 of Figure 20(a), the electrolytic capacitor EC was not placed between the two coils L, but it is also possible to place the electrolytic capacitor EC between the two coils L. Also, in the diagrams shown in Examples 1 to 4 of Figure 20(a), capacitors involved in other electronic processing were not shown, but it is also possible to include capacitors involved in other electronic processing.

[0213] From the above, the audio amplifier IC418 and the two coils L are laid out such that at least a part of the audio amplifier IC418 is included in the intermediate portion of the two coils L (the region between the virtual extension lines of both the end edge of one coil on the side of the other coil and the end edge of the other coil on the side of the other coil, and the region consisting of virtual extension lines with a distance t1. The shaded region between virtual extension line L1' and virtual extension line L5' shown in Figure 20). This corresponds to the first positional relationship. For example, the audio amplifier IC418 may be laid out so as to be symmetrical with respect to the two coils L, or the audio amplifier IC418 may be laid out so as to be eccentric with respect to one of the two coils L.

[0214] Furthermore, in the case of the audio amplifier IC 418 and capacitor C, the layout may be such that capacitor C is located between the audio amplifier 418 and coil L (corresponding to the second positional relationship), or the layout may be such that coil L is located between the audio amplifier 418 and capacitor C (corresponding to the second positional relationship), that is, in the direction of output of the audio signal as seen from the audio amplifier 418, the positional relationships are "audio amplifier IC → capacitor C → coil L" and "audio amplifier IC → coil L → capacitor C". Also, the layout of capacitor C is symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC 418, the layout of capacitor C is symmetrical with respect to the two coils L, and the layout of capacitor C is symmetrical with respect to one coil L. In the case of the audio amplifier IC 418 and electrolytic capacitor EC, at least a part of electrolytic capacitor EC is located inward from the virtual extension line L4 along the end on the side of the audio amplifier IC 418 that has the power supply terminals, and on the side opposite to the side where coil L is located in the audio amplifier IC 418 (corresponding to another example of the second positional relationship, or the fourth positional relationship).

[0215] Furthermore, the layout of the coil L and capacitor C may be such that the capacitor C is located between the coil L and the audio amplifier IC 418 (corresponding to the third positional relationship), or between the coil L and the connector CN (corresponding to the third positional relationship). In other words, the positional relationship is such that the capacitor C is located closer to the audio amplifier IC 418 when viewed from the coil L, or the positional relationship is such that the capacitor C is located closer to the connector CN, which is on the opposite side of the audio amplifier IC 418 when viewed from the coil L. Also, the capacitor C is laid out so as to be symmetrical with respect to one coil L and / or two coil Ls. In the case of the coil L and electrolytic capacitor EC, the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned eccentrically on one side of the two coils L, and at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned inward from the imaginary extension line L5 of the end of the coil L on the opposite side from the other coil L, at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor is positioned inward from the imaginary extension line L4 along the end on the opposite side of the audio amplifier IC 418 where the coil L is positioned, and at least a portion of the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned inward from the extension line L3 of the end of the connector side of the two coils L (corresponding to another example of the third positional relationship, or the fifth positional relationship). Furthermore, electronic components such as a capacitor C and / or a resistor R are placed between the coil L and the electrolytic capacitor EC, and the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned on the side of the audio amplifier IC 418 that has the power supply terminals (the side closer to the power supply terminals), thereby preventing close contact with the coil L and minimizing the amount of heat generated by the coil L that reaches the electrolytic capacitor EC. Note that, as shown in Example 4, the same effect can be achieved by positioning the coil L and electrolytic capacitor EC apart even without any components between them.

[0216] Furthermore, the audio amplifier IC418, coil L, and capacitor C are arranged such that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension line of the distance t1 between it and the two coils L, and the capacitor C is arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC418 and / or coil L. In addition, the electrolytic capacitor EC is positioned on one side of the audio amplifier IC418 and on one side of the two coils L, and the virtual extension line of one of the edges of the electrolytic capacitor EC is laid out so that it overlaps with the audio amplifier IC418 and / or coil L.

[0217] Figure 20(b) of the audio circuit layout on the first sub-control board shows an example of the layout of the audio circuit 450 on the first sub-control board 401. In Figure 20(b), audio circuit 1 is denoted as 450X, audio circuit 2 as 450Y, and audio circuit 3 as 450Z.

[0218] Example 1 in Figure 20(b) shows a first sub-control board 401X in which the audio circuits 450X, 450Y, and 450Z are each located at or near the edge of the board. In the first sub-control board 401X, the audio circuits 450X and 450Y are located at one edge (specifically, the left edge), and the audio circuit 450Z is located at the other edge (specifically, the right edge). In addition, the first connector CN1 is located near the audio circuits 450X and 450Y, and the second connector CN2 is located near the audio circuit 450Z.

[0219] As shown in Example 1 of Figure 20(b), the first sub-control board 401X, by placing the audio circuit at the end, reduces the impact of switching frequency noise on other components. Furthermore, the correspondence between connector CN (audio circuit) and the speaker is easily understood, making it easier to identify faulty areas. Additionally, if the output sound from the gaming machine is perceived as too loud during inspection, the connector of the harness connecting connector CN to the speaker may be disconnected. Because the audio circuit and the corresponding speaker-connected connector CN are located close together, it becomes easier to identify which connector to disconnect, improving work efficiency.

[0220] Example 2 in Figure 20(b) shows a first sub-control board 401Y in which both audio circuits 450X and 450Y are concentrated and arranged in one edge region of the board (specifically, the upper right quarter region of the board). The connector CN is also located near audio circuits 450X and 450Y.

[0221] As shown in Example 2 of Figure 20(b), the first sub-control board 401Y allows for a more concentrated arrangement of audio circuits at the edges, thereby reducing the impact of noise on other components. Furthermore, it makes it easier to identify the connector CN connected to the speaker, allowing for instant identification of the connector CN to be disconnected in the event of a loud noise. Additionally, heat-generating components such as the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L can be concentrated for efficient heat dissipation.

[0222] Example 3 in Figure 20(b) shows a first sub-control board 401Z in which both audio circuits 450X and 450Y are located in the central region of the board. In addition, the first connector CN1 is located near audio circuit 450X, and the second connector CN2 is located near audio circuit 450Y.

[0223] As shown in Example 3 of Figure 20(b), the first sub-control board 401Z, by placing heat-generating components such as the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L in the center of the board, the heat can be distributed throughout the entire board, making it easier to achieve heat dissipation. Furthermore, the proximity of the connector CN and the audio circuit makes the correspondence between the connector CN and the audio circuit easier to understand, improving the efficiency of inspection work.

[0224] In the above embodiment and modified examples, the component layouts within the audio circuit 450 were identical or nearly identical (including the inversion target), but the component layouts may be different for each audio circuit 450. Figure 20(c) shows the first sub-control board 401J in which the component layouts of audio circuit 450X and audio circuit 450Y are different. The audio circuit 450X and audio circuit 450Y differ in the positional relationship between the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil C, and the positional relationship between the audio amplifier IC 418 and electrolytic capacitor EC. Furthermore, a capacitor C is also placed, and capacitor C is placed on the side of the audio amplifier IC 418 where coil L is not placed. In the case of audio circuit 450X, coil L is placed in the direction parallel to the audio amplifier IC 418 (left and right direction), and capacitor C is placed in the direction perpendicular to the audio amplifier IC 418 (up and down direction). On one side in the perpendicular direction, there is coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of one coil L, and on the other side in the perpendicular direction, there is coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of the other coil L. In the case of audio circuit 450Y, coil L is placed in the direction perpendicular to the audio amplifier IC 418 (up in the diagram, but it can also be down or up and down direction), and capacitor C is placed in the direction parallel to the audio amplifier IC 418 (left and right direction). On one side in the parallel direction, there is coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of one coil L, and on the other side in the parallel direction, there is coil L corresponding to the (+) output terminal and (-) output terminal of the other coil L. However, in both audio circuits 450X and 450Y, the components are arranged within the regions enclosed by the dashed-dotted virtual extension lines shown in Figure 20(c). Here, the rectangular region S1 enclosed by the virtual extension lines of audio circuit 450X and the rectangular region S2 enclosed by the virtual extension lines of audio circuit 450Y are approximately identical in shape and area (specifically, the length and width of the rectangles are approximately identical). This is true not only for the dashed-dotted virtual extension lines but also for the dotted virtual extension lines along the ends of each component, with each component being arranged within the regions enclosed by the dotted virtual extension lines.In audio circuit 450X, region S1 is formed by the virtual extension line along the end of the electrolytic capacitor EC, the virtual extension line along the end of the coil L, and the virtual extension line along the end of the capacitor C. In audio circuit 450Y, region S2 is formed by the virtual extension line along the end of the electrolytic capacitor EC, the virtual extension line along the end of the coil L, and the virtual extension line along the end of the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0225] Furthermore, the audio amplifier IC418 and the coils L are laid out within the region between the virtual extension lines of both the end of one coil on the other coil side and the end of the other coil on the other coil side (the region consisting of the virtual extension lines of the spacing between the coils L) (within the first range), and the distance from the audio amplifier IC418 to each coil L is approximately the same (w1 ≈ w2, w3 ≈ w4) within a range (another example within the first range). This allows the wiring length to be made approximately equal, and the sound output can be made uniform for the left and right outputs. Note that "w1·w2" and "w3·w4" may be different or approximately the same.

[0226] Furthermore, in the relationship between the audio amplifier IC418 and capacitor C, capacitor C is laid out so as to be approximately symmetrical with respect to the audio amplifier IC418 in both parallel and perpendicular directions, and is also laid out within the range S1 and S2 (the second range) enclosed by virtual extension lines from the ends of each component. This makes it possible to achieve uniformity in the left output, right output, (+) output, and (-) output, as well as space saving in the audio circuit.

[0227] Furthermore, the coils L and capacitors C are laid out within a range (the third range) such that the distance from capacitor C to each coil L is approximately the same (w5 ≈ w6). Although the distances w7 and w8 from capacitor C to each coil L in the audio circuit 450Y are not shown in the diagram, these distances are also approximately the same (w7 ≈ w8). This allows for approximately equal wiring lengths, resulting in uniform sound output between the left and right outputs.

[0228] Even if the component layout differs for each audio circuit 450, it is sufficient that each component in each audio circuit 450 is placed within a predetermined area of ​​the same range. In this case as well, the performance of multiple speakers can be made uniform to stabilize the audio output.

[0229] Diagrams 21(a) to 21(c) show the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418. In Figures 21(a) to 21(c), the coil for the left speaker is denoted as LL, and the coil for the right speaker is denoted as RL. The output terminal for the left speaker of the audio amplifier IC 418 is denoted as LT, and the output terminal for the right speaker is denoted as RT. Furthermore, the area to the left of the audio amplifier IC 418 is denoted as LS, and the area to the right is denoted as RS, with respect to the center line VL that divides the audio amplifier IC 418 into left and right halves.

[0230] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the two coils LL and RL are positioned symmetrically with respect to the center line VL of the audio amplifier IC418. In this case, to avoid crossings and shorten the distance of the wiring between the audio amplifier IC418 and coil L, it is preferable that the output terminal LT and the coil LL for the left speaker are connected in the same region LS, and the output terminal RT and the coil RL for the right speaker are connected in the same region RS. Figures 21(a) to (c) show examples of the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC418 in such a case, with the output terminal LT located in the left region LS and the output terminal RT located in the right region RS.

[0231] For example, as shown in Figure 21(a), the output terminal LT may be arranged linearly on the left side of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, and the output terminal RT may be arranged linearly on the right side. In other words, the direction in which the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC are arranged is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a part of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension line between the two coils L, and the direction in which the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 are arranged is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the coil L, may be considered as an example of the first positional relationship.

[0232] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 21(b), for example, output terminals LT may be arranged in an L-shape across the corners on the left and top sides of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, and output terminals RT may be arranged in an L-shape across the corners on the right and top sides. In other words, the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC will be a mixture of directions perpendicular to and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a part of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension line between the two coils L, and the arrangement of the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 is perpendicular to and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L, may be considered as an example of the first positional relationship.

[0233] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 21(c), for example, the output terminal LT may be arranged linearly on the left side of the upper half of the rectangular audio amplifier IC 418, facing the left region LS, and the output terminal RT may be arranged linearly on the right side of the upper half, facing the right region RS. In other words, the direction in which the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC are arranged is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L. Note that a layout in which at least a part of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension line between the two coils L, and the direction in which the output terminals of the audio amplifier IC 418 are arranged is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the coil L, may be considered as an example of the first positional relationship.

[0234] In all cases shown in Figures 21(a) to (c), the wiring crossing between the audio amplifier IC 418 and the coil L can be avoided, and the wiring distance can be shortened.

[0235] The component layout diagrams 21(d) to (f) schematically show the arrangement of the components constituting the audio circuit 450 when they are arranged linearly in the vertical direction. Figures 21(d) to (f) show examples where the LC filter LCF consists of two coils L and four capacitors C (more precisely, one coil L and two capacitors C for the left speaker, and one coil L and two capacitors C for the right speaker), and the Zobel filter ZOF consists of two capacitors C and two resistors R (more precisely, one capacitor C and one resistor for the left speaker, and one capacitor C and one resistor R for the right speaker).

[0236] For example, in the audio circuit 450D shown in Figure 21(d), the components are arranged from top to bottom in the following order: connector CN, Zobel filter ZOF, LC filter LCF capacitor C, LC filter LCF coil L, audio amplifier IC 418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. In the audio circuit 450 of this embodiment, as shown in the circuit diagram of Figure 14, the audio signal flows in the order of audio amplifier IC 418 → LC filter LCF coil L → LC filter LCF capacitor C → Zobel filter ZOF → connector CN. Therefore, with the component arrangement shown in Figure 21(d), it is possible to wire the audio amplifier IC 418 and connector CN over the shortest distance. In other words, the wiring pattern is optimized for each filter, resulting in good wiring efficiency and improved filter effectiveness. However, there is a disadvantage in that heat tends to accumulate because the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L are in close proximity.

[0237] In Figure 21(d), the layout of the audio amplifier IC and coil L is such that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension of the distance between the two coils L (first positional relationship). This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, and further stabilizes the output by making the bias in the wiring pattern distance between the left output and the right output as equal as possible. In addition, the layout of the audio amplifier IC and capacitor C is such that coil L is located between the audio amplifier IC and capacitor C (second positional relationship). This allows for sequential wiring in the filter circuit, enabling the shortest possible wiring pattern. In addition, the layout of the coil L and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between coil L and connector CN (third positional relationship). This allows for sequential wiring in the filter circuit, enabling the shortest possible wiring pattern.

[0238] Although not shown in Figure 21(d), a bootstrap capacitor may be provided between the coil L of the LC filter LCF and the audio amplifier IC 418.

[0239] For example, in the audio circuit 450E shown in Figure 21(e), the components are arranged from top to bottom in the following order: connector CN, Zobel filter ZOF, LC filter LCF coil L, LC filter LCF capacitor C, audio amplifier IC 418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. In the case of the component arrangement shown in Figure 21(e), the distance is longer than in the case of the component arrangement shown in Figure 21(d) because the coil L → capacitor C in the LC filter LCF is not in the same order as in the circuit. However, since the current flows in the order of audio amplifier IC 418 → LC filter LCF → Zobel filter ZOF → connector CN, this can be considered a preferable wiring arrangement.

[0240] According to the audio circuit 450E shown in Figure 21(e), the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L, which tend to generate heat, are separated by a capacitor C, which has the advantage of preventing heat from accumulating. However, because the LC filter LCF is not arranged in the correct order, the wiring pattern becomes longer, which has the disadvantage of being susceptible to noise interference.

[0241] In Figure 21(e), the layout of the audio amplifier IC and coil L is such that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension of the distance between the two coils L (first positional relationship). This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, and further stabilizes the output by making the bias in the wiring pattern distance between the left output and the right output as equal as possible. In addition, the layout of the audio amplifier IC and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between the audio amplifier IC and coil L (second positional relationship). This allows for a distance between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, suppressing heat buildup. In addition, the layout of the coil L and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between coil L and audio amplifier IC (third positional relationship). This allows for a distance between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, suppressing heat buildup. Furthermore, by placing the capacitor C of the Zobel filter between coil L and connector CN, the wiring in the filter circuit can be arranged in a sequential manner, allowing for the shortest possible wiring pattern.

[0242] For example, in the audio circuit 450F shown in Figure 21(f), the components are arranged from top to bottom in the following order: connector CN, capacitor C of the LC filter LCF, coil L of the LC filter LCF, Zobel filter ZOF, audio amplifier IC 418, and electrolytic capacitor EC. The top and bottom positions of the LC filter LCF and Zobel filter ZOF may be reversed.

[0243] According to the audio circuit 450F shown in Figure 21(f), the audio amplifier IC 418 and coil L, which tend to generate heat, are separated by a capacitor C, which has the advantage of preventing heat from accumulating. However, since the Zobel filter ZOF is not located near the connector CN, the effectiveness of countermeasures against back electromotive force from the speaker is reduced, which is a disadvantage.

[0244] In Figure 21(f), the layout of the audio amplifier IC and coil L is such that at least a portion of the audio amplifier IC 418 is included in the region formed by the virtual extension of the distance between the two coils L (first positional relationship). This improves the wiring efficiency between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, and further stabilizes the output by making the bias in the wiring pattern distance between the left output and the right output as equal as possible. In addition, the layout of the audio amplifier IC and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between the audio amplifier IC and coil L (second positional relationship). This allows for a distance between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, suppressing heat buildup. In addition, the layout of coil L and capacitor C is such that capacitor C is located between coil L and audio amplifier IC (third positional relationship). This allows for a distance between the audio amplifier IC and coil L, suppressing heat buildup.

[0245] In this embodiment, an audio amplifier IC is used as the IC in the audio circuit, but it is not limited to this; an audio source IC may also be used. Also, configurations described as "approximately identical" in this embodiment may also be described as "identical," and configurations described as "identical" may also be described as "approximately identical." Furthermore, the positional relationship in this embodiment refers to the layout of components between components or the layout of components in the target circuit configuration. In addition, in this embodiment, the audio circuit includes an audio amplifier IC → LC filter consisting of a coil L and a capacitor C → Zobel filter consisting of a resistor R and a capacitor C (→ connector) which serves as the wiring path for the audio signal.

[0246] Next, we will describe a gaming machine that has been improved to make it easier to notice malfunctions or defects in the drive mechanism (hereinafter referred to as the "improved gaming machine"). The improved gaming machine may be a slot machine (spinning game machine) or a pachinko machine (ball game machine). Furthermore, it may be a coinless slot machine or a sealed game machine.

[0247] In the following explanation, components with the same names as those previously described will be denoted by the same symbols used previously. Furthermore, explanations of matters that overlap with previously explained items may be omitted.

[0248] Figure 22 shows the external appearance of a slot machine, which is an example of an improved gaming machine.

[0249] Figure 22(A) shows a front view of slot machine 100. In Figure 22(A), the top, bottom, left, and right directions are indicated by the arrows, with the front being the front of the page and the back being the back of the page.

[0250] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 22(A) comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front side of the main body 101, which is a door that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 are three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112, shown by dotted lines) with multiple types of symbols arranged on their outer surfaces, which are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by reel motors such as stepping motors and are visible through a display window 113. In Figure 22(A), the reel motors 110M, 111M, and 112M that rotate each of the reels 110 to 112 are also shown by dotted lines.

[0251] An image display device 157 is provided above the display window 113. The image display device 157 is controlled by a second sub-control board 501 located on the rear (back side) of the front door 102. In Figure 22(A), the second sub-control board 501 is shown by a dotted line. The second sub-control board 501 is also equipped with a cooling fan 511 for cooling the CPU 504 or VDP 516 (see Figure 2) mounted on the second sub-control board 501, and a fan motor 511M such as a DC motor that rotates the cooling fan 511. In Figure 22(A), the cooling fan 511 and fan motor 511M are also shown by dotted lines. Furthermore, sound holes 143 are provided on the left and right sides of the image display device 157 for outputting sound from the upper speaker 272 (see Figure 22(C)) to the outside. Below the sound holes 143, a movable animation body 164, operated by a motor (not shown), is provided.

[0252] Below the display window 113, various lamps are provided, including a game start lamp, a re-game lamp, a notification lamp, a token insertion ready lamp, and a token insertion lamp. Additionally, 7-segment (SEG) displays such as an instruction monitor, a game information display, a payout count display, and a token count display are also provided. Furthermore, a counting button 171 is located at the far right.

[0253] Additionally, a settlement button 134, a start lever 135, a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139 are provided. Furthermore, a bet button 132 is provided on the left side of the surface FS, which slopes slightly downwards as it moves forward, and a chance button 190 is provided in the central part of that surface FS. The chance button 190 vibrates, and the driving means 190S, such as a solenoid or motor that drives the vibration, is indicated by a dotted line.

[0254] Furthermore, a title panel 162 is located below the three stop buttons 137-139, and below the title panel 162, a sound hole 145 is provided for outputting sound from the bass speaker 277 (see Figure 22(C)) to the outside.

[0255] Figure 22(B) shows a right side view of the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 22(A). In Figure 22(B), the top, bottom, front, and back are indicated by the arrows, with the right side being the front of the page and the left side being the back of the page.

[0256] Figure 22(B) also shows the main unit 101 and the front door 102. The start lever 135 and the chance button 190 are also shown.

[0257] Furthermore, the internal structure is illustrated with dotted lines, showing the middle reel 111, the middle reel motor 111M that rotates the middle reel 111, and the drive means 190S for the chance button 190. The second sub-control board 501, cooling fan 511, and fan motor 511M are also illustrated with dotted lines, but the thickness of these components in the front-to-back direction is particularly exaggerated.

[0258] Figures 22(A) and 22(B) described above show a measurement point MP1 (corresponding to an example of a certain location) for measuring the loudness of sound emitted from the slot machine 100. The vertical position of this measurement point MP1 is slightly above the lower edge of the display screen of the performance image display device 157, the horizontal position is at the center of the slot machine 100 (the position of the middle reel 111), and the front-to-back position is slightly in front of the display screen of the performance image display device 157. The shortest distance (a) is the straight-line distance from this measurement point MP1 to the center position of the fan motor 511M of the cooling fan 511 provided on the second sub-control board 501, the shortest distance (b) is the straight-line distance from the measurement point MP1 to the center position of the middle reel motor 111M, and the shortest distance (c) is the straight-line distance from the measurement point MP1 to the center position of the driving means 190S of the chance button 190. The shortest distance (a) may be the straight-line distance from measurement point MP1 to the nearest point of the cooling fan unit, including the cooling fan 511 and the fan motor 511M. The shortest distance (b) may be the straight-line distance from measurement point MP1 to the nearest point of the middle reel unit, including the middle reel motor 111M and the middle reel 111. Furthermore, it may be the straight-line distance from measurement point MP1 to the nearest point of the reel unit, including the middle reel motor 111M, the left reel motor 110M and the right reel motor 112M, and the middle reel 111, the left reel 110 and the right reel 112. The shortest distance (c) may be the straight-line distance from measurement point MP1 to the nearest point of the chance button unit, including the chance button 190 and the drive means 190S. At measurement point MP1 shown in Figures 22(A) and 22(B), the length relationship is shortest distance (a) < shortest distance (b) < shortest distance (c).

[0259] Furthermore, the measurement point MP1 may be located further forward in the front-to-back direction. For example, it may be at the center of the face of a person seated in front of the slot machine 100. Also, the measurement point MP1 may be located further up in the up-to-down direction. For example, it may be at the same height as the center of the display screen of the performance image display device 157. Furthermore, the measurement point MP1 may be located further to the right or to the left in the left-to-right direction. For example, it may be at the position of the right reel 112 or the position of the left reel 110. Alternatively, it may be at the position of the right ear or the left ear of a person seated in front of the slot machine 100.

[0260] Furthermore, Figure 22 shows an example of a measurement point MP1, which is in front of the slot machine 100, where the shortest distance to the fan motor 511 (a) < the shortest distance to the middle reel motor 111M (b) < the shortest distance to the drive means 190S for the chance button 190 (c). However, the measurement point may be in any other position, such as (a) < (c) < (b), (b) < (c) < (a), (b) < (a) < (c), (c) < (a) < (b), or (c) < (b) < (a). It may also be at a predetermined distance (for example, 1, 3, 5, 10, 50, or 100 cm) away from the slot machine 100, or at a position that does not overlap with the slot machine 100 in the front-to-back direction (a position in front of or behind the slot machine 100).

[0261] Figure 22(C) is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, as shown in Figure 22(A). The main body 101 is a box-shaped structure enclosed by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a rear panel 242, with an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210, which houses the main control board, is positioned so as not to overlap with the ventilation opening 249 provided at the top of the rear panel 242. Below this main control board storage case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. To the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, on the left side panel 260, a first sub-control board storage case 220 is provided, which houses the first sub-control board 401 (see Figure 12(a)) that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400. Furthermore, an external centralized terminal board 248, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information from the slot machine 100 to an external device, is mounted on the right-hand side panel 260. The first sub-control board housing case 220 may be located on the front door 102 side.

[0262] Furthermore, the main unit 101 is equipped with a setting key (not shown) that can be switched on and off by rotation, and a setting switch that can be pressed to change settings (setting value change operation) or to check settings. The setting key is an operating means for initiating a setting change (for example, setting 1 to setting 6), and when the setting key is turned on while not playing, the system switches to setting confirmation mode. This setting key is positioned so that it can only be operated when the front door 102 is in the open state, and it is difficult or impossible to operate when the front door 102 is closed.

[0263] A medal dispensing device 180 (a device that dispenses medals accumulated in a bucket) is installed on the bottom panel 264, and a power supply unit 252 having a power supply board is installed above this medal dispensing device 180, that is, below the reels 110-112, and a power switch 244 is installed on the front of the power supply unit 252. The power switch 244 can be operated by opening the front door 102, and is difficult or impossible to operate when it is closed.

[0264] The power supply unit 252 converts the AC power supplied to the slot machine 100 from an external source into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to the various control units and devices, such as the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later. Furthermore, it is equipped with an energy storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) to supply power to a predetermined component (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0265] To the right of the medal dispensing device 180, there is a medal auxiliary storage compartment 240, behind which is an overflow terminal (not shown). The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connection part for connecting the power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in the back panel 242 of the main body 101.

[0266] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Behind the performance image display device 157 (towards the front of the page in Figure 22(c)) is a second sub-board case 230 housing the second sub-control board 501 (see Figure 22(A)), which constitutes the second sub-control unit 500. Upper speakers 272 are provided on both sides of the second sub-board case 230, and a display window 113 is provided below the performance image display device 157. Below the display window 113 are a medal selector 170 for sorting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops out counterfeit medals, etc. Furthermore, a bass speaker 277 that emits low-frequency sounds output from a sound hole 145 is also provided.

[0267] Figure 23 is a table summarizing the results of measuring various sounds emitted from the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 22 at measurement point MP1 shown in Figures 22(A) and (B).

[0268] The loudness at measurement point MP1 is shown as the average, maximum, and minimum values ​​over a predetermined period (2 seconds). The unit of loudness is dB.

[0269] Figure (a) shows the measurement results of sound volume at measurement point MP1 when the power switch 244 shown in Figure 22(C) is turned off. This sound is what is known as environmental sound (e.g., air conditioning noise), and an environmental sound level of around 25 dB is a considerably quiet state. The measurement results described below are results of measuring various sounds emitted from the slot machine 100 in a state where this environmental sound is constantly generated.

[0270] Figure (b) shows the measurement results of sound generated by the rotating operation of the fan motor 511M of the cooling fan 511 provided on the second sub-control board 501, measured in a state where the front door 102 is fully closed. This sound is generated when the power switch 244 is turned on, and stops being generated when the power switch 244 is turned off. Furthermore, rather than being generated by the fan motor 511M itself, which is a DC motor, this sound is wind noise (aerodynamic sound) generated when the cooling fan 511 rotates and cuts through air. The shape of the cooling fan 511 is adjusted so that a sound level of around 40 dB is generated.

[0271] In the control of reel motors 110M to 112M, acceleration control, constant speed control, brake control, and reel stop control are executed in this order from the start of rotation until the stopped state is maintained. For the operation of each of the reel motors 110M to 112M, acceleration control results in an accelerated rotation operation with 100% excitation force (strong excitation), constant speed control results in a constant speed rotation operation with 60% excitation force (medium excitation), brake control results in a stop control operation with 100% excitation force (strong excitation), and reel stop control results in a stopped holding operation (weak excitation operation) with 20% excitation force (weak excitation). As the excitation force increases, the sound generated from the reel motors 110M to 112M themselves tends to increase. Therefore, during accelerated rotation operation, the sound generated from the reel motors 110M to 112M themselves is louder than during constant speed rotation operation, and even during stop control operation, the sound generated from the reel motors 110M to 112M themselves is louder than during constant speed rotation operation. Furthermore, in the stopped holding operation (weak excitation operation), the sound generated from the reel motors 110M to 112M themselves is the lowest.

[0272] When constant speed control is divided into first constant speed control following acceleration control and second constant speed control following the first constant speed control, the operation of each of the reel motors 110M to 112M is a first constant speed rotation operation with 100% exciting force (strong excitation) in the first constant speed control, and is a second constant speed rotation operation with 60% exciting force (medium excitation) in the second constant speed control. In the second constant speed rotation operation, the sound generated from the reel motors 110M to 112M themselves is lower than that in the first constant speed rotation operation.

[0273] The sound generated from the reel motors 110M to 112M themselves may be vibration sound, driving sound generated when electromagnets inside the motor are switched, or bearing sound or friction sound generated in a bearing portion that supports the rotation shaft of the motor. The sound generated from the reel motors 110M to 112M themselves tends to become noise and should originally be kept low; however, by intentionally keeping the sound at a certain level that does not annoy a player, the control state of the reel motors 110M to 112M can be distinguished only by the sound generated from the reel motors 110M to 112M themselves.

[0274] (c) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of all three reels: the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112. (d) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of two reels (for example, the left reel 110 and the middle reel 111, but not limited to this combination). (e) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of one reel (for example, the left reel 110, but the same applies to the middle reel 111 or the right reel 112). Note that the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of the reels is synonymous with the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of the reel motor (the same applies in the following explanation). (c) to (e) are all measurement results with the front door 102 fully closed. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the front door 102 is in a fully closed state. Furthermore, after power-on, the power connector of the fan motor 511M of the cooling fan 511, which continues to rotate at all times, was disconnected, and only the sound generated by the constant-speed rotation of the reels was measured. The sound generated by the constant-speed rotation of the reels may be sound generated by the stepping motors of each reel motor (110M, 111M, 112M) themselves, but in this embodiment, each reel (110~112) rotates and cuts through the air, generating wind noise (aerodynamic noise), or disturbs the airflow to generate turbulent noise. Each reel (110~112) is provided with protrusions such as wind-cutting pieces, whistle members that produce sound when air flows in due to rotation, or sound-generating structures that produce sound due to resonance caused by vibrations of air during rotation, so that the constant-speed rotation of one reel generates a sound of about 50 dB. The loudness of this sound is set to be at least 10 dB louder than the loudness of the sound generated by the rotation of the fan motor 511M of the cooling fan 511. Because some people find the noise produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M irritating, the noise produced by the constant-speed rotation of the reel is made sufficiently loud to make the noise from the fan motor 511M less noticeable.

[0275] Furthermore, although only the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of the reel was measured here, if both the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M ((b)μ: 39dB) and the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of one reel ((e)μ: 49dB) were measured at measurement point MP1, the result would be approximately 49.5dB. This is because, when sounds are simultaneously emitted from sound sources with different outputs, the measurement result at a certain point (in this case, measurement point MP1) has the property of "absorbing" the larger dB difference, and if the loudness of sound source B (the sound source produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M) is much smaller than that of sound source A (the sound source produced by the constant-speed rotation of one reel), the increase in the loudness of the combined sound will be very small.

[0276] (f) shows the results of measuring the sound produced when one reel (e.g., left reel 110) is in a simulated stop operation and the remaining two reels (e.g., middle reel 111, right reel 112) are in constant speed rotation operation. (g) shows the results of measuring the sound produced when two reels (e.g., left reel 110, middle reel 111) are in a simulated stop operation and the remaining reel (e.g., right reel 112) is in constant speed rotation operation. (h) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the simulated stop operation of all three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112). Here again, the power connector of the fan motor 511M was disconnected so that only the sound produced by the reel drive operation was measured. The pseudo-stopping action of the reel is a reciprocating motion in which the reel continues to move up and down for about 0.3 to 0.5 frames. This reciprocating motion generates drive noise when the electromagnet inside the motor switches, bearing noise and friction noise from the bearing supporting the motor's rotating shaft, and oscillation noise from the reel itself. However, because of the presence of protrusions such as the wind deflector and whistle member mentioned above, the noise generated by the constant-speed rotation action of all three reels 110 to 112 shown in (e) is louder than the noise generated by the pseudo-stopping action of all three reels 110 to 112 shown in (h).

[0277] (i) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the rotational operation of the fan motor 511M of the cooling fan 511 provided on the second sub-control board 501 with the front door 102 fully open. When the front door 102 is fully open, it is open to about 120 degrees from the fully closed position. The slot machine 100 is also equipped with a front door sensor that detects when the front door 102 is open. When the front door sensor is turned on from the off position, a door open notification sound is output from the upper speaker 272. However, by holding the front door sensor down with your hand to keep it in the off position, the door open notification sound is not output. Here, the front door sensor is kept in the off position while the front door 102 is fully open, and the door open notification sound is not output (the same applies to (j) to (l)). As described above, the second sub-control board 501 is located on the rear side (back side) of the front door 102, and when the front door 102 is fully open, the noise generated by the rotation of the fan motor 511M is louder than when it is fully closed. (j) shows the results of measuring the noise generated by the constant-speed rotation of all three reels, the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112, with the front door 102 fully open while keeping the front door sensor in the off state. (k) shows the results of measuring the noise generated by the constant-speed rotation of two reels (for example, the left reel 110 and the middle reel 111, but not limited to this combination), with the front door 102 fully open while keeping the front door sensor in the off state. (l) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of one reel (for example, the left reel 110, but the same applies to the middle reel 111 or the right reel 112) with the front door sensor kept in the off state and the front door 102 fully open. Here again, the power connector of the fan motor 511M was disconnected so that only the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of the reels could be measured. As described above, each reel 110 to 112 is located inside the main body 110, and when the front door 102 is fully open, the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation of the reels is louder than when it is fully closed.It should be noted that all measurements were taken with the front door 102 fully open. However, even when the door is not fully open, but only about 80 degrees, or even just 5 degrees, the noise generated by the rotation of the cooling fan 511's fan motor 511M and the constant-speed rotation of the reels 110-112 is louder than when the door is fully closed.

[0278] In reel motors 110M to 112M, if a step-out (so-called loss of synchronism) is detected, acceleration control is restarted. (m) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the rotational movement after a step-out occurs in one reel motor (for example, the left reel motor 110M). Here, the power connector of the fan motor 511M was disconnected, and only the sound produced by the reel drive operation was measured. Because acceleration control is being performed, a louder sound is generated than when constant speed control is being performed in (e).

[0279] Furthermore, if the front door 102 is opened illegally and the front door sensor is kept in the OFF state, and the reel is touched, causing the reel's rotation speed to decrease and a step-out to occur, the motor may produce a drive sound when the electromagnet inside the motor switches, or a high-pitched "whining" sound or a low-pitched "grrr" sound, which are characteristic sounds that occur when a step-out occurs, from the reel motor 110M itself. These sounds are louder than the sounds produced by the reel's constant-speed rotation operation when the front door 102 is open while the front door sensor is kept in the OFF state, and store employees patrolling the store may be able to notice the illegal activity.

[0280] As shown in Figures 22(A) and (B), the Chance Button 190 has an internal light-emitting mechanism that lights up to prompt a press, at which point the drive mechanism 190S, such as a solenoid or motor, begins to vibrate. (n) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the vibration of the drive mechanism 190S when the drive mechanism 190S has started to vibrate but the Chance Button 190 is not pressed (non-operation). On the other hand, (o) shows the results of measuring the sound produced by the vibration of the drive mechanism 190S when the Chance Button 190 is pressed while the drive mechanism 190S is performing vibration (operation). None of the reels 110-112 were rotating, and the power connector of the fan motor 511M was disconnected so that only the sound produced by the vibration of the drive mechanism 190S could be measured. The sound produced by the vibration becomes louder while the Chance Button 190 is pressed. In this system, pressing the chance button 190 causes a drive mechanism 190S to vibrate, and a portion of the chance button 190 comes into contact with it. The vibration is directly transmitted to the chance button 190, causing it to resonate and produce a loud vibrating or resonant sound. The operator can also auditorily perceive the pressing of the chance button 190 along with its vibration.

[0281] As mentioned above, turning on the setting key while not playing will switch to setting confirmation mode, and a device confirmation mode may be included in this setting confirmation mode. In device confirmation mode, the drive means 190S of the chance button 190 may be driven arbitrarily (by operation via the menu screen or triggered by pressing the chance button 190). If the drive means 190S vibrates while playing, music, sound effects, or voices may be output from speakers 272 and 277, but in device confirmation mode while not playing, no sound is output from speakers 272 and 277 even if the drive means 190S vibrates.

[0282] (p) shows the results of measuring the sound after the power switch 244 shown in Figure 22(C) has been operated to turn on the power and the front door 102 has been closed. When the power is turned on, the upper speaker 272 repeatedly outputs a power-on sound saying "Power is on". Also, when the power is turned on, the fan motor 511M of the cooling fan 511 on the second sub-control board 501 starts to rotate, and the movable part 164 shown in Figure 22(A) starts its initial operation. Alternatively, sound is produced from the speaker control board equipped with the audio amplifier IC 418 shown in Figure 2 in a phenomenon called "sound noise", and sound is also produced when the monitor LEDs mounted on various boards light up in a power-on check. The measurement results here include these sounds. Note that the large difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​over the predetermined period is because the predetermined period includes a period during which the "Power is on" sound was not output.

[0283] (q) shows the result of measuring the sound with the front door 102 open to about 20 degrees. As described above, when the front door sensor changes from the off state to the on state, a door open error sound is output from the upper speaker 272. The door open notification sound is "The door is open" and is output repeatedly until the front door sensor is turned off. Here, the front door sensor is turned on and the sound "The door is open" is output repeatedly. Also, the fan motor 511M of the cooling fan 511 provided on the second sub-control board 501 continues to rotate. The measurement result here includes the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M. However, since the angle at which the front door 102 is open is smaller in state (q) than in state (i) where the front door 102 is fully open, the loudness of the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M is smaller. Note that the large difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​in the predetermined period is because the predetermined period includes a period in which the sound "The door is open" is not output.

[0284] When the bet button 132 shown in Figure 22(A) is operated in the betting-enabled state, a betting sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. Similarly, when the start lever 135 shown in Figure 22(A) is operated in the start-enabled state, a start-operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. Furthermore, for part or all of the gameplay period from when the bet button 132 is operated until the third stop operation is completed, background music (BGM) is output from speakers 272 and 277. For example, the BGM starts outputting after the start-operation sound and continues to output until the first stop operation is completed. In addition, each time the left stop button 137, middle stop button 138, and right stop button 139 shown in Figure 22(A) are operated in the enabled state, a reel stop operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. Furthermore, when a winning combination that pays out is achieved, a payout sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. The betting sound, start sound, in-game background music, reel stop sound, and payout sound described above can be adjusted in volume using the menu screen displayed on the image display device 157. (r) shows the measurement results for the betting sound, (s) shows the measurement results for the start sound, (t) shows the measurement results for the in-game background music, (u) shows the measurement results for the reel stop sound, and (v) shows the measurement results for the payout sound. All sounds are set to the maximum volume; setting to the minimum volume will reduce the volume by 3dB from the maximum volume.

[0285] The slot machine 100 shown in Figure 22(A) has the same medal count control unit 350 as the one shown in Figure 2, and the dispensing machine 700 is also connected to the basic circuit of the medal count control unit 350 via the dispensing machine connection terminal board 790 (see Figure 2). The counting button 171 shown in Figure 22(A) is an operating means for transmitting the information of the number of game medals recorded in the medal count control unit 350 to the dispensing machine 700. When the counting button 171 is pressed briefly once, the count increases by 1, and a short-press counting operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. When the counting button 171 is pressed and held, the count is set to 50, and a long-press counting operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. (w) shows the results of measuring the short-press counting operation sound, and (x) shows the results of measuring the long-press counting operation sound.

[0286] In all of (r) to (x), the fan motor 511M is rotating. Also, in (r), (w), and (x), none of the reels 110 to 112 are rotating, but in (s), all three reels 110 to 112 are rotating at an accelerated speed, in (t), all three reels 110 to 112 are rotating at a constant speed, and in (u), the left reel 110 is under stop control while the remaining two reels 111 and 112 are rotating at a constant speed. Therefore, each measurement result will include the sound produced by these operations, however, as will be described later, while sound is being output from speakers 272 and 277, the sound produced by these operations is hardly noticeable due to the output sound.

[0287] Note that (p) and (q) were originally voices, but they may also be sounds other than voices, and (r) to (x) may also be voices.

[0288] Comparing the loudness (dB) of each sound at measurement point MP1, as shown in Figure 23, we find that (p)max:78=(q)max:78>(s)max:77>(s)μ:75>(o)max:73=(s)min:73=(u)max:73=(v)max:73>(o)μ:72=(v)μ:72=(x)max:72>(o)min:71=(v)min:71>(t)max:70=(x)μ:70>(u) μ:69>(x)min:68>(p)μ:66=(q)μ:66>(t)μ:65=(u)min:65=(w)max:65>(w)μ:64>(w)min:63>(j)max:62.5>( m)max:62=(r)max:62>(r)μ:61>(j)μ:60.5>(k)max:60=(r)min:60>(c)max:59=(k)μ:59=(l)max:59=(t)min :59>(j)min:58.5>(k)min:58=(l)μ:58>(f)max:57=(l)min:57>(c)μ:56=(g)max:56>(f)μ:54.5>(d)max:5 4=(m)μ:54>(g)μ:53.5>(c)min:53>(d)μ:52=(f)min:52=(h)max:52>(e)max:51=(g)min:51=(i)max:51>(e) μ:49=(i)μ:49>(i)min:48>(e)min:47>(h)μ:46=(m)min:46>(n)max:45>(b)max:43=(n)μ:43>(c)max:43>( The relationship is n)min:41>(h)min:40=(p)min:40=(q)min:40>(b)μ:39>(b)min:35>(a)max:29>(a)μ:25>(a)min:21.

[0289] However, the maximum (max) and minimum (min) values ​​may vary by ±ndB (for example, n=3), and as a result, the mean value (μ) will also vary. Therefore, the above comparison results may be in a different order.

[0290] Figure 24 is a table summarizing the loudness of sound at multiple timings when the order in which stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed is changed during a game of the slot machine shown in Figure 22. Two tables are shown in Figure 24, and each of these two displays shows the operation of the fan motor 511M (cooling fan motor) of the cooling fan 511 provided on the second sub-control board 501, the operation of the left reel motor 110M, the middle reel motor 111M, and the right reel motor 112M, the type of sound output from speakers 272 and 277, and the loudness of sound measured at measurement point MP1 shown in Figures 22(A) and (B). This loudness of sound is shown as the average value μ (dB) over a predetermined period, as shown in the table in Figure 23.

[0291] Figure 24(A) shows an example of what happens when you press the buttons in order during a certain game.

[0292] (1) The power switch 244 is off (power OFF). Neither the fan motor 511M nor the reel motors 110M~112M are running, and no sound is being output from speakers 272 and 277. As a result, only ambient noise is measured at measurement point MP1, and the average sound level is (a) μ = 25 dB.

[0293] In (2), after the power switch 244 is turned on to power on (turn on the power), the front door 102 is in a closed state. When power is supplied, the fan motor 511M starts rotating. Stop control for each reel is performed in each of the reel motors 110M to 112M, and the operation of each of the reel motors 110M to 112M becomes a weak excitation operation which is a stop maintaining operation. A power-on voice saying "Power has been turned on" is repeatedly output from the upper speaker 272. The sound generated by the rotation operation of the fan motor 511M is hardly recognizable in front of the slot machine 100 (for example, at the measurement point MP1) when output is being performed from the speakers 272 and 277. In addition, the sound generated by the weak excitation operation of the reel motors 110M to 112M is lower than (a)min=21dB, which is the minimum value of environmental sound. Therefore, in the state of (2), the average volume of the sound at the measurement point MP1 is (p)μ=66dB in the state where the power-on voice is being output.

[0294] In (3), the bet button 132 shown in Fig. 22(A) is operated. In response to the bet button 132 being operated, a bet operation sound is output from the speakers 272 and 277. The fan motor 511M continues the rotation operation, and each of the reel motors 110M to 112M continues the weak excitation operation. In the state of (3), the average volume of the sound at the measurement point MP1 is (r)μ=61dB in the state where the bet operation sound is being output.

[0295] (4) is the state in which the start lever 135 shown in Figure 22(A) is operated. In response to the operation of the start lever 135, a start operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277, and each reel motor 110M to 112M starts accelerating rotation. The fan motor 511M continues to rotate. The sound produced by the accelerating rotation of each reel motor 110M to 112M and the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M are quieter than the start operation sound output from speakers 272 and 277, and while the start operation sound is being output, it is almost imperceptible in front of the slot machine 100 (for example, at measurement point MP1). Therefore, in state (4), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is (s)μ = 75dB, which is the state when the start operation sound is being output.

[0296] (5) represents the state in which each reel motor 110M~112M transitions from accelerated rotation to constant-speed rotation, and each reel 110~112 is rotating at a constant speed. The fan motor 511M continues to rotate. The speakers 272 and 277 have started outputting background music during gameplay. The sounds produced by the constant-speed rotation of each reel motor 110M~112M and the rotation of the fan motor 511M are quieter than the sounds of the background music output from speakers 272 and 277, and are almost imperceptible in front of the slot machine 100 (for example, at measurement point MP1) while the background music is being output. Therefore, in state (5), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is (t)μ = 65dB, which is the same as when the background music is being output.

[0297] (6) represents the state in which the left stop button 137 shown in Figure 22(A) is operated as the first stop operation. In response to the operation of the left stop button 137, the left reel motor 110M transitions from constant-speed rotation to stop control operation, and the output of the in-game background music ends and the reel stop operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. The remaining middle reel motor 111M and right reel motor 112M continue to rotate at a constant speed. The fan motor 511M also continues to rotate. The sounds produced by the various operations of each reel motor 110M to 112M and the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M are quieter than the reel stop operation sound output from speakers 272 and 277, and are hardly perceptible in front of the slot machine 100 (for example, at measurement point MP1) while the reel stop operation sound is being output (the same applies to (7) and (8) below). Therefore, in state (6), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is (u)μ = 69dB, which is the state when the reel stop sound is being output.

[0298] (7) represents the state in which the middle stop button 138 shown in Figure 22(A) has been operated as the second stop operation. In response to the operation of the middle stop button 138, the middle reel motor 111M transitions from constant speed rotation operation to stop control operation, and the second reel stop operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. The remaining right reel motor 112M continues to rotate at a constant speed. The fan motor 511M also continues to rotate. Meanwhile, the left reel motor 110M of the left reel 110, which was stopped earlier, transitions to a weak excitation operation, which is a stop maintenance operation. In state (u), where the reel stop sound is being output, the two reels 111 and 112 were rotating at a constant speed, but the sound generated by the rotation operation of the reel motors was absorbed by the reel stop sound from speakers 272 and 277, and even in state (7), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is about (u)μ = 69dB.

[0299] (8) represents the state in which the right stop button 139 shown in Figure 22(A) has been operated as the third stop operation. Therefore, in this particular game, a sequential stop operation was performed. In response to the operation of the right stop button 139, the right reel motor 112M transitions from constant speed rotation operation to stop control operation, and the third reel stop operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. The middle reel motor 111M of the middle reel 111, which underwent the second stop operation, transitions to a weak excitation operation, which is a stop maintenance operation. The left reel motor 110M of the left reel 110, which underwent the first stop operation, continues to operate in a weak excitation operation. The fan motor 511M also continues to rotate. Here as well, the sound generated by the stop control operation of the reel motors is absorbed by the reel stop sound from speakers 272 and 277, and even in state (8), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is about (u)μ = 69dB.

[0300] The third stop operation ends a game. In this game, a winning combination that pays out is achieved. (9) indicates that a payout is being made. The payout sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. The right reel motor 112M of the right reel 112, which was stopped by the third stop operation, switches to a weak excitation operation, which is a stop-maintaining operation, and all reel motors 110M to 112M are performing weak excitation operation. As mentioned above, the sound produced by the weak excitation operation of the reel motors 110M to 112M is quieter than the minimum ambient noise level of (a)min=21dB. The fan motor 511M continues to rotate. The sounds produced by the weak excitation operation of each reel motor 110M~112M and the rotational operation of the fan motor 511M are quieter than the payout sounds output from speakers 272 and 277, and are almost imperceptible in front of the slot machine 100 (for example, at measurement point MP1) while the payout sounds are being output. Therefore, in state (9), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is (v)μ = 72dB, which is the same as when the payout sounds are being output.

[0301] Figure 24(B) shows an example of a game where reverse pressing is performed. In this game, pressing left as the first stop is recommended. Even when reverse pressing is performed, the states from (1) to (5) in Figure 24(A) are the same, and Figure 24(B) shows the state from (5), where reels 110 to 112 are rotating at a constant speed.

[0302] (6') represents the state in which the right stop button 139 shown in Figure 22(A) has been operated as the first stop operation. In response to the operation of the right stop button 139, the right reel motor 112M transitions from constant speed rotation operation to stop control operation. If the recommended operation (operation of the left stop button 137 as the first stop operation) is not performed, no reel stop operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. This makes it possible to make the player aware that they have performed an operation different from the recommended operation (an unrecommended operation). Once the first stop operation is performed, the output of the in-game BGM ends, and no sound is output from speakers 272 and 277. Note that if an unrecommended operation is performed, a warning will be displayed on the display screen of the performance image display device 157, but no warning sound will be output from speakers 272 and 277. The fan motor 511M continues to rotate, but the sound produced by its rotation is quieter than the sound produced by the constant-speed rotation and stop control operations of the reel motors 110M~112M, and is almost imperceptible in front of the slot machine 100 (for example, at measurement point MP1). In other words, when even one reel is rotating, the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M is almost imperceptible in front of the slot machine 100. In state (6'), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is the amount of (d)μ = 52dB when both reels are rotating at a constant speed, with the sound produced by the stop control operation of one reel motor added to the loudness. This is shown as (d)μ+ in the table in Figure 24(B). Note that if one reel motor transitions from stop control operation to weak excitation operation, it becomes (d)μ.

[0303] (7') represents the state in which the middle stop button 138 shown in Figure 22(A) has been operated as the second stop operation. In response to the operation of the middle stop button 138, the middle reel motor 111M transitions from constant speed rotation to stop control operation, but speakers 272 and 277 do not output any reel stop operation sound. The remaining left reel motor 110M continues to rotate at a constant speed. The fan motor 511M also continues to rotate. On the other hand, the right reel motor 112M of the right reel 112, which was stopped earlier, transitions to a weak excitation operation, which is a stop maintenance operation. In state (7'), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is the loudness of (e)μ=49dB when one reel is rotating at a constant speed, with the sound produced by the stop control operation of one reel motor added to it. This is shown as (e)μ+ in the table in Figure 24(B). Furthermore, if one reel motor transitions from stop control operation to weak excitation operation, the value becomes (d)μ.

[0304] (8') represents the state in which the left stop button 137 shown in Figure 22(A) has been operated as the third stop operation. In response to the operation of the left stop button 137, the left reel motor 110M transitions from constant speed rotation to stop control operation, but no reel stop operation sound is output from speakers 272 and 277 at this point. The middle reel motor 111M of the middle reel 111, which underwent the second stop operation, transitions to weak excitation operation, which is a stop maintenance operation. The right reel motor 112M of the right reel 112, which underwent the first stop operation, continues to operate in weak excitation operation. The fan motor 511M also continues to rotate. In state (8), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is the loudness of the sound produced by the stop control operation of one reel motor, which is the sum of (b)μ=39dB when the fan motor 511M is rotating and the loudness of the sound produced by the stop control operation of one reel motor. This is shown as (b)μ+ in the table in Figure 24(B).

[0305] In addition, in any of states (6'), (7'), and (8'), a short press of the counting button 171 shown in Figure 22(A) will output a short-press counting sound indicating the measurement result as shown in Figure 23(w), and a long press of the counting button 171 will output a long-press counting sound indicating the measurement result as shown in Figure 23(x). Furthermore, in any of states (6'), (7'), and (8'), when the front door sensor changes from the off state to the on state, a door open error sound will be output from the upper speaker 272.

[0306] The game ends when the third stop operation is performed. In this game, because the non-recommended operation was performed, it is not possible to win a prize that pays out, and no payout is made in (9'). Therefore, no payout sound is output from speakers 272 and 277, and no sound is output at all. The right reel motor 112M of the right reel 112, which was stopped by the third stop operation, transitions to a weak excitation operation which is a stop-maintaining operation, and all reel motors 110M~112M are performing weak excitation operation. The fan motor 511M continues to rotate. In state (9), the average loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is (b)μ=39dB, which is the state when the fan motor 511M is rotating.

[0307] In the above explanation, the loudness of sound was expressed using sound pressure level (unit: dB), which is a numerical representation of the physical "strength of sound." However, the same applies to volume, which is the "subjective loudness of sound" that humans perceive (the same applies in the following explanation).

[0308] In the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 22, when no sound is output from speakers 272 and 277, abnormalities in the rotational operation of each reel 110-112 can be judged by sound. The timbre, pitch, and volume of the sound produced by the rotational operation of the reels change according to the rotational speed of the reels due to protrusions such as wind deflectors and whistle components. Persons performing inspections or other work with the BGM output stopped or muted during gameplay may not easily notice abnormalities in the rotational speed of the reels 110-112 even by looking at the rotating reels, but they can subjectively notice changes in timbre, pitch, and volume through their ears. Alternatively, by installing frequency analysis application software on a smartphone or the like, it is possible to easily and objectively identify differences in sound frequency due to differences in reel rotational speed, or by installing noise measurement application software or preparing a digital sound level meter, it is possible to easily and objectively identify differences in sound intensity due to differences in reel rotational speed. Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow connection of wired or wireless earphones, and to automatically switch to a muted state where no sound is output from speakers 272 and 277 when earphones are connected.

[0309] Here, if the first stop operation is a recommended operation, the in-game background music will continue until the third stop operation is completed, and a stop operation sound will also be output in accordance with the stop operation. This ensures that the in-game background music will only end when a non-recommended operation is performed, making the player more aware that a non-recommended operation has been performed. Moreover, those performing inspections and other tasks can stop the in-game background music by deliberately performing a non-recommended operation at their preferred timing, and can hear the sounds produced by the constant-speed rotation operation of each reel motor 110M~112M, which were not audible with the recommended operation.

[0310] Furthermore, some players take their eyes off reels 110-112 after operating the start lever 135. For example, some look at their smartphones. These are the very people who are most likely to perform the unrecommended operation, but as mentioned above, if the unrecommended operation is performed, the reel stop sound will not be output, and the sound produced by the rotation of the reel motor will be heard. If there is an abnormality in the rotation of the reels, it may be possible to notice the abnormality by the sound produced by the rotation of the reel motor.

[0311] Furthermore, while the cooling fan 511 is difficult to visually inspect and therefore difficult for workers to notice abnormalities, the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M makes it easier to notice abnormalities in the fan motor 511M. Moreover, since the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M is generated when the power switch 244 is turned on, workers can set the timing of the sound to occur at any time, and even a faint sound can be heard once the power-on sound output has ended. In other words, the period between Figure 24(2) and Figure 24(3) is a non-game period, and during this non-game period, even the relatively faint sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M can be heard by workers. Also, after Figure 24(9) is completed, the period remains non-game until a bet operation is performed. During a non-game period, store employees may be able to hear the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M of an empty slot machine 100 (a slot machine 100 that is not being played) while patrolling the store, and thus notice any abnormalities in the fan motor 511M. In addition, when the front door 102 is open, the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M becomes louder than when it is closed. By holding the front door sensor in the off position with their hand and opening the front door 102, the operator can hear the sound of the fan motor 511M's rotation more clearly. Similarly, when the front door 102 is open, the sound produced by the rotation of each reel motor 110M to 112M becomes louder than when it is closed. In some cases, employees of amusement parlors can determine whether the front door 102 is open or closed by the loudness of these sounds while patrolling the store. This means that even if a cheater opens the front door 102 while disabling the front door sensor to prevent the door open error sound from being output, employees may be able to detect the cheating.

[0312] Although an example was shown where a certain point is in front of the gaming machine, the same applies if the certain point is behind the gaming machine (for example, in a store where workers can enter the island equipment) and the cooling fan 511 is visible from the ventilation opening 249 provided on the upper part of the back panel 242 (shortest distance (a) < shortest distance (b) < shortest distance (c), and each reel 110~112 may or may not be visible), and the fan motor 511M and each reel motor 110M~112M operate simultaneously. Although the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M is less noticeable than the sound produced by the rotation of each reel motor 110M to 112M, even without any obstruction between the cooling fan 511 and the vent 249, it is possible to visually confirm the presence or absence of rotation of the cooling fan 511 (rotation of the fan motor 511M) by shining light from a light source such as an LED light from the vent 249 onto the cooling fan 511, while also confirming the sound produced by the rotation of each reel motor 110M to 112M.

[0313] Figure 25 shows the external appearance of a pachinko machine, which is an example of an improved gaming machine.

[0314] Figure 25(A) shows a front view of the pachinko machine P100. In Figure 25(A), the top, bottom, left, and right directions are indicated by the arrows, with the front being the front of the page and the back being the back of the page. Figure 25(B) shows a right side view of the pachinko machine P100 shown in Figure 25(A). In Figure 25(B), the top, bottom, front, and back directions are indicated by the arrows, with the right side being the front of the page and the left side being the back of the page.

[0315] The pachinko machine P100 shown in Figure 25 comprises an outer frame P102, a main body P104, a front frame door P106, and a door with a ball storage tray P108, as shown in Figure 25(b).

[0316] The outer frame P102 is a vertically rectangular wooden frame component used to fix the game machines to their installation location (island equipment, etc.) in a gaming establishment.

[0317] The main body P104 is a vertical rectangular door member that forms the base axis of the gaming machine, housed inside the outer frame P102, has a locking function, and is rotatably mounted on the outer frame P102 via a hinge P112. Employees of the gaming parlor where the pachinko machine P100 is installed can open and close this main body P104, and a main body opening sensor (not shown) is provided to detect when the main body P104 is open. The game board is detachably attached to this main body P104 using predetermined fixing members.

[0318] The front frame door P106 is a door member that is attached to the front of the main body P104, which is the front side of the pachinko machine P100, via a hinge part P112, so as to be able to be opened and closed while having a locking function, and is constructed in a frame shape so that the inside of it is an opening P116. The staff of the amusement parlor can also open and close this front frame door P106, and a front frame door sensor (not shown) is also provided to detect when the front frame door P106 is open. The front frame door P106 is provided with a transparent plate member P118 made of glass or resin in the opening P116, so that the player can see the front of the game board through the transparent plate member P118. In addition, a speaker P120 and a frame lamp P122 are attached to the front side of the front frame door P106. The rear surface of the front frame door P106 and the front surface of the game board form a space where the game area is provided. A liquid crystal display device, the decorative pattern display device P208, is positioned approximately in the center of the game area. This decorative pattern display device P208 is controlled by a sub-control board P501 (see Figure 25(B)) located behind the outer frame P102, and in Figure 25, the sub-control board P501 is shown as a dotted line. The sub-control board P501 is also equipped with a cooling fan P511 for cooling the mounted CPU or VDP, and a fan motor P511M, such as a DC motor, that rotates the cooling fan P511, and the cooling fan P511 and fan motor P511M are also shown as dotted lines.

[0319] Furthermore, a first movable effect unit P151 is provided at the top of the game area, a second movable effect unit P152 is provided at the right edge of the game area, and a third movable effect unit P153 is provided at the bottom of the game area. The first movable effect unit P151 performs a falling motion when the first movable effect unit motor P151M is driven to rotate. The second movable effect unit P152 performs an arc motion when the second movable effect unit motor P152M is driven to rotate. The third movable effect unit P153 performs an upward and downward motion when the third movable effect unit motor P153M is driven to rotate. Each of the movable effect units P151 to P153 may start operating automatically during gameplay, or it may start operating in response to the pressing of the effect button P136, which will be described later. The first movable motor P151M, the second movable motor P152M, and the third movable motor P153M are all mounted on a game board (not shown), and as shown in Figure 25(B), they are positioned in front of the sub-control board P501 but behind the front frame door P106, and are not visible to the player, as indicated by the dotted line in Figure 25.

[0320] The ball storage tray door P108 is a door component mounted on the front of the pachinko machine P100, below the main body P104, with a locking function and the ability to be opened and closed. This ball storage tray door P108 can be opened with the front frame door P106 open. A ball storage tray door sensor (not shown) is also provided to detect when the ball storage tray door P108 is open. As shown in Figure 25(A), the ball storage tray door P108 includes an upper tray P126 capable of storing multiple game balls and having a passage for guiding the game balls to the launching device, a lower tray P128 for storing game balls that cannot be stored in the upper tray P126, a ball discharge lever P132 that, at the player's operation, discharges the game balls stored in the lower tray P128 into a game ball collection container (commonly known as a "dollar box"), a launch handle P134 that, at the player's operation, launches the game balls guided to the launching device into the game area of ​​the game board, and an effect button P136 that, at the player's operation, changes the effect patterns of various effect devices. The effect button P136 has a built-in effect button lamp that illuminates the effect button P136. Furthermore, a drive mechanism P136S (for example, a solenoid or motor) for vibrating the effect button P136 is also provided below the effect button P136, which is shown by a dotted line in Figure 25. The door with the ball storage tray P108 is also equipped with a ball release button that allows the player to discharge the game balls stored in the upper tray P126 to the lower tray P128, a ball dispensing operation button that issues a ball dispensing instruction to the card unit (CR unit) installed in the amusement parlor, a return operation button that issues a return instruction to the card unit for the return of the player's balance, and a ball dispensing display unit that displays the player's balance and the status of the card unit.

[0321] Figures 25(A) and 25(B) described above show a measurement point MP2 (corresponding to an example of a certain location) for measuring the loudness of sound emitted from the pachinko machine P100. The vertical position of this measurement point MP2 is slightly above the lower edge of the display screen of the decorative pattern display device P208, the horizontal position is at the center of the pachinko machine P100, and the front-to-back position is slightly in front of the transparent plate member P118. The straight-line distance from this measurement point MP2 to the center position of the fan motor P511M of the cooling fan P511 provided on the sub-control board P501 is defined as the shortest distance (a), the straight-line distance from the measurement point MP2 to the center position of the first movable motor P151M is defined as the shortest distance (b), and the straight-line distance from the measurement point MP2 to the center position of the driving means P136S of the performance button P136 is defined as the shortest distance (c). Note that the shortest distance (a) may be the straight-line distance from measurement point MP2 to the nearest point of the cooling fan unit, which includes the cooling fan P511 and the fan motor P511M. Also, the shortest distance (b) may be the straight-line distance from measurement point MP2 to the nearest point of the first performance movable unit, which includes the first movable motor P151M and the first performance movable body P151 in its initial position. Also, the shortest distance (c) may be the straight-line distance from measurement point MP2 to the nearest point of the performance button unit, which includes the performance button P136 and the drive means P136S. At measurement point MP2 shown in Figures 25(A) and 25(B), the length relationship is shortest distance (a) < shortest distance (b) < shortest distance (c).

[0322] Furthermore, the measurement point MP2 may be located further forward in the front-to-back direction. For example, it may be at the center of the face of a person seated in front of the pachinko machine P100. Also, the measurement point MP2 may be located further up in the up-to-down direction. For example, it may be at the same position (height) as the center of the display screen of the decorative pattern display device P208. In addition, the measurement point MP2 may be located further to the right or to the left in the left-to-right direction. For example, it may be at the position of the right ear or the left ear of a person seated in front of the pachinko machine P100.

[0323] Furthermore, Figure 25 shows an example of a measurement point MP2, which is in front of the pachinko machine P100, where the shortest distance to the fan motor P511 (a) < the shortest distance to the first movable motor P151M (b) < the shortest distance to the driving means P136S for the performance button P136 (c). However, the measurement point may be in any other position, such as (a) < (c) < (b), (b) < (c) < (a), (b) < (a) < (c), (c) < (a) < (b), or (c) < (b) < (a). It may also be at a predetermined distance (for example, 1, 3, 5, 10, 50, or 100 cm) from the pachinko machine P100, or at a position that does not overlap with the pachinko machine P100 in the front-to-back direction (a position in front of or behind the pachinko machine P100). Furthermore, (b) may be the shortest distance to the second movable motor P152M or the shortest distance to the third movable motor P153M, instead of the shortest distance to the first movable motor P151M.

[0324] The state in which the main body P104 is closed to the outer frame P102, and the front frame door P106 is also closed to the main body P104, is called the fully closed operating state. In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, the pachinko machine P100 is in the fully closed operating state.

[0325] Of the sounds emitted from the pachinko machine shown in Figure 25, the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor P511M of the cooling fan P511 located on the sub-control board P501 is adjusted to produce a sound of approximately 40 dB when measured at measurement point MP2 by adjusting the shape of the cooling fan P511. Note that when the main body P104 is open or the front frame door P106 is open, the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor P511M measured at measurement point MP2 becomes louder.

[0326] Furthermore, the sounds produced by the rotation of the first movable body motor P151M, the second movable body motor P152M, and the third movable body motor P153M differ in magnitude when measured at measurement point MP2. This is because the operation patterns of the first, second, and third movable body P153 differ, resulting in differences in the magnitude of the sounds produced by the mechanisms for moving the movable bodies and the sounds produced by the moving bodies themselves. The sounds produced by the rotation of each movable body motor P151M to P153M are all louder than the sounds produced by the rotation of the fan motor P511M when measured at measurement point MP2. Note that when the main body P104 is open or the front frame door P106 is open, the sounds produced by the rotation of each movable body motor P151M to P153M, as measured at measurement point MP2, also become louder.

[0327] Here, if the first movable performance body P151, the second movable performance body P152, and the third movable performance body P153 are all movable performance bodies with the same configuration, and their respective movable motors P151M to P153M have the same output, their operating modes are the same, and the distance from the measurement point MP2 is the same or approximately the same, then the sound level measured at the measurement point MP2 may be set to αdB when one movable performance body is operating, α+3dB when two movable performance bodies are operating, and α+4.8dB when three movable performance bodies are operating. For example, the sound produced by the rotation of one motor may be 49dB, the sound produced by the rotation of two motors may be 52dB (49+3), and the sound produced by the rotation of three motors may be 53.8dB (49+4.8). This also applies to the left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112 in the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 22. The noise level may be set to 49 dB when one reel motor is rotating at a constant speed, 52 dB (49 + 3) when two reel motors are rotating at a constant speed, and 53.8 dB (49 + 4.8) when three reel motors are rotating at a constant speed.

[0328] Furthermore, both the pachinko machine P100 and the slot machine 100 may be equipped with multiple control boards, and each control board may be provided with a cooling fan unit to cool the CPU, etc. For example, if three cooling fan units are installed at the same or approximately the same distance from the measurement point MP2, and each cooling fan unit has the same configuration and each fan motor has the same output, the sound level measured at the measurement point MP2 may be 39 dB when one fan motor is rotating, 42 dB (39 + 3) when two fan motors are rotating, and 43.8 dB (39 + 4.8) when all three fan motors are rotating. In this case, in the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 22, the loudness of the sound at measurement point MP1 is as follows: constant speed rotation of 3 reel motors > constant speed rotation of 2 reel motors > constant speed rotation of 1 reel motor > rotation of 3 fan motors > rotation of 2 fan motors > rotation of 1 fan motor, thus maintaining the relationship that the reel motors are louder than the fan motors. Also, in the pachinko machine P100 shown in Figure 25, the loudness of the sound at measurement point MP2 is as follows: rotation of 3 movable body motors > rotation of 2 movable body motors > rotation of 1 movable body motor > rotation of 3 fan motors > rotation of 2 fan motors > rotation of 1 fan motor, thus maintaining the relationship that the movable body motors are louder than the fan motors.

[0329] As shown in Figure 25, when the built-in performance button P136 illuminates to prompt a press, the drive mechanism P136S, such as a solenoid or motor, starts vibrating. When the sound produced by the vibration of the drive mechanism P136S when it has started vibrating but the performance button P136 is not pressed (non-operation) is measured at measurement point MP2, and the sound produced by the vibration of the drive mechanism P136S when it is performing vibration and the performance button P136 is pressed (operation) is measured, the latter sound is louder than the former sound. When the performance button P136 is pressed while the drive mechanism P136S is performing vibration, the first movable body motor P151M starts rotating in response to the press, causing the first movable performance body P151 to drop and generating an operating sound.

[0330] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine P100 shown in Figure 25, various sounds are output from speaker P120. For example, voices, error sounds, operation sounds, and background music sounds during gameplay are output. The sounds produced by the rotational movements of each movable motor P151M to P153M and the fan motor P511M are quieter than the various sounds output from speaker P120, and while sound is being output from speaker P120, it is almost imperceptible in front of the pachinko machine P100 (for example, at measurement point MP2).

[0331] In the pachinko machine P100 shown in Figure 25, when no sound is output from speaker 120, abnormalities in the drive operation of each movable element 151-153 can be detected by sound. In particular, the volume and tone of the sound produced by the mechanism for moving the movable elements and the sound produced by the moving elements themselves are designed to change depending on the operating speed of the movable elements. For example, the movable elements may be equipped with wind deflectors or whistle members, similar to the reels, or they may be designed to produce sound when drive components such as drive gears or drive belts operate abnormally.

[0332] Furthermore, while the cooling fan P511 is difficult to visually inspect and therefore hard for workers to notice abnormalities, the noise produced by the rotation of the fan motor P511M makes it easier to notice abnormalities in the fan motor P511M.

[0333] In addition, the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor P511M is generated when the power switch (not shown) is turned on and continues until the power switch is turned off. When the power switch is turned on, the movable parts such as the first movable part P151, the second movable part P152, and the third movable part P153 begin their initial movements, and operating sounds are generated. The operator can choose when to turn on the power switch, and by turning on the power switch at their preferred timing, they may be able to hear the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor P511M and the sounds produced by the initial movements of the various movable parts such as the first movable part P151, making it easier to judge abnormalities in the rotation or initial movements by sound.

[0334] Furthermore, in the case of pachinko machine P100, the period when the symbols are not changing and the launch handle P134 is not being touched is considered the non-play period. During this non-play period, there is almost no sound output from speaker 120, so even the relatively quiet sound of the fan motor 511M rotating can be heard by the operator. Also, during the non-play period, store employees may be able to hear the sound of the fan motor P511M rotating on a non-playing pachinko machine P100 (an empty pachinko machine P100) while patrolling the store. In addition, if the main body P104 is opened relative to the outer frame P102, or if the front frame door P106 is opened relative to the main body P104, the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor P511M will be heard more loudly than when it is fully closed. By holding down the main unit opening sensor with their hand to keep it in the off state while opening the main unit P104, or by holding down the front frame door sensor with their hand to keep it in the off state while opening the front frame door P106, the operator can more clearly hear the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M. From the sound produced by the rotation of the fan motor 511M, the operator can notice abnormalities in the fan motor P511M or the cooling fan P511. In addition, the system may be configured to allow the connection of wired or wireless earphones, and when earphones are connected, the system may switch to a mute state where no sound is output from the speaker 120.

[0335] Furthermore, when the effect button P136 is pressed while the drive unit P136S is performing a vibration operation, the sound produced by the vibration operation of the drive unit P136S becomes louder, and the first movable motor P151M starts rotating. The operator can also choose the timing of pressing the effect button P136, and by pressing the effect button P136 at their preferred timing, they can hear the sound produced by the vibration operation of the drive unit P136S and the sound produced by the rotation operation of the first movable motor P151M, making it easier to judge abnormalities in the vibration operation or rotation operation by sound.

[0336] Based on the above description, "A first driving means capable of performing a first driving operation [for example, a rotational operation] [for example, a sub-control board (a board on which the basic circuit 402 of the first sub-control board 401 and the second sub-control unit 500 is mounted, or a performance control board such as a speaker control board, with fan motors 511M, P511M of cooling fans 511, P511 provided on it], A second drive means capable of performing a second drive operation [e.g., rotational operation] [e.g., a middle reel motor 111M, a first movable body motor P151M, drive means 190S, P136S for the chance button 190 and the performance button P136], A gaming machine equipped with, The first sound produced by the first drive operation [for example, the sound of the cooling fans 511 and P511 rotating, or the sound of the fan motors 511M and P511M rotating] has a first magnitude [for example, (b)μ:39dB] at a certain point in front of the gaming machine [for example, measurement point MP1 and measurement point MP2]. The second sound produced by the second drive operation [for example, the rotation sound of the middle reel motor 111M or the first movable body motor P151M, the sound of the middle reel 111 rotating, the sound of the first performance movable body P151 operating, the vibration sound of the chance button 190 or the performance button P136, or the operating sounds of the drive means 190S, P136S] is of a second magnitude at a certain point [for example, (e)μ:49dB or (o)μ:72dB]. The second size is larger than the first size. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I explained about that.

[0337] With this gaming machine, it is possible to determine from the front of the machine whether the first or second drive mechanism is operating, and if each drive mechanism is not operating when it should be, a malfunction or defect in each drive mechanism can be noticed. Furthermore, since the second sound is larger than the first sound, the second sound can be heard even when the second sound and the first sound are occurring simultaneously. Moreover, even if the first sound is unpleasant to the player's ears, since the first sound is smaller than the second sound, the player may not be bothered by the first sound as much, or may be able to concentrate on playing the game.

[0338] The second sound source may be located further away from the first sound source than the aforementioned point.

[0339] Furthermore, the game machine comprises a movable body and a drive means capable of performing the driving operation of the movable body, wherein the sound produced by the driving operation of the movable body is a sound that can be heard at a certain point in front of the game machine and may change depending on the operating speed of the movable body. Moreover, the movable body is a reel, and the drive means is a reel motor, wherein the sound produced by the rotational operation of the reel is a sound that can be heard at a certain point in front of the game machine and may change depending on the rotational speed of the reel. It is difficult to tell whether the constant-speed rotation operation of the reel is being performed at a predetermined rotational speed just by looking at the rotating reel, so it becomes easier to tell if a sound that changes depending on the rotational speed of the reel is produced. In addition, differences in sound (for example, pitch (frequency) of the sound) can be easily distinguished by using smartphone application software.

[0340] The movable body may have a protruding piece [for example, a wind deflector] at the movable part.

[0341] Furthermore, the above description states, "A first driving means capable of performing a first driving operation [for example, a rotational operation] [for example, a sub-control board (a board on which the basic circuit 402 of the first sub-control board 401 and the second sub-control unit 500 is mounted, or a performance control board such as a speaker control board, with fan motors 511M, P511M of cooling fans 511, P511 provided on it], A second drive means capable of performing a second drive operation [e.g., rotational operation] [e.g., a middle reel motor 111M, a first movable body motor P151M, drive means 190S, P136S for the chance button 190 and the performance button P136], A first operating means [for example, a power switch 244], A gaming machine equipped with, The first sound produced by the first drive operation [for example, the sound of the cooling fans 511 and P511 rotating, or the sound of the fan motors 511M and P511M rotating] has a first magnitude [for example, (b)μ:39dB] at a certain point in front of the gaming machine [for example, measurement point MP1 and measurement point MP2]. The second sound produced by the second drive operation [for example, the rotation sound of the middle reel motor 111M or the first movable body motor P151M, the sound of the middle reel 111 rotating, the sound of the first performance movable body P151 operating, the vibration sound of the chance button 190 or the performance button P136, or the operating sounds of the drive means 190S, P136S] is of a second magnitude at a certain point [for example, (e)μ:49dB or (o)μ:72dB]. The second size is larger than the first size. When the first operating means is operated [for example, when the power is turned on], the first sound may be produced. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I explained about that.

[0342] With this gaming machine, it is possible to determine from the front of the machine whether the first or second drive means is operating, and if each drive means is not operating when it should be, a malfunction or defect in each drive means can be noticed. Furthermore, since the second sound is louder than the first sound, the second sound can be heard even when the second sound and the first sound are occurring simultaneously. Moreover, even if the first sound is unpleasant to the player's ears, since the first sound is louder than the second sound, the player may not be bothered by the first sound as much, or they may be able to concentrate on the game. Alternatively, when trying to determine a malfunction or defect in the first drive means by listening to the first sound, the first operating means can be operated to make that determination at the desired timing. In particular, since the first sound is relatively quiet, the timing of the occurrence of the first sound can be set to an intentional timing, making it less likely to miss the first sound. As a result, if the first drive means does not operate even when the first operating means is operated, the operator will be more likely to notice a malfunction or defect in the first drive means.

[0343] The first operating means may be operated in such a way that the first sound is produced when the first operating means is operated, or it may be operated in such a way that the first sound is always produced when the first operating means is operated. The first operating means may also be a power switch. Furthermore, the first sound may be a sound that is produced continuously while the power is on.

[0344] Furthermore, the above description states, "A first driving means capable of performing a first driving operation [for example, a rotational operation] [for example, a sub-control board (a board on which the basic circuit 402 of the first sub-control board 401 and the second sub-control unit 500 is mounted, or a performance control board such as a speaker control board, with fan motors 511M, P511M of cooling fans 511, P511 provided on it], A second drive means capable of performing a second drive operation [e.g., rotational operation] [e.g., a middle reel motor 111M, a first movable body motor P151M, drive means 190S, P136S for the chance button 190 and the performance button P136], A gaming machine comprising a second operating means [for example, a start lever 135 or a chance button 190], The first sound produced by the first drive operation [for example, the sound of the cooling fans 511 and P511 rotating, or the sound of the fan motors 511M and P511M rotating] has a first magnitude [for example, (b)μ:39dB] at a certain point in front of the gaming machine [for example, measurement point MP1 and measurement point MP2]. The second sound produced by the second drive operation [for example, the rotation sound of the middle reel motor 111M or the first movable body motor P151M, the sound of the middle reel 111 rotating, the sound of the first performance movable body P151 operating, the vibration sound of the chance button 190 or the performance button P136, or the operating sounds of the drive means 190S, P136S] is of a second magnitude at a certain point [for example, (e)μ:49dB or (o)μ:72dB]. The second size is larger than the first size. When the second operating means is operated [for example, when the start lever 135 is operated after a bet operation, or when the performance button P136 is operated while the drive means P136S is performing a vibration operation], the second sound may be produced [for example, when the reels start to rotate, when vibration is transmitted to the performance button P136, or when the first performance movable body P151 starts to operate]. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I explained about that.

[0345] With this gaming machine, it is possible to determine from the front of the machine whether the first or second drive means is operating, and if each drive means is not operating when it should be, a malfunction or defect in each drive means can be noticed. Furthermore, since the second sound is larger than the first sound, the second sound can be heard even when the second sound and the first sound are occurring simultaneously. Moreover, even if the first sound is unpleasant to the player's ears, since the first sound is smaller than the second sound, the player may not be bothered by the first sound as much, or may be able to concentrate on the game. Furthermore, when trying to determine a malfunction or defect in the second drive means by listening to the second sound, the determination can be made at the desired timing by operating the second operating means. In particular, if the second sound occurs during gameplay, the sound effects are output during gameplay, which may make it difficult to hear the second sound, but by timing the occurrence of the second sound to the intended timing, it can be made less likely to miss the second sound. As a result, if the second drive means does not operate even when the second operating means is operated, the operator will be more likely to notice a malfunction or defect in the second drive means.

[0346] The second operating means may be an operating means that is operated during gameplay. The second sound may also be a sound that occurs after gameplay has started, in response to the operation of the second operating means.

[0347] Based on the above description, "A first driving means capable of performing a first driving operation [for example, a rotational operation] [for example, a sub-control board (a board on which the basic circuit 402 of the first sub-control board 401 and the second sub-control unit 500 is mounted, or a performance control board such as a speaker control board, with fan motors 511M, P511M of cooling fans 511, P511 provided on it], A second drive means capable of performing a second drive operation [e.g., rotational operation] [e.g., a middle reel motor 111M, a first movable body motor P151M, drive means 190S, P136S for the chance button 190 and the performance button P136], A gaming machine equipped with, The first sound produced by the first drive operation [for example, the sound of the cooling fans 511 and P511 rotating, or the sound of the fan motors 511M and P511M rotating] has a first magnitude [for example, (b)μ:39dB] at a certain point in front of the gaming machine [for example, measurement point MP1 and measurement point MP2]. The second sound produced by the second drive operation [for example, the rotation sound of the middle reel motor 111M or the first movable body motor P151M, the sound of the middle reel 111 rotating, the sound of the first performance movable body P151 operating, the vibration sound of the chance button 190 or the performance button P136, or the operating sounds of the drive means 190S, P136S] is of a second magnitude at a certain point [for example, (e)μ:49dB or (o)μ:72dB]. The second size is larger than the first size. During a certain period, the aforementioned first sound may occur. The aforementioned period refers to a period when the game is not in progress [for example, the period from when the third stop occurs until a bet is made, or the period when the symbols are not changing and the launch handle P134 is not being touched]. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I explained about that.

[0348] With this gaming machine, it is possible to determine from the front of the machine whether the first or second drive means is operating, and if each drive means is not operating when it should be, a malfunction or defect in each drive means can be noticed. Furthermore, since the second sound is larger than the first sound, the second sound can be heard even when the second sound and the first sound are occurring simultaneously. Moreover, even if the first sound is unpleasant to the player's ears, since the first sound is smaller than the second sound, the player may not be bothered by the first sound as much, or may be able to concentrate on the game. Furthermore, since the first sound is relatively quiet, and during gameplay, sound effects are output, which may make the first sound even harder to hear, if the first sound is also produced when the game is not being played, it becomes less likely to be missed. As a result, when a game store employee is patrolling the store, they can notice a malfunction or defect in the first drive means of a gaming machine that is not being played (an empty gaming machine).

[0349] Furthermore, the above description states, "A first driving means capable of performing a first driving operation [for example, a rotational operation] [for example, a sub-control board (a board on which the basic circuit 402 of the first sub-control board 401 and the second sub-control unit 500 is mounted, or a performance control board such as a speaker control board, with fan motors 511M, P511M of cooling fans 511, P511 provided on it], A second drive means capable of performing a second drive operation [e.g., rotational operation] [e.g., a middle reel motor 111M, a first movable body motor P151M, drive means 190S, P136S for the chance button 190 and the performance button P136], A door that can be opened and closed [for example, the front door 102 or the front frame door P106 or the main body P104], A gaming machine equipped with, The first sound produced by the first drive operation [for example, the sound of the cooling fans 511 and P511 rotating, or the sound of the fan motors 511M and P511M rotating] has a first magnitude [for example, (b)μ:39dB] at a certain point in front of the gaming machine [for example, measurement point MP1 and measurement point MP2]. The second sound produced by the second drive operation [for example, the rotation sound of the middle reel motor 111M or the first movable body motor P151M, the sound of the middle reel 111 rotating, the sound of the first performance movable body P151 operating, the vibration sound of the chance button 190 or the performance button P136, or the operating sounds of the drive means 190S, P136S] is of a second magnitude at a certain point [for example, (e)μ:49dB or (o)μ:72dB]. The second size is larger than the first size. The aforementioned first sound, when the door body is in the closed position, has the aforementioned first magnitude at a certain point. The second sound is of the second magnitude at a certain point when the door body is in the closed position. The first sound, when the door body is in a certain open position [for example, the fully open position], has a third magnitude [for example, (i)μ: 49dB] at a certain point. The third size is larger than the first size. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I also explained that.

[0350] In other words, the first sound is louder at a certain point when the door is open than when it is closed.

[0351] With this gaming machine, it is possible to determine from the front of the machine whether the first or second drive means is operating, and if each drive means is not operating when it should be, a malfunction or defect in each drive means can be noticed. Furthermore, since the second sound is larger than the first sound, the second sound can be heard even when the second sound and the first sound are occurring simultaneously. Moreover, even if the first sound is unpleasant to the player's ears, since the first sound is smaller than the second sound, the player may not be bothered by the first sound as much, or may be able to concentrate on the game. Alternatively, when trying to determine a malfunction or defect in the first drive means by listening to the first sound, although the first sound is relatively quiet, opening the door makes the first sound louder (to the third sound), making it less likely to miss the first sound. As a result, opening the door makes it easier to notice a malfunction or defect in the first drive means. Furthermore, when an employee of a gaming parlor is patrolling the premises, they may be able to determine whether the door is open or not based on the loudness of the first sound. This means that even if a cheater opens the door while disabling the door opening detection sensor to prevent a door opening error from being output, the employee may be able to detect the cheating.

[0352] Furthermore, the second driving means may also be positioned behind the front of the door body when it is closed, and the second sound may be characterized in that, when the door body is in a certain open position [for example, the fully open position], the second sound is a fourth magnitude at a certain point, and the fourth magnitude is greater than the second magnitude. In other words, the second sound may also be characterized in that the sound is louder at a certain point when the door body is open than when it is closed.

[0353] Also, Equipped with speakers capable of outputting sound [for example, upper speaker 272, bass speaker 277], During the first period, the first sound may occur. During the aforementioned first period, the aforementioned second sound may occur. The aforementioned first period is the period during which sound output by the speaker is not performed [for example, part or all of the period from when an unrecommended operation (for example, an operation in which the first stop operation is not a left stop operation) is performed during a game until the end of the game]. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I also explained that.

[0354] Furthermore, the first period may be a part of the period during which the game is being played. Also, the first period may be a period during which sound output from the speaker is performed, but during which sound output from the speaker ceases due to the fulfillment of certain conditions.

[0355] With this gaming machine, it becomes easier to notice malfunctions or defects in the first drive mechanism or the second drive mechanism during the first period. In particular, if the first period is the period during which the game is being played, players are less likely to suffer any disadvantage by noticing a malfunction or defect in the first drive mechanism or the second drive mechanism and informing the staff of the gaming parlor. Furthermore, the gaming parlor can also become aware of any malfunctions or defects.

[0356] Also, "During the second period, the first sound may occur." During the second period, the second sound may occur. The second period mentioned above is the period during which sound output from the speaker is performed [for example, a certain period after a game has started (for example, a predetermined period after the reels start to rotate)]. There are cases where the first period begins after the second period [for example, if a game has started and then an unrecommended operation (for example, an operation where the first stop operation is not a left stop operation) is performed during the game]. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I also explained that.

[0357] Furthermore, the second period mentioned above may also be a part of the period during which the game is being played.

[0358] According to this gaming machine, the contrast between the period when sound output from the speaker is being performed and the period when it is not being performed makes the presence or absence of the first sound and the second sound stand out, making it easier to notice malfunctions or defects in the first drive means and the second drive means.

[0359] Also, "If a certain operation [for example, a non-recommended operation (for example, an operation in which the first stop operation is not a left stop operation)] is performed during the second period in a certain game, the first period may begin in that game." A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I also explained that.

[0360] This gaming machine makes it easier to notice malfunctions or defects in the first or second drive means during a game. Furthermore, the first period can be intentionally started during a game, making it easier to notice malfunctions or defects in the first or second drive means.

[0361] Also, The first driving means is a motor [for example, a DC motor] that operates the cooling fan. The second driving means is a motor that operates the movable body [for example, a stepping motor or a DC motor]. A gaming machine characterized by the following features. I also explained that.

[0362] The sound produced by the movement of the movable body is more easily audible than the rotational noise of the motor that operates the cooling fan, and even when both the first and second drive means are operating, the sound produced by the movement of the movable body (the second sound) can draw the player's attention to the movement of the movable body. Furthermore, the second sound can be heard even when both drive means are operating.

[0363] Next, we will describe a gaming machine with distinctive features regarding the arrangement of components on the circuit board (hereinafter referred to as the "second improved gaming machine"). The second improved gaming machine may also be a slot machine (spinning game machine) or a pachinko machine (ball game machine). Furthermore, it may be a coinless slot machine or a sealed game machine.

[0364] In the following explanation, components with the same names as those previously described may be described using the same symbols as before, or they may be described using different symbols. Furthermore, explanations of matters that overlap with previously described matters may be omitted.

[0365] One embodiment of the second improved gaming machine is a slot machine having the same appearance as shown in Figure 11. This slot machine also includes a main control board (main control unit) for the main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control board (first sub-control unit) for the first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects in response to commands transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control board (second sub-control unit) for the second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on commands transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0366] Figure 26 is a plan view of the first sub-control board 401 built into the second improved slot machine.

[0367] The first sub-control board 401 shown in Figure 26 is a modified example of the first sub-control board 401 shown in Figure 12(a).

[0368] Figure 26 shows the first sub-control board 401 and the audio control board 419 on which the audio amplifier IC 418 is mounted. The first sub-control board 401 and the audio control board 419 shown in Figure 26 are connected by two connectors CN2 and CN3. The first sub-control board 401 is also provided with a connector CN4, to which a second sub-control board (not shown) is connected. Alternatively, the first sub-control board 401 may be further provided with a connector to connect to the performance control board. At least the first sub-control board 401, the audio control board 419, and the second sub-control board (not shown) are housed in a transparent circuit board case (not shown) and mounted on the upper part of the back of the front door 102 (see Figure 11). That is, they are mounted in a position similar to that of the second sub-board case 230 explained using Figure 22(C). Therefore, the first sub-control board 401, etc., are arranged vertically. In Figure 26, the up-down-left-right relationship is indicated by the arrow in the upper left. The left-right relationship indicated by the arrows represents the relationship when viewing the slot machine from the front, and is the opposite of the left-right relationship shown in the diagram.

[0369] The audio control board 419 includes an audio circuit 450A for the upper speaker 272 (see Figure 11), an audio circuit 450B for the middle speaker 275 (see Figure 11), an audio circuit 450C for the lower speaker 277 (see Figure 11), and an audio circuit 450D for the woofer. Each audio circuit 450A to D is equipped with an audio amplifier IC 418, an inductor L, a resistor R, a capacitor C, an electrolytic capacitor EC, etc. The audio circuit 450A for the upper speaker 272 is connected to connector CN11, the audio circuit 450B for the middle speaker 275 is connected to connector CN12, and the audio circuits 450C for the lower speaker 277 and 450D for the woofer are connected to connector CN13. Although described here as an audio control board 419, this audio control board 419 may also be a light-emitting control board that has a light-emitting control circuit for controlling various lamps (light-emitting means such as LEDs), a movable prop control board that has a movable prop control circuit for controlling movable props, or a performance control board that has two or more circuits from among the audio circuit, light-emitting control circuit, and movable prop control circuit.

[0370] The front surface 401s of the first sub-control board 401 faces towards the viewer on the page. A CPU 404 is mounted on this front surface 401s. The CPU 404 is covered by a cooling unit 430. That is, the CPU 404 is located within the first region 4011 of the front surface 401s of the first sub-control board 401 that overlaps with the cooling unit 430. In Figure 26, the CPU 404 is represented by a dotted line, and the first region 4011 is shown as a gray area. The cooling unit 430 has a heatsink 431 and a cooling fan 432. In the cooling unit 430 shown in Figure 26, the entire size of the heatsink 431 is equal to the size of the first region 4011. That is, the area covered by the heatsink 431 is the first region 4011. The cooling fan 432 is positioned so as to overlap the CPU 404, with the heatsink 431 in between. As is clear from Figure 26, the relationship between the sizes of the heatsink 431, the cooling fan 432, and the CPU 404 (the size of the surface facing the front surface 401s) is heatsink 431 > cooling fan 432 > CPU 404. However, the relationship may also be heatsink 431 = cooling fan 432 > CPU 404, or cooling fan 432 > heatsink 431 > CPU 404.

[0371] Furthermore, on the front surface 401s of the first sub-control board 401, a performance ROM board 4061 is positioned next to the first region 4011. This performance ROM board 4061 is a board on which a performance ROM chip 406c is mounted, and is supported by spacers 406s (see also Figure 27) at a position away from the front surface 401s in the thickness direction (perpendicular to the plane of the paper) of the first sub-control board 401. The performance ROM board 4061 is positioned on the front surface 401s at a certain location (to the right of the first region 4011 (left in the figure)) that overlaps with the region that does not overlap with the cooling unit 430 (the second region 4012, described later). No circuit components are positioned between the first region 4011 and the region that overlaps with the performance ROM board 4061 on the front surface 401s.

[0372] Note that both the first sub-control board 401 and the audio control board 419 shown in Figure 26 also have circuit components other than those described here (for example, resistors, resistor arrays, capacitors, coils, diodes, crystal oscillators, integrated circuits (ICs), ground planes, wiring patterns, vias, through-holes, various markings, etc.), but these are omitted from the illustration.

[0373] Figure 27(a) is a plan view showing the first sub-control board 401 shown in Figure 26. In Figure 27(a), the up-down-left-right relationship is as indicated by the arrow in the upper left. The left-right relationship, as shown by the arrow in the upper left, is the relationship when viewing the slot machine from the front, and is the opposite of the left-right relationship shown in the drawing.

[0374] In Figure 27(a), the cooling unit 430 is represented by a dotted line, and circuit components and other elements located in the first region 4011, which were not visible in Figure 26, are shown. Furthermore, in Figure 27(a), the performance ROM board 4061 is represented by a dashed line, and a portion of the front surface 401s, which was obscured by the performance ROM board 4061 in Figure 26, is also shown. Additionally, Figure 27(a) shows the ground plane pattern GBP and various markings located on the front surface 401s, which were omitted from the illustration in Figure 26. The ground plane pattern GBP is shown in gray and is covered by solder resist (not shown).

[0375] In Figure 27(a), the first region 4011 is the area enclosed by the dotted line. The first region 4011 is the area of ​​the front surface 401s of the first sub-control board 401 that overlaps with the cooling unit 430, while the area of ​​the front surface 401s that does not overlap with the cooling unit 430 is called the second region 4012. This second region 4012 is the area of ​​the front surface 401s other than the first region 4011.

[0376] Area 1 4011 contains the CPU 404, as well as various circuit components, patterns, and through-holes. It also has various character markings, frame markings indicating the placement of circuit components, linear leader lines connecting the frame markings and character markings when they are separated, and a marking indicating the position of pin 1 of the integrated circuit. The printing referred to here is silk screen printing. The frame markings are lines surrounding the circuit components, and the leader line markings are lines extending from the frame markings towards the character markings.

[0377] Specifically, a solid ground pattern GBP is provided, connected to the second region 4012. Alternatively, the solid ground pattern GBP may be provided only within the first region 4011. The solid ground pattern GBP has numerous vias. These numerous vias are shown as single circles. Among these numerous vias are through-holvias SV that penetrate from the front surface 401s to the opposite back surface 401r (see Figure 27(b)). Through-holvias SV are also placed within the portion of the solid ground pattern GBP within the first region 4011. Furthermore, through-holvias SV are also placed within the portion of the first region 4011 where the solid ground pattern GBP is not provided.

[0378] Furthermore, within the first region 4011 of the ground plane pattern GBP, through-holes SH and mounting holes MH for attaching the cooling unit 430 to the first sub-control board 401 are provided, in addition to through-holvias SV. Lands are provided around the edges defining the through-holes SH, and the edges of the through-holes SH form the inner circle of a double circle. On the other hand, the edges defining the mounting holes MH are covered with an insulator. The mounting holes MH are through-holes provided at four locations corresponding to the four corners of a rectangle within the first region 4011, and are screw holes for screwing the cooling unit 430 to the first sub-control board 401. The three mounting holes MH other than those located in the ground plane pattern GBP are provided in areas within the first region 4011 where the ground plane pattern GBP is not located.

[0379] Furthermore, various circuit components are also mounted within the first region 4011. Specifically, a resistor R1 and a capacitor C1 are located below the CPU 404 within the first region 4011, two resistor arrays RM1 and RM2 and an integrated circuit IC2 are located to the left of the CPU 404 (right side in the diagram), and three oscillator circuits X1 to X3, a coil L1, a diode ZD1, and a noise filter NF1 are located to the right of the CPU 404 (left side in the diagram).

[0380] In addition, within the first area 4011, the text "IC1" representing the CPU 404 and the text "RM1" and "RM2" representing the two resistor arrays RM1 and RM2 are displayed (printed). Within the first area 4011, the ground plane pattern GBP located below the CPU 404 displays the text "IC2" representing the integrated circuit IC2. Furthermore, a triangular mark indicating the position of pin 1 is displayed in the upper left (upper right in the diagram) of the mounted CPU 404.

[0381] Furthermore, within the second area 4012, in the area immediately below the first area 4011, the letters "R1" representing resistor R1 and "C1" representing capacitor C1 are displayed (printed). Below these displays, six resistors R2 to R7 are arranged in a horizontal row. In other words, these six resistors R2 to R7 are mounted in the second area 4012. Each of the six resistors R2 to R7 is enclosed in a frame. These six frame displays are adjacent to each other, forming a single horizontal group of frame displays. Within the first area 4011, on the ground plane pattern GBP located below the CPU 404, the letters "R2" to "R7" representing these resistors R2 to R7 are displayed together in one large horizontal frame. Furthermore, this large horizontal frame and the aforementioned group of horizontal frame displays are connected by a single linear leader line, and a portion of this linear leader line is displayed within the first area 4011.

[0382] Furthermore, in the area between the first region 4011 and connectors CN2 and CN3, that is, in the area of ​​the second region 4012 to the left of the first region 4011 (to the right in the diagram), two test points TP1 and TP2 are located, and the first region 4011 also displays the letters "TP1" and "TP2" to represent these test points TP1 and TP2.

[0383] Here, within the first region 4011, the number of character representations for circuit components etc. displayed on the ground plane pattern GBP is 7 ("IC2" and "R2" to "R7"), while the number of character representations for circuit components etc. displayed in the non-ground plane pattern area outside the ground plane pattern GBP is 5 ("IC1", "RM1", "RM2", "TP1", "TP2"), with the ground plane pattern GBP having more. This is because the non-ground plane pattern area has wiring patterns not shown here, and the ground plane pattern GBP has more space to display character representations. However, if there are no space constraints, the number of character representations in the ground plane pattern GBP and the non-ground plane pattern area may be the same, or conversely, the non-ground plane pattern area may have more.

[0384] Furthermore, the first area 4011 displays a frame surrounding the integrated circuit IC2, frames surrounding the two resistor arrays RM1 and RM2, a frame surrounding resistor R1, and a frame surrounding capacitor C1. Linear lead lines extend from the frames surrounding resistor R1 and capacitor C1, and parts of these lead lines are displayed within the first area 4011. In addition, a triangular mark indicating the position of pin 1 is displayed in the lower left (lower right in the diagram) of the frame surrounding the integrated circuit IC2.

[0385] Furthermore, each of the three oscillator circuits X1 to X3 is enclosed in a frame, as are the frame enclosing the coil L1, the diode ZD1, and the noise filter NF1. These frames are adjacent to each other, forming a single vertical group of frames. In the second region 4012, the area to the right of the first region 4011 (left in the diagram) displays the letters "X1," "X2," and "X3" representing the three oscillator circuits X1 to X3, the letter "L1" representing the coil L1, the letter "ZD1" representing the diode ZD1, and the letter "NF1" representing the noise filter NF1, all grouped together in one large vertical frame. This large vertical frame and the aforementioned group of vertical frames are connected by a single linear leader line, and a portion of this linear leader line is displayed within the first region 4011. The area where a large vertical frame is displayed is the area that overlaps with the performance ROM board 4061, and connector CN1, to which connector 4062 of the performance ROM board 4061 is connected B2B, is located in this area. Although a ground plane pattern is not located in the area that overlaps with the performance ROM board 4061, it may be added if desired.

[0386] Furthermore, within the second region 4012, the letters "CN1," "CN2," "CN3," and "CN4" are displayed near the four connectors CN1 to CN4, representing each connector. Note that connector CN4, to which the second sub-control board (not shown) is connected, partially overlaps with the first region 4011. In other words, the upper end of the cooling unit 430 overlaps with the lower end of connector CN4, thus optimizing the layout space.

[0387] In Figure 27(a), the horizontal line passing through the center of the CPU 404 from left to right is represented by the dashed line 1L. The center of the CPU 404 is located between the two connectors CN2 and CN3 to which the audio control board 419 is connected.

[0388] Furthermore, the plane direction in which the front surface 401s expands is the direction along the plane of the paper in Figure 27, and is the direction of any of the arrows representing the up, down, left, and right relationships shown in the upper left. When comparing distances in this plane direction, the shortest distance from the upper end of the cooling unit 430 to the center position of the CPU 404 is the straight-line distance indicated by arrow (a), and the shortest distance from the lower end of the cooling unit 430 to the center position of the CPU 404 is the straight-line distance indicated by arrow (b). The straight-line distance indicated by arrow (a) is longer than the straight-line distance indicated by arrow (b). Similarly, when comparing distances in the plane direction, the shortest distance from the upper end of the cooling unit 430 to the upper end of the CPU 404 is the straight-line distance indicated by arrow (a), and the shortest distance from the lower end of the cooling unit 430 to the lower end of the CPU 404 is the straight-line distance indicated by arrow (b). The straight-line distance indicated by arrow (a) is longer than the straight-line distance indicated by arrow (b). Furthermore, in Figure 27(a), the horizontal lines passing through the two upper mounting holes MH of the four mounting holes MH for attaching the cooling unit 430 are represented by the dashed-dot line 2L, and the horizontal lines passing through the two lower mounting holes MH are represented by the dashed-dot line 3L. When comparing the distances in the planar direction as described above, the shortest distance from the upper end of the cooling unit 430 to the upper dashed-dot line 2L is the straight-line distance indicated by the arrow in (a), and the shortest distance from the lower end of the cooling unit 430 to the lower dashed-dot line 3L is the straight-line distance indicated by the arrow in (b). The straight-line distance indicated by the arrow in (a) is longer than the straight-line distance indicated by the arrow in (b).

[0389] By varying the distances in the planar direction in this way, if someone tries to install the cooling means 430 in the wrong orientation (for example, upside down), they can notice the mistake.

[0390] In the comparison of distances in the planar direction, the upper and lower ends of the cooling unit 430 were used as an example. The upper end of the cooling unit 430 corresponds to one end of the cooling unit 430, and the lower end of the cooling unit 430 corresponds to the other end of the cooling unit 430 that is opposite to the one end in the planar direction. While these may be the upper and lower ends of the cooling unit 430, they may also be the upper and lower ends of the heatsink 431, or the upper and lower ends of the cooling fan 432. Alternatively, the cooling fan 432 may be provided with a power cord (not shown) connected to a power supply connector (not shown) located in the second region 4012, and the comparison may be between the distance from the tip of the power cord when the power cord is extended toward the power supply connector (when the power cord is extended toward the cooling fan 432) and the distance from the end opposite to the power supply connector (the end opposite to the part of the cooling fan 432 where the power cord is provided). For example, the comparison could be between the shortest distance from the tip of the power cord extended towards the power connector to the center of the CPU 404 and the shortest distance from the end of the cooling unit 430 opposite to the power connector to the center of the CPU 404. In this case, the former shortest distance would be longer than the latter shortest distance.

[0391] Figure 27(b) is a view of the first sub-control board 401 in Figure 27(a) from the direction of arrow A (downward). In Figure 27(b), the front-back, left-right relationship is indicated by the arrow in the upper left. Similar to Figure 26, the left-right relationship indicated by the arrow in the upper left is the relationship when viewing the slot machine from the front, and is the opposite of the left-right relationship in the drawing. Also, the lower side of the drawing is the front side (player side).

[0392] In Figure 27(b), both the cooling unit 430 and the performance ROM board 4061 are shown as they actually are. The heat sink 431 of the cooling unit 430 has a rectangular base portion 431b and multiple fins such as first fins 4311, second fins 4312, etc., which are erected from the base portion 431b. In Figure 27(b), the distance between adjacent first fins 4311 and second fins 4312 (fin spacing) is indicated by the arrow (o). The fin spacing is the same for any adjacent fins. Spacers 431s are provided at each of the four corners of the rectangular base portion 431b (see also Figure 26). The spacers 431s are composed of screw members and springs (not shown). These spacers 431s correspond to the four mounting holes MH provided on the first sub-control board 401, and the screw members of the spacers 431s are screwed into the mounting holes MH. In Figure 27(b), the screw threads of the spacers 431s penetrate the mounting holes MH, with their tips protruding beyond the back surface 401r. The heatsink 431 is supported by these spacers 431s at a position rearward from the front surface 401s. Therefore, a gap is provided between the front surface 401s and the heatsink 431. Tightening the screw threads of the spacers 431s compresses a spring (not shown) and narrows the gap. Conversely, loosening the screw threads of the spacers 431s extends the spring (not shown) and widens the gap. This adjustable gap is greater than the thickness of the CPU 404, but may also be the same as the thickness of the CPU 404. In Figure 27(b), the thickness of the CPU 404, i.e., the shortest distance from the front surface 401s to the part of the CPU 404 furthest away, is indicated by the arrow (u). The cooling unit 430 includes a heatsink 431 and a cooling fan 432, as well as thermal conductive materials 433 such as thermal grease and thermal pads. The CPU 404 and the heatsink 431 are in contact via these thermal conductive materials 433. The straight-line distance indicated by the arrow in (u) can also be said to be the shortest distance from the front surface 401s of the cooling unit 430 to the closest part.As is clear from Figure 27(b), the arrangement of the heatsink 431, cooling fan 432, thermal conductive member 433, and CPU 404 in the direction away from the front surface 401s (arrangement towards the rear) is CPU 404, thermal conductive member 433, heatsink 431, and cooling fan 432. Note that the thermal conductive member 433 may be omitted, and the CPU 404 and heatsink 431 may be in direct contact.

[0393] Figure 27(b) shows various circuit components (resistor R1, capacitor C1, integrated circuit IC2, and resistor array RM2) located below the CPU 404 in the first region 4011 in Figure 27(a). For convenience, in Figure 27(b), all circuit components are represented as having the same thickness. That is, the shortest distance from the front surface 401s to the part of each circuit component is made the same, and this shortest distance is represented by the arrow (e). However, in reality, the thickness of the circuit component represented by the arrow (e) is the thickness of the thickest circuit component, i.e., the shortest distance to the part of the circuit component that has the part furthest from the front surface 401s. The thickness of the CPU 404 represented by the arrow (u) mentioned above is thicker than the thickness of the circuit component represented by the arrow (e). Furthermore, the thickness of the circuit component indicated by the arrow in (e) is thinner than the shortest distance from the front surface 401s of the cooling unit 430 (heat sink 431) to the nearest part (corresponding to the thickness of the CPU 404 + the thickness of the heat conductive material 433).

[0394] As explained above, a gap is provided between the front surface 401s and the heat sink 431. By placing various circuit components in the empty gap in the area of ​​the first region 4011 where the CPU 404 is not located, the space in the empty gap can be effectively utilized, and the area of ​​the first sub-control board 401 can be reduced. Furthermore, although there is a risk of unauthorized components being placed in the empty gap, placing various circuit components reduces the volume of that space, making it more difficult for unauthorized components to be placed there. In addition, air flowing from the bottom to the top of the first sub-control board 401 due to temperature differences may flow into the empty gap. The air that flows into that space is diffused by the various circuit components, spreading widely throughout the space and allowing the heat sink 431 to be cooled from that side. In addition, gaps are created between the heatsink 431 and the various circuit components, and the air in these gaps provides insulation, preventing the heat from the CPU 404 from being directly transferred to the various circuit components through the heatsink 431. Furthermore, if there were no gaps between the components, air would not be able to flow into that space, but the presence of these gaps allows air to flow in, and this airflow can also cool the heatsink 431.

[0395] The ground plane pattern GBP provided within the first region 4011 can diffuse (disperse) the heat dissipated from the heat sink 431 into the gap between it and the front surface 401s, thereby contributing to suppressing the temperature rise of the first sub-control board 401. Furthermore, this heat can be released to the back surface 401r side through through-holes such as through-holvia SV and through-hole SH provided within the first region 4011, and these through-holes also contribute to suppressing the temperature rise of the first sub-control board 401.

[0396] Furthermore, the fin spacing in the heatsink 431, indicated by the arrow (o), is narrower than the thickness of the CPU 404, indicated by the arrow (u) mentioned above. This makes it difficult to place an improper component between two adjacent fins, such as the first fin 4311 and the second fin 4312. Also, a narrower fin spacing increases the heat transfer area of ​​the heatsink 431, thereby increasing the heat dissipation effect. Moreover, the fin spacing in the heatsink 431, indicated by the arrow (o), may be narrower than the thickness of the circuit component indicated by the arrow (e) mentioned above, or it may be wider than the thickness of the circuit component indicated by the arrow (e).

[0397] Furthermore, the thickness of a single fin (fin thickness) may be narrower than the thickness of the CPU 404 as indicated by the arrow in (u) above. Also, the distance between the thickness center of the first fin 4311 and the thickness center of the second fin 4312 (fin pitch) may be shorter than the thickness of the CPU 404 as indicated by the arrow in (u) above.

[0398] Furthermore, in Figure 27(b), the thickness of the first sub-control board 401 is indicated by the arrow (ka). The gap between the front surface 401s and the heat sink 431 is narrower than the sum of the thickness of the circuit components indicated by the arrow (e) and the thickness of the first sub-control board 401 indicated by the arrow (ka). In other words, the gaps between the circuit components such as resistor R1, capacitor C1, integrated circuit IC2, and resistor array RM2 and the heat sink 431 are narrower than the thickness of the first sub-control board 401. This makes it difficult to place an improperly mounted board in the gaps between components.

[0399] Figure 27(b) also shows the six resistors R2 to R7 placed within the second region 4012. As shown in Figure 27(a), some of the markings related to these six resistors R2 to R7 (the letters "R2" to "R7", one large horizontal frame, a group of horizontal frames, and one leader line) are displayed in the first region 4011. Even if one attempts to place an incorrect component in the first region 4011 while avoiding the markings related to the six resistors R2 to R7, the markings related to the six resistors R2 to R7 make it difficult to place the incorrect component.

[0400] The cooling fan 432 is supported on the fins of the heatsink 431 by four spacers 432s (see also Figure 26) which are received by the base portion 431b of the heatsink 431. The spacers 431b that support the cooling fan 432, like the spacers 431s that support the heatsink 431, are made up of screw members and springs (not shown).

[0401] Furthermore, as described above, the performance ROM board 4061 is supported by spacers 406s at a position away from the front surface 401s in the thickness direction (rearward) of the first sub-control board 401. The performance ROM board 4061 is not directly mounted (soldered) to the front surface 401s. By not directly mounting it to the front surface 401s, the performance ROM board 4061 can be easily replaced, and it becomes easy to make the slot machine 100 perform different performances. The spacers 406s that support the performance ROM board 4061 are made of screw members, and the tip of the screw member penetrates the first sub-control board 401. A space is created between the performance ROM board 4061, which is supported by spacers 406s, and the front surface 401s, and in Figure 27(b), the shortest distance from the front surface 401s to the performance ROM board 4061 is shown by the arrow (ki). The shortest distance from the front surface 401s, indicated by the arrow in (ki), to the performance ROM board 4061 is longer than the thickness of the CPU 404, indicated by the arrow in (u) above. In Figure 27(b), the connection between the connector 4062 of the performance ROM board 4061 and the connector CN1 mounted on the first sub-control board 401 is visible in the space between the performance ROM board 4061 and the front surface 401s.

[0402] Furthermore, since the front door 102 of this embodiment of the slot machine opens to the left, when the front door 102 is open, the open end of the front door 102 is on the right side (left side in the drawing) when the slot machine is viewed from the front. Figure 27(b) shows the light path when the light from the LED light is shone from the open end of the front door 102 during inspection, indicated by a dotted arrow. As indicated by this dotted arrow, the light from the LED light passes through the space and reaches the empty gap in the area of ​​the first region 4011 where the CPU 404 is not located. The performance ROM board 4061 is located on the open end of the front door 102 of the first sub-control board 401, and by providing the performance ROM board 4061, it is made difficult for an unauthorized person to access the empty gap from the open end of the front door 102. In addition, by shining the light from the LED light through the space from the open end of the front door 102, it is possible to visually check the circuit components and printed markings located in the empty gap. Furthermore, it is possible to visually check whether any unauthorized parts have been installed in the aforementioned gaps.

[0403] Furthermore, the performance ROM board 4061 is positioned closer to the front surface 401s of the heatsink 431 than the part furthest from the front surface 401s (the tip of the fin). If the performance ROM board 4061 were positioned too far from the front surface 401s, there would be a risk of unauthorized components being placed between the front surface 401s and the performance ROM board 4061. Also, as shown in Figure 27(a), the performance ROM board 4061 is positioned to the side of the cooling unit 430 rather than on top of it, so it is less affected by the hot air emitted from the cooling fan 432. In addition, although the performance ROM board 4061 is located next to the heatsink 431, positioning it next to the cooling fan 432 would reduce the effect of heat dissipation from the heatsink 431 on the performance ROM board 4061. In this case, it is preferable to use a heat sink 431 with a reduced fin height, or a cooling unit in which the base portion 431b of the heat sink 431 is extended and a cooling fan 432 is provided next to the fins, that is, a cooling unit in which the heat sink 431 and the cooling fan 432 are arranged side by side in the direction in which the front surface 401s widens.

[0404] Figure 28(a) is a view of the first sub-control board 401 in Figure 27(a) from the direction of arrow B (right). In Figure 28(a), the front-to-back and top-to-bottom relationships are indicated by the arrow in the upper left. The right side of the drawing is the rear, and this is the side where the person performing the inspection with the front door 102 open is located.

[0405] Figure 28(a) shows the three oscillator circuits X1-X3, coil L1, diode ZD1, noise filter NF1, resistor R1, and integrated circuit IC2 located in the area of ​​the first region 4011 where the CPU 404 is not located. Capacitor C1, which is hidden by the spacer 431s of the heatsink 431, is shown with a dotted line. Furthermore, resistor R7 located in the second region 4012 is also shown. As described above, the first sub-control board 401 has letter markings printed on it to represent each of these circuit components. In Figure 28(a), the letter marking "R1" for resistor R1 is shown with the code R1P attached to a brace symbol, and the letter marking "C1" for capacitor C1 is shown with the code C1P attached to a brace symbol.

[0406] With the front door 102 open, the appearance of the R1P and C1P character displays will be explained by changing the position and orientation of the inspector who is behind the first sub-control board 401. In Figure 28(a), the inspector's line of sight is represented by a dotted arrow.

[0407] From the perspective of an inspector at position P1, where their line of sight is perpendicular to the first sub-control board 401, the cooling unit 430 obstructs the view of the character displays R1P and C1P. On the other hand, an inspector at position P2, which is directly below position P1, also has a line of sight perpendicular to the first sub-control board 401, and from this position P2, they can see the character displays R1P and C1P.

[0408] Furthermore, the character displays R1P and C1P can also be seen by an inspector at position P3, where their line of sight is at an angle to the first sub-control board 401. The line of sight of an inspector at position P4, which is directly below position P3, is also at an angle to the first sub-control board 401, but the character displays R1P and C1P can also be seen from this position P4.

[0409] The above explanation of whether or not it is visible may be interpreted as follows: whether or not it is visible through a transparent circuit board case (not shown) when the first sub-control board 401 is housed and mounted on the upper part of the back surface of the front door 102; or whether or not it is visible through a hole provided in the circuit board case; or whether or not it is visible when the circuit board case is removed.

[0410] Circuit components located in the area of ​​the first region 4011 where the CPU 404 is not located are often obscured by the cooling unit 430, and with the exception of some components, are often not visible to the inspector from any position or direction. However, even for such components that are not visible to the inspector, if the second region 4012 displays an indication related to the invisible component (text display, frame display, leader line display), the inspector can determine the approximate location of the invisible component without removing the cooling unit 430.

[0411] Figure 28(b) is a plan view of the first sub-control board 401 in a modified example.

[0412] In this modified example, the first sub-control board 401 also has a cooling unit 430. In Figure 28(b), the cooling unit 430 is represented by a dotted line, and the area enclosed by this dotted line becomes the first area 4011 on the front surface 401s that overlaps with the cooling unit 430. The area on the front surface 401s that does not overlap with the cooling unit 430 becomes the second area 4012. The CPU 404, which is mounted on the front surface 401s and located within the first area 4011, is shown by a solid line, and the letters "IC1" representing the CPU 404 and a triangular mark indicating the position of pin 1 are also shown. Furthermore, on the front surface 401s of the first sub-control board 401 in this modified example, 17 resistors R1 to R17 are mounted. Each resistor has a frame indicating its placement position, and a straight leader line extending from the frame. At the end of the leader line, the letters "R1" to "R17" representing each resistor are displayed.

[0413] Resistors R1 to R5 and R16 are located within the first region 4011. Resistors R6, R12, R13, R15 and R17 are partially located within the first region 4011, with the remainder located in the second region 4012. Resistors R7 to R11 and R14 are located within the second region 4012.

[0414] The character markings for resistors R1, R9-R12, and R15 are printed (displayed) within the first area 4011. The character markings for resistors R2, R8, R13, R14, and R16 are partially printed within the first area 4011 and the remaining portion is printed in the second area 4012. The character markings for resistors R3-R7 and R17 are printed within the second area 4012.

[0415] The frame markings for resistors R1-R4 and R16 are printed (displayed) within the first area 4011. The frame markings for resistors R5, R6, R11-R13, R15 and R17 are partially printed within ...

Claims

1. A cooling means having a heat sink, A substrate having a first surface, The first circuit configuration means, A third circuit configuration means, A gaming machine equipped with, The cooling means is capable of cooling the first circuit configuration means, The first circuit configuration means is arranged within a first region of the first surface that overlaps with the cooling means, The aforementioned substrate is one on which a third display related to the third circuit configuration means is displayed, The third circuit configuration means is arranged within a second region of the first surface that does not overlap with the cooling means. The third display is a display in which at least a portion is displayed within the first area. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A gaming machine according to claim 1, It is equipped with a second circuit configuration means, The second circuit configuration means is located within the first region. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, The aforementioned substrate is one on which a second display related to the second circuit configuration means is displayed, The second display is a display in which at least a portion is displayed within the second area. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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