JP7655564B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

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, gaming machines have been designed to enhance the entertainment value of the game by using presentation devices such as liquid crystal displays, speakers, and lamps, and are equipped with a control board that controls these presentation devices (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-73461 A

However, if static electricity occurs inside the gaming machine, various problems may occur, such as noise in the control commands, so appropriate measures must be taken regarding the control board.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine equipped with a highly reliable control board.

The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine comprising a base, a first cover member, a second cover member, and a light-emitting means, wherein the first cover member is a metal member arranged on at least one side of the base, the first cover member is a member having a through hole at a position corresponding to a specific location on the base, and the second cover member is a resin member arranged on the opposite side of the first cover member to the side on which the base is arranged, the light-emitting means is a means capable of reporting a specified situation, and the light-emitting means is arranged at the specific location.

The present invention makes it possible to realize a gaming machine equipped with a highly reliable control board.

1 is an external perspective view 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. 1A is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and FIG. 1A is a front view of the backlight module 630. FIG. 1B is a side view of the backlight module 630. FIG. 1C is an external perspective view of the backlight module 630, with components thereof disassembled and viewed from the front. 2 shows a circuit block diagram of a control unit. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the light emission mode of the reel front lighting 250 in time series when a replay (replay role) is won. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the light emission state of the reel front lighting 250 in a time series during a bonus game. FIG. This is an exploded oblique view of the main components that make up the performance control unit 600, viewed from the front side of the performance control unit 600. This is an exploded oblique view of the main components that make up the performance control unit 600, viewed from the rear side of the performance control unit 600. (a) is a front view of the performance control unit 600. (b) is a front view of the performance control unit 600 with the shield cover 620 removed, showing the upper metal shield 618. (c) is a front view of the upper board case 608 with the shield cover 620 and upper metal shield 618 removed from the performance control unit 600. (d) is a front view of the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 with the shield cover 620, upper metal shield 618, and upper board case 608 removed from the performance control unit 600. (a) is a perspective view showing only the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 extracted from the performance control unit 600, and showing the shield cover 620 in a see-through state. (b) is an external view showing the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 in a rotated open state. (c) is an external view showing the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 in a rotated closed state. (a) is a front view showing the lower board case 606 with the shield cover 620, the upper metal shield 618, the upper board case 608, the sub-control board 612, and the sub-peripheral board 614 removed from the performance control unit 600. (b) is a front view showing the lower metal shield 604 with the shield cover 620, the upper metal shield 618, the upper board case 608, the sub-control board 612, the sub-peripheral board 614, and the lower board case 606 removed from the performance control unit 600. (c) is a front view of the performance peripheral board cover 616a and the performance peripheral board harness cover 616b, (d) is an external perspective view showing the performance peripheral board cover 616a and the performance peripheral board harness cover 616b disassembled. (e) is a side view of the performance peripheral board cover 616a and the performance peripheral board harness cover 616b. 1A is a front view of a presentation device disposed at a lower portion of a slot machine 100, and FIG. 1B is a rear view of the presentation device, as viewed from the rear side. 1A is a front view of the lens unit 700. FIG. 1B is a rear view of the lens unit 700. FIG. 1C is an exploded perspective view showing the main members constituting the lens unit 700. (a) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 before assembly, (b) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 in a state where an inner lens 704 is attached to a lens holder 702, (c) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 in a state where an inner lens 704 and an outer lens 706 are attached to a lens holder 702, and (d) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 after assembly. (a) is a partially enlarged view showing a main part of the lens holder 702 before the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708 are attached, (b) is a partially enlarged view showing a main part of the lens holder 702 after the outer lens 706 is attached, and (c) is a partially enlarged view showing a main part of the lens holder 702 after the lens cover 708 and the outer lens 706 are attached. 1A is an exploded perspective view showing the main members constituting the panel unit 750, FIG. 1B is an external perspective view of the panel unit 750 as viewed from the front side, and FIG. 1C is an external perspective view of the panel unit 750 as viewed from the rear side. 1A is a side view of the panel unit 750. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the panel unit 750 with the panel 652 removed, as viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the panel unit 750 with the panel 652 removed, as viewed obliquely from above. (a) is a front view of the panel unit 750. (b) is a side cross-sectional view along the line A-A shown in (a) and an enlarged view of the main part. (c) is a partially enlarged view of the panel unit 750 attached to the upper performance unit 650, omitting the illustration of the panel 652.

<<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 includes 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.

When viewed from the player's perspective, 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 reel 110-112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays multiple types of symbol combinations.

In addition, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In this embodiment, three reels are arranged in the center of the main body 101, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (e.g., a bonus combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery, or that a bonus game is in progress. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a 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 (replay), one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game.

The bet button 132 is a button for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) that are electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up a number of lamps according 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 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 button 132, or actual medals can be inserted (inserted) into the medal insertion slot 141, and 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 some kind of winning combination, and is also used as an instruction monitor for performing push order presentations. In this example, the stored number display 125, game information display 126, and payout number display 127 are seven-segment (SEG) displays.

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 button 132 is operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the operation to start 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 medal payout outlet 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided below the stop buttons 137 to 139. Side lamps 144, 654 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to add excitement to the game.

A panel unit 750 (described in detail later) is disposed above the front door 102, and a transmissive liquid crystal display device 157 is disposed below it in front of the reels 110-112.

In addition, the display device may not be a liquid crystal display device, but may be a 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 may be square. Also, a decoration (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, so that a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, so that the display screen appears irregular. In this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface. The location of the panel unit 750 is not limited to this example, and may be disposed, for example, at the bottom of the front door 102.

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.

<Internal structure>
Next, the internal structure of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and Fig. 3(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, a main control board storage case 210 that houses a main control board is arranged, and below this main control board storage case 210, three reels 110 to 112 are arranged.

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, and a performance control unit 600 (details will be described later) 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 a passage 265 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals, etc. into the medal tray 161.

<Reel Front Illumination (First Light Emitting Means)>
Next, the reel front illumination 250 (first light emitting means) will be described with reference to FIGS.

The reel front lighting 250 is a light-emitting means (first light-emitting means) that illuminates (illuminates) the reel bands of each reel 110 to 112 (only the reel band 111a of the middle reel 111 is shown in Figure 3 (b)) from the front side (front face), and in this example, is disposed above the pattern display window 113 on the back face 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.

The "first light-emitting means" according to the present invention may be "light-emitting means capable of illuminating at least the reel band of the reel from the front side," and there are no particular limitations on its structure. However, if there is no lens cover, or if the lens cover is made of a colorless, transparent material, the light emitted from the LED may be reflected in a granular manner on the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 (so-called "point light"), which may result in poor appearance of the reels 110 to 112, or the light emitted from the LED 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 to 112. Therefore, it is preferable to cover the front of the LED with a lens cover made of a colored, transparent material.

The relationship between the shortest distance α from the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means) to the reel band and the shortest distance β from the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) described below to the reel band is "shortest distance α < shortest distance β", and the reel front lighting 250 is positioned 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 (second light emitting means)>
Next, the reel backlight 264 (second light emitting means) will be described with reference to FIG. 3(b) and FIG.

The slot machine 100 in this example is configured with a left reel device (not shown) having a left reel 110, a center reel device 260 (see FIG. 3(b)) having a center reel 111, a right reel device (not shown) having a right reel 112, and a reel frame 262 (see FIG. 3(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 omit explanations of 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 of the middle reel 111 from the rear (back side), 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 4(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 (second light-emitting means) that illuminates (illuminates) the reel bands of each reel 110 to 112 from the rear side (back surface), and in this example, is composed of a reflector 266, an illumination board 268 that is detachably attached to the back surface of the reflector 266, and a decorative plate 270 that is disposed on the side surface 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 has three openings 266a-266c arranged vertically from the front to the rear. The illumination board 268 has six LEDs 268a arranged at positions corresponding to the openings 266a-266c.

The openings 266a-266c and LED 268a of the reflector 266 of the middle reel device 260 are positioned 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 266 is attached to the middle reel device 260.

The openings 266a-266c and LED 266a of the reflector 266 of 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 266 is attached to the left reel unit.

The openings 266a-266c and LED 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 266 is attached to the right reel unit.

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 uniformly 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.

<Control Unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 5. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent by the first sub-control unit 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 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted through the 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 the medal payout device 180, 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 132 sensor is attached to the bet button 132, and detects the insertion operation when medals stored electronically in the RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is attached to the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically 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 main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the reels 110-112, a drive circuit 324 that drives a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives a 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, medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, number of stored medals indicator 125, game information indicator 126, payout number 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, the light emission color and lighting pattern of the reel front illumination 250 and the reel backlight 264, and data for controlling various indicators.

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-controller 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, reel front lights 250, reel backlights 264, panel lighting boards 664 of panel unit 750, etc.) are connected via an input/output interface.

The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sensor circuit 426, which is connected to an effect button sensor 430 capable of detecting the pressing operation of the effect button 156 via the input interface. 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 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.

The second sub-control unit 500 has 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), which is connected to a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 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.

<Changes in the lighting pattern in front of the reels>
Next, a change in the light emission state of the reel front lighting 250 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the light emission state of the reel front lighting 250 in time series when a replay (replay combination) is won.

<Change in the illumination pattern in front of the reels/N game (start operation)>
The state indicated by the symbol T1 in FIG. 6 is a state in which a start operation (pressing the start lever 135) is performed in an N game (N is a positive integer) and a replay (replay role) is internally won.

In the slot machine of this example, the first light-emitting means (e.g., reel front lighting 250) can be controlled to a third light-emitting mode (e.g., white) during at least the rotation of the reels in a certain game, and the second light-emitting means (e.g., reel backlight 264) can be controlled to a second light-emitting mode (e.g., white) of the same color or a similar color as the third light-emitting mode during at least the rotation of the reels in a certain game.

In the state indicated by the symbol T1, a start operation has been performed, so that the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, and the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means) is controlled (set) to white (third light-emitting mode) to emit white light, and the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) is controlled (set) to white (second light-emitting mode) to emit white light. As a result, the front and back of the reel bands of the reels 110 to 112 are illuminated in white.

In this example, as explained using FIG. 5, the reel front lighting 250 is driven by the drive circuit 422 of the first sub-controller 400, so "controlling (setting) the reel front lighting 250 to white (third light emission mode)" means that the main control unit 300 sends a command to the first sub-controller 400 to "control (set) the reel front lighting 250 to white (third light emission mode)", and the first sub-controller 400, having received the command, makes various settings to the drive circuit 422 to "control (set) the reel front lighting 250 to white (third light emission mode)" (the same applies to the control of light blue (first light emission mode) described below).

In addition, instead of a command to "control (set) the reel front lighting 250 to white (third light emission mode)", a "command based on a start operation", a "command based on a winning combination", or a "command based on a display judgment (winning judgment)" may be used, and the first sub-control unit 400 may set the light emission color of the reel lighting 250 in response to these commands.

The reel front lighting 250 may be controlled by one or three or more controllers. For example, when controlled by one controller (e.g., the main controller 300), "controlling (setting) the reel front lighting 250 to white (third light emission mode)" means that one controller (e.g., the main controller 300) performs various settings to "control (set) the reel front lighting 250 to white (third light emission mode)" (the same applies to the control of light blue (first light emission mode) described below).

Similarly, in this example, the reel backlight 264 is driven by the drive circuit 422 of the first sub-control unit 400, so "controlling (setting) the reel backlight 264 to white (second light-emitting mode)" means that the main control unit 300 sends a command to the first sub-control unit 400 to "control (set) the reel backlight 264 to white (second light-emitting mode)", and the first sub-control unit 400, upon receiving the command, makes various settings to the drive circuit 422 to "control (set) the reel backlight 264 to white (second light-emitting mode)".

In addition, instead of a command to "control (set) the reel front lighting 250 to white (third light emission mode)", a "command based on a start operation", a "command based on a winning combination", or a "command based on a display judgment (winning judgment)" may be used, and the first sub-control unit 400 may set the light emission color of the reel backlight 264 in response to these commands.

The reel backlight 264 may be controlled by one or three or more control units. For example, when controlled by one control unit (e.g., the main control unit 300), "controlling (setting) the reel backlight 264 to white (second light emission mode)" means that the one control unit (e.g., the main control unit 300) performs various settings to "control (set) the reel backlight 264 to white (second light emission mode)."

The color (light emitting color) which is an element of the "second light emitting mode" and "third light emitting mode" according to the present invention is not limited to white, and may be a color other than white. The colors which are elements of the "second light emitting mode" and the "third light emitting mode" may be the same color (white; color code #F0F0F0) or similar colors (for example, one may be kneaded color (white with yellow; color code #FFF4DB) and the other may be milky white (color code #FFFEF6)).

The "second light-emitting mode" and "third light-emitting mode" according to the present invention are concepts that include not only the light-emitting color, but also the lighting pattern (blinking, lighting, turning off), brightness (brightness of light), and combinations of these. Therefore, for example, the reel front lighting 250 may illuminate the front of the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 with a white light of a first brightness, and the reel backlight 264 may illuminate the back of the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 with a white light of a second brightness that is lower (or higher) than the first brightness. Also, the reel front lighting 250 may illuminate the front of the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 with a blinking white light, and the reel backlight 264 may illuminate the back of the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 with a lit white light (without blinking).

<Changes in the light emission pattern of the illumination in front of the reels/N game (first stop operation to third stop operation)>
The state indicated by symbol T2 in Figure 6 is the state in which the first stop operation (the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139) has been performed in the N game, and the state indicated by symbol T3 is the state in which the third stop operation (the final stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139) has been performed in the N game.

In the slot machine according to this embodiment, the first light-emitting means (e.g., reel front lighting 250) is controlled to the first light-emitting mode (e.g., light blue) for at least a certain period (the period from the first timing (e.g., the timing of the third stop operation) in a certain game to the second timing (e.g., the timing of the third stop operation) in the next game of the certain game) when a certain condition is met (e.g., an internal win for a replay role) in a certain game controlled to the third light-emitting mode (e.g., white) and a first timing arrives in the certain game (e.g., when a third stop operation is performed), and the second light-emitting means (e.g., reel backlight 264) is configured to maintain the control of the second light-emitting mode even when a certain condition is met in a certain game controlled to the second light-emitting mode (e.g., white) and a first timing arrives in the certain game.

In the state indicated by the symbol T3, the third stop operation has been performed, and the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 has been stopped. In this example, since a replay has been won in the N game, the symbol combination "replay-replay-replay" corresponding to the replay is displayed frozen on the winning line L1 of the symbol display window 113.

In addition, in the state indicated by the symbol T3, a replay role is internally won in the N game (a certain game) (a certain condition is met), and the third stop operation is performed in the N game (a certain game) (the first timing arrives), so the light color of the reel front lighting 250 is changed from white to light blue by controlling (setting) the reel front lighting 250 to light blue (first light emission mode).

On the other hand, the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) maintains control of the white light (second light-emitting mode) even when an internal win for a replay occurs (a specified condition is met) in an N game (a certain game) that is controlled to the white light (second light-emitting mode) and a third stop operation is performed (a first timing arrives) in the N game (a certain game), so in the state indicated by the symbol T3, the control of the white light (second light-emitting mode) continues and the reel backlight 264 emits white light. As a result, in the state indicated by the symbol T3, the front of the reel band of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in light blue and the back is illuminated in white.

The "first timing" according to the present invention is not limited to the timing when the third stop operation is accepted, but may be the timing when the third stop operation is released (the stop button is released), the timing when all of the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the timing when the pattern display determination (winning determination) is completed, the timing when the winning performance is completed, the timing when a predetermined time has passed since any of these timings, etc.

<Change in the illumination pattern in front of the reels/N+1 game (betting operation, starting operation)>
6, the state indicated by the symbol T4 is a state in which a bet operation (pressing the bet buttons 130 to 132) has been performed and the N+1 game has started, and the state indicated by the symbol T5 is a state in which a start operation (pressing the start lever 135) has been performed in the N+1 game and the internal winning combination has become a non-winning combination (miss). Note that, since a replay has been displayed in the N game, the bet operation indicated by the symbol T4 may be an automatic bet associated with the replay.

In the state indicated by the symbol T5, the start operation has been performed, so that the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, and the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) is controlled (set) to white (second light-emitting mode) to emit light in white.

On the other hand, when a replay role is internally won in the N game (a certain game) (a certain condition is met) and a third stop operation is performed in the N game (a certain game) (a first timing arrives), the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means) is controlled to light blue (first light-emitting mode) from the timing of the third stop operation (first timing) in the N game (a certain game) to the timing of the third stop operation (second timing) in the N+1 game (the game following the certain game). Therefore, at the timing of the bet operation in the N+1 game indicated by the symbol T4 and the timing of the start operation in the N+1 game indicated by the symbol T5, the control of light blue (first light-emitting mode) is continued, and the reel front lighting 250 is illuminated in light blue. As a result, in the states indicated by the symbols T4 and T5, the front of the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in light blue, and the back is illuminated in white.

According to this example, the timing at which the first light-emitting means (in this example, the reel front lighting 250) is controlled to the first light-emitting mode (in this example, light blue) (in this example, the timing of the third stop operation in the Nth game, shown by reference symbol T3 in FIG. 6) is earlier than the timing at which the second light-emitting means (in this example, the reel backlight 264) is controlled to the second light-emitting mode (in this example, white) (in this example, the timing of the third stop operation in the N+1th game, shown by reference symbol T5 in FIG. 6). Therefore, by making the light-emitting timing of the two types of light-emitting means different, even if malfunctions of the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means occur at the same time, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the visibility of the reels is significantly reduced and a disadvantage is caused to the player.

In addition, in the slot machine according to this embodiment, the first light-emitting means (e.g., pre-reel lighting 250) is configured such that during the period in which it is controlled in a first light-emitting mode (e.g., light blue), control of light-emitting modes other than the first light-emitting mode is restricted.

In the state indicated by the symbol T5, when a predetermined condition is met (in this example, when a start operation is received), a process (change regulation process) is executed to regulate (prevent execution of) the process of setting the color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc. of the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means), which is controlled to light blue (first light-emitting mode), so that the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means) does not change to another light-emitting mode.

In this example, even if color change performance data is received during the change restriction process, visibility is not impaired by controlling the color to remain the same. Note that the change restriction process may be performed during the reel rotation after the start operation, whether the reel front lighting 250 is emitting white light or light blue light (the same applies to the reel backlight 264).

In this example, similarly, when a predetermined condition is met for the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) (in this example, when a start operation is received), a process (change regulation process) is executed to regulate (prevent execution of) the process of setting the color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc., so that the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means), which is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode), does not change to another light-emitting mode; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) may be configured not to execute the change regulation process.

According to this example, the first light-emitting means (in this example, the reel front lighting 250) is configured such that during the period when it is controlled in the first light-emitting mode (in this example, light blue), control of light-emitting modes other than the first light-emitting mode is restricted. This makes it possible to suppress problems with the first light-emitting means compared to a case where the restriction is not implemented, and to prevent the visibility of the reels from being impaired.

In addition, the first light-emitting means (in this example, the reel front lighting 250) can be controlled to a first light-emitting mode (in this example, light blue) during at least the rotation of the reel in a certain game, and the second light-emitting means (in this example, the reel backlight 264) can be controlled to a second light-emitting mode (in this example, white) during at least the rotation of the reel in a certain game. Therefore, compared to when the first light-emitting mode is controlled to the same second light-emitting mode as the second light-emitting means, a malfunction of the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means can be noticed earlier, and a decrease in visibility of the reel can be suppressed when a malfunction related to the second light-emitting means occurs.

<Change in the illumination pattern in front of the reels/N+1 game (stop operation)>
The state indicated by the symbol T6 in FIG. 6 is the state in which the first stop operation (the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137-139) has been performed in the N+1 game, and the state indicated by the symbol T7 is the state in which the third stop operation (the final stop operation of the stop buttons 137-139) has been performed in the N+1 game.

In the state indicated by the symbol T7, the third stop operation has been performed, and the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 has been stopped. In this example, the internal win for the winning combination has become a non-win (a miss), and the symbol combination "Replay-Replay-Blank", which corresponds to a miss, is displayed frozen on the winning line L1 of the symbol display window 113.

In addition, the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) maintains control of the white light (second light-emitting mode) even when a replay role is internally won (predetermined conditions are met) in a certain game that is controlled to the white light (second light-emitting mode) and a third stop operation is performed (first timing arrives) in the N game (certain game). Therefore, in the state shown by the symbol T7, the control of the white light (second light-emitting mode) continues and the reel backlight 264 emits white light.

On the other hand, when a replay role is internally won in the N game (a certain game) (a certain condition is met) and a third stop operation is performed in the N game (a certain game) (a first timing arrives), the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means) is controlled to light blue (first light-emitting mode) from the timing (first timing) of the third stop operation in the N game (a certain game) to the timing (second timing) of the third stop operation in the N+1 game (the game following the certain game), so the control of light blue (first light-emitting mode) continues until the timing (second timing) of the third stop operation in the N+1 game shown by the symbol T7, causing the reel front lighting 250 to emit light in light blue.

As a result, from the timing (first timing) of the third stop operation of the Nth game indicated by the symbol T3 to the timing (second timing) of the third stop operation of the N+1th game indicated by the symbol T7 (a certain period), the front of the reel band of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in light blue and the back is illuminated in white.

According to this example, during the period from a first timing in a certain game to a second timing in the next game (a certain period), a variety of effects can be provided while maintaining the light emission state of the second light-emitting means, thereby ensuring a minimum amount of light from the light-emitting means and maintaining visibility of the reels.

Next, after the timing of the third stop operation (second timing) has elapsed, the change regulation process for the reel front lighting 250 and the reel backlight 264 is terminated, and the reel front lighting 250 is controlled (set) to white (third light emission mode), thereby changing the light color of the reel front lighting 250 from light blue to white.

Although not shown in the figures, if a replay is internally won again in the N+1 game, anticipation for a bonus game increases, so at the timing when the third stop operation is performed in the N+1 game (the timing when the first timing arrives), the reel front lighting 250 is controlled (set) to a fourth light emission state (e.g., yellow), thereby changing the light emission color of the reel front lighting 250 from light blue to yellow.

In addition, if a replay is internally won again in the N+2 game, which is the next game after the N+1 game, anticipation for a bonus game will be further increased, so at the timing when the third stop operation is performed in the N+2 game (the timing when the first timing arrives), the reel front lighting 250 is controlled (set) to a fifth light emission mode (e.g., red), thereby changing the light emission color of the reel front lighting 250 from yellow to red.

The change in the light emission mode of the reel lighting 250 when consecutive replay wins occur is not limited to "light blue → yellow → red" and may be other colors, or the color may change three or more times. The light emission mode may also be changed when a winning combination other than a replay (e.g., a special combination) is won. When the consecutive replay wins are interrupted, the reel lighting 250 is controlled (set) to white (third light emission mode) as described above.

The lighting pattern may be changed, such as "light blue (no blinking) → light blue (medium blinking) → light blue (fast blinking)", or the brightness may be changed, such as "light blue (low brightness) → light blue (medium brightness) → light blue (high brightness)".

<Changes in the lighting pattern in front of the reels/when an error occurs>
In the slot machine of this example, if an error occurs during the rotation of reels 110 to 112, no processing or notification regarding the error is performed during the rotation, but rather the processing or notification regarding the error is performed after the third stop operation is performed (after all of reels 110 to 112 have stopped).

And even if a certain condition is met in a game in which an error occurs while the reels 110-112 are rotating (e.g., an internal win for a replay role occurs) and a first timing occurs in the game (e.g., the timing of the third stop operation), the first light-emitting means (e.g., the reel front lighting 250) is not controlled to the first light-emitting state (e.g., light blue), but is configured to be controlled to the first light-emitting state (e.g., light blue) when the error is resolved.

In addition, when a certain condition is met in a game in which an error occurs during the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 (for example, an internal win for a replay role) and a first timing occurs in the game (for example, the timing of the third stop operation), the first light-emitting means (for example, the reel front lighting 250) may be controlled to a first light-emitting state (for example, light blue), and the control of the first light-emitting state (for example, light blue) may be maintained even during the error.

This configuration prevents players from feeling anxious, such as "the replay may have disappeared" or "the replay may not be promising," and prevents a decline in the player's motivation to play.

<Changes in the lighting pattern in front of the reels/bonus game>
Next, a change in the light emission state of the reel lighting 250 during a bonus game will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the light emission state of the reel lighting 250 during a bonus game in time series.

<Change in the light emission pattern of the lighting in front of the reels/bonus game/M game (third stop operation)>
The state indicated by the symbol T1 in FIG. 7 is a state in which the third stop operation (the final stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139) has been performed in the M game (M is a positive integer).

In the slot machine of this example, the first light-emitting means (e.g., reel front lighting 250) is controlled to a sixth light-emitting mode (e.g., red) when a special game (e.g., a bonus) is won in a certain game controlled to a third light-emitting mode (e.g., white) and a first timing arrives in the certain game (e.g., when a third stop operation is performed), from the first timing to a third timing (e.g., the timing of a bet operation) in the game following the final game of the special game, and the second light-emitting means (e.g., reel backlight 264) is configured to maintain the control of the second light-emitting mode even when a special game (e.g., a bonus) is won in a certain game controlled to a second light-emitting mode (e.g., white).

In the state indicated by the symbol T1, the third stop operation has been performed, causing the reels 110 to 112 to stop spinning. In this example, because a bonus has been won in the M game, the symbol combination "Seven-Seven-Seven" corresponding to the bonus is displayed frozen on the winning line L1 in the symbol display window 113.

In addition, in the state indicated by the symbol T1, a bonus game (bonus) has been won in the M game (a certain game), and the third stop operation has been performed (the first timing has arrived) in the M game (a certain game), so the light color of the reel front lighting 250 is changed from white to red by controlling (setting) the reel front lighting 250 to red (sixth light emission mode).

On the other hand, the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) maintains control of white (second light-emitting mode) even when a bonus is won in an M game (a certain game) that is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode) and a third stop operation is performed (first timing arrives) in the M game (a certain game), so in the state shown by symbol T1, control of white (second light-emitting mode) continues and the reel backlight 264 emits white light. As a result, at the timing of the third stop operation of the M game shown by symbol T1, the front of the reel band of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in red and the back is illuminated in white.

<Change in the light emission pattern of the reel front lighting/bonus game/M+1 game (betting operation)>
The state indicated by the symbol T2 in FIG. 7 is a state in which a bet operation (pressing of the bet buttons 130 to 132) has been performed in the M+1 game following the M game, and the M+1 game has started.

In the slot machine of this example, the first light-emitting means (e.g., the reel front lighting 250) is configured to be controllable to a sixth light-emitting state (e.g., red) in response to a bet operation while a bonus game is being played.

In the state indicated by the symbol T2, a bet operation has been performed and the specified number of medals has been inserted, making it possible to start playing the game, and the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means) is controlled (set) to red (sixth light-emitting mode) to emit red light.

On the other hand, the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) maintains control of white (second light-emitting mode) even when a bonus (privilege game) is won in a certain game that is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode), so at the timing of the bet operation for the M+1 game shown by symbol T2, the control of white (second light-emitting mode) continues and the reel backlight 264 emits white light. As a result, in the state shown by symbol T2, the front of the reel band of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in red and the back is illuminated in white.

<Change in the light emission pattern of the lighting in front of the reels/bonus game/M+1 game (start operation)>
The state indicated by the symbol T3 in FIG. 7 is a state in which a start operation (depression of the start lever 135) is performed in the M+1 game and a bell role is won.

In the state indicated by the symbol T3, the start operation has been performed, so that the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, and the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) is controlled (set) to white (second light-emitting mode) to emit light in white.

On the other hand, when a bonus (privilege game) is won in an M game (certain game) controlled to white (third light emission mode), and a third stop operation is performed in the M game (certain game) (when the first timing arrives), the reel front lighting 250 (first light emission means) is controlled to a sixth light emission mode (e.g., red) from the timing (first timing) when the third stop operation is performed to the timing (third timing) of the bet operation in the game following the final game of the bonus (privilege game). Therefore, at the timing of the start operation of the M+1 game indicated by the symbol T3, the control of red (sixth light emission mode) continues, and the reel front lighting 250 is illuminated in red. As a result, in the state indicated by the symbol T3, the front of the reel band of the reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in red, and the back is illuminated in white.

In the slot machine of this example, the first light-emitting means (e.g., the pre-reel lighting 250) is configured such that during the period in which it is controlled in the sixth light-emitting mode (e.g., red), control of light-emitting modes other than the sixth light-emitting mode is restricted.

In the state indicated by the symbol T3, when a predetermined condition is met (in this example, when a start operation is received), a process (change regulation process) is executed to regulate (prevent execution of) the process of setting the color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc. of the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means), which is controlled to red (sixth light-emitting mode), so that the reel front lighting 250 (first light-emitting means), which is controlled to red (sixth light-emitting mode), does not change to another light-emitting mode.

In this example, similarly, when a predetermined condition is met for the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) (in this example, when a start operation is received), a process (change regulation process) is executed to regulate (prevent execution of) the process of setting the color, brightness, lighting pattern, etc., so that the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means), which is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode), does not change to another light-emitting mode; however, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) may be configured not to execute the change regulation process.

<Change in the light emission pattern of the reel front lighting/bonus game/M+1 game (stop operation)>
The state indicated by symbol T4 in FIG. 7 is the state in which the first stop operation (the first stop operation of the stop buttons 137-139) has been performed in the M+1 game, and the state indicated by symbol T5 is the state in which the third stop operation (the final stop operation of the stop buttons 137-139) has been performed in the M+1 game.

In the state indicated by the symbol T5, the third stop operation has been performed, and the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 has been stopped. In this example, the winning combination is the Bell combination, and the symbol combination "Bell-Bell-Bell" corresponding to the Bell combination is displayed on the winning line L1 of the symbol display window 113.

In addition, even if a bonus (privilege game) is won in an M game (certain game) that is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode) and a third stop operation is performed (first timing arrives) in the M game (certain game), the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) maintains control of white (second light-emitting mode), so that at the timing of the third stop operation indicated by the symbol T5, the control of white (second light-emitting mode) continues and the reel backlight 264 emits white light.

On the other hand, when a bonus (privilege game) is won in an M game (certain game) controlled to white (third light emission mode), and a third stop operation is performed (first timing arrives) in the M game (certain game), the reel front lighting 250 (first light emission means) is controlled to red (sixth light emission mode) from the timing (first timing) when the third stop operation is performed to the timing (third timing) of the bet operation in the game following the final game of the bonus (privilege game). Therefore, at the timing of the third stop operation indicated by the symbol T5, the control of red (sixth light emission mode) continues, and the reel front lighting 250 is illuminated in red. As a result, in the state indicated by the symbol T5, the front of the reel band of reels 110 to 112 is illuminated in red, and the back is illuminated in white.

Next, after the timing of the third stop operation (second timing) has elapsed, the change regulation process for the reel front lighting 250 and the reel backlight 264 is terminated.

<Change in the light emission pattern of the reel front lighting/bonus game/final game (betting operation)>
7, the state indicated by the reference symbol T6 is a state in which a betting operation has been performed in the L game following the final game of the bonus game, and the L game has started. In other words, the operation indicated by the reference symbol T6 is a betting operation related to the L game.

In the slot machine of this example, the first light emitting means (e.g., reel front lighting 250) is configured to be controlled to a sixth light emitting mode (e.g., red) when a bonus game (e.g., a bonus) is won in a certain game that is controlled to a third light emitting mode (e.g., white) and a first timing arrives in the certain game (e.g., when a third stop operation is performed), for the period from the first timing to a third timing (e.g., the timing of a bet operation) in the game following the final game of the bonus game.

In the state indicated by the symbol T6, a bet operation has been performed and the specified number of medals has been inserted, making it possible to start playing.

In addition, even if a bonus (privilege game) is won in an M game (certain game) that is controlled to white (second light-emitting mode) and a third stop operation is performed (first timing arrives) in the M game (certain game), the reel backlight 264 (second light-emitting means) maintains control of white (second light-emitting mode), so that at the timing of the bet operation indicated by the symbol T6, the reel backlight 264 continues to be controlled to white (second light-emitting mode) and emits white light.

On the other hand, when a bonus (privilege game) is won in an M game (certain game) controlled to white (third light emission mode), and a third stop operation is performed (first timing arrives) in the M game (certain game), the reel lighting 250 (first light emission means) is controlled to red (sixth light emission mode) from the timing (first timing) when the third stop operation is performed to the timing (third timing) of a bet operation in the L game, which is the game following the final game of the bonus (privilege game), and therefore continues to be controlled to red (sixth light emission mode) until the timing (third timing) of a bet operation in the L game, which is the game following the bonus game, as shown by the symbol T6, causing the reel lighting 250 to emit red light.

As a result, the front of the reel band of reels 110-112 is illuminated in red and the back is illuminated in white from the timing (first timing) of the third stop operation of the M game in which a bonus has been won, indicated by the symbol T1, to the timing (third timing) of the bet operation of the L game, which is the game following the final bonus game, indicated by the symbol T6.

According to this example, during the period from the first timing in a game in which a bonus game is won to the third timing in the game following the final game of the bonus game, a variety of effects are provided while maintaining the light emission state of the second light-emitting means, thereby ensuring a minimum amount of light from the light-emitting means and maintaining visibility of the reels.

Next, after the timing of the bet operation (third timing) has elapsed, the reel lighting 250 is controlled (set) to white (third light emission mode), thereby changing the light emission color of the reel lighting 250 from red to white. Then, while the L game is in progress (when the start operation is performed), a change restriction process is performed so that neither the reel lighting 250 nor the reel backlight 264 will have a light emission mode other than white light emission (this is common to the embodiments of Figures 6 and 7).

<Changes in the lighting pattern in front of the reels/Summary>
As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine including a reel (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1) having a reel band on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, a first light-emitting means for illuminating at least the reel band from the front side (for example, the reel front light 250 shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)), and a second light-emitting means for illuminating at least the reel band from the rear side (for example, the reel backlight 264 shown in FIGS. 3(b) and 4), wherein the first light-emitting means is a means capable of being controlled in a first light-emitting mode (for example, light blue) at least during rotation of the reel, the second light-emitting means is a means capable of being controlled in a second light-emitting mode (for example, white) at least during rotation of the reel, and the first light-emitting means is restricted from being controlled in light-emitting modes other than the first light-emitting mode during a period in which the first light-emitting means is controlled in the first light-emitting mode.

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first light-emitting means is configured to restrict control of light-emitting modes other than the first light-emitting mode during the period when it is controlled in the first light-emitting mode, so that malfunctions related to the first light-emitting means can be suppressed compared to when the restriction is not executed, and the visibility of the reels can be prevented from being impaired. In addition, since the first light-emitting means can be controlled to the first light-emitting mode and the second light-emitting means can be controlled to the second light-emitting mode, malfunctions of the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means can be noticed earlier than when the first light-emitting mode is controlled in the same second light-emitting mode as the second light-emitting means, and a decrease in visibility of the reels in the event of a malfunction related to the second light-emitting means can be suppressed.

In addition, the timing at which the first light-emitting means is controlled to the first light-emitting state (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the Nth game, indicated by reference symbol T3 in FIG. 6) may be different from the timing at which the second light-emitting means is controlled to the second light-emitting state (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the N+1th game, indicated by reference symbol T5 in FIG. 6).

With this configuration, by differentiating the light emission timing of the two types of light-emitting means, even if malfunctions of the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means occur at the same time, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the visibility of the reels is significantly reduced and a disadvantage is caused to the player.

The timing at which the first light-emitting means is controlled to the first light-emitting state (e.g., the timing of the third stop operation in the Nth game, indicated by reference symbol T3 in FIG. 6) may be earlier than the timing at which the second light-emitting means is controlled to the second light-emitting state (e.g., the timing of the third stop operation in the N+1th game, indicated by reference symbol T5 in FIG. 6).

With this configuration, by differentiating the light emission timing of the two types of light-emitting means, even if malfunctions of the first light-emitting means and the second light-emitting means occur at the same time, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the visibility of the reels is significantly reduced and a disadvantage is caused to the player.

The first light-emitting means may be controlled from the third light-emitting mode (e.g., white) to the first light-emitting mode (e.g., light blue) when a first timing (e.g., the timing of the third stop operation of the Nth game, shown by symbol T3 in FIG. 6) arrives while the first light-emitting means is controlled to the third light-emitting mode (e.g., white), and the second light-emitting means may maintain the control of the second light-emitting mode even when the first timing arrives while the second light-emitting means is controlled to the second light-emitting mode (e.g., white).

With this configuration, it is possible to provide a variety of effects by changing the light emission state of the first light-emitting means, while maintaining the light emission state of the second light-emitting means, thereby ensuring a minimum amount of light from the light-emitting means and maintaining visibility of the reels.

In addition, the first light-emitting means is a means that can be controlled to the third light-emitting mode (e.g., white color) during at least the rotation of the reel in a certain game (e.g., N game shown in FIG. 6), the second light-emitting means is a means that can be controlled to the second light-emitting mode (e.g., white color) during at least the rotation of the reel in a certain game, the third light-emitting mode and the second light-emitting mode are light-emitting modes of the same color (e.g., white color with color code #F0F0F0) or similar colors (e.g., kneaded color with color code #FFF4DB and milky white color with color code #FFFEF6), and the first light-emitting means is controlled to the third light-emitting mode when a predetermined condition is met in the certain game (e.g., an internal win for a replay role), When the first timing arrives in the certain game, the second light emitting means is controlled to the first light emitting mode for at least a certain period of time, and even if the predetermined condition is met in the certain game in which the second light emitting means is controlled to the second light emitting mode and the first timing arrives in the certain game, the second light emitting means maintains control of the second light emitting mode, and the certain period may be a period from the first timing in the certain game (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the Nth game, shown by reference symbol T3 in FIG. 6) to the second timing in the next game of the certain game (for example, the N+1th game shown in FIG. 6) (for example, the timing of the third stop operation in the N+1th game, shown by reference symbol T7 in FIG. 6).

With this configuration, it is possible to provide a variety of effects during the period (a certain period) from a first timing in a certain game to a second timing in the next game of the certain game, while maintaining the light emission mode of the second light-emitting means, thereby ensuring a minimum amount of light from the light-emitting means and maintaining visibility of the reels.

The third timing for changing the reel front lighting 250 from red to white is set to the timing when a bet operation is performed for the game (L game) following the final bonus game, but it is not limited to this and may be the timing when a start operation for the L game is performed, the timing of the third stop operation in the final bonus game, or the timing when the payout after the third stop operation is completed. Regardless of the timing, by changing the light color from red to white until the L game is advanced (until the reels are spun), it is possible to clearly indicate that the bonus game has ended and that the bonus game will not continue until the next game, and it is possible to prevent the mistaken belief that the L game is also a bonus game.

<Performance control unit>
Next, the performance control unit 600 will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 12.

As explained with reference to FIG. 3(a), the performance control unit 600 is a unit that houses various boards that control the LCD display device 157, speakers 272, 277, various lamps 420, etc., and in this example, is disposed above the pattern display window 113 on the back of the front door 102. It goes without saying that the location of the performance control unit 600 is not limited to this example.

Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the main components constituting the performance control unit 600 as viewed from the front side of the performance control unit 600, and Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the main components constituting the performance control unit 600 as viewed from the rear side of the performance control unit 600.

The performance control unit 600 is composed of a board mounting base 602 fixed to the back of the front door 102, a lower metal shield 604 arranged on the front of the board mounting base 602, a lower board case 606 arranged on the front of the lower metal shield 604, a sub-control board 612 and a sub-peripheral board 614 housed in a box-shaped board case (housing case) 610 consisting of the lower board case 606 and the upper board case 608, a performance peripheral board 616 arranged on the upper back of the board mounting base 602, and an upper metal shield 618 and a shield cover 620 rotatably arranged on the front of the upper board case 608.

Figure 10(a) is a front view of the performance control unit 600, and Figure 10(b) is a front view of the performance control unit 600 with the shield cover 620 removed to show the upper metal shield 618.

Figure (c) is a front view of the performance control unit 600 with the shield cover 620 and upper metal shield 618 removed, showing the upper board case 608, and Figure (d) is a front view of the performance control unit 600 with the shield cover 620, upper metal shield 618, and upper board case 608 removed, showing the sub-control board 612 and sub-peripheral board 614.

<Shield cover>
Next, the shield cover 620 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The shield cover (second cover member) 620 is a box-shaped member made of colorless and transparent resin, and in this example, is composed of a base portion 620a having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, a plate-shaped wall portion 620b formed to protrude in the thickness direction from the outer edge of the base portion 620a as a base end, and a hinge 620c formed to protrude outward from the right end portion of the base portion 620a when viewed from the front. The material and color of the shield cover 620 are not particularly limited, and may be a member such as plastic, ceramic, rubber, glass, etc., or a member of another color.

The shield cover (second cover member) 620 is disposed on the side of the upper metal shield (first cover member) 618 opposite to the side on which the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 are disposed, and is disposed so as to cover the upper metal shield (first cover member) 618. Note that the "second cover member" according to the present invention may be any member disposed so as to cover at least a portion of the "first cover member" according to the present invention.

According to this example, when liquid is poured in from above the gaming machine, the liquid can be prevented from pooling around the board, thereby preventing electrical failures caused by the liquid. In addition, the upper metal shield (first cover member) 618 can become very hot due to heat generated by the components on each board, and this can prevent game store staff from getting burned when inspecting the boards.

The base portion 620a of the shield cover 620 has a ventilation hole 620a1 at a position corresponding to the fan 624 (see FIG. 10(d)) of the sub-control board 612, a volume knob opening 620a2 at a position corresponding to the volume knob 625 of the sub-control board 612, and a fitting hole 620a3 at the left end as viewed from the front into which the fitting protrusion 604c (see FIG. 12(b)) of the lower sheet metal shield 604 can fit. In addition, the upper wall portion 620 of the shield cover 620 as viewed from the front is formed with a locking claw 620b1 that can be locked with the locking portion 608b1 (see FIG. 10(c) and FIG. 8) of the upper board case 608.

<Upper metal shield>
Next, the upper metal shield 618 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The upper sheet metal shield (first cover member) 618 is a box-shaped member made of metal, and in this example, is composed of a base portion 618a that is rectangular when viewed from the front, and a plate-shaped wall portion 618b that protrudes in the thickness direction from the outer edge of the base portion 618a.

The upper metal shield (first cover member) 618 is disposed on one side of the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 (in this example, on the front side of each board), and is arranged to cover the board case 610 (housing case) in which the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 are housed. Note that the "first cover member" according to the present invention may be any member arranged to cover at least a portion of the housing case in which the boards are housed.

In this example, the substrate can be protected by at least the storage case (substrate case 610), the first cover member (upper metal shield 618), and the second cover member (shield cover 620), so that unauthorized acts against the substrate can be prevented and security can be improved.

In addition, if the circuit board case itself were made of metal, there is a risk that the circuit board case itself would become very hot immediately after play due to heat generation and heat dissipation from the components, which could interfere with inspection and replacement work. However, by covering the circuit board case with an upper metal shield and shield cover as in this example, static electricity countermeasures are realized while preventing the circuit board case itself from becoming very hot, preventing it from interfering with inspection and replacement work immediately after play.

The base portion 618a of the upper metal sheet shield 618 has a ventilation hole 618a1 formed at a position corresponding to the fan 624 (see FIG. 10(d)) of the sub-control board 612, a volume knob opening 618a2 formed at a position corresponding to the volume knob 625 of the sub-control board 612, a fitting hole 618a3 formed at the left end when viewed from the front into which the fitting protrusion 604c (see FIG. 12(b)) of the lower metal sheet shield 604 can fit, and a monitor LED confirmation hole 618a4 consisting of a through hole is formed at a position corresponding to the monitor lamp (light emitting means) 627 (see FIG. 10(d)) of the sub-control board 612.

In this example, the first metal cover member (upper sheet metal shield 618) can protect the board from static electricity and other factors, preventing malfunctions of the board. In addition, game information can be obtained through the light-emitting means (monitor lamp 627) provided on the board, improving maintainability and convenience.

Figure 11(a) is an oblique view showing only the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 extracted from the performance control unit 600, with the shield cover 620 seen through.

The upper metal shield 618 is housed inside the shield cover 620 in an overlapping (stacked) manner, and is fixed to the shield cover 620 while being entirely covered by the shield cover 620. Specifically, the shield cover 620 is fixed by engaging a locking claw (not shown) with an engaged portion 618a5 provided on the upper metal shield 618. In this example, the shield cover 620 is made of a colorless and transparent resin, so that the monitor LED confirmation hole 618a4 and the like formed in the upper metal shield 618 can be seen from the outside through the shield cover 620.

The length L1 of the upper wall 618b of the upper metal shield 618 in plan view is shorter than the length L2 of the upper wall 620b of the shield cover 620 that overlaps (overlaps) the wall 618b in plan view, and the length L3 of the left wall 618b of the upper metal shield 618 in plan view is shorter than the length L4 of the left wall 620b of the shield cover 620 that overlaps (overlaps) the wall 618b in plan view. Although not shown, the same is true for the lower and right wall 618b of the upper metal shield 618 in plan view.

In other words, the upper metal shield 618 (first cover member) has a shorter length L1 in the short direction of the wall portion 618b (one surface) that overlaps with the shield cover 620 (second cover member) than the shield cover 620 (second cover member).

In this example, even if the board is covered with a first metal cover member (upper metal shield 618), a part of the board can be seen from the outside through a second resin cover member (shield cover 620), which increases convenience for game store staff and others.

In addition, since length L1 is shorter than length L2, and length L3 is shorter than length L4, the boards (sub-control board 612 and sub-peripheral board 614) and board case 610 can be viewed by shining a light from above or from the side without rotating the shield cover 620.

Figure 11 (b) is an external view showing the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 rotated open, and Figure 11 (c) is an external view showing the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 rotated closed.

The upper metal shield 618 and the shield cover 620 are configured to be able to rotate (pivot) together around the hinge 620c of the shield cover 620 as the center of rotation (details will be described later).

<Upper board case>
Next, the upper substrate case 608 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The upper substrate case 608 is a box-shaped member made of colorless and transparent resin, and in this example, is composed of a base portion 608a that is rectangular when viewed from the front, and a plate-shaped wall portion 608b that protrudes in the thickness direction from the outer edge of the base portion 608a.

The base portion 608a of the upper board case 608 has a ventilation hole 608a1 formed at a position corresponding to the fan 624 (see FIG. 10(d)) of the sub-control board 612, and a volume knob opening 608a2 formed at a position corresponding to the volume knob 625 of the sub-control board 612.

The upper wall 608b of the upper substrate case 608 in plan view is provided with a locking portion 608b1 to which the locking claw 620b1 of the shield cover 620 is locked, a locking portion 608b2 to which the locking claw 606b of the lower substrate case 606 is locked, and a crimping member 608b3 that is sealed together with the crimping member 606c of the lower substrate case 606 by the substrate case crimping member 621 (see Figures 8 and 9).

If the circuit board case crimping member 621 is configured to leave a trace when the seal between the upper circuit board case 608 and the lower circuit board case 606 is released, fraudulent acts can be deterred, and even if fraudulent acts are committed, the traces can be used to reliably discover the fact that fraudulent acts have been committed, allowing for rapid response to the fraudulent acts.

<Sub-control board, sub-peripheral board>
Next, the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 will be described with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 10(d).

The board case 610, which is composed of the upper board case 608 and the lower board case 606, houses a sub-control board 612 on the right side when viewed from the front, and a sub-peripheral board 614 on the left side when viewed from the front. The sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 are connected in a BtoB manner (board-to-board connection) via the board-to-board connector 622.

The sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 are boards that make up the first sub-control unit 400 described using Figure 5, and are boards that perform control related to games and presentations. A monitor lamp 627 and a cooling fan 624 are arranged on the sub-control board 612, and the top of this fan 624 is covered with a fan cover 626 (see Figure 8).

The monitor lamp (light emitting means) 627 is a means capable of indicating game information (predetermined status), and in this example is composed of multiple LEDs. The game information (predetermined status) that can be indicated by the monitor lamp 627 is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, information regarding the game status, instruction information, RT status, payout number, operating condition device, advantageous zone, reel operation, error, door open, setting change, setting confirmation, power supply status to the board and power supply status in the board, operating status of the liquid crystal display device, ON/OFF status and operating status of various parts and sensors directly or indirectly electrically connected to the board, communication status with other boards and parts connected to the board, etc.

In addition, the "board" according to the present invention is not limited to the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614. Therefore, for example, the board case 610 may house one or three or more boards, and may house boards that perform controls other than performance control (for example, game value payout control, main control board, power supply circuit).

<Lower board case>
Next, the lower substrate case 606 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 12(a) is a front view of the performance control unit 600 with the shield cover 620, upper metal shield 618, upper board case 608, sub-control board 612, and sub-peripheral board 614 removed, showing the lower board case 606.

The lower substrate case 606 is a plate-shaped member made of colorless and transparent resin, and in this example, is composed of a base portion 606a having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, a number of locking claws 606b protruding from the outer edge of the base portion 608a, and a crimping member 606c that is sealed together with the crimping member 608b3 of the upper substrate case 608 by the substrate case crimping member 621 (see Figures 8 and 9).

<Lower sheet metal shield>
Next, the lower sheet metal shield 604 will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figure 12(b) is a front view of the performance control unit 600 with the shield cover 620, upper metal shield 618, upper board case 608, sub-control board 612, sub-peripheral board 614, and lower board case 606 removed, showing the lower metal shield 604.

The lower sheet metal shield 604 is a box-shaped member made of metal, and in this example, is configured with a base portion 604a that is rectangular when viewed from the front, a number of locking claws 604b that protrude in the thickness direction from the outer edge of the base portion 618a as a base end and can be locked to the board case 610, a fitting protrusion 604c that can be fitted into the fitting hole 620a3 of the shield cover 620 and the fitting hole 618a3 of the upper sheet metal shield 618, and an earth connection portion 604d to which an earth wire is connected.

In this embodiment, the lower metal shield 604 is described as being box-shaped and made of metal material, but it would not be a problem if the lower metal shield 604 was plate-shaped and made up mostly of the base portion 604a.

As explained with reference to Figures 11(b) and (c), the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 can rotate together around the hinge 620c of the shield cover 620.

As shown in FIG. 11(b), when the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 are rotated (opened) in a direction away from the board mounting base 602 around the hinge 620c of the shield cover 620, the upper board case 608 is exposed to the outside, and the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618 are in an open state.

In this open state, the board case 610 can be removed from the board mounting base 602 and the seal of the board case crimping member 621 can be released, allowing access to the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614 inside the board case 610.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11(c), when the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 are rotated (closed) in a direction approaching the board mounting base 602 around the hinge 620c of the shield cover 620, and the fitting hole 620a3 of the shield cover 620 and the fitting hole 618a3 of the upper sheet metal shield 618 are fitted into the fitting protrusion 604c of the lower sheet metal shield 604, the upper sheet metal shield 618 and the lower sheet metal shield 604 are locked in contact with each other, and the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618 are in a closed state. In addition, in the closed state, the locking claw 604b of the lower sheet metal shield 604 abuts against the upper wall portion 618b of the upper sheet metal shield 618 in a plan view.

In this closed state, the board case 610 is covered by the shield cover 620 and the upper metal shield 618, making it impossible to access the sub-control board 612 and the sub-peripheral board 614, and the upper metal shield 618 is in contact with the lower metal shield 604 and is earthed via the lower metal shield 604.

In this example, by closing the shield cover 620 and the upper sheet metal shield 618, the lower sheet metal shield 604 and the upper sheet metal shield 618, which are arranged to sandwich the circuit board case 610, can be reliably grounded, and static electricity measures can be reliably taken against electronic components such as circuit boards and circuits arranged in the performance control unit 600.

<Performance peripheral board>
Next, the performance peripheral board 616 will be described with reference to Figures 8, 9 and 12(b).

The performance peripheral board 616 is a board that constitutes the second sub-control unit 500 described using FIG. 5, and is a board that performs control related to the game. This performance peripheral board 616 is disposed on the upper rear surface of the board mounting base 602, and is electrically connected to the sub-control board 612 and sub-peripheral board 614 disposed on the front side of the board mounting base 602 via multiple cables and connectors (not shown).

Figure 12(c) is a front view of the performance peripheral board cover 616a and the performance peripheral board harness cover 616b, (d) is an external perspective view showing the performance peripheral board cover 616a and the performance peripheral board harness cover 616b disassembled, and (e) is a side view of the performance peripheral board cover 616a and the performance peripheral board harness cover 616b.

The performance peripheral board cover 616a is a long, narrow box-shaped member made of colorless, transparent plastic, and is fixed to the upper front of the board mounting base 602 so as to cover the front of the performance peripheral board 616.

The performance peripheral board harness cover 616b is a long, narrow box-shaped member made of colorless, transparent plastic that can house the performance peripheral board cover 616a inside, and is arranged superimposed (overlapped) on the outside of the performance peripheral board cover 616a so as to cover the performance peripheral board cover 616a and the cables that lead from the performance peripheral board 616 to the front of the board mounting base 602. This performance peripheral board harness cover 616b can rotate relative to the performance peripheral board cover 616a, with a hinge 616a1 arranged on the right side of the performance peripheral board cover 616a when viewed from the front.

As shown in the side view of FIG. 12(e), the upper surface of the performance peripheral board harness cover 616b is configured with an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward from the rear side to the front side. When liquid is poured in from the top of the slot machine 100, the liquid does not remain on the upper surface of the performance peripheral board harness cover 616b, but flows downward along the slope of the upper surface.

The performance peripheral board harness cover 616b in this example can prevent liquid from pooling around the performance peripheral board 616 and cables in the event that liquid is poured in from the top of the slot machine 100, thereby preventing electrical failures caused by liquid.

As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (e.g., slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a board (e.g., sub-control board 612 and sub-peripheral board 614 shown in FIG. 8), a first cover member (e.g., upper metal shield 618 shown in FIG. 8), and a light-emitting means (e.g., monitor lamp 627 shown in FIG. 10(d)), the first cover member being a metal member arranged on at least one side of the board, the first cover member being equipped with a through hole (e.g., monitor LED confirmation hole 618a4 shown in FIG. 10(b)) at a position corresponding to a specific location on the board, the light-emitting means being a means capable of notifying a specific situation (e.g., game information), and the light-emitting means being arranged at the specific location.

In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the first metal cover member can protect the board from static electricity and other problems, preventing malfunctions of the board. In addition, game information can be obtained through the light-emitting means arranged on the board, improving maintainability and convenience.

The device may also include a second cover member (e.g., the shield cover 620 shown in FIG. 8), the second cover member being a resin member, and the second cover member may be disposed on the opposite side of the first cover member from the side on which the substrate is disposed.

With this configuration, if liquid is poured in from above the gaming machine, it is possible to prevent the liquid from pooling around the board, thereby preventing electrical failures caused by liquid. It is also possible to prevent game store staff from getting burned when inspecting the board.

The device may also include a storage case (e.g., the substrate case 610 shown in FIG. 8) capable of storing the substrate, the first cover member being arranged to cover at least a portion of the storage case when the substrate is stored therein, and the second cover member being arranged to cover at least a portion of the first cover member.

With this configuration, the board can be protected by at least the storage case, the first cover member, and the second cover member, making it possible to prevent unauthorized acts against the board and thus improving security.

In addition, if the circuit board case itself were made of metal, the circuit board case itself would become very hot immediately after play due to heat generation and heat dissipation from the components, which could cause problems when carrying out inspection or replacement work. However, by covering the circuit board case with an upper metal shield and shield cover as in this example, static electricity countermeasures are realized, and the circuit board case itself does not become very hot, allowing inspection or replacement work to be carried out immediately after play.

In addition, the first cover member may have a shorter length in the short direction of at least one surface that overlaps with the second cover member than the second cover member.

With this configuration, even if the board is covered with a first metal cover member, part of the board can be seen from the outside through the second resin cover member, improving convenience for game store staff and others.

<Lens unit assembly structure>
Next, the assembly structure of the lens unit 700 will be described.

Figure 13(a) is a front view of the presentation device disposed at the bottom of the slot machine 100, and figure 13(b) is a rear view of the presentation device, viewed from the rear.

The slot machine 100 includes an upper performance unit 650, a panel unit 750 arranged below the upper performance unit 650, and side lamps 654 arranged on both sides of the upper performance unit 650 and the panel unit 750.

The upper performance unit 650 is composed of a lens unit 700 capable of outputting light, a number of speakers 660 capable of outputting sound, and a performance cover 662 that supports the lens unit 700, the speakers 660, etc.

The panel unit 750 is composed of a plate-shaped panel 652, a panel lighting reflector 658 arranged on the rear side of the panel 652, a panel lighting board 664 arranged in front of the panel lighting reflector 658, and a panel partition 656 that supports the lower part of the panel 652. Details of the panel unit 750 will be described later.

<Lens unit>
Next, the lens unit 700 will be described.

Figure 14 (a) is a front view of the lens unit 700, (b) is a rear view of the lens unit 700, and (c) is an exploded perspective view showing the main components that make up the lens unit 700.

The lens unit 700 is composed of a lens holder 702, an inner lens 704 attached to the lens holder 702, an outer lens 706 disposed in front of the inner lens 704, and a lens cover 708 disposed to cover the outer lens 706 and the inner lens 704.

<Lens unit/lens holder>
The lens holder 702 is a mounting member to which mounting members such as an illumination board (not shown), an inner lens 704, an outer lens 706, a lens cover 708, etc. are attached, and in this example, is configured to have a base portion 702a made of a plate-shaped member having an inverted triangular shape when viewed from behind, a wall portion 702b protruding from the outer edge of this base portion 702a, and an illumination board (not shown) fixed to the base portion 702a.

The base portion 702a of the lens holder 702 has three inner lens engagement portions 702a1, one on each end of the upper portion and one on the lower portion, with which the plate-shaped engagement pieces 704b1 of the inner lens 704 can engage. It goes without saying that the number and positions of the engagement pieces 704b1 of the inner lens 704 and the inner lens engagement portions 702a1 of the lens holder 702 are not limited to those in this example.

The wall 702b of the lens holder 702 is provided with a total of four outer lens engagement portions (first engagement portions) 702b1, two at the top and two at the bottom, with which the outer lens engagement pieces 706a of the outer lens (first mounting member) 706 can engage, and a total of six lens cover engagement portions (second engagement portions) 702b2, three at the top and three at the bottom, with which the lens cover engagement pieces 708a of the lens cover (second mounting member) 708 can engage.

It goes without saying that the number and positions of the outer lens engagement piece 706a of the outer lens 706, the lens cover engagement piece 708a of the lens cover 708, the outer lens engagement portion 702b1 of the lens holder 702, and the lens cover engagement portion 702b2 are not limited to those in this example.

In addition, the inner lens engaging portion 702a1, the outer lens engaging portion 702b1, and the lens cover engaging portion 702b2 are arranged in a staggered manner and have a one-to-one correspondence with the inner lens 204, the outer lens 706, and the lens cover 708. Therefore, even if engaging pieces of different lenses are inserted into different engaging portions, they will not be properly attached to the lens holder 702, and assembly errors will be easily noticed.

The lighting board (not shown) is a board on which multiple LEDs are mounted, and is fixed to the surface of the base portion 702a facing the inner lens 704, and is configured to be able to emit light toward the inner lens 704.

<Lens unit/inner lens>
The inner lens 704 is a member capable of emitting and diffusing light emitted from an LED mounted on the lighting board of the lens holder 702 toward the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708, and in this example, is made of a plate-shaped member having an inverted triangular shape when viewed from behind, and is composed of a base portion 704a having multiple reflectors, and a wall portion 704b protruding from the outer edge of the base portion 704a.

The wall 704b of the inner lens 704 has three engagement pieces 704b1 that can engage with the inner lens engagement portion 702a1 of the lens holder 702, one on each end of the upper part and one on the lower part.

<Lens unit/outer lens>
The outer lens (first mounting member) 706 is a colored transparent (orange in this example) member that is arranged on the front surface of the inner lens 704, and in this example, is composed of a cylindrical member that has an inverted triangular shape when viewed from behind and has an inner space capable of accommodating a portion of the inner lens 704.

The opening of the outer lens 706 has a total of six outer lens engagement pieces 706a, three at the top and three at the bottom, that can engage with the outer lens engagement parts 702b1 of the lens holder 702.

Details will be explained using FIG. 16(b), but this outer lens engagement piece 706a has an engagement hole 706a1 formed that can engage with the engagement claw 702b12 of the outer lens engagement part 702b1.

<Lens unit/lens cover>
The lens cover (second mounting member) 708 is a colorless and transparent member arranged to cover the outer lens 706 and the inner lens 704, and in this example, is composed of a cylindrical member having an inverted triangular shape when viewed from behind and having an inner space capable of accommodating a portion of the outer lens 706.

The opening of the lens cover 708 has a total of six lens cover engagement pieces 708a, three at the top and three at the bottom, that can engage with the lens cover engagement parts 702b2 of the lens holder 702.

Details will be explained using FIG. 16(c), but this lens cover engagement piece 708a has an engagement hole 708a1 formed that can engage with the engagement claw 702b22 of the lens cover engagement portion 702b2.

<Lens unit/assembly process>
Next, the assembly process of the lens unit 700 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 15(a) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 before assembly, and figure 15(b) is an exploded view showing the lens unit 700 with the inner lens 704 attached to the lens holder 702.

Figure (c) is an exploded view of the lens unit 700 with the inner lens 704 and outer lens 706 attached to the lens holder 702, and Figure (d) is an exploded view of the lens unit 700 after assembly.

When assembling the lens unit 700, first, as shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), the inner lens 704 is attached to the lens holder 702 by engaging the three engagement pieces 704b1 of the inner lens 704 with the three inner lens engagement portions 702a1 of the lens holder 702.

Next, as shown in Figures 15(b) and (c), the outer lens 706 is attached to the lens holder 702 by engaging the four outer lens engagement pieces 706a of the outer lens 706 with the four outer lens engagement parts 702b1 of the lens holder 702 with the inner lens 704 attached. This fixes the outer lens 706 in an overlapping state on the outside of the inner lens 704.

Finally, as shown in Figures 15(c) and (d), the lens cover 708 is attached to the lens holder 702 by engaging the six lens cover engagement pieces 708a of the lens cover 708 with the six lens cover engagement parts 702b2 of the lens holder 702 with the outer lens 706 and inner lens 704 attached. This fixes the lens cover 708 to the lens holder 702 in an overlapping state.

As shown in FIG. 15(d), when the lens unit 700 is assembled, the four outer lens engagement pieces 706a of the outer lens 706 and the lens cover engagement pieces 708a of the lens cover 708 are arranged alternately in the lens holder 702.

In this example, the assembly process is described in which the inner lens 704 is attached to the lens holder 702, then the outer lens 706 is attached, and finally the lens cover 708 is attached. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an assembly process in which the inner lens 704, outer lens 706, and lens cover 708 are attached to the lens holder 702 in a stacked state is also possible.

The engagement piece 704b1 of the inner lens 704, the engagement piece 706a of the outer lens, and the engagement piece 708a of the lens cover are staggered, so that these three components do not interfere with each other even when stacked. They can also be attached to the lens holder 702 in a stacked state, which can improve the efficiency of the assembly process.

In this example, on one surface of the mounting member (lens holder 702 in this example), the engagement portion (outer lens engagement portion 702b1 in this example) with the first mounting member (outer lens 706 in this example) and the engagement portion (lens cover engagement portion 702b2 in this example) with the second mounting member (lens cover 708 in this example) are alternately arranged, so that the first mounting member and the second mounting member do not easily come off the mounting member, and the attachment strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be increased.

<Lens unit/lens holder engagement portion>
Next, the engagement portion of the lens holder 702 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 16 (a) is a partial enlarged view showing the main parts of the lens holder 702 before the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708 are attached, (b) is a partial enlarged view showing the main parts of the lens holder 702 after the outer lens 706 is attached, and (c) is a partial enlarged view showing the main parts of the lens holder 702 after the lens cover 708 and the outer lens 706 are attached.

As shown in FIG. 16(a), the outer lens engagement portion 702b1 of the lens holder 702 is configured to have an insertion hole 702b11 through which the outer lens engagement piece 706a of the outer lens 706 can be inserted, an engagement claw 702b12 into which the engagement hole 706a1 formed in the outer lens engagement piece 706a of the outer lens 706 can engage, and an engagement passage 702b13 into which the outer lens engagement piece 706a of the outer lens 706 can be fitted.

The fitting passage 702b13 has a first portion along the short side of the wall portion 702b and a second portion extending in the opposite direction to the side where the outer lens 706 is attached, and the engagement claw 702b12 is provided at the tip side of the second portion of the fitting passage.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1A, the lens cover engagement portion 702b2 of the lens holder 702 is configured to have an engagement passage 702b21 into which the lens cover engagement piece 708a of the lens cover 708 can be fitted, and an engagement claw 702b22 into which the engagement hole 708a1 formed in the lens cover engagement piece 708a of the lens cover 708 can be engaged.

The fitting passage 702b21 has a first portion along the short side of the wall portion 702b and a second portion extending in the opposite direction to the side on which the outer lens 706 is attached, and the engagement claw 702b22 is provided at the tip side of the second portion of the fitting passage 702b21.

The engagement claw 702b12 of the outer lens engagement part 702b1 is a part that protrudes downward (inward of the lens holder 702), while the engagement claw 702b22 of the lens cover engagement part 702b2 is a part that protrudes upward (outward of the lens holder 702), and the two protrude in directions that are 180 degrees different.

When attaching the outer lens 706 to the lens holder 702, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the outer lens engagement piece 706a is inserted into the insertion hole 702b11 of the outer lens engagement part 702b1, and then the engagement hole 706a1 of the outer lens engagement piece 706a is engaged (fitted) into the engagement claw 702b12 of the outer lens engagement part 702b1, thereby fixing the outer lens 706 to the lens holder 702.

As a result, the outer lens engagement piece 706a of the outer lens 706 abuts against the back surface (first surface) of the wall portion 702b of the lens holder 702 and is fixed to the lens holder 702 while being pressed in the direction of the back surface (first surface) of the wall portion 702b.

On the other hand, when removing the outer lens 706 from the lens holder 702, the outer lens engagement piece 706a is pushed inward (first direction, downward in FIG. 16) into the lens holder 702 to release the engagement between the engagement claw 702b12 of the outer lens engagement portion 702b1 and the engagement hole 706a1 of the outer lens engagement piece 706a, and then the outer lens engagement piece 706a is withdrawn from the insertion hole 702b11 of the outer lens engagement portion 702b1 to remove the outer lens 706 from the lens holder 702.

When attaching the lens cover 708 to the lens holder 702, as shown in FIG. 16(c), the lens cover engagement piece 708a is pushed in along the fitting passage 702b21 of the lens cover engagement part 702b2, and then the engagement hole 708a1 of the lens cover engagement piece 708a is engaged (fitted) into the engagement claw 702b22 of the lens cover engagement part 702b2, thereby fixing the lens cover 708 to the lens holder 702.

As a result, the lens cover engagement piece 708a of the lens cover 708 abuts against the surface (second surface) of the wall portion 702b of the lens holder 702 and is fixed to the lens holder 702 while being pressed toward the surface (second surface) of the wall portion 702b. In this state, the upper surfaces of the walls on both sides of the fitting passage 702b21 of the lens cover engagement portion 702b2 and the upper surface of the lens cover engagement piece 708a of the lens cover 708 are approximately flush with each other, so that the number of uneven parts of the lens unit 700 can be reduced and interference with other components can be prevented.

On the other hand, when removing the lens cover 708 from the lens holder 702, the lens cover engagement piece 708a is pulled outward from the lens holder 702 (second direction; upward in FIG. 16) to release the engagement between the engagement claw 702b22 of the lens holder engagement portion 702b2 and the engagement hole 708a1 of the lens cover engagement piece 708a, and then the lens cover engagement piece 708a is pulled out along the engagement passage 702b21 of the lens holder engagement portion 702b2 to remove the lens cover 708 from the lens holder 702.

According to this example, no tools or screws are required to attach the mounting members (in this example, outer lens 706, lens cover 708), which increases convenience when assembling the mounting members and the mounting member (in this example, lens holder 702). In addition, the first engagement portion (in this example, outer lens engagement portion 702b1) and the second engagement portion (in this example, lens holder engagement portion 702b2) have different directions for releasing the engagement with the mounting members, so the mounting members do not easily come off the mounting members, and the attachment strength of the mounting members can be increased.

In addition, the direction in which the first mounting member (in this example, the outer lens 706) and the first engagement portion (in this example, the engagement portion for the outer lens 702b1) engage is different from the direction in which the second mounting member (in this example, the lens cover 708) and the second engagement portion (in this example, the engagement portion for the lens holder 702b2) engage. This reduces the chance of an error in mounting the first mounting member and the second mounting member, and the first mounting member and the second mounting member do not easily come off the mounting member, increasing the mounting strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member.

In addition, when removing the first mounting member (in this example, the outer lens 706) and the second mounting member (in this example, the lens cover 708) from the mounting member (in this example, the lens holder 702), it is necessary to move the first mounting member and the second mounting member in opposite directions to release the engagement with the mounting member, so that the first mounting member and the second mounting member do not easily come off the mounting member, and the attachment strength of the first mounting member and the second mounting member can be increased.

In addition, the mounting members (in this example, the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708) are attached so as to clamp the mounting member (in this example, the lens holder 702), so that the mounting members do not easily come off the mounting members, and the mounting strength of the mounting members can be increased.

In this example, the engagement portion of the mounting member (the outer lens engagement portion 702b1 of the lens holder 702) is provided with an engagement claw 702b12, and the mounting member (the outer lens engagement piece 706a of the outer lens 706) is provided with an engagement hole 706a1. However, the mounting member (the outer lens engagement piece 706a of the outer lens 706) may be provided with an engagement claw that can engage with the engagement portion of the mounting member, and the engagement portion of the mounting member (the outer lens engagement portion 702b1 of the lens holder 702) may be provided with an engagement hole that can engage with the mounting member.

In addition, the engaging portion of the mounting member (lens holder engaging portion 702b2 of lens holder 702) is provided with an engaging claw 702b22, and the mounting member (lens cover engaging piece 708a of lens cover 708) is provided with an engaging hole 708a1, but the mounting member (lens cover engaging piece 708a of lens cover 708) may be provided with an engaging claw that can engage with the engaging portion of the mounting member, and the engaging portion of the mounting member (lens holder engaging portion 702b2 of lens holder 702) may be provided with an engaging hole that can engage with the mounting member.

<Lens unit assembly structure/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 an attachment member (e.g., the lens holder 702 shown in FIG. 16) to which an attachment member (e.g., the outer lens 706 and the lens cover 708 shown in FIG. 16) can be attached, the attachment member having a plurality of engagement portions that can engage with the attachment member, the plurality of engagement portions including a first engagement portion (e.g., the outer lens engagement portion 702b1 shown in FIG. 16) and a second engagement portion (e.g., the lens holder engagement portion 702b2 shown in FIG. 16), and the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion have different directions for releasing the engagement with the attachment member.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment does not require tools or screws to attach the mounting member, which increases the convenience when assembling the mounting member and the attachment member. In addition, the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion have different directions for releasing the engagement with the mounting member, so the mounting member will not easily come off the attachment member, and the attachment strength of the mounting member can be increased.

The mounting member may be capable of mounting a plurality of the mounting members (hereinafter referred to as "a plurality of mounting members"). One of the plurality of mounting members is a first mounting member, and one of the plurality of mounting members is a second mounting member. The plurality of mounting members may include a first mounting member (e.g., outer lens 706 shown in FIG. 16) and a second mounting member (e.g., lens cover 708 shown in FIG. 16). The first engaging portion may be capable of engaging with the first mounting member, and the second engaging portion may be capable of engaging with the second mounting member. The direction in which the first mounting member and the first engaging portion engage with each other may be different from the direction in which the second mounting member and the second engaging portion engage with each other.

With this configuration, the direction in which the first mounting member engages with the first engaging portion is different from the direction in which the second mounting member engages with the second engaging portion, which reduces installation errors between the first mounting member and the second mounting member, and also prevents the first mounting member and the second mounting member from easily coming off the mounting member, thereby increasing the mounting strength between the first mounting member and the second mounting member.

In addition, the direction in which the first mounting member is released from the engagement of the first engagement portion is a first direction on one surface of the mounting member (e.g., toward the inside of the lens holder 702), and the direction in which the second mounting member is released from the engagement of the second engagement portion is a second direction on the one surface of the mounting member (e.g., toward the inside of the lens holder 702), and the first direction and the second direction may be opposite directions.

With this configuration, when removing the first and second mounting members from the mounting member, it is necessary to move the first and second mounting members in opposite directions to release the engagement with the mounting member, so that the first and second mounting members do not easily come off the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the first and second mounting members can be increased.

The second mounting member may be attached to the outside of the first mounting member by overlapping it when the first mounting member is attached to the mounting member.

This configuration can increase the attachment strength of the first and second mounting members that are attached to the mounting member by overlapping each other.

The gaming machine according to this embodiment (e.g., slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a mounting member (e.g., lens holder 702 shown in FIG. 16) to which a mounting member (e.g., outer lens 706 and lens cover 708 shown in FIG. 16) can be attached, and the mounting member has a plurality of engagement parts that can be engaged with the mounting member, and the plurality of engagement parts include a first engagement part (e.g., outer lens engagement part 702b1 shown in FIG. 16) and a second engagement part (e.g., lens holder engagement part 702b2 shown in FIG. 16), and the mounting member and the first engagement part are engaged with a first surface of the mounting member, and the mounting member and the second engagement part are engaged with a second surface of the mounting member, and the first surface and the second surface may be surfaces that are in a front-back relationship with each other.

With this configuration, no tools or screws are required to attach the mounting member, which increases convenience when assembling the mounting member and the attachment member. In addition, since the mounting member is attached so as to clamp the attachment member, the mounting member will not easily come off the attachment member, and the attachment strength of the mounting member can be increased.

The first engagement portion may have a first fitting portion (e.g., the through hole 702b11 shown in FIG. 16) on a first surface of the mounting member into which a portion of the first mounting member can be fitted, and the second engagement portion may have a second fitting portion (e.g., the fitting passage 702b21 shown in FIG. 16) on a second surface of the mounting member into which a portion of the second mounting member can be fitted, and the first surface and the second surface may be surfaces that are reverse to each other.

With this configuration, the mounting member is attached so as to clamp the mounting member, so the mounting member does not easily come off the mounting member, and the mounting strength of the mounting member can be increased.

The first engagement portion may have a first protruding piece (e.g., engagement claw 702b12 shown in FIG. 16) protruding in a first direction, and the second engagement portion may have a second protruding piece (e.g., engagement claw 702b22 shown in FIG. 16) protruding in a direction opposite to the first direction.

With this configuration, no tools or screws are required to attach the mounting member, which increases convenience when assembling the mounting member and the attachment member. In addition, since the mounting member is attached so as to clamp the attachment member, the mounting member will not easily come off the attachment member, and the attachment strength of the mounting member can be increased.

The first mounting member (e.g., the outer lens 706 shown in FIG. 16) and the second mounting member (e.g., the lens cover 708 shown in FIG. 16) may be light-transmitting members of different colors.

With this configuration, even if there is only one light color, the light color can be changed to various colors depending on the combination of the first and second mounting members, enhancing the dramatic effect.

The first attachment member may be one that cannot be attached to the mounting member when the second attachment member is attached to the mounting member.

This configuration can reduce the chance of incorrectly attaching the first and second attachment members.

<Panel shadow prevention structure>
Next, the shadow prevention structure of the panel 652 will be described. Prior to this description, however, the panel unit 750 will be described with reference to FIG.
@
<Panel shadow prevention structure/Panel unit>
17(a) is an exploded perspective view showing the main components constituting the panel unit 750, FIG. 17(b) is an external perspective view of the panel unit 750 seen from the front side, and FIG. 17(c) is an external perspective view of the panel unit 750 seen from the rear side.

The panel unit 750 is composed of a plate-shaped panel 652, a panel lighting reflector 658 arranged on the rear side of the panel 652, a panel lighting board 664 on which multiple LEDs 664a are mounted, and a panel partition 656 that supports the lower part of the panel 652.

As explained using Figure 13, this panel unit 750 is attached below the upper performance unit 650 via the upper performance unit attachment portion 658d provided on the panel lighting reflector 658.

<Shadow prevention structure for panels/panel unit/panel>
The panel 652 is a member (first member) through which at least a portion of the light emitted from the panel lighting board 664 (light-emitting means) can transmit, and in this example, is composed of a colored translucent plate-like member with decoration (letters, figures, symbols, patterns, characters, etc.) on the front surface 652a.

The "first member" according to the present invention is not limited to a decorated, colored, translucent plate-like member, but may be undecorated, may be partially made of a light-transmitting material and partially made of a light-impermeable material, or may not be a plate-like member.

<Panel shadow prevention structure/Panel unit/Panel lighting reflector>
The panel lighting reflector 658 is a member (second member) that supports the panel (first member) 652, and in this example, is configured with a plate-shaped base portion 658a having a plurality of lighting board mounting portions 658a1, a plate-shaped wall portion 658b that is formed by extending in the thickness direction from the outer edge of the base portion 658a, a panel partition mounting portion 658c provided below the outer edge of the base portion 658a, and an upper performance unit mounting portion 658d provided above the outer edge of the base portion 658a. The detailed structure of this panel lighting reflector 658 will be described later.

<Panel shadow prevention structure/Panel unit/Panel lighting board>
The panel lighting board 664 (light emitting means) includes a plurality of LEDs 664a capable of emitting light toward the panel 652. The panel lighting board 664 (light emitting means) is screwed to a lighting board attachment portion 658a1 of the panel lighting reflector 658, and is fixed to a base portion 658a of the panel lighting reflector 658 with the plurality of LEDs 664a directed toward the panel 652.

<Panel shadow prevention structure/Panel unit/Panel divider>
The panel partition 656 is a horizontally long rod-shaped member capable of supporting the panel 652 from below, and in this example, is configured to have a panel support portion 656a on which the panel 652 can be placed (supported), and a reflector mounting portion (not shown) provided on the back surface.

With the bottom of the panel 652 supported by the panel support 656a, the panel partition 656 is screwed to the panel partition mounting portion 658c of the panel lighting reflector 658 via the reflector mounting portion (not shown), and is fixed to the lower edge of the panel lighting reflector 658.

<Panel shadow prevention structure/detailed structure of panel lighting reflector>
Next, the detailed structure of the panel illumination reflector 658 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 18(a) is a side view of the panel unit 750, (b) is an external perspective view of the panel unit 750 with the panel 652 removed, as viewed obliquely from below, and (c) is an external perspective view of the panel unit 750 with the panel 652 removed, as viewed obliquely from above.

The wall portion 658b erected on the outer edge of the base portion 658a of the panel lighting reflector 658 is composed of an abutment portion 658b1 that abuts against the panel (first member) 652, a non-abutment portion 658b2 that does not abut against the panel (first member) 652, and a chamfered portion 658b3 that is partially chamfered.

The contact portion 658b1 of the wall portion 658b contacts the rear surface 652b of the panel 652 and functions as a portion that supports the rear surface 652b of the panel 652 when the panel unit 750 is assembled.

On the other hand, the non-contact portion 658b2 of the wall portion 658b is structured such that the tip of the contact portion 658b1 is cut out, and the maximum height of the non-contact portion 658b2 is lower than the maximum height of the contact portion 658b1, and is configured so as not to contact the back surface 652b of the panel 652 when the panel unit 750 is assembled.

In other words, the wall portion 658b has a shape with a recess, and abuts against the back surface 652b of the panel 652 at a location that is not recessed, providing support. In other words, the wall portion 658b has a first wall region (abutment portion 658b1) that faces (extends) toward the panel 652, and a second wall region (non-abutment portion 658b2) that faces (does not extend) toward the panel 652 as far as the first wall region.

It is not necessary that all of the contact parts are in contact with the panel 652, and a structure in which only some of the contact parts are in contact may be used. Also, a gap may be formed between the panel 652 and the contact parts, and by creating a gap, when an impact is applied to the panel 653, the impact can be prevented from being transmitted to the panel lighting reflector 658.

The maximum height of the non-contact portion 658b2 may be appropriately designed depending on whether a shadow is generated on the panel 652, and may be about 3/4 or 1/2 the maximum height of the contact portion 658b1. In this example, the contact portion 658b1 and the non-contact portion 658b2 are integrally formed, but they may be separate.

As shown in the external perspective views of Figures 18(b) and (c), the panel lighting reflector 658 is made of a polygonal member having multiple (six in this example) corners CP, and the contacting portion 658b1 is disposed in a portion including the multiple corners CP, while the non-contacting portion 658b2 is disposed in a portion excluding the multiple corners CP, approximately symmetrically in the longitudinal direction of the panel lighting reflector 658.

According to this example, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of shadows uniformly on the left and right sides of the first member (in this example, panel 652), and it is possible to ensure the design of the first member while preventing the shadow of the second member (in this example, panel lighting reflector 658) from being reflected on the first member. Furthermore, even if an external impact is applied to the front of the first member, the impact force can be distributed to the left and right, preventing damage to the first member and ensuring durability.

In addition, by locating abutment portions at the corners of the second member (in this example, the panel lighting reflector 658), the strength of the second member can be increased, and the first member (in this example, the panel 652) can be stably supported by the second member.

As shown in FIG. 18(b), the chamfered portion 658b3 of the wall portion 658b has a structure in which the tip of the abutment portion 658b1 is beveled, and when the panel unit 750 is assembled, the tip abuts against the rear surface 652b of the panel 652, and the portion other than the tip does not abut against the rear surface 652b of the panel 652. In this example, only one chamfered portion 658b3 is disposed in the center of the upper edge of the panel lighting reflector 658.

Panel 652 is decorated with various decorations and characters, and often prominent characters and decorations are drawn in the center. Chamfered portion 658b3 is located approximately in the center of panel 652 in the longitudinal direction, but if chamfering is not performed in this area, a dark area will be created in the center of the panel, which will make the most prominent part of the panel look less appealing.

On the other hand, if this portion is cut out in the same way as the other non-contacting portions, durability when an impact is applied cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, in this example, the wall portion 658b is chamfered at a portion approximately in the center of the panel 52 in the longitudinal direction, thereby improving the appearance and durability of the panel 652.

In this example, the contact portion (tip) of the chamfered portion 658b3 maintains the function of supporting the first member (in this example, the panel 652) with the second member (in this example, the panel lighting reflector 658), while the non-contact portion (chamfered portion) of the chamfered portion 658b3 prevents the shadow of the second member from being cast on the first member.

The chamfered portion 658b3 may be absent or may be arranged in two or more. In addition, a part or all of the non-contact portion 658b2 may be configured with the chamfered portion 658b3.

<Shadow prevention structure of the panel/Function of non-contact part and chamfered part>
Next, the functions of the non-contact portion 658b2 and the chamfered portion 658b3 of the panel unit 750 will be described with reference to Figures 19(a) and 19(b).

Figure 19(a) is a front view of the panel unit 750, and (b) is a side cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in (a) and an enlarged view of the main part.

The light emitted from the LED 664a of the panel lighting board 664 toward the rear surface 652b of the panel 652 can be classified into light that reaches the rear surface 652b of the panel 652 directly and light that is reflected by the wall portion 658b of the panel lighting reflector 658 and reaches the rear surface 652b of the panel 652.

For example, in FIG. 19(b), the light indicated by the symbol L1 is light that travels in the opposite direction to the wall portion 658b of the panel lighting reflector 658 and reaches the rear surface 652b of the panel 652 directly, the light indicated by the symbol L2 is light that passes above the non-contact portion 658b2 of the panel lighting reflector 658 and reaches the edge of the rear surface 652b of the panel 652 directly, and the light indicated by the symbol L3 is light that is reflected by the non-contact portion 658b2 of the panel lighting reflector 658 and reaches the rear surface 652b of the panel 652.

In conventional gaming machines, the wall portion 658b of the panel lighting reflector 658 is composed only of the portion corresponding to the contact portion 658b1 in this example, and does not have the non-contact portion 658b2 and the chamfered portion 658b3 in this example. Therefore, the light L1 shown in FIG. 18(b) can reach the rear surface 652b of the panel 652 directly, but the light L2 shown in FIG. 18(b) is reflected by the portion corresponding to the contact portion 658b1 in this example and reaches the rear surface 652b of the panel 652, and therefore cannot reach the edge of the rear surface 652b of the panel 652 directly.

As a result, in conventional gaming machines, the amount (amount of light) of light L2 that directly reaches the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652 is relatively small, causing the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652 to be darker than the center of the back surface 652b of the panel 652, resulting in a poor appearance of the panel 652 from the front.

In this regard, the panel lighting reflector 658 in this example has a non-contact portion 658b2 that does not contact the panel 652, and a chamfered portion 658b3 that does not contact the panel 652, so that the light L2 shown in FIG. 18(b) can pass through the gap (space) formed between the panel 652 and the non-contact portion 658b2 (or between the panel 652 and the chamfered portion 658b3) and reach the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652 directly, thereby making it possible to increase the quantity (amount of light) of light L2 illuminating the edge of the back surface 652b of the panel 652 compared to conventional gaming machines.

In this example, the second member (in this example, the panel lighting reflector 658) has a non-contact portion 658b2 that does not contact the first member (in this example, the panel 652). This prevents a situation in which a part of the light emitted toward the first member is reflected by the second member, causing a shadow of the second member to be cast on the first member and reflected in the first member, thereby improving the appearance of the first member without impeding the design of the first member.

The contact portion 658b1 maintains the function of supporting the first member (panel 652 in this example) with the second member (panel lighting reflector 658 in this example), while the non-contact portion 658b2 prevents the shadow of the second member from being reflected on the first member. In addition, the non-contact portion 658b2 has a structure in which the contact portion 658b1 is cut out, so the structure of the second member is not complicated and the second member can be easily processed.

<Shadow prevention structure for panels/materials surrounding the panel unit>
Next, the members around the panel unit 750 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 19 (c) is a partially enlarged view of the panel unit 750 attached to the upper performance unit 650, with the panel 652 not shown.

When the panel unit 750 is attached to the upper performance unit 650, both longitudinal sides of the panel unit 750 (panel 652 and panel lighting reflector 658) are positioned on the rear side of the side lamp cover 654a of the side lamp 654, in a position overlapping with this side lamp cover 654a (overlapping in the front-to-rear direction). In other words, the side lamp cover 654a is positioned to protrude forward from the panel unit 750.

In addition, in this state, the upper short side of the panel unit 750 (panel 652 and panel lighting reflector 658) is positioned on the rear side of the performance cover 662 of the upper performance unit 650 in a position overlapping with this performance cover 662 (overlapping in the front-to-back direction), and the lower short side of the panel unit 750 (panel 652 and panel lighting reflector 658) is positioned on the rear side of the panel partition 656 in a position overlapping with this panel partition 656 (overlapping in the front-to-back direction). In other words, the performance cover 662 is positioned to protrude forward more than the panel unit 750.

In this example, the longitudinal and lateral edges of the panel 652 can be covered with other members (in this example, the side lamp cover 654a, the performance cover 662, and the panel divider 656). Therefore, even if the shadow of the second member (in this example, the panel lighting reflector 658) is reflected on the edge of the first member (in this example, the panel 652), the reflection of the shadow can be made less noticeable, and the appearance of the first member can be improved without interfering with the design of the first member.

In addition, in this example, the surface of the edge of the side lamp cover 654a (third member) near the panel unit 750 and the surface of the edge of the performance cover 662 (third member) near the panel unit 750 are plated.

In this example, a plated third member (in this example, side lamp cover 654a, effect cover 662) is provided, and the third member is disposed at least partially around the first member (in this example, panel 652). This allows light from fluorescent lamps or the like installed in the game arcade to be reflected by the third member and irradiated around the first member. Even if the shadow of the second member (in this example, panel lighting reflector 658) is reflected on the edge of the first member (in this example, panel 652), the reflection of the shadow can be made less noticeable, and the appearance of the first member can be improved without impeding the design of the first member.

The "third member" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, plating may be applied to either the surface of the edge of the side lamp cover 654a near the panel unit 750 or the surface of the edge of the performance cover 662 near the panel unit 750, or the surface of the edge of the panel partition 656 near the panel unit 750.

In addition, an example has been shown in which a plated third member (in this example, side lamp cover 654a, performance cover 662) is arranged around at least a portion of the periphery of a first member (in this example, panel 652), but in addition to (or instead of) arranging a plated third member, a backing may be provided around at least a portion of the periphery of the front surface of the first member (in this example, panel 652) to make the shadow of the edge of panel 652 less noticeable.

<Summary of Panel Shadow Prevention Structure>
As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine including a first member (for example, the panel 652 shown in FIG. 17(a)), a second member (for example, the panel lighting reflector 658 shown in FIG. 17(a)) supporting at least a part of the first member, and a light emitting means (for example, the panel lighting board 664 and the LED 664a shown in FIG. 17(a)) capable of irradiating the first member supported by the second member, wherein the first member is capable of transmitting at least a part of the light emitted from the light emitting means, and the second member has a first portion (for example, the contact portion 658b1 shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c)) facing the first member, and a second portion (for example, the non-contact portion 658b2 shown in FIGS. 18(a) to 18(c)) that faces away from the first member compared to the first portion.

In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the second member has a non-contact portion that does not contact the first member. This prevents a situation in which a part of the light emitted toward the first member is reflected by the second member, causing a shadow of the second member to be cast on the first member and reflected in the first member. This improves the appearance of the first member without compromising the design of the first member.

The first portion is a contact portion that contacts the first member (e.g., contact portion 658b1 shown in Fig. 18(a) to (c)), the second portion is a non-contact portion that does not contact the first member (e.g., non-contact portion 658b2 shown in Fig. 18(a) to (c)), the second member has a wall portion that protrudes toward the first member (e.g., wall portion 658b shown in Fig. 18(a)), the wall portion includes the contact portion and the non-contact portion, and the non-contact portion may have a structure in which the contact portion is cut out.

With this configuration, the abutting portion maintains the function of supporting the first member with the second member, while the non-abutting portion prevents the shadow of the second member from being cast on the first member. In addition, because the non-abutting portion is a cutout of the abutting portion, the structure of the second member is not complicated, and the second member can be easily processed.

The non-contact portions may also be arranged symmetrically in the longitudinal direction of the second member.

With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of shadows uniformly on both the left and right sides of the first member, and it is possible to ensure the design of the first member while preventing the shadow of the second member from being reflected on the first member. Furthermore, even if an external impact is applied to the front of the first member, the impact force can be dispersed to the left and right, preventing damage to the first member and ensuring its durability.

The second member may be composed of a polygonal member having multiple corners (e.g., corners CP shown in Figures 18(b) and (c)), and the contact portions may be disposed at least at the multiple corners, and the non-contact portions may be disposed in areas excluding the multiple corners.

With this configuration, the strength of the second member can be increased by placing the abutment portion at the corner of the second member, and the first member can be stably supported by the second member.

The lamp may also include a plated third member (e.g., side lamp cover 654a and effect cover 662 shown in FIG. 19(c)), which is disposed at least partially around and adjacent to the first member.

With this configuration, light from fluorescent lamps or the like installed in the amusement arcade can be reflected by the third component and shone around the first component. Even if the shadow of the second component is reflected on the edge of the first component, the shadow reflection can be made less noticeable, improving the appearance of the first component without compromising the design of the first component.

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)
250 Reel front lighting 264 Reel backlight 300 Main control unit 400 First sub-control unit 500 Second sub-control unit 600 Performance control unit 604 Lower sheet metal shield 606 Lower board case 608 Upper board case 610 Board case 612 Sub-control board 614 Sub-peripheral board 614
618 Upper metal sheet shield 620 Shield cover 652 Panel 658 Panel lighting reflector 700 Lens unit 702 Lens holder 704 Inner lens 706 Outer lens 708 Lens cover 750 Panel unit

Claims (1)

A substrate;
A first cover member;
A second cover member;
A light emitting means;
A gaming machine equipped with
the first cover member is a metal member disposed on at least one side of the substrate,
the first cover member is a member having a through hole at a position corresponding to a specific portion of the substrate,
the second cover member is a resin member that is disposed on a side of the first cover member opposite to a side on which the substrate is disposed,
The light emitting means is a means capable of notifying a predetermined situation,
The light emitting means is disposed at the specific location.
A gaming machine characterized by: