JP7462820B1 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine with distinctive functions. [Solution] The gaming machine comprises a board, a cover member, and an operating means, the operating means being located on one side of the board, the cover member covering at least a part of the one side of the board, an opening that allows the operating means to be operated is formed in the board, and a protruding portion is formed in the vicinity of the opening. [Selected Figure] Fig. 47

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pinball gaming machines (pachinko machines), reel gaming machines (slot machines), enclosed gaming machines, or medal-less slot machines.

Conventionally, slot machines are known as one type of gaming machine. Some of these slot machines have a variety of functions (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-73461 A

However, there is room for improvement in the functionality of conventional gaming machines.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with distinctive functions.

The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a plate portion, a cover member, and an operating means, wherein the operating means is a means located on one side of the plate portion, the operating means is a means equipped with an operating surface for receiving operations, the cover member is a member covering at least a portion of the one side of the plate portion, the cover member is a member having an opening that allows operation of the operating means, the cover member is a member having a raised portion formed along the edge of the opening, the operating means has a portion of the operating surface overlapping the raised portion, and the diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the operating surface.

The gaming machine of the present invention can provide a gaming machine with distinctive functions.

1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a pay line of the slot machine 100. 13 is a front view of the status display LED 280. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the components constituting the status display LED 280. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a status indicator LED 280 including a thermal crimped portion 284d of a reflector 284. FIG. 1A is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and FIG. 1A is a front view of the reel backlight 264. FIG. 1B is a side view of the reel backlight 264. FIG. 1C is an external perspective view of the reel backlight 264, with the components thereof disassembled and viewed from the front. 1A is a front view of an LED board 288 of the status display LED 280. FIG. 2 shows a circuit block diagram of a control unit. 1A is a plan view of the main control board 600 before the identification board 610 is separated, and FIG. 1B is a plan view of the main control board 600 after the identification board 610 is separated. A plan view of the sub-control board 650. An exploded oblique view showing the main board storage case 640 and the main control board 600. (a) is a plan view of the main board storage case 640 housing the main control board 600, as seen from the board housing body 642 side. (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in (a). (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional board corresponding to (b). 13A and 13B are plan views of a main control board 670 according to modified example 1. 13A is a plan view of a main control board 690 according to Modification 2. FIG. 13B is a plan view of a main control board 696 according to Modification 3. 7A is a plan view of the substrate 700 according to this example, seen from the side of the power supply layer 710. FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate 700 taken along line XX in FIG. 1A is a terminal layout diagram of an LED driver IC 714. FIG. 1B is a terminal layout diagram of a motor driver IC 716. 7A is a pattern diagram showing an example of a power supply wiring pattern of a power supply layer 710 of a substrate 700. FIG. 7B is a pattern diagram showing a GND wiring pattern 706a of a GND layer 706 of the substrate 700. 18(a) is a partially enlarged view of the power supply layer 710, which shows an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the symbol A in Fig. 18(a). (b) is a partially enlarged view of the GND layer 706, which shows an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the symbol B in Fig. 18(b). (c) is a pattern diagram showing the power supply layer 710 shown in (a) and the GND layer 706 shown in (b) superimposed on each other. (a) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the pattern cutout 706b of the GND layer 706 and the LED driver IC 714 and the motor driver 716 mounted on the power supply layer 710. (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Y-Y of the LED driver 714 shown enlarged in (a). (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Z-Z of the motor driver 716 shown enlarged in (a). 1A is a schematic diagram showing the problems with the base plate of a conventional game machine, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the concept of the base plate of the present invention. (a) is a plan view showing the non-overlap area NOE and the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path according to Example 1. (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in (a). (c) is a plan view showing an example in which the non-overlap area NOE of the substrate 700 does not include the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path. (d) and (d') are cross-sectional views taken along line B-B in (c). 1A is a plan view showing a non-overlapping region NOE2 according to Example 2. FIG. 1B is a plan view showing a non-overlapping region NOE3 according to Example 3. FIG. 1C is a plan view showing a non-overlapping region NOE4 according to Example 4. 13A is a plan view showing a non-overlapping area NOE5 according to Example 5. FIG. 13B is a plan view showing an example in which the pattern of the power supply wiring lines in FIG. This is a diagram showing the arrangement of the symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) laid out in a flat plane. 13 is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations, the names of the condition devices, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the payout amounts, and remarks. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of a main control unit. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. (a) A flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. (b) A flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. (c) A flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. (a) A flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. (b) A flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. (c) A flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. (d) A flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the lottery value of the internal winning combination of the slot machine 100. FIG. 1B is a table showing the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order combination among the internal winning combinations. 13 is a diagram showing winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300. FIG. (a) A flowchart of the favorable zone transition processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. (b) A flowchart corresponding to the program of the favorable zone transition processing shown in (c). (c) An example of a program of the favorable zone transition processing. (d) Another example of a program of the favorable zone transition processing. 1A is a flowchart of an instruction monitor setting process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. FIG. 1B is a flowchart corresponding to the instruction monitor setting process program shown in FIG. 1C. FIG. 1C is an example of the instruction monitor setting process program. 13A is a flowchart of an instruction monitor setting process according to Modification 1. FIG. 13B is an example of a program for the instruction monitor setting process according to Modification 1. 33A and 33B are diagrams showing another example of the winning combination data shown in FIG. 32 . Fig. 38(a) is a diagram showing another example of the winning combination data shown in Fig. 32. Fig. 38(b) is a diagram showing changes in register values in the instruction monitor setting process shown in Fig. 38(a). 13A is a flowchart of an instruction monitor setting process according to Modification 2. FIG. 13B is an example of a program for the instruction monitor setting process according to Modification 2. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a slot machine according to a second embodiment. This is an external view of a portion of a front door 1102 of a medal-less slot machine, seen from the front side (player side). (a) is an exploded perspective view showing the components constituting the lower tray 1200. (b) is a partially enlarged view of the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower tray base 1202 from above. (c) is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-section of the bottom surface 1208a and the rear wall 1208b of the lower tray cover 1208. 13A is a perspective view of the exterior of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 as seen from the front, and FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the exterior of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 as seen from the rear. 11 is an external perspective view of the lower part of the front door 1102 as seen from behind. 1A is an external perspective view and a schematic diagram showing a state before the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1102. FIG. 1B is an external perspective view and a schematic diagram showing a state after the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1101. 1A is a front view showing a part of a door relay board 1300 of a medal-less slot machine, and FIG. 1B is a partially enlarged view showing the periphery of a clear switch 1304 and a reset switch 1306 in the door relay board 1300. 46(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 46(a), (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in Fig. 46(a), and (c) is a diagram showing a modified example of the "protrusion" according to the present invention. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a door relay board 1300.

<<Embodiment 1>>
Hereinafter, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Overall composition>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of patterns arranged on the outer periphery are housed inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

In this embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member in appropriate numbers, and the strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to form each reel 110-112 (see Figure 25). When viewed by the player, the symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in roughly threes through symbol display windows 113 provided in front of each reel 110-112, making a total of nine symbols visible.

By spinning each of the reels 110-112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of multiple types of symbols. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. Also, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside and at the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and their installation positions are not limited to this.

Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (also called an index sensor; not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110-112, and is configured so that a light-blocking piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of this optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this sensor, the position of the symbols on the reel in the direction of rotation is determined, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the winning line.

Reel backlights 264 (see Figures 6(a) and 7; details will be described later) are provided on the backs of the reels 110-112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display windows 113. In addition, status display LEDs 280 (see Figure 3; details will be described later) are provided below the reels 110-112 to indicate various states of the slot machine 100. The reel panel lamps 128 are lamps for presentation purposes.

BET buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) that are electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time BET button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, when BET button 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when BET button 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, BET button 132 is also referred to as the MAX BET button.

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

The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which the player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) through the medal insertion slot 141; the term "insertion" includes both.

The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the start operation of the game.

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have begun to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. Note that light-emitting elements may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting elements can be lit to notify the player.

Hereinafter, the operations performed on the stop buttons 137 to 139 are referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as the "first stop" or "first stop"), the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as the "second stop" or "second stop"), and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation (hereinafter also referred to as the "third stop" or "third stop").

The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are called the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated to stop all of the reels 110 to 112 that are spinning is called the operation order (or push order).

If the left stop button 137 is represented as "left or R", the middle stop button 138 as "middle or C", and the right stop button 139 as "right or R", there are six types of operation sequences (pressing order): (1) left → middle → right operation sequence (left middle right or LCR), (2) left → right → middle operation sequence (left right middle or LRC), (3) middle → left → right operation sequence (middle left right or CLR), (4) middle → right → left operation sequence (middle right left or CRL), (5) right → left → middle operation sequence (right left middle or RLC), and (6) right → middle → left operation sequence (right middle left or RCL).

The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals that have been inserted and become stuck. The settlement button 134 is a button that can be used to settle medals that have been electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key can be inserted to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

A title panel 162 is provided below the stop button unit 136 to display the model name and to attach various certificate stamps. A medal payout outlet 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided below the title panel 162. A sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to liven up the game. A performance device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the performance device 160.

This presentation device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (presentation image display device) disposed on the rear side of this shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front (player side) of the slot machine 100.

Note that the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be any display device capable of displaying various performance images and various game information, such as a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the player can view the entire screen. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Also, decorations (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decorations, making the display screen appear irregular. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

Inside the main body 101, there are provided a setting key that can be turned on and off by rotating it, and a setting switch that can be pressed down to change settings (change settings) or check settings. The setting key is an operating means for starting to change settings (settings 1 to 6 in this example) or check settings, and the setting switch is one of the setting means that can set one of multiple settings.

<Winning line>
Next, the pay lines will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the pay lines of the slot machine 100.

As explained using Figure 1, when viewed by a player, the symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in roughly three windows 113 provided in front of each reel 110-112, making a total of nine symbols visible.

Specifically, the symbol displayed on the top of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the figure; also called symbol position 1) is called the left reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle of the left reel 110 (position 2 in the figure; also called symbol position 2) is called the left reel middle symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure; also called symbol position 3) is called the left reel bottom symbol.

The symbol displayed on the top row of middle reel 111 (position 4 in the figure; also called symbol position 4) is called the middle reel top pattern, the symbol displayed on the middle row of middle reel 111 (position 5 in the figure; also called symbol position 5) is called the middle reel middle pattern, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of middle reel 111 (position 6 in the figure; also called symbol position 6) is called the middle reel bottom pattern.

The symbol displayed on the top row of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure; also called symbol position 7) is called the right reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure; also called symbol position 8) is called the right reel middle row symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the figure; also called symbol position 9) is called the right reel bottom row symbol.

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

The winning line here is a line set at the stopping position of the symbols visible through the symbol display window 113, and is the line that determines whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed (whether or not it is complete). The winning line that is active (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "active line") is predetermined by the number of medals bet as gaming media.

The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a three-coin bet-only machine, and when fewer than three medals are inserted, no winning lines are active. When three medals are bet, winning line L1 is active. When the winning lines are active, the player can start playing by operating the start lever 135.

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

The number of winning lines is not limited to one. For example, in addition to winning line L1, an upper winning line consisting of the upper symbols on the left reel, the upper symbols on the middle reel, and the upper symbols on the right reel, and a lower winning line consisting of the lower symbols on the left reel, the lower symbols on the middle reel, and the lower symbols on the right reel, for a total of three lines, may be set as valid winning lines, or a number of winning lines according to the number of medals bet may be set as valid winning lines.

<Status display LED>
Next, a description will be given of the status display LED 280. Fig. 3 is a front view of the status display LED 280, and Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the members constituting the status display LED 280.

<Status display LED/Upper display>
As shown in FIG. 3, on the upper row of the status display LED 280, there are arranged a medal insertion possible display section 124, a game start display section 121, a replay display section 122, and a medal insertion display section 129.

The medal insertion possible display unit 124 is a display unit for informing the player that it is now possible to insert a medal, and lights up the word "INSERT" when the player is in a state where he or she can insert a medal.

The game start display unit 121 is a display unit that notifies the player that a game can be started when a specified number of medals have been inserted, and lights up the word "START" when the game can be started.

The replay display unit 122 is a display unit that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay role, which is one of the winning roles, was won in the previous game, and lights up the word "REPLAY" if a replay role, which is one of the winning roles, was won in the previous game.

The medal insertion display unit 129 is a display unit for lighting a number of lamps according to the number of medals inserted. When one medal is inserted, the character string "1 BET" is lit, when two medals are inserted, the character string "2 BET" is lit, and when three medals are inserted, the character string "3 BET" is lit.

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

Here, "bright colors" according to the present invention refer to colors with high brightness, such as white, yellow, and light blue.

A translucent member with the character string "INSERT" is disposed on the letter sheet 282 that constitutes the medal insertion possible display section 124. When the multiple LEDs 286 that constitute the medal insertion possible display section 124 are lit, the character string "INSERT" is illuminated to indicate that the game can be started.

A translucent member with the character string "START" is disposed on the character sheet 282 that constitutes the game start display unit 121. When the multiple LEDs 286 that constitute the game start display unit 121 are lit, the character string "START" is illuminated to indicate that the game start operation is possible.

A translucent member with the character string "REPLAY" is disposed on the character sheet 282 that constitutes the replay display unit 122. When the multiple LEDs 286 that constitute the replay display unit 122 are lit, the character string "REPLAY" is illuminated to indicate that the current game can be played again (no need to insert a medal).

A translucent member having the character strings "3BET", "2BET", and "1BET" is disposed on the character sheet 282 constituting the medal insertion display unit 129. Among the multiple LEDs 286 constituting the game medal insertion display unit 129, when the LED 286 corresponding to the character sheet 282 of "3BET" is turned on, the character string "3BET" is emitted to indicate that three medals have been inserted. When the LED 286 corresponding to the character sheet 282 of "2BET" is turned on, the character string "2BET" is emitted to indicate that two medals have been inserted. When the LED 286 corresponding to the character sheet 282 of "1BET" is turned on, the character string "1BET" is emitted to indicate that one medal has been inserted.

<Status display LED/lower display section>
As shown in FIG. 3, below the status display LED 280, a stored coin number display section 125, a game information display section 126, and a payout coin number display section 127 are arranged.

The stored number display unit 125 is a display unit for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 as a two-digit number.

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

As shown in FIG. 4, the stored number display unit 125 and the dispensed number display unit 127 in this example are both composed of an LED board 288 (first board), a plurality of LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) arranged in a light-colored area 288a (second area, where a light-colored coating is formed) on the mounting surface of the LED board 288 (first board) coated with white coating silk, a reflector 284 (first partitioning member) partitioned with a rectangular opening 284a (space) and an opening 284b (space) in the shape of a two-digit seven-segment display through which light from the plurality of LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) passes, and a character sheet 282 (first irradiated member) onto which light from the plurality of LEDs 286 (light-emitting means) is irradiated.

The character sheet 282 (first irradiated member) constituting the stored number display unit 125 is provided with a translucent member consisting of the character string "CREDIT" and a translucent member consisting of the shape of a two-digit seven-segment display corresponding to the opening 284b. Among the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) constituting the stored number display unit 125, when the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) corresponding to the character sheet 282 of "CREDIT" is turned on, the character string "CREDIT" is illuminated, and by turning on the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) corresponding to the two-digit seven-segment display, the number of medals electronically stored can be displayed as a two-digit number.

The letter sheet 282 (first illuminated member) constituting the payout number display unit 127 is provided with a translucent member with the character string "PAYOUT" and a translucent member with the shape of a two-digit seven-segment display. Among the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) constituting the payout number display unit 127, when the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) corresponding to the letter sheet 282 with "PAYOUT" is turned on, the character string "PAYOUT" is illuminated, and by turning on the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) corresponding to the two-digit seven-segment display, the number of medals to be paid out to the player can be displayed as a two-digit number.

The game information display unit 126 is a display for displaying internal information of the slot machine 100 (e.g., setting values, error codes, etc.) as four-digit numbers, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push order navigation effects.

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

The game information display unit 126 in this example is configured so that the opening 284c is in the shape of a seven-segment display smaller than the opening 284b. The multiple LEDs 286 that make up the game information display unit 126 are configured to be more densely packed (the spacing between adjacent LEDs is narrower) and to form a seven-segment display shape than the multiple LEDs 286 that make up the stored coin count display unit 125 and the payout coin count display unit 127. In this way, the game information display unit 126 is configured as a smaller light-emitting area than the stored coin count display unit 125 and the payout coin count display unit 127.

In this context, "dark colors" refer to colors with low brightness, such as black, navy blue, brown, gray, and dark blue.

When the coating film of the LED board 288 and the coating film of the dark color region 288b are the same color, the region on the LED board 288 that corresponds to the opening 284c is the "first region" according to the present invention. On the other hand, when the coating film of the LED board 288 and the coating film of the dark color region 288b are different colors, the dark color region 288b of a different color may be the "first region" according to the present invention, or the region on the LED board 288 that corresponds to the opening 284c may be the "first region" according to the present invention.

A translucent member in the shape of a four-digit seven-segment display corresponding to the opening 284c is disposed on the letter sheet 282 (first irradiated member) constituting the game information display unit 126. By lighting up the multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) constituting the game information display unit 126, it is possible to display the internal information of the slot machine 100 (e.g., setting values, error codes, etc.) and the indication monitor information in numerical values.

According to this example, the multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) constituting the game information display unit 126 are arranged in a dark area 288b (first area, where a dark coating is formed) on the mounting surface of the LED board 288 (first board) where a black coating resist is applied, so that it is possible to prevent a part of the LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) from being reflected by light entering from outside (external light) and appearing as if the LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) are lit when they are turned off, and accurate game information can be provided to the player, and it is possible to avoid causing a disadvantage to the player. In addition, it is possible to make the weak lighting (ghost lighting) of the LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) caused by a small current when the LEDs are turned off less noticeable, and it is possible to avoid a situation where the player is misled by an erroneous display.

In addition, the multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) that make up the game information display unit 126 are light-emitting means that make up the notification means that notify information (e.g., the push order) corresponding to advantageous operation modes for the stop operation means that can stop the reels (e.g., the stop buttons 137-139). This makes it possible to prevent the player from misunderstanding that an operation mode is being notified when it is not, and it is possible to provide the player with accurate information and avoid causing any disadvantage to the player.

In addition, the multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) that make up the game information display unit 126 are light-emitting means that make up a notification means that notifies the player of information corresponding to an error (e.g., an error code), so that it is possible to prevent the player from misunderstanding that an error is being notified when no error is being notified, provide the player with accurate information, and avoid causing any disadvantage to the player.

The multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) of the game information display unit 126 are light-emitting means capable of emitting light in a first state (e.g., AT state or error state), and the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) of the stored number display unit 125 and the payout number display unit 127 are light-emitting means capable of emitting light in a second state (e.g., medal storage or payout), and the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) constituting the stored number display unit 125 (second light-emitting means) and the payout number display unit 127 are arranged in a light-colored area 288a (second area; area where a light-colored coating is formed) coated with white coating silk.

In addition, the number of times the machine transitions to the AT state or error state during play is relatively smaller than the number of times medals are stored or paid out, and the frequency of the machine entering the second state (storage or payment of medals) is higher than the frequency of the machine entering the first state (AT state or error state).

When the number of medals stored or paid out is one or more, and even when the number of medals stored or paid out is zero, the stored medal count display unit 125 and the paid out medal count display unit 127 will display "0" (or "00"). In other words, the stored medal count display unit 125 and the paid out medal count display unit 127 will continue to display some sort of light while the game is in progress or play is possible.

In contrast, the AT state and error state are states that occur as a result of specific conditions occurring during play or when play is possible, so it can be said that the AT state and error state occur less frequently than during play or when play is possible. Also, by configuring the stored number display unit 125 and the payout number display unit 127 to continue to be lit even in the AT state or error state, it can be said that the stored number display unit 125 and the payout number display unit 127 light up more frequently than the game information display unit 126.

This makes it possible to improve the visibility of the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) of the number of coins stored display unit 125 (second light-emitting means) and the number of coins paid out display unit 127, which are illuminated more frequently (the display is updated more frequently) than the game information display unit 126, thereby improving convenience for the player.

The game information display unit 126 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the number of stored coins display unit 125 and the number of coins paid out display unit 127, and the dark color area 288b (first area, area where a dark coating is formed) coated with a black coating resist and in which the game information display unit 126 is arranged is sandwiched on both sides by the light color area 288a (second area, area where a light coating is formed) coated with a white coating silk and in which the number of stored coins display unit 125 is arranged, and the light color area 288a (second area, area where a light coating is formed) coated with a white coating silk and in which the number of coins paid out display unit 127 is arranged.

In this example, it is possible to prevent the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) arranged in the light color area 288a (second area; area where a light color coating is formed) on one side of the dark color area 288b (first area; area where a dark color coating is formed) from affecting the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) arranged in the light color area 288a (second area; area where a light color coating is formed) on the other side of the dark color area 288b (first area; area where a dark color coating is formed), making it easier to see the notification by the LED 286 (second light-emitting means).

In addition, by arranging the dark color region 288b and the light color region 288a adjacent to each other, the LED 286 (second light-emitting means) arranged in the light color region 288a can make ghost lighting in the LED 286 (first light-emitting means) arranged in the dark color region 288b less noticeable compared to when the dark color regions 288b are adjacent to each other.

In addition, the status display LED 280 has a dark area 288b (first area; area where a dark coating is formed) coated with a black coating resist, and a light area 288a (second area; area where a light coating is formed) coated with a white coating silk. Therefore, the light emission mode (brightness, etc.) of the LED 286 can be changed by simply changing the color of the coating applied to the board on which the LED 286 is placed (hardware change) without changing (programming) the contents of the control driver (software) that controls the status display LED 280, making it easy to change the specifications of the gaming machine.

In this example, the multiple LEDs 286 (first light-emitting means) constituting the game information display unit 126 and the multiple LEDs 286 (second light-emitting means) constituting the other display units (medal insertion possible display unit 124, game start display unit 121, replay display unit 122, medal insertion display unit 129, number of stored coins display unit 125, number of paid out coins display unit 127) are mounted on the same LED board 288 (first board), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the multiple LEDs 286 may be mounted on multiple different boards.

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

In addition, in this example, a specific area of the LED board 288 coated with black coating resist is coated with white coating silk, but a specific area of the LED board coated with white coating resist may be coated with black coating.

<Status display LED/unitization>
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the status indicator LED 280 including the heat crimped portion 284 d of the reflector 284 .

The LED board 288 is configured with a through hole 288c with an inner diameter of w4 and an insertion hole 288d with an inner diameter of w5 (w5>w4) into which the thermal crimping portion 284d of the reflector 284 can be inserted. Multiple LEDs 286 with a width of w7 and a height of h4 are mounted on the mounting surface of this LED board 288.

Reflector 284 is configured with multiple types of openings 284a-284c as described in FIG. 4, and thermal crimping portion 284d. Thermal crimping portion 284d is a rod-shaped body with an outer diameter w5 that extends in the thickness direction of reflector 284 (FIG. 5 shows thermal crimping portion 284d after it has been deformed by heating).

After the thermal crimping portion 284c of the reflector 284 is inserted into the insertion hole 288d of the LED board 288, heat is applied to the tip of the thermal crimping portion 284d to soften it, and pressure is applied to crush it, forming a deformed portion 284d2 at the tip of the thermal crimping portion 284d that has an outer diameter w6 (w6>w5) larger than the inner diameter w5 of the thermal crimping portion 284d of the LED board 288.

As a result, the reflector 284 is fixed to the mounting surface of the LED board 288 by crimping, and the reflector 284 and the LED board 288 are integrated. The character sheet 282 is also positioned so as to cover the openings 284a to 284d of the reflector 284, and is attached to the surface of the reflector 284.

That is, the reflector 284 (first partition member) is riveted to the mounting surface of the LED board 288 (first board), and the character sheet 282 (first irradiated member) is attached to the reflector 284 (first partition member), whereby the LED board 288 (first board), the reflector 284 (first partition member), and the character sheet 282 (first irradiated member) are unitized.

In this example, the LED board 288 (first board), reflector 284 (first partitioning member), and character sheet 282 (first irradiated member) are unitized, which facilitates the replacement of the status display LED 280 and its installation into the gaming machine, thereby improving work efficiency.

In this example, the deformation portion 284d2 is formed at a position that protrudes by a height h5 from the back surface of the substrate 288, leaving a gap between the reflector 284 and the LED substrate 288, but the deformation portion 284d2 may be in close contact with the back surface of the LED substrate 288.

<Internal structure>
Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and Fig. 6(b) is a side cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100.

The main body 101 is a box that opens at the front. Inside the main body 101, there is a main board storage case 640 (see FIG. 12; details will be described later) that stores a main control board 600 (first board; details will be described later), and below this main board storage case 640, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged. To the side of the main board storage case 640 and the reels 110 to 112, i.e., on the left side as you face them, there is a sub-control board storage case 220 that stores a sub-control board 650 (second board; details will be described later).

Then, a medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed below, and above this medal payout device 180, i.e., below the reels 110 to 112, a power supply device (not shown) having a power board is disposed. The power supply device converts AC power supplied from outside to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device, such as the main control unit 300, sub control units 400, 500, which will be described later. It also has a storage circuit (e.g. a capacitor) to supply power to certain parts (e.g. the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, etc.) for a predetermined period (e.g. 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

The auxiliary medal storage 240 is located to the right of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is located behind it (not shown).

The front door 102 is hinged to the left side of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and above the symbol display window 113 are provided the reel front lighting 250 (details will be described later), the liquid crystal display device 157, the upper speaker 272, the performance control unit 160 that controls the liquid crystal display device 157, the speaker 272, etc. In addition, below the symbol display window 113 are provided the medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and the passage 265 through which the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals, etc. into the medal tray 161.

<Reel front lighting>
Next, the reel front illumination 250 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The reel front lighting 250 is a light-emitting means that illuminates (lights) the reel bands of each reel 110 to 112 (only the reel band 111a of the middle reel 111 is shown in Figure 6 (b)) from the front side (front surface), and in this example, is disposed above the pattern display window 113 on the back surface of the front door 102 so as to face the reel bands of the reels 110 to 112.

In this example, the reel front lighting 250 is composed of multiple LEDs capable of emitting light toward the front of the reel bands of the reels 110 to 112, and a colored transparent (milky white in this example) lens cover that is placed in front of these LEDs.

If there is no lens cover for the reel front illumination, or if the lens cover is made of a colorless, transparent material, the light emitted from the LEDs may be reflected in granular form on the reel bands of the reels 110-112 (so-called "point light"), which may result in poor appearance of the reels 110-112, or the light emitted from the LEDs may not spread well and may not be able to illuminate the entire reel band evenly, which may result in poor visibility of the reels 110-112. Therefore, it is preferable to cover the front of the LEDs with a lens cover made of a colored, transparent material.

The relationship between the shortest distance L0 from the reel front lighting 250 to the reel band and the shortest distance L1 from the reel backlight 264 (described later) to the reel band is "shortest distance L0 < shortest distance L1", meaning that the reel front lighting 250 is closer to the reel band than the reel backlight 264.

As described above, the reel front lighting 250 is provided with a lens cover because it is prone to point light due to its close distance to the reel band. On the other hand, the reel backlight 264 is farther from the reel band than the reel front lighting 250, has a distance that allows the light emitted from the LED to diffuse, and the light can be sufficiently diffused by the reflector 266 described below, so no lens cover is provided.

<Reel backlight>
Next, the reel backlight 264 will be described with reference to FIG. 6(b) and FIG.

The slot machine 100 in this example is configured to include a left reel device (not shown) with a left reel 110, a center reel device 260 (see FIG. 6(b)) with a center reel 111, a right reel device (not shown) with a right reel 112, and a reel frame 262 (see FIG. 6(b)) capable of housing these three reel devices inside.

Note that the structure of the left and right reel devices of the slot machine 100 in this example is the same as the structure of the center reel device 260, so here we will only explain the center reel device 260 and will not explain the left and right reel devices.

The middle reel device 260 is composed of a middle reel 111, a reel drive unit (not shown) that drives the middle reel 111 to rotate, a reel backlight 264 that illuminates (lights) the reel band 111a (second illuminated member) of the middle reel 111 from the rear side (back surface), and a reel detection unit (not shown) that detects the rotational position of the middle reel 111.

The middle reel 111 is composed of a reel band 111a on which multiple types of designs are printed at equal intervals, and a reel frame 111b that supports both sides of the reel band 111a. The reel band 111a is a flat ring-shaped member formed by gluing the longitudinal ends of a rectangular band-shaped member together.

Figure 7(a) is a front view of the reel backlight 264, (b) is a side view of the reel backlight 264, and (c) is an external perspective view of the reel backlight 264 from the front side with the components that make up the reel backlight 264 disassembled.

The reel backlight 264 is a light-emitting means that illuminates (illuminates) the reel bands of each reel 110-112 from the rear (back), and in this example, is composed of a reflector 266 (second partition member), an illumination board 268 (second board) that is detachably attached to the back of the reflector 266, and a decorative plate 270 that is disposed on the side of the reflector 266.

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

The reflector 266 is a component that defines a space through which light from multiple LEDs 268a (light emitting means) mounted on an illumination board 268 (second board) passes. The reflector 266 has three openings 266a-266c arranged vertically from the front side to the back side to serve as spaces through which light passes.

Six LEDs 268a (light emitting means) are arranged on the illumination board 268 at positions corresponding to the openings 266a to 266c. The LEDs 268a are arranged in light-colored areas 268d (areas where a light-colored coating is formed) on the mounting surface of the illumination board 268, where white coating silk is applied.

The openings 266a-266c and LEDs 268a of the reflector 266 of the middle reel device 260 are arranged at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (symbol positions 4-6 described with reference to FIG. 2) to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 when the reflector is attached to the middle reel device 260. With this structure, light from the multiple LEDs 268a (light emitting means) is irradiated onto the back surface of the reel band 111a (second irradiated member) of the middle reel 111.

The openings 266a-266c and LED 266a of the reflector 266 provided on the left reel unit (not shown) are positioned at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (symbol positions 1-3 described with reference to FIG. 2) to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 when the reflector is attached to the left reel unit. With this structure, light from multiple LEDs 268a (light emitting means) is irradiated onto the back of the reel band (second irradiated member) of the left reel 110.

The openings 266a-266c and LEDs 268a of the reflector 266 of the right reel unit (not shown) are positioned at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (symbol positions 7-9 described with reference to FIG. 2) to be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 when the reflector is attached to the right reel unit. With this structure, light from the multiple LEDs 268a (light emitting means) is irradiated onto the back of the reel band (second irradiated member) of the right reel 112.

In this example, six LEDs 268a are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 266a to 266c, so that the light emitted from one opening does not interfere with the light emitted from the other openings. This allows the light to be evenly irradiated onto each of the multiple pattern positions on the pattern display window 113.

For example, by turning on all of the LEDs 268a, all of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Also, by turning on some of the LEDs 268a, some of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Note that the number and positions of the openings and LEDs are not limited to this example.

In addition, in this example, the reflector 266 has a number of slits (grooves) 266d-266g at predetermined intervals on the underside of the upper opening 266a, the top and bottom surfaces of the central opening 266b, and the top surface of the lower opening 266c. This allows the light emitted from the LED 268a to be evenly irradiated onto the pattern located in front, improving the visibility of the pattern.

In addition, slit 266d on the underside of upper opening 266a, slit 266e on the top surface of central opening 266b, slit 266f on the bottom surface of central opening 266b, and slit 266g on the top surface of lower opening 266c are arranged so that the areas where the slits are formed and the areas where the slits are not formed alternate in the vertical direction (so that the positions of the slits do not coincide above and below the partitions of the openings). This structure is configured so that light emitted through the slits from adjacent openings does not interfere with each other.

The reel backlight 264 is able to sufficiently and evenly illuminate the reel band by the reflector 266 and the slits (grooves) 266d-266g, so although it does not have a lens cover like the reel front lighting 250, it may be configured with a lens cover, which allows the reel band to be illuminated evenly. Furthermore, since workers do not need to look directly at the reel backlight 264 when assembling the reels or maintaining the gaming machine, glare for workers can be reduced.

<Differences between status display LED and reel backlight>
Next, differences between the status display LED 280 described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 and the reel backlight 264 described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described.

First, looking at the light-emitting means and illuminated members of the status display LED 280 and the reel backlight 264, the shortest distance L1 from the LED 268a (second light-emitting means) in the reel backlight 264 to the reel band (second illuminated member) shown in FIG. 6(b) is longer than the shortest distance L2 from the LED 286 (first light-emitting means) in the status display LED 280 to the character sheet 282 (first illuminated member) shown in FIG. 5 (L1>L2).

Next, looking at the partitioning members of the status display LED 280 and the reel backlight 264, the size (opening area) of the openings 266a-266c (partitioned space) of the reflector 266 (second partitioning member) in the reel backlight 264 shown in FIG. 6(a) is larger than the size (opening area) of the openings 284a-284c (partitioned space) of the reflector 280 (first partitioning member) in the status display LED 280 shown in FIG. 4.

According to this example, the shortest distance L1 from the LED 268a (second light-emitting means) in the reel backlight 264 to the reel band (second irradiated member) is longer than the shortest distance L2 from the LED 286 (first light-emitting means) in the status display LED 280 to the character sheet 282 (first irradiated member) (L1>L2), the openings 266a-266c (partitioned space) of the reflector 266 (second partition member) in the reel backlight 264 are larger than the openings 284a-284c (partitioned space) of the reflector 280 (first partition member) in the status display LED 280, and the LED 268a is disposed in the light-colored area 268d (area where a light-colored coating is formed) on the mounting surface of the illumination board 268 where white coating silk is applied, so that the light emission of the reel band (second irradiated member) can be made conspicuous while suppressing point light on the reel band (second irradiated member).

Figure 8 (a) is a front view of the LED board 288 of the status display LED 280, and (b) is a front view of the lighting board 268 of the reel backlight 264.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), on the LED board 288 (first board) of the status display LED 280, multiple LEDs 286 are arranged close together, and the irradiation range and irradiation distance to the first irradiated member (character sheet 282) are small. Since the free space on the mounting surface of the LED board 288 is limited, no identification information (e.g., letters indicating the part name such as "LED1" or a number indicating the control number) for identifying the LED 286 mounted on the LED board 288 or a figure (e.g., a rectangular frame) indicating the location of the LED 286 is printed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(b), on the illumination board 268 (second board) of the reel backlight 264, multiple LEDs 268a, which have a large illumination range and distance to the second illuminated member (reel band), are arranged at a predetermined interval, and since there is a relatively large amount of free space on the mounting surface of the illumination board 268, identification information 268b (in this example, letters indicating the part names such as "LED1" to "LED6" and numbers indicating the control numbers) for identifying the LEDs 268a mounted on the illumination board 268 and part marks 268c (in this example, rectangular frames) indicating the placement locations of the LEDs 268a are printed.

The mounting surface of the lighting board 268 is composed of a light-colored area 268d coated with white silk film, while the identification information 268b and the component mark 268c printed on the same mounting surface are both printed in a color other than white (cream in this example). This makes it easier to see the identification information 268b and the component mark 268c, and allows the LED 268a to be mounted in the correct location.

In addition, the identification information 268b is printed in a position that is visible from the front side through the openings 266a-266c (partitioned space) of the reflector 266 (second partition member). Therefore, if a malfunction occurs in an LED 268a (light-emitting means), the identification information 268b corresponding to the malfunctioning LED 268a (light-emitting means) can be easily identified, improving convenience for game store staff and the ease of maintenance of the light-emitting means.

<Status display LED and reel backlight/Summary>
As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (e.g., the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine including a plurality of light-emitting means and a first board (e.g., the LED board 288 shown in FIG. 4), and the plurality of light-emitting means include a first light-emitting means (e.g., the LED 286 of the game information display unit 126 shown in FIG. 4) capable of emitting light in a first state (e.g., an AT state (a state in which an operation navigation is notified), an error state (a state in which an error code is notified)), the first light-emitting means is a light-emitting means disposed in a first region on the mounting surface of the first board, the first region being a region in which a dark coating is formed (e.g., the dark region 288b shown in FIG. 4 in which a black coating resist is applied), and the dark coating is a coating of a dark color different from green.

In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the first light-emitting means is disposed in an area on the mounting surface of the first board where a dark coating is formed, so that it is possible to prevent a part of the first light-emitting means from being reflected by light entering from outside (external light) and appearing as if the first light-emitting means is lit when it is off, and it is possible to provide accurate game information to the player and avoid causing any disadvantage to the player. In addition, it is possible to make the weak lighting (ghost lighting) of the first light-emitting means caused by a small current when it is off less noticeable, and it is possible to avoid a situation where an erroneous display misleads the player.

Amusement parlor environments vary, but if the lighting inside the parlor is bright, the lighting can make it difficult to see the various displays, or they can appear to be lit when they are not, which can lead to misinterpretations by players and parlor staff. However, the gaming machine of this embodiment can prevent misinterpretations of displays due to reflections from the lighting inside the parlor.

The reel may also be provided with a stop operation means (e.g., stop buttons 137-139 shown in FIG. 1) capable of stopping the reels (e.g., reels 110-112 shown in FIG. 1), the first state being a state in which an advantageous operation mode (e.g., a push order) for the stop operation means is notified, and the first light-emitting means may be a light-emitting means constituting a notification means for notifying information corresponding to the advantageous operation mode.

This configuration can prevent the player from misunderstanding that the operation mode is being notified when it is not, and can provide accurate information to the player, avoiding any disadvantage to the player.

The first state may be a state in which an error is notified, and the first light-emitting means may be a light-emitting means constituting a notification means for notifying information corresponding to the error (e.g., an error code).

This configuration can prevent the player from misunderstanding that an error is being notified when it is not, and can provide accurate information to the player, avoiding any disadvantage to the player.

The plurality of light-emitting means may include a second light-emitting means (e.g., LED 286 of stored number display unit 125 or dispensed number display unit 127 shown in FIG. 4) capable of emitting light in a second state (e.g., a state in which medals are stored, a state in which medals are dispensed), the second light-emitting means being a light-emitting means disposed in a second region on the mounting surface of the first board, the second region being a region in which a light-colored coating is formed (e.g., light-colored region 288a in which white coating silk is applied as shown in FIG. 4), the second region being a region larger than the first region, and the second region being a region formed adjacent to the first region.

The plurality of light-emitting means may also include a second light-emitting means (e.g., LED 286 of stored number display unit 125 or dispensed number display unit 127 shown in FIG. 4) capable of emitting light in a second state (e.g., a state in which medals are stored, a state in which medals are dispensed), the second light-emitting means is a light-emitting means disposed in a second region on the mounting surface of the first board, the second region being a region in which a light-colored coating is formed (e.g., light-colored region 288a in FIG. 4 where white coating silk is applied), and the frequency of the second state may be higher than the frequency of the first state.

This configuration can improve the visibility of the second light-emitting means, which emits light frequently (the display is updated frequently), and can improve convenience for the player.

The first region may also be a region sandwiched between the second region on both sides.

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

The device may also include a first partitioning member (e.g., reflector 284 shown in Figs. 4 and 5) and a first irradiated member (e.g., character sheet 282 shown in Figs. 4 and 5), the first partitioning member being a member that partitions a space through which light from the multiple light-emitting means mounted on the first board passes (e.g., openings 284a to 284c shown in Fig. 7(b)), the first partitioning member being fixed to the first board by crimping (e.g., fixed by thermal crimping portion 284d shown in Fig. 5), the first irradiated member being a member that is irradiated with light from the multiple light-emitting means mounted on the first board, the first irradiated member being attached to the first partitioning member, and the first board, the first partitioning member, and the first irradiated member being unitized.

This configuration makes it easier to replace the unitized first board, first partition member, and first irradiated member, and to install them into the gaming machine, thereby improving work efficiency.

The device also includes a second substrate (e.g., the illumination substrate 268 shown in FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 7(c)), a second partitioning member (e.g., the reflector 266 shown in FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 7(c)), and a second irradiated member (e.g., the reel belt 111a shown in FIG. 6(a), a lens cover, and a panel), and the second substrate is a substrate on which the plurality of light-emitting means (e.g., the LED 268a shown in FIG. 7(c)) are mounted, the second partitioning member is a member in which a space through which light from the plurality of light-emitting means mounted on the second substrate passes (e.g., the openings 266a to 266c shown in FIG. 7(b)) is partitioned, the second irradiated member is a member onto which light from the plurality of light-emitting means mounted on the second substrate is irradiated, and the shortest distance from the plurality of light-emitting means mounted on the second substrate to the second irradiated member is defined as The distance (e.g., the shortest distance L1 shown in FIG. 6(b)) is longer than the shortest distance (e.g., the shortest distance L2 shown in FIG. 5) from the plurality of light-emitting means (e.g., the LED 286 shown in FIG. 5) mounted on the first board to the first irradiated member (e.g., the character sheet 282 shown in FIG. 5) (L1>L2), the partitioned space (e.g., the openings 266a to 266c shown in FIG. 7(b) (the area of the openings)) in the second partitioning member is larger than the partitioned space (e.g., the openings 284a to 284c shown in FIG. 7(b) (the area of the openings)) in the first partitioning member, and the region on the mounting surface of the second board where the plurality of light-emitting means are arranged may be a region where a light-colored coating film (e.g., the light-colored region 268d shown in FIG. 8(b) coated with white coating film silk) is formed.

With this configuration, it is possible to make the light emitted from the second irradiated member stand out while suppressing point light from the second irradiated member.

The second substrate may be a substrate that is detachable from the second partition member, and identification information (e.g., identification information 268b shown in FIG. 8(b)) corresponding to each of the plurality of light-emitting means on the mounting surface of the second substrate may be displayed, and the identification information may be visible through the partitioned space in the second partition member.

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

<Control Unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 9. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

The control section of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control section 300 that mainly controls the game, a first sub-control section 400 that mainly controls the presentation in response to command signals (hereafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control section 300, and a second sub-control section 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent by the first sub-control section 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and the basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used during internal lottery of winning combinations, and reel stop positions, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later.

The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for interrupts is 256 x 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generation circuit 316 (which has two random number generation circuits built in) that derives a number in the range of 0 to 65535 each time it receives a clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main control unit main processing described below).

The random number generation circuit 316 generates random numbers to be used in the basic circuit 302. There are two main methods for generating random numbers in the random number generation circuit 316: counter mode and random number mode. In the counter mode, a number that counts up (down) at a predetermined time interval is obtained and the number is derived as a random number. There are two more methods in the random number mode. The first method in the random number mode uses a seed of a random number to perform a calculation using a predetermined function (e.g., a modulus function) and derives the result of this calculation as a random number. The second method reads a number from a random number table in which numbers in the range of 0 to 65535 are randomly arranged, and derives the read number as a random number. The random number generation circuit 316 obtains irregular values by using white noise superimposed on the signals input from the various sensors 318 to the sensor circuit 320. The random number generation circuit 316 uses the value thus obtained as the initial value for a counter that counts up (down) in counter mode, as a seed for a random number, or when determining the start position for reading the random number table.

The main control unit 300 also includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from medal payout device 180, optical sensor of reel 110, optical sensor of reel 111, optical sensor of reel 112, etc.) at each interrupt time.

When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 receives this signal, latches the value at that timing, and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141, and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135, and detect the start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, and stop button 139 sensor are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are provided on each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

The optical sensors of reel 110, reel 111, and reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each of reels 110 to 112, and go to L level every time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes by. When CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123), the medal insertion possible indicator 124 of the status indicator LED 286, the game start indicator 121, the replay indicator 122, the medal insertion indicator 129, the number of stored medals indicator 125, the game information indicator 126, and the number of medals paid out indicator 127.

The basic circuit 302 is also connected to an information output circuit 334 (external centralized terminal board 248), and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 651 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

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

The main control unit 300 also has an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

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

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

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

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

The first sub-controller 400 also includes a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is connected to the shutter 163 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, which is connected via an input interface to a shutter sensor 428 capable of detecting the position of the shutter 163 and an effect button sensor 430 capable of detecting the pressing operation of the effect button 156. The CPU 404 monitors the status of the shutter sensor 428 and the effect button sensor 430 at each interrupt time.

The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including display control of the performance image display device 157 (hereinafter also referred to as the "liquid crystal display device 157"). Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

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

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

The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

<Main control board>
Next, the main control board 600 (first board) will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10(a) is a plan view of the main control board 600 before the identification board 610 is separated, and Fig. 10(b) is a plan view of the main control board 600 after the identification board 610 is separated.

The main control board 600 is an example of a "first board" according to the present invention. Therefore, the "first board" according to the present invention is not limited to the board constituting the main control unit 300, but may be a board constituting the first sub-control unit 400 or the second sub-control unit 500 described using FIG. 9, or may be another board mounted on the gaming machine. In addition, the gaming machine may be equipped with multiple boards equivalent to the "first board".

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

In this example, the identification information 608 is printed in an area where the pattern wiring or resist layer 604 is not formed. Therefore, even if other information (such as the name of the part) is printed on the resist layer 604, the visibility of the identification information 608 can be improved, and convenience can be improved.

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

The "identification information" according to the present invention may be any identification information that includes information that can identify the manufacturer of the gaming machine. For example, it may be only the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100, or it may be identification information that includes information such as the date of manufacture of the main control board 600 in addition to the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100 and the identification number of the main control board 600, or it may be identification information that includes information other than characters, such as a two-dimensional code or a symbol.

<Main control board/board housing recess>
Next, the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) of the main control board 600 will be described.

The right side surface (the short side on the right side as viewed from the front) of the main control board 600 is formed with a board accommodating recess 612 (a first-shaped recess) that is large enough to accommodate the identification board 610 inside and is cut inward from the short side on the right side of the main control board 600 and has a roughly inverted U-shape as viewed from the front.

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

The width w1 of the bottom surface 612b is greater than the height h1 of the side wall 612a (w1>h1), and the direction parallel to the bottom surface 612b (the short side direction of the main control board 600) is the longitudinal direction of the board accommodating recess 612, and the direction parallel to the side wall 612a (the long side direction of the main control board 600) is the short side direction of the board accommodating recess 612.

The height h1 of the side wall 612a is slightly higher than the height h2 of the identification board 610, and the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b is slightly wider than the width w2 of the identification board 610. The entire identification board 610 is accommodated in the inner space of the board accommodating recess 612, and the bottom surface 612b of the board accommodating recess 612 and one opposing side of the identification board 610 are connected to each other via a break portion 616 so as to be cuttable.

When the identification board 610 is accommodated in the board accommodating recess 612, its top surface (the surface opposite the board accommodating recess 612) is configured to be substantially flush with the surface on which the board accommodating recess 612 is formed (the right side surface of the main control board 600).

In this example, the identification board 610 is accommodated in the board accommodation recess 612 of the main control board 600, and is configured so that when accommodated in this board accommodation recess 612, its top surface is substantially flush with the right side surface of the main control board 600. This prevents the identification board 610 from coming into contact with other components, etc., when the main control board 600 is being transported, etc., thereby improving convenience.

The "first shape recess" according to the present invention is not limited to the substrate accommodating recess 612 according to this example, and may be, for example, the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b shorter than the height h1 of the side wall 612a (w1<h1), the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b may be the same as the height h1 of the side wall 612a (w1=h1), or may be a shape other than a rectangular shape (for example, a curved shape, etc.).

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

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

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

The "identification information" according to the present invention may be any identification information that includes information that can identify the manufacturer of the gaming machine. For example, it may be only the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100, or it may be identification information that includes information such as the date of manufacture of the main control board 600 in addition to the name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100 and the identification number of the main control board 600, or it may be information other than characters such as a two-dimensional code or a symbol.

<Main control board/fracture part>
Next, the breakable portion 616 of the main control board 600 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), the breaking portion 616 is a portion where a plurality of slits (perforations) are formed at a predetermined interval at the connection portion between the base material 602 of the main control board 600 and the base material 620 of the identification board 610, and is a portion for making it easy to separate the identification board 610 from the base material 602 of the main control board 600.

By cutting the breakable portion 616 by hand (or with a tool such as pliers), the identification board 610 can be separated from the base material 602 of the main control board 600, as shown in FIG. 10(b).

As explained using FIG. 10(a), before the identification board 610 is separated, the main control board 600 has two types of identification information: the identification information 618 of the main control board 600 (name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100: BBB Company) and the identification information 622 of the identification board 610 (name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100: AAA Company), so it is not possible to identify the manufacturer of the gaming machine.

However, as shown in FIG. 10(b), by separating the identification board 610 from the base material 602 of the main control board 600, only the identification information 618 (name of the manufacturer of the slot machine 100: BBB Company) remains on the main control board 600, and the main control board 600 (first board) is a board in which the manufacturer of the gaming machine (in this example, BBB Company) can be identified by cutting the breaking portion 616.

When a company has multiple affiliated companies, manufacturing a circuit board for each affiliated company incurs manufacturing costs. However, according to this example, one or more company names are printed on one circuit board product, and when each affiliated company manufactures and assembles the gaming machine, they can choose to keep only their own company name or delete unnecessary company names, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and providing a gaming machine that does not have any defects during assembly or inspection.

The shape of the "breaking portion" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, there may be only one slit, or a V-cut may be used instead of a slit (perforation). In other words, it is sufficient that the portion is capable of separating the identification board from the base material of the main control board.

<Main control board/adapter housing recess>
Next, the adaptor accommodating recess 614 (recess of a second shape) of the main control board 600 will be described.

The left side surface (the short side on the left side as viewed from the front) of the main control board 600 is formed with an adapter accommodating recess 614 (a recess of a second shape) that is a recess large enough to accommodate one or more adapters 624 inside, and is cut inward from the short side on the left side of the main control board 600 and has a roughly U-shape as viewed from the front.

The adapter accommodating recess 614 (second-shaped recess) is composed of two side walls 614a extending inward from the left short side of the main control board 600, and a bottom surface 614b connecting these two side walls 614a.

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

Two adapters 624, to which connectors such as optical fibers can be connected, are arranged at a specified distance from one another on the bottom surface 614b of the adapter accommodating recess 614.

The "second shape recess" according to the present invention is not limited to the adapter accommodating recess 614 according to this example, and may be, for example, the width w3 of the bottom surface 614b shorter than the height h3 of the side wall 614a (w3<h3), the width w3 of the bottom surface 614b may be the same as the height h3 of the side wall 614a (w3=h3), or may be a shape other than rectangular (e.g., a curved shape).

<Main control board/board accommodating recess and adapter accommodating recess>
Comparing the shapes of the board accommodating recess 612 (recess of a first shape) and the adapter accommodating recess 614 (recess of a second shape) in the main control board 600, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the height h1 of the side wall 612a of the board accommodating recess 612 is higher than the height h3 of the side wall 614a of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (h1>h3), and the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b of the board accommodating recess 612 is narrower than the width w3 of the bottom surface 614b of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (w1<w3), and the board accommodating recess 612 and the adapter accommodating recess 614 have different shapes.

This example has the feature of having recesses of different shapes, which makes it easy to identify the boards and allows the orientation of the boards to be correctly recognized, improving workability when installing the boards and preventing mistakes in installing the boards.

In the manufacturing process of game machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and attached inside the game machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, and installation errors can occur during the manufacturing and assembly of the game machine, or, even if they do not result in an installation error, workers can be confused about which circuit board to install, wasting work time. This example makes it easier to distinguish between circuit boards, simplifying the process of manufacturing and assembling the game machine.

In addition, the height h1 of the side wall 612a of the board accommodating recess 612 (recess of first shape) is higher than the height h3 of the side wall 614a of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (recess of second shape) (h1>h3), and the bottom surface 612b of the board accommodating recess 612 (recess of first shape) is located further inward of the main control board 600 than the bottom surface 614b of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (recess of second shape), making it easier to cut the identification board 610 accommodated in the board accommodating recess 612 (recess of first shape), improving workability.

Next, when focusing on the positional relationship between the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) and the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) of the main control board 600, and the positional relationship between the adaptor accommodating recess 614 (second shape recess) and the resist layer 604 (first resist layer), as shown in FIG. 10(b), the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (first shape fracture surface) of the board accommodating recess 612 to the end of the resist layer 604 is configured to be longer than the shortest distance x2 from the bottom surface 614b of the adaptor accommodating recess 614 to the end of the resist layer 604 (x1>x2).

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

According to this example, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (first-shape fracture surface) of the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shape recess) of the main control substrate 600 to the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) is longer than the shortest distance x2 from the bottom surface 614b of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (second-shape recess) to the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) (x1>x2). This ensures a clearance (work space) from the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shape recess) to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fractured portion 616 formed in the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shape recess), improving workability, and preventing fingers or tools from touching the resistor layer or pattern wiring even when cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shape recess) or using a tool. This prevents damage to the main control substrate.

In addition, by making the shortest distance x1 to the end of the resist layer 604 at a location that has the break portion 616 longer than the shortest distance x2 to the end of the resist layer 604 at a location that does not have the break portion 616 (for example, the adapter accommodating recess 614 (recess of the second shape)), it is possible to make it less likely that cracks will occur in the resist layer or pattern wiring due to stress or distortion when cutting from the break portion 616.

In this example, in order to prevent cracks from occurring in the resist layer or pattern wiring due to stress or distortion when cutting from the fractured portion 616, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (fracture surface of the first shape) of the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the end of the resist layer 604 is longer than the shortest distance z1 from one of the long sides of the main control substrate 600 (the long side itself can be said to be the cross section of the substrate) to the end of the resist layer 604 (x1>z1). However, in order to ensure a clearance (work space) from the substrate accommodating recess 612 (recess of the first shape) to the resist layer 604, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (fracture surface of the first shape) of the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the end of the resist layer 604 may be shorter than the shortest distance z1 from one of the long sides of the main control substrate 600 to the end of the resist layer 604 (x1<z1). Such a configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and can also be applied to a substrate that does not have a recess of the second shape.

In this example, in order to prevent cracks from occurring in the resist layer or pattern wiring due to stress or distortion when cutting from the fractured portion 616, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (fracture surface of the first shape) of the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the end of the resist layer 604 is longer than the shortest distance z2 from one of the short sides of the main control board 600 to the end of the resist layer 604 (x1>z2). However, in order to ensure a clearance (work space) from the substrate accommodating recess 612 (recess of the first shape) to the resist layer 604, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (fracture surface of the first shape) of the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the end of the resist layer 604 may be shorter than the shortest distance z2 from one of the short sides of the main control board 600 (the short side itself can be said to be a cross section of the substrate) to the end of the resist layer 604 (x1<z2). Such a configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and can also be applied to a substrate that does not have a recess of the second shape.

In addition, in this example, the shortest distance y1 from the side wall 612a of the board accommodating recess 612 (recess of a first shape) of the main control board 600 to the end of the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) is configured to be longer than the shortest distance y2 from the side wall 614a of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (recess of a second shape) to the end of the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) (y1>y2).

In other words, the shortest distance y1 between the board accommodating recess 612 and the resist layer 604 in the second direction (short side direction of the main control board 600) is longer than the shortest distance y2 between the adapter accommodating recess 614 and the resist layer 604 in the second direction (short side direction of the main control board 600) (y1>y2).

According to this example, the shortest distance y1 from the side wall 612a of the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) of the main control board 600 to the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) is longer than the shortest distance y2 from the side wall 614a of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (second shape recess) to the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) (y1>y2), so that a clearance (work space) from the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) to the resist layer can be secured, making it easier to cut the breakage portion 616 formed in the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) and improving workability. In addition, even if the cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) or using a tool, it is possible to prevent fingers or tools from touching the resistor layer or pattern wiring, and thus preventing damage to the main control board.

In addition, by making the shortest distance y1 to the end of the resist layer 604 at a location that does not have the break portion 616 longer than the shortest distance y2 to the end of the resist layer 604 at a location that does not have the break portion 616 (for example, the adapter accommodating recess 614 (recess of the second shape)), it is possible to make it less likely that cracks will occur in the resist layer or pattern wiring due to stress or distortion when cutting from the break portion 616.

In this example, the shortest distance from the board accommodating recess 612 to the resist layer 604 is longer than the shortest distance from the adapter accommodating recess 614 to the resist layer 604 in both the first direction (longitudinal direction of the main control board 600) and the second direction (shortitudinal direction of the main control board 600), but the present invention is not limited to this and may be applied to only one of the first direction (longitudinal direction of the main control board 600) and the second direction (shortitudinal direction of the main control board 600).

<Main control board/components>
Next, the components 606 mounted on the main control board 600 will be described.

The components 606 mounted on the main control board 600 include the adapter 624 arranged in the adapter accommodating recess 614 described above, as well as passive components 606a (606a1, 606a2) such as resistors, capacitors, and coils, a connector 606b, and an IC 606c.

In the example shown in FIG. 10(b), multiple passive components 606a (606a1, 606a2), an IC 606c, etc. are arranged near the board accommodating recess 612 of the main control board 600.

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

In this example, the longitudinal direction of one passive component 606a1 (first passive component) of the multiple passive components 606a is the same as the longitudinal direction of the board accommodating recess 612 (first shaped recess) (longitudinal direction of the identification board 610), so that the effect of the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the board accommodating recess 612 (first shaped recess) when cutting the breaking portion 616 on the passive component 606a1 (first passive component) mounted on the main control board 600 (first board) can be reduced, and damage to the passive component 606a1 (first passive component) can be prevented.

In the example shown in FIG. 10(b), multiple passive components 606a (606a1, 606a2), IC 606c, etc. are also arranged near the adapter accommodating recess 614 of the main control board 600.

These passive components are axial components with leads extending from both ends of the main body as shown in FIG. 10. In addition, in this embodiment and the modified examples described below, the positional relationship of the passive components is described, but this is not limited to this, and the components may be axial components included in the passive components, or control ICs included in the active components, and include components that have a long side and a short side.

Here, when we look at the positional relationship between the board accommodating recess 612 and the passive component 606a1, and the positional relationship between the adapter accommodating recess 614 and the passive component 606a2, the shortest distance x3 from the board accommodating recess 612 to the passive component 606a1 is longer than the shortest distance x4 from the adapter accommodating recess 614 to the passive component 606a2 (x3>x4).

According to this example, the shortest distance x3 from the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) to the passive component 606a1 (first passive component) is longer than the shortest distance x4 from the adapter accommodating recess 614 (second shape recess) to the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) (x3>x4), so that a clearance (work space) can be secured from the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) to the passive component 606a1 (first passive component), making it easier to cut the breakage portion 616 formed in the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess), improving workability, and even if the cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the board accommodating recess 612 (first shape recess) or using a tool, it is possible to prevent fingers or tools from touching the passive component 606a1 (first passive component), and thus preventing damage to the passive component 606a1 (first passive component).

The shortest distance x3 from the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the passive component 606a1 may be shorter than the shortest distance x4 from the adapter accommodating recess 614 to the passive component 606a2 (x3 < x4). In this configuration, the components close to the end having the break are prevented from being damaged because their longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the direction in which stress is applied during cutting.

The longitudinal direction of the substrate accommodating recess 612 and the longitudinal direction of the passive component 606a2 are different directions, and the shortest distance x3' from the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the passive component 606a2 is longer than the shortest distance x3 from the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the passive component 606a1 (x3'>x3). These shortest distances are "x3<x4<x3'", and it can be seen from FIG. 10 that the shortest distance α from the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the passive component 606a2 near the adapter accommodating recess 614 is longer than x3', and the components parallel to the stress direction applied to the substrate are located far from the fractured portion. Note that the shortest distance x3' is the distance of a line parallel to the long side of the substrate on a virtual extension line of the bottom surface 612b, but it may also be the distance on a diagonal line from the substrate accommodating recess 612 to the passive component 606a2.

In this example, the longitudinal direction of the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) is different from that of the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shaped recess), and the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) is susceptible to the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shaped recess) when the breaking portion 616 is cut. However, by arranging the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) farther from the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shaped recess) than the passive component 606a1 (first passive component), damage to the passive component 606a2 (second passive component) can be prevented.

In other words, if the direction in which stress is applied to the board when breaking section 616 is cut (the longitudinal direction of main control board 600 in FIG. 10) is the same as the longitudinal direction of the part, damage to the part can be prevented by placing the part away from breaking section 616.

<Main control board/fracture surface>
Next, the fracture surface of the main control board 600 will be described.

The outer edge of the base material 602 of the main control board 600 and the outer edge of the base material 620 of the identification board 610 have burrs (not shown; hereafter, may be referred to as "molding burrs") caused by breakage due to router processing or the like when molding each board, and the main control board 600 (first board) and the identification board 610 are each boards having a fracture surface (a fracture surface of a third shape) with a molding burr.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(b), when the identification board 610 is separated from the base material 602 of the main control board 600, a burr (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "fracture burr") 632 that occurs when the fracture portion 616 is fractured (separated) into two is formed (remains) on the base material 602 of the main control board 600 and the base material 620 of the identification board 610. In other words, after separation, the main control board 600 and the identification board 610 each become boards that have a fracture surface (a fracture surface of a first shape) with a burr 632 at the time of fracture in addition to a fracture surface (a fracture surface of a third shape) with a burr generated during molding.

The fracture burr 632 is a burr that remains when the fracture portion 616 is fractured (separated) into two by a slit (perforation), and is composed of multiple protrusions 632a (first protrusions). The protrusions 632a of the fracture burr 632 are more uneven than the molding burr, and the fracture surface on which the molding burr occurred (fracture surface of the third shape) has rougher irregularities (larger irregularities) than the fracture surface on which the fracture burr 632 occurred (cross section of the first shape).

The fracture surface where the burr 632 was generated during fracture (fracture surface of the first shape) is a fracture surface that remains on the main body side of the main control board 600 when the identification board 610 is separated from the base material 602 of the main control board 600, and is therefore located further inward in the main control board 600 than the fracture surface where the burr was generated during molding (fracture surface of the third shape).

According to this example, the fracture surface where the burr 632 occurred during fracture (fracture surface of the first shape) is located inside the fracture surface where the burr occurred during molding (fracture surface of the third shape), so a clearance (work space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fracture surface formed in the recess of the first shape and improving workability. In addition, because the rough fracture surface is located inside the main control board, safety can be improved compared to when the rough fracture surface is exposed to the outside of the main control board.

<Sub-control board (second board)>
Next, the sub-control board 650 (second board) will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the sub-control board 650.

The sub-control board 650 is an example of a "second board" according to the present invention. Therefore, the "second board" according to the present invention is not limited to the board constituting the first sub-control unit 400, but may be a board constituting the main control unit 300 or the second sub-control unit 500 described using FIG. 9, or may be another board mounted on the gaming machine. In addition, the gaming machine may be equipped with multiple boards equivalent to the "second board".

The sub-control board 650 is composed of a base material 652 made of a rectangular plate-like body, pattern wiring (not shown) and a resist layer 654 (second resist layer) formed on one side of the base material 652, and multiple types of components 656 mounted on one side of the base material 652.

<Sub-control board/fracture surface>
Next, the fractured surface of the sub-control board 650 will be described.

A portion of each longitudinal and lateral side of the base material 652 of the sub-control board 650 has burrs 658 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "molding burrs 658") formed due to breakage caused by router processing or the like when molding the base material 652, and the sub-control board 650 (second board) is a board having a first fracture surface 650a (a fracture surface of a second shape) on which the molding burrs 658 have been formed, and a second fracture surface 650b on which the molding burrs 658 have not been formed.

The sub-control board 650 is a board that does not have a break portion that corresponds to the identification board 610 provided on the main control board 600, or the break portion 616 provided on the main control board 600.

The molding burr 658 of the sub-control board 650 is a burr caused by breakage caused by router processing or the like when molding the base material 652 of the sub-control board 650, and is composed of multiple convex portions 658a (second convex portions). This molding burr 658 is a burr with smaller irregularities than the breakage burr 632 (burr remaining when the breakage portion 616 of the main control board 600 is broken (separated) into two by a slit (perforation)) of the main control board 600 (first board) described using FIG. 10, and the fracture surface 660 (fracture surface of the second shape) where the molding burr 658 occurred has finer irregularities (smaller irregularities) than the fracture surface (cross section of the first shape) where the breakage burr 632 occurred.

Here, considering the positional relationship between the board accommodating recess 612 of the main control board 600 and the resist layer 604, and the positional relationship between the first fracture surface 650a of the sub-control board 650 and the resist layer 654, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b of the board accommodating recess 612 of the main control board 600 to the resist layer 604 shown in FIG. 10(b) is configured to be longer (x1>x5) than the shortest distance x5 from the first fracture surface 650a of the sub-control board 650 to the resist layer 654 shown in FIG. 11.

According to this example, the shortest distance x1 from the bottom surface 612b (first-shape fracture surface) of the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shape recess) of the main control substrate 600 to the resist layer 604 (first resist layer) is longer than the shortest distance x5 from the first fracture surface 650a (second-shape fracture surface) of the sub-control substrate 650 to the resist layer 654 (second resist layer) (x1>x5). This ensures a clearance (work space) from the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shape recess) to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fractured portion 616 formed in the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shape recess), improving workability, and preventing fingers or tools from touching the resistor layer or pattern wiring even when cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the substrate accommodating recess 612 (first-shape recess) or using a tool. This prevents damage to the main control substrate.

As shown in FIG. 11, the shortest distance x5 from the first fracture surface 650a of the sub-control board 650 to the resist layer 654 is longer than the shortest distance x6 from the second fracture surface 650b to the resist layer 654 (x5>x6). This configuration makes it less likely that cracks will occur in the resist layer when separating the scrap board or adjacent boards during board molding.

<Main board storage case>
Next, the configuration of the main board storage case 640 (642, 644) will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13.

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the main board storage case 640 and the main control board 600, and Figure 13 (a) is a plan view of the main board storage case 640 housing the main control board 600, viewed from the board housing body 642 side.

Also, FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 13(a), and FIG. 13(c) is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a conventional substrate corresponding to FIG. 13(b).

As shown in FIG. 12, the main board storage case 640 is a box formed by combining a board container 642 (container) with a roughly rectangular corner-plate-shaped bottom surface and a lid 644 arranged to cover the internal space of the board container 642.

The main control board 600 is stored in the space inside the main board storage case 640, fixed to the board housing body 642 by screws 646. The board housing body 642 and the lid body 644 are each made of a translucent resin, and the main control board 600 stored inside the main board storage case 640 can be seen from the outside through the main board storage case 640.

The lower edge of the substrate container 642 has two gate-shaped hinges 642b. The lower edge of the lid 644 has two hook-shaped hooks 644a that engage with the hinges 642b, and the left and right ends of the upper edge have locking tongues 644b that lock with the upper edge of the substrate container 642.

Therefore, when assembling the main board storage case 640, first, the hook portion 644a of the lid body 644 is engaged with the hinge portion 642b of the board housing body 642, and then the lid body 644 is swung around the hinge portion 642b to combine the board housing body 642 and the lid body 644, and the locking tongue piece 644b of the lid body 644 is locked into the locking hole on the upper edge of the board housing body 642, thereby fixing the lid body 644 to the board housing body 642.

As shown in FIG. 12, two ribs 642a (convex portions) are formed on the left side of the inner space of the board housing 642 when viewed from the front, at a position corresponding to the adapter accommodating recess 614 (recess of second shape) of the main control board 600, and as shown in FIG. 13(a), when the main control board 600 is housed in the board housing 642, these two ribs 642a are each fitted into two side walls 614a of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (recess of second shape) of the main control board 600.

In this example, the main board storage case 640 has a rib 642a that can fit (contact) with the adapter storage recess 614 (recess of second shape) of the main control board 600 (first board). Therefore, when storing the main control board 600 (first board), the main control board 600 (first board) can be stored in the correct position and in the correct orientation, preventing installation errors of the board, and after storing the main control board 600 (first board), the main control board 600 (first board) can be securely held, reducing rattling of the main control board 600 (first board) when inserting and removing the connector from the adapter 624, etc.

As described above, the board accommodating recess 612 and the adapter accommodating recess 614 of the main control board 600 have different shapes, and the width w1 of the bottom surface 612b of the board accommodating recess 612 is narrower than the width w3 of the bottom surface 614b of the adapter accommodating recess 614 (w1 < w3), so the two ribs 642a cannot fit into the two side walls 614a of the board accommodating recess 612 of the main control board 600.

In this example, the two ribs 642a of the board housing 642 (housing body) cannot fit into the two side walls 614a of the board housing recess 612 (recess of first shape) of the main control board 600. Therefore, when the main control board 600 is housed, the main control board 600 can be housed in the correct position and in the correct orientation, preventing installation errors of the board, etc.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, no ribs or the like are provided at the position corresponding to the board accommodation recess 612 (first-shaped recess) of the main control board 600 on the right side of the inner space of the board accommodation body 642 when viewed from the front, and as shown in FIG. 13(a), when the main control board 600 is accommodated in the board accommodation body 642, gaps (spaces in which nothing is provided, hereinafter also referred to as "gap areas") are formed above and below the board accommodation recess 612 (first-shaped recess) of the main control board 600.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the components (e.g., IC 606c) arranged on the main control board 600 can be seen through the board housing recess 612 from either side of the board housing body 642 and the lid body 644 of the main board housing case 640.

The IC 606c is a component arranged near the substrate accommodating recess 612 (recess of a first shape). The IC 606c is also a component that allows the chip body to be fitted into a socket. The short side of the IC 606c is visible from the gap area, but the IC 606c may be arranged vertically so that it can be viewed from the long side. In this case, the substrate accommodating recess 612 (recess of a first shape) may be formed so that the entire long side of the IC 606c is visible from the gap area, or the IC 606c may be arranged so that it can be viewed from a part of the long side of the IC 606c.

In addition, other components may not be placed between the IC 606c and the substrate accommodating recess 612 (recess of first shape), which ensures that the visibility of the IC 606c from the gap area is not hindered. If other components are placed between the IC 606c and the substrate accommodating recess 612 (recess of first shape), the other components are shorter than the IC 606c, ensuring visibility from the gap area. In this case, the other components may be damaged when the identification substrate 610 is broken, but damage to the IC 606c can be prevented, and the substrate can be identified as defective due to damage to the other components.

According to this example, the board can be easily viewed, making it easier to find unauthorized components when they are attached to the board, and the components mounted on the board can be checked while still housed in the housing, improving maintainability and workability.

<Main control board/Summary>
As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (e.g., the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a first board (e.g., the main control board 600 shown in FIG. 10), the first board being a board having a recess of a first shape (e.g., the board accommodating recess 612 shown in FIG. 10), the first board being a board having a recess of a second shape (e.g., the adaptor accommodating recess 614 shown in FIG. 10), and the recess of the first shape and the recess of the second shape being different shapes.

In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the board (first board) has the characteristic feature of having recesses of different shapes, which makes it easy to identify the board and allows the orientation of the board to be correctly recognized, improving workability when installing the board and preventing mistakes in installing the board. In this way, a gaming machine in which installation mistakes are reduced can be provided.

In the manufacturing process of game machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and attached inside the game machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, and installation errors can occur during the manufacturing and assembly of the game machine, or, even if they do not result in an installation error, workers can be confused about which circuit board to install, wasting time. However, the game machine of this embodiment makes it easier to distinguish between circuit boards, simplifying the process of manufacturing and assembling the game machine.

The housing may also include a container (e.g., substrate container 642 shown in FIG. 13(b)) capable of housing the first substrate, and when the first substrate is housed in the container, a component (e.g., IC 606c shown in FIG. 13(b)) arranged on the first substrate may be visible through a recess of the first shape (e.g., substrate housing recess 612 shown in FIG. 13(b)).

With this configuration, the board (first board) can be easily viewed, making it easier to find unauthorized parts when they are installed, and the components mounted on the board can be checked while they are housed in the housing, improving maintainability and workability. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with improved maintainability.

Also, the container may include a container (e.g., the substrate container 642 shown in FIG. 13(a)) capable of storing the first substrate, and the container may include a protrusion (e.g., the rib 642a shown in FIG. 13(a)) therein, and the protrusion may be a portion that can fit into the recess of the second shape (e.g., the adapter housing recess 614 shown in FIG. 13(a)) but cannot fit into the recess of the first shape (e.g., the substrate housing recess 612 shown in FIG. 13(a)).

With this configuration, when the board (first board) is stored, it can be stored in the correct position and in the correct orientation, preventing operational errors. In addition, after the board is stored, it can be securely held, reducing wobbling of the board when inserting and removing a connector, etc. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with improved operability during assembly and inspection.

The first substrate may be a substrate that allows a manufacturer of the gaming machine to be identified by cutting a break portion (e.g., break portion 616 shown in FIG. 10(a)), and the recess of the first shape may be the portion where the break portion is formed.

When a company has multiple affiliated companies, manufacturing a circuit board for each affiliated company would result in increased manufacturing costs, but with this configuration, one or more company names can be printed on one circuit board product, and when each affiliated company manufactures and assembles the gaming machine, they can choose to keep only their own company name or delete unnecessary company names, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and providing a gaming machine that does not have any defects during assembly or inspection.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a plurality of components (e.g., passive components 606 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in FIG. 10), one of the plurality of components being a first component (e.g., passive component 606a1 shown in FIG. 10(b)) disposed near the recess of the first shape, and the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape (e.g., substrate accommodating recess 612 shown in FIG. 10(b)) and the longitudinal direction of the first component may be the same direction.

With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the effect on the first passive component mounted on the first substrate of the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when the breaking portion is cut, and to prevent damage to the first passive component. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a plurality of components (e.g., passive components 606 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in FIG. 10, elongated components, and components with terminals protruding from the main body), one of the plurality of components may be a first component arranged near the recess of the first shape (e.g., passive component 606a1 shown in FIG. 10(b)), one of the plurality of components may be a second component arranged near the recess of the second shape (e.g., passive component 606a2 shown in FIG. 10(b)), and the shortest distance from the recess of the first shape to the first component (e.g., shortest distance x3 shown in FIG. 10(b)) may be longer than the shortest distance from the recess of the second shape to the second component (e.g., shortest distance x4 shown in FIG. 10(b)).

With this configuration, a clearance (work space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the first passive component, making it easier to cut the breakage portion formed in the recess of the first shape and improving workability. In addition, even if the cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the periphery of the recess of the first shape or by using a tool, the fingers or tool can be prevented from touching the first passive component, preventing damage to the first passive component. In this way, a gaming machine can be provided that suppresses malfunctions due to component damage and improves the safety of the worker.

In addition, the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape and the longitudinal direction of the second part may be different directions, and the shortest distance from the recess of the first shape to the second part (e.g., the shortest distance α shown in FIG. 10(b)) may be longer than the shortest distance from the recess of the first shape to the first part (e.g., the shortest distance x3 shown in FIG. 10(b)).

With this configuration, the longitudinal direction of the second passive component is different from the recess of the first shape, and the second passive component is susceptible to the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when cutting the breaking portion. However, by locating the second passive component farther from the recess of the first shape than the first passive component, damage to the second passive component can be prevented. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a resist (e.g., resist layer 604 shown in FIG. 10), the first substrate may be a substrate having identification information (e.g., identification information 608 shown in FIG. 10) displayed in a predetermined area, the identification information being identification information including information that can identify one of the manufacturers of the gaming machine, and the predetermined area being an area where the resist is not formed.

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

The specified area may also be an area where no pattern wiring is formed.

This configuration can improve the visibility of the identification information even when other information is printed, thereby improving convenience.

<Main control board and sub control board/Summary>
As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (e.g., slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine including a first board (e.g., main control board 600 shown in FIG. 10) and a second board (e.g., sub-control board 650 shown in FIG. 11), wherein the first board has a first shaped fracture surface (e.g., a fracture surface having burrs 632 generated at the time of fracture as shown in FIG. 10(b)), the second board has a second shaped fracture surface (e.g., first fracture surface 650a shown in FIG. 11), and the first shaped fracture surface and the second shaped fracture surface are different in shape.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment makes it easy to distinguish between the first and second boards, improves workability when installing the boards, and prevents mistakes in installing the boards. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which installation mistakes are reduced.

In the manufacturing process of game machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and attached inside the game machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, and installation errors can occur during the manufacturing and assembly of the game machine, or, even if they do not result in an installation error, workers can be confused about which circuit board to install, wasting time. However, the game machine of this embodiment makes it easier to distinguish between circuit boards, simplifying the process of manufacturing and assembling the game machine.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a first resist (e.g., resist layer 604 shown in FIG. 10), the second substrate may be a substrate having a second resist (e.g., resist layer 654 shown in FIG. 11), the fracture surface of the second shape may be a fracture surface having a second convex portion (e.g., convex portion 658a shown in FIG. 11), the fracture surface of the first shape may be a fracture surface having a first convex portion (e.g., convex portion 632a shown in FIG. 10(b)) larger than the second convex portion, and the shortest distance from the fracture surface of the first shape to the first resist (e.g., shortest distance x1 shown in FIG. 10(b)) may be longer (farther) than the shortest distance from the fracture surface of the second shape to the second resist (e.g., shortest distance x5 shown in FIG. 11).

With this configuration, a clearance (work space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fractured portion formed in the recess of the first shape and improving workability. In addition, even if the cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the periphery of the recess of the first shape or by using a tool, it is possible to prevent fingers or tools from touching the resist layer or pattern wiring, thereby preventing damage to the main control board. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which malfunctions caused by damage to parts are suppressed.

The first substrate may be a substrate that allows one manufacturer of the gaming machine to be identified by cutting a break portion (e.g., break portion 616 shown in FIG. 10(a)), and the second substrate may be a substrate that does not have the break portion, and the break surface of the first shape may be a break surface that is formed by cutting the break portion.

When a company has multiple affiliated companies, manufacturing a circuit board for each affiliated company would result in increased manufacturing costs, but with this configuration, one or more company names can be printed on one circuit board product, and when each affiliated company manufactures and assembles the gaming machine, they can choose to keep only their own company name or delete unnecessary company names, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and providing a gaming machine that does not have any defects during assembly or inspection.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a fracture surface of a third shape (e.g., a fracture surface where burrs are generated during molding), the fracture surface of the third shape is a fracture surface formed during molding of the first substrate, the fracture surface of the first shape is rougher than the fracture surface of the third shape, and the fracture surface of the first shape may be a fracture surface located inward of the fracture surface of the third shape in the first substrate.

With this configuration, a clearance (work space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the resist layer, making it easier to cut the fractured portion formed in the recess of the first shape and improving workability. In addition, because the rough fracture surface is located inside the substrate, safety can be improved. In this way, it is possible to provide an amusement machine that suppresses malfunctions caused by damage to parts and improves the safety of workers.

The fracture surface of the second shape may also be a fracture surface that constitutes part of one or more sides of the second substrate.

This configuration allows the shape of the second substrate to be simplified, improving the freedom of circuit design.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a first resist (e.g., resist layer 604 shown in FIG. 10), the first substrate may be a substrate having identification information (e.g., identification information 608 shown in FIG. 10) displayed in a predetermined area, the identification information being identification information including information capable of identifying one of the manufacturers of the gaming machine, and the predetermined area being an area in which the first resist is not formed.

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

The specified area may also be an area where no pattern wiring is formed.

This configuration can improve the visibility of the identification information even when other information is printed, thereby improving convenience.

In addition, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (e.g., slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a first board (e.g., main control board 600 shown in FIG. 10), and the first board is a board having a cross-sectional portion of a predetermined shape (e.g., fracture portion 616 shown in FIG. 10(a)), the first board is a board having a cross-sectional portion of a specific shape (e.g., molding burrs, concave portions, convex portions, cross-sections of the long sides and short sides of main control board 600), the first board is a board having a first resist (e.g., resist layer 604 shown in FIG. 10), and the first board is a board having a shortest distance from the cross-sectional portion of the predetermined shape to the first resist. is a first distance (e.g., the shortest distance x1 shown in FIG. 10(b)), the first substrate is a substrate where the shortest distance from the cross-sectional portion of the specific shape to the first resist is a second distance (e.g., the shortest distance z1 shown in FIG. 10(b)), the first substrate is a substrate where a manufacturer of the gaming machine can be identified by cutting the break portion, the cross-sectional portion of the specific shape is a cross-sectional portion formed by cutting the break portion, the cross-sectional portion of the specific shape and the cross-sectional portion of the specific shape are different shapes, and the first distance is longer than the second distance.

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the fractured portion is cut, the distortion caused in the board by the stress applied to the board can be reduced, and damage to the board and the components mounted on the board can be prevented. In this way, a gaming machine in which malfunctions caused by damage to components are suppressed can be provided.

In the manufacturing process of game machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and attached inside the game machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, and installation errors can occur during the manufacturing and assembly of the game machine, or, even if they do not result in an installation error, workers can be confused about which circuit board to install, wasting time. However, the game machine of this embodiment makes it easier to distinguish between circuit boards, simplifying the process of manufacturing and assembling the game machine.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a first side (e.g., a long side), the first substrate may be a substrate having a cross-sectional portion of the predetermined shape along the first side, and the first side may be a side parallel to a direction in which stress acts on the first substrate.

With this configuration, it is possible to reduce distortion caused in the board by stress applied to the board when the fractured portion is cut, and to prevent damage to the board and the components mounted on the board.

<Main Control Board According to Modification 1>
Next, a main control board 670 (first board) according to the first modification will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Figs. 14(a) and 14(b) are plan views of the main control board 670 according to the first modification.

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

In the main control board 600 described using FIG. 10, an example was shown in which the board accommodating recess 612 (first-shaped recess) is formed on the right side surface (the short side on the right side when viewed from the front) of the main control board 600, but in the main control board 670 according to the modified example, a board accommodating recess 682 (first-shaped recess) of the same shape as the board accommodating recess 612 (first-shaped recess) of the main control board 600 is formed on the lower side surface (lower long side when viewed from the front) of the main control board 670. In addition, an adapter accommodating recess 684 of the same shape as the adapter accommodating recess 614 of the main control board 600 is formed on the upper side surface (upper long side when viewed from the front) of the main control board 600.

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

In this example, since the board accommodating recess 682 (a recess of a first shape) is formed on the long side of the main control board 670 (first board), when the breaking portion 696 is cut, it is possible to reduce distortion that occurs in the base material 672 of the main control board 670 (first board) due to stress applied to the base material 672 of the main control board 670 (first board) from the identification board 680, and to prevent damage to the base material 672 of the main control board 670 (first board) and components mounted on the base material 672 of the main control board 670 (first board).

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

In addition, if an attempt is made to forcibly remove the main control board 670 (first board) from the main board storage case (for example, board housing body 642 shown in FIG. 12), the main control board 670 is more likely to be damaged than a main control board having a board storage recess formed on its short side (for example, main control board 600 shown in FIG. 10(a)). This makes it possible to leave traces of fraudulent activity, etc., and improves crime prevention.

In this example, the identification information 678 is placed near the substrate accommodating recess 682, but the "predetermined area" according to the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be placed in an area spaced a predetermined distance from the substrate accommodating recess 682 (for example, the area indicated by reference symbol A in FIG. 14(a) with the resist layer 674 sandwiched between the substrate accommodating recess 682).

In this example, the distance between the identification information 692 on the identification board 680 is increased, so the two types of identification information (identification information 678, identification information 692) can be easily distinguished, reducing operational errors, etc.

<Main control board/components according to modification example 1>
Next, the components 676 mounted on the main control board 670 according to the first modification will be described.

Components 676 implemented on the main control board 670 in variant 1 include passive components 676a (676a1, 676a2) such as resistors, capacitors, and coils, and ICs 676c, etc.

In the example shown in Figures 14(a) and (b), a number of passive components 676a (676a1, 676a2), an IC 676c, etc. are arranged near the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess) of the main control board 670.

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

In this example, the longitudinal direction of one passive component 676a1 (first passive component) of the multiple passive components 676a is the same as the longitudinal direction of the substrate accommodating recess 682 (recess of first shape), so the effect of the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when cutting the fracture portion on the first passive component mounted on the first substrate can be reduced, and damage to the first passive component can be prevented.

In the example shown in Figures 14(a) and (b), multiple passive components 676a (676a1, 676a2), IC 676c, etc. are also arranged near the adapter accommodating recess 684 of the main control board 670.

The longitudinal direction of one passive component 676a2 (second passive component) among the multiple passive components 676a is a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the adapter accommodating recess 684 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the adapter accommodating recess 684.

Here, in FIG. 14(a), looking at the positional relationship between the board accommodating recess 682 of the main control board 670 and the passive component 676a1, and the positional relationship between the adaptor accommodating recess 684 and the passive component 676a2, the shortest distance y3 from the board accommodating recess 682 to the passive component 676a1 is longer than the shortest distance y4 from the adaptor accommodating recess 684 to the passive component 676a2 (y3>y4).

According to this example, the shortest distance y3 from the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess) to the passive component 676a1 (first passive component) is longer than the shortest distance y4 from the adapter accommodating recess 684 (second shape recess) to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) (y3>y4), so that a clearance (work space) can be secured from the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess) to the passive component 676a1 (first passive component), making it easier to cut the breakage portion formed in the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess), improving workability, and even if the cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess) or using a tool, it is possible to prevent fingers or tools from touching the passive component 676a1 (first passive component), and thus preventing damage to the passive component 676a1 (first passive component).

In addition, the shortest distance from the adapter accommodating recess 684 (recess of the second shape) to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) is y4, but even if there is no adapter accommodating recess and the shortest distance from the long side closest to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) in the main control board 670 is y4' (see FIG. 14(b)), "y3>y4'" may be satisfied. In other words, if "the distance from the break to the first passive component > the distance from the side without the break to the second passive component", the first passive component may be arranged in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the board accommodating recess. Note that even in the case of "y3<y4 (y4')", by arranging the first passive component in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the board accommodating recess, damage to the component due to stress when the break is cut can be prevented.

In addition, in FIG. 14(b), when attention is paid to the positional relationship between the board accommodating recess 682 of the main control board 670 and the passive component 676a2, and the positional relationship between the adapter accommodating recess 684 and the passive component 676a2, the shortest distance y5 from the board accommodating recess 682 to the passive component 676a2 is configured to be longer than the shortest distance y4 from the adapter accommodating recess 684 to the passive component 676a2 (y5>y4).

14(a) and (b), the second passive component may be a passive component arranged along the short side of the board, such as passive components 674a4 and 676a5, and the shortest distance y7 from the end of the short side to passive components 674a4 and 676a5 may also be "y3>y7", and these relationships are the same as for passive component 676a2. Also, if the shortest distance from board accommodating recess 682 to passive components 674a4 and 676a5 is γ, then "y3<γ", and these relationships are the same as for passive component 676a2.

According to this example, the shortest distance y5 from the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess) to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) is longer than the shortest distance y4 from the adapter accommodating recess 684 (second shape recess) to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) (y5>y4), so that a clearance (work space) can be secured from the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess) to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component), making it easier to cut the breakage formed in the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess), improving workability, and even if the cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the board accommodating recess 682 (first shape recess) or using a tool, it is possible to prevent fingers or tools from touching the passive component 676a2 (second passive component), and thus preventing damage to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component).

In addition, the shortest distance from the adapter accommodating recess 684 (recess of the second shape) to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) is y4, but even if there is no adapter accommodating recess and the shortest distance from the long side of the main control board 670 closest to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) is y4', "y5>y4'" may be satisfied. In other words, if a distance greater than y4 (y4') is secured and the passive component is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the board accommodating recess, the effect of stress when the fracture portion is cut can be reduced and damage to the component can be prevented.

Furthermore, when attention is paid to the positional relationship between the board accommodating recess 682 of the main control board 670 and the passive component 676a1 in FIG. 14(a) and the positional relationship between the board accommodating recess 682 and the passive component 676a2 in FIG. 14(b), the shortest distance y5 from the board accommodating recess 682 to the passive component 676a2 shown in FIG. 14(b) is configured to be longer than the shortest distance y3 from the board accommodating recess 682 to the passive component 676a1 shown in FIG. 14(a) (y5>y3).

In this example, the longitudinal direction of the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) is different from that of the substrate accommodating recess 682 (recess of first shape), and the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) is susceptible to the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the substrate accommodating recess 682 (recess of first shape) when the breaking portion 696 is cut. However, by arranging the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) at a position farther from the substrate accommodating recess 682 (recess of first shape) than the passive component 676a1 (first passive component), damage to the passive component 676a2 (second passive component) can be prevented.

In addition, other components such as passive component 676a1 (first passive component), ICs, resistor arrays, etc. may be arranged within the shortest distance y5 from substrate accommodating recess 682 to passive component 676a2 (second passive component) to prevent the stress caused by cutting the fractured portion from affecting the second passive component. In this case, it is preferable that the "other components" are larger than the second passive component.

In addition, when passive components 676a3 in FIG. 14(a) and 676a1 in FIG. 14(b) are placed on the side of the substrate housing recess 682 (the side of the edge that does not have the burr 632 at break), they may be placed closer to the substrate housing recess 682 than the passive components (passive components 676a1 and 676a2 in FIG. 14(a)) that are placed on the side of the edge that has the burr 632 at break. Since they are placed in a position that is less susceptible to the stress at break, there is no need to consider clearance, and the degree of freedom in substrate design can be increased.

In addition, such a board housing recess may be provided for multiple boards in one game machine. In this case, when a passive component A (passive component 616a1) is arranged at a distance m1 (distance x3) from the board housing recess in a certain board (for example, FIG. 10(b)), and a passive component B (passive component 676a2) is arranged at a distance m2 (y5) longer than the distance m1 from the board housing recess in another board (FIG. 14(b)), the passive component A is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the passive component A coincides with the longitudinal direction of the board housing recess, and the passive component B may be arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the passive component B is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the board housing recess because the distance m2 longer than the distance m1 is secured, and the degree of freedom in board design can be secured by not uniformly limiting the arrangement direction of the passive components when designing the board. Furthermore, if the other board has fewer components mounted thereon than the certain board and sufficient area can be secured for the board mounting surface, the passive components may be placed away from the board accommodating recess, and even if the board has a board accommodating recess, if the number of components mounted on the board is small, the board can be designed without considering the orientation of the passive components, and freedom in board design can be ensured by not uniformly limiting the orientation of the passive components when designing the board. Also, by making the distance from the board accommodating recess to the passive components and the orientation different depending on the board, it is easy to identify which board it is.

<Main control board according to modification example 1/Summary>
As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (e.g., the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a first board (e.g., the main control board 670 shown in FIG. 14), the first board is a board having a recess of a first shape (e.g., the board accommodating recess 682 shown in FIG. 14), the first board is a board in which a manufacturer of the gaming machine can be identified by cutting a break portion (e.g., the break portion 696 shown in FIG. 14(a)), the break portion of the first shape is a portion where the break portion is formed, and the break portion of the first shape is formed along a long side of the first board.

In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, a recess of a first shape is formed on the long side of the substrate (first substrate), so that when the fracture portion is cut, the distortion caused in the substrate by the stress applied to the substrate can be reduced, and damage to the substrate and the components mounted on the substrate can be prevented. In this way, a gaming machine in which defects caused by component damage are suppressed can be provided.

In addition, if an attempt is made to forcibly remove the board from the main board storage case, the main control board is more susceptible to damage than a main control board having a first shaped recess formed on the long side, and therefore traces of fraudulent activity can be left behind, improving crime prevention.

In the manufacturing process of game machines, the circuit board products are covered with various circuit board cases and then installed, fixed, and attached inside the game machine. However, many circuit board products have similar external shapes, and installation errors can occur during the manufacturing and assembly of the game machine, or, even if they do not result in an installation error, workers can be confused about which circuit board to install, wasting time. However, the game machine of this embodiment makes it easier to distinguish between circuit boards, simplifying the process of manufacturing and assembling the game machine.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a plurality of components (e.g., passive components 606 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in FIG. 10, and passive components 676 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in FIG. 14(a)), one of the plurality of components being a first component (e.g., passive component 606a1 shown in FIG. 10(b) and passive component 676a1 shown in FIG. 14(a)) disposed near the recess of the first shape, and the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape and the longitudinal direction of the first component may be along the long side of the first substrate.

With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the effect on the first passive component mounted on the first substrate of the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the first shaped recess when the breaking portion is cut, and to prevent damage to the first passive component. In this way, it is possible to provide a gaming machine in which malfunctions caused by component damage are suppressed.

In addition, the first substrate is a substrate having a side different from the long side, the first substrate is a substrate having a plurality of components (for example, passive components 606 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in FIG. 10 and passive components 676 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils shown in FIG. 14(a)), one of the plurality of components is a first component (for example, passive component 606a1 shown in FIG. 10(b) and passive component 676a1 shown in FIG. 14(a)) disposed near the recess of the first shape, and one of the plurality of components is a first component (for example, passive component 606a1 shown in FIG. 10(b) and passive component 676a1 shown in FIG. 14(a)). The component is a second component (e.g., passive component 606a2 shown in FIG. 10(b) or passive component 676a2 shown in FIG. 14(a)) disposed near the certain side, and the shortest distance from the recess of the first shape to the first component (e.g., shortest distance x3 shown in FIG. 10(b) or shortest distance y3 shown in FIG. 14(a)) may be longer (x3>x4, y3>y4) than the shortest distance from the certain side to the second component (e.g., shortest distance x4 shown in FIG. 10(b) or shortest distance y4 shown in FIG. 14(a)).

With this configuration, a clearance (work space) can be secured from the recess of the first shape to the first passive component, making it easier to cut the fractured portion formed in the recess of the first shape and improving workability. In addition, even if the cutting work is performed by placing fingers around the periphery of the recess of the first shape or by using a tool, it is possible to avoid the fingers or tool coming into contact with the first passive component, thereby preventing damage to the first passive component. In this way, a gaming machine in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed can be provided.

The longitudinal direction of the first shape recess and the longitudinal direction of the second component may be different directions, and the shortest distance from the first shape recess to the second component (e.g., the shortest distance x3' shown in FIG. 10(b) or the shortest distances β and γ shown in FIG. 14(a)) may be longer (x3'>x3, β>y3, γ>y3) than the shortest distance from the first shape recess to the first component (e.g., the shortest distance x3 shown in FIG. 10(b) or the shortest distance y3 shown in FIG. 14(a)). Note that the "shortest distance from the first shape recess to the second component" may be the distance of a line parallel to the short side of the board on an imaginary extension line, or the distance on a diagonal line from the first shape recess to the second component.

With this configuration, the longitudinal direction of the second passive component is different from the recess of the first shape, and the second passive component is susceptible to the stress applied in the longitudinal direction of the recess of the first shape when cutting the breaking portion. However, by locating the second passive component farther from the recess of the first shape than the first passive component, damage to the second passive component can be prevented. In this way, a gaming machine in which malfunctions due to component damage are suppressed can be provided.

The housing may also include a container (e.g., substrate container 642 shown in FIG. 13(b)) capable of housing the first substrate, and when the first substrate is housed in the container, a component (e.g., IC 606c shown in FIG. 13(b)) arranged on the first substrate may be visible through a recess of the first shape (e.g., substrate housing recess 612 shown in FIG. 13(b)).

This configuration makes it easier to see the board, making it easier to find improper parts when they are installed, and also makes it possible to check the parts mounted on the board while they are housed in the housing, improving maintainability and workability.

The first substrate may be a substrate having a resist layer (e.g., resist layer 604 shown in FIG. 10), the first substrate may be a substrate having identification information (e.g., identification information 608 shown in FIG. 10) displayed in a predetermined area, the identification information being identification information including information capable of identifying one of the manufacturers of the gaming machine, and the predetermined area being an area in which the resist layer is not formed.

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

The specified area may also be an area where no pattern wiring is formed.

This configuration can improve the visibility of the identification information even when other information is printed, thereby improving convenience.

<Main Control Board According to Modification 2>
Next, a main control board 690 (first board) according to Modification 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 15(a). Fig. 15(a) is a plan view of the main control board 690 according to Modification 2.

In the main control board 600 described using FIG. 10, an example is shown in which the manufacturer of the gaming machine can be identified by cutting off the identification board 610 and leaving only the identification information 618 (name of manufacturer of the slot machine 100: BBB Company, identification number of the main control board: XXX-YYY) on the main control board 600.

However, the "first board" according to the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured, for example, as in the main control board 690 according to this modified example 2, so that the manufacturer of the gaming machine can be identified by a method such as laser engraving to strike through the identification information 694 on the main control board 690 (name of the slot machine manufacturer: BBB, Inc., main control board identification number: XXX-YYY) without cutting off the identification board 692.

<Main Control Board According to Modification 3>
Next, a main control board 696 (first board) according to Modification 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 15(b). Fig. 15(b) is a plan view of the main control board 696 according to Modification 3.

In the main control board 600 described using FIG. 10, an example is shown in which identification information 618 (name of manufacturer of slot machine 100: BBB, Inc., main control board identification number: XXX-YYY) is printed on the main control board 600.

However, the "first board" according to the present invention is not limited to this, and may be configured, for example, like the main control board 696 according to this modification 3, to have multiple identification boards 698 that can be separated from the main control board 696, with first identification information (name of the slot machine manufacturer: AAA Company, main control board identification number: XXX-YYY) printed on one of the identification boards 698 and second identification information (name of the slot machine manufacturer: BBB Company, main control board identification number: XXX-YYY) printed on the other identification board 698, and either one of them can be separated.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the arrangement of symbols on the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to Figure 25. Figure 25 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a two-dimensional layout.

On each of the reels 110 to 112, a predetermined number of frames (20 frames numbered 0 to 19 in this embodiment) of symbols of multiple types (9 types in this embodiment) as shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. The numbers 0 to 19 shown on the left side of the figure indicate the arrangement position of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the "watermelon symbol" is arranged on the number 0 frame of the left reel 110, the "bell symbol" is arranged on the number 1 frame of the middle reel 111, and the "replay symbol" is arranged on the number 0 frame of the right reel 112.

<Measures to prevent circuit board fire spread>
Hereinafter, measures against the spread of fire on the circuit board of the slot machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Measures to prevent circuit board fire spread/circuit board>
Fig. 16(a) is a plan view of the substrate 700 according to this example seen from the power supply layer 710 side, and Fig. 16(b) is a partial cross-sectional view of the substrate 700 taken along line X-X in Fig. 16(a). For ease of explanation, Fig. 16(b) shows the thicknesses of the conductor layer, insulating layer, and base material in the substrate 700 in an exaggerated manner.

The slot machine according to this embodiment includes a board 700 (certain board) as shown in FIG. 16(a). As shown in FIGS. 16(a) and 16(b), the board 700 includes a base material (core) 702, a GND layer (second conductor layer) 706 laminated on the base material 702, a power supply layer (first conductor layer) 710 laminated on the GND layer 706 via an insulating layer 708, a solder resist 713 applied on the power supply layer 710, silk 715 printed on the solder resist 713, and components 712 (LED driver IC 714, motor driver IC 716, passive components 718, connector 720, LED 721, etc. hereinafter collectively referred to as "components") mounted on the power supply layer 710.

Note that FIG. 16(b) shows an example of a double-sided mounting board in which a conductor layer and an insulating layer are mounted on both sides of the base material (core) 702, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a single-sided mounting board in which a conductor layer and an insulating layer are mounted on only one side of the base material (core) 702. In the following, for convenience of explanation, only the structure on one side of the board 700 will be explained, and the solder resist 713, silk 715, etc. will not be shown in the drawings.

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

The "certain substrate" according to the present invention may be a substrate having at least a plurality of conductor layers, an insulating layer, and a substrate. For example, it may be a substrate in which the positions of the power supply layer 710 and the GND layer 706 are swapped, i.e., a substrate in which the GND layer (second conductor layer) 706 is configured on one side (upper side) with the insulating layer 708 sandwiched therebetween, and the power supply layer (first conductor layer) 710 is configured on the substrate side (lower side) with the insulating layer 708 sandwiched therebetween, or a substrate having three or more conductor layers, or a substrate having other types of layers in addition to the conductor layer, insulating layer, and substrate. The "certain substrate" according to the present invention may also be a double-sided mounting substrate having a conductor layer and an insulating layer sandwiched between the substrate 702.

Furthermore, the uses of the "certain board" according to the present invention are not particularly limited. For example, the "certain board" according to the present invention may be the main control board 600 described using FIG. 10, the sub-control board 650 described using FIG. 11, a power supply board that controls the power supply, a dispensing control board that controls dispensing, etc.

<Board fire prevention measures/components>
Next, the components 712 mounted on the board 700 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 16(a), multiple components 712 are mounted (arranged) on the power supply layer 710 of the substrate 700.

In this example, components 712 are mounted only on the power layer 710, and the GND layer 706 is a GND plane layer (a GND layer with no components mounted), but the "certain board" according to the present invention may be any board with multiple components arranged on at least one side. For example, components may be mounted only on the GND layer 706, and the power layer 710 may be a power plane layer (a power layer with no components mounted), or components may be mounted on both the power layer 710 and the GND layer 706. In addition, in the case of a board with three or more conductor layers, it is sufficient that the board has multiple components arranged on at least one layer.

The "components" according to the present invention are not particularly limited, but in this example, the power supply layer 710 is mounted with active components such as light-emitting devices (not shown) such as LEDs and diodes, an LED driver IC 714 (described later using FIG. 17(a)) that drives the LEDs, and a motor driver IC 716 (described later using FIG. 17(b)) that drives a motor (not shown), as well as passive components 718 such as resistors, capacitors, and coils, and mechanical components such as a connector 720.

The "active components" according to the present invention are not limited to light-emitting devices and driver ICs, but may be, for example, light-receiving devices such as diodes, transistors, and photodiodes, and various sensors such as magnetic sensors, etc.

<Board fire prevention measures/components/LED drivers>
FIG. 17A is a terminal layout diagram of the LED driver IC 714.

The LED driver IC714 is configured with address input terminals A0-A5 arranged at terminals No. 1-6, a ground terminal GND arranged at terminals No. 7, 20, and 33, constant current output terminals XOUT0-XOUT23 arranged at terminals No. 8-19 and 21-32, an external resistor connection terminal REXT arranged at terminal No. 34, a reset signal input terminal RESET arranged at terminal No. 35, a serial clock input terminal SCLK arranged at terminal No. 36, a serial data input terminal SDA arranged at terminal No. 37, and a power supply terminal VCC arranged at terminal No. 38.

The power supply terminal VCC (terminal number 38) of the LED driver IC 714 is soldered to the power supply wiring pattern 711 (described later using Figure 19, etc.) of the power supply layer 710 of the substrate 700, and is electrically connected to the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710.

The ground terminals GND (terminal numbers 7, 20, and 33) are soldered to the GND wiring pattern 706a (described later using FIG. 19, etc.) of the GND layer 706 through vias formed in the insulating layer 708, and are electrically connected to the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706.

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

<Board fire prevention measures/components/motor drivers>
FIG. 17B is a terminal layout diagram of the motor driver IC 716.

The motor driver IC716 is configured with a power supply terminal VMA located at terminals 2 and 3, a bridge A output 1 terminal AOUT1 located at terminals 4 and 5, a bridge A ground output terminal ISENA located at terminals 6 and 7, a bridge A output 2 terminal AOUT2 located at terminals 8 and 9, a bridge B output 2 terminal BOUT2 located at terminals 10 and 11, a bridge B ground output terminal ISENB located at terminals 12 and 13, a bridge B output 1 terminal BOUT1 located at terminals 14 and 15, a power supply terminal VMB located at terminals 16 and 17, a ground terminal GND located at terminal 20, a regulator output terminal V3P3OUT located at terminal 21, various control signal terminals located at terminals 22 to 35, and a reset signal input terminal RESET located at terminal 36.

The power terminal VMA (terminal numbers 2 and 3) and the power terminal VMB (terminal numbers 16 and 17) of the motor driver IC 716 are soldered to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 of the substrate 700 and are electrically connected to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710.

The ground terminal GND (terminal number 20) is soldered to the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 through a via formed in the insulating layer 708, and is electrically connected to the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706.

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

<Board fire prevention measures/power supply layer>
Next, the power supply layer 710 of the substrate 700 will be described.

Figure 18(a) is a pattern diagram showing an example of a power wiring pattern of the power layer 710 of the substrate 700, and Figure 19(a) is a partially enlarged view of the power layer 710, showing an enlarged portion indicated by the symbol A in Figure 18(a).

As shown enlarged in FIG. 19(a), the power supply layer (first conductor layer) 710 of the substrate 700 is formed with a plurality of power supply wiring patterns (first wiring patterns) 711 (711a to 711g) and pads, lands, vias, etc. electrically connected to these power supply wiring patterns 711 (711a to 711g).

The power supply wiring pattern 711a is composed of a first power supply line 711a1 and two power supply lines, a second power supply line 711a2 and a third power supply line 711a3, which branch off from one end of the first power supply line 711a1.

The power supply wiring pattern 711b is formed adjacent to the first power supply line 711a1 of the power supply wiring pattern 711a, and the first power supply line 710a1 of the power supply wiring pattern 711a and the power supply wiring pattern 711b are provided with a plurality of pads 722 on which components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.) are mounted, the components being arranged across these power supply wiring patterns.

The power supply wiring pattern 711b is connected to a power supply of a predetermined voltage (in this example, DC 24v). The first power supply line 711a1 of the power supply wiring pattern 711a is electrically connected to the power supply wiring pattern 711b via a component mounted on the pad 722, and therefore functions as a power supply line of the same voltage (in this example, DC 24v) as the power supply wiring pattern 711b.

A power supply wiring pattern 711c is formed in close proximity between the second power supply line 711a2 and the third power supply line 711a3 of the power supply wiring pattern 711a, and the second power supply line 710a2 and the third power supply line 711a3 and the power supply wiring pattern 711c are formed with a plurality of pads 724 on which components (resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc.) arranged to straddle these power supply wiring patterns are mounted.

The power supply wiring pattern 711c is electrically connected to the second power supply line 711a2 and the third power supply line 711a3 of the power supply wiring pattern 711a via components mounted on the pad 724, and therefore functions as a power supply line of the same voltage (in this example, DC 24V) as the power supply wiring patterns 711a and 711b.

In FIG. 19(a), the power supply wiring pattern 711d located on the left side, the power supply wiring pattern 711e located in the center, and the power supply wiring patterns 711f and 711g located on the right side are connected directly or indirectly (through components) to a power supply of a predetermined voltage (in this example, DC 5v) and function as a DC 5v power supply line.

The "first wiring pattern" according to the present invention is not limited to a power wiring pattern. For example, if the "first conductor layer" according to the present invention is defined as a GND layer, the "first wiring pattern" according to the present invention becomes a GND wiring pattern. It goes without saying that the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the "power wiring pattern" according to the present invention is not limited to this example.

<Board fire prevention measures/GND layer>
Next, the GND layer 706 of the substrate 700 will be described.

Figure 18(b) is a pattern diagram showing the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 of the substrate 700, and Figure 19(b) is a partially enlarged view of the GND layer 706, showing an enlarged portion of the portion indicated by the symbol B in Figure 18(b).

As shown in Figures 16(b) and 19(b), the GND layer (second conductor layer) 706 of the substrate 700 is composed of a GND wiring pattern 706a that is composed of a so-called ground solid (solid wiring pattern) and a pattern cutout (solid cutout) 706b where this GND wiring pattern 706a is not formed (cut out).

The GND wiring pattern 706a of the board 700 in this example is composed of a solid ground (solid wiring pattern), which ensures the noise resistance (current capacity) of the board 700.

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

<Measures to prevent circuit board fire spread/GND layer/non-overlapping area and overlapping area>
Next, the non-overlapping area NOE and the overlapping area OE of the substrate 700 will be described.

Figure 19(c) is a pattern diagram showing the power supply layer 710 shown in Figure 19(a) superimposed on the GND layer 706 shown in Figure 19(b).

The non-overlapping area NOE of the substrate 700 is an area in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a do not overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate 700, as shown in FIG. 16(b). In this example, the area is composed of a first non-overlapping area NOE1 in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 is formed and the GND wiring pattern 706a is not formed (composed of a pattern cut-out 706b), and a second non-overlapping area NOE2 in which neither the power supply wiring pattern 711 nor the GND wiring pattern 706a is formed.

The "non-overlapping area" according to the present invention may be an area in which the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern do not overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate, and may be, for example, an area in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 is formed in the thickness direction of the substrate and the GND wiring pattern 706a is not formed, or an area without the second non-overlapping area NOE2 in which both the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a are not formed.

On the other hand, the overlapping area OE is the area where the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate 700, as shown in FIG. 16(b).

The "overlap region" may be any region in which the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate, and may be, for example, a region in which a power supply wiring pattern and a signal wiring pattern are formed in the thickness direction of the substrate, or a region in which a GND wiring pattern and a signal wiring pattern are formed in the thickness direction of the substrate.

<Measures to prevent fire from spreading on circuit boards/positional relationship between non-overlapping areas and components>
Next, the positional relationship between the non-overlapping area NOE of the substrate 700 and the components mounted on the power supply layer 710 (the LED driver IC 714 and the motor driver 716) will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 20(a) is a plan view showing the positional relationship between the pattern cutout 706b of the GND layer 706 and the LED driver IC 714 and motor driver 716 mounted on the power supply layer 710. Note that in Figure 20(a), the LED driver IC 714 and motor driver 716 are mounted upside down from the orientation shown in Figures 17(a) and (b).

As explained with reference to FIG. 17(a), the power supply terminal VCC (terminal number 38) of the LED driver 714 is soldered to the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710 of the substrate 700 and is electrically connected to the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710.

Figure 20 (b) is a cross-sectional view along line Y-Y of the LED driver 714 shown enlarged in Figure 20 (a).

As shown in FIG. 20(b), the GND layer 706 below the power supply wiring pattern 711 to which the power supply terminal VCC (terminal number 38) of the LED driver 714 is connected does not have a GND wiring pattern 706a formed therein, but is composed of a pattern hole 706b.

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

In this example, by providing a non-overlapping area NOE in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 (first wiring pattern) and the GND wiring pattern 706a (second wiring pattern) arranged with an insulating layer in between do not overlap in the thickness direction of the board, it is possible to prevent a situation in which, for example, a fire from a terminal of a component or the like causes part of the insulating layer of the board to become a carbonized conductive path, causing a short circuit between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer. By preventing fire from the gaming machine, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is very safe.

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

According to this example, it is possible to form the GND wiring pattern as a solid wiring pattern, which not only simplifies the design but also improves the noise resistance of the board.

The power supply layer 710 above the GND wiring pattern 706a to which the ground terminal GND (terminal numbers 7, 20, 33) of the LED driver 714 is connected may be configured without a pattern in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 is not formed, so that the area in which the ground terminal GND (terminal numbers 7, 20, 33) of the LED driver 714 is mounted may be a non-overlapping area NOE in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a do not overlap in the thickness direction of the board 700 (an area in which the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 is formed and the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710 is not formed).

As explained using FIG. 17(b), the power terminal VMA (terminal numbers 2 and 3) and the power terminal VMB (terminal numbers 16 and 17) of the motor driver IC 716 are soldered to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 of the substrate 700 and are electrically connected to the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710.

Figure 20 (c) is a cross-sectional view along line Z-Z of the motor driver 716 shown enlarged in Figure 20 (a).

As shown in FIG. 20(c), the GND layer 706 below the power wiring pattern 710 to which the power terminal VMA (terminal number 2) of the motor driver 716 is connected does not have a GND wiring pattern 706a formed therein, but is composed of a pattern hole 706b.

That is, the area in which the power supply terminal VMA (terminal number 2) of the motor driver 716 is mounted is the non-overlapping area NOE in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 and the GND wiring pattern 706a do not overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate 700 (in this example, the area in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710 is formed and the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 is not formed).

In this example, by providing a non-overlapping area NOE in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 (first wiring pattern) and the GND wiring pattern 706a (second wiring pattern) arranged with an insulating layer in between do not overlap in the thickness direction of the board, it is possible to prevent a situation in which, for example, a fire from a terminal of a component or the like causes part of the insulating layer of the board to become a carbonized conductive path, causing a short circuit between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer. By preventing fire from the gaming machine, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is very safe.

Although not shown in the figure, the GND layer 706 below the power wiring pattern 711 to which the power terminal VMA (terminal number 3) and power terminal VMB (terminal numbers 16 and 17) of the motor driver 716 are connected also does not have a GND wiring pattern 706a formed therein, but is composed of a pattern hole 706b.

The power supply layer 710 above the GND wiring pattern 706a to which the ground terminal GND (terminal number 20) is connected is configured without a pattern in which the power supply wiring pattern 711 is not formed.

As explained with reference to FIG. 17(b), the bridge A output 1 terminal AOUT1 (terminal numbers 4, 5), the bridge A ground output terminal ISENA (terminal numbers 6, 7), the bridge A output 2 terminal AOUT2 (terminal numbers 8, 9), the bridge B output 2 terminal BOUT2 (terminal numbers 10, 11), the bridge B ground output terminal ISENB (terminal numbers 12, 13), and the bridge B output 1 terminal BOUT1 (terminal numbers 14, 15) of the motor driver IC 716 are all output terminals that are electrically connected to a motor (not shown) and drive the motor.

In this example, the GND layer 706 below the signal wiring pattern to which these output terminals are connected also does not have a GND wiring pattern 706a formed, and is composed of pattern holes 706b.

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

It may also be an area in which a signal wiring pattern (first wiring pattern) is formed in the thickness direction of the substrate, but a power supply wiring pattern (second wiring pattern) is not formed, or an area in which a power supply wiring pattern (first wiring pattern) is formed in the thickness direction of the substrate, but a signal wiring pattern (second wiring pattern) is not formed.

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

According to this example, it is possible to form the GND wiring pattern as a solid wiring pattern, which not only simplifies the design but also improves the noise resistance of the board.

In addition, in this example, as shown in FIG. 20(a), multiple (six in this example) LED drivers 714 and multiple (two in this example) motor drivers 716 are arranged on the substrate 700 at a predetermined distance from each other, and therefore the non-overlapping areas NOE formed on each of the LED drivers 714 and motor drivers 716 are also formed at a distance from each other on the substrate 700.

By forming the power supply wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern as solid wiring patterns, the noise resistance of the board can be improved, but since the solid wiring pattern is removed in the non-overlapping areas, a certain degree of reduction in noise resistance is unavoidable. However, since noise resistance is significantly reduced when there are continuous areas where the solid wiring pattern is removed, by forming the non-overlapping areas at a distance, it is possible to prevent a significant reduction in noise resistance caused by forming the power supply wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern as solid wiring patterns.

Note that the area of the pattern cutout 706b as the non-overlapping region increases if the number of output terminals and power supply terminals of the driver is large. In other words, the non-overlapping region near the first driver (first active component) which has many terminals (specific terminals) that may generate heat or catch fire is larger than the non-overlapping region near the second driver (second active component) which has fewer terminals (specific terminals) that may generate heat or catch fire than the first driver.

Also, the dotted areas in Figures 18(a) and 20 indicate via holes x1, x2, and x3, and no GND wiring pattern is laid in these areas (note that in the embodiment, vias and through holes are collectively referred to as "via holes"). Via holes x1 and x2 are via holes provided near the output terminals and power supply terminals of LED driver 714 and motor driver 716, and via hole x1 is arranged on the extension line of the wiring pattern connected to motor driver 716, and via hole x2 is arranged on the extension line of the wiring pattern connected to LED driver 714 and the pattern adjacent to it. The non-laying parts of the GND wiring pattern corresponding to via holes x1 and x2 and pattern hole 706b formed as a fire spread countermeasure are formed continuously. In this way, by continuously forming the non-laying parts of the GND wiring pattern corresponding to the via holes x1 and x2 located near the driver and the pattern cutouts as a fire spread prevention measure, it is more effective as a fire spread prevention measure even if the carbonized conductive path becomes larger than if it was not formed continuously, and in the unlikely event that a fire spreads to the board, it can be limited to a localized state.

On the other hand, the via hole x3, which is located away from the LED driver 714 and the motor driver 716, is not continuous with the pattern hole 706b, is not arranged on the extension of the wiring pattern connected to the LED driver 714 or the motor driver 716, and is not arranged on the extension of the wiring pattern adjacent to the wiring pattern connected to the LED driver 714 or the motor driver 716.

<Measures to prevent fire from spreading on circuit boards/Conventional problems and the concept of the present invention>
Next, the problems with the conventional technology and the concept of the present invention will be described.

Figure 21 (a) is a conceptual diagram that shows the problem with the circuit board of a conventional gaming machine. Note that in Figures 21 and 22, in order to simplify the explanation, illustrations of only the power layer, insulating layer, and GND layer on the circuit board are omitted.

A variety of circuit boards are installed on gaming machines, such as slot machines. These circuit boards are equipped with active and passive components, and the active and passive components generate heat in different ways when driven to a large extent.

Specifically, while passive components themselves become hot, the hottest part of active components is near the output terminal. As shown in Figure 21 (a-2), if the area near the terminal of an IC (component) becomes hot, there is a risk of a short circuit (spark), and in this case, the insulating layer of the board may be gouged out (destroyed) by the sparks.

As shown in Figure 21 (a-3), when the insulating layer of the board is destroyed, the wiring pattern near the terminal of the IC (component) is carbonized and part of the insulating layer becomes a carbonized conductive path, which may cause a short circuit between the upper and lower wiring patterns (in this example, the upper power layer and the lower GND layer) that were insulated by the insulating layer, which may lead to a fire.

Figure 21(b) is a schematic diagram showing the concept of the substrate of the present invention.

The substrate of the present invention is characterized in that it has a non-overlapping area NOE (in this example, an area where the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 is formed and the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 is not formed) in the thickness direction of the substrate 700, as shown in FIG. 21(b-1).

The substrate of the present application has such a non-overlapping area NOE, so that even if the temperature rises near the terminals of the IC (component) and sparks are generated as shown in FIG. 21 (b-2), and the insulating layer 708 of the substrate is destroyed by the generated sparks as shown in FIG. 21 (b-3), the non-overlapping area NOE is an area where the GND wiring pattern 706a is not formed (an area where pattern removal 706b is performed), so it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns (in this example, the upper power supply layer 710 and the lower GND layer 706) that were insulated by the insulating layer 708. This makes it possible to provide a highly safe gaming machine by preventing the gaming machine from catching fire.

In this example, the non-overlapping area NOE is an example of an area where a power wiring pattern of the power layer is formed and a GND wiring pattern of the GND layer is not formed, but it may be an area where a GND wiring pattern of the GND layer is formed and a power wiring pattern of the power layer is not formed, or an area including an area where neither a power wiring pattern of the power layer nor a GND wiring pattern of the GND layer is formed.

<Measures against circuit board fire spread/non-overlapping area (Example 1)>
FIG. 22(a) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping area NOE and the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path in Example 1, and FIG. 22(b) is a cross-sectional view along line AA in FIG. 22(a).

As shown in Figures 22(a) and (b), the non-overlapping area NOE of the substrate 700 must be an area large enough to include at least the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path assumed in the substrate 700. In other words, as shown in Figure 22(b), it is necessary to ensure that the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710, the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the GDN wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the substrate 700.

Figure 22(c) is a plan view showing an example in which the non-overlapping area NOE of the substrate 700 does not include the entire expected maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path, and (d) and (d') are cross-sectional views taken along line B-B in (c).

As shown in Figures 22(c) and (d), if the non-overlapping area NOE of the substrate 700 is large enough not to include the entire maximum envisaged area CE of the carbonized conductive path, as shown in Figure 22(d'), the generated sparks will destroy the insulating layer 708 of the substrate 700, forming a carbonized conductive path of the maximum envisaged area CE. As a result, a short circuit will occur between the power supply layer 710 and the GND layer 706, which were insulated by the insulating layer 708, and this may lead to a fire.

The assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path will differ depending on the structure and characteristics of the component mounted on the board. For example, even if the component is composed of a main body and a terminal, if the junction between the main body and the terminal is the part that is most likely to generate heat and become hot, the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path will be a range centered on this junction, but if the internal connection between the circuit inside the main body and the terminal is the part that is most likely to generate heat and become hot, the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path will be a range centered on this internal connection.

In other words, the "non-overlapping area" according to the present invention is preferably an area located near the part of each component that is most likely to generate heat and reach high temperatures. In addition, if the terminals of the components are thick, the expected maximum area of the carbonized conductive path will be larger accordingly, so the range of the non-overlapping area must also be larger.

<Measures against circuit board fire spread/non-overlapping area (other examples)>
FIG. 23A is a plan view showing the non-overlapping area NOE2 according to the second embodiment.

This embodiment is an example in which a non-overlapping area NOE2 (in this example, a rectangular area with a height H2 and a width W2) is formed so as to include the entire component 712 (in this example, a DIP-type IC) mounted on the power layer 710. Note that in the figure, the power terminal is arranged on one side of the IC in the short direction, toward the bottom, but in the example shown in FIG. 23(a), it is preferable for the power terminals to be arranged on both sides of the short direction and distributed above and below.

The non-overlapping area NOE2 of the substrate 700 may be an area of a size that includes at least the expected maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path expected on the substrate 700. However, since there is a risk of carbonized conductive paths being formed in the vicinity of the components 712 and the power wiring pattern 711, if the average width of the power wiring pattern 711 of the power layer 710 is w1, the maximum width is w2, and the maximum horizontal length of the power wiring pattern 711 is w3, it is preferable that the width W2 of the non-overlapping area NOE2 is longer than any of these, and that the relationship is "average width w1 of the power wiring pattern 711 < maximum width w2 of the power wiring pattern 711 < maximum horizontal length w3 of the power wiring pattern 711 < width W2 of the non-overlapping area NOE2".

For the same reason, if the maximum vertical length of the power supply wiring pattern 711 is h1, then the height H2 of the non-overlapping area NOE2 is preferably longer than that, and the relationship is "maximum vertical length h1 of the power supply wiring pattern 711 < height H2 of the non-overlapping area NOE2".

In this example, the non-overlapping area NOE2 is an area large enough to include at least the expected maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710, the expected maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the GDN wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the board. This makes it possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that are insulated by an insulating layer (in this example, the upper power supply layer and the lower GND layer), and by preventing the gaming machine from catching fire, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is very safe.

Furthermore, since the non-overlapping area NOE2 is an area large enough to include the entire component 712 and the power wiring pattern 711, even if a carbonized conductive path is formed near the component 712 or the power wiring pattern 711, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that are insulated by an insulating layer (in this example, the upper power layer and the lower GND layer), and by preventing the gaming machine from catching fire, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is very safe.

Figure 23(b) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping area NOE3 according to Example 3.

This embodiment is an example in which a non-overlapping area NOE3 (in this example, a rectangular area with a height H3 and a width W3) is formed so as to include all terminals on one side of the short side of a component 712 (in this example, a DIP-type IC) mounted on the power layer 710. Note that in the figure, the power terminals are arranged below one side of the short side of the IC, but in the example shown in FIG. 23(b), it is preferable for the power terminals to be arranged on one side of the short side.

In this example, the non-overlapping area NOE3 is an area large enough to include at least the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710, the assumed maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the GDN wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the board. This makes it possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that are insulated by an insulating layer (in this example, the upper power supply layer and the lower GND layer), and by preventing the gaming machine from catching fire, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is very safe.

Furthermore, since the non-overlapping area NOE3 is an area large enough to include the power supply wiring pattern 711, even if a carbonized conductive path is formed near the power supply wiring pattern 711, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns (in this example, the upper power supply layer and the lower GND layer) that are insulated by an insulating layer, thereby preventing the gaming machine from catching fire and providing a highly safe gaming machine.

In addition, according to this example, the size of the non-overlapping area NOE3 can be made smaller than the non-overlapping area NOE2 in Example 2, and the area of the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 can be increased accordingly, thereby improving the noise resistance (current capacity) of the board.

Figure 23(c) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping area NOE4 according to Example 4.

This embodiment is an example in which a non-overlapping area NOE4 (in this example, a rectangular area with a height H4 and a width W4) is formed to include multiple terminals on one longitudinal side of a component 712 (in this example, a DIP-type IC) mounted on the power layer 710. Note that in the figure, the power terminals are arranged below one side in the short direction of the IC, but in the example shown in FIG. 23(c), it is preferable for the power terminals to be arranged on one longitudinal side.

In this example, the non-overlapping area NOE4 is an area large enough to include at least the expected maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the power supply wiring pattern 711 of the power supply layer 710, the expected maximum area CE of the carbonized conductive path, and the GDN wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the board. This makes it possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that are insulated by an insulating layer (in this example, the upper power supply layer and the lower GND layer), and by preventing the gaming machine from catching fire, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is very safe.

Furthermore, since the non-overlapping area NOE4 is an area large enough to include the power wiring pattern 711, even if a carbonized conductive path is formed near the power wiring pattern 711, it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns (in this example, the upper power layer and the lower GND layer) that are insulated by an insulating layer, thereby preventing the gaming machine from catching fire and providing a highly safe gaming machine.

In addition, according to this example, the size of the non-overlapping area NOE4 can be made smaller than the non-overlapping area NOE2 in Example 2, and the area of the GND wiring pattern 706a of the GND layer 706 can be increased accordingly, thereby improving the noise resistance (current capacity) of the board.

Figure 24 (a) is a plan view showing the non-overlapping area NOE5 according to the fifth embodiment, and (b) is a plan view showing an example in which the wiring pattern of the power supply wiring line in (a) is changed.

The board in this example has a first power supply wiring pattern 711x capable of supplying power of a first voltage (e.g., DC 24V) to the component 712, and a second power supply wiring pattern 711y capable of supplying power of a second voltage (e.g., DC 5V) to the component 712.

The examples shown in Figs. 24(a) and (b) have in common the fact that a non-overlapping region is formed to include the first power wiring pattern 711x and the second power wiring pattern 711y. However, in the example shown in Fig. 24(b), the first power wiring pattern 711x is positioned closer to the second power wiring pattern 711y. As a result, the size of the non-overlapping region NOE5' shown in Fig. 24(b) (in this example, a rectangular region with height H5 and width W5' (W5'<W5)) is smaller than the non-overlapping region NOE5 shown in Fig. 24(a) (in this example, a rectangular region with height H5 and width W5).

In the example shown in FIG. 24(b), the first power supply wiring pattern 711x and the second power supply wiring pattern 711y that supply power from different power sources to the component 712 are arranged close to each other, so that the size of the non-overlapping area NOE5' can be made smaller than the non-overlapping area NOE5 shown in FIG. 24(a). This allows the area of the GND wiring pattern 706a (solid wiring pattern) of the GND layer 706 to be increased accordingly, thereby improving the noise resistance (current capacity) of the board.

<Summary of measures to prevent circuit board fire spread>
As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine, an enclosed gaming machine, or a medalless slot machine) is a gaming machine on which games can be played, and the gaming machine includes a certain board (for example, the board 700 shown in FIG. 16(a)), and the certain board is a board having at least a plurality of conductor layers, an insulating layer (for example, the insulating layer 708 shown in FIG. 16(b)), and a base material (for example, the base material 702 shown in FIG. 16(b)), and the certain board is a board having a plurality of components arranged on at least one side, and one of the plurality of conductor layers is a first conductor having a first wiring pattern (for example, the power supply wiring patterns 710a to 710g shown in FIG. 19(a)). the certain board is a substrate layer (e.g., power supply layer 710 shown in FIG. 16(b)), one of the plurality of conductor layers is a second conductor layer (e.g., GND layer 706 shown in FIG. 16(b)) having a second wiring pattern (e.g., GND wiring pattern 706a shown in FIG. 19(b)); the certain board is a board in which the first conductor layer is configured on the one side with the insulating layer sandwiched therebetween, the certain board is a board in which the second conductor layer is configured on the base material side with the insulating layer sandwiched therebetween; and the certain board is a board having a non-overlapping region (e.g., non-overlapping region NOE shown in FIG. 16(b)) in which the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern do not overlap in the thickness direction of the certain board.

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, by providing a non-overlapping area where the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern arranged with the insulating layer in between do not overlap in the thickness direction of the board, for example, if the board is damaged (breakage during transportation, scratches such as cracks, etc.), the resistance at the affected area increases, which may promote heat generation and carbonization and cause a short circuit. Even if such a situation occurs, the damage can be prevented from spreading by not overlapping the wiring patterns. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a part of the insulating layer of the board becomes a carbonized conductive path due to a fire from the terminals of a component, causing a short circuit between the upper and lower wiring patterns that were insulated by the insulating layer, and by preventing a fire from the gaming machine, a highly safe gaming machine can be provided.

In addition, one of the multiple components may be a certain component (e.g., LED driver 714 and motor driver 716 shown in FIG. 20(a)), and the non-overlapping region may be located in the vicinity of the certain component (e.g., one longitudinal side of LED driver 714 shown in FIG. 20(a), one lateral side of motor driver 716 shown in FIG. 20(a), a region including the entire component 712 shown in FIG. 23(a), one lateral side of component 712 shown in FIG. 23(b), or one longitudinal side of component 712 shown in FIG. 23(c).

With this configuration, even if a certain component shorts out, the area around the component can be made into a non-overlapping area, making it possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that are insulated by the insulating layer.

The certain component may also be a specific active component (for example, an LED driver 714 shown in FIG. 20(a), a motor driver 716, a light-emitting device, a diode, a transistor, a light-receiving device such as a photodiode, or various sensors such as a magnetic sensor).

With this type of configuration, active components are more susceptible to short circuits than passive components, and there is a risk that sparks caused by a short circuit could gouge the board and turn part of the board's insulating layer into a carbonized conductive path. However, by making the area near the active components a non-overlapping area, it is possible to prevent situations in which a short circuit occurs between the wiring patterns on the upper and lower layers that were previously insulated by the insulating layer.

In addition, the region of the certain substrate where components other than the specific active component (e.g., passive components such as resistors, components that are unlikely to spark at high temperatures) are arranged may be an overlap region where the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern overlap in the thickness direction of the certain substrate.

With this configuration, it is possible to form the power wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern as solid wiring patterns in the overlapping areas, improving the noise resistance of the board.

The non-overlapping region (e.g., the non-overlapping region NOE shown in FIG. 16(b)) may be a region in which either the first wiring pattern or the second wiring pattern (e.g., the power wiring pattern 711 shown in FIG. 16(b)) is formed, and the other of the first wiring pattern or the second wiring pattern (e.g., the GND wiring pattern 706a shown in FIG. 16(b)) is not formed.

With this configuration, the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern can be physically separated, and it is possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the upper and lower wiring patterns that are insulated by an insulating layer.

The first wiring pattern may be either a power wiring pattern or a GND wiring pattern (e.g., the power wiring pattern 711 shown in FIG. 16(b)), and the second wiring pattern may be the other of the power wiring pattern or the GND wiring pattern (e.g., the GND wiring pattern 706a shown in FIG. 16(b)).

With this configuration, the power supply wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern can be physically separated, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which a short circuit occurs between the power supply wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern that are insulated by the insulating layer.

The first wiring pattern may be either a signal wiring pattern (e.g., a signal line to which the output terminal of the motor driver IC 716 shown in FIG. 17(b) or FIG. 20(c) is connected) or a GND wiring pattern (e.g., GND wiring pattern 706a shown in FIG. 16(b)), and the second wiring pattern may be the other of the signal wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern.

With this configuration, the signal wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern can be physically separated, and it is possible to prevent a situation in which a short circuit occurs between the signal wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern that are insulated by the insulating layer.

The first wiring pattern may be either a signal wiring pattern (e.g., a signal line to which the output terminal of the motor driver IC 716 shown in FIG. 17(b) or FIG. 20(c) is connected) or a power wiring pattern (e.g., the power wiring pattern 711 shown in FIG. 16(b)), and the second wiring pattern may be the other of the signal wiring pattern or the power wiring pattern.

With this configuration, the signal wiring pattern and the power wiring pattern can be physically separated, making it possible to prevent a short circuit from occurring between the signal wiring pattern and the power wiring pattern that are insulated by the insulating layer.

The certain board may be a board in which at least one of the first wiring pattern and the second wiring pattern (for example, the GND wiring pattern 706a shown in FIG. 19(b) and FIG. 20(a)-(c)) is configured as a solid wiring pattern, the certain board may be a board in which a plurality of the specific active components (for example, the LED driver 714 and the motor driver 716 shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 20(a)) are arranged (for example, in FIG. 20, a plurality of LED drivers 714 (same type ICs) are arranged at a distance from each other, a plurality of motor drivers 716 (same type ICs) are arranged at a distance from each other, and the LED driver 714 and the motor driver 716 (different types of ICs) are arranged at a distance from each other), the certain board may be a board in which the non-overlapping regions are formed corresponding to each of the specific active components, and the certain board may be a board in which the non-overlapping regions are formed at a distance from each other.

By forming the power supply wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern as solid wiring patterns, the noise resistance of the board can be improved, but since the solid wiring pattern is removed in the non-overlapping areas, a certain degree of reduction in noise resistance is unavoidable. However, since noise resistance is significantly reduced when there are continuous areas where the solid wiring pattern is removed, by forming the non-overlapping areas at a distance, it is possible to prevent a significant reduction in noise resistance caused by forming the power supply wiring pattern and the GND wiring pattern as solid wiring patterns.

<Pattern arrangement>
Next, the arrangement of symbols on the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to Figure 25. Figure 25 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a two-dimensional layout.

On each of the reels 110 to 112, a predetermined number of frames (20 frames numbered 0 to 19 in this embodiment) of symbols of multiple types (9 types in this embodiment) as shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. The numbers 0 to 19 shown on the left side of the figure indicate the arrangement position of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the "watermelon symbol" is arranged on the number 0 frame of the left reel 110, the "bell symbol" is arranged on the number 1 frame of the middle reel 111, and the "replay symbol" is arranged on the number 0 frame of the right reel 112.

<Types of winning roles>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations, the names of the condition devices, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, the payout amounts, and remarks.

The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include special combinations (special combination 1, special combination 2) and general combinations (replay combinations 1-3, minor combinations 1-5). Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations and can be selected arbitrarily. Some of the winning combinations are not shown in Figure 26.

<Types of winning roles/special roles>
Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the special combination 1 and the special combination 2 are combinations that transition to a special game state in which a predetermined benefit is given to the player. The replay combination is a combination that allows replay without inserting a new medal (a combination that gives replay). These winning combinations are sometimes called "operation combinations".

In addition, in this embodiment, "winning" also includes the case where a symbol combination of an operating role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payment of medals) is displayed on the winning line, and includes, for example, winning special role 1, special role 2, and replay role.

Special role 1 and special role 2 are winning roles in which the game state transitions to the special role 1/2 internal winning state (RT3) upon internal winning, and the game state transitions to the special role 1/2 game state (RT4) upon winning. Note that if more than a specified number of medals (e.g. 200 medals) are paid out in the special role 1/2 game state (RT4), the game state transitions to the low replay probability state (RT1). Note that each game state (RT1 to RT4) will be described later.

The symbol combination that corresponds to special role 1 (BB) is "Seven 1 symbol-Seven 1 symbol-Seven 1 symbol" or "Seven 2 symbol-Seven 2 symbol-Seven 2 symbol," and the symbol combination that corresponds to special role 2 (RB) is "BAR symbol-BAR symbol-BAR symbol."

When special role 1 or special role 2 is internally won, the special role internal win flag corresponding to this internally won role is set to ON (stored in a specified area of RAM 308 of main control unit 300). This flag remains ON until the internally won role is won, making it easier to win the internally won role in subsequent games. In other words, in a game in which special role 1 or special role 2 is internally won, even if the special role is not won, the special role will be internally won in the next or subsequent games, making it easier to win the symbol combination corresponding to the special role.

<Types of winning roles/replay roles>
The replay roles 1 to 3 are winning roles (operating roles) that allow a player to play the next game without inserting a medal (game medium) by winning, and no medals are paid out. The corresponding symbol combinations are as shown in FIG. 7. The replay role may be any role that allows a player to play the next game without inserting a medal. Therefore, for example, when a replay role is won, medals may be automatically inserted in the next game (the number of medals inserted is reset in the medal insertion number storage area), or the medals inserted in the game in which the replay role is won may be carried over and used in the next game.

<Types of winning roles/small roles>
Small prize 1 to small prize 5 are winning prizes in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out (there is a payout number).

Minor win 1 (watermelon) is a winning combination in which the symbol combination "watermelon - watermelon - watermelon" is displayed frozen on the winning line, and five medals are paid out.

Minor win 2 (Cherry) is a winning combination in which the symbol combination "Cherry symbol-ANY-ANY" is displayed frozen on the winning line, and two medals are paid out. Note that for the symbol combination "Cherry symbol-ANY-ANY", the symbol on the left reel 110 needs to be the "Cherry symbol", and the symbols on the center reel 111 and right reel 112 can be any symbol.

Hereinafter, these small prizes 1 (watermelon) and 2 (cherry) may be collectively referred to as "rare prizes", but rare prizes are not limited to these winning prizes, and may be either one of the winning prizes, or may include other winning prizes.

When a rare combination is won in the AT state, which will be described later, a lottery is held to add to the number of games or the number of sets (making it easier to win the lottery). On the other hand, when a rare combination is won in the ED state, a lottery is not held to add to the number of games or the number of sets.

Small prize 3 (push order bell) is made up of six types of winning prizes, small prize 3a to small prize 3f. In this example, a lottery is drawn to select one of the winning prizes, small prize 3a to small prize 3f, with a predetermined probability (approximately 1/6 in this example, common to all settings), and if the operation sequence (push order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139 to stop the play matches the winning prize that has been internally selected, the player wins and 12 medals are paid out.

Minor win 4 (common bell) is a winning combination in which the symbol combination "bell symbol - bell symbol - bell symbol" is displayed on the winning line regardless of the order (press order) or timing of the stop operations using the stop buttons 137 to 139, and 12 medals are paid out.

Minor win 5 (1 coin win) is a winning combination in which the "Replay symbol - Replay symbol - Blank 1 symbol" combination is displayed on the winning line and 1 coin is paid out, regardless of the order (press order) or timing of the stop operations using the stop buttons 137 to 139.

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

<Low probability of replay (RT1)>
The low replay probability state (RT1) is the default RT-type gaming state (hereinafter also referred to as the "normal gaming state") that is initially set immediately after the slot machine 100 is powered on, and is a gaming state that is relatively more disadvantageous to the player than other gaming states.

In this example, in this low replay probability state (RT1), if replay role 2 (promotion replay 1) or replay role 3 (promotion replay 2) is won, the game will transition to a high replay probability state (RT2) described below. Also, in this low replay probability state (RT1), if special role 1 or special role 2 is internally won, the game will transition to a special role 1/2 internal win state (RT3) described below.

<High replay probability state (RT2)>
The high replay probability state is a game state in which the internal winning probability of replay is higher than that of the low replay probability state (RT1).

In this example, if special role 1 or special role 2 is internally won in this high replay probability state (RT2), the game will transition to the special role 1/2 internal win state (RT3), which will be described later.

<Special Role 1 & 2 Internal Winning State (RT3)>
The special role 1/2 internal winning state (RT3) is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to special role 1 or special role 2 is set to ON, and the player can perform a stop operation at a specified timing to display the symbol combination corresponding to the special role corresponding to this flag.

In this example, if special role 1 or special role 2 is won in this special role 1/2 internal winning state (RT3), the game will transition to the special game state (RT4) described below.

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

In this example, the conditions for ending the special game state (RT4) are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, when a predetermined combination is internally won, when a predetermined number of wins (e.g., eight wins) have been made, or when a predetermined number of games have been played (e.g., six games).

<AT game state transition>
Next, the gaming state of the AT system will be described.

The game states of the AT system are broadly divided into low navigation states and high navigation states. The low navigation state is a state in which the probability of operation navigation being executed is low, and is also called the normal mode, non-advantageous zone, or normal zone. The high navigation state is a state in which the probability of operation navigation being executed is higher than in the low navigation state, and is also called the AT mode or advantageous zone.

Here, the operation navigation refers to a presentation that notifies the stop operation mode of the stop buttons 137 to 139 (for example, the correct operation sequence or the timing of the stop operation) in order to acquire medals or maintain an advantageous game state. For example, this includes a presentation that notifies the correct operation sequence of a push order role (for example, minor role 3 (push order bell LCR)) (for example, a presentation that displays the letters "left → center → right"), etc.

When a player performs a stop operation according to the operation content of the operation navigation, the player will achieve a favorable result, so the high navigation state is a more favorable gaming state for the player than the low navigation state. Here, favorable specifically means that the ratio of the total number of gaming media paid out by the gaming machine to the total number of gaming media used by the player as the number of bets on the gaming machine when playing for a specified period of time, the so-called payout rate (ball payout rate), is favorable.

In this example, the low navigation state is a state in which the probability of executing the operation navigation is low, and the high navigation state is a state in which the probability of executing the operation navigation is higher than in the low navigation state, but the low navigation state may be a state in which the operation navigation is not executed, and the high navigation state may be a state in which the operation navigation is executed.

Each game state of the AT system is subdivided and managed, and these are called presentation states. In detail, the presentation state of the low navigation state is the normal game state, and the presentation state of the high navigation state includes the normal state, the confirmation notification state, the judgement state, the pullback state, the AT1 state, the AT2 state, and the ED (ending) state. In principle, the AT1 state, the AT2 state, and the ED state are states in which the number of balls released increases.

In this embodiment, if a certain condition is met in the normal game state in the low navigation state (for example, if a winning combination other than a miss is won), the game transitions to the normal state in the high navigation state. After that, the game transitions in the order of, for example, the confirmation notification state → AT1 state → judgement state, and from this judgement state, there is a route to transition via the pullback state to the normal game state or the AT2 state, or a route to transition directly from the judgement state to the AT2 state.

The AT state (AT1 state, AT2 state) is a state in which AT play is possible a specified number of times (for example, 30 games per set), and is a more advantageous state for the player than the normal play state in a low navigation state or the normal state in a high navigation state.

In this AT game, at the start of the AT game, a set continuation lottery (for example, a lottery with a 1/4 winning probability) is held to determine whether or not to continue the AT game, and if this set continuation lottery is won, a predetermined number of AT games (in this example, one set of 30 games) are awarded and the AT state is extended. Also, if the conditions for transitioning to the normal game state are met in the AT state (in this example, when all games in the AT state have been played), the game will transition to the normal game state from the next game.

In addition, when the number of games remaining in the high navigation state falls below a predetermined number (e.g., 20 games), the game transitions to an ED state, in which an ED (ending) performance is executed to indicate the end of the high navigation state.

The condition for transitioning to the ED state is not limited to the number of remaining games in the high navigation state being a predetermined number of games (e.g., 20 games) or less; for example, the predetermined number of games may be more or less than 20 games, or "number of coins won + expected difference in number of coins won > 2000".

<Main processing of main control unit>
First, the main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 27. Note that Fig. 27 is a flow chart showing the flow of the main control unit main process.

As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when power is applied. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that receives this start signal is reset and started by a reset interrupt, and executes the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 27 according to the control program previously stored in the ROM 306.

When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step S101. These initial settings include setting the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting interrupt prohibition, initial settings of the I/O 310, initial settings of various variables stored in the RAM 308, and setting operation permission and initial values for the WDT 314.

In step S102, the bet number setting/start operation acceptance process is executed. Here, it is checked whether medals have been inserted, and preparations are made to send an insertion command indicating that medals have been inserted. If a replay role was won in the previous game, a process is performed to insert the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game, eliminating the need for the player to insert medals. It also checks whether the start lever 135 has been operated, and if so, the process proceeds to step S103.

In step S103, the number of inserted medals is determined, and a winning line determination process is performed to determine the valid winning lines.

In step S104, the random number generated by the random number generating circuit 316 is obtained, and a winning role internal lottery process is performed. In the winning role internal lottery process, the winning role lottery table stored in ROM 306 is read according to the current game state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the obtained random number value, and preparations are made to send an internal lottery command indicating the result of this internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. If any winning role (including an activated role) is internally won as a result of the internal lottery, the flag for that winning role is turned on.

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

In step S106, a presentation state control process is executed based on the start lever operation to control the game state of the AT system described above. In step S107, a presentation process is executed. In this presentation process, various presentations are controlled, etc.

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

In step S109, a reel stop control process is performed. In the reel stop control process, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be accepted, and when any of the stop buttons is pressed, a stop table of the reel stop data is referenced to stop the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and one of the reels 110 to 112 is stopped according to the number of pull-in frames set in the stop table. When all of the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S109, for each stop operation, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a stop button acceptance command related to the stop button 137-139 that was operated to stop (more specifically, for the first stop operation, a stop button acceptance 1 command, for the second stop operation, a stop button acceptance 2 command, and for the third stop operation, a stop button acceptance 3 command), and for each reel stop, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 a reel stop command related to the reel stop position (more specifically, for the first stopped reel, a reel stop 1 command, for the second stop operation, a reel stop 2 command, and for the third stop operation, a reel stop 3 command).

In step S110, a winning determination process is performed to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved. In this winning determination process, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on an activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been achieved. For example, if "Bell-Bell-Bell" is lined up on an activated winning line, it is determined that minor combination 3 (Bell) has been achieved. In addition, in this step S110, preparations are made to send a winning determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S111, a medal awarding process is performed. In the medal awarding process, if a winning combination that has a payout is achieved, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is paid out according to the number of winning lines.

In step S112, a game state control process is performed. In the game state control process, processing related to the transition of each game state of the RT system is performed, and the game state is transitioned when the start condition or end condition is satisfied. In addition, preparations are made to send a game state command that includes information indicating the current game state of the RT system.

In step S113, the presentation state control process is executed to control the game state of the AT system described above. In step S114, the high-navigation state termination process is executed to terminate the high-navigation state.

This completes one game. After this, the game progresses by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-mentioned process. Note that the various commands prepared in each of the above steps are transmitted in the command setting and transmission process (step S206 in FIG. 28) of the main control unit timer interrupt process described below.

<Main control unit timer interrupt processing>
Next, a main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Note that Fig. 28 is a flow chart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt signal is used as a trigger to start main control unit timer interrupt processing at the predetermined cycle.

In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. This timer interrupt start process includes processes such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 to a stack area.

In step S202, WDT314 is periodically restarted (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) so that the count value of WDT314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and a WDT interrupt does not occur (so that a processing abnormality is not detected).

In step S203, an input port status update process is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I/O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and the detection signals are stored in signal status storage areas partitioned for each of the various sensors 318 in the RAM 308.

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

In step S206, a command setting and transmission process is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for transmission are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. In the first sub-control unit 400, the command type contained in the received output schedule information makes it possible to determine presentation control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300, and it becomes possible to determine the content of presentation control based on the command data information contained in the output schedule information.

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

In step S208, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring processing, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S203 are first read out to monitor for errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal payout abnormalities, etc., and if an error is detected (not shown), error processing is executed. Furthermore, depending on the current game state, the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various seven-segment (SEG) displays are set.

In step S209, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is ON or not. If the low voltage signal is ON (if a power interruption is detected), the process proceeds to step S211, and if the low voltage signal is OFF (if a power interruption is not detected), the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, various processes are performed to end the timer interrupt end process. In this timer interrupt end process, the values of each register temporarily saved in step S2001 are set back to the original registers. Then, the process returns to the main control unit main process shown in FIG. 27.

On the other hand, in step S211, specific variables and stack pointers for returning to the state at the time of power outage when power is restored are saved as recovery data in a specified area of RAM 308, power outage processing such as initialization of input/output ports is performed, and then the process returns to the main processing of the main control unit shown in FIG. 27.

<Processing of first sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using Figure 29. Note that Figure 29 (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 29 (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 29 (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

First, the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 29(a).

When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S301. This initialization process involves initial settings of the input/output ports and initialization of the memory area in RAM 408. In this process, an area for storing internal win information, which is information that indicates the result of an internal win, and an area for storing RT update information, which is information that indicates the game status, are provided in RAM 408.

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

In step S305, a performance control process is performed. Here, preparation for the performance is performed according to the performance reservation information in the performance reservation area provided in RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, performing a process such as reading the performance data from ROM 406, and updating the performance data if it is necessary to update the performance data.

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

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

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. 29(b). This command reception interrupt processing is processing that is executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S401 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in the RAM 408.

Next, using FIG. 29(c), we will explain the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and executes the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period in response to this timer interrupt.

In step S501, the value in the timer variable storage area of RAM 408 described in step S302 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 29 (a) is incremented by 1 and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S302, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10). In step S502, the command set in step S309 is sent to the second sub-control unit 500, and the random number value for performance is updated, etc.

<Processing of the second sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using Figure 30. Figure 30 (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 30 (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 30 (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 30 (d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

First, in step S601 in FIG. 30(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the initialization process is first executed in step S601. In this initialization process, the input/output port initial settings, the memory area in the RAM 508, the memory area in the VRAM 536, etc. are initialized.

In step S602, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S603. In step S4003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S604, command processing is performed. In command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S605, performance control processing is performed. Specifically, if a new command is received in step S604, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, processing is executed to read performance data for image control related to the background image from ROM 506. In addition, processing is executed to read other performance data from ROM 506, and if the performance data needs to be updated, processing to update the performance data is executed.

In step S606, image control processing (described in detail below) is performed based on the processing result of step S605. For example, if the performance data read in step S605 contains an image control command, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control related to the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. When this image control processing is completed, the process returns to step S602.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 30(b). This command reception interrupt processing is processing that is executed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400.

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

Next, using FIG. 30(c), we will explain the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt is used as a trigger to execute the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period.

In step S801, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of RAM 508 described in step S602 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 30(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S602, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10). In step S802, processing such as updating the random number value for presentation is performed.

Next, the image control processing of step S606 in the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 30(d). This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the image control processing.

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

In step S902, it is determined whether a transfer end interrupt signal has been input from VDP534. If a transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S903; if not, the process waits for the transfer end interrupt signal to be input.

In step S903, parameters are set based on the performance scenario configuration table and attribute data, etc. Here, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 on information about the image data that constitutes the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 536, image size, VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in display area A or B of the VRAM 536 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 536 in step S901. The VDP 534 sets parameters according to the attributes based on the command stored in the attribute register.

In step S904, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 534 to start drawing an image. The VDP 534 starts drawing the image in the frame buffer in accordance with the instruction from the CPU 504.

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

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

<Lottery value for internal winning role>
FIG. 31A is a diagram showing an example of the lottery values of the internal winning combination of the slot machine 100.

The probability of winning an internal winning role is calculated by dividing the numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each internal winning role by the numerical data within the range of random numbers obtained during the internal lottery (65536 in this embodiment). The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each numerical range is associated with a respective internal winning role or loss.

In the winning role internal lottery process, it is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery corresponds to the lottery data corresponding to any of the internal winning roles, and the internal winning role is determined. In practice, this lottery data is prepared with settings 1 to 6, each of which has a different probability of winning at least one of the internal winning roles, and the staff of the gaming facility can arbitrarily select and set any of the settings.

Regarding the setting values, the probability of winning the internal winning role may be common to each setting value, while the probability of winning the AT (ease of transitioning to the AT) may be different for settings 1 to 6. For example, in setting 1, the probability of drawing the AT when a certain internal winning role is determined may be probability A, while in setting 6, the probability of drawing the AT when a certain internal winning role is determined may be probability B, which is higher than probability A.

In the example shown in Figure 31 (a), the range of lottery data (lottery value) is indicated by letters. Replay 4 to Replay 7 all show (g), which indicates that the lottery value is the same. For example, (g) = 3000/65535. 1-piece role 1 to 1-piece role 8 all show (m), which also indicates that the lottery value is the same. Bell CLR1 to Bell RCL3 all show (n), which also indicates that the lottery value is the same.

The relationship of the winning values indicated by the letters is (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) < (e) + (f) + (g) + (h) + (i) + (j) + (k) + (l) + (m) + (n). Note that the watermelon and cherry roles are rare roles with small winning values.

＜Pushing order＞
FIG. 31(b) is a table showing the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order roles among the internal winning roles.

The push order role refers to an internal winning role in which the winning role (the display state of reels 110 to 112) differs depending on the content of the stop operation (in this embodiment, the operation sequence from the first stop operation to the third stop operation).

In this embodiment, (1) the stop operation of left, center, and right (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the left reel 110, the second stop reel set to the center reel 111, and the third stop reel set to the right reel 112) is an LCR operation, (2) the stop operation of left, right, and center (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the left reel 110, the second stop reel set to the right reel 112, and the third stop reel set to the center reel 111) is an LRC operation, and (3) the stop operation of center, left, and right (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the center reel 111, the second stop reel set to the left reel 110, and the third stop reel set to the right reel 112) is a CLR operation. (4) a stop operation of center, right, and left (a stop operation in which the first stopped reel is the center reel 111, the second stopped reel is the right reel 112, and the third stopped reel is the left reel 110) is sometimes referred to as a CRL operation, (5) a stop operation of right, left, and center (a stop operation in which the first stopped reel is the right reel 112, the second stopped reel is the left reel 110, and the third stopped reel is the center reel 111) is sometimes referred to as an RLC operation, and (6) a stop operation of right, center, and left (a stop operation in which the first stopped reel is the right reel 112, the second stopped reel is the center reel 111, and the third stopped reel is the left reel 110) is sometimes referred to as an RCL operation.

For example, if push order bells CLR1 to 3 are internally selected in the winning role internal lottery, (1) if an LCR or LRC operation is performed, a miss or 1-coin role will be won, and 0 or 1 medals will be paid out; (2) if a CLR operation is performed, a bell will be won, and 9 medals will be paid out; (3) if a CRL operation is performed, a 1-coin role will be won, and 1 medal will be paid out; and (4) if an RLC or RCL operation is performed, a miss or 1-coin role will be won, and 0 or 1 medal will be paid out.

In other words, when the CLR operation is performed, the push order bells CLR1 to 3 will win and the maximum number of medals will be paid out. Hereinafter, when the push order role is internally won, the operation content when the maximum number of medals is paid out may be referred to as the "correct operation." In this embodiment, the correct operation means that the operation sequence from the first stop operation to the third stop operation is correct.

Similarly, for Push Order Bell_CRL1-3, the correct operation is the CRL operation, and if the CRL operation is performed, a bell will be won and 9 medals will be paid out. Also, for Push Order Bell_RLC1-3, the correct operation is the RLC operation, and if the RLC operation is performed, a bell will be won and 9 medals will be paid out, and for Push Order Bell_RCL1-3, the correct operation is the RCL operation, and if the RCL operation is performed, a bell will be won and 9 medals will be paid out.

On the other hand, for example, if the common bell wins internally in the winning role internal lottery, the bell wins and nine medals are paid out regardless of the operation content. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned push order bells_CLR1-3, push order bells_CRL1-3, push order bells_RLC1-3, and push order bells_RCL1-3 are collectively referred to as "push order bells". Of these "push order bells", push order bells_CLR1-3 and push order bells_CRL1-3 may be referred to as the "middle first bell" for convenience of explanation, and push order bells_RLC1-3 and push order bells_RCL1-3 may be referred to as the "right first bell". In addition, the number of common bells paid out is nine, the same as the push order bells, but this is not limited to this, and the number may be fewer than the push order bells, and by reducing the number of common bells, the medal payout in the normal state can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, there is no push order bell for which the correct answer is an LCR or LRC operation (forward push or forward sandwich), but there is a push order bell for which the correct answer is a CLR or CRL operation (middle push) and an RLC or RCL operation (reverse push or reverse sandwich). In other words, this is a specification called a biased bell. By using a biased bell, the number of balls put out in the normal state (non-AT state) can be reduced and the number of balls put out in the AT state can be increased. Note that a biased bell is a specification in which a push order other than the first left stop is more advantageous for play (for example, the number of coins paid out is greater or the probability of winning is higher) than the first left stop.

The display mode and payout amount for each operation when the internal winning role (condition device) is 1-coin role 1-8 and replay 1-7 are as shown in FIG. 31(b). "S Blue 7/BAR" in FIG. 31(b) means that the "Blue Seven 1" will line up on a single (1-line) winning line, or the "BAR" will line up. "Fake" means that even if the target symbol is announced and you press the button, the announced symbol will not line up. "Replay (Pink 7/W Blue 7 Fake)" means that you will be informed to aim for the Pink Seven symbol or the Blue Seven symbol on a double (2-line) winning line, but the replay symbol will line up even if you press the button.

<Winning role data>
Next, the winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 will be described.

Figure 32 shows the winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

The winning combination information on the left side of Figure 32 is the same as the winning combination information shown in Figure 31 (a). The push order combination, Bell (Push Order Bell), has four patterns (CLR, CRL, RLC, RCL) with different stopping operation modes (push order). Furthermore, three combinations (1 to 3) are prepared for each pattern.

In other words, three roles are prepared for each button press. The player's profit is the same for roles with the same button press, but by preparing three roles, the results can be more varied. For example, if there was only one role for one button press, only a specific result would be displayed for a specific button press, which would be monotonous. However, by providing multiple roles for one button press, the way roles are displayed can be different even with the same button press, preventing the results from becoming monotonous.

Each winning role is assigned a consecutive natural number (winning role number) such as "00" to "34" that corresponds one-to-one with the winning role.

In the explanation so far, the transition from the non-favorable zone to the favorable zone occurs when a combination other than a losing combination is won. In other words, if the combination of "01" or more, which corresponds to Replay 3, is internally won, the player will transition to the favorable zone.

For gaming machines with advantageous zones, further ingenuity is required in the advantageous zone transition process. In this example, if an internal win occurs with a role of "04" or more associated with Replay 1, the machine transitions to the advantageous zone. Winning role numbers of "04" or more, i.e., winning role numbers in the range of "04" to "34", are advantageous zone numbers. On the other hand, winning role numbers less than "04", i.e., winning role numbers in the range of "01" to "03", are non-advantageous zone numbers. In this way, by determining winning role numbers separately for roles that are allowed to transition to the advantageous zone and roles that are not allowed, the advantageous zone transition process described below can be achieved with simple processing.

The winning combination data shown in FIG. 32 includes the winning combination information on the left, as well as information on the small combination group and the rare combination group.

The information on the minor role group includes the push order role group consisting of all push order bell roles, 1 coin role 7, and 1 coin role 8. The minor roles that are not included in this push order role group are assigned consecutive numbers (natural numbers) for each minor role.

That is, each small win is assigned a small win number from "01" to "21" that corresponds one-to-one with the small win. Therefore, the small win can be identified by the small win number. On the other hand, in the push order group, the group is assigned a group number ("00"), and no number is assigned to each bell win or 1-coin win.

For this reason, while the group number can identify the type of push order role, such as push order role, it cannot distinguish between minor roles (push order bell_CLR, push order bell_CRL, push order bell_RLC, push order bell_RCL, 1 coin role 7, 1 coin role 8), and cannot identify the stopping operation mode (push order). In other words, the group number can tell whether or not it is a push order role, but it cannot tell which is the correct operation (the operation mode that may be most advantageous to the player). Also, it can be said that while it can identify a push order role, it cannot identify which type of push order role it is (Bell_CLR1, Bell_CRL1, etc.).

In the AT state, when the main control unit 300 sends an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400, it sends the winning role information (winning role number) as well, and the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 uses the winning role information (winning role number) to perform a lottery for the AT performance and other effects. In addition, the main control unit 300 may send information indicating the push order to the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 instead of or together with the winning role information (winning role number).

On the other hand, in the normal state (non-AT state), the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 does not need to perform AT performance, and processing is faster and requires less program capacity by referring to the 22 winning numbers from "00" to "21" rather than the 35 winning numbers from "00" to "34".

For this reason, when the main control unit 300 sends an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400 in the normal state (non-AT state), it does not include winning role information (winning role number), but does include information on the small role group, and the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 uses the information on the small role group to perform processing such as drawing lots for effects (for example, drawing lots to determine whether or not a suggestive effect can be executed, and notifications of the expected level, etc.).

The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 may also generate new information from the information on the small winning group (the information on the small winning group is further grouped, but the information identifies the push order role, replay, common bell, cherry, watermelon, and chance eye) and use the new information to perform the performance lottery and performance processing. Even with such specifications, it can be said that the information on the small winning group is used.

Rare role groups are further groupings of minor role groups, and the information is divided into groups of weak rare roles, strong rare roles, and non-rare roles (other groups). The weak rare role group is assigned a unique group number ("01") for the entire group, and no numbers are assigned to each rare role (watermelon, weak cherry). The strong rare role group is assigned a unique group number ("02") for the entire group, and no numbers are assigned to each rare role (strong cherry, chance eye). The other groups are assigned a unique group number ("03") for the entire group, and no numbers are assigned to each role.

Therefore, the group number can distinguish whether a role is rare or not, and can also identify the type of rare role, such as weak rare or strong rare. However, the group number cannot identify minor roles, and it is not possible to know which symbol to press. When the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 performs an AT lottery or a lottery for transition to a high probability state, which will be described later, according to the result of the role lottery, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 may perform the lottery process using rare role groups, since the processing is lighter when performing lottery processing for "Other? → Weak rare role? → Strong rare role?" than lottery processing such as "Replay? → Bell? → Weak cherry? → Strong cherry → Watermelon? → Chance eye?".

In this way, in one gaming state, the small role group may be referenced to process bonuses, and in another gaming state, the rare role group may be referenced to process bonuses. By performing processing according to the gaming state, a gaming machine with a reduced processing load on the program can be provided.

The same is true for the lottery processing in the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, and the main control unit 300 may send an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400, including information on the rare role group in the internal winning command.

The main control unit 300 may perform the AT lottery to determine whether to transition to the AT state, the lottery to transition to the high probability state, and the CZ lottery to determine whether to transition to the CZ using winning role information, or may use a small role group or a rare role group, or may use a small role group or a rare role group depending on the lottery target.

For example, if the AT lottery is a win (transition to AT state) only when a strong cherry is won, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can perform the lottery processing using the small role group, and if the AT lottery is a win (transition to AT state) only when a strong cherry or chance eye is won, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can perform the lottery processing using the rare role group.

As another example, in the AT lottery during normal play, the AT lottery probability is set for each small role group, so that a sense of expectation can be felt regardless of the winning role (to prevent losing out on winning in other words), the lottery is performed by referring to the small role group, while in the CZ, so that there is a high expectation of transitioning to the AT state if a rare role is won, the lottery can be performed by referring to the rare role group in order to create a well-balanced CZ, for example, with an AT lottery probability of 50% when a weak rare role is won, 100% when a strong rare role is won, and 1% for other roles.

The winning combination number, minor combination number, and group number explained above are expressed in binary or hexadecimal in the program (the same applies to the following explanations).

<Advantageous Zone Transition Processing>
Figure 33 (a) is a flowchart of the favorable zone transition processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300, Figure 33 (b) is a flowchart corresponding to the program of the favorable zone transition processing shown in Figure 33 (c), and Figure 33 (c) is an example of a program of the favorable zone transition processing.

This advantageous zone transition process is executed after the winning role is determined during the winning role internal lottery process (step S105) shown in Figure 27.

First, in step S253, the CPU 304 executes a load command (e.g., LDQ A, (Low vdTousen (winning role information))) to set a winning role number (winning role information) corresponding to the winning role in the game, one of "00" to "34" shown in FIG. 32, in a register (e.g., A register).

In the next step S254, a comparison command (e.g., CP Replay1) is executed to compare the winning number set in the register with the winning number associated with Replay 1, and it is determined whether the winning number is equal to or greater than "04", which is the winning number associated with Replay 1 (step S251).

In the next step S255, a transition to the favorable zone is judged depending on the success or failure of the carry flag immediately after the execution of the comparison command. If the carry flag = 1 (winning role information is less than 4), the process is terminated without transitioning to the favorable zone, and the non-favorable zone is maintained. On the other hand, if the carry flag ≠ 1 (winning role information is 4 or more), a call command (e.g., CALLF SetModeNormal) that calls a subroutine is executed, and normal mode is set in the favorable zone.

In this example, when the numerical value does not have a sign, such as winning combination information, it is only necessary to perform processing according to the success or failure of the carry flag, so by using a comparison command, it is possible to reduce the processing load while using simple commands.

If the winning role number associated with the winning role is "04" or greater, the game state is set to an advantageous zone (step S252). Here, there is a high probability state in which the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high, and a low probability state in which the probability is relatively low. During the advantageous zone, there is a transition from the low probability state to the high probability state, and vice versa.

The ceiling game number may be set to a first game number (e.g., 1000 games) or a second game number (e.g., 500 games). Several types of advantageous zones are prepared by combining the timing of the transition to the high probability state and the ceiling game number, and the advantageous zone set in step S252 is the advantageous zone selected by lottery from among these several types of advantageous zones.

On the other hand, if the winning role number associated with the winning role is less than "04", the advantageous zone transition process ends and the non-advantageous zone continues.

As explained above, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 only needs to determine whether the winning role is in the range of "04" to "34", i.e., whether the winning role number corresponding to the winning role is 4 or greater. In terms of program instructions, this requires a simple program in which, when a non-advantageous zone continues, the winning role number is set in a specified register (for example, register A), the contents of the specified register are compared with the contents of replay 1 ("04"), and the program ends when the winning role number is less than 4, which reduces the program capacity compared to determining whether each winning role is a role that transitions to an advantageous zone. Also, roles that are not roles that transition to an advantageous zone can be eliminated with certainty.

The program for the advantageous zone transition processing is not limited to the program shown in FIG. 33(c). FIG. 33(d) is another example of a program for the advantageous zone transition processing.

The RCPQ command (RCPQ C, (Low vbTousen), Replay1) shown in FIG. 33(d) is a command that combines the LDQ command, CP command, and RET command described using FIG. 33(c) into one command, and can perform the processing of steps S253 to S255 in FIG. 33(b) with a single command.

According to this example, it is possible to shorten the program execution time, allowing the game to proceed smoothly, and also to simplify the program code, reduce the program capacity, and make effective use of the limited ROM capacity.

<Indication monitor setting process>
Figure 34(a) is a flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300, Figure 34(b) is a flowchart corresponding to the program of the instruction monitor setting process shown in Figure 34(c), and Figure 34(c) is an example of a program of the instruction monitor setting process.

This instruction monitor setting process is executed after the winning role is determined during the winning role internal lottery process (step S105) shown in Figure 27.

In gaming machines equipped with an instruction monitor, further ingenuity is required in the processing related to the instruction monitor. First, the CPU 304 judges whether the winning combination belongs to the push order combination group of the minor combination group shown in FIG. 32 (step S261). In terms of program commands, a judgment command (e.g., RTQ NZ, (Low vdGroupTousen)) is executed to judge whether the number of the minor combination group corresponding to the winning combination (minor combination number "01" to "21" or group number "00") is the group number "00" associated with the push order combination group (step S271).

For winning combination numbers, the CPU 304 must refer to 35 numbers such as "00" to "34", but for minor combination groups, it only needs to refer to 22 numbers, which increases processing speed. The program capacity is also reduced.

If the winning combination does not belong to the push order combination group, this instruction monitor setting process ends. On the other hand, if the winning combination belongs to the push order combination group (the "00" of the minor combination group), in step S272, a judgment command (e.g., RCPQ C, (Low, Mode), ModeAT) is executed to judge whether the current game state is an AT state, and it is judged whether the current game state is an AT state (step S262).

Of the various game states of the slot machine 100, game state numbers are assigned such as "01 (Mode Normal)" for the normal stage, "02 (Mode CZ)" for the CZ, "03" for the pullback zone, "04 (Mode Bonus)" for the bonus state, "05 (Mode AT)" for the normal AT state, "06" for the add-on zone, and "07 (Mode ED)" for the ending state.

A game state number indicating the current game state is set in a register (e.g., C register) of CPU 304. In step S262 (step S272), it is determined whether the game state number set in the register is equal to or greater than "05 (Mode AT)". If it is less than "05 (Mode AT)", this instruction monitor setting process ends, and if it is equal to or greater than "05 (Mode AT)", an instruction information value is calculated in step S263. In other words, if the current game state is the AT state, the process proceeds to step S263.

In step S263, processing is performed using the winning role information (winning role number) instead of the information on the minor role group used in step S261. Specifically, in step S273, a load command (e.g., LDQ A, (Low vdTousen (winning role information))) is executed to set the winning role information in a register (in this example, the A register), and in step S274, a command (e.g., DIVE, A, 3) is executed to divide the winning role information set in the register (the A register) by 3, and the quotient value of the division result is determined as the instruction information value.

For example, if Bell_CLR2 is won, the winning role number "22" is divided by 3, and the quotient value is "7", so this "7" is determined as the instruction information value. The "3" used here corresponds to the number of roles prepared for the same push order. In other words, to add variety to the results, three roles with the same push order are prepared, and therefore there are three winning role numbers. To make the processing common to these three winning role numbers, the number is divided by 3, and the quotient value is determined as the instruction information value without taking the remainder into consideration. This simplifies the processing.

In this way, by using the calculated register value as the instruction information value, there is no need to store values indicating instruction information corresponding to the push order as a data table, which helps to save memory capacity, and also helps to save processing capacity, as there is no need to call or reference the data table.

In the next step S275, a load command (e.g., LDQ (Low, vdNavi) is executed to set the value of the register (A register) to the instruction monitor information, and the instruction monitor information is set based on the calculated instruction information value (step S264), after which the instruction monitor setting process ends. The set instruction monitor information is displayed on the game information display unit 126, which functions as the instruction monitor.

In addition, due to the fast processing speed and small program capacity described above, the CPU 304 processes AT lotteries and lotteries in high probability states where the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high, using information on the small role group and information on the rare role group.

<Instruction Monitor Setting Process/Modification Example 1>
FIG. 35A is a flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process according to the first modification, and FIG. 35B is an example of a program for the instruction monitor setting process according to the first modification.

The instruction monitor setting process according to the first modification is the same as the instruction monitor setting process described with reference to FIG. 34(b), except that step S276 is added between step S273 and step S274, and step S277 is added between step S274 and step S275. The process from step S276 onwards is described below.

In step S276, a subtraction command (e.g., SUB bell CLR1) is executed to subtract the winning number of bell_CLR1 (21 in this example) from the value of the register (A register) in which the winning role information is set, converting the winning role numbers 21-32 corresponding to the push order to 0-11, and converting the winning role numbers 33-34 corresponding to the 1-coin role to 12-13.

In the following step S274, a command (e.g., DIVE, A, 3) is executed to divide the winning combination information set in the register (A register) by 3, converting the winning combination numbers 0-11 in the converted push order to 0-3, and converting the winning combination numbers 12-13 for the converted 1-coin combination to 4.

In the next step S277, an instruction (e.g., ICPLD A, 4) is executed to add 1 to the value of the register (A register) and set the register (A register) to 0 if the result of the addition exceeds 4, and in step S275, a load instruction (e.g., LDQ (Low, vdNavi) is executed to set the value of the register (A register) to the instruction monitor information, and the instruction monitor information is set based on the calculated instruction information value.

As a result, if the winning role is the push order, the indication monitor will display one of 1 to 4, and if the winning role is a 1-coin role, the indication monitor will display 0, making it possible to create a fake 1-coin role navigation so that the 7s or bell are not confirmed when the navigation occurs on the indication monitor. For example, in a game where hitting a bell is important, there is a risk that playability will decrease if the indication monitor does not activate, but by adding a fake 1-coin role navigation, it is not necessarily the case that "navigation occurs = bell," and this gives the player a sense of anticipation when the navigation occurs.

<Winning role data (another example)>
Fig. 36 is a diagram showing another example of the winning combination data shown in Fig. 32. Below, differences from the winning combination data shown in Fig. 32 will be mainly described, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted.

Figure 36 (a) shows another example 1 of the winning combination data. In this another example 1, the winning combination information is the same as the winning combination information of the winning combination data shown in Figure 32. That is, the same 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) as the winning combination information shown in Figure 32 are arranged in the same order, and natural number consecutive numbers (winning combination numbers) such as "00" to "34" that correspond one-to-one to the winning combinations are assigned.

Of the 35 winning roles (minor roles) in this alternative example 1, the relationship between the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order role is the same as the relationship shown in Figure 31 (b).

In Alternative Example 1, if an internal win occurs for a role of "05" or more that is associated with Replay 2, the player moves to the advantageous zone. Winning role numbers of "05" or more, i.e., winning role numbers that fall within the range of "05" to "34", are advantageous zone numbers. On the other hand, winning role numbers less than "05", i.e., winning role numbers that fall within the range of "01" to "04", are non-advantageous zone numbers.

In the information on the small win group in the modified example 1, in addition to the push order role group that is the same as the push order role group in the information on the small win group in the winning role data shown in FIG. 32, a group of replay groups, which is a different push order role, is also provided. Small wins that are not included in either the push order role group or the replay group group are assigned small win numbers "01" to "04" and "06" to "16" that correspond one-to-one to the small wins. Therefore, it is possible to identify the small win by the small win number.

On the other hand, in the case of a replay group, a unique group number ("05") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each replay role. For this reason, while the group number can identify the type of role, such as a replay role, it cannot distinguish between the individual replay roles, and it cannot identify the stop operation mode (push order).

In Alternative Example 1, Replay 1, which is not to be moved to the favorable zone, is also grouped into the replay group ("05"). Therefore, in the favorable zone move processing shown in FIG. 33, it is more convenient to refer to the winning role information rather than the minor role group.

Note that the winning combination data of Example 1 also includes the same rare combination group as the rare combination group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 32, although this is not shown in the figure.

Figure 36 (b) shows another example 2 of the winning combination data. In this another example 2, the winning combination information is the same as the winning combination information of the winning combination data shown in Figure 32. That is, the same 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) as the winning combination information shown in Figure 32 are lined up in the same order, and natural number consecutive numbers (winning combination numbers) such as "00" to "34" that correspond one-to-one to the winning combinations are assigned.

In this alternative example 2, among the 35 winning roles (minor roles), the relationship between the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order role is the same as the relationship shown in Figure 31 (b).

In Alternative Example 2, if an internal win occurs with a combination of "21" or more associated with Push Order Bell_CLR1, the player moves to the advantageous zone. Winning combination numbers of "21" or more, i.e. winning combination numbers in the range of "21" to "34", are advantageous zone numbers. On the other hand, winning combination numbers less than "21", i.e. winning combination numbers in the range of "01" to "20", are non-advantageous zone numbers.

The information on the small role group in the second example includes a push order role group consisting of all push order bell roles, 1-coin role 6, 1-coin role 7, and 1-coin role 8, among the push order roles. The small roles that are not included in this push order role group are assigned consecutive numbers (natural numbers) for each small role. In other words, the small roles are assigned small role numbers from "01" to "20" that correspond one-to-one to the small roles. For this reason, the small roles can be identified by the small role numbers.

On the other hand, in the push order role group, the entire group is assigned a group number ("00"), and no number is assigned to each bell role or 1 coin role. For this reason, while the group number can identify the type of push order role, it cannot distinguish between minor roles (push order bell_CLR, push order bell_CRL, push order bell_RLC, push order bell_RCL, 1 coin role 6, 1 coin role 7, 1 coin role 8), and it cannot identify the stop operation mode (push order). In other words, the group number does not tell you which is the correct operation (the operation mode that may be most advantageous to the player).

In the second example, the 1-coin role 6 that does not transition to the favorable zone is also grouped in the push order role loop ("00"). Therefore, in the favorable zone transition process shown in FIG. 33, it is more convenient to refer to the winning role information rather than the small role group.

Note that the winning combination data of Example 2 also includes the same rare combination group as the rare combination group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 32(a), although this is not shown in the figure.

<Instruction Monitor Setting Process/Modification 2>
Next, we will explain an example where the number of push order bells other than the first left stop is greater than the push order bell of the first left stop.

Figure 37(a) is a diagram showing another example of the winning combination data shown in Figure 32, and Figure 37(b) is a diagram showing the change in register value in the instruction monitor setting process shown in Figure 38(a). Also, Figure 38(a) is a flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process related to Modification Example 2, and Figure 38(b) is an example of a program for the instruction monitor setting process related to Modification Example 2.

The instruction monitor setting process according to the second modification shown in FIG. 38(a) is a process in which steps S276 and S280 to S284 are applied instead of steps S276 to S277 of the instruction monitor setting process described using FIG. 35(a). The process from step S276 onwards is described below.

In step S276, a subtraction command (e.g., SUB A, 12) is executed to subtract the winning combination number (12 in this example) of Bell_LCR1 shown in FIG. 37(a) from the value of the register (A register) in which the winning combination information is set, and the winning combination numbers 12 to 41 corresponding to the push order shown in FIG. 37(a) are converted to the numerical values 0 to 29 shown in FIG. 37(b)(1).

In the following step S274, a command (e.g., DIVE E, A, 3) is executed to divide the winning combination information set in the register (A register) by 3, and the numbers 0 to 29 shown in FIG. 37(b)(1) are converted to the numbers 0 to 9 shown in FIG. 37(b)(2). Then, in the next step S280, a load (LD) command (e.g., LD E, 1) is executed to set the value of the register (E register) to 1, and the process proceeds to the next step S281.

In the next step S281, it is determined whether the division result (quotient) in step S274 is 2 or greater, and a jump (JCP) command (for example, JCP C, A, 2, *** (the module name of "ADD A, E" described later)) is executed to jump to a predetermined module (subroutine) depending on the division result. If the quotient is 2 or greater, the process proceeds to step S282, and if the quotient is less than 2, the process proceeds to step S284.

In step S284, which is reached if the division result (quotient) in step S274 is less than 2, an addition (ADD) instruction (e.g., ADD A, E) is executed to add 1, which is the value stored in the register (E register), to the value in the register (A register), and the numbers 0 to 1 shown in FIG. 37(b)(2) are converted to the numbers 1 to 2 shown in FIG. 37(b)(5), after which the process proceeds to step S275.

On the other hand, in step S282, which is reached if the division result (quotient) in step S274 is 2 or greater, an addition (INC) instruction (e.g., INC E) is executed to add 1 to the register (E register), and in the following step S283, a division (right bit shift) instruction (e.g., RRA instruction) is executed to divide the value in the register (A register) by 2, converting the numbers 2 to 9 shown in FIG. 37(b)(2) into the numbers 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 37(b)(4).

In the next step S284, an add (ADD) instruction (e.g., ADD A, E) is executed to add the value stored in the register (E register) by 2 to the value in the register (A register), converting the values 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 37(b)(4) to the values 3 to 6 shown in FIG. 37(b)(5), and then the process proceeds to step S275.

The processing in step S284 commonly performs "ADD A, E" to add the value of the E register to the A register at the time the processing is executed. When the processing in step S284 is executed after the processing in step S281, the value of the E register is 1, so the value of 1, which is the value of the E register, is added to the A register. On the other hand, when the processing in step S284 is executed after the processing in step S283, 1 has been further added to the E register in step S282, so the value of the E register is 2, and the value of 2, which is the value of the E register, is added to the A register.

In step S275, an instruction (e.g., an LDQ instruction) is executed to set the value of a register (A register) to the instruction monitor information, and the instruction monitor information is set based on the calculated instruction information value.

As a result, if the winning role is a push order bell, the instruction monitor will display one of 1 to 6. In this example, the number of push order bells other than the first left stop (in this example, there are 12 types for the first middle stop and the first right stop) is greater than the number of push order bells for the first left stop (in this example, there are 6 types), and the number of push order bells is not uniform, but by arranging the bells together by push order, it is possible to set instruction information that references the quotient, making control easier than setting instruction information that references the remainder.

In addition, when referencing the remainder, if an uneven push order bell is created, the instruction information cannot be determined from the remainder alone, and as a result, the quotient must also be referenced, which increases the number of registers that need to be referenced and may strain memory capacity. However, in this example, by referencing only the quotient, the number of registers that need to be referenced can be reduced to one, which does not strain memory capacity as much as the method of referencing the remainder, and limited memory capacity can be used more effectively.

In this example, we have described a case where the number of push order bells other than the first left stop is greater than the push order bell of the first left stop, but this is also applicable to a case where the number of push order bells other than the first middle stop is greater than the push order bell of the first middle stop, or a case where the number of push order bells other than the first right stop is greater than the push order bell of the first right stop.

<<Embodiment 2>>
Hereinafter, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Overall composition>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 39. Figure 39 is a perspective view of the appearance of the slot machine 100 as viewed from the front side (player side).

This slot machine 100 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of patterns arranged on their outer periphery (not shown) are housed inside the center of the main body 101 and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

In this embodiment, each symbol is printed on a strip-shaped member at equal intervals in an appropriate number, and the strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to form each reel 110-112. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in roughly threes through the reel window 113, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating each reel 110-112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each reel 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of multiple types of symbols. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. Also, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

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

The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the winning lines 114 that are valid. The winning lines 114 that are valid are determined in advance by the number of medals bet as game media. There are five winning lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, when two medals are bet, three lines including the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are valid, and when three medals are bet, five lines including the right-downward winning line and the right-upward winning line are valid. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five, and may be one line of the middle horizontal winning line. Also, for example, when one medal is bet, the five lines including the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right-downward winning line, and the right-upward winning line may be set as valid winning lines, or the same number of winning lines may be set as valid winning lines regardless of the number of bets.

The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning role (specifically, a bonus role) has been internally won in an internal winning role lottery described below, or that a bonus game is in progress. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a gaming medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay, which is one of the winning roles, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

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

The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which the player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically (betting operation) using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) through the medal insertion slot 141; the term "insertion" includes both.

The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (e.g., the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning a certain winning combination. In this embodiment, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are configured as seven-segment (SEG) displays. Note that the payout number display 127 in this embodiment also functions as a presentation device that notifies information regarding stop operations (e.g., the operation sequence of the stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.).

The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. In other words, when the desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the start operation of the game.

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type push switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have begun to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are provided in correspondence with each of the reels 110 to 112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the stop button 137 (sometimes referred to as the left stop button), the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the stop button 138 (sometimes referred to as the middle stop button), and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the stop button 139 (sometimes referred to as the right stop button).

In the following, operations on stop buttons 137 to 139 are referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation. The reel that is the target of the first stop operation may be referred to as the first stop reel, the reel that is the target of the second stop operation as the second stop reel, and the reel that is the target of the third stop operation as the third stop reel.

Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137-139 are operated to stop all of the reels 110-112 that are spinning is called the operation sequence or push sequence. The operation sequence for stopping the first stopped reel as the left reel 110 is called the "forward push operation sequence" or simply "forward push", the operation sequence for stopping the first stopped reel as the middle reel 111 is called the "middle push operation sequence" or simply "middle push", and the operation sequence for stopping the first stopped reel as the right reel 112 is called the "reverse push operation sequence" or simply "reverse push".

In this embodiment, the stop operation and the operation sequence of the combination of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation may be abbreviated. For example, a stop operation in which the first stop reel is the left reel 110 may be written as "left", and a stop operation in which the first stop reel is the left reel 110, the second stop reel is the center reel 111, and the third stop reel is the right reel 112 may be written as "left center right". Light-emitting bodies may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light-emitting bodies may be lit to notify the player.

The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals if they become clogged. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and bet medals, and discharging them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100. The medal payout outlet 155 is an outlet for paying out medals.

Below the stop button unit 136 is a title panel 162 that displays the model name and allows various certificate stamps to be attached. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout outlet 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided.

A sound hole 181 is provided next to the medal payout outlet 155. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to liven up the game. A performance device 160 is provided at the top of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is also provided at the top of the performance device 160. The sound holes 181 and 143 are holes for outputting the sound of the speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The performance device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two right shutters 163a and left shutters 163b that can be opened and closed horizontally, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown, performance image display device) arranged on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 appears on the front (player side) of the slot machine 100.

The liquid crystal display device (performance image display device) 157 of this embodiment also functions as a performance device that executes the performance described below. For example, it executes operation navigation that notifies information about the stop operation (for example, the operation sequence and operation timing of the stop buttons 137 to 139).

The information display button 191 is an operation button for calling up and operating a user menu (for example, a menu for setting various pieces of information by the individual player). The information display button 191 is composed of a cross key button 191a and an OK button 191b. The cross key button 191a is a selection button used when the player selects one of multiple options. The cross key button 191a is composed of up, down, left, and right arrow keys, and by operating each arrow key, the cursor can be moved in the direction of the arrow. The OK button 191b is a button for confirming the option where the cursor is positioned. In this embodiment, for example, it is used when setting information using a user menu, when setting volume or light intensity, and when selecting a character (stage) for a performance that is executed after winning a bonus. In this embodiment, the information display button 191 may be written as a cross button 191.

The effect button 192 is a button that can be operated when executing an effect that prompts the user to operate the button. In this embodiment, when the effect button 192 is operated, an effect is executed as a response effect that suggests the granting of a bonus, such as an additional number of coins in the AT.

It is not necessary to use a liquid crystal display device, as long as it is configured to display various performance images and various game information, it may be, for example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is square and configured so that the player can see it in its entirety. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. It is also possible to provide decorations (not shown) around the periphery of the display screen so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decorations, making the display screen appear irregular. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

<Internal structure>
Figure 40 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine 100, where (a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and (b) is an enlarged view of the door relay board 290 arranged on the front door 102.

The main body 101 is a box surrounded by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a back panel 242, and is open at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation hole 249 provided at the top of the back panel 242, and a reel unit 700 equipped with three reels 110 to 112 is arranged below the main control board storage case 210. A sub-control board storage case 220 that stores a sub-control board is arranged on the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reel unit 700, that is, on the side panel 260 on the left side as viewed from the front. In addition, an information output circuit 334 that is connected to the main control board and outputs information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side panel 260 on the right side as viewed from the front.

Also, to the right of the reel unit 700, there is provided a setting key switch 281 for changing the setting value (also called the game mode) of the slot machine 100 and confirming the changed setting value. Here, the setting value is a value for adjusting the ratio of the total number of game media paid out by the game machine to the total number of game media used by the player as the number of bets when playing for a specified period of time, and is known as the "payout rate." Multiple setting values, for example, from setting "1" to setting "6," can be set.

The setting key switch 281 is a key switch that is electrically turned ON/OFF by inserting and rotating a specific setting key (not shown). Specifically, when a specific setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and rotated clockwise, a setting key switch sensor provided in the setting key switch 281 detects the ON state, and when rotated counterclockwise, the setting key switch sensor detects the OFF state.

Then, the hopper unit 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on the lower panel 264, and above this hopper unit 180, i.e., below the reel unit 700, a power supply device 252 having a voltage monitoring circuit 330 (see FIG. 32) is disposed, and a power switch 244 is disposed on the front side of the power supply device 252. The power switch 244 is a toggle switch electrically connected to the power supply device 252. The power switch 244 can be used to turn the slot machine 100 on (power ON) or off (power OFF). The power supply device 252 converts AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device, such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400. Furthermore, it is provided with a storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined component (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the power supply from the outside is cut off.

To the right of the hopper unit 180, there is disposed an auxiliary medal storage 240 for storing medals that overflow from the hopper unit 180, and behind this is disposed an overflow terminal (not shown). The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connector for connecting a power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected to this extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in the back panel 242 of the main body 101.

The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and above the reel window 113, there are provided the performance device 160, a performance control board (not shown) that controls the performance device 160, and an upper speaker 272. Below the reel window 113, there are provided the medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals, etc. into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, a low-frequency speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 181. An open sensor 294 is provided on the back of the front door 102. The open sensor 294 is configured to be L (OFF) when the front door 102 is closed and H (ON) when the front door 102 is open.

<Internal configuration/door relay board>
A door relay board 290 is disposed on the rear surface of the front door 102 below the reel window 113. This door relay board 290 is provided with a reset switch 291, a setting change button 292, and a setting value display 293, as shown in FIG.

The reset switch 291 is a push button switch, and an error in the slot machine 100 can be cleared by pressing (shortly pressing) this reset switch 291.

The setting change button 292 is a push button switch similar to the reset switch 291. The operating procedure for changing the setting value using this setting change button 292 will be described later.

The setting value display 293 is a display such as a 7-segment LED. This setting value display 293 can display the setting values (game modes) 1 to 6 set by the setting change button 292 in numbers.

When the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 in the power-on state (power ON) and turned clockwise (setting key OFF → ON), the setting value display 293 displays the currently set setting value in numbers, so it can be used to check the currently set setting value. In other words, when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 in the power-on state (power ON) and turned clockwise (setting key OFF → ON), a setting value check process that allows the setting value to be checked is started, and when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and turned counterclockwise (setting key ON → OFF), the setting value check process ends.

The procedure for changing the set value will now be described. The set value change is enabled (the set value change process is started) by inserting the set key (not shown) into the set key switch 281 and turning it clockwise (set key OFF → ON) and switching the power switch 244 from a power-off state (power OFF) to a power-on state (power ON). Each time the set value change button 292 is pressed, the set value changes in sequence from 1 to 6, allowing the desired set value to be selected. The set value selected at that time is confirmed by operating the start lever 135. Finally, the set key is turned counterclockwise (set key ON → OFF) to end the set value change process.

<Front door>
FIG. 41 is an external view of a portion of the front door 1102 of the medalless slot machine as viewed from the front side (player side).

The medal-less slot machine (not shown) comprises a main body 1101 (not shown) having substantially the same shape as the main body 101 of the slot machine 100 described with reference to Figures 39 and 40, and a front door 1102 attached to the front of the main body 1101 and capable of being opened and closed relative to the main body 1101.

A lower tray 1200 (described later using Figure 42) on which an article can be placed is provided at the bottom of the front door 1102, and a stamp attachment unit 1250 (described later using Figures 43 to 45) capable of holding a stamp is also attached.

<Lower plate>
Next, the lower tray 1200 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 42. Figure 42(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the components constituting the lower tray 1200.

The lower plate 1200 is composed of a lower plate base (base member) 1202 that can be attached to the bottom of the front door 1102, an upper lower plate design sheet (first decorative member) 1204 that is fitted into the upper part of the lower plate base 1202, a lower lower plate design sheet (second decorative member) 1206 that is fitted into the lower part of the lower plate base 1202, and a lower plate cover (cover member) 1208 that is attached to the lower plate base 1202 while covering the upper lower plate design sheet 1204 and the lower lower plate design sheet 1206.

The upper bottom tray design sheet 1204 and the lower bottom tray design sheet 1206 each have a specific decoration (design), and the decorations on the upper bottom tray design sheet 1204 and the lower bottom tray design sheet 1206 can be seen from the front side (player side) through the lower tray cover 1208 made of a transparent material.

In this example, the upper plate design sheet 1204 and the lower plate design sheet 1206 of the lower plate 1200 are configured to be removable, so that multiple upper plate design sheets 1204 and lower plate design sheets 1206 with different decorations can be prepared, and by replacing the upper plate design sheet 1204 and the lower plate design sheet 1206, decorations according to the model of the gaming machine can be applied, increasing the variety of gaming machine decorations.In addition, the upper plate design sheet 1204 and the lower plate design sheet 1206 can be replaced simply by removing the lower plate cover 1208, so the design of the lower plate can be easily changed, increasing convenience.

<Lower plate/Lower plate base>
Next, the lower tray base (base member) 1202 of the lower tray 1200 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 42(a), the lower plate base 1202 is composed of a bottom surface 1202a made of a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape, a vertical wall 1202b made of a plate-like member extending upward from the long side of the bottom surface 1202a as a base end, and a left frame 1202c and a right frame 1202d that support both ends of the bottom surface 1202a and the vertical wall 1202b.

The vertical wall 1202b has a rectangular opening 1202b1 that allows the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 located at the rear to be viewed, a sound hole 1202b2 through which sound from a speaker (not shown) is output, and a locking hole 1202b3 into which the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower tray cover 1208 is locked, one on each end in the longitudinal direction.

The left frame 1202c is made of a member that is roughly L-shaped when viewed from the side, and is configured with a bottom left support part 1202c1 that supports the left side of the bottom 1202a when viewed from the front, a standing wall left support part 1202c2 that supports the left side of the standing wall 1202b when viewed from the front, and a left locking claw 1202c3 that can be locked to the left bottom part of the front door 1102.

The bottom left support portion 1202c1 of the left frame 1202c has a left claw locking hole 1202e that can lock the left claw 1206a of the lower plate design sheet 1206, and the vertical wall left support portion 1202c2 of the left frame 1202c has a left claw locking hole 1202g that can lock the left claw 1204a of the upper plate design sheet 1204.

The right frame 1202d is made of a member that is roughly L-shaped in side view, and is configured with a bottom right support part 1202d1 that supports the right side of the bottom 1202a when viewed from the front, a standing wall right support part 1202d2 that supports the right side of the standing wall 1202b when viewed from the front, and a right locking claw 1202d3 that can be locked to the right bottom part of the front door 1102.

The right support portion 1202d1 of the bottom surface of the right frame 1202d is formed with a right claw locking hole (not shown) that can lock the right claw 1206b of the lower plate design sheet 1206, and the right support portion 1202d2 of the vertical wall of the right frame 1202d is formed with a right claw locking hole (not shown) that can lock the right claw 1204b of the upper plate design sheet 1204.

As will be described in more detail later, the lower plate design sheet bottom 1206 has an asymmetrical shape when viewed from the front, and the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206b have different shapes. Therefore, the left claw engagement hole 1202g into which the left claw 1206a can be engaged and the right claw engagement hole (not shown) into which the right claw 1206b can be engaged also have different shapes.

<Lower plate/Lower plate design sheet>
Next, the lower plate design sheet (first decorative member) 1204 of the lower plate 1200 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 42(a), the upper lower plate design sheet 1204 is a translucent plate-like member having approximately the same shape as the vertical wall 1202b of the lower plate base 1202, and is configured to be detachable from the vertical wall 1202b.

The upper plate design sheet 1204 is composed of a left claw 1204a (projecting piece) that can be engaged with the left claw engagement hole 1202g of the left frame 1202c, a right claw 1204b (projecting piece) that can be engaged with the right claw engagement hole of the right frame 1202d, a cover part 1204c that covers the rectangular opening 1202b1 of the vertical wall 1202b, and a circular sound hole 1204d formed at a position corresponding to the sound hole 1202b2 of the vertical wall 1202b.

The upper lower plate design sheet 1204 can be attached to the lower plate base 1202 by placing it on the vertical wall 1202b of the lower plate base 1202 and positioning it, then engaging the left claw 1204a with the left claw engagement hole 1202g of the left frame 1202c and the right claw 1204b with the right claw engagement hole of the right frame 1202d.

On the other hand, the lower plate design sheet upper 1204 can be removed from the lower plate base 1202 by removing the left claw 1204a from the left claw engagement hole 1202g of the left frame 1202c and the right claw 1204b from the right claw engagement hole of the right frame 1202d.

In this example, the lower plate design sheet 1204 has an asymmetrical shape when viewed from the front, and the shapes of the upper and lower claws on the left claw 1204a and right claw 1204b are different.

In this example, the shapes of the upper and lower claws on the left claw 1204a and the right claw 1204b of the lower plate design sheet 1204 are different, so when attaching the lower plate design sheet 1204 to the vertical wall 1202b, it is possible to prevent installation errors (reverse assembly) such as attaching the lower plate design sheet 1204 upside down, thereby improving work efficiency.

In addition, two left claws 1204a and right claws 1204b are provided on both sides of the length of the upper bottom plate design sheet 1204. If the upper bottom plate design sheet 1204 is forcibly removed, the left claws 1204a and right claws 1204b are easily damaged, and traces of removal can be left behind, making it easier to detect fraudulent activity, etc.

In this example, the upper bottom plate design sheet 1204 has a symmetrical shape when viewed from the front, and the left and right claws 1204a and 1204b have the same shape, but the left and right claws 1204a and 1204b may have different shapes, as with the lower bottom plate design sheet 1206 described below.

<Lower plate/Lower plate design sheet>
Next, the lower plate decorative sheet (second decorative member) 1206 of the lower plate 1200 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 42(a), the lower plate design sheet 1206 is a translucent plate-like member having approximately the same shape as the bottom surface 1202a of the lower plate base 1202, and is configured to be detachable from the bottom surface 1202a.

The lower plate design sheet bottom 1206 is configured with a left claw 1206a (projecting piece) that can be engaged with the left claw engagement hole 1202e of the left frame 1202c, and a right claw 1206b (projecting piece) that can be engaged with the right claw engagement hole of the right frame 1202d.

The lower plate design sheet 1206 can be attached to the lower plate base 1202 by placing it on the bottom surface 1202a of the lower plate base 1202, positioning it, and then engaging the left claw 1206a with the left claw engagement hole 1202e of the left frame 1202c and the right claw 1206b with the right claw engagement hole of the right frame 1202d.

On the other hand, the lower plate design sheet bottom 1206 can be removed from the lower plate base 1202 by removing the left claw 1206a from the left claw engagement hole 1202e of the left frame 1202c and the right claw 1206b from the right claw engagement hole of the right frame 1202d.

In this example, the bottom plate design sheet 1206 has an asymmetrical shape when viewed from the front, and the left claw 1206a is larger than the right claw 1206b.

In this example, the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206b of the lower plate design sheet 1206 are different in shape, so that when attaching the lower plate design sheet 1206 to the bottom surface 1202a, it is possible to prevent installation errors (reverse assembly) such as attaching the lower plate design sheet 1206 in reverse, thereby improving work efficiency.

In addition, two left claws 1206a and right claws 1206b are provided on both sides of the length of the bottom plate design sheet 1206, so if the bottom plate design sheet 1206 is forcibly removed, the left claws 1206a and right claws 1206b are easily damaged and traces of removal can be left behind, making it easier to detect fraudulent activity, etc.

In addition, in this example, the lower plate design sheet bottom 1206 has a vertically asymmetric shape when viewed from the front, and the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206a are formed only on the upper part of the lower plate design sheet bottom 1206.

In this example, the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206a are formed only on the upper part of the lower plate design sheet 1206, so that when attaching the lower plate design sheet 1206 to the bottom surface 1202a, it is possible to prevent installation errors (reverse assembly) such as attaching the lower plate design sheet 1206 upside down, thereby improving work efficiency.

In this example, the bottom of the lower plate design sheet 1206 is asymmetrical from left to right and from top to bottom when viewed from the front, and the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206b have different shapes, but similar to the top of the lower plate design sheet 1204, the left claw 1206a and the right claw 1206b may be made the same shape by making the shape symmetrical from left to right when viewed from the front.

<Lower plate/Lower plate cover>
Next, the lower tray cover (cover member) 1208 of the lower tray 1200 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 42(a), the lower dish cover 1208 is a dish-shaped member that can be accommodated in the space formed by the bottom surface 1202a, the vertical wall 1202b, the left frame 1202c, and the right frame 1202d of the lower dish base 1202.

The lower plate cover 1208 is composed of a bottom surface 1208a made of a plate-like member having a substantially rectangular shape, a rear upright wall 1208b made of a plate-like member extending upward from the long side of the bottom surface 1208a at its base end, a front upright wall 1208c made of a plate-like member extending vertically from the long side of the front surface 1208a at its base end, a left frame 1208d and a right frame 1208e arranged at both ends of the length of the bottom surface 1208a, and a support piece 1208f extending rearward from the lower end of the front upright wall 1208c at its base end.

The rear standing wall 1208b is configured with a sound hole 1208b1 formed at a position corresponding to the sound hole 1202b2 of the lower dish base 1202, and two locking claws 1208b2 that can be engaged with the standing wall 1202b of the lower dish base 1202.

The lower dish cover 1208 can be attached to the lower dish base 1202 by positioning it with the bottom surface 1208a and support piece 1208f so as to sandwich the top and bottom of the bottom surface 1202a of the lower dish base 1202 with respect to the lower dish base 1202 with the upper lower dish design sheet 1204 and the lower lower dish design sheet 1206 attached, and then engaging the two locking claws 1208b2 with the locking holes 1202b3 formed at both ends of the vertical wall 1202b, respectively.

<Lower plate/Lower plate cover/Lock tab>
Figure 42 (b) is a partially enlarged view of the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower plate base 1202 from above.

The locking claw 1208b2 is composed of a base portion 1208b21 made of a plate-shaped member and a locking portion 1208b22 that protrudes from the tip of the base portion 1208b21 toward the outside in the longitudinal direction of the rear standing wall 1208b.

In this example, the angle α between the base portion 1208b21 and the locking portion 1208b22 is approximately 90 degrees.

If the angle α between the base portion 1208b21 and the locking portion 1208b22 is set to an angle less obtuse than 90 degrees (e.g., 135 degrees), when the locking claw 1208b2 is pulled out to remove the lower dish cover 1208 from the lower dish base 1202, the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower dish cover 1208 can be easily removed from the locking hole 1202b3 of the lower dish base 1202, and no trace of the removal of the lower dish cover 1208 from the lower dish base 1202 remains on the locking claw 1208b2.

On the other hand, in this example, the angle α between the base portion 1208b21 and the locking portion 1208b22 is an acute angle (approximately 85 degrees in this example), so when pulling out the locking claw 1208b2 to remove the lower dish cover 1208 from the lower dish base 1202, the locking claw 1208b2 of the lower dish cover 1208 can be made difficult to remove from the locking hole 1202b3 of the lower dish base 1202, which not only prevents fraudulent acts such as removing the lower dish cover 1208, but also leaves a trace on the locking claw 1208b2 that the lower dish cover 1208 has been removed from the lower dish base 1202, making it possible to detect fraudulent acts, etc.

Note that the angle α is not limited to this example, and may be an angle more acute than 85 degrees (e.g., 70 degrees) or an obtuse angle (e.g., 100 degrees).

<Lower plate/Lower plate cover/Bottom and rear wall>
Figure 42 (c) is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-section of the bottom surface 1208a and rear wall 1208b of the lower tray cover 1208.

In this example, the thickness a of the corner (R portion) spanning from the bottom surface 1208a to the rear standing wall 1208b is configured to be greater than the thickness b of the bottom surface 1208a (a>b).

Specifically, the inner wall of the corner has a greater curvature than the outer wall of the corner in order to maximize the volume of the lower dish cover 1208.

On the other hand, the outer wall of the corner has a lower curvature than the inner wall of the corner to prevent contact with and damage to the upper lower plate design sheet 1204 and the lower lower plate design sheet 1206 when attaching or removing the lower plate cover 1208, while at the same time giving the corner thickness to ensure the strength of the lower plate cover 1208.

<Bottom plate/Summary>
As described above, the gaming machine (e.g., a medalless slot machine) of this embodiment is equipped with a lower tray (e.g., lower tray 1200 shown in Figure 41) on which an item can be placed, and the lower tray is characterized in that it comprises a base member (e.g., lower tray base 1202 shown in Figure 42(a)) that can be attached to a door body (e.g., front door 1102 shown in Figure 41), a first decorative member (e.g., upper lower tray design sheet 1204 shown in Figure 42(a)), a second decorative member (e.g., lower lower tray design sheet 1206 shown in Figure 42(a)), and a cover member (e.g., lower tray cover 1208 shown in Figure 42(a)) that can be attached to the base member while covering the first decorative member and the second decorative member.

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, multiple sets of first and second decorative members with different decorations are prepared, and by replacing the first and second decorative members, decorations can be applied according to the model of the gaming machine, increasing the variety of decorations of the gaming machine. In addition, since the first and second decorative members can be replaced simply by removing the cover member, the design of the bottom tray can be easily changed, improving convenience.

The first decorative member or the second decorative member (e.g., the lower plate design sheet 1206 shown in FIG. 42(a)) may have a first protruding piece (e.g., the left claw 1206a shown in FIG. 42(a)) on one side in the longitudinal direction and a second protruding piece (e.g., the right claw 1206b shown in FIG. 42(a)) on the other side in the longitudinal direction, and the first protruding piece and the second protruding piece may have different shapes.

This configuration makes it possible to prevent installation errors (reverse assembly) such as installing the first decorative member or the second decorative member in the wrong position when attaching them to the base member, thereby improving work efficiency.

The cover member may be a box-shaped member, and the inner wall of the corner where the bottom surface and back surface of the cover member intersect may have a greater curvature than the outer wall of the corner.

This configuration allows the volume of the cover member to be maximized, and prevents damage to the first and second decorative members when attaching and detaching the cover member from the base member, while at the same time ensuring the strength of the base member by adding thickness to the corners.

The cover member also has a locking claw (e.g., locking claw 1208b2 shown in FIG. 42(a)) that can be locked to the base member, and the locking claw is composed of a base portion (e.g., base portion 1208b21 shown in FIG. 42(b)) and a locking portion (e.g., locking portion 1208b22 shown in FIG. 42(b)) that protrudes from the tip end of the base portion, and the angle between the base portion and the locking portion (e.g., angle α shown in FIG. 42(b)) may be an acute angle (an angle smaller than 90 degrees; preferably, 75 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees).

With this configuration, when the locking claws are pulled out to remove the cover member from the base member, the locking claws of the cover member are difficult to remove from the base member, preventing unauthorized acts such as removing the cover member. In addition, the locking claws can leave a trace that the cover member has been removed from the base member, making unauthorized acts noticeable.

<Certificate stamp attachment unit>
Next, the stamp attachment unit 1250 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 43 (a) is an external perspective view of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 as seen from the front, and figure (b) is an external perspective view of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 as seen from the rear.

The stamp attachment unit 1250 is composed of a transparent sheet 1252 (stamp holding means) capable of holding a stamp, and a stamp cover 1254 (attachment means) to which the transparent sheet 1252 can be attached.

Here, a "stamp" refers to a paper medium that displays information about a gaming machine, such as union stamps issued by the Japan Electric Industry Association (a slot machine manufacturer organization) or the Japan Industrial Association (a pachinko machine manufacturer association), or patent stamps.

<Certificate stamp attachment unit/transparent sheet>
Next, the transparent sheet 1252 (certificate stamp holding means) of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 43(a), the transparent sheet 1252 is made of a resin sheet that is approximately rectangular in plan view, and one or more certificate stamps 1252a can be attached to the front (or back).

The material of the "stamp holding means" according to the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, paper or a metal plate. The method of holding the stamp by the "stamp holding means" is also not particularly limited, and for example, the stamp may be attached using double-sided tape, or a pocket or slit may be formed to hold the stamp.

<Certificate stamp attachment unit/Certificate stamp cover>
Next, the certificate stamp cover 1254 (attaching means) of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 will be described.

The certificate stamp cover 1254 is composed of a front surface 1254a made of a plate-shaped member, an upper frame 1254b formed by extending rearward from the upper end of the front surface 1254a as a base end, a lower frame 1254c formed by extending rearward from the lower end of the front surface 1254a as a base end, and a left frame 1254d and a right frame 1254e formed by extending rearward from both ends of the front surface 1254a as base ends.

On both sides of the front surface 1254a in the short direction, fitting grooves 1254a1 into which the upper and lower edges of the transparent sheet 1252 can fit are formed from one side to the other side in the longitudinal direction of the front surface 1254a. In addition, on the left side of the front surface 1254a when viewed from the front, a clamping portion 1254a2 capable of clamping the transparent sheet 1252 is formed.

The transparent sheet 1252 is configured to be slidable to the left of the front surface 1254a when viewed from the front, with its upper and lower edges fitted into the upper and lower fitting grooves 1254a1 of the front surface 1254a. When the transparent sheet 1252 is slid to the left of the front surface along the fitting grooves 1254a1 of the front surface 1254a, the left edge of the transparent sheet 1252 is clamped by the clamping portion 1254a2 of the front surface 1254a, so that the transparent sheet 1252 is held in the stamp cover 1254.

On the other hand, when the transparent sheet 1252 clamped by the clamping portion 1254a2 of the front surface 1254a is slid to the right as viewed from the front, the clamping of the transparent sheet 1252 is released, and the upper and lower ends of the transparent sheet 1252 are pulled out and removed from the fitting groove 1254a1 of the front surface 1254a, whereby the transparent sheet 1252 is removed from the stamp cover 1254.

The certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 of this example has a certificate stamp holding means (transparent sheet 1252) capable of holding a certificate stamp, and an attachment means (certificate stamp cover 1254) to which the certificate stamp holding means (transparent sheet 1252) can be attached, making it easy to replace the certificate stamp and improving the convenience of the worker performing the replacement work.

As shown in Figures 43(a) and (b), a door fixing portion 1254b1 (fixing portion) is formed in the longitudinal center of the upper edge 1254b of the certificate stamp cover 1254 for fixing the certificate stamp cover 1254 to the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1102, and on both sides of this fixing portion 1254b1, insertion portions 1254b2 are formed through which the protrusions 1288 formed on the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1102 are inserted.

As shown in FIG. 43(b), the left frame 1254d has two mating recesses 1254d1 (mating portions) that can be mated with two mating protrusions 1282 (mating portions) formed on the front door 1102, and the right frame 1254e has a fixed claw 1254e1 (locking portion) that can be locked with a fixed claw locked portion 1284 (locking portion) formed on the front door 1102.

<Certificate stamp mounting unit/mounting base>
Next, the mounting base 1280 to which the certificate stamp mounting unit 1250 can be attached will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 44 is an external perspective view of the lower part of the front door 1102 as seen from the rear.

A mounting base 1280 is provided at the bottom of the front door 1102, to which the stamp mounting unit 1250 can be attached.

The mounting base 1280 is formed with an engaging protrusion 1282 (engaged portion) into which the engaging recess 1254d1 of the left frame 1254d of the stamp cover 1254 can be engaged, a fixed claw engaged portion 1284 (engaged portion) into which the fixed claw 1254e1 of the right frame 1254e of the stamp cover 1254 can be engaged, a cover fixing portion 1286 (fixed portion) into which the door fixing portion 1254b1 of the stamp cover 1254 can be fixed, and a protrusion 1288 into which the insertion portion 1254b2 of the stamp cover 1254 can be inserted.

<Certificate stamp attachment unit/installation method>
Next, a method of attaching the stamp attachment unit 1250 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 45 (a) is an external perspective view and a schematic diagram showing the state before the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1102, and Figure 45 (b) is an external perspective view and a schematic diagram showing the state after the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1101.

First, the front door 1102 is rotated in the X direction relative to the main body 1101 around the rotation axis L1. With the front door 1102 half-open, the mating recess 1254d1 of the left frame 1254d of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 is fitted into the mating protrusion 1282 of the attachment base 1280 of the front door 1101, thereby positioning the left frame 1254d of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 (corresponding to the attachment operation indicated by circle 1 in the figure).

Next, the right frame 1254e of the stamp mounting unit 1250 is rotated in the Y direction toward the front door 1102, with the contact point between the fitting recess 1254d1 of the left frame 1254d of the stamp mounting unit 1250 and the fitting protrusion 1282 of the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1101 as the rotation axis L2, and the insertion portions 1254b2 of the stamp mounting unit 1250 are inserted into the protrusions 1288 of the mounting base 1280, and the door fixing portion 1254b1 of the stamp mounting unit 1250 is inserted into the cover fixing portion 1286 of the mounting base 1280.

Then, the right frame 1254e of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 is further rotated in the Y direction around the pivot axis L2, and the fixing claw 1254e1 of the right frame 1254e is engaged with the fixing claw engaging portion 1284 of the mounting base 1280 of the front door 1101, temporarily fixing the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 (corresponding to the attachment operation indicated by circle 2 in the figure).

Finally, the door fixing portion 1254b1 of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 and the cover fixing portion 1286 of the attachment base 1280 are fixed with the screw 1290, thereby fixing the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 to the attachment base 1280 of the front door 1102.

In this example, the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 can be positioned by fitting the fitting recess 1254d1 of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 into the fitting protrusion 1282 of the attachment base 1280, making the installation of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 easy, reducing the burden on the worker, and preventing operational errors.

In addition, since the fitting recess 1254d1 of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 is disposed closer to the rotation axis L1 of the front door 1102 than the fixing claw 1254e1 of the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250, when attaching the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250, the worker does not need to stand behind the front door 1102 to perform the work, but can simply insert his/her hand behind the front door 1102 while the front door 1102 is slightly open to perform the work. This minimizes the amount of opening of the front door 1102 during the attachment work, and improves the work efficiency when attaching and removing the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250.

In addition, because the rotation direction (X direction) when the front door 1102 is opened is the same as the rotation direction (Y direction) when the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 is attached to the front door 1102, the worker does not need to stand behind the front door 1102 when attaching the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250. Instead, the worker can simply insert his or her hand behind the front door 1102 while the front door 1102 is slightly open, minimizing the amount that the front door 1102 is opened during the attachment work, thereby improving the work efficiency when attaching and removing the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250.

In addition, the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 can be fixed to the front door 1102 using only the fixing claws 1254e1 and screws 1290, making it easy to install and remove the certificate stamp attachment unit 1250 and reducing the burden on the worker.

<Stamp attachment unit/Summary>
As explained above, the gaming machine according to this example (for example, a medal-less slot machine, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 39 ) comprises a door body (for example, the front door 1102 shown in FIG. 41 ) on which a stamp (for example, the stamp 1252a shown in FIG. 43(a) ) on which information about the gaming machine is displayed can be placed, stamp holding means (for example, the transparent sheet 1252 shown in FIG. 43(a) ) capable of holding a stamp, and attachment means (for example, the stamp cover 1254 shown in FIG. 43(a) ) on which the stamp holding means can be attached, the attachment means comprising an engagement portion (for example, the fixing claw 1254e1 shown in FIG. 45(a) ) which can be engaged with an attachment portion of the door body (for example, the attachment base 1280) on one longitudinal side, and the attachment means comprising an engagement portion (for example, the engagement recess 1254d1 shown in FIG. 45(a) ) which can be engaged with the attachment portion of the door body on the other longitudinal side, and the attachment means comprises a fastening portion (for example, the fastening recess 1254d1 shown in FIG. 45(a) ) which can be fitted into .... a fixing portion (e.g., door fixing portion 1254b1 shown in FIG. 45(a)) for fixing a means to the mounting portion of the door body, the mounting portion having an engaged portion (e.g., fixed claw engaged portion 1284 shown in FIG. 44) with which the engaging portion of the mounting means can be engaged, the mounting portion having an engaged portion (e.g., engaging protrusion 1282 shown in FIG. 45(a)) with which the engaging portion of the mounting means can be engaged, and the mounting portion having a engaged portion (e.g., cover fixing portion 1286 shown in FIG. 45(a)) to which the fixing portion of the mounting means is fixed, and the mounting means can be attached to the door body by engaging the engaging portion of the mounting means with the engaged portion of the mounting portion of the door body, rotating the mounting means toward the mounting portion of the door body around the engaged portion as a rotation axis, and engaging the engaging portion of the mounting means with the engaged portion of the mounting portion of the door body.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment makes it easy to attach and remove the mounting means, reducing the burden on the worker.

The fitting portion of the mounting means may be disposed closer to the pivot axis of the door body (e.g., pivot axis L1 shown in FIG. 45(a)) than the locking portion of the mounting means.

With this configuration, when attaching the mounting means to the door body, the worker does not need to stand at the back of the door body to perform the work; it is sufficient to perform the work by inserting a hand behind the door body with the door body slightly open, so the amount of opening of the door body during the installation work can be minimized, and the work efficiency of attaching and removing the mounting means can be improved.

The rotation direction of the door body when it is opened (e.g., the X direction shown in FIG. 45(a)) and the rotation direction when the mounting means is attached to the door body (e.g., the Y direction shown in FIG. 45(a)) may be the same.

With this configuration, when attaching the mounting means to the door body, the worker does not need to stand at the back of the door body to perform the work; it is sufficient to perform the work by inserting a hand behind the door body with the door body slightly open, so the amount of opening of the door body during the installation work can be minimized, and the work efficiency of attaching and removing the mounting means can be improved.

<Door relay board>
Next, the door relay board 1300 of the medalless slot machine will be described with reference to Figures 46 to 48.

Figure 46 (a) is a front view showing a portion of the door relay board 1300 of a medalless slot machine.

As shown in FIG. 46(a), the medal-less slot machine (not shown) comprises a door relay board 1300 (board) and a board cover 1302 (cover member) arranged to cover one side 1300a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "component mounting surface") of the door relay board 1300.

The door relay board 1300 corresponds to the door relay board 290 of the slot machine 100 described with reference to FIG. 40, and is provided on the rear side (back side) of the front door 1102 (see FIG. 41) of the medalless slot machine. Note that the two-dot chain line indicated by the symbol L3 in FIG. 46(a) indicates the rotation axis of the front door 1102, with the right side of the door relay board 1300 in the longitudinal direction as viewed from the front being the side closer to the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102, and the left side of the door relay board 1300 in the longitudinal direction as viewed from the front being the side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102.

The door relay board 1300 is a board on which operating means are arranged on the component mounting surface 1300a (one side), and in this example, a clear switch 1304 and a reset switch 1306 are arranged as operating means instead of the setting change button 292 and reset switch 291 of the door relay board 290 described using FIG. 40. These clear switch 1304 and reset switch 1306 are arranged on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300, on the side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102.

The "plate" according to the present invention is not limited to a board, but may be any plate-shaped member. Therefore, the "operation means" according to the present invention is not limited to an operation means arranged on a board, and may be, for example, an operation means arranged on a plate separate from the board, an operation means arranged on a plate adjacent to the board in the longitudinal direction (or short direction), an operation means arranged on a plate laminated on the front (or back) of the board, or an operation means arranged on a plate electrically connected to the board via a connector or the like. In addition, the door relay board 1300 is provided on the back side of the front door 1102, but is not limited to this. A board provided with some kind of operation means (push-type switch, rotary switch, etc.) may be provided on a main frame that can be opened and closed (rotated) around a rotation axis, or on a door frame provided on the main frame, and the present invention can be applied to a pachinko game machine having such a configuration.

<Door relay board/clear switch>
Next, the clear switch 1304 mounted on the door relay board 1300 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 46 (b) is a partially enlarged view showing the area around the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 on the door relay board 1300.

The clear switch 1304 is an operating means capable of clearing game information (e.g., game value number information, error information, etc.) relating to the progress of play at least on the game machine (in this example, a medal-less slot machine), and in this example is configured as a push button type switch with an operating surface 1304a that accepts operations.

The outer diameter W1 of the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 is larger than the inner diameter W2 of the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch formed in the board cover 1302 described below (W1>W2), and only a central portion of the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 is exposed to the outside through the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch.

In this example, pressing the clear switch 1304 clears (initializes) the information on the number of play values (information equivalent to the number of medals) and error information stored in the storage means (such as the RWM).

Clear switch function information 1308 indicating the function of the clear switch 1304 (in this example, the character string "clear" indicating that it is a clear switch and a rectangle surrounding this character string) is printed (in this example, silk screen printing) near the top of the clear switch 1304 on the door relay board 1300.

Furthermore, below this clear switch function information 1308, clear switch identification information 1310 indicating the identification information of the clear switch 1304 (in this example, the character string "SW3" indicating that the identification symbol is SW3) and clear switch location information 1312 indicating the location (mounting location) of the clear switch 1304 (in this example, a rectangular shape) are printed (silk-screened). Furthermore, the words "Medal Count Clear" are engraved near the clear switch 1304 on the board cover 1302 (cover member).

The ratio of the outer diameter W1 of the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 to the inner diameter W2 of the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch is not limited to the ratio shown in FIG. 46(b), and the inner diameter of the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch may be large enough to allow the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 to be operated by a human finger or the like. Furthermore, the shapes of the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 and the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch are not limited to a circle, and may be, for example, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or a polygon with pentagons or more.

<Door relay board/reset switch>
Next, the reset switch 1306 mounted on the door relay board 1300 will be described.

The reset switch 1306 is an operating means capable of clearing error information (e.g., a door open error) relating to an error at least in the gaming machine (in this example, a medal-less slot machine), and in this example, is configured as a push button type switch with an operating surface 1306a that accepts operations.

The outer diameter W1 of the operation surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 is the same as the outer diameter W1 of the clear switch 1304, and is also the same as the inner diameter W1 of the reset switch opening 1330a1 formed in the board cover 1302 described below, and the entire operation surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 is exposed to the outside through the reset switch opening 1330a1.

In this example, by pressing the reset switch 1306, the error information stored in the storage means (such as the RWM) is cleared (initialized), and the error is resolved. Note that the reset switch 1306 may also be operated to switch the setting value in the setting change state.

Reset switch function information 1314 indicating the function of the reset switch 1306 (in this example, the character string "Reset" indicating that it is a reset switch and a rectangle surrounding this character string) is printed (in this example, silk screen printing) near the upper part of the reset switch 1306 on the door relay board 1300.

Below this reset switch function information 1314, reset switch identification information 1316 indicating the identification information of the reset switch 1306 (in this example, the character string "SW2" indicating that the identification symbol is SW2) and reset switch location information 1318 indicating the location (mounting position) of the reset switch 1306 (in this example, a rectangular shape) are printed (silk-screened). In addition, the words "Reset setting" are engraved near the clear switch 1306 on the board cover 1302 (cover member).

In this example, the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 have the same outer diameter W1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the outer diameters may be different. In addition, the shape of the operation surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 and the opening 1330a1 for the reset switch are not limited to a circle, and may be, for example, an ellipse, a triangle, a square, a rectangle, or a polygon with pentagons or more. In addition, the outer diameter of the operation surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 and the inner diameter of the opening 1330a1 for the reset switch are the same W1, but a structure similar to that of the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 and the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch may be adopted.

<Door relay board/components>
Next, the components mounted on the door relay board 1300 will be described.

As shown in Figure 46 (a), multiple components are mounted (arranged) on the door relay board 1300.

The "components" mounted on the "board" of the present invention are not particularly limited, but in this example, the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 is mounted with active components such as a display 1320 consisting of a 7-segment LED, various ICs 1322, passive components 1324 such as resistors, resistor arrays, capacitors, and coils, and mechanical components such as connectors 1326.

The resistors in passive components 1324 have the symbol "R" printed (silkscreened) nearby, the resistor arrays in passive components 1324 have the symbol "RA" printed (silkscreened) nearby, and the capacitors in passive components 1324 have the symbol "C" printed (silkscreened) nearby.

In this example, the connector 1326 is provided from the clear switch 1304 through a specified area in the longitudinal direction of the door relay board 1300 (leaving a space between them), and in this specified area, the passive components 1324 (certain components. In this example, elongated resistors R26, R29-R31, R36-R38, elongated capacitors C12-C14, and elongated resistor assembly RA1) are provided so that their longitudinal direction is parallel to the lateral direction of the door relay board 1300 (the vertical direction in Figure 46(a)).

According to this example, when a cable or the like is inserted or removed from the connector 1326, or when the clear switch 1304 (operation means) is pressed, the door relay board 1300 is subjected to stress during the pressing operation, causing distortion (deformation) of the door relay board 1300, which can prevent a situation in which the components mounted on the door relay board 1300 are indirectly damaged, and deterioration or failure of the components can be prevented.

<Board cover>
Next, the substrate cover 1302 (cover member) will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 47 (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 46 (a).

The board cover 1302 is a dish-shaped transparent member arranged to cover the entire component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300, and in this example is made of colorless, transparent plastic.

The "cover member" of the present invention may be a member that covers at least a portion of one side of a board (e.g., door relay board 1300), and may be, for example, a member that does not cover the connector 1326, reset switch 1306, display 1320, etc., arranged on the door relay board 1300, but covers the clear switch 1304.

The substrate cover 1302 is composed of a top surface 1330 that is rectangular in plan view, and side surfaces 1332 that extend from the four sides of the top surface 1330.

The upper surface 1330 of the board cover 1302 is composed of a base surface 1330a extending in a direction perpendicular to the top of the side surface 1332 (horizontal direction when viewed from the side), an inclined surface 1330b extending from the end of this base surface 1330a in the thickness direction of the base surface 1330a in the direction opposite the clear switch 1304, and a raised surface 1330c formed at the top of this inclined surface 1330b.

Hereinafter, the inclined surface 1330b and the raised surface 1330c that are raised (protruded) in the thickness direction based on the flat base surface 1330a may be collectively referred to as the raised portions 1330b and 1330c.

A circular reset switch opening 1330a1 is formed on the base surface 1330a of the top surface 1330, allowing the reset switch 1306 to be operated. This reset switch opening 1330a1 is an opening with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter W1 of the operation surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306. When the board cover 1302 is attached to the door relay board 1300, the operation surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 is exposed to the outside through the reset switch opening 1330a1, allowing the reset switch 1306 to be pressed.

In this example, the base surface 1330a of the top surface 1330 and the operation surface 1306a of the reset switch 1306 are substantially flush with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this, and one surface may be higher or lower than the other surface.

The raised surface 1330c of the top surface 1330 is formed with a circular opening 1330c1 for the clear switch that allows operation of the clear switch 1304. This opening 1330c1 for the clear switch is an opening with an inner diameter W2 that is smaller than the outer diameter W1 of the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304. When the board cover 1302 is attached to the door relay board 1300, the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 is not exposed to the outside from the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch, but is located below the opening 1330c1 for the clear switch (below the raised portions 1330b and 1330c).

In other words, the outer periphery of the operation surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 is covered by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c, but the center of the clear switch 1304 can be contacted through the clear switch opening 1330c1 formed in the raised surface 1330c, and the clear switch 1304 can be pressed with a human finger or the like.

In this example, raised portions 1330b, 1330c are formed around the clear switch opening 1330c1 (opening) that allows operation of the clear switch 1304 (operation means). This means that the clear switch 1304 (operation means) can be operated by touch using the raised portions 1330b, 1330c as a guide, without the need to visually check the clear switch 1304 (operation means), thereby improving convenience for game store staff and the like.

The board cover 1302 also has a raised surface 1330c (covering portion) that covers part of the operating surface 1304a of the clear switch 1304 (operating means), which prevents tampering and makes it difficult to insert unauthorized tools through the clear switch opening 1330c1 (opening). Even if the clear switch 1304 (operating means) is accidentally hit by the clothing or equipment of an operator, the clear switch 1304 (operating means) will not be operated, which can avoid trouble during the opening hours of the arcade and prevent unintended operation during maintenance work after closing time.

The "operation means" according to the present invention is not limited to an operation means capable of clearing game information relating to the progress of a game on a gaming machine (e.g., the clear switch 1304), but may be, for example, a reset switch capable of clearing an error (e.g., the reset switch 1306 described with reference to FIG. 46) or a setting change button capable of changing settings (e.g., the setting change button 292 described with reference to FIG. 39), etc.

The "protruding portion" according to the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a portion that protrudes from the end of the base surface 1330a toward the clear switch 1304 in the thickness direction of the base surface 1330a (i.e., a portion that protrudes in the opposite direction to the protruding portions 1330b and 1330c in this example). Also, the "protruding portion" may be a portion that protrudes from the end of the base surface 1330a toward both sides in the thickness direction of the base surface 1330a. In this way, when the "protruding portion" is configured to protrude from the board case toward the board (clear switch 1304), the functional information displayed on the board may be configured to be located across the protruding portion and the top surface of the board case, and the visibility of the functional information may be reduced in a first portion where the functional information and the protruding portion overlap, and the visibility of the functional information may be reduced in a second portion (a portion where the functional information and the top surface of the board case do not overlap) where the visibility of the functional information is not reduced more than in a specific portion. In addition, the present invention is not limited to functional information, and can also be applied to identification information such as "SW3". In addition, although the present invention is configured such that the functional information is located across the raised portion and the base surface 1330a, the present invention is not limited to this, and the functional information may be displayed across the exposed portion not covered by the board case and the raised portion. In such a configuration, the first portion where the functional information and the raised portion overlap may have reduced visibility, and the second portion where the functional information is exposed by the exposed portion may have a lower visibility than the first portion. This is also true for a configuration in which the "raised portion" is raised in the opposite direction to the board, or raised toward the board. In addition, the present invention is not limited to functional information, and can also be applied to identification information such as "SW3".

The shape of the raised portion is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a tapered shape that narrows toward the tip, a portion made up of vertical and horizontal surfaces in side view, a portion made up of only inclined surfaces in side view, or a portion made up of only vertical surfaces in side view.

Figure 47 (c) shows a modified example of the "raised portion" according to the present invention.

The cover member 1352 in this example has a rectangular opening 1352a that allows the clear switch 1354 (operation means) to be operated, and a lid body 1352b (raised portion) of a predetermined thickness that is arranged to cover the opening 1352a and is attached to the opening 1352a in an openable and closable manner. That is, in this example, the opening 1352a and the lid body 1352b (raised portion) are separate.

In this example, the clear switch 1354 can be pressed through the opening 1352a by hooking the lid 1352b with a fingertip or the like to open it.

In this example, a lid 1352b (raised portion) is formed around the opening 1352a that allows the operation of the clear switch 1354 (operation means). This means that the clear switch 1354 (operation means) can be operated by feel using the lid 1352b (raised portion) as a clue without having to see the clear switch 1354 (operation means), thereby improving convenience for game store staff and the like.

In addition, in this example, the rotation axis of the lid body 1352b is the left end of the lid body 1352b, which is opposite the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102 (because the direction in which the lid body 1352b is opened is different from the direction in which the front door 1102 is opened), so when pressing the clear switch 1354 with the front door 1102 open, the lid body 1352b can be easily hooked with a fingertip or the like, improving operability.

The configuration of the cover member is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a cover member having a circular opening 1352a' that allows operation of the clear switch 1354 (operation means), a ring-shaped raised portion 1352b' formed along the outer periphery of this circular opening 1352a', and a flat surface portion 1352c arranged around this ring-shaped raised portion 1352b'.

In this cover member, the inner diameter of the circular opening 1352a' is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the clear switch 1354, and the ring-shaped raised portion 1352b' has a shape that is raised above the operating surface of the clear switch 1354 (toward the viewer in FIG. 47(c)).

Thus, when the cover member is closed, the clear switch 1354 can be pressed through the opening 1352a', while the raised portion 1352b' is located on the outer edge of this opening 1352a', preventing the clear switch 1354 from being accidentally operated.

In addition to this example, a lid 1352b may be provided. When the lid 1352b is provided, the lid 1352b and the raised portion 1352b' are configured to come into contact with each other, and the lid 1352b and the operation surface of the clear switch 1354 are configured not to come into contact with each other. In other words, the raised portion 1352b' is configured to come into contact with the lid 1352b before the operation surface of the clear switch 1354 comes into contact with the lid 1352b, so that the clear switch 1354 may be prevented from being pressed down when the lid 1352b is closed.

When the cover member is closed, a portion of the clear switch function information 1358 (e.g., the lower half of "clear") is located below the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, and is therefore the portion (first portion) where the clear switch function information 1358 and the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member overlap each other in the vertical direction.

For this reason, when the clear switch function information 1358 is viewed in a plan view through the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, visibility is reduced by the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, and a portion of the clear switch function information 1358 (the lower half of "clear") appears blurry compared to when viewed through the non-raised flat portion 1352c.

On the other hand, another part of the clear switch function information 1358 (for example, the upper half of the character "clear") is not located below the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, but is located below the non-raised flat portion 1352c, and is therefore a part (second part) where the clear switch function information 1358 and the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member do not overlap each other in the vertical direction.

For this reason, when the clear switch function information 1358 is viewed in plan through the non-raised flat portion 1352c, visibility is not reduced by the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member, and another part of the clear switch function information 1358 (the upper half of the word "clear") is more clearly visible than when viewed through the raised portion 1352b' of the cover member.

Clear switch function information 1358 indicating the function of clear switch 1354 (operation means) must be placed near clear switch 1354 (operation means) to make it difficult to understand its function, but if clear switch 1354 (operation means) is placed too close, there is a risk that visibility will be reduced by raised portion 1352b'. On the other hand, if clear switch function information 1358 is placed in a part where visibility is not reduced by raised portion 1352b', the distance from clear switch 1354 (operation means) will be too far, and there is a risk that it will be difficult to understand what function it is displaying.

However, in this example, the clear switch function information 1358 is composed of a first portion (where the clear switch function information 1358 and the raised portion 1352b' overlap) whose visibility is reduced by the raised portion 1352b', and a second portion (where the clear switch function information 1358 and the raised portion 1352b' do not overlap) whose visibility is higher than the first portion. Therefore, even if the clear switch function information 1358 overlaps with the raised portion 1352b', the identifiability of the clear switch function information 1358 is guaranteed, and it is also possible to identify whether the clear switch function information 1358 is a functional display, thereby maintaining maintainability.

<Board cover/components>
Next, the relationship between the board cover 1302 and the components mounted on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 will be described with reference to FIG.

The "maximum height" described in this example refers to the maximum height based on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300, with the maximum height of resistor R31 of passive component 1324 being h1, the maximum height of display 1320 being h2, the maximum height of resistor assembly RA1 of passive component 1324 being h3, the maximum height of connector 1326 being h4, the maximum height of clear switch 1304 (height when not pressed) being h5, and the maximum height of board cover 1302 being h6.

In this example, the relationship of maximum height is h1<h2<h3<h4<h5<h6, and the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 is configured so that no components taller than the maximum height h5 of the clear switch 1304 are provided.

According to this example, since the door relay board 1300 (board) is not provided with any components that impede the visibility or operability of the clear switch 1304 (operation means), the visibility and operability of the clear switch 1304 (operation means) can be improved. In addition, since the display 1320 emits light, it is lower than the maximum height (height when not pressed) h5 of the clear switch 1304, which makes the light stand out by creating a shadow. Note that the height of the display 1320 is lower than the height when pressed, so the light is noticeable even when pressed. On the other hand, even if the height of the display 1320 is set higher than the connector 3126, the collective resistor RA1 of the passive component 1324, and the clear switch 1304 (operation means), visibility is not impeded and it is easy to see.

In particular, no components taller than the maximum height h5 of the clear switch 1304 (operation means) are provided on the side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102 than the clear switch 1304 (operation means) (the left side of the clear switch 1304 in FIG. 47(a)). This means that when a store clerk or the like opens the front door 1102 and operates the clear switch 1304 (operation means), the components mounted on the board do not get in the way, improving visibility in front of the clear switch 1304 (operation means) and improving the operability of the clear switch 1304 (operation means).

The "tall parts" may include all or at least any of the following: active parts such as diodes and ICs, passive parts such as resistors and capacitors, and mechanical parts such as connectors and switches. The "side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102 than the clear switch 1304 (operation means)" may be the side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102 in the left-right direction of the clear switch 1304 (operation means), or the side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102 in the up-down direction of the clear switch 1304 (operation means), or may include both or either of them. Even if an unauthorized part is installed in the mounting part (connection part) of the clear switch 1304 (operation means) with the board, the visibility around the operation means can be ensured, making the inspection work easier. In addition, the ease of inspection work also contributes to suppressing such unauthorized acts.

<Visibility of functional information>
Next, the visibility of the functional information will be described with reference to Fig. 47(b), which is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in Fig. 46(a).

As explained using FIG. 46(b), near the clear switch 1304 on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300, clear switch function information 1308 (in this example, the character string "clear" indicating that it is a clear switch and a rectangle surrounding this character string) and clear switch location information 1312 (in this example, a rectangular shape) are printed (silkscreened).

Although the functional information is silk-screened, it is not limited to this and may be a character string engraved (laser engraved), a character string etched in copper foil, a character string etched in copper foil with a coating applied over it to make it stand out, a coating (resist) applied to resemble a character string, or no coating (resist) applied to resemble a character string. Collectively, these can be said to indicate that a character string indicating the functional information is displayed on the board.

When the door relay board 1300 and board cover 1302 are assembled, a portion of the clear switch function information 1308 (for example, the lower half of the character "ri" in "clear") is located below the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302, and is therefore the portion (first portion) where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302 overlap each other in the vertical direction.

For this reason, as shown by the symbol A in FIG. 47(b), when the clear switch function information 1308 is viewed in plan through the raised portions 1330b, 1330c of the board cover 1302, visibility is reduced by the raised portions 1330b, 1330c of the board cover 1302, and a portion of the clear switch function information 1308 (the lower half of the character "ri" in "clear") appears blurry compared to when viewed through the base surface 1330a of the board cover 1302.

On the other hand, another part of the clear switch function information 1308 (for example, the upper half of the character "ri" in "clear") is not located below the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302, but is located below the base surface 1330a, and is therefore a part (second part) where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302 do not overlap each other in the vertical direction.

As a result, as shown by the symbol B in FIG. 47(b), when the clear switch function information 1308 is viewed in plan through the base surface 1330a of the board cover 1302, the visibility is not reduced by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302, and another part of the clear switch function information 1308 (the upper half of the character "li" in "clear") is more clearly visible than when viewed through the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302.

Note that the "attached state in which the door relay board 1300 and the board cover 1302 are assembled" may refer to a state in which the board is removed from the gaming machine, or a state in which the board is attached to the gaming machine. In addition, when the board is removed from the gaming machine, a portion of the clear switch function information 1308 (e.g., the lower half of the character "ri" in "clear") is located below the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302, but when the board is attached to the gaming machine, it goes without saying that a portion of the clear switch function information 1308 (e.g., the lower half of the character "ri" in "clear") is located toward the rear of the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302.

Clear switch function information 1308 indicating the function of clear switch 1304 (operation means) must be placed near clear switch 1304 (operation means) to make it difficult to understand its function. However, if clear switch 1304 (operation means) is placed too close, there is a risk that visibility will be reduced by raised portions 1330b and 1330c. On the other hand, if clear switch function information 1308 is placed in a part where visibility is not reduced by raised portions 1330b and 1330c, the distance from clear switch 1304 (operation means) will be too great, and there is a risk that it will be difficult to understand what function it is displaying.

However, according to this example, the clear switch function information 1308 is composed of a first portion (where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c overlap) whose visibility is reduced by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c, and a second portion (where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c do not overlap) whose visibility is higher than the first portion. Therefore, even if the clear switch function information 1308 overlaps with the raised portions 1330b and 1330c, the identifiability of the clear switch function information 1308 is guaranteed, and it is also possible to identify whether the clear switch function information 1308 is a functional display, thereby maintaining maintainability.

In addition, the first portion having reduced visibility (the portion where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b, 1330c overlap each other) and the second portion having higher visibility than the first portion (the portion where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b, 1330c do not overlap each other) may be such that the first portion is larger than the second portion (having a larger overlapping portion), or the second portion is larger than the first portion (having a larger non-overlapping portion), or the first and second portions may be of equal size, and an effect is achieved as long as there are at least both overlapping and non-overlapping portions. Also, as shown by the symbol B in FIG. 47(b), the clear switch function information 1308 is viewed in plan through the base surface 1330a of the board cover 1302. However, when viewed from an oblique direction (for example, from an obliquely upward direction), the first part may be larger than the second part (more overlapping parts), the second part may be larger than the first part (more non-overlapping parts), the first part and the second part may be equal in size, and there may be at least both overlapping parts and non-overlapping parts. In this case, when viewed from an obliquely upward direction, the identification and maintenance can be improved when the manager stands to work while the gaming machine is installed on an island equipment or a mounting stand. Also, when viewed from an obliquely downward direction, the identification and maintenance can be improved when the manager crouches to work while the gaming machine is installed on an island equipment or a mounting stand. When viewed from an oblique direction (for example, from diagonally above), if the raised portions 1330b, 1330c and the clear switch function information 1308 overlap in part or in whole in a front view, a first portion (where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b, 1330c overlap each other) with reduced visibility when viewed from an oblique direction and a second portion (where the clear switch function information 1308 and the raised portions 1330b, 1330c do not overlap each other) with higher visibility than the first portion are generated. Even if the raised portions 1330b, 1330c and the clear switch function information 1308 do not overlap each other in a front view, if the raised portions and the function information are close to each other in a front view, the first and second portions are generated when viewed from an oblique direction. Here, "close" means, for example, that the distance X between the bottom end of the raised portion (the end closest to the identification information) and the top end of the functional information (the end closest to the raised portion) in a front view is preferably 0 or shorter than the shortest distance Y between the functional information and the clear switch 1304. If the distance X is longer than the distance Y, the clear switch, raised portion, and functional information will be far apart, making identification poor. Note that while the raised portion reduces visibility, this is not the only option, and visibility may be reduced by applying a textured finish or smoke film instead of or in combination with the raised portion.

In addition, according to this example, it is possible to manipulate the clear switch function information 1308 (operation means) by touch using the raised portions 1330b and 1330c as clues, and at the same time, by ensuring the visibility of a portion of the clear switch function information 1308, it is easy to identify the function of the clear switch function information 1308 (operation means), so that it is possible to prevent deterioration of maintainability while improving operability.

In addition, when the door relay board 1300 and the board cover 1302 are assembled, the clear switch placement position information 1312 (in this example, a rectangular shape) is located below the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302, and the clear switch placement position information 1312 and the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302 are configured to overlap each other in the vertical direction.

For this reason, when the clear switch placement position information 1312 is viewed in plan through the board cover 1302, visibility is reduced by the raised portions 1330b and 1330c of the board cover 1302, and the clear switch placement position information 1312 (rectangular shape) appears blurry compared to when viewed through the base surface 1330a of the board cover 1302.

<Clear switch placement>
Next, the arrangement of the clear switch 1304 will be described with reference to Fig. 48. Fig. 48 is a plan view showing the door relay board 1300 in schematic form.

Here, if the length of the long side of the door relay board 1300 is L and the center position of the long side is M, then the length from one end E of the long side to the center position M is 1/2L, and half of that length is 1/4L.

In this example, the length L11 from one end E of the long side to the center of the reset switch 1306 is shorter than 1/4L (L11<1/4L), the length L12 from one end E of the long side to the center of the clear switch 1304 is shorter than 1/4L (L12<1/4L), and both the reset switch 1306 and the clear switch 1304 are positioned eccentrically to one end E of the long side (closer to one end E of the long side) than the center position M of the long side of the door relay board 1300.

That is, the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 are disposed eccentrically (closer to one end E) than the center position M in the longitudinal direction of the door relay board 1300.

The display 1320 is disposed eccentrically at one end E of the door relay board 1300 relative to the center position M in the longitudinal direction, but is disposed closer to the center position M than the reset switch 1306 and the clear switch 1304, so that it is hidden when the operator operates the reset switch 1306 or the clear switch 130.

According to this example, when the clear switch 1304 (operation means) or the reset switch 1306 (operation means) is pressed, stress is applied to the door relay board 1300, causing distortion (deformation) in the door relay board 1300, which can avoid a situation in which the components mounted on the door relay board 1300 are indirectly damaged, and deterioration or failure of the components can be prevented. In addition, the display 1320 is positioned so that it can be easily hidden by the operator's hand, which can prevent the value displayed on the display 1320 from being peeked at.

In addition, the length L11 from one end E of the long side to the center of the reset switch 1306 is shorter than the length L12 from one end E of the long side to the center of the clear switch 1304 (L11 < L12), and the reset switch 1306 is positioned more eccentrically to the one end E of the long side of the door relay board 1300 (closer to the one end E of the long side) than the clear switch 1304.

As explained with reference to FIG. 46(a), the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 are disposed on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300, on the side farther from the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102.

According to this example, when pressing the clear switch 1304 or the reset switch 1306, the worker does not need to stand behind the front door 1102 to perform the work, but can simply insert his/her hand behind the front door 1102 while the front door 1102 is slightly open to perform the work. This minimizes the amount of opening of the front door 1102 when pressing the switch, thereby improving work efficiency.

In addition, without visually checking the clear switch 1304 (operation means), it is possible to operate the clear switch 1304 (operation means) by feel using the raised portions 1330b and 1330c as clues, thereby improving convenience for game store staff and the like.

Furthermore, since the door relay board 1300 (board) does not have any components that impede the visibility or operability of the clear switch 1304 (operation means), the visibility and operability of the clear switch 1304 (operation means) can be improved.

The position of the "operation means" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, at least one of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 (or only one of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306) may be disposed eccentrically (closer to the other end F) than the central position M in the longitudinal direction of the door relay board 1300, or may be disposed on the component mounting surface 1300a of the door relay board 1300 closer to the rotation axis L3 of the front door 1102. With this configuration, it is necessary to increase the degree of opening of the front door 1102 when operating the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306, so that it is easier to notice that the door is open or in operation.

In addition, at least one of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306 (or only one of the clear switch 1304 and the reset switch 1306) may be provided eccentrically to one end of the short side of the door relay board 1300 (at a position close to one end of the short side).

<Door relay board/Summary>
As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (e.g., a medal-less slot machine, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 39) is a gaming machine including a plate portion (e.g., the door relay board 1300 shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 47(a)), a cover member (e.g., the board cover 1302 shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 47(a)), and an operating means (e.g., the clear switch 1304, the reset switch, and the setting change button shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 47(a)), and the operating means is located on one side of the plate portion. the cover member is a member that covers at least a portion of the one side of the plate portion, the cover member is a member in which an opening that allows operation of the operating means (e.g., opening 1330c1 for a clear switch shown in FIG. 47(a)) is formed, and the cover member is a member in which a raised portion (e.g., raised portions 1330b, 1330c shown in FIG. 47(a)) is formed in the vicinity of the opening (e.g., around the entire circumference of the opening, at least a portion of the periphery of the opening).

Initialization operations and maintenance of gaming machines are routinely performed by game store staff and others. For example, some gaming machines can be initialized (RWM cleared) by turning on the power while pressing a specific operation switch inside the gaming machine. As another example, if an error occurs or when replenishing medals, pressing a specific operation switch inside the gaming machine can clear the error or stop medal replenishing, and the specific operation switch inside the gaming machine is frequently operated during maintenance and inspection of gaming machines.

However, the placement of these specific operation switches varies depending on the gaming machine manufacturer, and even for the same manufacturer, the placement may vary depending on the model of the cabinet, which means that gaming store staff and others have to spend time trying to figure out which specific operation switches are placed differently for each model, resulting in a lack of usability. Furthermore, these specific operation switches can be accidentally operated during work, or can come into contact with equipment worn on the body, causing unintentional initialization, resulting in time-consuming maintenance after business hours or trouble with customers during business hours, and there was room for improvement regarding incorrect operation.

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, a raised portion is formed around the opening that allows the operation of the operating means, so that the operating means can be operated by feel using the raised portion as a clue without visually checking the operating means, thereby improving the convenience of game store staff, etc. Therefore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine equipped with an operating switch that improves the usability of game store staff, etc. and is also effective in preventing erroneous operation.
In addition, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (e.g., a medal-less slot machine, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 39) is a gaming machine including a board portion (e.g., a door relay board 1300 shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 47(a)), a cover member (e.g., a board cover 1302 shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 47(a)), and an operation means (e.g., a clear switch 1304, a reset switch, and a setting change button shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 47(a)), the operation means being a means located on one side of the board portion, and the operation means being a handheld device having an operation surface for receiving operations. the cover member is a member that covers at least a portion of one side of the plate portion, the cover member is a member that has an opening that allows operation of the operating means (e.g., opening 1330c1 for a clear switch shown in Figure 47(a)) formed therein, the cover member is a member that has a raised portion formed along the edge of the opening, the operating means has a portion of the operating surface that overlaps with the raised portion (e.g., raised portions 1330b, 1330c shown in Figure 47(a)), and the diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the operating surface.

The plate portion is a substrate on which identification information for identifying the operating means (for example, the clear switch function information 1308 (the character string "clear" indicating that it is a clear switch and a rectangle surrounding this character string) shown in FIG. 46(b) and FIG. 47(b)) is displayed (printed) near the operating means, and the identification information may have a first portion (for example, the lower half of the character "ri" in "clear") whose visibility is reduced by the protrusion when viewed from the front in an assembled state in which the plate portion and the cover member are assembled, and a second portion (for example, the upper half of the character "ri" in "clear") whose visibility is higher than the first portion.

If the function information indicating the function of the operating means is not placed near the operating means, it will be difficult to grasp that function, but if it is placed too close to the operating means, there is a risk that the visibility will be reduced by the raised portion, while if the function information is placed in a part where the visibility is not reduced by the raised portion, it will be too far from the operating means and it will be difficult to tell what function it is displaying. However, if the function information is composed of a first portion where visibility is reduced by the raised portion and a second portion where visibility is higher than the first portion, it is possible to ensure the identifiability of the function display even if the function information overlaps with the raised portion, while still being able to identify which operating means it is displaying, thereby maintaining maintainability.

The first portion may be a portion where the identification information and the raised portion overlap with each other when viewed from the front in the assembled state, and the second portion may be a portion where the identification information and the raised portion do not overlap with each other when viewed from the front in the assembled state. The identification information may be information indicating a function of the operating means.

With this configuration, it is possible to operate the operating means by feel using the raised portion as a clue, while at the same time ensuring the visibility of part of the functional information, making it easy to identify the function of the operating means, thereby improving operability while preventing a decrease in maintainability.

The operating means may be a means having an operating surface that accepts operations (e.g., operating surface 1304a shown in FIG. 46(b) and FIG. 47(a)), and the cover member may be a member having a covering portion that covers at least a portion of the operating surface (e.g., raised surface 1330c shown in FIG. 47(a)).

This configuration not only prevents tampering, but also makes it difficult to insert unauthorized tools through the opening. In addition, even if an operator's clothing or equipment accidentally hits the operating means, the operating means will not be operated, which can avoid trouble during the arcade's opening hours and prevent unintended operations from occurring during maintenance work after hours.

The operating means may be provided eccentrically toward one end of the plate portion relative to the center of the plate portion in the longitudinal direction.

With this configuration, when the operating means is pressed down, stress is applied to the board, causing distortion (deformation) of the board, which can indirectly damage the components mounted on the board. This can prevent deterioration or failure of the components.

The device may also include an opening/closing body (e.g., the front door 1102 shown in FIG. 41) that can be opened and closed, the plate portion being a substrate provided on the back side of the opening/closing body, and the substrate may be a substrate that does not have any components taller than the operating means on the side farther from the rotation axis of the opening/closing body (e.g., the rotation axis L3 shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 47(a)) than the operating means.

With this configuration, when a store clerk opens the front door and operates the operating means, the components mounted on the board do not get in the way, and visibility in front of the operating means can be improved, improving the operability of the operating means.

The plate portion may be a substrate on which a connector (e.g., connector 1326 shown in FIG. 46(a) and FIG. 47(a)) is provided in a predetermined area in the longitudinal direction from the operating means, and the plate portion may be a substrate on which a certain component is provided in the predetermined area, and the certain component may be a component (e.g., elongated resistors R29 to R31, R36 to R38, R26, elongated capacitors C12 to C14, elongated resistor group RA1) that is provided so that the longitudinal direction of the certain component is parallel to the lateral direction of the plate portion.

This configuration makes it possible to avoid situations where stress is applied to the board, causing distortion (deformation) of the board when a cable is inserted or removed from the connector, or when the operating means is pressed, which could indirectly damage the components mounted on the board, thereby preventing deterioration or failure of the components.

The operating means may be an operating means capable of clearing at least game information related to the progress of a game on the gaming machine (e.g., a clear switch 1304 shown in Fig. 46(a) and Fig. 47(a)).

If game information related to the progress of play on a gaming machine (for example, error information or information equivalent to the number of medals) could be easily cleared, fraudulent activity could go unnoticed or a player's medals could be initialized, causing a disadvantage to the player and potentially causing trouble in the gaming establishment. However, by configuring the operating means so that it cannot be easily operated, it is possible to prevent such trouble from occurring and ensure stable operation.

The opening may have an inner diameter (e.g., inner diameter W2 shown in FIG. 46(b)) smaller than the outer diameter (e.g., outer diameter W1 shown in FIG. 46(b)) of the operating surface of the operating means, or may be an opening of a shape different from that of the operating surface of the operating means. The cover member may be a member that covers at least a part of the operating surface of the operating means. The substrate may be a substrate on at least one side of which the operating means is disposed.

The gaming machine according to the present invention can also be applied to an enclosed gaming machine. Here, an "enclosed gaming machine" is one that circulates and uses gaming balls enclosed within the gaming machine. The main control unit, the first sub-control unit, and the second sub-control unit may be configured on a single chip, and the main control unit and the first sub-control unit may be configured to enable two-way communication. Furthermore, while two-way communication is enabled between the main control unit and the first sub-control unit, communication from the first sub-control unit to the second sub-control unit may be one-way communication.

The actions and effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely a list of the most favorable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, by applying the content described in one of the multiple configurations described in the examples to other configurations, the range of play may be expanded.

The gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to gaming machines such as pinball gaming machines (pachinko machines), reel gaming machines (slot machines), enclosed gaming machines, or medal-less slot machines.

100 slot machine 110-112 reel 113 pattern display window 130-132 bet button 135 start lever 137-139 stop button 156 performance button 157 performance image display device (liquid crystal display device)
300 Main control unit 400 First sub-control unit 500 Second sub-control unit

Claims (1)

A plate portion,
A cover member;
An operating means;
A gaming machine equipped with
The operating means is a means located on one side of the plate portion,
the operation means is a means having an operation surface for receiving an operation,
the cover member is a member that covers at least a portion of the one surface side of the plate portion,
the cover member is a member having an opening formed therein that allows the operation of the operation means,
The cover member is a member having a raised portion formed along an edge of the opening,
The operation means has an operation surface that is partially overlapped with the raised portion,
The diameter of the opening is smaller than the diameter of the operation surface.
A gaming machine characterized by: