AU2004200883A1

AU2004200883A1 - Gaming machine

Info

Publication number: AU2004200883A1
Application number: AU2004200883A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kazuo Okada
Original assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2003-02-28
Filing date: 2004-03-01
Publication date: 2004-09-16
Also published as: CN1526467A; EP1453022A2; CN100364630C; EP1453022A3

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

Applicant(s): ARUZE CORP.

Actual Inventor(s): KAZUO OKADA Address for Service: PATENT ATTORNEY SERVICES 26 Ellingworth Parade Box Hill Victoria 3128 Australia Title: GAMING MACHINE Associated Provisional Applications: No(s).: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- GAMING MACHINE 'Field of Technology Th,, prosoni invention relates to a gaming machine and a display device for a gaininl} machine.

The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art in Australia.

Doscription of Related Art In the rela~ed art, public favor has been gained b, a gaming Machine, which is intendedt to continue the inte-rest of a player without getting the p~ayei tired of it by displaying. rotatable reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on t heir peripheries in motion or still so that pin balls, gam(! me lals or game media may be paid out on the basis of the (ombination 6ilthe symbols displayed still., Of thes3 gaining mau hines, there is a slot machine for displaying the r'eels in a stalionary state on the basis of the stopping operation.

This slot machine is recognized as a superior technical intervention of the player to that (f the pin ball machine.

SpE 6ifically, it is probably "observati 3n pulsh,' in which -the Player r,:ust perform the i top operation in a prede-,ermined timing so as to Etop the reel to shctw a pr edeterminad symbol ori the surface in a stationary state, that has rr ade the slot; machine so popular. (Set, Japanese examined patent piiblicationo No. JP-B-H3-7231.3) In recent yaars, it gaming machine such as a pinball gaminrg rMachine or a pad i-slot machinie spreads widely, and various typeE of gaming machlnei4 are developed and~sold by each gaming machine maker.

This gaining maclinE! is provided in it s cabinet with a display uxiit, ina which there a-re displayed various imageE; such. as an image indicating the play contents )r an effect image for miaking effects. This display unit is indispensable for sueih gaming machines.

In -this disr lay unit, there may be used various liquid cryf-tal AIIF*075 displays, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), STI (Super-Twisted Transistor), and TFT (Thin Fil3n Transistor) type of displays. This display unit may be mounted in inside the cabinet of the gaming machine such that a display pe.nel appears in a bulging shape from the outside In order to reduce the sii:e ol the gaming machine, therefore, a thin type liquid crystal display has become in the mainstream. (See Japanese unexamined pateni publication No. JP-A-2002-272903.) Summary of the Invention However, it is not easy with this gaming machine for the playe:: to visually recognize ;ymbols being displayed in a motion state and to stop the reel so as to show the desired symbol in a still state. Therefore, a teginner espe:iall:r may not be able to perform such stop operation.

Even if an enjcyable game is provided, therefore, it may not be enjoyed by some people because they cannot stop and make the reel show the desired symbol due to lack of their skills.

Here, the gaming machine is provided with symbol illuminating lamps for illuminai.ing the reel from the front face so that the reels may be easily visually recognized. However, o:nly the pattern illuminating lamps are not iuffi:ient.

On the other hand, some gaming machine is provided with reel backlights for illuminating the reels from the back. These backlights may be turned ON for making variou; 'effects. However, these backlights are lit only for the effects but are not lit in case the effects are not made, so that tiey cannot be the to be sufficient.

There has also been proposed a gaming machine, which flashes such reel backlight to promote the stopping operation in response to ;he lighting operation. However, this gaming machine cannot suffice the joy of the "observatior push", in which the stop and display are done in response to the n tice from the gaming machine, and the technical 2 ARF-075 S 9/ ,d L ION IVd SV gOHV8; 'E i4 ,E intervention to attain the senses of fulfillment and satisfaction to be attained by the stcpping and displaying operations of the player himeielf.

According to the present invention, it is an object to provide a gaming machine, which enables more playrs to enjoy the "observation push" by making tie patterns easily visible.

In this gaming machine, however, an uncomfortable image may be displayed due to a trouble in the liquid crystal display thereby to obstruct the interest of the player.

This uncom :ortable image is caused by noises or static electricity, for example. It hiLs been desired to eliminate such uncomfortable image its much as ponsibl In some gariing machine, on the other hand, such liquid crystal display is arra.nged on the front faces of the reels. In case a circuit for feeding the liquid irystal display with image signals becomes abnorrr al, however, the liqu: d crystal display disables the display of the reel patterns in motion to be visually recognized. This failure of the visaal recognition is'ot favorable.

This licuid crystal display is fed with the power source from a circuit or the feed source of its image signals through the sEme connection cables as those for feeding the image signals. In case no power source is fd to the circuit or the image signal feed source, therefore, the aforE mentioned may be caused by the disconnection or the Iike of the connection cables.

According to the present invention, it is an object to provid3 a gaming machine, which can continue the interest of the player even in case the power soui-ce is not fed to a board having display control means.

According to< the present invention, it is an object to provide a gaming machine.

According tc the present invention, it is an object to provide a gaming machine, hich can continue the interest of the player even in 3 ARF. 075 9" 'd tL~l OH\ IVd 'I SVAVOH 'E4i1\i4 ,(CE( case the power source is not fed to the display control means.

In some gaining machine, on the ot:ier hand, such liquid crystal display is arrangel on the front faces of the reels. In case the image signals to be fed the liquid crystal display are abnormal or in case a circuit for feeding the liquid crystal display with the image signals becomes abnormal, however, the liquid crystal display disables the display of the reel patterns in motion to be visually recognized. This failure of the visual recognition is not favorable.

In some garning machine, on the other hand, such liquid crystal display is arranged on the front faces of the reels. In case a circuit for feeding the liquid :rystal display with image signals becomes abnormal, however, the liqu:.d crystal display disables the display of the reel patterns in motion to be visually recognized. This failure of the visual recognition is :iot favorable, In order to achieve the aforementioned object, in the gaming machine of the invention, the reel illuminating means has a function to illuminate the reel in case the power sourca is turned ON.

More specifically, the invention provides the following.

A gariing machine may comprise rotatable reels having a plurality of siymbols drawn on their oiter peripheries, and rael i:.luminati:-g meanti for illuminating the reels, and the reel illuminating means may have a function to illuminate the reels in case the power source is turned 011.

According t( "the reel illuminating means has a function to illuminate the reel3 in case the power source is turned ON". Since the function to illumixate the reels is enabled by turning ON the power source, it is possible provide a game, which can make the reels easily visible and can continue the interest of the player for a long time. Since t.is visibility is male easier, moreover, the game makes the player hardly tired to keep the interest of the player for a long time.

4 ARF-075 S 9/ 6 d 1 'C 1 0 N IVd 'I SVAVOHS 'E-CKi,4 ,,%EL L OJ S I HS 7, 0 0 Especially in case the patterns are displayed in motion because the reels are :-otated, they are harder to be visually recognized than in :ase they are displayed still. According to this gaming machine, it is possible to provide a game, which can recognize the reels visually .ore easily than the related art and which can continue the interest of the player. Since this visibility is made easier, moreover, it is possible to provide a game, which can make the player hardly tired and can keep the interest of the player for a long time. Since the contents of the game are frequently determined according to the stopping mode of the reels, the game capable if continuing the interest of the player for a long time can be provided by suc:i gaming machine.

Here, the aforementioned "case of the power ON" is a concept including the :ase, in which the power source is merely turned ON, and the case in which the power source is turned ON again. In the incluted case, for egample, 1 he power source may be turned ON on the basis of the operation of the pcwer button, and the power source may be turned ON egain on the basis 3f the operation of the reset button.

The gaming machine of the invention may comprise rotatable reel3 having a plurality of symbols drawn on their outer peripheries, and reel illuminating means for illuminating the reels, End the reel illuminating means may have a function to illuminate the reels at all times while the power source is ON.

According to "the reel illuminating means has a functior to illuminate the reel i at all times while the power source is ON". In case the gaming machine is powered, in case the gaming machine may be played, therefore, :t is possible to provide game, which can make the reels easily visible and can continue the interest of the player for a long time. Since this risibility is made easier, moreover, it is possible to provide a game, which can make the player hardly tired and can keep the in:terest of the player for a long time.

ARF075 S9 a 1 'C ON IVd 'I SVAVdOHS; 4 I, E% t4804SJ OS8 7. 007 A ga:ning machine may comprise rotatable reels havir.g a plurality of symbols drawn on their outer peripheries, and reel illuminating means for illuminating the re'ils, and the reel illuminai;ing means may have a function not to illuminate the reels, in case the effects are to be made, bu; to illuminate the reels in case no effect is to be made.

According to "the reel illuminating means has a function not to illuminate the reels, in case the effects are to be made, but to illuminate the reels in case n) effect is to be made". Therefore, the effects may be made by extinguislLing the reels, but the reels are illuminated at all times, in case the effectE are not made. In other words, the reels are made ordinarily visible, mnd the effects are made by not illuminating the reels.

As a result, it is possible to provide a game, which makes the effects with the brightness of the reels, which can make the reels easily visible and which can conl;inu< the interest of the player for a long time. Since t;his visibility is meide easier, moreover, it is possible to provide a game, which can make the :playir hardly tired and can keep the interest of the player for a long time.

The gaming machine of the invention may further comprise: E. display device mounted on the front faces of the reels for displaying an image; and displa3 control means for displaying an image relating to a g'ame on the display device, and the display control means may have a function to diiplay an image of a relatively high transparency on the display device.

Accordi:ng to "the gaming machine further comprises: a display device mounted on the front faces cf the reels for displaying an image; and display control means for displaying an image relating to a game on the display device, and the display control means has a funct:.on to display an imagie of a relatively high transparency on the display device". 'hereforn, the invisibility is eliminated by displaying an imELge of a relatively high transparency. Thus, it is possible provide a garne, 6 ARF.075 S91 11 'd ONi i3 IVd 'I SVAVgOHI; 'E1Kc44 V,\1E( Roips I Ds(- 71 It/ 0 N which carn make the reels more visible and can continue the interest of the player for a long time. Since this visibility is made easier, it is also possible to provide the game, which can make the player hardly tired and can keep the inter!st of the player for a long time.

Ther* is provided a gaming rachine comprising a display unit for displaying an image, and display control means for displaying an image relating to a game on the display unit, further comprising: an image display unil having the display control means; and power source feeding means for feeding the power source independently to the display device and the image display unit.

According tc "there are provided ;he image display unit having the display control means, and the power source feeding means for feeding the power source independently to the display device and the image display Even in case the power source is not fed to the image display unit, it is still fed independently of the power source feeding means for the display device so that the display device itself is not disconnected :'rom the power source. By eliminating one factor which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible tc provride a gaming machine which can continue the interest of the player for a ong time.

The afiorementioned concept of "feed the power source independently" contains not only the mere use of a separate power source device but also the feed of the power source to one board even in case the power source devici is shared and in case the other board is not fed with the power source.

There is provided a gaming machine according to farther compri.sing an image state keeping board having image state keeping means foi accepting the image signals fed from the display control means to display the image on the display device and for c:ntrolling: the display device into a constant state in case the image 7 ARF-075 S/7 'd N'D lVd 'iSVAV80OH; ,/ICEG R ds OS F t 0 P signals are aboorn.al.

According "the gaming machine comprises the image slate keeping board having the image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed Irom the display control means to display the imagE on the display device ind for controlling the display device into the constant state in case the image signals are abnormal". Even in case the power Eource is not fed to the image display unit, .t is still fed independently of the power source feeding means for the display device so that the display device itself is not disconnected from the power source. By eliminating cne factor, which m ay give an uncomfortable feel during playing the ge.me, therefore, it is posi ible to provide a gaming machine, which can conti:iue the interest of the player for a long time.

By providing such image state keeping means, moreover, the predetermined ims ge is displayed in case the image is abnormal. By eliminating one fector, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine, which can continue the interest of the player for a long time.

A gaming machine according to or further comprises rotatable reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on their outer peripheries, w:.ere: n the display device is mounted on the front facei of the reels.

According to "the gaming machine comprises the rotatable reels having the iymbols drawn on their outer peripheries, and the display device is mounted on the front faces of the reels". The gaming machine having the display device on the reel front face to be most noted by the player can provide a game having dynamic effects but may give ;he more uncomfortable image influences to the player as the place is mnre noted. Especially in case the display device is disposed on the reel front face, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feeling to the player.

By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, 8 ARF-075 S /C ,d 1 0 N A0d 'ISVAUdHS 'Et$1K4 M(,E(1 RIC os( B_ 7 B135 therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

According to any one of to the gaming machine further comprises ]ower source relay means for relaying the power source fed from the powei source feeding means tc branch the power source fed from the power source feeding means, to the image display unit and the display device.

According t< "the gaming machine further comprises the power ,source relay means for relaying the power source fed from the power source fecdinkg means to branch the power source fed from the power source feeding me ns, to the image display unit and the display devi e", Therefore: the number of cables to be wired from the power source feeding means can be reduced, and many cables need not be bundled in the manufacturing process. At the reusing and recycling steps, moreover, the many cables need not be unbundled to offer conveniences.

For example, the gaming machine of the related art is constructed cf: a main body having a recess; a door for covering the recess; and a cevice (including a board) disposed in those insides. The aforementioned power source feeding meant is generally disposed in the recess of the main body. On the other hand, the device to be fed with various power sources is disposed in the recess of the main body or in the door. Therefore, not the device disposed in the main body but the device disposed in tho docr is disposed at a place relatively far from the power source feeding meaos. In order to feed the power source to those devices, needs troublesore works to wire the many power source cables. In addition, the cables for feeding the power source are clamped by the door, when this door is o')ened/closed, to cause disconnections.

By providing the power source relay means, therefore, the numaer of power source cables to the power source rellay means can be reducec. to make the works earier in the manufacturing process.

9 ARF- 076 Q9 i d I i I 'Oki A ~IH OHV I RVAVqOH2 VfA' 0E( {q Fin rfs41: R47ti~ 8511g~ Especially ly providing the door with the power source relay unit having that power source relay means, the wiring works can be made efficient. In tho multi-function gaming machine of recent years, moreover, many devices are disposed on the door. Therefore, the number of power source cables for feeding the powor source to those devices can be reduced and eff ciently wired.

According to any of to there is provided a gaming machine, wherein ;he image display unit is built in the upper portio:i of the gaming machir e.

According t) "the image display unit is built in the upper portion of the gan.ing machine". Therefore, the image display unit is built not in the lower portion, which may contact with the player bu; in the upper portion of the gaming machine under consideration.

Therefore, thet im.ige display unit is hardly influenced by the static electricity, as might otherwise be generated by the contact with the player.

On the othier hand, the static electricity may occur frequently especially in dry areas other than those of Japan. Even in case the static electricity occurs, the image state keeping board is disposed in the :.pper portion of the gaming machine so that the static electricity generated does not reach the image state keeping board but may highly possibly flow intc the earth attached to the cabinet. Thus, the construction is ef:'ective for the countereasures against the static electricity.

There is provided a display d.evice for a gaming machine comprising a displ.y device for displaying an image, and display control means for displaying an image relating to a game on the display device.

The display device further comprises: an image display unit having ;he display co:atrol means; and power source feeding means for feeding ;he power source independently to the display device and the image display ARF-075 L "1 0 H~i~ IVd ISVAVQOH,; 'E 4 E t $Sj PS B 7 t/ 0 7 1 unit.

According to "the display device comprises the image display unit having the display control means; a:nd the power source feeding means for feeding the power source independently to the display device and the image display unit". Even in case the power source is not fed to the image display unit, therefore, the power source is fed independently of the power sour:e feeding means for the display device so that the display device itself is not disconnected From the power source. By eliminating one f.ctor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible ;o provide a gaming machine which can continuE the interest of the player for a long time.

Thus, "the display device comprises the image display unit hav:.ng the display contrcl means; and the power source feeding means for feeding the pcwer source independently to the display device and the image display unil". Even in case thepower source is not fed to the image display unit, therefore, the power source is fed independently of the power source feeding means for the display device so that the disp.ay device itself is not disconnected from the power source. By eliminating one factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine which can continue the interest of the player for a long time.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the gaming machine of the inventi'n comprises: an image display unit having the display control means; an mage state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accelpting the image signals fed from the display control means, and for controlling ;he display device in a predetermined state in case ;he image signals are abnormal; and power source feeding means for feeding the power source iindependently to the image state keeping unit and -;he image display -init.

More specifically, the invention provides the following.

11 ARF-075 S9/9 1 ,d 0 IVd I!SVAVHOW;H 'E-I4 ,E, (11) T her,' is provided a gaming machine comprising a display device for displayiig an image, and display control means for displaying an image relating o a game on the display device. The gaming machine further compiises: an image display unit having the display control means; ar. image state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accepting the i:nage signals fed from the display control means, and for controlling the display device in a predetermined state in case .he image signals are abnormal; and power source feeding means for feeding the power source i:idependently to the image state keeping unit and ;he image display unit According t) "the gaming machine further comprises: the image display uni; having the display control means; the image state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed from tho display control means, s.nd for controlling the display cevice in a predetermined state in case the image signals are abnormal; end the power scurce feeding means for feeding the power source independently to the image state keeping unit and the image display L.nit". Even in case the power source is not fed to the image display u:iit, therefore, the power source is fed independently of the power source fseding means so that the state of the image can be kept without displaying any di turbed image. By eliminating one cause for an uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide a game capable of continuing the interest of the player for a long time.

The aforenentioned concept of "feed the power source i:dependently" contains not only the mere -use of different power source devices but also the feed of the power source to not one but the other even case the power s)urce device is shared.

(12) There is provided a gaming machine according to (11), wherein the inagE state keeping unit has not only the image state keeping means but also image enlarging conversion means for converging 12 ARF- 075 S 9/ I 'd t I C NM IVd 'ISVAV8OHS tS44( R I rS I GS F t BPON the accepted image signals into enlarged image signals.

According to "the image state keeping unit has not only the image state koepirg means but also image enlarging conversion means for converging the accepted image signals into enlarged image signals".

Even in case the power source is not fed to the display control unit, therefore, the power source is fed independently of the power source feeding means so that the state of the image can be kept without c.isplaying any disturbed image. By eliminating one cause for an uncomfortable feel ng during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide a. game capabl of (ontinuing the interest of the player for a long time.

Moreover, tie image signals are displayed, after enlarged and converted, as a larger image than that of the related art in the display device. This disp.ay can provide a game having dynamic effects but gives the more uncomfortable image influences to the player as the im age becomes the large.. Especially in case the image thus enlarged and converted is displ.yed, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable fseling to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable faeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

By providing the common image state keeping unit with the image state keeping means and the image enlarging conversion means, moreover, it is possible not only to invite no size enlargement but also to spare the space and to receive less influence of the noises.

(13) In a gaming machine according to (11) or the image state keeping unit s built in the upper portion of the gaming machine.

According t( "the image state keeping unit is built in ;he upper portion of th, gaming machine". Namely, the image state keeping unit is built in the apper portion of the gamn.ng machine, not in the lower portion of the gaining machine that miga.t be contacted the player.

Therefore, the imi.ge display unit is hardly influenced by the sta.tic 13 ARF-075 ~96~'d tL Ii 'ON IVd 'I SVAVOHi; Eti 4 ,EI I PS T F It/ 0 0 0, electricity, as might otherwise be generated by the contact with the player.

On the othar hand, the static electricity may occur frequently especially in dry ireas other than those of Japan. Even in case the static electricity occurs, the image state keeping unit is disposed in the upper portion of the gaming machine so that the static electricity generated does no; reach the image state keeping unit but may highly possibly :.ow into the earth attached to the cabinet. Thus, the construction is effective for the countermeasures against the static electricity.

(14) Accoiding to any one of (11) to the gaming machine further comprises :iotatable reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on their outer periphories, and the display device is mounted on the front faces of the re'ls.

According t) "the gaming machine further comprises the rotatable reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on their outer peripheries, and tt.e display device is mounted on the front faces of the reels". The gaming machine having the diiplay device on the reel front face to be most noled by the player can provide a game having dyna:nic effects but mEiy give the more uncomfortable image influences to the player as -;he place is more noted. Especially in case the display device is disposed on tho, reel front face, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feel:ng to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

On the other hand, not the uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be farm d by various troubles, but the image of a relatively high transparency is displayed on the display device. In case ;he abnormality is detected, therefore, it is possible to make the reels visible the player.

14 ARF-075 S9/6 1 d t/ 'ON iVd 'ISVAV OHS; E4c 4 ,4E It is, therefore, possible to provide a game, which can continue the interest of the player without displaying the image, as might otherwise become uncomfor;able during the play, unless the image sig'nal monitoring unit becomes abnormal.

Since the raels are made,visible, moreover, the game is hardly interrupted even in the abnormal case of the monitoring unit. There:'ore, it is possible to prnvide a game, which not only can be; continued but also is hardly distruste I by the player as if an inproper treatment were done, Eio that it can continue the interest of the player.

According to any one of (11) to the gaming machine further comprises power source relay means for relaying the power sov.rce fed from the powel source feeding means to branch the power source fed from the power source feeding means, to the image state keeping unit and the image display unit.

According t) "the gaming machine further comprises the power source relay means for relaying the power source fed from the power source feed:ng means to branch the power source fed from the power source feeding means, to the image state keeping unit and the image display unit". Therefore, the number of cables to be wired from the power source feeding means can be reduced, and many cables need rot be bundled in the manufacturing process. At the reusing and recycling steps, moreover, the many cables need not be unbundled to oiffer conveniences.

For exa:ple, the gaming machine of the related art is constructed of: a main body h.ving a recess; a door for covering the recess; ani a device (including a board) disposed in those: insides. The aforementioned power source feeding meanii is generally disposed in the recess of the nain body. On the other hand, the device to be fed with various power sour:es is disposed in the recess of the main body or in the door. Therefore, not the device disposed in the main body but the device ARF-075 1 G 'd t 'CH IVd SVAVgOHiS; 'Et$ii IE( R/1 i1 P i 71 #lt/00O61 disposed in thi door is disposed at a place relatively far from the power source feeding means. In order to feed the power source to those devices, it needs troublesome works to wire the many power source cables. In .ddition, the cable: for feeding the power source are clamped by the door, when this door is opened/closed, to cause disconnections.

By providing the power source relay means, therefore, the number of power sourc2 cat les to the power source relay means can be reduced to nake the works ea;ier in the manufacturing process.

Especially by providing the door with the power source relay unit Laving that power source relay unit, the wiring works can be made efficient. In the multi-function gaming machine of recent ye:rs, moreover, many devices are disposed on the door. Therefore, the number of power source cables for feeding the power source to those devices ,an be reduced, and effiziently wired.

(16) There is provided a display device for a gaming machine comprising a displ.y device for displaying an image, and display control means for displaying an image relating to a game on the display device.

The display device further comprises: an image display unit having ;he display control means; an image state keeping unit having image state keeping meani for accepting the image s:.gnals fed from the display cantrol means, and for controlling the display device in a predetermined state in case the iriage signals are abnormal; and power source feed:.ng means for feeding the power source independently to the image state keeping unit and t. e image display unit.

According to "the display device further comprises: the image display unit hLavinj the display control mee.ns; the image state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means, and for controlling the display device in a predeterm:ined state in case the image signals are abnormal; and the power source feeding means for feeding the power source independently 18 ARF-075 S19/H 'd Ii 'OHN iVd 'I SVAVBOHSi 'Et$W 44 ,E Rli~~ .B~~iBlC to the image state keeping unit and the image display unit". Even in case the power source is not fed to the display control unit, therefore, the power source is fed independently so that the state of the image car. be kept without displaying any disturbed image. By eliminating one cause for an uncomfbrtalle feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide a gam'x caj able of continuing the interest of the player for a long time.

Thus, "the iisplay device further comprises: the image display unit having the display control means; the image state keeping unit having image stat keeping means for accopting the image signals fed from the display ccntrol means, and for controlling the display device in E. predetermined sl ate in case the image signals are abnormal; and i;he power source feedi ag means for feeding the power source independently to the image Etate keeping unit and the image display unit". Even in case the power source is not fed to the image display unit, therefore, i;he power source is fei. independently so that the state of the image can be kept without displying any disturbed image.. By eliminating one cause for an uncomfortalle feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide a game capable of continuing the interest of the player for a Icng time.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the gaming machine of the invention comprises: an image displaying board having the display control means; and image signal control means for accepting image signals from tle diiplay control means to display an image on the display device and for detecting abnormality of the image signals, and transparent iirage display means for displaying an image of a relatively high transparency on the display device in case the abnormality of ;he image signals is de:ected by the image signe.l control means.

More specifi :ally, the invention provides the following items.

(17) There is provided a gaming machine comprising: rotatable 17 ARF-075 S9 7 'd I 0 101\ IVd 'I SVAV WOH 'E,,114 4 Q,E(R fi~ 84~~ ~i 13r~7 :eels having plurality of symbols drawn on their outer peripheries; a display device mounted on the front faces of the reels for displaying an image; and display, control means for displaying an image relating ;o a game on the display device. The gaming machine further comprises: an image displaying board having the display control means; and image iignal control mea is for accepting image signals from the display control means to dis:?lay an image on the display device and for detecting abnormality of the image signals, and transparent image display means for displaying an image of a relatively higl transparency on the display device in case the abnormality of the image signals is detected by the image signal contr)l means.

According ti "the gaming machine further comprises: the image displaying board having the display control means; and the image signal control boaid including image signal, control means for accepting image signals from the display control means to display an image on the display device and for detecting abnormality of the image signals, and transparent image display means for displaying an image of a relatively high transparency on the display device in case the abnormality of the image signals is de;ected by the image signal control means". Therefore, not the uncomfortu.ble image, as might otherwise be formed by varius troubles, but the iriage of a relatively high transparency is displayed on the display device. In case the abnormality is detected, therefore, i; is possible to ma'ke tle reels visible to the player.

It is, therefore, possible to provide a game, which can continue the interest of the pla3er without displaying the image, as might otherwise become uncomfortable during the play, unless the image signal control board becomes abnormal.

Since the reels are made visible, moreover, the game is hardly interrupted even in the abnormal case of the monitoring unit. Therefore, it is possible tc provide a game, which not only can be continued but al.so 18 ARF-075 j9//1H 'd tI~l 'ON iVd 'ISVAVgO HS'; E4- '34 is hardly distruste I by the player as if an improper treatment were done, s:o that it can continue the interest of the player.

(18) In th gaming machine according to the image signal control board-inclt.des not only the image signal control means and the transparent image display means but also image enlarging conversion means for converging the accepted image signals into enlarged image signals.

According tc "the image signal control board includes not only the image signal ccntrol means and the transparent image display means but also image enlarging conversion meanE for converging the accepted image signals i:ito enlarged image signals". Therefore, the uncomfortable ima e, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, can be kept ir. the predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating one factor, which may give an t.ncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a gamn, which can continue the interest of the player for a long time.

Moreover, tie image signals are displayed, after enlarged and converted, as a larger image than that of the related art in the display device. This display can provide a game having dynamic effects but gives the rore uncomfortable image influences to the player as the image becomes the large:'. Especially in case the image thus enlarged *ind converted is displEyed, it may give a rela;ively serious uncomfortable feeling to the play r. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable foeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

By prov:.ding the common image signal monitoring board with the image state keeping means and the image enlarging conversion means, moreover, it is posi ible to reduce the number of boards, and not only to invite no size enl rgement but also to s;?are the space. Moreover, 19 ARF-075 S9/ 'd I'a IVd 'I SVAVWOH,; E fis rf~~ r 84i~ BPOC3 signals are fed through the wires formec on the board so that less influence of the no ses is received.

(19) In tho gaming machine accord:.ng to (17) or the display control means has a function to display a colored image on the display unit so that the colored image may be invisible to a player.

Accordi:g to "the display control means has a function to .isplay a colored image on the display unit so that the colored image may be invisible to a player". Therefore, not 1he uncomfortable image, as night otherwise he formed by various troubles, but the image o: a relatively high transparency is displayed on the display device. In case the abnormali;'y is detected, therefore, it is possible to make the reels visible to the player.

It threfcre, possible to provide a game, which can continue the interest of the player without displaying the image, as might otherwise become uncomfortz.ble during the play, unless the image signal control board becomes abn)rmal.

Since the reels are made visible, moreover, the game is hardly i:nterrupted even in the abnormal case of the monitoring unit. Therefore, i; is possible to provide a game, which not only can be continued but .lso i: hardly distrusted by the player as if an improper treatment were done, so that it can conti-ue the interest of the player.

In tho gaming machine according to any of (17) to the i:age signal control board is built in the upper portion of the gaming machine.

According tc "the image signal control board is built in the upper portion of the gaming machine". Therefore, the image signal control board ii built not in the lower portion, which may contact with the player but in the upper portion of the gaming machine. Therefore, ;he gaming machine is hardly influenced by the static electricity, as migrht otherwise be gonerated by the contact with the player.

ARF-075 t r_ IVd 'ISVAVOH; '4i 4i Q 4KC( 14L i 4 1 I Os 1 0 0 On the othsr hand, the static electricity may occur freque:ntly especially in dry areas other than those of Japan. Even in case the itatic electricity occurs, the image signal ccntrol board is disposed in the upper portion of the gaming machine so) that the static electricity generated does nol reach the image signal control board but may highly possibly flow into, the earth attached to the cabinet. Thus, the construction is effective for the countermeasures against the stitic electricity.

(21) There is provided a display device for a gaming machine comprising: rotata'le reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on their outer peripheries; display device mounted on the front faces of the reels for displaying an image; and display control means for displaying an image relating to a game on the display device. The display device further comprises: an image displaying board having the display con-:rol raeans; and an image signal control board including image signal con;;rol means for accepting image signals from the display control means to cisplay an. imaige on the display device and for detecting abnormality of the image signals, and transparent image display means for displaying s.n image of a relalively high transparency on the display device in case the abnormality the image signals is detected by the image signal control means.

According to "the display device further comprises: the image displaying board having the display control means; and the image signal control board including the image signal control means for accepting i;nage signals from the display control means to display an image on the display device and for detecting abnormality of the image signals, ind transparent image display means for displaying an image of a relatively high transparcncy on the display device in case the abnormality of :he image signals is del ected by the image signa:. control means". Therefore, not the uncomforteble image, as might otherwise be formed by various 21 ARF.075 >9/9 'd 'ON IV d 'ISVA MOW;H1 EJC~il ,c Ei troubles, but the iriage of a relatively high transparency is displayed on the display device. In case the abnormality is detected, therefore, is possible to make tle reels visible to the player.

It is, therefore, possible to provide a 1game, which can continue the i:terest of the player without displaying the image, as might otherwise become urcomfortsble during the play, unless the image signal control board becomes abnormal.

Since the reels are made visible, moreover, the game is hardly interrupted even in the abnormal case of the monitoring unit. Therefore, ii; is possible to pro ide a game, which not o:aly can be continued but also i:s hardly distrustec. by the player as if an irr.proper treatment were done, so that it can continue the interest of the player.

In order to a hieve the aforementioned object, the gaming machine of the invention comprises: an image display unit having the display c)ntrol means: and an image state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accepting the image s:.gnals fed from the display control means to display image on the image display unit, and for controlling' the display device in a predetermined state in case the image signals are abr.orm al.

More specifically, the invention provides the following.

(22) There is provided a gaming machine comprising a disp.ay device for disp:.ayir g an image, and display control means for displaying an image relating t a game on the display device. The gaming mach:.ne further comprises: an image display unit having the display control means; and an im ge state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed from the display control meE.ns to display an image on the image display unit, and for controlling the display device in a predetermined state in case the image signals are abnormal.

According tc "the gaming machine further comprises: the 22 ARF-075 'd ti 1'N IVd 'I SVVOH 'E image display unit having the display contrl means; and the image state keeping unit I:avi:g the image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means, and for controlling the display device in a predetermined state in case the image signals are Ebnormal'. Therefore, the uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by va:riouE troubles, can be kept in the predetermined state without being disp] ayed in the display devic. By eliminating one factor, which may giv'3 an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a game, which can continue the interest of the player for a long ti ne.

By displaying disturbed images formed due to failures in the c.isplay device, the display control means and the power feed, for example, the game provided makes the player feel uncomfortable. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling, therefore, it is possible to provide a game capable of continuing the interest of the player for a long time.

(23) The i nage state keeping unit has not only the image state keeping means but also image enlarging conversion means for converging the image signals i.ccepted from the display control means into enlarged image signals.

According tc "the image state keeping unit has not only the i:mage state keeping means but also image enlarging conversion means far converging the image signals accepted from the display control means i.nto enlarged image signals". Therefore, ;he uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, can be kept in the predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating or.e factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, ;herefore, it is possible to provide a game, which can continue the ir.tere t of the player for a long time.

Moreover, the image signals are displayed, after enlarged and 23 ARF. 075 9/1 'd T ON Vd t 'i o i; QtB~i I SVAVO converted, as a larger image than that of the related art in the display device. This disp ay can provide a game having dynamic effects but gives the more uncomfortable image influences to the player as the image becomes the large'. Especially in case the image thus enlarged and converted is disph.yed, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feeling to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

By providinj' the common image state keeping unit with the image state keeping means and the image enlarging conversion means, moreover, it is possible not only to invite no size enlargement but also, to spare the spaco and to receive less influence of the noises.

(24) The gaming machine according to (22) or (23) further comprises rotatable reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on their outer peripher.es, and the display device has transparent image display means mounted on the front faces of the reels for displaying an image of relatively high trar sparency.

According tc "the gaming machine according to (22) or (23) further comprises rotatable reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on tiheir outer pe::iph ries, and the display device has transparent image display means mounted on the front faces cf the reels for displaying an image of relatively high transparency". The gaming machine having the display device on t ie reel front face to be most noted by the player can provide a game laving dynamic effects but may give the more uncomfortable imag.e influences to the player as the place is more noted.

Especially in case the display device is disposed on the reel front face, it may give a relativ.ely serious uncomfortable feeling to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it i poEsible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the play,'r for a longer time.

24 ARF-075 16 'd 'ON r3 IVd 'I SVAVOHSi 'E k"4 ,/fE 146 -11 0 I DS(- F 0 In th gaming machine according to any one of (22) to (24), the image state keeping unit is built in the upper portion of the gaming machine.

According "the image state keeping unit is built in the upper portion of the gaming machine". Therefore, the image state keeping unit iti built not in the lower portio: which may contact with the player but in t:he upper portion of the gaming machine, so that it is hardly influenced by the s;atic electricity to be generated by the contact with the player.

On the other hand, the static electricity may occur frequently especially in dry iLreas other than those if Japan. Even in case the static electricity occurs, the image state keeping unit is disposed in the r.pper portion of the gaming machine so that the static electricity generated doen not reach the image state keeping unit but may highly possibly flow intc the earth attached t) the cabinet. Thus, the construction is ef:ective for the countermeasures against the static electricity.

(26) There is provided a display cevice for a gaming machine comprising a display device for displaying en image, and display control means for displaying an image relating to a. game on the display dev:.ce.

The display device further comprises: an image display unit having the display control means; and an image state keeping unit having image state keeping mear s for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means to cisplay an image on the image display unit, and for controlling.the dis lay device in a predetermined state in case the image signals are abnormal.

According to "the display device further comprises: an image display unit havii g the display control means; and an image state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means to display an image on ';he ARF 075 S/ 'd t/ L I ON iVd I SVAVQ0HS; 'E4JI ,E image display unit, and for controlling the display device in a predetermined stale in case the image signals are abnormal". Therej!ore, the uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, can be kept in the predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating on3 factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a game, which can continue the interest of the player for a lnng time.

By displayi.g disturbed images formed due to failures in the d.isplay device, the display control means and the power feed, for example, the game prov.ded makes the player feel uncomfortable. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling, therefore, it is possible to provide a game car able of continuing the interest of the player for a l ng time.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the gaming machine of the inventi)n further comprises: an image display unit having the display control means; and an image state keeping unit having image state keeping mears for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means to display an image on the display unit, and for controlling the display device in a predetermined state in case the image signals are abnormal.

More specifi ally, the invention provides the following.

(27)The:re is provided a gaming machine comprising: a display device for displayi:ig an image relating to a game; and an image state keeping unit for controlling the image to be displayed. The gaming machine is characterized in that the image state keeping unit controls the display device into a predetermined state, when it determines tiat image signals fed to the display device and relating to the image fail to satisfy a predetermined condition.

According to "the display device further comprises: an image 26 ARF-075 S9/1 'd LN OHO IVd 'I SVAVHW; ,4 ,IE display unit -iavi:ig the display control means; and an image state keeping unit havir g image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed from tie display control means to display an image on the image display ur.it, and for controlling the display device it. a predetermined stale in case the image signals are abnormal". Therefore, the uncorfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, can te kept in the predetermined tate without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating on factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a game, which can continue the interest of the player for a long time.

If the image is displayed with the disturbance caused by the ebnormality of the display device or the display control means or by the failure in the power source feed, for example, the player may jfeel u.ncomfortable. U less the disturbed image is displayed, therefore, the interest of the player can be continued for a long time.

The aforementioned "display device" is specified by the display device (designatec by 30) to be explained in the later-described embodiment. Mole specifically, the display device is constructed to i:nclude the licuid crystal display device (designated by 54), the liquid crystal drive circui; (designated by 291) and the liquid crystal backlights (designated by 29S). On the other hand, the aforementioned "display control means' is :;pecified by the image control circuit (designated by 250) to be explained in the later-described embodiment. On the other hand, the aforementioned "image display unit" is specified by ;he subsidiary control circuit (designated by 2300) to be explained in ;he later-described embodiment. On the other hand, the "image state keeping unit" specified by the scale circuit (designated by 400) to be explained in the lal er-described embodiment.

(28) the gaming machine according to the image stite 27 ARF-075 09/7 '0 NE~'O IVd ISVAVQOHi'W; {:A1,3 ,VED I. 8~S~i BPOO~ keeping unit has n)t only the image state keeping means but also im ge enlarging conversi n means for converging the image signals accepted from the display control means into enlarged image signals.

According tc "the image state keeping unit has not only the image state keepirg means but also image enlarging conversion means fr converging the image signals accepted from the display control means i:to enlarged ima e signals". Therefore, i:he uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, can be kept in the predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating or.e factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, ;herefore, it is possible to provide a game, which can continue the irtere t of the player for a long time.

Moreover, the image signals are displayed, after enlarged e.nd converted, as ia larger image than that of the related art in the display device. This iisp]ay can provide a game having dynamic effects but gives the more unc mfortable image influences to the player as the image becomes the larger. Especially in case the image thus enlarged s.nd converted is displayed, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feeling to the play r. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the playe:: for a longer time.

By providing the coaon- image state keeping unit with the imge s'ate keeping me ins and the image enlarging conversion means, moreover, it is possible not only to invite.no size enlargement but also to spare the space anc to receive less influence of the noises.

(29) The faming machine according to (27) or (28) further comprises rotatable reels having a plurality of symbols drawn on their outer peripheries, End the display device has transparent image display mreans mounted on the front faces of the ree..s for displaying an image of relatively high transparency.

28 ARF-375 S 'd //EI'O IVd 'I SVAVMOH,; 'E 4U14 AIE( R, IR S 0 1-1 According to the invention "the gaming machine accordin,g to (27) or (28) ::urtler comprises rotatable reels having a plurality of E;ymbols drawn on their outer peripheries, and the display device has transparent image display means mounted on the front faces of the reels for displaying an .mage of relatively high transparency". The gaming machine having th display device on the reel front face to be most ncted by the player can provide a game having dynamic effects but may give the more unccmfo:table image influences to the player as the place is more noted. Eapec ally in case the display devicea is disposed on the reel front face, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feeling to the player.

By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

In tho gaming machine according to any one of (27) to (29), the image state keeping unit is built in the upper portion of the gaming machine.

According to "the image state keeping unit is built in the upper portion of ;he gaming machine". Therefore, the image state keeping unit ii bui t not in the lower portion which may contact with the player but in the ui per portion of the gaming machine, so that it is hardly influence by the stiitic electricity to be generated by the contact with the player.

On the other hand, the static electricity may occur frequently especially in dry ireas other than those of Japan. Even in case -;he static electricit;y occurs, the image state keeping unit is disposed in i;he upper portion of ;he gaming machine so that the static electricity generated doees not reach the image state keeping unit but may highly possibly flow into the earth attached to the cabinet. Thus, i;he construction iii effective for the countermeasures against the static electricity.

29 ARF-075 i;ii 'd f 'ON 4Vd 'I SVAVSOW; EJu'Njij 4 41 k t' OS- 4 t 8- 1) 1, 73 (31) There is provided a display device for a gaming machi.ne comprising a displi.y device for displaying an image, and display control means for displaying an image relating to a game on the display device.

The display device further comprises: an image display unit having the display control: means; and an image state keeping unit having imtige state keeping mear s for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means to display an image on the image display unit, and for controlling the disj lay device in a predetermined state in case the ime.ge signals are abnormal.

According to "the display device further comprises: an image display unit havir.g the display control means; and an image state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means to display an image on ;he image display unit, and for controlling the display device in a predetermined stat. in case the image signals are abnormal". Therefire, the uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various t:roubles, can be kept in the predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating one factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a game, wlich can continue the interest of the player for a long time.

By displayir.g disturbed images for:ed due to failures in the display device, the display control means and the power feed, for example, the game provided makes the player feel uncomfortable. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling, therefore, it is possible to provide a game capable of continuing the interest of the player for a long time.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the gaming machine of the inve ation further comprises: an image display unit having the display control means; and power source feeding means for feeding ARF-075 S9/~E 'd ~1Ei ON IVd 'ISVAVOH; 'EIiK4 iCE\ BS(3 t00 the power source independently to the display device and the image display unit, Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 i3 a ;erspective view showing an outline of a slot machine according to the in ;ention; Fig. 2 ii a s hematic diagram showing a display screen of the lot machine accoriing to the invention; Fig. 3 it a s :hematic diagram showir.g a display screen of the Alot machine according to the invention; Fig. 4 in a s :hematic diagram showir.g a display screen of the lot machine according to the invention; Fig. 5 is a prspective view showing an outline of the slot machine e.ccording to the in rention; Fig. 6 ini an explanatory view showing a display device of the nlot rachine according to the invention; Fig. 7 is an (Explanatory view showing the display device of the nlot machine according to the invention; Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit construction of the ilot machine according to the invention; Fig. 9 i; a Hlock diagram showing the circuit construction of the slot machine according to the invention; Fig. 10 is a olock diagram showing the circuit construction of the slot machine according to the invention; Fig. 11 is a ,lock diagram showing the circuit construction of the slot machine a:corcing to the invention; Fig, 12 is a )lock diagram showing t:ie circuit construction of the slot machine a corc.ing to the invention; Fig. 13':.s a :low chart showing a control process to be executed in the slot machine according to the invention; ARF-075 S 1/9 'd I O IVd 'I SV 0h8NW ;E4lH1 (ED ~Pi~B~I BSI~~ Bii~l; Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing a control process to be executed in the slot machine a cording to the invention.: Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing a control process to be executed in the slot machine acording to the invention; Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing a control process to be executed in the slot machine a,:cording to the invention: Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing a control process to be executed in the slot machine according to the invention; Fig. 18 is a flow chart showing a control process to be executed in the slot machi:e according to the invention; and Fig. 19 a Hlock diagram showing a circuit construction of the ilot machine according to the invention.

DIetailed Description of the Invention The inv nti n will be described in connection with its embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment to be described, the invention is applied to a slot machine, and a plurality of mechanically :.otatable reels are used as variable display devices for variably displaying, a plurality of kinds discrimination information images necessary For a game. However, 1ihe invention should not be limited thereto but could be adopted in various gaming machines such as a pinball gaming machine, a medal gaming machine or a card gaming machine.

[Construction of GE ming Machine] A slot machine 10 is schematically shown in Fig. 1.

A cabinet 12 enclosing the slot machine 10 is constructed of a main body 11 and a door 13.

The cabinet 12 forming the entirety of the slot machine 10 is provided on its front face with a rectangular display device 30. This display device 30 is a liquid crystal display for displaying various images ARF-075 59/ 'd 'O N Vd 'ISVAV OH 'E I'4 E 7 00 7, such as images fcr informing the game contents or effect images for pleasing the player.

Moreover, this display device 30 can display images of XGA type, 1,024 bits wide and 768 bits high, red data, green data and blue data )f 8 bits, as will be detailed.

Moreovr, this display device 30 can control the display images into images of relatively high transparency so that they can make reels 26L, 26C and 26R (as referred to Fig. as mounted on the back of :he display device 30, irisible to the player.

Moreover, this display device 30 is provided with a touch pane] 51 (as referred to Fig. 6) so that the player can perform various operatiolas.

On the other hand, this display device 30 is provided on its back with rectangular d splay windows 14 (14L, 14C and 14R), as shown in Fig.

2. This display cevice 30 is provided on its peripheral edge with a later-described frame member 33 (as referred to Fig. so that the reels 26L, 26C and 26R may be exclusively viewed by the player from the display windows 11 in case the images are displayed with the display device 30 being in the state of relatively high transparency.

Inside of th3 cabinet 12, there are rotatably provided the three reels 26L, 26C anc 26R, on the individual outer peripheries of which a plurality of ki:ds if description information images are drawn. These reels 26L, 26C and 26R can be viewed individually through the aforementioned display windows 14.

Moreover, tte reels 26L, 26C and 26F are so rotatably driven t.iat the discrimination information images drawn on the outer peripheries of the reels 26L, 26C and 26R may move downward through the display windows 14. .Whea the individual rotations of the reels 26L, 26C and 26R stop, moreover, the discrimination information images drawn on ;he three outer peripheries are visible for each reel through the display windows 14.

33 ARF 075 9/S 'd t/ 11 0 IVd I SVAhVOHS 'E{414 ,I (QE As shown ia Fig. 1, moreover, a generally horizontal pede;tal portion 28 is disposed below the display device 30, and a medal insertion opening 31 is formed on the right side of the upper face of the pedeistal rortion 28.

On the left side on the upper face of the pedestal portion 28, moreover, there ar. disposed: a 1-BET switch 20 for betting only one of medals inserted; it 2-BET switch 22 for betting only two of medals inserted; and a MAX-BET switch 24 for betting the inserted medals in the maximum number allowed for one play.

When the pl.iyer operates the 1-BET :3witch 20, as shown in Fig. 2, of the three visible discrimination information images of the individual three reels, only a winning line L1 composed of a combination of three central discriminabion information images is activated (that is, ;he combination of thi discrimination information images active for -:he decision of the ganie result will be called the "activated line") for ;:he decision of the game result.

When the 2-BET switch 22 is operated, on the other hand, thre are activated the totally three winning lines: the aforementioned activated line; and such winning lines L2A and L2B of the three visible discrimination information images of the individual three reels as composed of a combination of the upper discrimination informat:.on images and a combination of the lower discrimination information images, respectively.

When the MIAX-BET switch 24 is operated, moreover, if the medals inserted are three (r more, there are activated all the five winning lines L1, L2A, L2B, L3A and LSB: the aforementioned activated lines; a winning line L3A cc mposed of a combination of the upper discrimination information image on the reel 26L, the central discrimination information image on the reel 26C and the lower discrimination information image n the reel 26R; and a wir.ning line L3B composed a 34 ARF-075 9/H 'd C' 0 IVd 'I SVAVOH,; 'E{4J i4 E combination of the lower discrimination irformation image on the reel 26L, the central discrimination informatior. image on the reel C and the upper discrim:nation information image on the reel 26R.

In case the :-emainder of the inserted medals is two, however, only three L1, L2A and L2B of the five winning lines are activated. In case the remainder of tie inserted medals is one, on the other hand, only one line L1 of the five winning lines is activated. The winning lines thus activated are :eported to the player by displaying the activations on the Eide of the display windows 14.

By pushing one of these BET switches 20, 22 and 24, the iforementioned winning line is activated according to the BET switch pushed. The i;ame starting state is established, when the tforementioned 1-IET switch 20, 2-BET switch 22 or MAX-BET switch 24 is pushed by the player.

On the left side of the front face of the pedestal portion 28, as shown in Fig. 1, there is disposed a tiltable start lever 32. When this start lever 32 :ls tilted by the player, the rotations of the aforementioned three reels 261, 26C and 26R are started all at once. When these three reels 26L. 26C ar.d 26R are rotated, the discrimination information images drawn on the individual outer peripheries of the reels 26L, 26C and 26R are displayed in motion in the display windows 14. When the rotating speeds the three reels 26L, 26C and 26R reach a predetermined level, the operations of later-described stop buttons 3L, 34C and 34R by the player are activated.

The pedesta. portion 28 is provided at the center of its front face with the three stop buttons 34L, 34C and 34R. Of these: the stop but;on 34L corresponds to the reel 26L; the stop button 34C corresponds to ;he reel 26C; and the stop button 34R corresponds to the reel 26R. When ';he player pushes the stop button 34L, the rel 26L is stopped; when .he player pushes i;he stop button 34C, the reel 26C is stopped; and when i;he ARF-075 9/ 'd ~1 'ON IVd 'I SVAVOH(; 'E4 1 E(4 ,9REt os #OH ,~~~BPOS player pusihes the itop button 34R, the reel 26R is stopped.

On the left 3ide of the start lever 32, there is disposed a stocked medal settling button 36. When the player pushes the stocked meial settling buttor. 36, the medals inserted are paid out from a medal payout cpening 38 dispose I in the lower portion of the front face, and the medals paid out are accumulated in a medal receiving tray On the uppar side of the slot machine 10, moreover, there are disposed sound openings 42 (42L and 42R) for passing the sounds emitted from speakers (as referred to Fig. 8) housed in the cabinet 12, to the outside of the ,abinet 12.

A predeter.ined number of, 2:L discrimination information images are drawi. on the outer peripheries of the aforementioned individual reels 26L, 26C and 26R. Depending on the arrangements of those discriminati>n information images visible through the display windows 14 at the time when the reels 26L, 26C and 26R are individual by stopped., the medals are paid out, or the grame is transferred to a more advantageous itate for the player.

[:Display Mode of Gaming Machine] The afcremomtioned display device 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 2 ;o Fig. 4.

This display device 30 can display no1; only the various images but also the highly transparent images. These highly transparent images are the images, which are formed in highly transparent color tones of the liquid crystal c.isplay device. In case the highly transparent images ELre displayed in the diEplay windows 14, the background reel symbols can be viewed although they are different in the color tones used. As these images, the variou3 images and the highly transparent images can be displayed not cnly :ll over the screen but also on local areas.

By displaying the display device 30 highly transparently along -;he display windows 14, for example, the reels 26L, 26C and 26R dispo:sed 38 ARF-075 (19/1 'd Ir" 0 SLVd 'ISVAV OHi; 'E4{'$44,4 ,I E F~IISsclr s~c~i, B~oos~

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actually on th. ba,:k face can be made visible to the player, as shown in Fig. 2. On the pezipheral edges of the reele 26L, 26C and 26R, moreover, there are disp]ayec. border images 85 (35L, 35C and In addition 1.o this highly transparent display of the display device Z0, moreover, the various effect images using the low transparent color tones the so-called "black outputs") can be displayed to make their background invisitle to the player, as shown in Fig. 3, so that the reels 2I6L, 26C and 26R ,n the back face may become invisible.

Moreover, tie whole face of the display device 30 can be displayed highly transparently so that the reels 26L, 26C and 26R from the display windows 14 anid t:e frame member 33 on the peripheral edges of the display windows 14 can be viewed by the pleyer, as shown in Fig. 4. The frame member 33 is thus formed so that only the necessary minimum portion but no;: the remaining portion is visible to the player.

[Board Construction of Gaming Machine] A schematic: diagram showing the cabinet inside of the ilot machine in shcwn in Fig. 5. Here in Fig. 5, the door 13 is opened from the slot machine 1(.

In the ilot nachine 10, as shown in Fig. 5, there are mounted various devicei; anc. various control boards.

The slot machine 10 is provided on the side of the main body 11. as shown in Fig. 5, with the reels 26L, 26C and 26R, a hopper 126 for stocking game meiia, and a power source device 79 for feeding ;he electric power to the slot machine 10 as a whole. Moreover, there are arranged various boards and devices, such as a main control board 72, on which there is pack aged a main control circuit 100 (as referred to Fig, 8) including a randoni number generator 11E (as referred to Fig. 8) for generating a randm number for drawing lots on whether or not an advantageous state is established for the player and a main CPU 102 (as referred to Fig. 8).

37 ARF-075 S 9/7 d PION IVd 'I SVAV80Ht; 'EPW+ '4(E kc_14S I GS E 0 H On the side f the door 13 of the slot machine 10, on the other hE.nd, Ihere are arranged various devices and various control boards, as including a subsid: ary control board 74, a scale board 76, a lamp control board 78, an imnag( display subsidiary board 80 and a power source rlay board 82.

On these boards, there are packaged various circuits.

On the subs.diary control board 74, there is packaged a subsidiary control circuit 200 (as referred to Fig. 8) f)r determining various effect modes either on the basis of signals and instructions from the main control circuit 100, or not.

On the scal board 76, there is packaged a scale circuit 400 (as referred to Fig. 8) for enlarging and converting the image signals fed from the subsidiary control board 74, to display the image in the enlarged state on the display device 30 and for monitoring the signal fed from the subsidiary cortrol board 74, to make var:.ous controls on the display device 30 in case abnormality is determined.

On the'lam] control board 78, there is packaged a lamp control circuit 300 (an referred to Fig. 8) for making lamp effects and sound effects on the basis of the effect signal fed from the subsidiary control board 74.

On the image display subsidiary boaird 80, there is packaged an i:aage display subs diary circuit (although not shown) which forms part of the display devii'e 30 for driving the image signals fed from the scale board 76 and for ccntrolling liquid crystal tacklights 292 (as referred to Fig. 11) of the iisp]ay device On the other hand, the power source relay board 82 has functions to accept the powe:- source concentratedly from the power source device 79 and to distribute it independently to tho aforementioned boards e.nd devices.

On the cther hand, the aforementioned subsidiary control board 74 38 ARF-075 9 t/ 1 0 iVd I SVAVHOHiS 'EWt1 end scale board 76 are arranged in the upper portion of the door 13.

In shor;, thi image state keeping unit thus far described is built in the upper portion of the gaming machine under consideration.

Therefore, the image state keeping unit is not located in such a lower portion of the gaming machine as might otherwise be contacted by ';he player, so that it is hardly influenced by the static electricity to be generated by the contact with the player.

On the other hand, the image signal control unit thus far described is built in the uppe r portion of the gaming machine under consideration.

Therefore, the image signal control unit is not in the lower portion, as night be contacted by the player, of the gaming machine but in the upper portion of the gami ng machine so that it is hardly influenced by the static electricity, as migat otherwise be generated by the contact with the player.

Moreover, the image display unit is built in the upper portion of the gaming machire under consideration and has little contact with the player so that it is hardly influenced by the static electricity, as might otherwise be gsner ited by the contact with the player.

With the construction thus far described, on the other hand, the static electrici;y m ty occur frequently especially in dry areas other than those of Japan. E ven in case the static electricity occurs, the ime.ge state keeping. uni; is disposed in the upper portion of the gaming machine so that tho static electricity generated does not reach the ime.ge state keeping area but may highly possibly flow into the earth attached t'o the cabinet. Thus, the construction is effective for countermeasures against the static electricity.

On the Dthe:: hand, the lamp control board 78 is arranged in -he lower portion of the door 13. As compared with the subsidiary control board 74 and the scale board 76, however, the lamp control board 76 is more hardly influenced by the output of the 1tatic electricity. Therefore, 39 ARF-075 R/ i 'J L(11ON iVd 'ISVAVgOHS; 'E M'I U(:4 ,EE, r ~POO~ the lamp control board 78 is arranged at that position because of the arrangement space.

Here ir. the slot machine 10 according to this embodiment: the main control board 72 is arranged in the main body 11; the subsidiary control board 74 a:'d the remaining boards are arranged in the door 13.

However, the s.rrar.gement of the invention should not be limited thereto, but it is arbitrary to arrange the subsidiary control board 74 and the remaining boards in the main body 11 and the main control board 72 in the door 13.

Moreover, t e power source device 79 is provided with a reset switch 164, a set switch 166 and so on.

[Structure of Display Device] On the other hand, the detail of the display device 30 in the ilot machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 6.

The docr 13 is provided with the display device 30, on which the various effect images are displayed.

In this displ ay device 30, on the inner side of the touch panel 61 for detecting the coordinate position contacted by the player and a transparent acryl plate 52 acting as a protective cover, there are laminated a picture sheet 53, in which various symbols are printed on a transparent film member, and a liquid crystal display device 54 which is constructed of a tre nsparent liquid crystal display device such as an ITO.

In the upper and lower portions of the liquid crystal display device 54, moreover, there are disposed the liquil crystal backlights 292 for playing the role ol an illuminating device as backlights for the liquid crystal display device 54. Moreover, the liquid crystal backlights 292 are so controlled that they are turned ON at the power source feeding time. By driving I he liquid crystal backlights 292 always at the power supply feeding tim 2, therefore, the images to be displayed in the liquid crystal display device 54 are made clearly visible to the player. In these ARF-075 9/S 'd 'l i ON IVd SVAVSOH,; 'E 4 \f,(I4 tEO K6-~Se~ T 8~S~i B5ilj3

I

liquid crystal backlights 292, there are mainly adopted the cold-cathode tubes, to which the invention should not be limited.

In the uppei portion and lower portion on the inner face side of ;he display device 30, moreover, there are disposed symbol illuminating lamps 57, whih play the role of an illuminating device for illuminating the symbols or the reels 26. Moreover, therie symbol illuminating lamps 57 are controlled ;o be turned ON when they are fed with the power source. By driving these symbol illuminating lamps 57 at all times, therefore, the symbols can be clearly viewed. In these symbol illuminating lampE 57, there are mainly adopted the cold-cathode tubes, to which the inven;ion should not be limited.

In the acti ns of the individual diisplay elements, the symbols drawn on the picture sheet 53 are not influenced by the effect control state of the slot machine 10 so that they can always be viewed by the player. The liquid crystal display device 54 is a display region for image effects such as the bit hit effect or various advance notice effects.

In the vicini;y of the front faces of the reels 26, moreover, there are provided lamp hout ings 62 (62L, 62C and 62R) having reel back lamps 63 (33L, 630 and 63R: (as referred to Fig. 7) mounted thereon.

[;tructure of Reel Back Lamps] These reel back lamps 63 will be descr-ibed with reference to Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the reels 26L, 26C and 26R.

These reels 26L, 26C and 26R have reel bands 61L, 61C and E1R made of a semitra:isparent film material, on which individual symbols such as a symbol "cherry" or a symbol are printed in optically transparent color inks while the remaining regions being masked with shielding ink.

On the backs of the reel bands 61L, 61C and 61R, there are disposed the lamp housings 62L, 62C and 62R, which shield the beamls of t:ae individual lamps so that the beams may not interfere with the othier 41 ARF-075 19/9t PLEl ON IVd SVhAVOHIW 'E4t^'Ki CE 2 IGS #0 symbol regionii. I he reel back lamps 63L, 63C and 63R are packaged in the individual comr artments of the lamp housings 62L, 620 and 62R.

The lamp control circuit 300 controls the reel back lamps 63L, 6SC and 63R so that they may flash on the basis )f the parameters determined by a sub-microcomp-uter 210.

At the medal payout times, for exariple, there are prepared -;he flashing control foi flashing the reel back lamps 63L, 63C and 63R of ihe symbols on tha wi:ining lines, and the flashing modes different for -;he internal winning ,ombinations. The player is hinted what winn:.ng symbol to be aimed at, by the effect display made when each winning flag is satisfied.

Moreover, the reel back lamps 63L, 63C and 63R are usually kept in the lighting state so as to make the symbols easily visible. At the rower ON time and at the reset time, more ver, the reel back lamps are activated to keep tie lighting state of the lighting/extinguishing states, As describec. above, moreover, the effects on the symbols may be made by extirguishing the lights. In thin embodiment, on the other hand, the effects ire made on the symbols. However, the invention should not be :.imited thereto and may not make effects on the symbols.

In this case, at the power ON time and at the reset time, the :.ghting/extinguishing states are turned to the lighting state by activating the reel oack lamps 63L, 63C and 63R and by lighting them at all times.

In this embcdiment, moreover, the effects on the symbols may be made by the extinguishing operations. Hcwever, the invention shold not be limited theieto, but the effects may be made with various color lights. In this ca e, at the power ON time and at the reset time, ;he lighting/extinguish:ng states are turned to the lighting state by activating the reel :ack lamps 63L, 63C and 63R and by lighting them at all times.

42 ARF-075 9/ 'd i 1 ON iVd 'I SVAVOH,; 'EW jl4 C JES I Oq B 7 0 0 7 The reel illaminating means such as the reel back lamps may illuminate the aforementioned reels in cas, the power source is tur:ed ON. On the basii; of the operation of the power ON, the function to illuminate tho red)ls is activated to make the reels easily visible.

Therefore, it ii; poEsible to continue the intarest of the player for a long time. Since this vLsibility is made easier, moreover, the game makes the player hardly tired to keep the interest of the player for a long time.

Moreover, the reel illuminating means may have a function to illuminate the reels at all times when the power source is ON. In case the gaming machine is powered, in case the gaming machine may be played, therefore, the reels are made easily visible to continue the i:nterest of the player for a long time. If this visibility is made easier, moreover, the game makes the player hardly tired to keep the interesi; of the player for a long time.

In case the effects are made, moreover, the reel illuminating means may be tur.ed OFF. In case the effects are not made, however, the reels are illuminated. In other words, the reels can be made easily visible by the illumination means. Even in case the reels are not illuminated by the illumination means, they can be made visible with or without the effects.

Still moreover, "the gaming machine further comprises: a display device mounted on the front faces of the reels for displaying an image; and display control means for displaying an image relating to a game on ti.e display device and the display control means has a function to display an image of a relatively high transparency on the display device".

Therefore, the inv:sibility is eliminated by displaying an image a relatively high trarsparency. Thus, it is possible provide a game, which can make the reel;; more visible and can continue the interest of the player for a long time. Since this visibility is made easier, it is also possible to provide ;he game, which can make the player hardly tired and 43 ARF-075 S9 A, d ON IVd 'ISVAV O0H; 'Et'1i4 E I OS 0 0 7~ P00 can keep the inters st of the player for a long time.

Especially ii case the symbol is displayed in motion by rotating the reels, it is harder to view than in case the symbol is displayed still.

The image of the d: splay device is enabled to continue the interest of -:he player for a long time if it is made to make the reels more visible than t;he related art. If this visibility is made easier even in the motion display, raoreover, it can .ardly make the player tired so as to continue i;he interest of the player. If the gaming machine is provided which frequently determines the contents of the game with the reel stoppi.ng node so that the passage from the motion display to the still display of the symbol car be easily viewed, it can keep the interest the player for a 1 nger time.

Here, the aforementioned case of thia power ON may include the case, in which the power source is turned ON at first, and the case in which the power s)urce is turned ON again after turned OFF. In the included case, for example, the power sourco may be turned ON again on the basis of the opc ration of the power button, and the power source may be turned ON again on the basis of the operation of the reset button.

[Construction of Cc ntrol Unit of Gaming Machine] Fig, 8 shows a circuit construction including: the main control circuit 100 for controlling the gaming operations in the slot machine peripheral devices connected electrically with the main control circuit 100; and the s'ubsidLiary control circuit 200, the lamp control circuit 300 and the scale circuit 400 for controlling the display device 30, the speakers 46 E.nd the effect lamps 172 on the basis of the control instructions sent from the main control circuit 100.

The main co:ntrol circuit 100 is provided with the main CPU 102, a main ROM: 104, a main RAM 106, an input-output bus 108, a clock pulse generator 110, a frequency divider 112, a sampling circuit 114 and -;he random number generator 116, which are arranged over the circuit board.

44 ARF.075 9/6 'd L1c ON IVd SVAVOH Ei 'Ev8'WgI ,,C'E I OS 0 0 7 The main CPU 102 can control the various peripheral devices in accordance with tae programs stored in the main ROM 104 and in accordance wi;h the data signal or address signal inputted/outputted from the input-output bus 108. Moreover, the main CPU 102 is provided therein with the timer (although not shown).

With the main CPU 102, there is connected the main ROM 104.

This main ROM 1)4 is stored with the vE.rious programs such as the control program for controlling the flow of the entire game of the slot machine 10, or the initial data for executing the control programs.

For example, there are stored: a probability lottery table to be used for judging the random number sampl:ng, which is done each time the start lever 32 is operated (for the start operation); a stop control table for deciding t:e stop mode of the reels in response to the operaticns of the stop buttons; a winning symbol combination table corresponding to the symbol displayed still by the stop contral table, for determining the number of game modals to be paid out; and various control instructicns (or commands) to be transmitted to the subsidiary control circuit 200.

Here, the details of these probability lottery table, stop control table and winning symbol coribination table will be described hereinafter.

Moreover, the various control instructions are "demonstration display commE.nds', "start commands", "'all reel stop commands" s.nd "winning combination commands". Here, the subsidiary control circuit 200 does not input the commands or the like to the main control circuit 100, but the comn.unications are done oni.y unidirectionally from the main control circui'; 100 to the subsidiary control circuit 200. The main control circuit 100 and the subsidiary control circuit 200 are connect;ed through sixteen d.ta signal lines and or.e signal line. And, those commands are composed of 2 bytes, 4 bytes and six bytes, and one command is sent ir 1, 2 or 3 sequences through the sixteen data signal lines.

ARF-075 S9//I) 'd ]L 1 ON IVd 'I SVAVSOHS; 7~a ~c~Br0 With t.e main CPU 102, moreover, there is connected the main RAM 106, which is stored with the values of flags or variables to be used in the aforementio:ied programs.

With the main CPU 102, moreover, there are connected the clock pulse generator 11) for generating reference clock pulses, the frequency divider 112, the random number generator 116 for generating a ranc.om number to be sampled, and the sampling circuit 114.

Moreover, thie random number generator 116 generates ranc.om numbers belonging to a predetermined numerical range, and the sampling circL.it 1 4 samples one random number at a suitable timing after the start lever 32 was operated.

The intarnal winning combination it determined on the basis of the random numbe:. thus sampled and the probability lottery table stored in the main ROM 104. After the internal winning combination was determined, moreo'rer, the random number sampling is done to select the "stop control table" and the "stop table" contained in the former.

Here, the random number generator 116 generates the random numbers contained within the numerical values of a predetermined range, such as 0 to 65535 16th powers of Moreover, the invention should not be limiled to the random numbers generated by the random number generator 116 but may be constructed to execute the random number sampling on the operation program of the main CPU 102. In this case, the rand(m number generator 116 and the sampling circuit 114 can be omitted bu; can be left for the backup of the random num'er sampling operation.

As main input signal generating means for generating input signals necessE.ry for the main CPU 102 to generate control signals, there are provided a start switch 150, the 1-BET switch 20, the 2-BET switch 22, the MAX-BET switch 24, the stocked medal settling button 36, a medal sensor 152, il reel stop signal circuit 154, a reel position detect:ng 46 ARF-075 'd L 11 ON IVd 'I SVAVOH Et'$164 ,E circuit 156, a payoat completion signal circuit 158, a payout switch 162, the reset swit:h 134, the setting switch 166 and a contact sensor 168.

These elements ari also connected with the main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 1)8.

The reel st)p signal circuit 154 detects the operations of the individual stop buitons 34L, 84C and 34R and feeds the main CPU 102 with the s-op signal through the input-output bus 108 when it makes the detection.

The start switch 150 detects the operation of the start lever 32 and feeds the mair. CPJ 102 with the start signal through the input-output bus 108 when it de;ects the operation of the start lever 32, The medal sensor 152 detects the game medals inserted into the medal insertion opening 31 and feeds the main CPU 102 with the medal i:sertion signal through the input-output bus 108 when it detects the game medal insert( d into the medal insertion opening 31.

The 1-BET switch 20 detects its own operation and feeds the main CPU 102 with the l-BET signal through th,? input-output bus 108 when the 1-BET switch 20 detects its own operation.

The 2-BET switch 22 detects its own operation and feeds the main CPU 102 with the )-BET signal through the input-output bus 108 when t'Le 2-BET switch 22 detects its own operation.

The MAX-Bl3T switch 24 detects its own operation and feeds -;he main CPU 102 wit' the MAX-BET signal through the input-output bus 108 when the MAX-BET switch 24 detects its own operation.

The payout iwitch 162 detects the operation of the stocked me.al sattling button 36 and feeds the main CPU 102 with the stocked medal settling signal whe:i it detects the operation of the stocked medal settl:.ng button 36.

The reset switch 164 is disposed in the slot machine 10, and feeds the main CPU 102 with the reset signal through the input-output bus 1.08 47 ARF-075 9/7 0 N~'O IVd 'I SVAVOH; \(Er R E S IE(_ 't 0 when it detects thE operation of the slot machine The set switch 166 detects the operation of the set button (although not shom n) disposed in the slot machine 10 and feeds the main CPU 102 with the set signal through the input-output bus 108 whe:i it detects the oporati n of the set button.

The reel position detecting circuit 1.56 feeds the main CPU 102 through the inpul;-output bus 108 with the reel position signal for detecting the' positions of the individual reels 26L, 26C and 26R in response to th,. pulse signals from the reel rotation sensor.

The payout completion signal circuit 158 detects the game medal payout completion when the counted valu.e the number of gsame redals paid cut from the hopper 126) of a medal detection unit reaches desigr.atec number data, and feeds the main CPU 102 through the input-output bius 108 with a payout completion signal indicating that detection.

The major devices, as controlled in operations with the control signals from the matin control circuit 100, are: various lamps 120; vari us display units 122; the hopper (including the drive unit for the payout) 126 far stocking the gaine medals and for paying out a predetermined number of game medals in response to the instruction of a hopper drive circuit 124; and stepping motors 128L, 128C and 128R for driving the reels 26L, 26C and 26R rotationally. Here, the various lamps 120 include the symbol illuminatin lamps 57.

With the (utput unit of the msEin CPU 102 through the i:nput-output bus 108, moreover, there are connected: a motor drive circuit 130 for controlling the drives of the stepping motors 128L, 128C and 128R; the hopper drive circuit 124 for controlling the drive of ;he hopper 126; a lamp drive circuit 182 for controlling the drives of ;he various lamps; anc a display unit drive circuit 134 for controlling ';he drives of the various display units. In response to the individual control 48 ARF-075 '9E d L/N ON\ IVtd 'ISVAVOH; 4 ,WE§ RINSI G S5 E #ON~i

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.ignals such as the drive signal outputted from the main CPU 102, those drive circuits conti ol the operations of the individual devices.

Moreovr, the subsidiary control circuit 200 is included in the device, which is controlled in operation with the control signal from the imain control circuit 100.

With this rubsidiary control circuit 200, moreover, there are connected the lamp control circuit 300, the scale circuit 400, the display device 30, the speakers 46 (46L and 46R) and the effect lamps 172.

The display device 30 accepts the image signals fed from the subsidiary control circuit 200 and the scale circuit 400, and displays the images.

The speakers 46 accept the sound signals fed from the subsidiary control circuit 200 and the lamp control circuit 300, and make sounds The effect lamps 172 accept the effect signals fed from the subsidiary control circuit 200 and the lamp control circuit 300, and perform the effects. Here, these effect lar.ps 172 include the reel back hamps 63.

[Electric Construction of Subsidiary Control Circuit] This subsidiary control circuit 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. The block diagrams of Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show the construction of the subsidiary control circuii; 200.

On the basi} of the control instructions (or commands) from the main control circuit 100 or automatically, the subsidiary control circuit 200 performs the lisplay control of the display device 30, the outp!ut control of the i-ounis from the speakers 46, and the effect control of the effect lamps 17 2.

This subsidiary control circuit 200 is so constructed over a circuit board other than ihat constructing the main control circuit 100 as to include the sub-microcomputer 210 as its major component and to include an image control circuit 250 for controlling the display of the display 49 ARF-075 0/s 'd ON iVd 'I SVh VHQW 4 pggES tP RINPE l 9s(-F tl)R'1 device The st.b-m.crocomputer 210 includes: a sub-CPU 212 for performing the c ntrol operations in accordance with the control instruction sent frcm the main control circuit 100; a sub-ROM 214 sto:-ed with the control program of the sub-microcomputer 210; a sub-RAM 216; E.n IN port 218 and an OUT port 220.

On the other hand, the subsidiary control circuit 200 is not provided with the clock pulse generator, the frequency divider, the random number ge aerator and the sampling circuit, but is constructed to execute the randori number sampling over the operation program of the sub-CPU 212.

On the basiE of the game information command sent from the main control circuit 100 the sub-CPU 212 determines what effect is done by the various effect control circuits, and sends the determined contenti to the individual effect control circuits.

The sub-ROM 214 is stored with the communication sequence program with the nain control circuit 100, the effect selecting table for selecting the various effects on the basis of the game information accepted, the sound sequence program and so on.

The sub-RAVI 216 is used as a working area for executing those control programs.

The IN port 218 has functions to accept the game information of images or sounds fed from the main control circuit 100 and to feed the game information to the sub-CPU 212.

Here, this I: port 218 only feeds the game information from the main control circuit 100 to the sub-CPU 212 but not any signal from the sub-CPU 212 to the main control circuit 100. Even if a malfunction occurs in the sulbsidiary control circuit 200, ':herefore, it does not transfer to the main control circuit 100.

The OUT port 220 has a function to 'eed the image display signal ARF-075 S 9//S 'd F1 I ON IVd 'ISVAVOHi 'V-W (QE( i ~S~iBFO7 to the image control circuit 250, a function to feed a sound generation signal to a sound source IC 302 in the lamp control circuit 300 ani a function to feed an effect lamp signal to the lamp control circuit 300 sc as to turn ON and OFF the effect lamps 172.

As shown in Fig. 10, the image control circuit 250 is constructed of an image control CPU 252, an image control ROM 254, an image control EAM 256, an imagE ROM 258, a video RAM 260, an image control IC :162 and an IN port 264.

The image control CPU 252 receives the parameters determinec. in the sub-microcomp iter 210 through the IN port 264, and determines the display contents in the display device 30 in accordance with the image control sequen:e piogram stored in the image control ROM 254.

The image control ROM 254 is stored with the reception sequence program of the imE.ge effect command sent from the sub-microcomputer 210, and the imag(' control sequence program for controlling the image c)ntrol IC 262.

The image control RAM 256 is used as a working area at the time of executing the im age control program.

The image control IC 262 forms the irage according to the display contents determine i by the image control CPU 252, by using the graphic data stored in the .mage ROM 258, stores the image temporarily in the video RAM 260, ar d feeds the image at a suitable timing to the scale c:.rcuit 400 through the image control IC 262;.

[Electric Construct: on of Lamp Control Circuit] Moreover, the lamp control circuit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 9.

The lamp control circuit 300 is constructed of: the sound source IC 302 for controlling the sounds emitted from the speakers 46; a sound ROM 304 stored wi;h the sound data; a power amplifier 306 acting as an amplifier; and a larip drive circuit 322 for d:riving the effect lamps 172.

51 ARF-075 S9//9S 'd ilEf ON IVd 'I SVAVaOHi 'E4tW.]A''1 \,J(E 9E sl DST t OH With the aaove configuration, the lamp control circuit 30C0 is controlled by the sib-control circuit 200. As shown in Fig. 19, the lamp control circuit 300 may be configured to be controlled by the main con;rol circuit 100. With such configuration, since the main control circuit 100 controls the lamp drive circuit 322 even if the sub-control circuit 200 becomes unperativn due to power outage or hung-up the reel back lamp 63L, 63C, 63R can be turned ON because the main control circuit L00 controls the drive circuit 322. Therefore, the amount of light for illuminating discr.mination information images drawn on respective outer peripheries ofthe reels 26L, 26C, 26R can be adjusted arbitrarily in accordance wi;h the game situations such that the game may proceed steadily.

[Electric Construction of Scale Circuit] Moreover, tie scale circuit 400 will be described with reference to Fig. 11.

The scalb ciriuit 400 is constructed of a signal conversion CPU 272, a signal conversior. ROM 274, a video RAM 276, an IN port 278 and an OUT port 280.

In e.ccordan e with the signal conversion sequence program stoed i: the signal conversion ROM 274, the signal conversion CPU :172 receives the image signals generated in the image control circuit 250, through the IN port 278, converts the image signals into a display type, in which they can be properly displayed in the display device 30, e.nd store them in the v.deo RAM 276.

Moreover, the signal conversion CPU 272 feeds the image data stored in the video RAM 276, as the enlarged image signals suitable for tie display device iO to the display device 30 through the OUT port 280.

Specifically, the signal conversion CPU 272 converts the image signals such as the VGA into the enlarged image signals such as the XGA of the type, which can correspond to the large display size.

52 ARF-076 V S 'd fi!E I ON IVd I SVAVoH; 'EEt4+ (E In this embodiment, the image data of the display size VGA are enlarged for every 'it and converted into the display size XGA. However, this invention sho-ild not be limited thereto, but the image data of the VGA size may be received and synthesized into the image data of the .isplay size XGA.

Here in this embodiment, the conversion is made as the enlarged image signals of the XGA type, 1,024 bits wide and 768 bits high, red data, green da;a ar.d blue data. of 8 bits. In. this invention, however, tihe enlarged image signals may display an image of a larger size, and the conversion type, the width and height bit si;:es, and the gradation bits of the individual colors should not be limited to the aforementioned values.

Moreover, the signal conversion CPU 272 is designed to receive the image signals fed from the subsidiary control circuit 200, at a predetermined period. In case the normal image signals are not recei'ved at the predetermined period, the image da-;a are so stored in the video RAM 276 as to display the predetermined image.

In short, the signal conversion CPU 272 monitors whether or not the image signals 'ed from the subsidiary control circuit 200 is normal.

In case the mcnito ring result determines the image signals not normal, abnormal, a predetermined image is diesplayed, and this image state displayed in the display device 30 is kep';. In case the synchronous signal inputted is monitored to reveal that the synchronous signal is absent or out of definition, the display device 30 is subjected to the transparent control the "white output":'.

On the other hand, this signal conversion CPU 272 is constructed to display the predetermined image, as described hereinbefore. The image data are stored in the video RAM 276 so that the predetermined image may be 3uch an image of relatively high transparency as to allow the player to v.ew the reels 26L, 26C and 26R.

The signal conversion ROM 274 is stored with: the communication 53 ARF-075 R/9s I J j fEi ON 9Vd 'I SVAV0HW 'E4HW YLFS B t' PS J 7l~ sequence program with the image contrcl circuit 250; the sequence program for converting the received image signals into the enlarged image signals; and the communication sequence program for feeding the enlarged image signals converted, to the display device 30 through the OUT port 280.

The IN port 278 has a function to accept the image signals fed from the image control circuit 250 and to feed the image signals to the signal conversion CPU 272. On the other hand, the OUT port 280 performs the image display effects by feeding the enlarged image signals converted in the image signal ccnversion circuit 270, to the display device Here, in th: s embodiment, the LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) is adopted for the image signals to be fed to the image signal conversion circuit This invention should not be limited thereto but may use variois types. Preferably, by using the differential type such as the LVDS,-For Example, the image signs.ls are hardly subject to the influences of noises so that the images are displayed without deterioration.

In this smbodiment, moreover, the image signals to be fed to the i;age signal zonvarsion circuit 270 are of the VGA (Video Graphics Array) size so that they are converted into the enlarged image signal of the XGA (eXtended Graphics Array) size by the operations of the image signal conversion circuit 270. Here in this embodiment, the image signals of the VGA size are fed to the image signal conversion circuit 270.

However, the i:nvention should not be limited thereto but may feed image signals of various sizes.

[3oard Constructio 2 of Display Device] The electric construction in the display device 30 will be described with reference to F.g. 11.

As shown in Fig. 11, the display device 30 is constructed to include the liquid crysi;al display device 54, a liquid crystal drive circuit 291 e.nd 54 ARF-076 S 91/6 'J 1 0 IVd 'ISVAV8gOHI; 'EKy4('V(I Q 4 EES t~~fj t, 007 BOO the liquid crystal I acklights 292.

The liquid crystal display device 54 displays the various image:s on the basis of the in age signals fed from the aforementioned scale ciruit 400.

The liquid (rystal drive circuit 291 accepts the image signals fed from the aforemen ioned scale circuit 400, and displays the images on the liquid crystal display device 54 on the basis of those image signals.

The liquid crystal backlights 292 display the liquid crystal clearly by illuminating th, liquid crystal display device 54 from the back.

[Power Source Feeding Construction Using Power Source Relay Board] The electric construction of the power source to be fed from ;he power source c.evic3 79 is described with reference to Fig. 12.

As show'n in Fig. 12, the power of the power source device 79 is fed to the power sour:e relay board 82 and then to the connection cable (although not ihown) for the power source feed, the main control board 72, the subsidiary control board 74, the lamp control board 78, the scale Loard 76, the displ y device 30 and the symbol illuminating lamps 57 As described hereinbefore, there are provided: the display device having the display control means; the image state keeping unit having the image state keeping means for receiving the image signals and for controlling the image-displaying display device in a predetermined state in case the image signals fed from the display control means are abnormal; and the power source feeding means for feeding the image state keeping init and the display device independently with the power source. Even in c ise the power source is not fed to the display dev:.ce, therefore, the power source is independently fed from the power source feeding means to the image state keeping unit so that the state of the i:age can be kept without displaying any disturbed image.

Moreover, tt ere are provided the display device having the display control means, and the power source feeding means for feeding the power ARF.075 S 9/19 'd L(I ON IVd 'ISVAVOHS; 'Et4'c4 ,CE source independently of the display device. Even in case the power source is not fee to the display device, the power source is fed independently of the power source feeding means for the display device.

Moreover, the image signal control unit is constructed to include the image signal control means, the transparent image display means and the image enlarging conversion means for converging the received image signals in;o the enlarged imaget signals. Therefore, the rncomfortable ima e, as might otherwise b? formed by various troubles, can be kept ir. the predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating one factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, the interest of the player can be continued for a long time.

Moreov.or, t ie image signals are displayed, after enlarged and converted, as a larger image than that of the related art in the display device. This disp:.ay can provide a game having dynamic effects but gives the more uncomfortable image influences to the player as the image becomes the large Especially in case the image thus enlarged and converted is displ.yed, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feling to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

By providing the common image signal monitoring unit with the inage state keeping means and the image enlarging conversion means, moreover, it is possible not only to invite no size enlargement but aleso to spare the fpaci and to receive less influence of the noises.

Still moreov "the image state keeping unit is provided with qot only the image slate keeping means but also the image enlarging conversion means for converting the image signals received into ;he enlarged image signals". Even in case the power source is not fed to :he display control uni;, therefore, the power source is fed independently of 56 ARF-075 1/ 'd PLTON IVd 'I SVAVgOHl; 'E4'1K4,KQE( ~6E~BS 1 BPOO~

I

the power source fteding means so that the itate of the image can be kept without displaying any disturbed image. By eliminating one cause for En uncomfortable feeling during the play therefore, it is possible to provide a game ca; able of continuing the interest of the player for a 1ng time.

Moreover, tie image signals are displayed, after enlarged and converted, as a laiger image than that of the related art in the display .evice. This display can provide a game having dynamic effects but gives the more uncomfortable image influen:es to the player as the image becomes the larger. Especially in case the image thus enlarged and converted is displayed, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feeling to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the ga:e, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

By providing the common image state keeping unit with the image state keeping means and the image enlarging conversion means, moreover, it is posEible not only to invite no size enlargement but also to spare the 3pace and to receive less influence, of the noises.

Still moreover, there may be provided power source relay mes.ns fr relaying the power source fed from the power source feeding means to branch the power s)urce fed from the power source feeding means, to the image state kesping unit and the display device. Therefore, the number of cables to be wirelI from the power source feeding means can be reduced, and many cablhs n:ed not be bundled in the manufacturing process. At the reusing and re.ycling steps, moreover, the many cables need not be unbundled so tha; their manufacturing process can be simple and convenient.

For example, the gaming machine of ;he related art is constructed of: a main body h ving a recess; a door for covering the recess; and a device (including a board) disposed in those insides. The 57 ARF 075 9/79 "J PJ~j ON IVd SVAVOHi; 'E'1 G4 2E aforementionel power source feeding meanni is generally disposed in the recess of the main body. On the other hand, the device to be fed with various power sour:es is disposed in the recess of the main body or in the door. Therefore, not the device disposed in the main body but the device disposed i:2 the docr is disposed at a place relatively far from the power source feeding mea as. In order to feed the power source to those devices, i; needs troublesolne works to wire the many power source cables. In addition, the cable for feeding the power source are clamped by the door, when this door is o-ened/closed, to cause disconnections.

By providing the power source relay means, therefore, the power source cables to the power source relay means can be reduced to make the works easier in the manufacturing process.

Especially by providing the door with the power source relay unit having that power source relay means, the wiring works can be made efficient. In the multi-function gaming machine of recent years, moreover, many devices are disposed on the door. Therefore, the number of power sourc, cables for feeding the power source to those devices can be reduced and effi :iently wired.

Still moreover, there may be provided power source relay means for relaying the power source fed from the power source feeding meanE to branch the power s urce fed from the power source feeding means, to the image state keeping unit and the display device. Therefore, the number of cables to be wired from the power source feeding means can be reduced, and many cables need not be bundled in the manufacturing process. At the reusing and recycling steps, moreover, the many cables need not be unbundled to provide a simple and convenient manufacturing process, For example the gaming machine of the related art is constructed of: a main body having a recess; a door for covering the recess; and a device (including a board) disposed in those insides. The aforementioned power source feeding means is generally disposed in the 58 ARF-075 91/ C9 t IC 1 0 N IVd 'ISVAVgOH; 'E4'4 ,E recess of the main body. On the other hand, the device to be fed with various power sources is disposed in the recass of the main body or in the d.oor. Therefore, rot the device disposed in the main body but the device disposed in the door is disposed at a place relatively far from the power source feeding means. In order to feed the power source to those devices, it needs troublesome works to wire the many power source cables. In addition, the cableti for feeding the power source are clamped by the door, when this door is opened/closed, to cause disconnections.

By providing the power source relay means, therefore, the number of power sourci cal les to the power source relay means can be reduced to make the works ea ier in the manufacturing process.

Especially by providing the door with the power source relay unit having that power source relay means, the wiring works can be made efficient. In the multi-function gaming machine of recent years, moreover, many devices are disposed on the door. Therefore, the number of power source cables for feeding the power source to those devices i:an be reduced anc. efficiently wired.

[Operations of Ganr ing Machine] Subroutines to be executed in various circuits such as the aforementioned miin control circuit 100 and the subsidiary control circuit 200 so .s to control the slot machine 10 are shown in Fig. 13 to Fig.

18. Here, the subroutines, as shown in Fig. 13, Fig. 16 and Fig. 18, are called and execute i at a predetermined timing from the main program having been executed in advance.

In the following, it is assumed that the slot machine 10 is started in advance, thE.t th variables to be used in the aforementioned main CPU 102, sub-CPU '212, mage control CPU 252 and signal conversion CPU 2:72 are initialized to predetermined values, and that the slot machine 10 is steadily operating.

[Operations of Mai:i Control Circuit] 59 ARF-075 S9 /t/9 'd 1 0 IVd 'I SVAOH E1; \(QE(I Cj~rPSe4 1 B~T~i: BPOOi: First of all, an initialization is executed (at Step S101) in the !slot machine 10, as shown in Fig. 13. Specifically, the main CPU 102 initializes the stored contents of the main RAM 106, the communication data and so on. The initialization of the stored contents of the main RAM 106 is done )y turning ON the slot machine 10 so as to clear an indefinite value stired in the main RAM 106.

He:re, the main CPU 102 can also be left not to initialize the whole area or a port:.on cf the main RAM 106. As a result, the interest of the game can be raise i by changing the situations of the games at the slot machine 10 randorily when the power source is turned ON.

Moreovr, effective signals are so sent to the reel back lamps 62 as to turn ON the back lamps 63 at a normal time. In case this processing is ended, the routine advances to Step S102.

Next, the erasure of the stored contents at the game end is executed (at Step 3102). In this processing, the main CPU 102 erases the data in the wri-able region, as used in the previous game, of the main RAM 106, stores *;he parameters necessary for the next game in -he writable region of ;he main RAM 106, and Etores the starting address of the sequence program to be used in the next game. In case this processing is endec., the routine advances tc Step S108.

Next, it is i.etermined (at Step S103) whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed after the end of the previous game. In this processing, the znain CPU 102 det rmines whether or not the counted value, as started from the end of the previous game, of a timer packaged in the main CPU 102 is a predetermined time period, 30 seconds or longer in this embodiment. The main CPU 102 shifts the processing to Step S104, in case it discriminates that the counted value of the timer is 30 seconds! or lInger, but shifts the processing to Step S105, in case it does not discriminate that the counted value of the t:.mer is 30 seconds or longer.

Next, a dem command is sent (at Step S104). In this processing, ARF.075 'd P1E~ ON iVd 'I SVAV%80H; 'EVt r4 E C4TF~B(IT BPOOe the main CPU 10d feeds the subsidiary control circuit 200 through the input-output bus 108 with a display instruction to display the demo S;creen. In respunse to this instructior., the sub-CPU 212 in the Eiubsidiary control circuit 200 displays the demo screen in the display device 30 through the image control circuit 250, as will be described hereinafter. This processing is shifted, after ended, to Step S105.

Next, it is determined (at Step S105) whether or not an automatic insertion is demanded. In this processing, the main CPU 102 determines whether or not the general gaming state was in the previous game and whether or not a replay combinat:.on was won. The main CPU 102 reads out the data indicating the winning state in the previous game, E.s positioned in th. main RAM 106. In case it is discriminated that the read data are thoso indicating that the replay combination was won, the processing is Ehifted to Step S106. In caso it is not discriminated that the read data are those indicating that the replay combination was won, the processing is shifted to Step S107.

Next, an at.tomatic insertion of the game medals demande& is executed (at Step S106). In this processing, the main CPU 102 reads out the data indicating the previous insertion number from the main RAM 106, and s-;ore.s the BET number in the main RAM 106 and turns ON BET lamps 18 on the basis of those data. In case this processing is ended, it ii shifted to Step S108.

Next, it is determined (at Step S107) whether or not the game medals have been inserted. In this processing, the medal sensor :L52 fieds the main CPJ 102 with the medal insertion signal, and the main CPU 102 thus havi:ig accepted the medal iniertion signal stores it as the EET number in the main RAM 106. In case the BET number is ;he maximum, moreover, the main CPU 102 stores the signal not as the BET number but as the redit number.

And, the ma.n CPU 102 reads out the BET number from the RAM 61 ARF-075 'd 11 ON IVd 'ISVAVOH E4; KYE(#,9i B k3t DS 4 07o 106, and shifts the processing to Step S108 in case it discriminates that the BET number is counted or stored as the data other than 0, but to Step s103 in case it do s not discriminate that the BET number is stored. as the data other thaiL 0.

Next, it is letermined (at Step S108) whether or not the start switch has been tulrned ON. In this procsssing, the start switch feeds the main CPU' 102 with the start signal, in case the operation of the start lever 32 has leen detected, and the main CPU 102 having accepi;ed the start signal determines whether or not the start switch has been turned ON. The nain CPU 102 accepts the start signal and shifts the processing to Step "i109, in case it discriminates that the start switch has been turned ON, bt.t shifts the processing again to the Step S108, in case neither accepts tie start signal nor discriminates that the start switch has been turned ON.

Next, it is determined (at Step S109) whether or not 4.1 seconds have elapsed from 1he previous game start. In this processing, the main CPU 102 determinis whether or not the counted value, as started from t:e start of th, previous game, of the timer packaged in the main CPU 102 is a predeternined time period, 4.1 seconds or longer in this embodiment. The main CPU 102 shifts the processing to Step S1i1, in case it discriminate s that the counted value of the timer is 4.1 seconds or longer, but shifts the processing to Step S110, in case it does not discriminate that the counted value of the timer is 4.1 seconds or longer.

Next, the coLnsumption of the game start awaiting time is executed (at Step S110). Ini this processing, the main CPU 102 consumes the game awaiting tin.e without shifting to the next processing till the counted tirae by the processing of Step S109 reaches 4.1 seconds. In case it discriminates at Step S109 that the counted time reaches 4.1 seconis, the main CPU 102 shifts the processing to Step S111.

Next, the reels are turned (at Step S11). In this processing, the 62 i 'd S c 0 IVd 'ISVAVMOHi; ;IK4,,lEK« ,t F4EP~e~ 1: BPdOS main CPU 10AI fee is the drive signal to the motor drive circuit 130 for controlling the drives of the stepping motors 128L, 128C and 128R the stepping rmoto:rs 1Z 8L, 128C and 128R are driven so that the reels 26L, 26C and 26R are rotationally driven. After this processing was ended, the processing is shifted to Step S112.

Next, the ra adom numbers for lottery are extracted (at Step S 1:2).

In this procesiiing, the main CPU 102 feeds the sampling signal to the sampling circuit and the sampling circuit 114 having accepted the sampling signE.1 feeds the random number generator 116 with the data for producing the rand am numbers. And, the random number generator 116 fieds the random numbers to the main CPU 102. Moreover, the main CPU 102 stores tae random numbers fed from the random number generator 116 in the main RAM 106.

On the basis of these random numbers, the stop control positions of the reels 26L, 26 D and 26R, which have been rotationally driven by ;he processing of Step S111, are determined. In this processing, the main CPU 102 extracts the random numbers for the lottery. Specifically, -;he random numbers are extracted from the range of 0 to 16383. In case this processing is e'ided, it is shifted to Step S112.

Next, the random numbers for the lottery are extracted (at S-;ep S112). In this pro essing, the main CPU 102 feeds the random number generator 116 witih the signal to generate the random numbers. In response to the sigr al fed from the main CPU 102 to generate the random numbers, moreover, the random number generator 116 generates the random numbers and feeds them to the main CPU 102. The main C:?U 132 accepts the! random numbers and stores them in the main RAM 10)6.

In case this processing is ended, the processing is shifted to Step S113.

Next, the 1- ame monitoring timer is set (at Step S113), as shown in Fig. 14. In this processing, the main CPU 102 sets the timer built therein. This timer includes an automatic stop timer for stopping the 63 ARF-075 'd sl N IVd 'IStAVHQW: 2 t~HE FiKEtJ C~~F~e4 1 B4S#i~ BPOOS~ reels 26L 26C and 26R automatically not on the basis of the stopping operation of the pliyer. In case this proceiising is ended, the processing is shifted to Step 5 114.

Next, cl gaming state is monitored (at Step S114). In this processing, the main CPU 102 monitors the playing state in the slot machine 10, a;s will be described hereinafter. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S115.

Next, a probability lottery is executed (at Step S115). In this processing, th3 mEin CPU 102 executes the processing on the internal lottery on the basis of the random numbers, which are stored in the main RAM 106 by the processing of Step 8112. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step 8116.

Nex:t, a stop table group is selected (at Step S116). The main CPU 102 select: the stop table on the basis of the gaming state or the like as will be described iereinafter. In case th:s processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S117.

Next, the itart command is sent (at Step S117). In this processing, the main CPU 102 feeds piecei of information such as the information on an internal winning combination, the selection result of the stop table grot.p, the gaming state, the kinds of probability lottery table stored, and the stock number, as the data for starting the game to the subsidiary control circuit 200. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S113.

Next, it is .etermined (at Step S118) whether or not the stop buttons hs.ve been turned ON. In this processing, the reel stop signal circuit 154 feods the stop signal to the main CPU 102, in case ;;he operations of the individual stop buttons 34L, 34C and 84R are detected.

The main CPU 102 accepts the stop signal to discriminate that the s;op buttons are turned ON, and shifts the processing to Step S120. The main CPU 102 does not accept the stop signal not to discriminate that ;he 64 ARF-075 S L 1 0 IVd SVVgOHi; 'E4j14 ,(QE stop buttons are tt.rned ON, and shifts the processing to Step S119.

Next, it is c.etermined (at Step S119) whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is at In this processing, the main CPU 102 makes this judgment on the basis of the count, which is started by the processing of.Step 8113. The main CPU 102 shifts the processing to Step S120, in casi it determines that the value of the automatic Etop timer is at but to Step S118 in case it does not determine that the value of the automatic stop timer is at Next, the slipping frame number is determined (at Step S120). In this processing, the main CPU 102 determines the slipping frame number cn the basis of the stop positions having detected the operations of the individual stop buttons 34L, 34C and 34R and the stop table contained in the stop table group selected, and stores it in the main RAM 106. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S121.

Next, the rsel corresponding to the slipping frame number is turned and is then stopped (at Step S121). In this processing, the main CPU 102 readE out the data indicating the slipping frame number stored in the main RAM 106 by the processing of Etep S120, and feeds the si;op signal to the mottr drive circuit 130 for controlling the stops of the stepping motors 123L, 128C and 128R, on the basis of those data, so that the stepping motor;i 128L, 128C and 128R are stopped to stop and displ:ay the reels 26L, 26(! and 26R. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S122.

Next, it is dstermined (at Step S1221 whether or not all the reels have been stopped. In this processing, the main CPU 102 shifts the processing to Step S123, in case it discriminates that all the reels are stopped, but to St:p S118 in case it does not discriminate that all the reels are stopped.

Next, the step command is sent (at Step S123), as shown in Fig, In this processing, the main CPU 102 feeds the subsidiary control circuit ARF-075 'd S 11 ON IVd 'ISVAV8QOHU; 'Et j4 gVE/E3 os OH: PO~ 200 with a command indicating that all the reels are stopped. In case this processing is Ended, it is shifted to Step S124.

Next, a prize is retrieved (at Step S124). In this processing, the main CPU 102 retrieves the prize on the bais of the stop positions of the individual reels 26 L, 26C and 26R, the BET number data and the winning symbol combir.atioi table, and stores the winning flag in the main RAM 106. In case i;his )rocessing is ended, it is shifted to Step S125.

Next, it is determined (at Step S125) whether or not the winning flag is normal. In this processing, the main CPU 102 shifts the processing to Sitep S127, in case it discriminates that the winning fla,; is normal, but to Step S126 in case it does not discriminate that the winning flag is normal.

Next, the illegal error is displayed (at Step S126). In this processing, the main CPU 102 feeds the subsidiary control circuit ?00 through the input-output bus 108 with the display instruction to display the illegal error frame. In response to this instruction, the sub-CPU 312 in the subsidiary cc ntrol circuit 200 displays the illegal error frame in the display device 80 -;hrough the image control circuit 250. In case this processing is ended,. the game is interrupted.

Nex:t, the gane medals are credited or paid out (at Step S127). In this processing, on the basis of the winning flag stored in the main RAM 106 by the processing of Step S124, the main CPU 102 either increases, updates and stores the credit number of the game medals positioned at the main RAM or fieds the payout instruction signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 so that a predetermined number of game medals are paid ut from the hopper 116. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S128, Next, the gaming state at the ending time is monitored (at Step S128). In this processing, the main CPU 102 reads out the data sto:red in the main RAM :.06 and indicating the gaming state, and determines 68 ARF-075 1P 'd S L 1 N iVd 'I SVAV8OH'; ErA ECEr, F "S45 sl B00Z the gaming state Et the next and later tim',s on the basis of those data.

Moreover, the main CPU 102 may set the various data and flags, when it determines tha ne:ct and subsequent gaming states, on the basis of the result of the determinations. In case this processing is ended, i; is shifted to Step S129.

Next, the end command is sent (at Step 8129). In this processing, the main CPU 102 feeds the subsidiary control circuit 200 with the command indicating the end of one game. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S102.

[Operations of Sub 3idiary Control Circuit] In subsidia-y control circuit 200, as shown in Fig. 16, it is c.etermined (ai; Step S201) whether or not the demo command has boen received. In this processing, the sub CPU 212 shifts the processing to Step S202, in case it discriminates that the demo command has been received through the IN port 218, but to Step S203 in case it does not discriminete that the demo command has been received.

In case it is discriminated at Step S201 that the demo command has been received, the effect variables at the demo time are stored (at Step S202). In this processing, the sub CPU 212 stores the variable indicating the demo time in the sub RAM 213. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S203.

Ne:t, it is determined (at Step S208) whether or not the start command has been received. In this processing, the sub CPU 212 sh:.fts the processing to Step S204, in case it discriminates that the start command has been received through the IN port 218, but to Step 820t in case it does no'; dis:riminate that the start command has been received.

In case it is discriminated that the start command has boen received by the p:'ocessing of Step S203, the effect variables at -:he starting time are stored (at Step S204). In this processing, the sub CPU 212 sores the variables indicating the starting time in the sub RAM 216.

67 ARF-075 /S'1 d S ON IVd 'I SVAV2OH,; 'E 4 ,(E f49 4s I PS 0 0 In case this proces ing is ended, it is shifted to Step S205.

Next, is determined (at Step S205) whether or not the stop command has been received. In this processing, the sub CPU 212 shifts the processing to Step 5206, in case it discriminates that the stop command has been received, but to Step 8207 in case it does not discriminate that the stop command has been received.

In case it is discriminated that the stop command has been received by the processing of Step S205, the effect variables at the stop time are stored (at Step S206). In this processing, the sub CPU 212 stores the variable s indicating the stop time in the sub RAM 216, In case this processing is ended, it is shifted tc Step 5207.

Next, ii; is determined (at Step S207) whether or not the ond command has been received. In this processing, the sub CPU 212 shifts the processing, to Step S208, in case it discriminates that the ind command has been received through the IN port 218, but to Step S209 in case it does not discriminate that the end command has been received, In case it is discriminated at Step S207 that the end command :ias been received, the affect variables at the ending time are stored (at Step S208). In this rocessing, the sub CPU 212 stores the variables indicating the ending time in the sub RAM 216. In case this processing i:3 ended, it is iihiftd to Step S209.

Next, the effects are controlled on i;he effect variables (at Step S209). In. this processing, the sub CPU 212 reads out the variables indicating the gamei situations, as positionec in the sub RAM 216, such as the demo time, th, start time, the stop time or the ending time, ind makes effects on tl e basis of those variables. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step 8201.

On the other hand, the effect controls to be executed by ;he processing of Step 3209 will be described with reference to Fig. 17.

First of all, the effect variables are referred to (at Step S211), as 68 ARF-075 S/6 *d l1T O IV d '1SV A VH 14 \C i ~1PS8~ T. BC1S~i~ BFOOi: shown in Fig. 17. In this processing, the sub CPU 212 reads out the variables indi.cating the game situations, as positioned in the sub RAM 216, such as t:ie d'mo time, the start time:. the stop time or the ending time. In case this processing is ended, it iE shifted to Step S212.

Ne:t, t:ie image control is executed on the basis of the effect variables (at Step 13212). In this processing, the sub CPU 212 feeds the image display .nstruction to the image display control circuit 250 through the OUT port 220 )n the basis of the effect variables referred to by the processing of Step 3211.

In the imag3 display control circuit 250, the image control CPU 252 accepts the image display instruction, as fed from the sub-microcomputer 210, through the IN port 264, and feeds the image display instru:tion to the image control IC on the basis of the image display instrution The image c mtrol IC 262 reads out the predetermined image data from the imag, RC M 258 on the basis of the image display instruction, and stores the image data in a superposing manner in the video RAM 260.

And, the image co:itrol IC 262 reads out the image data stored in the video RAM 26), and feeds them to the scale circuit 400. In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S213.

Next, the so;inds are controlled on thoe basis of the effect variables (at Step 8213). In this processing, the sub CPU 212 feeds the sound effect instruction t) the lamp control circuit 300 through the OUT p)rt 220 on the basis ol' the effect variables referred to by the processing of Step S211.

The sound surce IC 302 accepts the sound effect instruction, and reads out the predttermined sound data from the sound ROM 304. The sound source IC 3C2 feeds the sound data to the power amplifier 306 so that the sounds arn emitted for the sound offects from the speakers 46.

In case this process ing is ended, it is shifted, to Step S214.

69 ARF-075 /1)1 ,d S OH IVd 'I SV AVO; 2 S\klQ 2 HLH tP LtC os82(- E #W Next, the lamp control is executec. on the basis of the effect variables (at Step 3214). In this processing, the sub CPU 212 feeds the lamp effect initruction to the lamp control circuit 300 through the OUT port 220 on th' banis of the effect variables referred to by the processing of Step 8211.

The lamp drive circuit 322 accepts the lamp effect instruction to turn ON/OFF the effect lamps 172.

Here in this processing, the lamp effects can be made on the various lamps, but the lamp effects on the reel back lamps 63 are restricted. Usually, the reel back lamps 63 are turned ON, and they are turned OFF or ano-;her color lamp is turned ON, in case the effects are to be made. In case this processing is ended, the present subroutine is ended.

[Operations of Scale Circuit] At the ticale circuit 400, as shown in Fig. 18, the timer coun-; is started (at Step S101). In this processing, the signal conversion CPU 272 starts the count of the timer built therein. In case this processinj is ended, it is shifted to Step S802.

Next, it is determined (at Step S302) whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed. In this processing, the signal conversion. CPU 272 shifts the processing to Step S303, in case it discriminates that the count of the timer built therein has elapsed the predetermined period, but again to Step 8302 in case it does not discriminate that the count of the timer has elapsed the predetermined period.

In case it is discriminated at Step 1302 that the predetermined period has elapsed, it is determined (at Stp S303) whether or not the image signals or tie synchronous signals have been received. In this processing, the sig:ial conversion CPU 272 shifts the processing to Step 8304, in case it discriminates that the image signals have been received ARF-075 'd C iVd 'ISVAV8OH; 'Eu E through the IN por; 278, but to Step S306 in case it does not discriminate that the ir2age sigr.als have been received.

In case it is discriminated by the processing of Step S303 that the image signals ha-e been received, the received image signals are enlarged (at S-;ep E1304). In this processing, the signal conversion CPU 272 enlarges and converges the accepted irzage signals as the enlarged and converged im .ge signals. In case th:.s processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S305.

Next, the enlarged image is stored (at Step S305). In this processing, the signal conversion CPU 272 stores the video RAM 276 with the image data enlarged and converged by the processing of Step S304.

In case this processing is ended, it is shifted to Step S307.

In case :it is not discriminated by the processing of Step S303 that the image signals have been accepted, the trnsparent image is stored (at Step S306). In this processing, the signal conversion CPU 272 stores i;he video RAM 276 in the image of relatively high transparency. In case this processing is e:aded, it is shifted to Step 5307.

Next, the image signals are sent (at Step S307). In this processing, the signal conversion CPU 272 reads out the image data stored in the video RAM 276 and feeds the image data through the O'JT port 280 to the display device In case the signal conversion CPU 272 feeds the image signals, on the other hand. it f(:eds the liquid crystal backlights 292 with an effective s:.gnal to e:nit the lights.

The liquid crystal drive circuit 291 having accepted the image data converts the ir.age data and displays the image based on the image data, in the liquid crysta., display device 54.

Moreover, ihe liquid crystal backlights 292 accept the aforementioneL efff ctive signal and illuminate the liquid crystal display device 54 from the back. In case this proces sing is ended, it is shifted to 71 ARF-375 IVd 1 SVAMOH, E;K;]l4 \(OE( f~8Pfs~ 1: B~c~i BPOOi Step S301.

Thus, "the :'eel illuminating means has a function to illuminate the reels in case the power source is turned ON". On the basis of the operation of the power ON, the function to illuminate the reels is ictivated to make the reels easily visible. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gam, wlich continue the interest of the player for a long time.

Since this visibility is made easier, it is also possible to provide the game, which can make th player hardly tired to keep the interest of the player for a long time.

Especially i case the symbol is displayed in motion by rotating the reels, it is harder to view than in case the symbol is displayed si;ill.

According to this g iming machine, it is possible to provide a game, which can make the reels more visible than the related art and can continue the interest of the player for a long time. As the visibility is made easier, it is possible to provi de a game which can make the player hardly tired and can continue the interest of the player for a long time. Since the contents of the gan e are frequently determined in the reel stopping made, it is possible to pro ide a game, which can keep the interest the player for a longer time.

Here, the aforementioned "case of i;he power ON" is a concept including the case, in which the power source is merely turned ON, and the case in wh:ich the power source is turned ON again. In the included case, for example, the power source may be turned ON on the basis of the operation of t.e power button, and the power source may be turned ON again on the basis f the operation of the reiiet button.

Moreover, 'the reel illuminating means has a function to i.luminate the reel; at all times while the power source is ON". In case the gaming machine is powered, in case the gaming machine may be played, therefore, it is possible to provide a game, which can make the reels easily visible and can continue the interest of the player for a long 72 ARF.075 'd S 'rJ El~ ON IVd 'O SVAVOHS EH i 4 \K 2 time. Since this visibility is made easier, moreover, it is possible to provide a game, wl ich can make the player hardly tired and can keep the interest of the player for a long time.

Mo:eover, ":he reel illuminating means has a function not to illuminate the reels, in case the effects are be made, but to illuminate the reels in case no effect is to be made". Therefore, the effects may be rade by extirguishing the reels, but the reels are illuminated at all times, in case the effects are not made. In other words, the reels are made ordinarily vi;ible, and the effects are made by not illuminating i;he reels. As a result, it is possible to provide a game, which makes i;he effects with the brightness of the reels, which can make the reels easily visible and which can continue the interest of the player for a long tire.

Since this visibilit:y is made easier, moreover, it is possible to provide a game, which can make the player hardly tired and can keep the interest of the player for a long time.

Still moreover, "the gaming machine further comprises: a display device mounted on the front faces of the reels for displaying an image; and display control means for displaying an image relating to a game on the display device, and the display control means has a function to display an image ol a relatively high transparency on the display device".

Therefore, the invisibility is eliminated by displaying an image of a relatively high trar.sparency. Thus, it is possible provide a game, which can make the' reels more visible and can continue the interest of the player for a lc.ng time. Since this visibility is made easier, it is also possible to provide the game, which can make the player hardly tired &nd can keep the interest of the player for a long: time.

Here in this embodiment, the display device 30 is disposed on -;he front faces of the reels 26L, 26C and 26R, and the display device 30 is so constructed that tle relatively transparent images can be displayed in t:ie display device 30. However, the invention should not be limied 73 ARF-075 d SLEl ON iVd I SVAV8OH; 4 ,E Rs~~cS Gs(-4 W thereto, but the diniplay device 30 need not be disposed on the front fe.ces cf the reels 2EL, 26C and 26R. Moreover, no trouble arises even if the display device 30 does not have the function to display the relatively transparent image;. In this case, the construction is made such that the display device can be controlled to keep the state of the screen by displaying a p: edei ermined image when abnormality is detected.

Moreover, ;he effects, as described herein, are the mere enumeration of the most proper effects obtained from the invention, and the effects of the irvention should not be lirited thereto.

In order to achieve the aforementioned object, the gam:.ng machine of the invention is provided with the image display unit hav:.ng the display ccntrcl means, and the power source feeding means for feeding the display units and the image display unit independently with the power source.

The aforemientioned concept of "feed the power source independently" contains not only the mere use of different power source devices but al:so tie feed of the power sou:rce to not one board but the other even in case .he power source device i; shared.

Moreover, "ihe display device is provided with an image state keeping unit having image state keeping means for accepting the image signals fed frora th( display control means, and for controlling the display device in a. predete .mined state in case the :mage signals are abnormal".

Even in case the power source is not fed to the image display unit, therefore, the power source is fed independently of the power source feeding means for ;he display device so tha.t the display device itsel:: is not disconnected from the power source. By eliminating one factor which may give an 'ncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefcre, ii; is possible to provide a gaming machine which can continue the interest of the player fcr a long time.

By providing such image state keeping means, moreover, ;he 74 ARF-075 S/l 'd sl~l ON lVd 'I SVAVg0Hi; E RASI DST POO predetermined imsge is displayed in case the image is abnormal. By eliminating one factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine which can continue the interest of the player for a long time.

Moreover, ";he gaming machine comprises the rotatable reels having the symbols drawn on their outer peripheries, and the display device is mounted on the front faces of the I:eels". The gaming machine having the display device on the reel front face to be most noted by the player can provide a game having dynamic effects but may give the more uncomfortable image influences to the player as the place is more noted.

Especially in case ihe display device is disposed on the reel front face, it may give a re:.ativsly serious uncomfortable feeling to the player. By eliminating or.e CE use for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it in ponsible to provide the game, which can continue ;he interest of the playar for a longer time.

Here in this embodiment, the display device 30 is disposed on ;he front faces of the rEiels 26L, 26C and 26R, and the display device 30 is so constructed that the relatively transparent images can be displayed in t:ae display device 30. However, the invention should not be limi;ed thereto, but th display device 30 need not be disposed on the front faces of the reels 26L, 2(0C and 26R. Moreover, no trouble arises even if ;he display device 30 ldoes not have the function to display the relatively tr.ansparent images. In this case, the construction is made such that i;he display device can be controlled to keep the state of the screen by displaying a predetermined image when abnormality is detected.

Moreover, the effects, as described herein, are the mare enumeration o' the most proper effects obtained from the invention, and the effects of the invention should not be limited thereto.

The aforen.entioned concept of "feed the power source independently" con;ains not only the mere use of different power source ARF-075 /19i 'd 1 N ON lVd 'ISVAVgOHi; 'E{44 Q-E( OS E ,Mozi FOO

I

devices but alEo tho, feed of the power source to not one but the other even in case the power Eource device is shared.

On the othe:: hand, "the image state keeping unit has not only the image state koepir.g means but also image enlarging conversion means for converging the accepted image signals into enlarged image signa:s".

Even in case the power source is not fed to the display control unit, therefore, the power source is fed independently of the power source feeding meant so that the state of the image can be kept without displaying any disturbed image. By eliminating one cause for an uncomfortable feel: ng during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide E. game capable of continuing the interest of the player for a long time.

Moreover, tie image signals are displayed, after enlarged and converted, as a larger image than that of the related art in the display d.evice. This disp.ay can provide a game having dynamic effects but gives the more uncomfortable image influences to the player as the im age becomes the large Especially in case the image thus enlarged and converted is displayed, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feeling to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable faeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

By providing the common image state keeping unit with the imiEge state keeping means and the image enlarging conversion mea:s, moreover, it is possible not only to invite no size enlargement but also to spare the spaco and to receive less influence of the noises.

Moreover, "the gaming machine further comprises the rotatable reels having a. plur ality of symbols drawn on their outer peripheries, nd the display device is mounted on the front faces of the reels". The gaming machine hiving the display device on the reel front face to be most noted by the player can provide a game having dynamic effects but may give the rore uncomfortable image influences to the player as The 76 ARF-075 SLl'd I M O iVd 'I SVfVMOH; Et'IK E§ i AS I 0S 4 1) 0 place is more noted. Especially in case the display device is disposed on the reel front :ace, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feeling to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, t erefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the intere at of the player for a longer time.

On the otter hand, not the uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, but the image of a relatively high transparency is displayed on the display device. In case the abnormality is detocted, therefore, it is possiible to make the reels visi.ble to the player.

It is, threft re, possible to provide a :ame, which can continue the interest of the player without displaying the image, as might otherwise become uncoraforiable during the play, unless the image signal monitoring un:.t be omes abnormal.

Since the rels are made visible, moreover, the game is hardly interrupted even ir the abnormal case of the monitoring unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide a game, which not only can be continued but e.lso is hardly distrusteil by the player as if an improper treatment were done, so that it can conti aue the interest of the player.

Here in this embodiment, the display device 30 is disposed on the front faces of the roels 26L, 26C and 26R, a:ad the display device 30 iE, so constructed that the relatively transparent images can be displayed in the display device 30. However, the invention should not be limited thereto, but the diE play device 30 need not be disposed on the front faces of the reels 26L, 23C and 26R, Moreover, no trouble arises even if the display device 30 loes not have the function to display the relatively transparent images. In this case, the construction is made such that the display device car be controlled to keep the state of the screen by displaying a predetermined image when abnormality is detected.

Moreover, the effects, as described herein, are the mere 77 ARF 075 L S 911 ON iVd 'ISVAhH0K: 'Et4I(\IQE B tt F 7 S I GS V7POO enumeration of the most proper effects obt'.ined from the invention, and the effects of the ir vention should not be limited thereto.

Thus, "the .isplay device further comprises: an image displaying board having the display control means; and an image signal cont:rol board including image signal control means for accepting image signals from the display control means to display an image on the display device and for detecting abnormality of the image signals, and transparent image display means for displaying an image of a relatively high transparency on the display device in case ;he abnormality of the image signals is detected by the image signal control means". Therefore, not the uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, but the iriage of a relatively high transparency is displayed on the display device. In case the abnormality is detected, therefore, it is possible to make tl e reels visible to the player.

It is, therefore, possible to provide a game, which can continue the i:nterest of the player without displaying the image, as might otherwise become uncomfortsble during the play, unless the image signal control board becomes abn.rmal.

Since the rfels are made visible, moreover, the game is hardly interrupted even in the abnormal case of the monitoring unit. Therefore, ii; is possible to provide a game, which not o:aly can be continued but also is: hardly distrustec. by the player as if an improper treatment were done, so that it can conti:ue the interest of the player.

On the othe r hand, "the image signal control board includes not only the image signal control means and the transparent image display means but; also in age enlarging conversion means for converging ;he accepted imaga signals into enlarged image signals". Therefore, ;he uncomfortable image, as might otherwise bE formed by various troubles, can be kept in the predetermined state without being displayed in -he display device. By eliminating one factor, which may give an 78 ARF-075 L /1'd S ON LVd 'I SVhWOHS 2 E1(4i($ 4%1BS6 os rB OHI$POS uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a game, w'iich can continue the interest of the player for a long time.

Moreov,3r, the image signals are displayed, after enlarged ind converted, as a larger image than that of the related art in the display device. This disp.ay can provide a game having dynamic effects but gives the more uncomfortable image influenes to the player as the image becomes the larger. Especially in case the image thus enlarged s.nd converted is displayed, it may give a rela-ively serious uncomfortable feeling to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

By providing the common image signal monitoring board with the image state keeping means and the image anlarging conversion means, moreover, it is posnible to reduce the numbr of boards, and not only to i:nvite no size enlargement but also to spare the space. Moreover, signals are fed through the wires formed on the board so that loss influence of th', noises is received.

Moreover, "the display control means has a function to display a colored image on ;he display unit so that the colored image may be invisible to a playe:-". Therefore, not the uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be firmcd by various troubles, but the image of a relatively high transparency is displayed on the display device. In case ;he abnormality is detected, therefore, it is possible to make the reels visible to the player.

It is, therefore, possible to provide a game, which can continue i;he interest of the player without displaying the image, as might otherwise become uncom:ortable during the play, unless the image signal control board becomes abnormal.

Since the reels are made visible, moreover, the game is harily 79 ARF-075 S/17,'d OHE O iVd 'ISVAVWh 0H ,CE( interrupted even ir. the abnormal case of the monitoring unit. Therefore, it is possible t) prcvide a game, which not only can be continued but also is hardly distruste'l by the player as if an improper treatment were done, so that it can continue the interest of the player.

Moreover, tie effects thus far described are no more than the enumerations of tte most preferred effects obtained from the invention.

The effects of the invention should not ba limited to those described hereinbefore.

The inv nticn will be described in connection with its embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing:s. In this embodiment tc be described, the invention is applied to a slot machine, and a plurality of rechanical rotata)le reels are used as variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of kinds of discrimination information images necessary for a game. However, ;he invention should not be l:imited thereto but could be adopted in various gaming machines such as a pinball gaming machine, a medal gaming machine or a card gaming machine.

On the imag e display subsidiary board 80, there is packaged the i:mage display subsidiary circuit (although :not shown) 290, which forms part of the display device 30 for driving the image signals fed from the scale board 76 and for controlling liquid crystal backlights 292 (referred to Fig. 11) of the display device Thus, there are provided the display device having the display control means, and the image state keeping unit having the image state keeping meann for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means and for controlling the display device in a predetermined state in case the image signals are abnormal. The uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, can be kept in ;he predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating one factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during ARF-075 li 'd 1EN OH iVd 'I SVAVgOH S; 'E U^4 I4 playing the game, ;herefore, the interest of the player can be continued for a long time.

By displayir.g the disturbed image farmed due to the failures in the display device, the display control means, the power supply feed so on, for example, the game provided can make the player feel uncomfortable.

Ey elimineting one cause for such an uncomfortable feeling, therefore, it ii; possible to ?)rov:.de a game capable of continuing the interest of The player for a long ti3ae.

Moreover, the image state keeping unit is provided with the image state keeping means and the image enlarging conversion means for converging the ims.ge signals accepted fror the display control means into the enlarged image signals. Therefore, the uncomfortable image, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, can be kept in i;he predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating one factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel dur:.ng playing the ga:e, ;herefore, it is possible to provide a game capable of continuing the inte "est of the player for a lo:ng time.

Moreover, the image signals are displayed, after enlarged and converted, as s. larier image than that of the related art in the disp"ay device. This display can provide a game having dynamic effects but g:ives the more uncomfortable image influences to the player as the imaLge becomes the largei. Especially in case the image thus enlarged and converted is displayed, it may give a relatively serious uncomfortable feeling to the :.layor. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the gare, which can conti.nue the interest of the player for a longer time.

By providing the common image state keeping unit with the imE.ge state keeping- me;ans and the image enlarging conversion mea:as, moreover, it is poss.ble not only to invite no size enlargement but also to spare the space and to receive less influence of the noises.

81 'd ON IVd 'ISVAVOHI E 1 B0I7 Moreover, the display device is provided with the rotatable reels having the plural symbols drawn on their outer peripheries, and the transparent image display means disposed on the front faces of the reels for displaying the images of relatively high transparency. In the gaming machine having the display device disposed on the front faces of the reels to be most no;ed by the player, therefore, it is possible to provide the game having dynamic effects. For the more notable place, however, the more serious unconfortable image becomes the more liable to be given to the player. Espec: ally in case the display device is thus disposed on the front faces of the zeels, the relatively serious uncomfortable feeling :an be given to the player. By eliminating one cause for the uncomfortable fieling during the play, therefore, it is possible to provide the game, which can continue the interest of the player for a longer time.

Here in this embodiment, the display device 30 is disposed on the front faces of the reels 26L, 26C and 26R, arid the display device 30 is so constructed that the relatively transparent images can be displayed in the display device 30. However, the invention should not be limited thereto, but the display device 30 need not be disposed on the front faces of the reels 26L, 2iC and 26R. Moreover, no trouble arises even if the display device 30 loes not have the function to display the relatively transparent images. In this case, the construction is made such that the display device car be controlled to keep the state of the screen by displaying a predetermined image when abnormality is detected.

Moreover, Ihe effects, as described herein, are the mere enumeration o: the most proper effects obtained from the invention, &.nd the effects of the invention should not be limited thereto.

Moreover, the reel back lamps 63L, 63C and 63R are usually k-pt in the lighting sta e so as to make the symbols easily visible. At ;he power ON time and at the reset time, moreover, the reel back lamps 63L, 63C and 63R are activated to keep the lighting state of ;he 82 ARF 075 L) d S LEI ON IVd 'ISVAV8OHi 'E2{j E S S I0S 0 0 lighting/extinguishing states.

As main input signal generating means for generating input signals necessary f)r the main CPU 102 to generate control signals, there are provided a start switch 150, the 1-BET switch 20, the 2-BET switch 22, the MAX-BET switch 24, the stocked medal settling button 36, a riedal sensor 152, 1 reel stop signal circuit 154, a reel position detecting circuit 156, a payo it completion signal circuit 158, a payout switch 162, the reset switch 1i4, the setting switch 16(6 and a contact sensor 168.

These elements are also connected with tho main CPU 102 through the input-output bus 108.

The set swit:h 166 detects the operation of the set button disposed in the slot mahinEi 10 and feeds the main CPU 102 with the set signal through the in)ut-output bus 108 when it detects the operation of the set button.

The lamp co:itrol circuit 300 is constructed of: the sound source IC 302 for controlling the sounds emitted from the speakers 46; a sound R OM 304 stored with the sound data; a power amplifier 306 acting as an amplifier; and a laiap drive circuit 822 for driving the effect lamps 172.

Here, in this embodiment, the LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) is adopt3d for the image signals to be fed to the scale circuit 400. This invention should not be limited thereto but may use various types. Preferably, by using the differential type such as the LVDS, for example, the image signals are hardly subject to the influences of noises so that the images ire displayed without deterioration.

In this ombdiment, moreover, the iraage signals to be fed to ;he scale circuit 4CO are of the VGA (Video Graphics Array) size so that they are converted into the enlarged image signals of the XGA (eXtended G-raphics Array) si::e by the operations of the scale circuit 40. Here in this embodiment, the image signals of the VGA size are fed to the scale circuit 400. [owever, the invention should not be limited thereto but 83 ARF-075 'd S I 1 0 IVd 'I SVAVgOHi 'EM:(4 ,(E may feed image signals of various sizes.

Moreover, the image signal control .nit is constructed to include the image signal control means, the transparent image display means and the image enlarging conversion means for converging the accepted image signali in;o the enlarged image signals. Therefore, -;he uncomfortable ima e, as might otherwise be formed by various troubles, can be kept in the predetermined state wi'thout being displayed in ;.he display device. By eliminating one factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, the interest of ;he player can be continued for a long time.

Next, an attomatic insertion of the game medals demandec. is executed (at Step S106). In this processing, the main CPU 102 reads out the data indicating the previous insertion number from the main RAM 106, and stores the BET number in the main RAM 106 bared on the data.

In case this prcesi;ing is ended, it is shifted to Step S108.

Next, it is determined (at Step 8122) whether or not all the re;els 26L, 26C and 26R have been stopped. In this processing, the main CPU 102 shifts the processing to Step S123, in case it discriminates that all the reels 26L,.26C and 26R are stopped, bu'; to Step S118 in case it does not discriminate that all the reels are stoppad.

Next, the stop command sending processing is executed (at Step S123), as shown in Fig. 15. In this processing, the main CPU 102 feds the subsidiary control circuit 200 with a command indicating that all the reels are stopped. In case this processing i.s ended, it is shifted to Step S124.

In the imagi display control circuit 250, the image control CPU 252 accepts the image display instruction, as fed from ;he sub-microcomputer 210, through the IN port 264, and feeds the image display instruction to the image control IC on the basis of the image display instruction.

84 ARF-076 S/S 'd S cw 0 gVd 'I SVAVW; XES4 B3 P 9 0 i S 0 0 According to the invention, there arl, provided the display device having the displa;r control means, and the image state keeping unit having the imEige s ;ate keeping means for accepting the image signals fed from the display control means to display the image on the display device s.nd for controlling the display device into the constant state in case the image signals are abnormal. Therefore, the uncomfortable image, as night otherwise I e formed by various troubles, can be kept in the predetermined state without being displayed in the display device. By eliminating one fector, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible ;o provide a game capable of continuing the interest of the player for a long time.

The invy ntic n will be described in connection with its embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment tc be described, the invention is applied to a slot machine, and a plurality of mechanical rotata)le reels are used as variable display devices for variably displaying a plurality of kinds of discrimination information i:ages necessary For a game. However, ;;he invention should not be L.mited theretc but could be adopted in various gaming machines such as a pinball gaming machine, a medal gaming machine or a card gaming machine.

According tc the invention, "the reel illuminating means has a function to illt.minate the reels in case the power source is turned ON", that is, the functioni to illuminate the reels iii activated on the basis of ;he operation of the power ON. Therefore, it is possible provide a game, which can make th3 reels easily visible and can continue the interest of the player for EL lon, time. Since this visibility is made easier, moreover, the game makes tho player hardly tired to kaep the interest of the player for a long time.

According to the invention, "the display device further comprises: an image display unit having the display control means; and power ARF-075 L /9 'd Sill OH IVd 'ISVAVOHh; Ec"(4 \A\(ELg 1 S I Gs F, 1 0 0 source feeding me ns for feeding the power source independently to :he display device anc the image display unit;". Even in case the power source is not fed to the image display unit, therefore, the power source is fed independently of the power source feeding means for the display d.evice so that i;he display device itself is not disconnected from the power source. By elimin iting one factor, which may give an uncomfortable feel during playing the game, therefore, it is possible to provide a gami.ng machine which can continue the interest of the player for a long time.

According the invention, "the gaming machine further comprises: an image display unit having the display control means; an image state keepin unit having image state keeping means for accepting the image signals f d from the display control means to display an image on the image disp ay unit, and for controlling the display device i:i a predetermined state in case the image signals are abnormal; and power source feeding means for feeding the power source independently to the image state keeping unit and the image display unit". Even in case the power source is not fed to the image display unit, therefore, the power source is inderendently fed from the power source feeding means so t'aat the state of the image can be kept without displaying any disturbed image. By eliminE ting one cause for an uncomfortable feeling during the play, therefore, it i; possible to provide a game capable of continuing the interest of the player for a long time.

According io the invention, "the gaming machine further comprises: an image displaying board having the display control means; and an image signi.l control board including image signal control means for accepting image signals from the display control means to display an image on the displ iy device and for detecting abnormality of the image signals, and transparent image display means for displaying an image of a relatively high transparency on the display device in case ';he abnormality of the image signals is detected by the image signal control 86 ARF 075 S 4j d t ON IVd '1SVAVOH; 'EWA4\(4E -means". Therefore, not the uncomfortable image, as might otherwiso be formed by variot.s troubles, but the image of a relatively high transparecy is displayed o:a the display device. In case the abnormality is-detected, therefore, it in possible to make the reels visible to the player.

Although only some exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those fskilled in the art will readily E.ppreciated that nany modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be inclided within the scope of ;his invention.

When used in this specification and claims., the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

87' ARF 075 'd 0 j, '3 I V t-1 ',IVA V H0 1H s t 7 ri _1 0 4 1/~li

Claims

2. A gamirg michine comprising: a rotatable reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer periphery thereof; ind reel. illuminating means for illuminating the reel, wherein the reel illuminating means has a function to illuminate the reel at all -;ime when the gaming machine is ON.
3. A gamir.g maLchine comprising: a rotatable reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on an ou;er periphery thersof; and reel illuminting means for illuminating the reel, wherein th3 reel illuminating means has a function not necessarily to illuminate the reel when an effect image is shown, but to illuminate the reel when the effect image is not shown.
4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: a display device for displaying an image, the display device being disposed in froq:t of the reel; and display :ontrol means for controlling the display device to display tl.e image relating ;o a game, wherein the display control means has a function to display the 88 ARF-075 d [IC O I Vd 'ISVVVFEOH2 (E4c \(QE 6K R3 t ~6~fe~ T: BF001 image of relatively high transparency on the display device. A gamirg m ichine comprising: a display de rice for displaying an image, and display control means for controlling the display device to display the image relating to a game, further comprising: an image ditplay unit having the display control means; and power iourne feeding means for feeding power to the disp.ay device and the imae display unit independently from each other.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, further comprising: an image state keeping board having image state keeping mee.ns for receiving a signal of the image fed from the display control means to display the image on the display device, and for controlling the display device to be kept into a predetermined state when the signal of the im,.ge i13 abnormal.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: a rotatable reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer periphery thereof, wherein the display device is disposed in the front of the reel.
8. The gaminj: machine according t, claims 5 or 6, further comprising: power source l relay means for relayir.g power fed from the power source feeding means so as to branch and svpply the power to the imege display unit and th3 display device.
9. The gaming machine according to claims 5 or 6, wherein the image display unit is built in an upper portion of the 89 ARF-075 S//0 d S I O IVd I SVAV OW1 'E{tj'c" j(4iE 6 J S I OS 0 0 700 gaming machine, A gaming machine comprising: a display device for displaying an image, and display control means for controlling the display device to display ELn image relating I o a game, further comprising: an image display unit having the display control means; an :image stitte keeping unit having image state keeping means for receiving a signal of the image fed from the display control means to display the image an the display device, ard for controlling the display c.evice in a preditermined state when the signal of the image is sbnormal; and power sourcs feeding means for feedng power to the image state keeping unit and the image display unit independently from each other.
11. The gaming machine according to claim wherein the image state keeping un:t comprises the image state keeping means and image enlarging conversion means for converting the received signal of the image signal into an enlarged image signal.
12. The gaming machine according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the image state keeping unit is built in an upper portion of the gaming macline.
13. The gaming machine according tc claim 10 or 11, further comprising a rotat ible reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer periphery the reof, wherein the display device is disposed in front of the reel.
14. The gaming machine according tc claim 10 or 11, further ARF-075 'd SL ON L~/V d ~tH Oi ld 'ISVAVOQt JIE ~1 R 0~9 1 9S Et- 0 0 comprising power source relay means for relaying power fed from the power source feeding means to branch and supply the power to the image state keeping unit and the image display unit.
16. A gaming machine comprising: a display de rice for displaying an image, and display cont ol means for controlling the display device to display the image relating to a game, further comprising: an image dis.play unit having the display control means; and an image stE te keeping unit having image state keeping means for receiving a signal cf the image from the display control means to displ.ay the image on the display device, and for controlling the display device in a predetermined st ate when the signal of the image is abnormal. 16. The gaming machine according to claim wherein the image state keeping unit has the image state keeping means and image enlarging conversion mean.s for converting the signal of the image received from the display control means into an enlarged image signal.
17. The garminj machine according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising: a :"otatable reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer periphery thereof, wherein the display device has transparent image display means for displaying the image of relatively high transparency and is disposed in front of the reel.
18. The gaming machine according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the image state keeping unit is built in an upper portion 91 ARF-075 71 q] ON I Vd 'IVRAVOH! 'E{1 /2 ,GIC.E K nf00 q PCtN, *t0077, I cf the gam.ing machine.
19. A gaming m ichine comprising: a rotattable reel having a plurality o: symbols drawn on an outer periphery thereof; a display divice disposed in front of the reel for displaying an image; and display control means for controlling the display device to display e.n image relating to a game, further comprising: an image disiplaying board having tho display control means; a:nd an image signal control board including image signal control means for receiving a signal of the image from the display control means to display the image on the display device, and for detecting abnormality of the signal oJf the image, and transparent image display means for displaying the image of relatively high traisparency on the display device when the image sig:;al control means dete:ts abnormality of the signal of the image. The gaming machine according to claim 19, wherein the image signal control board includes the image signal control means and the transparent inmage display means and image enlarging conversion means for converting the received signal of the image into an enlarged image signal.
21. The gaming machine according to claim 19 or wherein the display control means has a function to display a colored image an the display device so that the colored image is blocked from a view of a player.
22. The gaming machine according to claim 19 or 92 ARF-075 'd C, ON Vd 'I SVAVH0H 'Et'4 ,EK i 049 1 GS E 0 0 whereir. the image signal control board is built in an upper portion cf the gaming machine.
23. A gaming m xchine comprising: a display device for displaying an image, and display control means for controlling the display device to display the image relating to a game, further comprising: an image dii;play unit having the display control means; and an image st.te keeping unit having image state keeping means for receiving a signal of the image fed from the display control means to display the image on the image display device, and for controlling ;he display device in a predetermined state wh!,n the signal of the image is abnormal, 24, The gaming machine according to claim 23, wherein the imEge state keeping unit includes the image state keeping means and image enlarging conversion means for converting the signal of the imEige received from the display control means into an enlarged image signal,. The gaming machine according tc claim 23 or 24, further comprising a rotatible reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer periphery the reof, wherein the display device has transparent image display means for displaying the image of relatively high transparency and is dispoEed in front of the reel.
26. The ganming machine according toclaim 23 or 24, wherein the image state keeping unit is built in an upper portion of the gaming macline. 93 ARF-075 L S/ 'd S!EN ON IVd 'I SVAVgOH8; 'EX4 f I 1 9 1 OS 0 0 5;7. A gaming m ichine comprising: a display device for displaying an image, and display control means for controlling the display device to display the image relating to a game, further comprising: an image diiiplay unit having said diiiplay control means; and power nource feeding means for feeding power to the display d.evice and the ima e display unit independently from each other.
28. The gaming machine according to claim 27, further comprising: an image stite keeping board having image state keeping means for receiving an signal of the image fed from the display control meanE to display the image In the display device, and for controlling the display device into a predetermined state when the signal of the image is abnormal.
29. The gaming machine according to claim 27 or 28, further comprising: a rotatable :'eel having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer periphery thereof, wherein the display device is disposed in front of the reel. A gaming mitchine according to claim 27 or 28, further comprisilg: power sourc) relay means for relaying power fed from the power source feeding mea as to branch and supply the power to the image device display and thie image display unit.
31. A gaming machine according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the image display unit is built in an upper portion of the gaming machine. 94 ARF-075 S/S 'd S 1 ON IVd SVAVgOH? 'E{VjZ4 ,I-EE ROIR191 G S i F' #0HOS A display device for a gaming machine comprising: a display device for displaying an image, and display control means for controlling the display device to display the image relating to a game, further comprising: an imakge diuiplay unit having the dis lay control means; and power sourc 2 feeding means for feeding power to the display device e.nd the image display unit independently from each other, A display device for a gaming machine comprising: a di.splay device for displaying an image; and display control means for controlling the display device to display s.n image relating lo a game, further comprising: an image diijplay unit having the display control means; and an image st ite keeping unit having image state keeping means for receiving a signal of the image fed from the display control means to display the image on the display device, and for controlling the display device in a pre ietermined state when the signal of the image is abnormal.
34. The display device according to claim 33, further comprising: power sourc feeding means for feeding power to the image state keeping unit and the image display unit independently from each other. The display device according to any one of claims 32-34, further comprising: a rotatable :'eel having a plurality of symbols drawn on an outer periphery thereof; an image s:.gnal control board including image signal control means for receiving: a signal of the image from the display control meE.ns to display the image on the display device, and for detecting abnormality of the signal of the image; and ARF.075 L S9 'd 1 0 N1 IVd 'I SVAVgOH; 'E 'I E, R 0f9 1 S F 0 0 transparent image display means for displaying the image of a relatively high transparency on the display device when the image signal control means detects abnormality of the signal of the image, wherein the display device disposed in front of the reel. Dated this 27th day of February 2004 PATENT ATTORNEY SERVICES Attorneys for ARUZE CORP. 96 ARF-075 /L ,d S 1 0 iVd 'I SVAV80W; ,Ir\!Qr