Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine enabling a preferable execution of checking work of game nails.SOLUTION: An inner frame 13 of a Pachinko machine 10G is mounted with a game board unit 80 where a plurality of game nails is disposed in a manner to protrude toward the front side. To the inner frame 13, a front door frame 14G having a double-layer type glass unit 22G is attached in an openable / closable manner. In a state where the front door frame 14G is disposed at a closed position, it is so configured that the game board unit 80 is covered with the glass unit 22G from the front side of the game machine. The front door frame 14G is provided with a light emission unit for supplying light to the end face of a rear-side glass panel 23G constituting the glass unit 22G and on the rear face of the rear-side glass panel 23G, a light discharge unit where light from the light emission unit is discharged is formed. Due to the discharge of light from the light discharge unit, an attachment position of a check sheet CS is displayed, the check sheet CS being made by disposing patterns indicating the positions of heads of the game nails on a transparent sheet material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 105

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, are equipped with a picture display device that variably displays pictures on a display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, when a gaming ball passes through an operating port provided in a gaming area, a lottery is held to determine whether or not a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, such as a winning state, will occur, and the variable display of pictures begins. If the lottery is won, a specific picture combination or the like is displayed as a final stop on the display screen, and the gaming state transitions to the specific gaming state (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-074175 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, various efforts have been made to increase the attention to games. However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the attention to games.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances exemplified above, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can effectively increase attention to the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to A game board on which a game area is formed; A first ball entry means into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter; A second ball entry means into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter; A display means having a display unit; Equipped with A configuration capable of starting a first special performance in a predetermined area on the display unit based on the game ball entering the first ball entry means, A configuration capable of starting a second special performance in the predetermined area on the display unit based on the game ball entering the second ball entry means, The second special effect can be started in the predetermined area based on a game ball entering the second ball entry means under a situation where the first special effect is not being executed in the predetermined area, A variable means is provided for switching between a first state in which it is easier for a game ball to enter the first ball entry means and a second state in which it is more difficult for a game ball to enter the first ball entry means than in the first state, A configuration capable of executing a specific performance when starting the first special performance, The configuration is characterized in that the specific performance can be executed when the second special performance is started. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the checking work of the game pins can be carried out suitably. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board unit. [Figure 7]This is an oblique view of the game board unit from the rear side. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of the inner frame. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 10] A front view showing the configuration of the back pack unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 2A is a front view of the variable display unit, and FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the variable display unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the variable display unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a light emission state. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a mounting structure of a light guide plate. [Figure 17] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a light emitting portion and a light guide plate. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing various counters. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration related to the pattern display. [Figure 21] 5 is a schematic diagram showing a pattern displayed on the variable display unit. FIG. [Figure 22] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an arrangement of symbols displayed on a variable display unit. FIG. [Figure 23] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a display in a variable display unit. FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of side LEDs. [Diagram 25] 4 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 26] A flowchart showing the winning process for an operating port. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart showing an information acquisition process. [Figure 28]4 is a flowchart showing normal processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 29] 13 is a flowchart showing a game play control process. [Diagram 30] 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation start process. [Diagram 31] 4 is a flowchart showing a variable display control process executed by an MPU of an announcement / performance control device. [Diagram 32] 13 is a flowchart showing processing for starting fluctuations. [Diagram 33] A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the variable display mode and the expectation of a jackpot. [Diagram 34] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of presentation in a normal reach that does not support special changes. [Diagram 35] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of presentation in a normal reach that supports special changes. [Diagram 36] A flowchart showing processing during fluctuation. [Figure 37] 13 is a flowchart showing a light emission and drive control process. [Figure 38] 13 is a flowchart showing processing for special variable display. [Figure 39] This is a timing chart showing the flow of presentation in a normal reach that does not support special changes. [Diagram 40] This is a timing chart showing the flow of presentation in a normal reach that supports special changes. [Diagram 41] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a visible range and a boundary portion. [Diagram 42] 1A is a flowchart showing a light emission restriction process, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between a side LED that is a restriction target and a boundary portion. [Diagram 43] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a variable display unit according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 44] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between each light guide plate and the background, and FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the background. [Diagram 45] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the variable display unit. FIG. [Diagram 46] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a variable display unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 47] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of symbols etc. displayed on the inner reel. [Figure 48] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the symbol combinations displayed on the inner reels and the types of big wins. FIG. [Figure 49] 13 is a flowchart showing the game play control processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 50] 13 is a flowchart showing a control process for an upper operating port. [Figure 51] 13 is a flowchart showing the process of starting fluctuation for the upper operating port. [Figure 52] 13 is a flowchart showing a control process for a lower operating port. [Figure 53] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for starting fluctuation for the lower operating port. [Figure 54] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game status and the types of lottery modes and support modes; FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game status and the variable display time. [Figure 55] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the lighting / extinguishing of each display unit. FIG. [Figure 56] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a display mainly based on the outer reel, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a display mainly based on the inner reel. [Figure 57] 4 is a flowchart showing the display processing for the upper operation port executed by the MPU of the notification / performance control device. [Figure 58] 13 is a flowchart showing a main control process for an upper operating port. [Figure 59] 13 is a flowchart showing a special control process for an upper operating port. [Figure 60] 13 is a flowchart showing a display process for a lower operating port. [Figure 61] 13 is a flowchart showing a main control process for a lower operating port. [Figure 62] 13 is a flowchart showing a special control process for a lower operating port. [Figure 63]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a gaming device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 64] A schematic diagram showing the distribution destinations of game balls that reach the distribution mechanism. [Figure 65] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a sorting mechanism in a non-restricted state, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of a sorting device in a restricted state. [Figure 66] (a) is an oblique view of the ball receiving mechanism from above, and (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the ball receiving mechanism. [Figure 67] 1 is a schematic diagram of a gaming device in a non-assisted state. [Figure 68] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a gaming device in a support state. [Figure 69] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the gaming device. [Figure 70] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the gaming device. [Figure 71] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the gaming device. [Figure 72] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the gaming device. [Figure 73] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a game board unit in a fifth embodiment. [Figure 74] This is an oblique view of the game board unit from the front side. [Figure 75] 13 is a partially enlarged view of the game board unit showing the lower part of the game area. FIG. [Figure 76] This is an oblique view of the ball entry unit from the front side. [Figure 77] This is an exploded oblique view of the ball entry unit, showing the front cover removed from the base body. [Figure 78] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the incoming ball. [Figure 79] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the difference in the targets to be guided to the lower crane. FIG. [Figure 80] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the lower crane and non-electric accessories. [Figure 81] A schematic diagram showing the change in the number of reservations related to the lower operating port. [Figure 82]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 83] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing display contents on a display screen. [Figure 84] 4 is a flowchart showing a variable display control process for the first / second variable display area executed by the MPU of the notification / performance control device. [Figure 85] 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display control process for the third variable display area executed by the MPU of the notification / performance control device. [Figure 86] 11 is a flowchart showing processing for a first normal gaming state. [Figure 87] A schematic diagram showing the time required for a game ball to move within a ball entry unit. [Figure 88] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for the second and third phases. [Figure 89] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of display presentation. [Figure 90] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of display presentation. [Figure 91] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a variable display time table corresponding to a losing result that is referenced in the first normal gaming state. FIG. [Figure 92] 13 is a timing chart showing the flow of display effects as the game progresses. [Figure 93] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the display contents of a display screen in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 94] (a) A flowchart showing the command response processing for hold display control executed by the MPU of the display control device, and (b) a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a hold display. [Figure 95] 4 is a flowchart showing an information acquisition process executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 96] 13 is a flowchart showing a confirmation process for hold notice. [Figure 97] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of setting a reserved command. [Figure 98] 13 is a flowchart showing the setting process for the on-hold notice performance executed by the MPU of the notification / performance control device. [Figure 99] A schematic diagram showing the types of hold notice performance. [Figure 100] A schematic diagram showing the flow of the hold notice presentation. [Figure 101] FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram showing setting values ​​in the seventh embodiment, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing the setting suggestion process executed by the MPU of the notification / performance control device. [Figure 102] (a) A schematic diagram showing the winning rate of the setting suggestions, and (b) a schematic diagram showing an overview of the setting suggestions. [Figure 103] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game board unit and the checklist in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 104] FIG. [Figure 105] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing positioning lines for a check sheet. [Fig. 106] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing a light guiding function, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration related to the light guiding function. [Figure 107] A schematic diagram of the light-emitting effect in the glass unit viewed from the front of the gaming machine. [Figure 108] 108(a) is a partially enlarged view of a game board unit in the ninth embodiment, and FIG. 108(b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 108(a). [Fig. 109] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <First embodiment> A first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 seen from the front side, and Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an expanded form. Note that Fig. 3 omits the components within the game area of ​​the pachinko machine 10 for the sake of convenience.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 10 is composed of an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a main machine section 12 attached to this outer frame 11.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting four long frame materials to each other, and is formed into a rectangular frame shape as a whole. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment. Note that the outer frame 11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be attached to the island equipment of the game hall.

[0012] The gaming machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in an openable and closable state. Specifically, an upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to the connecting part between the upper frame part and the left frame part of the outer frame 11, and a lower support metal fitting 18 is provided at the connecting part between the lower frame part and the left frame part of the outer frame 11. The upper support metal fitting 17 and the lower support metal fitting 18 form a support mechanism, which allows the gaming machine main part 12 to rotate forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 relative to the outer frame 11 (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0013] 3 and 4, the gaming machine main part 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main part 12 is supported rotatably relative to the outer frame 11. In detail, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

[0014] A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated backward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

[0015] (Front door frame 14) Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 having an outer shape substantially identical to that of the outer frame 11, and covers substantially the entire front area of ​​the inner frame 13. A substantially elliptical window section 21 is formed in the center of the frame body 20 so that substantially the entire area of ​​a play area PE, which will be described later, can be viewed from the front, and the window section 21 is blocked from the rear side of the front door frame 14 by a glass unit 22.

[0016] The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition that separates the holding area of ​​the glass panels 23 into front and rear, and the two glass panels 23 face each other from the front and rear with the partition between them. In other words, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the glass panels 23 are prevented from interfering with each other, and the playing area PE is doubly covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23.

[0017] It is not necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be attached individually to the frame body 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one, or three or more. However, in consideration of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and have the respective glass panels face each other at the front and rear with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a panel member made of a transparent synthetic resin instead of the glass panels.

[0018] Around the glass unit 22 (more specifically, the window section 21), various light-emitting means such as lamps are provided. For example, a circular illumination section 26 incorporating a light-emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window section 21. The circular illumination section 26 lights up or blinks in response to changes in the game state, such as when a big win occurs or when a predetermined reach occurs. In addition, an error display lamp section 27 that lights up when a malfunction such as an error occurs is provided at the center of the circular illumination section 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and on the left and right sides of the error display lamp section 27 that lights up during the payout of prize balls are provided. In addition, speaker sections 29 that output sound effects, background music, and the like according to the game state are provided near the left and right prize ball lamp sections 28 (see FIG. 3).

[0019] Below the window 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulge 31 and a lower bulge 32 bulging toward the front are arranged vertically. An upper tray 33 opening upward is provided inside the upper bulge 31, and a lower tray 34 opening upward is provided inside the lower bulge 32 (see FIG. 2). The upper tray 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls dispensed from a payout device described later, and guiding the game balls to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a row. The lower tray 34 also has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 33 and a function as a receiving tray for storing game balls that have been discharged from the game ball launching mechanism and have not reached the game area PE (see FIG. 3) when the game balls are returned to the player among the game balls that have been launched by the game ball launching mechanism.

[0020] A game ball launching handle 41 is provided to the right of the lower bulge 32 so as to protrude forward. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated, a game ball is launched from a game ball launching mechanism described below. The launching speed of the game ball increases as the operation amount (rotation amount) of the game ball launching handle 41 increases, and when this operation amount is adjusted by the player to a predetermined amount, the game ball reaches the play area PE. Also, by adjusting this operation amount, the player can selectively shoot the game ball into the right route and the left route described below.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is molded from synthetic resin and has a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that protrudes rearward and opens upward is formed at the upper corner, and the receiving portion is partitioned into an entrance portion of the front door side upper tray passage and an entrance portion of the front door side lower tray passage by dividing the receiving portion into left and right by a partition wall. The upstream side of the front door side upper tray passage and the front door side lower tray passage are connected to a game ball distribution section described later, and game balls that enter the front door side upper tray passage are guided to the upper tray 33, and game balls that enter the front door side lower tray passage are guided to the lower tray 34.

[0022] The front door frame 14 has a pair of protruding shafts at its upper and lower ends on the rear surface thereof at its base end for rotation. These protruding shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

[0023] Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. Note that, for the sake of convenience, the configuration within the play area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted in Fig. 5 as in Fig. 3.

[0024] (Inner frame 13) The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of an inner frame base body 50, the outer shape of which is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the inner frame base body 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The inner frame base body 50 is disposed close to the upper frame part of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame part of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame base body 50. A fascia board is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The fascia board is disposed below the inner frame base body 50 (specifically, its lower end part), and when the inner frame 13 is closed to the outer frame 11, the inner frame base body 50 is placed on the fascia board. A slight clearance may be provided between the fascia board and the inner frame base body 50 for the purpose of preventing mutual interference, etc.

[0025] Support fittings 71, 72 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 5) on the front surface of the inner frame base body 50. Although not shown, the support fittings 71, 72 have shafts, and bearings provided on the front door frame 14 are inserted into these shafts, thereby supporting the front door frame 14 rotatably relative to the inner frame 13.

[0026] A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is disposed on the rotation tip side (right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame base body 50. The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end of the inner frame base body 50 (a vertical frame member described later), and has front door hook members 76 arranged in a scattered manner in its longitudinal direction (vertical direction). The inner frame base body 50 has slits formed corresponding to each of the front door hook members 76 for projecting the hook receiving member 49 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 to the front side of the inner frame 13. The front door hook members 76 protruding through the slits are engaged with the front door hook members 76 provided on the front door frame 14 in one-to-one correspondence with the front door hook members 76, thereby locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. The locking device 75 also has inner frame hook members 77 that extend to the rear side of the inner frame 13. These inner frame hook members 77 are hooked onto hook receiving members 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, whereby the main part 12 of the gaming machine is locked in a closed state relative to the outer frame 11.

[0027] A cylinder lock 78 for unlocking the locking device 75 is provided on the inner frame base body 50 (locking device 75). The cylinder lock 78 is provided separately from the locking unit (each of the hook members 76, 77 and the interlocking rod, etc.) constituting the main part of the locking device 75, and is disposed adjacent to the locking unit. When the key inserted in the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right (clockwise), the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the inner frame 13, and when the key inserted in the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the left (counterclockwise), the inner frame 13 is unlocked from the outer frame 11.

[0028] A storage recess 51 for storing the game board unit 80 is formed in the center of the inner frame base body 50. The storage recess 51 is recessed toward the rear of the gaming machine to match the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the game board unit 80 is fixed by a manual lock mechanism in a state where it is fitted into the storage recess 51 from the front of the gaming machine. A substantially rectangular window hole 52 is formed in the bottom of the storage recess 51, and the rear structure of the game board unit 80 (a rear block 80b described later) protrudes to the rear of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52. Note that almost the entire area of ​​this window hole 52 is covered from the front of the gaming machine by the game board unit 80 attached to the inner frame base body 50.

[0029] (Game board unit 80) The game board unit 80 is integrated with a front block 80a, which is formed mainly from a board material made of synthetic resin material, and a back block 80b, which is provided on the back side of the front block 80a and has various game components (variable display devices, control devices, movable presentation mechanisms, etc.) described later mounted on a base body 251.

[0030] The front block 80a has a play area forming body 310 formed of a transparent resin, and the above-mentioned play area PE where the game balls flow down is formed on the front surface of the play area forming body 310. As already explained, the play area PE is covered by a glass unit 22 (more specifically, the rear glass panel 23). The glass unit 22 is arranged so that the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the play area forming body 310 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, that is, so that the game balls flowing down the play area PE are not lined up in front and behind at the same place in the play area PE. This suppresses ball clogging in the play area PE. The play area forming body 310 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and can also be made of wood.

[0031] The game board unit 80 (particularly various components arranged in the game area PE of the game area forming body 310) will be described below with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a front view of the game board unit 80, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the game board unit 80 as seen from the rear.

[0032] The play area forming body 310 has a plurality of openings, large and small, penetrating in its thickness direction (front-rear direction). As shown in FIG. 6, each opening has a general winning opening 81, a variable winning device 82, an operating opening unit 83 (operating openings 83a, 83b), a through gate 84, etc. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating openings 83a, 83b, the game balls are detected by detection sensors (not shown) provided corresponding to each ball entry section, and a privilege such as a predetermined number of prize balls (payout of game balls) is given to the player based on the detection result. In addition, an outlet 89 is provided at the bottom of the play area forming body 310, and game balls that do not enter the various ball entry sections are discharged from the play area PE through the outlet 89. In the following explanation, in order to clearly distinguish from game balls entering the outlet 89, the entry of game balls into the general winning port 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b will also be referred to as "winning."

[0033] In addition, in order to appropriately distribute and adjust the flow path of the game balls, various game components such as a large number of game nails 93 and windmills 94 are arranged in the game area formation body 310. The flow path of the game balls is differentiated by the various configurations of these game nails 93, windmills 94, etc., and is adjusted so that the above-mentioned general winning hole 81 and the like will win with a moderate probability.

[0034] A central opening 85 is formed in the center of the front block 80a (play area forming body 310), and a transparent opening cover 86 is attached so as to cover this central opening. Behind this central opening 85, the variable display unit 500 and the like belonging to the back block 80b are located, and the variable display unit 500 and the like can be seen through the central opening (opening cover 86) from the front of the gaming machine. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 6, the opening cover 86 is shown by a two-dot chain line, showing a state in which the variable display unit 500 is visible.

[0035] An operating port unit 83, a through gate 84, and the like are disposed around the central opening 85. The operating port unit 83 is provided with an upper operating port 83a disposed below the variable display unit 500, and a lower operating port 83b disposed below the upper operating port 83a. Of these two operating ports 83a and 83b, the lower operating port 83b is provided with an electric device 91 as an opening / closing type ball entry assist device (ball entry assist means) or an opening / closing member (opening / closing means). The electric device 91 has a movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the movable piece, and can be switched between an open state (assistance state) in which a ball can be entered into the lower operating port 83b or is easy to enter, and a closed state (non-assistance state) in which a ball cannot be entered into the lower operating port 83b or is difficult to enter.

[0036] The through gate 84 is located upstream of the lower operating port 83b (more specifically, on the side of the variable display unit 500: the right route), and if a lottery is won in response to the game ball passing through the through gate 84, the electric device 91 is switched from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined period of time.

[0037] When a ball enters the upper operating port 83a, three game balls are dispensed, and when a ball enters the lower operating port 83b, four game balls are dispensed, but the number of game balls dispensed is not limited to the above.

[0038] The variable winning device (special ball winning device or special ball winning means) 82 is formed with a big winning opening through which the game ball can pass, and is provided with an opening / closing body as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) for opening and closing the big winning opening. The opening / closing body can be switched between an open state (permitting state) in which the game ball can or can easily enter, and a closed state (blocking state) in which the game ball can or can not enter. The opening / closing body is connected to a variable winning drive unit (more specifically, a solenoid or the like) provided on the back side of the game board unit 80, and the opening / closing door is normally kept in a closed state, and is switched to an open state when an internal lottery is won to switch to an opening / closing execution mode (opening / closing execution state) (a big win: when a transition to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game state is won).

[0039] Here, the opening and closing execution mode is a mode to which the player is shifted when a big win is won. In the opening and closing execution mode, the variable winning device 82 is set to open in such a way that the door is repeatedly opened for a plurality of rounds (for example, 16 rounds) with one round being defined as the passage of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes (for example, 10 prizes).

[0040] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given about the variable display unit 500. The variable display unit 500 constitutes a pattern display device that variably displays (variably displays) patterns using winning in the actuation ports 83a, 83b as a trigger, and the display contents are controlled by a notification / performance control device and a display control device described later. In the variable display unit 500, for example, patterns are displayed in a line on the left, center, and right, and these patterns are variably displayed by scrolling, for example, in the up and down direction. Then, when a jackpot is won, a predetermined combination of patterns is stopped and displayed on a preset pay line, and the above-mentioned opening and closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot) is entered.

[0041] The play area forming body 310 is provided with a center frame 95 so as to surround the central opening 85. The center frame 95 is fixed to the play area forming body 310 from its front side, and in this fixed state, the center frame 95 stands up from the front of the play area forming body 310, so that the gap dimension between the center frame 95 and the glass unit 22 is configured to be smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. This prevents the game ball flowing down the play area PE from colliding with the variable display unit 500, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the play area PE is roughly divided into the right route that bypasses the variable display unit 500 (more specifically, the center frame 95) from the right side, and the left route that bypasses the variable display unit 500 from the left side.

[0042] The variable winning device 82 and the through gate 84 are arranged on the right route, and the game balls flowing down the left route are prevented from winning the variable winning device 82 and the through gate. On the other hand, the game balls flowing down the right route are prevented from winning the upper operating port 83a. Therefore, when the electric device 91 of the lower operating port 83b is in the high frequency support mode or the open / close execution mode, the game can be advantageously played by shooting the game balls to the right route, and when it is in the low frequency support mode, the game can be advantageously played by shooting the game balls to the left route. In other words, the player can advantageously play the game by selecting the flow path of the game ball from the right route / left route depending on the game situation.

[0043] A stage portion 96 on which game balls can roll left and right is formed on the upper surface of the frame portion constituting the lower portion of the center frame 95. Game balls flowing in from an inlet formed in the left frame portion of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage portion 96 through a warp passage 97 also formed in the center frame 95. The stage portion 96 is configured so that game balls that reach the stage portion 96 can relatively easily flow into the upper operating port 83a, specifically, so that game balls that do not pass through the stage portion 96 can easily flow into the upper operating port 83a, which contributes to increasing the player's attention to the movement of the game balls on the stage portion 96.

[0044] Here, in this embodiment, as described above, the central opening 85 is covered by a transparent opening cover 86, and the game ball that reaches the stage portion 96 is restricted from moving toward the rear block 80b (variable display unit 500).

[0045] A first holding lamp section 98a and a second holding lamp section 98b are provided on the front surface of the frame section constituting the lower part of the center frame 95. The first holding lamp section 98a on the left corresponds to the upper actuation port 83a, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the upper actuation port 83a can be held up to four times, and the number of times the first holding lamp section 98a has been lit is displayed. The second holding lamp section 98b on the right corresponds to the lower actuation port 83b, and the number of times that the game ball has passed through the lower actuation port 83b can be held up to four times, and the number of times the second holding lamp section 98b has been lit is displayed.

[0046] The actuation openings 83a, 83b are disposed at positions close to the central opening 85 (variable display unit 500). Since a transition to a special game state can be triggered by winning the actuation openings 83a, 83b, it is considered that the player pays attention to whether or not a win will be made at the actuation openings 83a, 83b, and also pays attention to the variable display unit 500 to ascertain whether or not a transition to a special game state will occur. Providing the actuation openings 83a, 83b close to the variable display unit 500 is a device for concentrating the player's attention on the area around the variable display unit 500.

[0047] A play area partitioning member 99 is disposed at the right end of the play area forming body 310, which partitions the play area PE together with a guide rail 100 described later. A stopper member against which the game ball flying along the guide rail 100 collides and a main display unit 87 are disposed on the play area partitioning member 99. The stopper member is a buffer member disposed near the tip of the guide rail 100, and the game ball that collides with the stopper member will flow down the play area PE after its momentum is weakened. In other words, the stopper member is endowed with a force-reducing function that weakens the momentum of the game ball that collides.

[0048] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given about the main display unit 87. The main display unit 87 is embedded in the play area partition member 99, and a part of it is disposed so as to face the glass unit 22. A main display section on which a predetermined picture or the like is displayed is provided in this facing part. The main display unit 87 is electrically connected to a main control device, which will be described later, and the display contents of the main display section are configured to be controlled by the main control device.

[0049] The main display unit includes a lower operating port display unit that displays the result of a lottery based on winning at the upper operating port 83a, and a lower operating port display unit that displays the result of a lottery based on winning at the lower operating port 83b. In the lower operating port display unit, a winning at the upper operating port 83a is used as a trigger to display a varying pattern, and the result of the varying display is clearly displayed as the result of the internal lottery based on the winning at the upper operating port 83a. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning at the upper operating port 83a is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode, the varying display is stopped in the lower operating port display unit, and a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stopping result, and then the mode is transitioned to the opening / closing execution mode.

[0050] In the lower operation port display unit, the winning of the lower operation port 83b is used as a trigger to perform a varying display of a pattern, and the result of the varying display being stopped is the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the lower operation port 83b. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the lower operation port 83b is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the varying display is stopped in the lower operation port display unit, a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stopping result, and then the mode is switched to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

[0051] Here, based on a winning entry into any of the actuation ports 83a, 83b, a variable display is started in the corresponding actuation port display section, and a predetermined stop result is displayed and the variable display is stopped, which corresponds to one game round. However, one game round is not limited to the above, and for example, in a configuration in which a single display area is provided and the variable display is performed in that single display area regardless of whether a winning entry into any of the actuation ports 83a, 83b occurs, it is also possible to count the variable display in that single display area as one game round, and the variable display is started in that single display area and the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed.

[0052] In addition to the above two display sections, the main display section of the main display unit 87 is also provided with a through gate display section that displays the result of the lottery based on winning the through gate 84. In the through gate display section, the winning of the through gate 84 is used as a trigger to display the variation of the pattern, and the result of the stop of the variation display is displayed as the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the through gate 84. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the through gate 84 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the electric role opening state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the through gate display section, the variation display is stopped, and then the electric role opening state is entered. In the electric role opening state, the electric role 91 provided in the lower operating port 83b is opened in a predetermined manner.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of times that a game ball has passed through the through gate 84 is reserved up to a maximum of four times, and a reserved number display section is provided in the main display section of the main display unit 87 to display the number of reserved balls.

[0054] The main display sections described above in detail can be seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and visibility is guaranteed since the game balls are prevented from moving in front of these various display sections.

[0055] Referring again to Figure 5, the configuration of the inner frame 13 will be explained. Below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50, a game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided which launches game balls into the game area PE based on operation of the game ball launching handle 41.

[0056] (Game ball launching mechanism 110) The game ball launching mechanism 110 mainly comprises a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball placed at a predetermined launch waiting position, a launch rail 112 that determines the launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, a ball delivery device 113 that supplies the game ball to the launch waiting position, and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111-113 are mounted, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the inner frame base body 50, thereby being integrated with the inner frame base body 50.

[0057] The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an obliquely inclined state so as to slope upward toward the game board unit 80. The launch rail 112 is formed with a groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section, and is configured so that the front-rear position of the game ball is determined by fitting the game ball into the groove.

[0058] A ball stopper that stops the game balls supplied from the ball sending device 113 at the above-mentioned launch waiting position is disposed at a position near the downstream end (i.e., the lower end) of the launch rail 112. The solenoid 111 is disposed at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

[0059] The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply / launch control device, which will be described later. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the extension / contraction direction based on the output of an electrical signal from the power supply / launch control device, causing the game ball placed in the launch standby position to be launched toward the game board unit 80, more specifically, toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game board unit 80.

[0060] The guide rail 100, together with a play area partitioning member 99 fixed to the game board unit 80 (specifically, the front surface of the board), partitions the play area PE so that the outer shape of the play area PE is approximately circular. The guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged to face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide passage 103 is partitioned and formed by both rails 101 and 102. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion 104 that opens at the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112, and an exit portion 105 located at the top of the play area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the play area PE by moving in the order of the launch rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (the entrance portion 104 → the exit portion 105). In addition, in the game board unit 80, a backflow prevention member 106 is attached to the tip of the exit portion 105, more specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, to prevent a game ball that has reached the game area PE from returning back into the guide passage 103, thereby preventing a game ball that has already reached the game area PE from interfering with the launch of a subsequent game ball.

[0061] Each of the rails 101, 102 constituting the guide rail 100 is in the shape of a circular arc centered on the approximate center of the play area PE. For this reason, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, i.e., while in contact with the outer rail 102, due to the centrifugal force generated by the game ball itself. In other words, when the game ball is launched so as to reach the play area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guide passage 103 substantially constitutes a passing area (passing path) through which the game ball passes, and the area along the inner rail 101 is substantially an area through which the game ball does not pass.

[0062] 5, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board unit 80. In other words, the rails 100, 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are shifted left and right near the lower edge of the game board unit 80. This brings the rails 100, 112 close to the lower edge of the game board unit 80, while forming a predetermined gap between the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

[0063] A foul ball passage is disposed below the gap thus formed. The foul ball passage is integrally molded in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If a game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the play area PE and returns as a foul ball through the guide passage 103, the foul ball will enter the foul ball passage through the above-mentioned gap. The foul ball passage is connected to the lower tray passage on the front door side, and game balls that enter the foul ball passage are discharged to the lower tray 34 shown in FIG. 1. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

[0064] A rail cover 107 is provided at the left end of the play area forming body 310 so as to cover the outer rail 102 from the side. The game board unit 80 is often handled individually during manufacturing and maintenance work, and at this time the outer rail 102 may collide with the game table or the like. The rail cover 107 is a component installed in consideration of such circumstances, and is endowed with a protective function to prevent the outer rail 102 from being deformed due to the above-mentioned factors and the like.

[0065] A through hole is formed in the inner frame base body 50 on the left side of the launch rail 112 (more specifically, on the side supporting the front door frame 14) that penetrates the inner frame base body 50 in the front-rear direction, and a passage forming member 121 is disposed in this through hole. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base body 50, and has a main body side upper plate passage 122 and a main body side lower plate passage 123. The upstream sides of the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 are connected to a game ball distribution section described later. In addition, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage 122, and the front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side lower plate passage 123.

[0066] An opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123 is attached below the passage forming member 121 in the inner frame base body 50. The opening / closing member 124 is biased to a forward position that closes the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123, and when the front door frame 14 is opened, this biasing force causes each opening / closing member 124 to be in a closed state, thereby preventing game balls from falling out of each passage 122, 123. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by a receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage are connected, and further, the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage are connected.

[0067] Next, the rear structure of the inner frame 13 (the inner frame base body 50 and the game board unit 80) will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 8 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 8, a bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (right side in Fig. 8) on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50. Bearing portions 133 are formed in the bearing fitting 132 at vertical intervals, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions 133. In addition, a plurality of fixing levers 134 are provided on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame base body 50 in a closed state.

[0069] As already explained, a window hole 52 that penetrates the inner frame base body 50 in the thickness direction and opens to the back side of the inner frame base body 50 is formed in the bottom part of the storage recess (game board storage section) 51 in the inner frame base body 50, and the window hole 52 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board unit 80 stored in the storage recess 51. Various components such as a control device are mounted on the back side of the game board unit 80 (back block 80b), and these various components are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52. Here, the configuration of the back side of the game board unit 80 will be explained.

[0070] As already explained, the rear block 80b is attached to the rear of the game board unit 80. The rear block 80b has a substantially box-shaped base body 251 that is open on the front block 80a side, and the base body 251 is fixed to the rear of the game board unit 80, so that the front block 80a and the rear block 80b are integrated.

[0071] The front side of the base body 251 is an area for arranging the movable performance mechanism and the like, and the rear side is an area for arranging the control device that controls these various components and the variable display unit 500 described above.

[0072] More specifically, a part of the base body 251 protrudes from the back side of the inner frame base body 50, and the above-mentioned variable display unit 500 (see FIG. 6) and the notification / performance control device 140 for driving the variable display unit 500 are attached to the protruding part. The variable display unit 500 and the notification / performance control device 140 are stacked in the front-to-rear direction (thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50) so that the variable display unit 500 is on the front side and the notification / performance control device 140 is on the rear side.

[0073] The notification / performance control device 140 is equipped with an notification / performance control board which controls audio output, lamp display, and control of the variable display unit 500 in accordance with instructions from the main control device described below, and the notification / performance control board is housed in a board box 141 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0074] A main control device unit 160 is provided below the notification / performance control device 140 so as to cover the base body 251 from the rear. The main control device unit 160 has a synthetic resin mounting base 161 fixed to the rear of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the rear block 80b), and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control device 162 has a main control board having a function of mainly controlling the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is housed in a board box 163 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0075] The board box 163 comprises a box base (front case body) of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (rear case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are unopenably connected by a box sealing part 164 as a sealing means, thereby sealing the board box 163. A plurality of box sealing parts 164 are provided on the short sides of the board box 163, and at least one of them is used for the sealing process.

[0076] The box sealing section 164 may have any configuration as long as it is configured to connect the box base and the box cover in an unopenable manner, but the box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by inserting a locking pin into a locking hole that configures the box sealing section 164. The sealing process by the box sealing section 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily, and it is possible to perform the sealing process again even after it has been opened once. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole of the multiple box sealing sections 164. Then, when the board box 163 is opened, such as when a malfunction occurs in the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the connection part between the box sealing section into which the locking pin is inserted and the main body of the board box 163 is cut. This separates the box base and the box cover of the board box 163, and the main control board inside can be taken out. If the board box 163 is to be sealed again, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If a record of the opening of the board box 163 is left in the board box 163, it is possible to easily discover that unauthorized opening has occurred by looking at the board box 163.

[0077] The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected to each other in an unopenable manner by a base seal 165. More specifically, the base seal 165 has a locking hole and a locking pin, similar to the box seal 164, and the board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected to each other in an unseparable manner by inserting the locking pin into the locking hole. This makes it easy to know if the board box 163 has been illegally removed.

[0078] In the front part of the base body 251, a recovery passage (not shown) is formed in a portion facing the lower back surface of the game board unit 80, which corresponds to the game board openings of the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating openings 83a and 83b and collects at one place downstream. As a result, all game balls that have won the general winning opening 81 etc. are configured to collect below the game board unit 80 via the recovery passage. In other words, the base body 251 is provided with a function of collecting game balls that have won in various winning openings.

[0079] A discharge passage, which will be described later, is disposed below the game board unit 80, and game balls that have gathered below the game board unit 80 are led into the discharge passage by the recovery passage. The outlet 89 also leads to the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won in any of the winning ports are led into the discharge passage via the outlet 89.

[0080] In addition, on the base body 251 constituting the back block 80b, as detection sensors for each of the above-mentioned ball entry sections, a general winning opening detection sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the general winning opening 81 and an operation opening detection sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the operation openings 83a, 83b are mounted, and a winning detection mechanism is constituted by these various detection sensors. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and detection information (detection signal) is output from each detection sensor to the main control device 162.

[0081] Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and Figure 10 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 9, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 has a back pack 201 as the main body of the back pack unit 15, and a dispensing mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage panel and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201.

[0083] The back pack 201 is molded from a transparent synthetic resin, and includes a base part 211 to which the payout mechanism part 202 and the like are attached as shown in Fig. 9, and a protective cover part 212 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding to the rear of the pachinko machine 10. The protective cover part 212 has a shape in which the left and right sides and the top face are closed and only the bottom face is open, and is large enough to surround at least the variable display unit 500 (see Fig. 10).

[0084] An external terminal board is provided on the base part 211. The external terminal board is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to a management control device (hall computer) on the gaming hall side through these output terminals. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 are provided on the right end of the base part 211 when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the back pack unit 15 is supported rotatably relative to the inner frame 13 by inserting the latch pin 214 into the bearing part 133 provided on the inner frame 13. The base part 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion parts through which the fixing lever 134 provided on the inner frame 13 is inserted, and the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by abutting against the base part 211 from the rear with the fixing lever 134 inserted into the insertion parts.

[0085] The payout mechanism 202 is disposed in the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is disposed at the top of the back pack 201 and opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are successively replenished to the tank 221. A tank rail 222 that gently slopes toward the downstream side is connected to the side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to a game ball distribution section 225 provided in the base 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided downstream of the payout device 224.

[0086] The game ball distribution section 225 has the function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or the discharge passage described below, and is formed so that its inner opening leads to the upper tray 33 via the above-mentioned main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage, and its outer opening leads to the lower tray 34 via the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage.

[0087] A discharge passage panel and control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end from the front and rear. A discharge passage that is open to the rear is formed on the surface of the discharge passage panel that faces the control device assembly unit 204, and the open part of the discharge passage is blocked by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge game balls to an island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game balls led to the discharge passage from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.

[0088] The control device aggregate unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base 241, and a payout control device 242 and a power supply / launch control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are stacked in front of and behind each other so that the payout control device 242 is located at the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0089] In the dispensing control device 242, a dispensing control board that controls the dispensing device 224 is housed in a board box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the dispensing control board protrudes outside the board box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed in the event of a dispensing error such as ball jamming in the dispensing device 224, the ball jamming is resolved.

[0090] The power supply / launch control device 243 has a power supply / launch control board housed in a board box 246. The power supply / launch control board generates and outputs the power required by various control devices, etc., and also controls the launch of game balls in response to the player's operation of the game ball launch handle 41. Specifically, it controls the drive of the solenoid 111 constituting the game ball launch mechanism 110 and the drive of the ball sending device 113.

[0091] Further, the power supply / launch control device 243 is provided with a power supply switch 247. By operating the power supply switch 247, the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched between an on state (ON state) and a cut-off state (OFF state).

[0092] Here, this pachinko machine 10 has a function of storing various data, so that in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is stored, and when the power returns, the state at the time of the power outage can be restored. For example, when the power is cut off in the normal manner, such as when the game hall closes for business, the state before the power outage is stored. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166 provided on the main control device 162, the RAM data is initialized.

[0093] These various switches can be operated from the front side of the gaming machine by opening the main part 12 (inner frame 13) of the gaming machine and exposing the back part of the inner frame 13. On the other hand, when the opening of the main part 12 of the gaming machine is restricted by the locking device 75, these various switches cannot be operated from the front side of the gaming machine. In other words, the various switches are difficult to operate when the main part 12 of the gaming machine is closed, making it difficult for someone who does not have a key for the locking device 75 (e.g., a fraudster) to operate the gaming machine from the front side.

[0094] (Variable display unit 500) As already explained, in this embodiment, the result of the lottery based on the ball entering the actuation port unit 83 is notified by the variable display unit 500 mounted on the game board unit 80, and the configuration related to this variable display unit 500 is characteristic. Hereinafter, the variable display unit 500 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figs. 11 to 14. Fig. 11(a) is a front view of the variable display unit 500, Fig. 11(b) is a perspective view of the variable display unit 500, Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the variable display unit 500, Fig. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the variable display unit 500, and Fig. 14 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the variable display unit. Note that Fig. 12 shows some drum units with the light guide section, which will be described later, omitted.

[0095] 11, the variable display unit 500 comprises a substantially box-shaped housing 521 that is open to the front of the gaming machine, and a plurality of (specifically, three) drum units 523 that are housed in the housing 521 so as to be aligned side by side, and the housing 521 is fixed to the gaming area forming body 310 from its rear side, thereby being integrated with the gaming area forming body 310. The housing 521 is colored and opaque, and blocks light so that light from the outside of the housing 521 is not irradiated to the inside through the flesh of the housing 521.

[0096] A part of the drum unit 523 protrudes forward through an opening 522 of the housing 521. A part of this protruding part is visible from the front of the gaming machine through a central opening 85 formed in the gaming board unit (see the two-dot chain line in FIG. 11(a)). In other words, the central opening 85 functions as a defining part or a window part that defines the area that is visible on the variable display unit 500.

[0097] 12, drum unit 523 includes plate-shaped base body 524 constituting an attachment portion to housing 521, and rotating body (drum) 525 held by base body 524. When base body 524 is fixed to housing 521, base body 524 divides the internal area of ​​housing 521 into three equal parts on the left and right in accordance with each drum unit 523.

[0098] The rotating body 525 is mounted on the base body 524 via a motor 526. Specifically, the motor 526 is fixed to the base body 524, and the rotating body 525 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 526. The output shaft of the motor 526 extends in the direction in which the drum units 523 are arranged side by side (left and right direction), and the rotating body 525 rotates around the axis of the output shaft (rotation center axis CL). The motor 526 is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, and is configured to be driven and controlled by the notification / performance control device 140. The motor 526 is a stepping motor, and the rotational position of the rotating body 525 can be adjusted depending on the number of pulses of the drive signal that is output.

[0099] The base body 524 is equipped with a position detection sensor 527 that detects the rotational position of the rotating body 525. The position detection sensor 527 is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, which grasps the rotational position of the rotating body 525 based on detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor 527. If the rotational position of the rotating body 525 is shifted due to the influence of an external force or the occurrence of a malfunction, the rotational position of the rotating body 525 is corrected (modified) based on the grasped position information.

[0100] Rotating body 525 is composed of a circular frame 531 that constitutes the framework of rotating body 525, and a light guiding section 532 that is substantially cylindrical and has a constant thickness and covers the outer periphery of frame 531. As shown in Fig. 12, frame 531 is composed of a hub 535 as a center portion to which an output shaft of motor 526 is fixed, an annular rim 536 as the outer periphery to which light guiding section 532 is fixed, and spokes 537 that connect hub 535 and rim 536.

[0101] In detail, rim 536 has a pair of left and right annular portions 541 centered on rotation central axis CL, and a long connecting portion 542 connecting these annular portions 541. Light guide portion 532 is fixed to connecting portion 542 by using a fixing means in a state where it is superimposed on connecting portion 542 from the outside of frame 531. Frame 531 shown in this embodiment is made of a colorless and transparent synthetic resin, and a colorless and transparent adhesive is used as the fixing means. This is a device for making frame 531 and the fixed portion (fixing means) to frame 531 less noticeable when light guide portion 532 is viewed with the naked eye.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 13, a background display device 529 is disposed inside the light guide unit 532. The background display device 529 has a decorative sheet 581 with a seaside pattern, a backlight 582 located behind the decorative sheet 581 and irradiating the decorative sheet 581 with light, and a holder 583 on which the decorative sheet 581 and the backlight 582 are mounted, and is integrated with the base body 524 by fixing the holder 583 to the base body 524. The decorative sheet 581 is disposed so that the sheet surface with the pattern faces the front of the gaming machine (the central opening 85 side), and faces the inner surface part 552 of the light guide unit 532 from the inside of the frame 531 with a gap therebetween. This makes it possible to view the background depicted on the decorative sheet 581 from the front of the gaming machine through the light guide unit 532. The decorative sheet 581 is light-transmitting but colored and opaque, and is configured so that the backlight 582 and the like located behind the decorative sheet 581 cannot be seen through the decorative sheet 581.

[0103] The backlight 582 is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, and is switched on and off by the notification / performance control device 140. When the backlight 582 is turned on, the light from the backlight 582 passes through the decorative sheet 581, causing the decorative sheet 581 to emit bright light.

[0104] Next, a configuration relating to light emission of light guiding section 532 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Abutment section 543 is formed on rim 536 of frame 531, which abuts against light guiding section 532 from the side opposite to base body 524. Abutment section 543 defines the left and right position of light guiding section 532. An end of light guiding section 532 on the side opposite to abutment section 543 (base body 524 side) extends laterally from rim 536. Base body 524 is formed with insertion section 561 into which this extending portion (end) is inserted.

[0105] The insertion portion 561 has a groove shape that is open on the light guiding portion 532 side, and an end portion of the light guiding portion 532 is inserted into the insertion portion 561 through this open portion (hereinafter referred to as a first open portion 564). A light emitting board 571 on which a plurality of light emitters 572 (more specifically, LEDs) are mounted is disposed on the opposite side of the light guiding portion 532 across the bottom portion 562 of the insertion portion 561. The light emitting board 571 is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, and the light emission of the light emitting board 571 is controlled by the notification / performance control device 140.

[0106] A plurality of through holes 563 are formed in the bottom 562 of the insertion section 561 in accordance with the respective light emitters 572, and the light emitters 572 mounted on the light emitting substrate 571 face the end face 554 of the light guide section 532 through the through holes 563. The optical axis of each light emitter 572 faces the same direction as the rotation center axis CL of the rotating body 525, and light from the light emitters 572 is irradiated onto the end face 554 of the light guide section 532. The base body 524 (including the insertion section 561) is made of a colored opaque synthetic resin material and is provided with a function of absorbing light. This suppresses light leakage from the insertion section 561. In this embodiment, the end face 554 of the light guide section 532 is located on a virtual plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis CL, and is configured so that the distance between the light emitter 572 and the end face 554 is constant at any rotation position.

[0107] As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 15, the light from the light emitter 572 is repeatedly reflected by the outer surface 551 and the inner surface 552 of the light guide 532, and travels toward the opposite end surface of the light guide 532. Here, the outer surface 551 of the light guide 532 is formed with a light emitting portion 553 made of fine irregularities. When the light supplied to the light guide 532 reaches the light emitting portion 553, it is emitted toward the front of the gaming machine. The light emitting portion 553 corresponds to various patterns described later, and is configured to display the patterns on the outer surface 551 of the light guide 532 by the light emitting portion 553 emitting light. In other words, when the light emitting portion 553 does not emit light, the patterns are not displayed. Note that since the light emitting portion 553 is formed with fine irregularities, the light emitting portion 553, which is normally practically invisible or extremely difficult to see, can be seen by the light emitting portion 553, as ambient light such as lighting in a gaming hall is reflected in the light guide 532. Although details will be described later, the variable display unit 500 shown in this embodiment is devised to prevent such inconvenience from occurring.

[0108] In the present embodiment, rotating body 525 has a light guiding section 532 having a generally cylindrical shape constructed by combining a plurality of light guiding panels 555-557 provided separately in the rotation direction. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of light guiding section 532 will be additionally described with reference to FIG.

[0109] The light guide panels 555-557 are made of transparent synthetic resin, and are each in the form of a plate with a constant thickness and a constant curvature. The length dimension in the rotation direction of the rotating body 525 and the width dimension in the direction of the rotation center axis line CL are also the same, and are formed to have the same appearance except for the light emitting part 553 (the displayed pattern). The light guide panels 555-557 are each fixed to the rim 536 (more specifically, the connecting part 542) of the frame 531 by using the transparent adhesive, which is the fixing means, but the light guide panels 555-557 are not fixed to each other.

[0110] As described above, in the configuration in which one end of the light guiding unit 532 is inserted into the insertion unit 561, it is preferable to bring the inner surface of the insertion unit 561 and the light guiding unit 532 as close as possible to each other in order to improve the light supply efficiency. However, in this structure, it is necessary to add a certain amount of margin to the gap between the two in consideration of the occurrence of distortion in the light guiding panels 555-557 due to manufacturing errors and changes over time. Here, in this embodiment, by not fixing the light guiding panels 555-557 to each other, it is possible to avoid distortion that may occur when the light guiding panels 555-557 are fixed. This makes it possible to minimize the margin.

[0111] When the rotating body 525 is constructed using the light guide section 532, the expressiveness of the variable display unit 500 can be improved, but the weight of the rotating body 525 tends to increase. This is a cause of concern that the responsiveness when rotating / stopping the rotating body 525 may decrease. In this regard, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the light guide panels 555 to 557 are prevented from overlapping in the thickness direction. This prevents an increase in the weight of the light guide section 532 and suppresses a decrease in responsiveness.

[0112] At boundary regions BP1 between the light guide panels 555-557, the adjacent light guide panels 555-557 face each other with a gap between them. This is a measure to prevent the light guide panels 555-557 from strongly interfering with each other at the boundary regions BP1 when the light guide panels 555-557 vary in size due to manufacturing errors or the like. By preventing the strong interference between the light guide panels 555-557, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of deformation such as the above-mentioned distortion in the light guide panels 555-557.

[0113] 16(b), the boundary region BP1 is shifted in the rotation direction with respect to the connecting portion 542 of the frame 531, and both ends in the rotation direction of each of the light guide panels 555 to 557 are unfixed (free ends). This is a measure to separate the fixed portion by the adhesive from the boundary region BP1.

[0114] Next, the insertion part 561 will be further explained with reference to Fig. 17. The insertion part 561 extends along the part of the light guide part 532 that protrudes from the opening 522 to the front of the gaming machine. The open parts on both the top and bottom of the insertion part 561 (hereinafter referred to as second open parts 565) are expanded so that their width gradually increases toward the ends. This prevents the boundary part BP1 from getting caught when passing through the second open part 565.

[0115] When the second opening 565 is expanded, light leakage from the side light 528 is likely to occur. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second opening 565 is formed so that both sides face backward, more specifically, facing diagonally backward. This is a measure to prevent light leaking from the second opening 565 from reaching the player's eyes.

[0116] It is also possible to form bottom 562 of insertion portion 561 so that the distance from light guiding portion 532 increases toward the upper and lower ends of insertion portion 561. With this configuration, it is possible to more suitably prevent boundary portion BP1 from getting caught when passing through insertion portion 561. (Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10) Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0117] A main control board 601 provided in the main control device 162 is equipped with an MPU 602. The MPU 602 is an element incorporating a ROM 603 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 602, a RAM 604 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 603, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as random number generators, etc. Note that some of the functions of the MPU 602, for example, the functions of the ROM 603 and the RAM 604, may be configured to be provided as separate elements.

[0118] The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 602 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 242, and various detection sensors 611a to 611e, etc., which are provided in the main control device 162. In this case, the power supply / launch control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 605, and power is supplied to the MPU 602 through the power failure monitoring board 605. In addition, as part of the various detection sensors 611a to 611e, detection sensors provided in various winning-corresponding ball entry parts (payout-corresponding ball entry parts) such as the general winning port 81, the variable winning device 82, the operating port unit 83 (upper operating port 83a, lower operating port 83b), and the through gate 84 are each connected, and the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 performs a winning judgment (ball entry judgment) for each ball entry part based on the detection information (detection signal) from these detection sensors. In addition, the MPU 602 executes a lottery for generating a big win based on winning the upper actuation port 83a and the lower actuation port 83b, and also executes a lottery for generating a support based on winning the through gate 84.

[0119] The output side of the MPU 602 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 605, the payout control device 242, and the notification / performance control device 140. The payout control device 242 outputs a prize ball command based on the winning judgment result of the winning ball entry section such as the above-mentioned operation port 83a, 83b. In this case, when the prize ball command is output, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referenced. Then, when a winning ball is specified in the general winning port 81, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, when a winning ball is specified in the variable winning device 82, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 15 game balls is output, when a winning ball is specified in the upper operation port 83a, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 3 game balls is output, and when a winning ball is specified in the lower operation port 83b, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 4 game balls is output.

[0120] Various commands such as a change command, a type command, a change end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output from the main control device 162 to the notification / performance control device 140. When outputting these various commands, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referenced. Details of these various commands will be explained later. Each of the above commands is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

[0121] Also, connected to the output side of the MPU 602 are a variable winning drive unit 82c which opens and closes the door of the variable winning device 82, an electric role drive unit 91c which opens and closes the electric role 91 of the lower operating port 83b, and the main display unit 87. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 601, and the MPU 602 controls the drive of various drive units through the driver circuits.

[0122] That is, in the open / close execution mode, the MPU 602 controls the variable prize drive unit 82c so that the big prize opening is opened and closed. Also, when the support lottery for the electric role 91 is won, the MPU 602 controls the electric role drive unit 91c so that the electric role 91 is opened and closed. Also, the MPU 602 controls the display of the main display unit 87.

[0123] Furthermore, an external output terminal board 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 602, and information on ball entry into various entry areas and lottery results such as big wins are output to a management control device (hall computer HC) on the gaming hall side through this external output terminal board 213. This makes it possible for the hall computer HC to grasp the status of the pachinko machine 10.

[0124] The power failure monitoring board 605 relays between the main control board 601 and the power supply / launch control device 243, and is provided with a function to monitor the voltage of 24 V DC stable, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply / launch control device 243. The payout control device 242 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 224 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

[0125] The power supply / launch control device 243 is connected to a commercial power supply (external power supply) in, for example, an amusement facility. Based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the power supply / launch control device 243 generates the operating power required for the main control board 601, the payout control device 242, etc., and supplies the generated operating power through a predetermined power path. The power supply / launch control device 243 is also responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launching mechanism 110, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

[0126] The notification / performance control device 140 controls the display lamps 26-28 and speaker 29 provided on the front door frame 14, and the variable display unit 500 provided on the game board unit 80, based on various commands input from the main control device 162. In particular, the notification / performance control device 140 has a function of determining the performance mode for each game round, for example, an outline of the variable display mode of the symbols on the variable display unit 500 (for example, the presence or absence of a reach and the contents of the reach performance, etc.) and the stop display mode of the symbols (the type of combination of symbols to be finally stopped (determined) when the variable display ends) based on various commands input from the main control device 162.

[0127] (About various counters) Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as above will be described.

[0128] The MPU 602 uses various counter information during play to perform a lottery for a jackpot occurrence, setting the display of the main display unit 87, setting the pattern display of the variable display unit 500, etc. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. 19, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for lottery for a jackpot occurrence, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the type of jackpot such as a guaranteed jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, a reach random number counter C3 used for a reach lottery when a miss variation is performed in the variable display unit 500, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a variation type counter CS for determining the variable display time in the main display unit 87 and the variable display unit 500 are used. Furthermore, an electric role opening counter C4 used for lottery for whether or not the electric role 91 of the lower operating port 83b is opened is used.

[0129] Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 631 set in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 604. In the lottery counter buffer 631, information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in a reserved ball storage area 632, which serves as an acquired information storage means, when a win occurs in the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b.

[0130] The reserved ball storage area 632 includes a reserved area RE consisting of an upper actuation port reserved area Ra and a lower actuation port reserved area Rb, and an execution area AE. The reserved areas Ra and Rb include a first area Ra1 and Rb1, a second area Ra2 and Rb2, a third area Ra3 and Rb3, and a fourth area Ra4 and Rb4, and the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer 631 is stored as reserved information in one of the areas Ra1 to Ra4, Rb1 to Rb4 according to the winning history of the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b. The reserved information corresponds to special information.

[0131] In this case, when winning is consecutively generated in the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b several times, the first area Ra1, Rb1 to the fourth area Ra4, Rb4 store each numerical information in the order of the first area Ra1, Rb1 → the second area Ra2, Rb2 → the third area Ra3, Rb3 → the fourth area Ra4, Rb4 in chronological order. By providing four areas Ra1 to Ra4, Rb1 to Rb4, respectively, up to four winning balls in the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b are reserved and stored. In addition, the reserved ball storage area 632 is provided with a total reserved number storage area, and the total reserved number storage area stores information for specifying the number of winning balls in the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b that are reserved and stored.

[0132] The execution area AE is an area for moving the values ​​stored in the first areas Ra1, Rb1 of the reserve area RE when the variable display of the main display unit 87 begins, and when one game round begins, a win / loss determination is made based on the various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

[0133] Regarding each counter in detail, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 299, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 299). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 goes around once, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when a game ball enters the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b.

[0134] The value of the random number that becomes the big win is stored as a win / loss table (win / loss information group) in a win / loss table storage area 621 serving as win / loss information group storage means in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the win / loss table will be described.

[0135] In the winning / losing table, address information consisting of binary information and jackpot numerical information also consisting of binary information are set in a one-to-one correspondence. Specifically, ten types of address information are set, from "1" to "10" in decimal, and ten types of jackpot numerical information are set, from "7", "36", "67", "100", "131", "164", "195", "223", "241", and "272" in decimal, and these address information and jackpot numerical information are set in a one-to-one correspondence. The numerical value of each jackpot numerical information is included in the numerical range of random number information that can be updated in the jackpot random number counter C1, from "0" to "299".

[0136] Here, in this pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery modes in the winning / losing lottery means. The number of jackpot numerical information referred to in the low probability mode is different from the number of jackpot numerical information referred to in the high probability mode, and the former is smaller than the latter. Specifically, in the low probability mode, only jackpot numerical information whose address information is "1" is referred to in the winning / losing lottery, and in the high probability mode, jackpot numerical information corresponding to all address information is referred to in the winning / losing lottery. That is, in the low probability mode, there is one numerical information that wins the jackpot, and in the high probability mode, there are 10 numerical information, which is more than in the low probability mode. As a result, the probability of winning the jackpot in the low probability mode is 1 / 300, while the probability of winning the jackpot in the high probability mode is 1 / 30, and the high probability mode has a higher probability of winning the jackpot than the low probability mode. Note that the number and value of the random numbers that win the jackpot are arbitrary as long as the winning probability is higher in the high probability mode than in the low probability mode.

[0137] The big win type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 29, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The big win type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when a game ball enters the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b.

[0138] Here, in this pachinko machine 10, a plurality of types of big win results are set by providing differences in two conditions: (1) a win / loss selection mode in the win / loss selection means after the opening / closing execution mode ends, and (2) a support mode in the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b after the opening / closing execution mode ends. As the win / loss selection mode, a low probability mode and a high probability mode are set as described above.

[0139] As the support modes, a low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and a high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state) are set so that the frequency with which the electric device 91 of the lower operating port 83b opens per unit time is relatively high or low when compared with a situation in which game balls are continuing to be released in a similar manner into the game area PE.

[0140] Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric role open state in the electric role open lottery using the electric role open counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 4 / 5), but in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric role open state is won when the electric role open state is won is set to be greater than in the low-frequency support mode, and the opening time for one time is set to be longer. In this case, when the electric role open state is won in the high-frequency support mode and the electric role open state of the electric role 91 occurs multiple times, the closing time from the end of one opening state to the start of the next opening state is set to be shorter than the opening time for one time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, a shorter time is selected as the securing time secured when the next electric role open lottery is performed after one electric role open lottery is performed than in the low-frequency support mode.

[0141] As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability of winning at the lower actuation port 83b is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of winning at the upper actuation port 83a is higher than that of the lower actuation port 83b, but in the high frequency support mode, the probability of winning at the lower actuation port 83b is higher than that of the upper actuation port 83a. When a win occurs at the lower actuation port 83b, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so in the high frequency support mode, the player can play without losing too many balls.

[0142] In addition, the configuration for increasing the frequency of the electric role opening state per unit time in the high-frequency support mode compared to the low-frequency support mode is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, a configuration for increasing the probability of winning the electric role opening state in the electric role opening lottery. In addition, in a configuration in which a plurality of types of secured time (for example, the time of variable display executed in the role result display unit based on winning the through gate 84) secured from one electric role opening lottery to the next electric role opening lottery is prepared, the high-frequency support mode may be set so that a shorter secured time is more likely to be selected or the average secured time is shorter than in the low-frequency support mode. Furthermore, the advantage of the high-frequency support mode over the low-frequency support mode may be increased by applying any one or any combination of conditions from increasing the number of openings, lengthening the opening time, shortening the secured time secured from one electric role opening lottery to the next electric role opening lottery (i.e., shortening one variable display time in the role result display unit), shortening the average time of the secured time, and increasing the winning probability.

[0143] The allocation destination of the game result for the jackpot type counter C2 is stored as an allocation table (allocation information group) in an allocation table storage area serving as an allocation information group storage means in the ROM 603. And, as such allocation destination, a normal jackpot result (low probability corresponding special game result) and a probability variable jackpot result (high probability corresponding special game result) are set.

[0144] The normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which, after the open / close execution mode ends, the winning / losing lottery mode becomes a low probability mode, and the support mode becomes a high frequency support mode until the number of plays reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times). After the end reference number has elapsed, the mode switches to a low frequency support mode.

[0145] The probability of a jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the winning / losing lottery mode becomes a high probability mode and the support mode becomes a high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. The high frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in the winning / losing lottery becomes a jackpot state and the opening / closing execution mode is entered.

[0146] In the distribution table, "0-19" corresponds to the normal jackpot result, and "20-29" corresponds to the probability jackpot result, but this distribution of numbers is arbitrary. In addition, the distribution destination of the jackpot result is not limited to the above two types, and for example, multiple modes may be set so that the expected value of the game ball acquisition is high and low in the opening and closing execution mode, and the types of jackpot results may be increased beyond the above two types by providing differences in the modes to which the opening and closing execution mode is transferred.

[0147] The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to 0 after reaching a maximum value (i.e., 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b. More specifically, it is stored in the reserved area RE of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b. Then, it is determined whether or not to generate a reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of ​​the ROM 603. However, in a game round that transitions to the open / close execution mode, the MPU 602 determines the occurrence of a reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each game state, but may be set individually according to each game state. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is set to be greater when the support mode is the high frequency support mode than when it is the low frequency support mode.

[0148] Here, the term "reach display" (reach state) refers to a display state for making a player believe that the game machine is in a variable display state that is likely to result in the special display result after the variable display has started and before the stop display result is derived and displayed, in a gaming machine that is equipped with a variable display unit 500 capable of performing a variable display (or variable display) of a pattern (picture), and in which the stop display result after the variable display is a special display result during a game round in which the opening and closing execution mode is activated.

[0149] In other words, it is a display state in which the patterns of some of the multiple pattern rows displayed on the variable display unit 500 are displayed in a stopped state to display a combination of reach patterns that may result in a jackpot pattern combination corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode, and in this state the patterns of the remaining pattern rows are displayed in a variable manner.

[0150] More specifically, as a preliminary step to terminating the display of changing patterns, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying a combination of reach patterns which has the potential to form a jackpot combination corresponding to the occurrence of an open / close execution mode on a preset effective line, and while the reach line is formed, the display of changing patterns is performed using a final stopped pattern row.

[0151] Here, the configuration related to the variable display of the symbols for each game and the outline of the variable display will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outline of the display in the variable display unit 500. In the following description, the configuration related to the left drum is appropriately distinguished by adding "L" to the end of the identification code, the configuration related to the middle drum is appropriately distinguished by adding "M" to the end of the identification code, and the configuration related to the right drum is appropriately distinguished by adding "R" to the end of the identification code.

[0152] The variable display unit 500 is set with three pattern rows, left, center, and right, and a left variable display area DL, a center variable display area DM, and a right variable display area DR are provided corresponding to each of these pattern rows. In the variable display unit 500, the patterns of each pattern row are displayed variably so as to scroll in a predetermined direction (for example, from top to bottom) with periodicity. In each of the variable display areas DL, DM, and DR, three patterns are displayed in a stopped state for each pattern row, resulting in a total of nine patterns, 3 x 3, being displayed in a stopped state.

[0153] As shown in (a) to (j) of FIG. 21, the above symbols are composed of nine main symbols, which are the numbers "1" to "9," and sub-symbols, which are pictures imitating seashells. The main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to "high probability symbols," and when the high probability symbols are lined up, the player enters a special gaming state, which is a jackpot state, and then transitions to a high probability state. The main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to "low probability symbols," and when the low probability symbols are lined up, the player transitions to a jackpot state, but in this case, the player does not transition to a high probability state.

[0154] As shown in Fig. 22 (a schematic diagram showing the light guide unit 532 of each drum in a plan view), the left and center pattern rows have nine main patterns arranged in descending order with sub-patterns in between. In contrast, the right pattern row has nine main patterns arranged in ascending order with sub-patterns in between. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 22 shows a state in which the light emitting unit 553 provided on the light guide unit 532 emits light.

[0155] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 20, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a left upward line L4, and a right upward line L5, are set in the variable display unit 500. Then, in each game, the variable display of the patterns is stopped in the order of the left pattern row → the right pattern row → the middle pattern row, and when the variable display of all the pattern rows ends in a state where a predetermined combination of patterns (for example, a combination of patterns with the same number) is formed on any of the effective lines L1 to L5, a jackpot video is displayed as the occurrence of a normal jackpot result or a probability jackpot result.

[0156] When the above-mentioned reach display is performed, the variable display of the pattern is first ended in the left variable display area DL, and then in the state where the variable display of the pattern is ended in the right variable display area DR, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the pattern with the same number on at least one of the effective lines L1 to L5, and in the situation where the reach line is formed, the variable display of the pattern is performed in the middle variable display area DM, resulting in the reach display. Then, when the open / close execution mode occurs, the variable display of the pattern in the middle pattern row is ended by stopping and displaying the same pattern as the pattern forming the reach line on the reach line.

[0157] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 19, the variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 198). The variation type counter CS is used in determining the variation display time in the main display unit 87 and the variation display time of the pattern in the variable display unit 500 in the MPU 602. The variation type counter CS is updated once each time the normal processing described below is executed once, and is also repeatedly updated within the remaining time in the normal processing. Then, the buffer value of the variation type counter CS is acquired when determining the variation pattern at the start of the variation of the pattern by the variable display unit 500.

[0158] The electric role opening counter C4 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 249, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 249). The electric role opening counter C4 is periodically updated, and is stored in the electric role reservation area 633 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball enters the through gate 84. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not the electric role 91 is controlled to be in the open state based on the stored value of the electric role opening counter C4. For example, if C4=0 to 199, the electric role 91 is controlled to be in the open state, and if C4=200 to 249, the electric role 91 is not controlled to be in the open state.

[0159] As already explained, in the MPU 602, the variable display time in the variable display unit 500 is determined using at least the buffer value of the variable type counter CS, and the variable display time table storage area 623 in the ROM 603 is used for the determination. Also, in the MPU 602, the stop result in the main display unit 87 is determined using the value of the big win random number counter C1 and the value of the big win type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE, and the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 624 in the ROM 603 is referenced for the determination.

[0160] Here, referring to the schematic diagram of FIG. 23, a supplementary explanation will be given on the symbol display in the variable display unit 500. As already explained, the rotating body 525 shown in this embodiment has a light guide section 532, and a symbol is displayed by supplying light from the side light 528 to the light guide section 532. The light guide section 532 is transparent, and the background display device 529 can be seen through the light guide section 532. Therefore, when the variable display unit 500 is viewed from the front of the gaming machine, the symbol appears to be floating in front of the background. In particular, in this embodiment, the background display device and the outer surface section 551, which is the display surface of the light guide section 532, are separated from each other, and the separation between the symbol and the background is emphasized.

[0161] Next, the relationship between the light emitters 572 constituting the side light 528 and the pattern display position will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of Fig. 24. In this embodiment, the light emitters 572 are arranged in a line along the end of the light guiding section 532 (see Fig. 17). These light-emitting bodies 572 are broadly classified into an upper-stage light-emitting body 572a which supplies light to a light-emitting body 553 located on an effective line L1 (upper stage) among the light-emitting bodies 553 formed in the light-guiding section 532, a middle-stage light-emitting body 572b which supplies light to a light-emitting body located on an effective line L2 (middle stage), a lower-stage light-emitting body 572c which supplies light to a light-emitting body located on an effective line L3 (lower stage), an upper-limit light-emitting body 572d in a central opening 85 disposed above the upper-stage light-emitting body 572a, an intermediate light-emitting body 572e disposed between the upper-stage light-emitting body 572a and the middle-stage light-emitting body 572b, an intermediate light-emitting body 572f disposed between the middle-stage light-emitting body 572b and the lower-stage light-emitting body 572c, and a lower-limit light-emitting body 572g in a central opening 85 disposed below the lower-stage light-emitting body 572c.

[0162] When the light-emitting body 572a for the upper row is turned on, light is emitted from the light-emitting portion 553 located in the upper row, and a pattern appears (is displayed) in the upper row. When the light-emitting body 572b for the middle row is turned on, light is emitted from the light-emitting portion 553 located in the middle row, and a pattern appears (is displayed) in the middle row. When the light-emitting body 572c for the lower row is turned on, light is emitted from the light-emitting portion 553 located in the lower row, and a pattern appears (is displayed) in the lower row.

[0163] In this embodiment, the light emitting unit 553 may move across the light supply range for the upper stage and the light supply range for the middle stage due to the rotation of the rotating body 525. These light supply ranges are connected via the light supply range of the middle light emitter 572e. The supply of light from the middle light emitter 572e prevents the pattern from becoming difficult to see when moving from the upper stage to the middle stage. In addition, the light emitting unit 553 may move across the light supply range for the middle stage and the light supply range for the lower stage due to the rotation of the rotating body 525. These light supply ranges are connected via the light supply range of the middle light emitter 572f. The supply of light from the middle light emitter 572f prevents the pattern from becoming difficult to see when moving from the middle stage to the lower stage.

[0164] When the light emitting unit 553 moves from outside the central opening 85 onto the valid line L1, the light emitting unit 553 passes through the range of light supplied from the upper limit light emitter 572d, so that the display of the pattern starts before the valid line L1 is reached. When the light emitting unit 553 moves from on the valid line L3 to outside the central opening 85, the light emitting unit 553 passes through the range of light supplied from the lower limit light emitter 572g, so that the display of the pattern continues even after it moves off the valid line L3.

[0165] (Regarding various processes executed by the main control device 162) Next, we will explain the timer interrupt processing and normal processing executed by the MPU 602 in the main control device 162 to progress the game in each game round. In addition to the timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 602 also executes main processing that is started when the power is turned on and NMI interrupt processing that is started by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal), but we will not explain these various types of processing.

[0166] (Timer interrupt processing) First, the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 25. This process is started by the MPU 602 periodically (for example, at 2 msec intervals).

[0167] In step S101, a process of reading various winning detection sensors is executed. That is, the state of various winning detection sensors connected to the main control device 162 is read, the state of the winning detection sensor is determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored.

[0168] After that, in step S102, the random-number initial-value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random-number initial-value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random-number initial-value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​the RAM 604.

[0169] In the next step S103, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when the counter values ​​reach their maximum values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of each counter C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​the RAM 604.

[0170] In the next step S104, a winning process for through is executed in association with a winning at the through gate 84. In the winning process for through, it is determined whether or not a winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604, and if the flag is stored, the value of the electric role release counter C4 updated in the above step S103 is stored in the electric role holding area on the condition that the number of reserved roles stored in the electric role holding area is less than 4. In addition, a process is executed for the notification / performance control device 140 to light the reserved lamp section 98 corresponding to the number of reserved roles. Then, if a winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 635, the winning detection flag is erased and the winning process for the through gate is terminated.

[0171] After executing the winning process for the through gate in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, where the winning process for the operating port associated with the winning at the operating port 83a, 83b is executed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

[0172] (Winning process for the operating port) Here, the winning process for the operating port will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 26 and 27.

[0173] In step S201, it is determined whether the game ball has entered the upper operating port 83a (winning). If it is determined that the game ball has entered the upper operating port 83a, the process proceeds to step S202, and a winning ball command is set to the payout control device 242 to pay out three game balls.

[0174] In the next step S203, an external signal setting process is performed to output information indicating that a game ball has entered the upper operating port 83a to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side. This allows the hall computer HC to grasp that a ball has entered the upper operating port 83a. After that, in step S204, an information acquisition process is performed to store the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, etc., and this winning process is terminated.

[0175] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the gaming ball has not entered the upper operating port 83a, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether the gaming ball has entered (won) the lower operating port 83b. If it is determined that the gaming ball has entered the lower operating port 83b, the process proceeds to step S206, where a prize ball command is set to the payout control device 242 to pay out four gaming balls. The prize ball command set in steps S202 and S206 is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in the external output process (S701) of the normal process described later.

[0176] In the next step S207, an external signal setting process is performed to output information indicating that a game ball has entered the lower operating port 83b to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side. This allows the hall computer HC to grasp that a ball has entered the lower operating port 83b. After that, in step S204, an information acquisition process is performed, and this winning process is terminated.

[0177] It should be noted that if a negative judgment is made in both steps S201 and S205, i.e., if no ball has entered either the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b, the winning process is terminated.

[0178] Now, with reference to FIG. 27, the information acquisition process in step S204 will be described.

[0179] (Information acquisition processing) In the information acquisition process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether the start pending memory number N stored in the reserved number memory area FE of the reserved ball storage area 632, specifically, the start pending memory number N related to the ball entry part that triggered the information acquisition process among the upper operating port 83a and the lower operating port 83b, is less than the upper limit value ("4" in this embodiment). If the start pending memory number N is the upper limit value, the information acquisition process is terminated as it is, and if it is less than the upper limit value, in step S302, the start pending memory number N of the corresponding ball entry part is incremented by 1, and in step S303, the total reserved number stored in the reserved number memory area FE (hereinafter referred to as the common reserved number CRN) is incremented by 1.

[0180] In the following step S304, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the variable type counter CS updated in the above step S103 are stored in the first memory area among the free memory areas in the holding area RE, i.e., the memory area corresponding to the common holding number CRN incremented by 1 in the above step S302.

[0181] In the next step S305, a pending command setting process is executed to make the notification / performance control device 140, which is the sub-side (auxiliary) control device, recognize that a win has occurred in the actuation ports 83a, 83b, and then this information acquisition process ends. The pending command set in the pending command setting process in step S305 is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process described later.

[0182] (Normal processing) Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 28. Normal processing is processing that starts after main processing that is started when the power is turned on is executed, and in normal processing, main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps S401 to S406 is executed as regular processing with a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S408 and S409 is executed in the remaining time.

[0183] In normal processing, first, an external signal output process is executed in step S401. In the external signal output process in step S401, output data such as commands set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is sent to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence or absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is sent to the payout control device 242. In addition, if various commands such as performance commands such as a fluctuation command, a type command, and a fluctuation end command, a hold command, and a shift command described later are set, they are sent to the notification / performance control device 140.

[0184] Next, in step S402, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​the RAM 604.

[0185] In the next step S403, a game round control process is executed to control the game in each game round. In this game round control process, a big win determination, setting of the variable display of the symbols by the variable display unit 500, display control of the display part for the operation port of the main display unit 87, etc. are performed.

[0186] After executing the game number control process in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404, where a game state transition process is executed. This game state transition process transitions the game state to an open / close execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, or the like.

[0187] In the next step S405, an electric role support process is executed to drive and control the electric role 91 provided in the operating port unit 83. In this electric role support process, an electric role opening lottery is executed to determine whether or not the electric role 91 is opened using numerical information acquired from the electric role opening counter C4 stored in the electric role reservation area 633 of the RAM 604, and if the electric role opening state is selected, an opening and closing process of the electric role 91 is executed. In addition, display control of the through gate display unit is executed so as to inform the lottery result of the electric role opening lottery.

[0188] As already explained, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are set as the mode of support by the electric role object 91, and a transition to either of the support modes is performed by the game state transition process. If the high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604 after this process, the high-frequency support mode is selected, and if the flag is not set, the low-frequency support mode is selected.

[0189] In the electric role support process, whether or not the high frequency support mode is set is determined by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. In the high frequency support mode, the number of times that the electric role 91 is in the open state is set to be greater than in the low frequency support mode when the electric role open state is won, and the opening time for one time is set to be longer. In addition, in the high frequency support mode, when the electric role open state is won and the electric role 91 is in the open state multiple times, the closing time from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state is set to be shorter than the opening time for one time.

[0190] Incidentally, when the opening / closing execution mode is entered, even if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flags storage area 635 of the RAM 604, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode.

[0191] After that, in step S406, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid 111 of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on the condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply / launch control device 243. This causes the game ball to be launched toward the play area PE.

[0192] In the next step S407, it is determined whether the next execution timing of the normal process has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, within the remaining time until the next execution timing of the normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counter CS are repeatedly updated.

[0193] That is, in step S408, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0. The updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is then stored in a corresponding area of ​​the RAM 604. Also, in step S409, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0. The updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is then stored in a corresponding area of ​​the RAM 604.

[0194] The execution time of each process of steps S401 to S406 changes depending on the state of the game. Therefore, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the change type counter CS can also be randomly updated.

[0195] (Game play control processing) Next, the game play control process in step S501 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in Figs.

[0196] In the game play control process, first, as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 29, it is determined in step S501 whether or not the game is in the open / close execution mode. If the game is in the open / close execution mode, the game play control process is terminated without executing any of the processes from step S502 onwards, i.e., the game play start process in steps S503 to S505 and the game play progress process in steps S506 to S508.

[0197] If the opening / closing execution mode is not in progress, in step S502, it is determined whether or not the operating port display section of the main display unit 87 is displaying a variable value. If the operating port display section is not displaying a variable value, the process proceeds to the game round start process of steps S503 to S505. In the game round start process, first, in step S503, it is determined whether or not the total number of start reserved balls (common reserved number CRN) is "0". If the common reserved number CRN is "0", this means that no reserved information is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632. Therefore, this game round control process is terminated as it is.

[0198] On the other hand, if the common reserve number CRN is not "0", a data setting process is executed in step S504 to set the data stored in the reserve area RE of the reserved ball storage area 632 for variable display, and then a variable start process is executed in step S505 to start the variable display in the main display unit 87 and the variable display in the variable display unit 500, and then this game round control process is terminated.

[0199] Here, the data setting process in step S504 and the fluctuation start process in step S505 will be described in detail.

[0200] (Data setting process) In the data setting process, first, the start reservation memory number N stored in the reservation number storage area FE, which is the target of the current setting process, and the common reservation number CRN are decremented by 1. Next, if the target of the current setting process is based on the ball entering the upper operating port 83a, the data stored in the first area Ra1 of the reservation area RE is moved to the execution area AE. After that, a process is executed to shift the data (i.e., reservation information) stored in each area Ra1 to Ra4 of the reservation area RE. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the first area Ra1 to the fourth area Ra4 to the lower area side in order, and the data in the first area Ra1 is cleared, and the data in each area is shifted from the second area Ra2 to the first area Ra1, the third area Ra3 to the second area Ra2, and the fourth area Ra4 to the third area Ra3.

[0201] If the target of this setting process is based on a ball entering the lower operating port 83b, the data stored in the first area Rb1 of the holding area RE is moved to the execution area AE. After that, a process is executed to shift the data (i.e., holding information) stored in each area Rb1 to Rb4 of the holding area RE. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the first area Rb1 to the fourth area Rb4 to the lower area side in order, and the data in the first area Rb1 is cleared, and the data in each area is shifted from the second area Rb2 to the first area Rb1, the third area Rb3 to the second area Rb2, and the fourth area Rb4 to the third area Rb3, and so on.

[0202] Next, a shift time command is set, which is information for making the notification / performance control device 140 recognize that a shift in the data in the reserved area has occurred. After that, this data setting process ends. The set shift time command is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal process (FIG. 28). By receiving the shift time command, the notification / performance control device 140 knows that a shift in the reserved information has occurred.

[0203] (Change start processing) Next, the fluctuation start process in step S505 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0204] In the variation start process, first, in step S601, a win / loss determination process is executed to determine whether or not the reserved information referred to in the current variation start process corresponds to a jackpot win. Specifically, the information for jackpot determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information acquired from the information updated by the jackpot random number counter C1, is grasped. Then, when the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, the win / loss table for the low probability mode stored in the win / loss table storage area 621 of the ROM 603 is referenced to determine whether the above-mentioned grasped information is included in the information corresponding to a jackpot win, and when the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode, the win / loss table for the high probability mode stored in the win / loss table storage area 621 of the ROM 603 is referenced to determine whether the above-mentioned grasped information is included in the information corresponding to a jackpot win.

[0205] In the next step S602, it is determined whether or not the result of the win / loss determination process in step S601 corresponds to a big win. If the result corresponds to a big win, a type determination process is executed in step S603.

[0206] In the type determination process, the type determination information among the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information obtained from the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2, is grasped. Also, by referring to the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of the ROM 603, it is determined whether the above-mentioned grasped type determination information is included in the information corresponding to the probability variable jackpot result. In detail, when the reserved information corresponds to a ball entering the upper operating port 83a, the distribution table for the upper operating port 83a is referred to, and when the reserved information corresponds to a ball entering the lower operating port 83b, the distribution table for the lower operating port 83b is referred to for the type determination.

[0207] In the next step S604, it is determined whether the type of the current jackpot is a jackpot with a probability of winning based on the information identified in the type determination process in step S603. If it is a jackpot with a probability of winning, a stop result setting process for a jackpot with a probability of winning is executed in step S605, and if it is not a jackpot with a probability of winning, a stop result setting process for a normal jackpot is executed in step S606. Also, if it is determined in step S602 that it is not a jackpot win, a stop result setting process for when it is not won is executed in step S607.

[0208] In each stop result setting process of steps S605 to S607, the information on the form of the picture to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 87 is specified by referring to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area of ​​the ROM 603, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604. Also, in steps S605 and S606, information for the MPU 602 to specify that the win / loss determination result of the current game round is a special jackpot result or a normal jackpot result is stored in the various flags storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Specifically, in step S605, a special jackpot flag is stored, and in step S606, a normal jackpot flag is stored.

[0209] After executing any one of the processes in steps S605 to S607, in step S608, a process for setting the variable display time is executed. In the process for setting the variable display time, first, it is determined whether or not the winning / losing lottery is won. Specifically, it is determined whether or not either a sure-variable big win flag or a normal big win flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If the result of the winning / losing lottery is a losing result, it is determined whether or not a reach display occurs in the variable display unit 500W in this game round. Specifically, if the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is a value corresponding to the occurrence of a reach, it is determined that a reach display has occurred. When determining whether or not a reach has occurred using the value of the reach random number counter C3, a reach determination table stored in the reach determination table storage area of ​​the ROM 603 is referenced.

[0210] In the case of a big win result or a miss result but corresponding to a reach occurrence, the variable display time table for reach occurrence stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603 is referenced to obtain variable display time information corresponding to the current value of the variable type counter CS, and the variable display time information is set in a variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in the various counter area 634 of the RAM 604. After that, this setting process is terminated.

[0211] In other words, in this embodiment, the reach display is executed when the result of the win / lose lottery is a jackpot win, or when the result of the win / lose lottery is a loss and the lottery for reaching the reach is won.

[0212] Details will be described later, but the reach display is provided with a normal reach display and a super reach display, which have different variable display modes. Variable display time information corresponding to each of the normal reach display and the super reach display is set in the reach occurrence variable display time table, and variable display time information corresponding to each reach display is obtained by referring to this table. Regarding the determination of the type of reach display, a table is provided in which the type of reach display corresponds to the value of the variable type counter CS, and the reach display corresponding to the current value of the variable type counter CS is determined by referring to this table.

[0213] On the other hand, if the result is not a big win but a miss and does not correspond to the occurrence of a reach, the variable display time corresponding to the value of the current variation type counter CS is obtained by referring to the variable display time table for non-reach occurrence stored in the variable display time table storage area 623, and the variable display time information is set in the variable display time counter area. After that, this setting process is terminated.

[0214] The variable display time information when the reach does not occur is set so that the variable display time becomes shorter as the number of the common reserved number CRN increases. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured so that it is not dependent on the number of the common reserved number CRN, and the variable display time may be set so that the number of the common reserved number CRN decreases. In addition, the variable display time table for non-reach occurrence is set so that a shorter variable display time is selected in a situation where the support mode is a high-frequency support mode than in a situation where the number of reserved information is the same, compared with a situation where the support mode is a low-frequency support mode, but this is not limited to this, and the selected variable display time may be the same, or the above relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, the above configuration may be applied to the variable display time when the reach occurs, and a variable display time that is likely to be selected and a variable display time that is difficult to select may be different between a jackpot win and a miss reach. In addition, a variable display time table for a sure-variable jackpot, a variable display time table for a normal jackpot, a variable display time table for a miss reach, and a variable display time table for a complete miss may be configured separately.

[0215] As described above, the variable display time for each game is determined using parameters such as the presence or absence of reach occurrence, the type of reach display, the number of reserved information, and the value of the variable type counter, etc. However, the variable display time for each game is determined without using the contents of other reserved information, specifically, the information for jackpot determination, the information for type determination, and the information for reach determination, contained in other reserved information, as parameters.

[0216] Returning to the explanation of the variation start process, after the variation display time setting process is executed in step S608, a variation command and a type command are set in step S609. The variation command includes information on the occurrence or non-occurrence of a reach and information on the variation display time. The type command also includes information on the game result. In other words, the type command includes information on the game result such as information on the special jackpot result, information on the normal jackpot result, and information on the miss result.

[0217] The variation command and type command set in step S609 are transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 in normal processing (FIG. 28). The notification / performance control device 140 determines the light emission pattern of the display lamp unit 26 and the sound output pattern from the speaker unit 29 in the game round based on the received variation command and type command, and controls the display lamp unit 26 and the speaker unit 29 so that the determined content of the performance is executed. Also, the notification / performance control device 140 determines the variable display pattern in the variable display unit 500 in the game round based on the received variation command and type command, and controls the variable display unit 500 so that the determined variable display pattern is executed. After that, in step S610, the variable display of the picture is started in the operation port display unit of the main display unit 87, and then this variation start processing is terminated.

[0218] Returning to the explanation of the game round control process (FIG. 29), when the main display unit 87 is in the process of variable display, the game round progress process of steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game round progress process, first, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the variable display time for the current game round has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of ​​the RAM 604 has become "0". The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process as described above. In addition, the value of this set variable display time information is decremented (subtracted) by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 25) is started.

[0219] If the variable display time has not elapsed, a variable display process is executed in step S507. In the variable display process, the display mode in the main display unit 87 is changed. After that, the game number control process is terminated.

[0220] If the variable display time has elapsed, a variable end process is executed in step S508. In the variable end process, the information stored in the RAM 604 in any of the processes in steps S505 to S507 is specified, and the main display unit 87 is controlled so that the picture corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the main display unit 87.

[0221] In the next step S509, a variation end command is set. After that, this game round control process is terminated. The variation end command set in step S509 is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 28). Upon receiving the variation end command, the notification / performance control device 140 displays the final stop symbol combination in that game round as a final display (final stop display).

[0222] As already explained, in this embodiment, the outline of the variable display mode of the pattern in the variable display unit 500 is specified by the notification / performance control device 140 with reference to a command from the main control device 162, and the details of the variable display mode are determined by the notification / performance control device 140 based on the specified result. Specifically, in the MPU 652 of the notification / performance control device 140, a variable display control process is executed as part of a periodic process that is started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec), and the outline of the variable display mode of the pattern is specified by this variable display control process. Here, the variable display control process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0223] (Variable display control processing) In the variable display control process, first in step S701, it is determined whether or not a game is being played, that is, whether or not the variable display of the patterns for one game is being executed on the variable display unit 500. If it is determined that a game is not being played, the process proceeds to step S702, where it is determined whether or not a variable command transmitted from the main control device 162 has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S702, the variable display control process is terminated as is. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S702, a process for starting the variable display is executed in step S703, and then the variable display control process is terminated.

[0224] Returning to the explanation of step S701, if a positive judgment is made in step S701, i.e., if it is judged that a game round is in progress, the process proceeds to step S704. In step S704, it is judged whether or not a fluctuation end command transmitted from the main control device 162 has been received. If a negative judgment is made in step S704, the fluctuation in progress processing is executed in step S705, and then the fluctuation display control processing is terminated. The fluctuation in progress processing is processing for executing various effects and changing the determined effects in the game round started by the fluctuation start processing.

[0225] If a positive determination is made in step S704, the process proceeds to step S706, where a process for ending the variation is executed, and then this variable display control process is terminated. In the process for ending the variation, the variable display of the patterns and the currently executed performance are terminated (determined and stopped) in accordance with the lottery result for the relevant game round. Specifically, the variable display unit 500 is controlled to determinatively stop the patterns. In this process, the speaker unit 29 and the lamp unit 26 are driven and controlled to perform a performance corresponding to the determinative stop. Thereafter, this process for ending the variation is terminated.

[0226] (Processing for starting fluctuations) Here, a supplementary explanation will be given on the fluctuation start process in step S703 with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 32. The fluctuation start process is a process for starting the presentation for a game round based on receiving a fluctuation command transmitted from the main control device 162. In the fluctuation start process, the fluctuation display mode such as reach display and the symbol combination to be confirmed displayed as the presentation for a game round are determined.

[0227] In the variation start process, first, in step S801, the currently received variation command is read, and information on whether or not a reach has occurred and information on the variation display time are identified from the command. Also, as already explained, when a variation command is sent from the main control device 162, a type command is also sent together. In step S1201, the type command received together with the currently received variation command is read, and information on the game result, such as information on the guaranteed jackpot result, information on the normal jackpot result, or information on the miss result, is identified from the command. Then, in step S2101, information on whether or not a jackpot has been won, information on the jackpot type if a jackpot has been won, information on whether or not a reach has occurred if a jackpot has not been won, and information on the variation display time are identified from the identified information, and the identified information is stored in the register of the MPU 652.

[0228] In the next step S802, based on the information grasped in step S801, it is determined whether the game result of the game to be started this time corresponds to a jackpot result. If it is a jackpot result, that is, if it is a probability jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, in the next step S803, a jackpot performance setting process is executed.

[0229] In the jackpot performance setting process, the stop result of the jackpot symbols is determined (stop result determination process is performed). In the stop result determination process, if the result is a guaranteed jackpot, the stop result in which the combination of the same specific symbols (main symbols with odd numbers) is established on one active line L1 to L5 is determined as the stop result for this game. Also, if the result is a normal jackpot, the stop result in which the combination of the same non-specific symbols (main symbols with even numbers) is established on one active line L1 to L5 is determined as the stop result for this game.

[0230] The type of main symbol and the effective lines L1 to L5 that are stopped and displayed when a jackpot result is obtained are randomly determined by drawing lots or the like. The effective lines L1 to L5 and address information are stored in the final stop line tables stored in various table areas of the ROM 653, and the final stop line determined in the above process is stored as address information in a final stop line address storage area provided in the RAM 654. At this time, a process is executed to store information on the determined stop result in the stop result address storage area. Note that in the following explanation, address information of the stop result determined in various stop result determination processes is stored in the stop result address storage area of ​​the RAM 654.

[0231] In addition, in the performance setting process for the big win, the variable display mode of the symbols for the big win is determined (variable display mode determination process (performance pattern determination process) is performed). As already explained, in the case of a big win result, the result is notified via a reach display. In the variable display mode determination process for the reach display, a variable display pattern table for the reach display stored in various table areas of the ROM 653 is obtained, and a performance pattern of a normal reach display or a super reach display corresponding to the variable display time of the currently received variable command and the game result in the type command is determined. In addition, a process is executed to store address information of the determined variable display mode in a pattern address storage area of ​​the RAM 654. In addition, in the variable display mode determination process shown below, a corresponding variable display pattern table is obtained from the variable display pattern table storage area of ​​the ROM 653 to determine a performance pattern corresponding to the variable display time and the game result. Then, the address information of the performance pattern determined in the performance pattern determination process is stored in the pattern address storage area of ​​the RAM 654.

[0232] If it is determined in step S802 that the result is not a jackpot, the process proceeds to step S804. In step S804, it is determined whether or not a reach will occur in the current game. If a reach will occur, the process proceeds to step S805, where a process for setting the effect for the reach occurrence is executed. In the process for setting the effect for the reach occurrence, the outline of the effect and the combination of the symbols to be finally stopped are determined. The former is the same as the process in step S803 above, so the explanation is used here. Since this process corresponds to a reach that is not reached, the stop symbols are determined so that the combination does not correspond to a jackpot result. In other words, the stop result in which a combination of reach that is not reached is established on one of the effective lines L1 to L5 is determined as the stop result this time. In this case, the type of combination of reach that is not reached and the effective lines L1 to L5 are randomly determined by lottery or the like. In addition, when making this determination, the stop results on the pay lines are determined so that the same combination of symbols is not established on any of the pay lines L1 to L5, and the symbols in the middle symbol row that are the same as the symbols forming the reach line are finally stopped at a stop position shifted forward or backward from the reach line. After that, a process is executed to store the information of the determined stop results in the stop result address storage area.

[0233] If it is determined in step S804 that a reach has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the outline of the normal miss effect and the final stop symbol combination are determined. Since this process corresponds to a complete miss, the stop symbols are determined so that a symbol combination corresponding to a big win result is not formed.

[0234] After executing any one of the processes in step S803, step S805, and step S806, the process proceeds to step S807. In step S807, display control (variable display control) of the variable display unit 500 is performed to execute the performance for the current game round. This causes each drum unit 523 to start rotating. In addition, drive control of the speaker unit 29 and the lamp unit 26 is started based on the performance pattern determined in the above steps S803, S805, and S806, and the performance for the game round is started.

[0235] Hereinafter, with reference to Fig. 33 to Fig. 35, a supplementary explanation will be given on the variable display mode of the symbols in the variable display unit 500. Fig. 33 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the variable display mode and the expectation of a big win, Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a normal reach that does not support special change, which will be described later, and Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a normal reach that supports special change, which will be described later.

[0236] As shown in Fig. 33, the variable display mode of the pattern in this embodiment is roughly divided into three types: complete miss, normal reach, and super reach. For normal reach and super reach, the variable display mode of the pattern until it shifts to the reach display is common, and at least until it shifts to the reach display, it is not clear whether the variable display mode of the pattern will shift to normal reach or super reach from the previous one.

[0237] When comparing normal reach and super reach, there is a difference in the scroll speed of the middle symbol after the transition to the reach display. In more detail, in the case of normal reach, the scroll speed of the middle symbol is set to be slower than in the case of super reach. Compared to normal reach, super reach has a higher expectation of a jackpot result and transition to a special game state. For this reason, it is assumed that players who expect a transition to a special game state will pay attention to the changing display of the symbols in the hope of transitioning to super reach.

[0238] (Normal reach without special modifications) Figure 34 shows an example of the flow of a normal reach corresponding to a miss result. As shown in Figure 34(a), when a game round starts based on the ball entering the operation port 83a, 83b, the variable display of the pattern starts in each variable display area DL, DM, DR, more specifically, the scroll display that vertically crosses each variable display area DL, DM, DR from the top to the bottom.

[0239] After that, the left pattern row is stopped and displayed in the order of the right pattern row, and in the example shown in Figure 34(b), two reach lines are formed by the "7" pattern stopped and displayed on the valid line L4 and the "6" pattern stopped and displayed on the valid line L5.

[0240] At a predetermined timing immediately after the reach line is formed, as shown in Fig. 34(c), the scroll speed of the middle symbol row becomes the first constant speed (low speed), and accordingly, other symbols that do not form the reach line in the left symbol row and the right symbol row are hidden. Specifically, the light emitting body 572bL for the middle row of the left variable display area DL and the light emitting body 572bR for the middle row of the right variable display area DR are turned off, and the sub-symbols displayed in the middle row are hidden.

[0241] In the variable display unit 500 shown in this embodiment, the light guide 532 and the side light 528 are used in combination to display the pattern, and the pattern is hidden by stopping the supply of light from the side light 528. With regard to the light emitting portion 553 formed in the light guide 532, it is not impossible to distinguish the pattern if one looks closely, but it becomes difficult to distinguish the pattern when other patterns and the like are emitting light in the vicinity.

[0242] After that, as shown in Figure 34(d) → Figure 34(e), the scrolling display of the row of middle symbols continues in the middle variable display area DM, and finally the "4" symbol is displayed stationary in the middle row of the middle variable display area DM, thereby clearly informing the player that it is a losing result.

[0243] In this embodiment, in some of the game times related to normal reach and super reach, the middle symbol row stops and then changes again, and the middle symbol may be replaced (hereinafter referred to as special change). When such a special change occurs, the expectation of a big win increases in both normal reach and super reach. Here, the flow of the special change will be described with reference to FIG. 35.

[0244] (Normal reach with special modifications) When a game is started based on the ball entering the operation port 83a, 83b, the variable display of the symbols in each variable display area DL, DM, DR, more specifically, the scroll display that vertically crosses each variable display area DL, DM, DR from the top to the bottom, is started. After that, the left pattern row is stopped and displayed in the order of the right pattern row, and in the example shown in Figure 35 (a), one reach line is formed by the "7" symbol stopped and displayed on the pay line L2.

[0245] At a predetermined timing immediately after the reach line is formed, as shown in Fig. 35(b), the scroll speed of the middle symbol row becomes the first constant speed (low speed), and accordingly, other symbols that do not form the reach line in the left symbol row and the right symbol row are hidden. Specifically, the upper row light-emitting body 572aL and the lower row light-emitting body 572cL of the left variable display area DL, and the upper row light-emitting body 572aR and the lower row light-emitting body 572cR of the right variable display area DR are turned off, and the sub-symbols displayed in the upper row and the middle row are hidden.

[0246] After that, the middle symbol row continues to scroll as shown in Fig. 35(c), and the symbols other than the "7" symbol are temporarily displayed on the pay line L2 as shown in Fig. 35(d). After the middle symbol row is temporarily displayed, when a predetermined waiting period has elapsed, the middle symbol row becomes non-displayable as shown in Fig. 35(e). Specifically, the middle symbol row becomes non-displayable when all the light emitters 572 for the middle variable display area DM are turned off.

[0247] After that, as shown in Fig. 35(f), when the middle symbol row is displayed again, the symbol on the pay line L2 is replaced with the "8" symbol from the sub symbol, and it is clearly indicated that the game round is a losing result. After that, as the fixed display period passes, the other symbols that were hidden are also displayed again, and a total of nine symbols of 3 x 3 are displayed.

[0248] Here, the variable display process in the variable display control process (FIG. 31) will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIG. 36 to FIG.

[0249] (Processing for fluctuations) As shown in FIG. 36, in the variable period processing, in step S901, a determination is made as to whether to switch the side light 528 and the backlight 582 on or off, and in the following step S902, a light emission restriction process is performed to determine targets for which light emission is to be forcibly restricted, and in step S903, light emission control of the side light 528 and the backlight 582 and drive control of the motor 526 are performed based on the settings in steps S901 and S902.

[0250] (Light emission and drive setting processing) As shown in Fig. 37, in the light emission and drive setting process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not a special variable display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM 654. This special variable display transition flag is a flag that is stored when the above-mentioned special change of the pattern is performed and is erased when the corresponding game round is completed. If a negative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0251] In step S1002, it is determined whether or not a reach display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area of ​​the RAM 654. The reach display transition flag is a flag that is stored when the reach display is parallel, and is erased when the transition to the special change is made or when the corresponding game round ends. If a negative determination is made in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003.

[0252] In step S1003, it is determined whether it is the timing to stop the left pattern row in the left variable display area DL. If the determination in step S1003 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1004, where the process for stopping the left drum (rotating body 525L) is executed. Specifically, a flag is set to stop the output of the drive signal to the motor 526L for the left drum. In the light emission and drive control process in the above step S903, based on this flag and the stop pattern determined at the start of the change, stop control is performed so that the pattern is stopped and displayed in the left variable display area DL.

[0253] If the determination in step S1003 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop displaying the right pattern row in the right variable display area DR. If the determination in step S1005 is negative, the light emission and drive control process is terminated.

[0254] If the determination in step S1005 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1006, where the process for stopping the right drum (rotating body 525R) is executed. Specifically, a flag for stopping the output of the drive signal to the motor 526R for the right drum is set. In the light emission and drive control process in step S903, based on this flag and the stop pattern determined at the start of the change, the stop control is performed so that the pattern is stopped and displayed in the right change display area DR.

[0255] After executing the stop process in step S1006, the process proceeds to step S1007, where it is determined whether or not the current game round corresponds to the reach display. If the determination in step S1007 is negative, the light emission and drive setting process is terminated. If the determination in step S1007 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0256] In step S1008, a process for turning off part of the side lights is executed. In this process for turning off part of the side lights, a flag is set for turning off part of the light emitters 572 for the side lights 528L of the left drum and the side lights 528R of the right drum so that symbols that do not form a reach line are not displayed. In the light emission and drive control process in step S903, light emission control is performed so as to turn off part of the light emitters 572 based on this flag and the stop position (effective line) of the symbol determined at the start of the variation.

[0257] In the next step S1009, processing is performed for turning on the backlight 582 of the background display device 529. Specifically, a flag is set for turning on the backlight 582. In the light emission / drive control processing in the above step S903, light emission control is performed based on this flag to turn on the backlight 582.

[0258] In this embodiment, the background is lit up with the transition to the reach display, suggesting the possibility of a big win. Although the details will be described later, by lighting the backlight 582, the light emission part 553 corresponding to the non-displayed pattern is made less noticeable.

[0259] Thereafter, in step S1010, a reach display transition flag is set in the various flag storage area of ​​the RAM 654, and this light emission and drive setting process is terminated.

[0260] Returning to the explanation of step S1002, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, i.e., if the reach display transition flag is set in the various flag storage areas of RAM 654, the process proceeds to step S1011. In step S1101, it is determined whether it is the timing to transition to the special variable display. In other words, it is determined whether it is the timing to execute the special change as shown in FIG. 35. If a negative determination is made in step S1011, the process proceeds to step S1012. In step S1012, it is determined whether it is the timing to change the variable display speed (scroll speed) of the middle pattern row. If a negative determination is made in step S1012, the main light emission and drive setting process is terminated as it is. If a positive determination is made in step S1021, a variable display speed change process is executed in step S1013, and then the main light emission and drive setting process is terminated.

[0261] In the variable display speed change process, a flag for changing the variable display speed of the middle symbol is set. In the light emission and drive control process in step S903, the motor 526 of the middle drum is driven and controlled based on this flag so that the variable display speed of the middle symbol row becomes a predetermined speed. Specifically, if the current reach display is a normal reach, the rotation speed of the rotor 525M is controlled so that the variable display speed of the middle symbol row becomes a first predetermined speed (low speed), and if it is a super reach, the rotation speed of the rotor 525M is controlled so that the variable display speed becomes a second predetermined speed (high speed).

[0262] Returning to the explanation of step S1011, if a positive judgment is made in step S1011, that is, if it is the timing to transition to the special variable display, the process proceeds to step S1014. In step S1014, a process for temporarily stopping the middle drum (rotating body 525M) is executed. Specifically, a flag for temporarily stopping the middle drum is set. In the light emission and drive control process in the above step S903, the output of the drive signal to the motor 526M for the middle drum is stopped based on this flag. As a result, the three patterns set at the start of the variation are displayed in the middle variation display area DM. Note that the middle patterns temporarily stopped on the reach line at this point are set to be the pattern combination corresponding to the result of the pattern combination on the reach line being missed.

[0263] Next, in step S1015, the reach display transition flag stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 654 is erased, and in step S1016, a special variable display transition flag is set in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 654, after which the light emission and drive setting process is terminated.

[0264] Returning to the explanation of step S1001, if an affirmative decision is made in step S1001, i.e., if a special variable display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM 654, then special variable display processing is executed in step S1016, and then this light emission and drive setting processing is terminated. Hereinafter, the special variable display processing will be explained with reference to Fig. 38.

[0265] (Special fluctuation display processing) In the special change display process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the special change, that is, the replacement display of the symbols. If the determination in step S1101 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0266] In step S1102, a process for turning off the side light for the middle drum is executed. Specifically, a flag for turning off the side light is set. In the light emission and drive control process in step S903, a process for turning off the side light for the middle drum is executed based on this flag. As a result, each pattern constituting the middle pattern row is hidden, and each pattern that was temporarily displayed in the middle variable display area DM is hidden.

[0267] In the next step S1103, a process for driving the middle drum is executed. Specifically, a flag for re-driving the middle drum is set. In the light emission and drive control process in the above step S903, the middle drum is rotated based on this flag. In other words, the middle drum rotates under a condition where no light is supplied from the side light 528M. The middle drum rotates so that the light emission part 553 corresponding to the symbol (final stop symbol) constituting the symbol combination (final stop symbol combination) corresponding to the current game result is positioned on the reach line.

[0268] The rotation direction of the middle drum during the special change is determined based on two conditions: (1) the number of times the border part BP1 passes through the middle variable display area DM is minimized, and (2) the amount of rotation is minimized. For example, in a case where one border part BP1 passes through the middle variable display area DM when the middle drum is rotated in the forward direction, and two border parts BP1 pass through the middle variable display area DM when the middle drum is rotated in the reverse direction, the forward direction is set as the rotation direction. In addition, regarding each of these conditions (1) to (2), (1) takes precedence over (2), and by moving the border part BP1 through the middle variable display area DM when the pattern is not displayed, it is difficult for the player to realize that the middle drum is rotating.

[0269] Returning to the explanation of step S1101, if a negative determination is made in step S1101, a determination is made in step S1104 as to whether or not it is the timing to end the pattern replacement (special change). If a negative determination is made in step S1104, the special variable display process is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S1104, the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, a process for partially lighting the center drum side light is executed. Specifically, a flag for partial lighting is set.

[0270] In the light emission and drive control process in step S903, a process of partially lighting the side light for the middle drum is executed based on this flag. Specifically, the supply of light is started to the upper, middle, and lower parts of the middle variable display area DM that are located on the reach line, and the supply of light to the other parts is stopped. For example, if the reach line formed this time straddles the middle part, the light emitter 572b corresponding to the middle part is turned on, and the other light emitters 572a, 572c to 572g are turned off. This causes the middle symbol to suddenly change, enhancing the impact on the display of the game result.

[0271] Below, a supplementary explanation will be given of the flow of reach display with reference to the timing charts of Figures 39 and 40. Figure 39 is a timing chart showing the flow of reach display without special change support, and Figure 40 is a timing chart showing the flow of reach display with special change support.

[0272] (Reach display not compatible with special changes) As shown in Fig. 39, at the timing ta1 when the game round related to the reach display not corresponding to the special change starts, the side lights 528L, 528M, 528R of each drum are all turned on, and the back light 582 of the background display device 529 is turned off. In this state, a drive signal is output to each motor 526L, 526M, 526R, and the scrolling display of the pattern row is started in each variable display area DL, DM, DR.

[0273] At the timing ta2 after the start of the fluctuation, the output of the drive signal to the motor 526L for the left drum is stopped, and the left drum stops at a preset rotation position. As a result, the three preset patterns are displayed in the left fluctuation display area DL. At the following timing ta3, the output of the drive signal to the motor 526R for the right drum is stopped, and the right drum stops at a preset rotation position. As a result, the three preset patterns are displayed in the right fluctuation display area DR.

[0274] In the example shown in FIG. 39, the same symbols are stopped on a preset pay line to form a reach line, and the display transitions to reach display. At this timing ta3, the backlight 582 of the background display device 529 is turned on, emphasizing the transition to reach display. Also, at the timing ta3, a part of the light emitters 572L constituting the side light 528L is turned off so that the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the left variable display area DL and do not form a reach line are not displayed. Also, a part of the light emitters 572R constituting the side light 528R is turned off so that the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the right variable display area DR and do not form a reach line are not displayed. Even under this situation, all of the light emitters 572M constituting the side light 528M for the middle drum are kept turned on.

[0275] At the timing of ta4 after the transition to the reach display, the symbols are displayed in the middle variable display area DM, and a symbol combination corresponding to the game result is formed. This clearly indicates the game result to the player. After that, at the timing of ta5 after the fixed display period of the symbols has elapsed, all the light emitters 572 constituting each side light 528 are turned on, and the backlight 582 is turned off.

[0276] (Reach display for special changes) As shown in Fig. 40, at the timing tb1 when the game round related to the special change compatible reach display starts, the side lights 528L, 528M, 528R of each drum are all lit, and the back light 582 of the background display device 529 is turned off. In this state, a drive signal is output to each motor 526L, 526M, 526R, and the scrolling display of the pattern row is started in each variable display area DL, DM, DR.

[0277] At the timing tb2 after the start of the fluctuation, the output of the drive signal to the motor 526L for the left drum is stopped, and the left drum stops at a preset rotation position. As a result, the three preset patterns are displayed in the left fluctuation display area DL. At the following timing tb3, the output of the drive signal to the motor 526R for the right drum is stopped, and the right drum stops at a preset rotation position. As a result, the three preset patterns are displayed in the right fluctuation display area DR.

[0278] In the example shown in FIG. 40, the same symbols are stopped on a preset pay line to form a reach line, and the display transitions to reach display. At this timing tb3, the backlight 582 of the background display device 529 is turned on, emphasizing the transition to reach display. Also, at the timing tb3, a part of the light emitters 572L constituting the side light 528L is turned off so that the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the left variable display area DL and do not form a reach line are not displayed. Also, a part of the light emitters 572R constituting the side light 528R is turned off so that the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the right variable display area DR and do not form a reach line are not displayed. Even under this situation, all of the light emitters 572M constituting the side light 528M for the middle drum are kept turned on.

[0279] At the timing of tb4 after the transition to the reach display, the symbols are temporarily displayed in the middle variable display area DM, and a symbol combination corresponding to the miss result is formed. After this timing of tb4, the above-mentioned special change (special variable display) occurs. Note that the series of steps up to the timing of tb4 is the same as the steps up to the timing of ta4 in the reach display not corresponding to the special change shown in FIG. 39.

[0280] At the timing tb5, which is a predetermined waiting period (slightly shorter than the fixed display period) from the timing tb4 when the symbol combination corresponding to the losing result is temporarily displayed, all of the light emitters 572M constituting the side light 528M for the middle drum are turned off, and the symbols that were displayed in the middle variable display area DM are temporarily hidden. The replacement of symbols due to special changes may be repeated up to three times, but the example shown in Figure 40 illustrates a case where this replacement occurs twice.

[0281] Immediately after the light emitting body 572M is turned off at the timing of tb5, a drive signal is output to the motor 526M for the middle drum, and the light emitting part 553M located on the reach line is replaced. At the timing of tb6 after the replacement is completed, the light emitting body 572M corresponding to the reach line is turned on, and the rest are kept turned off. This makes it look as if the middle pattern on the reach line has suddenly been replaced with another pattern.

[0282] The symbol combination displayed at the timing of tb6 also corresponds to a miss result, and then the second special change is started. Specifically, at the timing of tb7, when a predetermined waiting period (slightly shorter than the fixed display period) has passed from the timing of tb6 when the symbol combination was displayed, all of the light emitters 572M constituting the side light 528M for the middle drum are turned off, and the symbols that were displayed in the stationary state in the middle variable display area DM are temporarily hidden.

[0283] Immediately after the light emitting body 572M is turned off at the timing of tb7, a drive signal is output to the motor 526M for the middle drum, and the light emitting portion 553M located on the reach line is replaced. At the timing of tb8 after the replacement is completed, the light emitting body 572M corresponding to the reach line is turned on, and the rest are kept turned off. This makes it look as if the middle symbol on the reach line has suddenly been replaced with another symbol. Since the number of games shown in FIG. 40 corresponds to a losing result, the symbol combination finally displayed as a stopped symbol (confirmed display) also corresponds to the losing result.

[0284] During the special change described above, the backlight 582 is maintained in a lighted state, and the light from the backlight 582 is irradiated to the front of the gaming machine through each drum (light guide unit 532). This is a device for preventing the pattern of the light emission unit 553 from emerging when the ambient light from the lighting of the gaming hall or the like is reflected in the light guide unit 532.

[0285] Each drum (more specifically, the light guide section 532) of the variable display unit 500 described above is formed by combining a plurality of light guide panels 555-557 divided in the rotation direction, and a boundary region BP1 is generated between the light guide panels 555-557. It is feared that the boundary region BP1 being located in the variable display area more frequently will deteriorate the appearance of the variable display unit 500 and hinder the improvement of attention to the game by performing the above-mentioned various display effects. In this embodiment, one of the features is that the arrangement of the light emission section 553 formed in the light guide section 532, the position of the boundary region BP1, and the relationship with the variable display area are devised to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience. The following describes the devise with reference to FIG. 22 and FIG. 41. FIG. 41 illustrates the left drum, but the relationship between the boundary region BP1 and the variable display area is the same for the middle drum and the right drum. Note that FIG. 41 illustrates a state in which the light emission section 553 is emitting light for the sake of convenience.

[0286] 22, the light guide 532 of each drum is provided with a plurality of light emitting parts 553 arranged in the rotation direction. These light emitting parts 553 correspond to the main patterns and the sub-patterns, and the light supplied from the side light 528 is emitted from the light emitting parts 553 to display the main patterns "1" to "9" and the sub-pattern imitating a "seashell."

[0287] As shown in Fig. 41(a), the size of the main pattern in the rotation direction is larger than the size of the sub-pattern. A border area BP1 is provided between the main pattern and the sub-pattern, and the border area BP1 is biased toward the main pattern so that the blank area between the main pattern and the border area BP1 is smaller than the blank area between the main pattern and the sub-pattern.

[0288] In the example shown in FIG. 41, a boundary portion BP1 is provided between the "6" symbol (more specifically, the light emitting portion 553 for the "6" symbol) and the sub-symbol (more specifically, the light emitting portion 553 for the sub-symbol). When the "6" symbol stops in the upper row of the variable display area, the boundary portion BP1 is located above the upper limit position of the variable display area, that is, in a range that cannot be seen from the front of the gaming machine (see FIG. 41(b)). In contrast, when the "6" symbol stops directly below (outside the frame) the variable display area, the boundary portion BP1 is located below the lower limit position of the variable display area, that is, in a range that cannot be seen from the front of the gaming machine (see FIG. 41(c)).

[0289] In general, in order to facilitate manufacturing, it is assumed that the boundary portion is set so that the distance from the light emitting portion for the sub-symbol is the same as the distance from the light emitting portion for the main symbol. However, with such a configuration, it is feared that it will be difficult to increase the chances of stopping the boundary portion at a position outside the variable display area. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, even if the symbol closest to the boundary portion is stopped at the upper or lower part of the variable display area, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suppressed by reducing the chances that the boundary portion BP1 will be seen by the player. Thus, the position of the boundary portion BP1 shown in the present embodiment has a clear technical significance of making the boundary portion BP1 less noticeable.

[0290] In addition, one of the features of this embodiment is that a device is used to prevent the border portion BP1 from becoming conspicuous while the symbols are being scrolled and displayed by rotating each drum. This device will be described below with reference to Fig. 42. Fig. 42 is a flow chart showing the light emission control process, and Fig. 42(b) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the shift of the regulated object.

[0291] As described in FIG. 36, the process during fluctuation executed by the MPU 652 of the notification / performance control device 140 includes the above-mentioned light emission / drive setting process, light emission restriction process, and light emission / drive control process. As shown in FIG. 42(a), in the light emission restriction process, first, the position of the boundary part BP1 is specified in step S1201. Next, among the light emitters 572 constituting the side light 528, those to be restricted are specified in step S1202. Specifically, the light emitters located on the sides of the boundary part BP1 specified in step S1201 are specified. In the following step S1203, the light emitters specified in step S1202 are set as targets for light emission restriction. In the above light emission / drive control process, a process is performed to turn off the targets set in step S1203, regardless of the contents set in the light emission / drive setting process.

[0292] As shown in FIG. 42(b), when the border area BP1 moves with the rotation of the pattern row, the light emitter 572 located on the side of the border area BP1 is switched to an off state to follow the movement. In other words, the supply of light to the border area BP1 is suppressed. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the border area BP1 from being conspicuous due to emitting light, etc.

[0293] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0294] In the variable display unit 500, the light from the side light 528 is emitted from the light emitting portion 553 formed in the light guiding portion 532 to display the pattern. The pattern can be switched between displayed and hidden by turning on and off the side light 528, and the color of the pattern can be changed by changing the luminescent color. In this way, constructing a variable display unit (corresponding to a "pattern display means") by using the light guiding portion 532 and the side light 528 in combination is preferable in terms of diversifying the display mode of the patterns and increasing the attention to the game.

[0295] By changing from a supply state in which light is supplied from the side light 528 to a non-supply state, the symbols become invisible or difficult to see (non-display). In this way, by making it possible to switch between display and non-display of the symbols, the information provided to the player by the variable display unit 500 can be limited according to the game situation. This can also contribute to diversifying the display mode when variably displaying the symbols.

[0296] By configuring the light from side light 528 to be irradiated onto end face 554 of light-guiding portion 532, the light source can be prevented from being noticeable when the pattern is visually confirmed.

[0297] When changing the pattern displayed in the variable display area, the rotating body 525 (light guide unit 532) rotates in the above supply state, making it possible to make the pattern appear to move in the direction of the movement. In this way, by moving the light guide unit 532 instead of the light source, it is possible to preferably avoid restrictions on the pattern change due to the length of the wiring, etc. In addition, since the position of the light source can be fixed, it is possible to replace the pattern displayed at the same position, and even when the pattern is displayed variably, it is possible to unify the points that the player should pay attention to. This is a preferable configuration in terms of suppressing overlooking of the pattern display and reducing the player's fatigue.

[0298] The operation direction of the light guiding unit 532 is set to be a direction perpendicular to the irradiation direction of light in the side light 528 (specifically, the light emitter 572). With this configuration, it is possible to suppress a change in the distance between the light emitting unit 572 and the target of light irradiation (end surface 554) in the light guiding unit 532 in association with the operation of the light guiding unit 532. This is preferable in terms of suppressing a shortage of the amount of light supplied to the light emitting unit 553 due to, for example, the light from the light emitter 572 being diffused before being irradiated to the end surface 554.

[0299] The light emitting parts 553 are arranged in a line in the operating direction of the light guide part 532, and the light emitters 572 constituting the side light 528 are also arranged in a line in the operating direction of the light guide part 532. The number of pictures displayed in the variable display area can be changed by individually controlling the light emission of these light emitters 572. In this way, the number of patterns displayed can be increased or decreased according to the game situation by using a plurality of light emitters 572 that can be individually controlled for light emission, and the expressive power of the variable display unit 500 can be dramatically improved.

[0300] When the light emitting section 553 is formed by minute irregularities, it is difficult to completely make it impossible to visually identify the position and shape of the light emitting section 553 because the ambient light, such as the lighting of the game hall, is diffused by the light emitting section. In other words, the shape and position of the light emitting section 553 may be grasped by squinting. Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, if the backlight 582 is configured to irradiate light to the light guide section 532, the light from the backlight 582 can confuse the ambient light, making it difficult to grasp the shape and position of the light emitting section 553. This is preferable in terms of enhancing the impact when the pattern suddenly appears by switching the supply state / non-supply state of the side light 528.

[0301] When the light guide 532 is operated, it cannot be denied that it is possible to identify that the light guide 532 is operating by squinting, using the light emitting unit 553 as a marker. This is a factor that reduces the impact when the light guide 532 is operated while the side light 528 is in a non-supply state and the pattern is suddenly replaced. Therefore, when replacing the pattern, as shown in the above embodiment, if the light guide 532 is operated under a condition in which the supply of light to the light guide 532 by the side light 528 is stopped and light is irradiated to the light guide 532 by the back light 582, the light from the back light 582 can be used to confuse the ambient light, etc. This makes it difficult to know that the light guide 532 is operating, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suppressed. Note that the light from the back light 582 is irradiated to the entire variable display area, so that the effect of making it difficult to identify the shape, etc. of the light emitting unit 553 and the operating state of the light guide can be suitably exhibited.

[0302] By rotating the light guiding section 532 having a substantially circular ring shape, the supply point of light in the light guiding section 532 (end surface 554) is changed. As a result, the pattern is displayed variably in the light guiding section 532. Since the light guiding section 532 has a substantially circular ring shape, the variably displayed pattern can be continued without reversing the rotation direction of the light guiding section 532. In other words, when performing dynamic display using the light guiding section 532 to enhance expressiveness, it is possible to prevent the light guiding section 532 from becoming excessively large. This is a preferable configuration for increasing the attention of the player.

[0303] The distance from the side light 528 to the end surface 554 of the light guiding section 532 is constant at any rotation position. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the position or orientation of the side light 528 in response to a change in the light supply location (for example, to ensure an operating gap, etc.). Therefore, the configuration related to light supply in the variable display unit 500 can be simplified.

[0304] The side light 528 is configured so that the direction of light irradiation of the light emitter 572 (LED) is the same as the rotation central axis CL, and the light irradiation direction intersects with the arrangement direction (rotation direction) of the light emitting parts 553. In other words, when multiple light emitting parts 553 are used in combination, the light emitting parts 553 are prevented from lining up in the light irradiation direction. Therefore, when switching the patterns to be displayed according to the rotation position, it is possible to suppress the supply of light to patterns that are not to be displayed, and to suitably avoid the occurrence of inconveniences such as patterns that should not be displayed faintly emitting light.

[0305] In a configuration in which the light guiding section 532 has a substantially circular ring shape, an insertion section 561 is provided in which a portion (end) of the light guiding section 532 extending from the frame 531 (rim 536) is inserted, and the side light 528 is disposed in this insertion section 561, whereby the following effects can be expected. That is, even if the movement of the light guiding section 532 becomes unstable, the positional deviation of the light guiding section 532 can be suppressed at a portion (insertion section) close to the light irradiation position. This allows the light supply function to be stably exerted.

[0306] In addition, since insertion portion 561 is provided on base body 524 that holds rotor 525, it is possible to minimize the gap between insertion portion 561 and light guiding portion 532. This is preferable in terms of suppressing strong interference between insertion portion 561 and light guiding portion 532 and suppressing light leakage from insertion portion 561.

[0307] In a configuration in which the light guiding portion 532 is movable, if the light guiding portion 532 comes into contact with the insertion portion 561 and the light guiding portion 532 is damaged, there is a concern that light leakage or the like is likely to occur at that portion. This causes a decrease in the efficiency of supplying light to the light emitting portion 553. Thus, as shown in the present embodiment, by forming a gap between the insertion portion 561 and the outer surface portion 551 and the inner surface portion 552 of the light guiding portion 532 to avoid contact between the insertion portion 561 and the light guiding portion 532, it is possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience.

[0308] Regarding the above-mentioned light guide section 532, by dividing it into a plurality of pieces (light guide panels 555 to 557) in the rotation direction, it is possible to contribute to facilitating manufacturing and reducing manufacturing costs. However, in such a configuration, if the boundary (edge) of each piece is caught in the open part (entrance part) of the insertion part, it is assumed that the behavior of the light guide section 532 will be disturbed. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the above-mentioned gap is formed so as to become larger toward the open part, and the catch between the edge and the insertion section 561 is suppressed, so that the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed. Note that in a configuration in which the open part (entrance part) is expanded, light is likely to leak from this part. Therefore, by facing the open part toward the rear side of the gaming machine, even if light leaks, it can be made less noticeable.

[0309] As shown in the above embodiment, the light guide unit 532 is formed by a plurality of light guide panels 555-557 arranged in parallel in the rotation direction, so that the shape of the light guide unit 532 can be made substantially annular. This configuration can contribute to facilitating the manufacture of the drum unit 523 and reducing the manufacturing cost, as compared with the case where, for example, one light guide plate is formed in a ring shape. Here, when the parallel light guide panels 555-557 are mutually coupled, distortion due to manufacturing variations and the like may occur. In the configuration in which light is supplied to the end face 554 of the light guide unit 532, there is a concern that the positional relationship between the side light 528 and the end face 554 may vary due to the influence of such distortion, and the pattern display function may not be performed well. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the light guide panels 555-557 are attached to the frame 531 in a state where they are not fixed to each other, so that the occurrence of the above inconveniences can be suppressed. This is preferable in terms of suppressing the deterioration of the appearance when the pattern is displayed variably using the light guide unit 532, and increasing the attention of the player.

[0310] As described above, when a single light guide section 532 is constructed by combining a plurality of light guide panels 555-557, the boundary region BP1 between the light guide panels 555-557 stands out, and the appearance of the light guide section 532 is deteriorated. This is not preferable in terms of increasing the attention of the player. In addition, in a configuration in which the light guide section 532 is fixed to the frame 531, the fixed portion of the light guide section 532 to the frame 531 may differ in appearance from the non-fixed portion. Here, in the present embodiment, the ends on both sides of the rotation direction of each of the light guide panels 555-557 are free ends, and the fixed portion is away from the boundary region BP1 between the light guide panels 555-557. This makes it possible to suppress the line of sight from being guided to the boundary region BP1 when the fixed portion comes into the field of view of the player, and to suppress deterioration in appearance caused by constructing a single light guide section 532 by combining a plurality of light guide panels 555-557.

[0311] When the light guide section 532 is formed by a plurality of light guide panels 555-557, it is preferable to make the boundary region BP1 of the light guide panels 555-557 as inconspicuous as possible. Here, the light emitter 572 (LED) constituting the side light 528 is configured to irradiate light in a predetermined direction, and the end faces on both sides of the rotation direction of the light guide panels 555-557 are configured to extend in the predetermined direction, that is, the direction in which the light is irradiated and the direction in which the boundary region BP1 extends are configured to coincide with each other, thereby making it possible to suppress the boundary region BP1 from emitting light. This is preferable in terms of improving the above-mentioned appearance. Note that the boundary region BP1 is located in a non-designated region (blank region), but since this boundary region BP1 extends in the direction of the rotation center axis CL, it is possible to suppress the non-designated region from becoming excessively large in consideration of the boundary region BP1.

[0312] If the number of light guide panels (number of divisions) is excessively large, the chances that the boundary part between the light guide panels stops in the variable display area (effective line) will increase. This is a concern as a factor that will degrade the appearance of the variable display unit. Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, if the number of divisions is specified so that the number of patterns arranged on each of the light guide panels 555 to 557 is greater than the upper limit number of patterns that can stop in the variable display area, the chances that the boundary part BP1 stops in the variable display area can be reduced. This makes it possible to mitigate the adverse effects of using multiple light guide panels in combination.

[0313] <Variation 1> In the first embodiment, the side light 528 as the "light emitting section" is provided on the base body 524 that rotatably holds the rotating body 525 (drum), but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to mount a configuration equivalent to the side light 528 on the rotating body 525. However, in such a configuration, the weight of the drum will be further increased, and it is expected that the responsiveness during rotation / stopping will be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the side light 528 on the base body 524 as shown in the first embodiment, thereby reducing the weight of the rotating body 525.

[0314] <Variation 2> In the first embodiment, the supply of light to the boundary region BP1 is restricted by turning off a part of the light emitter 572 (a source of light to the boundary region BP1) in accordance with the rotational position of the boundary region BP1. The specific configuration for restricting the supply of light to the boundary region BP1 is arbitrary, and for example, a shielding means such as a sealant that covers the boundary region BP1 from the side may be provided.

[0315] However, in consideration of the fact that the end of the light guide 532 is inserted into the insertion part 561, the possibility that the shielding means may come into contact with the wall surface of the insertion part 561 or the like due to the influence of manufacturing variations and deterioration over time cannot be denied. If the game machine continues to operate under such a situation where there is a possibility of contact, the shielding means may wear out and the shielding function may deteriorate. As a countermeasure, for example, by increasing the gap between the light guide 532 and the insertion part 561, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suppressed, but the increase in the gap is not preferable in terms of the function of suppressing light leakage from the insertion part 561 and improving the efficiency of supplying light. In consideration of such circumstances, as shown in the first embodiment, regulating the supply of light to the boundary part BP1 by light emission control has a technical significance of being able to suitably improve the durability of the game machine.

[0316] <Modification 3> In the above first embodiment, the light guide panels 555-557 constituting the light guide unit 532 are not coupled to each other, but the present invention is not limited to this and the light guide panels 555-557 may be coupled to each other. However, in consideration of the fact that deformation such as distortion may occur in the light guide panels 555-557 during or after manufacture, it is preferable to have a configuration in which the light guide panels 555-557 are not coupled to each other and such deformation is tolerated (is absorbed at the boundary portion BP1).

[0317] <Modification 4> In the first embodiment, a gap is provided at the boundary region BP1 of the light guide panels 555 to 557. However, this does not deny a configuration in which the light guide panels 555 to 557 abut against each other at the boundary region BP1.

[0318] <Variation 5> In the first embodiment, the inner surface of insertion portion 561 and light guiding portion 532 are not in contact with each other, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a guide roller for guiding light guiding portion 532 may be provided on the side of insertion portion 561. However, if scratches or the like occur on the surface of light guiding portion 532, the light path may change and the efficiency of supplying light to light emitting portion 553 may decrease. In view of this situation, it is preferable to provide a protective member or the like on the portion of light guiding portion 532 that comes into contact with the guide roller.

[0319] <Variation 6> In the above first embodiment, the rotating body 525 is attached to the base body 524 via the motor 526. However, in view of the fact that the rotating body 525 has the light-guiding section 532 and hence is heavy, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the rotating body 525 is rotatably held by the base body 524 and the rotating body 525 is operated by the motor 526.

[0320] <Variation 7> In the above first embodiment, light guide section 532 is configured by a combination of three light guide panels 555 to 557, but any number of light guide panels may be used to configure light guide section 532. However, even in such a case, it is preferable that the number of light emitting sections (i.e., the number of patterns) formed on one light guide panel is greater than the upper limit number of patterns that can be stopped in the variable display area.

[0321] <Variation 8> In the first embodiment, the light guiding unit 532 is configured to be rotatably held, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. It is sufficient if the pattern visible through the central opening 85 can be changed by moving the light guiding unit, and the light guiding unit may be configured to be slidably held, for example.

[0322] <Variation 9> In the first embodiment, the light guide 532 is formed in a cylindrical shape, but is not limited thereto. For example, the light guide 532 may be formed in a disk shape, and the plate surface may be disposed so as to face the front of the gaming machine. In this case, it is preferable to change the direction of the rotation center axis of the rotating body to the front-rear direction.

[0323] <Modification 10> In the first embodiment described above, the backlight 582 is configured to be turned on when the reach display is entered, but it is sufficient that the backlight 582 is configured to be turned on at least when a special change (special variation display) is executed, and it is optional whether or not to turn on the backlight 582 during other periods.

[0324] <Modification 11> In the first embodiment, when a special change (special variation) is executed, the side light 528 is turned off after the operation of the rotating body 525 is stopped, and the side light 528 is turned on after the rotating body 525 has restarted its operation. However, a specific configuration for operating the rotating body 525 by utilizing the off period of the side light 528 is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to the above configuration, it is also possible to configure the side light 528 to be turned off while the rotating body 525 is operating, and then to turn on the side light 528 after the operation of the rotating body 525 is completed.

[0325] In addition, when a pattern is inserted or displayed by a special change, if a variable display mode in which the rotation speed of the rotating body 525M of the middle drum is relatively slow (for example, normal reach) and a variable display mode in which the rotation speed is relatively fast (for example, super reach) are set, it is also possible to change the timing of supplying / stopping light according to the rotation speed. For example, when a pattern is temporarily stopped on a reach line, the time to check the pattern is increased by lengthening the pause period. However, simply lengthening the pause period may result in stronger restrictions on the number of re-changes at the time of a special change. Therefore, if the supply of light is resumed immediately before the pause, the time to check the pattern can be increased. However, in such a configuration, the above-mentioned margin substantially changes depending on the rotation speed of the rotating body. Therefore, when the rotation speed is relatively fast, it is preferable to configure the start timing of light supply to be earlier than when the rotation speed is relatively slow, or to set the light supply range to a part of the upstream side of the reach line.

[0326] <Modification 12> In the first embodiment, the side light 528 as the "light emitting section" is fixed, and the light guiding section 532 as the "light guiding body" is movable, but this relationship can be reversed. That is, it is also possible to variably display the pattern by moving the light emitting section relative to the fixed light guiding section. Even in this case, it is preferable to align the arrangement direction of the light emitting sections formed in the light guiding section with the movement direction of the light emitting section.

[0327] <Modification 13> In the above first embodiment, light-guiding portion 532 is formed in an approximately circular ring shape, but it is sufficient if the pattern displayed in the variable display area can be changed by operation in one direction, and light-guiding portion 532 is not limited to a circular ring shape (for example, this does not deny the possibility of having a depression or the like formed in one part).

[0328] <Modification 14> In conventional gaming machines, for example, it is possible to make the symbols virtually undistinguishable by displaying them in a high-speed varying manner. However, such a movement hinders the improvement of the durability of the symbol display means. In particular, in a configuration in which the rotating body is provided with a light guide as shown in this embodiment, the weight is heavier than when the rotating body is provided with paper or the like, and there is a concern that such inconvenience will become more pronounced.

[0329] Therefore, the pattern displayed on the light guide section 532 can be suddenly erased by stopping the supply of light from the side light 528 while the rotor 525 is rotating. By adopting a configuration in which the appearance is significantly changed (the distinctiveness is changed) by controlling the light emission of the side light 528 in this way, it is possible to diversify the display mode while suitably suppressing the deterioration of durability caused by the change.

[0330] For example, it is preferable to use a display mode that clearly shows the process of the change in the pattern and a display mode that does not clearly show the process of the change in the pattern in combination. With this configuration, the manner of the variable dynamic display of the pattern can be suitably diversified.

[0331] <Variation 15> In order to make the movement of the light guiding unit 532 difficult to notice when the design is changed in a special way, the operation of the light guiding unit 532 may be started simultaneously with the turning off of the side light 528, or the operation of the light guiding unit 532 may be started after the turning off of the side light 528. Moreover, the side light 528 may be turned on after the operation of the light guiding unit 532 is completed, or the side light 528 may be turned on simultaneously with the completion of the operation of the light guiding unit 532.

[0332] <Modification 16> The stop display period (pause period) of the middle pattern when a special change is made may or may not match the final display period (final stop period). For example, the pause period may be changed depending on the number of times the pattern is replaced in the special change. Specifically, it is possible to provide a difference such that the pause periods are longer in the order of when the replacement occurs three times < when the replacement occurs twice < when the replacement occurs once. In this case, when the pause period is short, it is preferable to ensure a period during which the pattern is visible by accelerating the timing of the start of supplying the light. In detail, when the pause period when the pattern is replaced once matches the final stop period, when the pause period when the pattern is replaced twice is 0.2 sec shorter than the final stop period, and when the pattern is replaced three times is 0.4 sec shorter than the final stop period, it is preferable to configure the light supply to be resumed by the shortened amount (configuration to resume supply while the light guide unit 532 is in operation).

[0333] <Modification 17> The light emitting unit 553 may be configured to supply light only during the period when the light emitting unit 553 is located on the effective line, and when the light emitting unit 553 is off the effective line, the supply of light is stopped to display the image frame by frame (second special modification). In this case, when comparing a normal reach that supports slow-speed fluctuation display with a super reach that supports high-speed fluctuation display, the latter may have lower visibility of the image than the former, so in the latter case, it is preferable to ensure visibility by supplying light even when the image is slightly off the effective line. For example, it is preferable to delay the timing of stopping the supply of light compared to the former, or to resume the supply of light earlier than the former.

[0334] <Variation 18> In the first embodiment, when a special change is made, the light guiding unit 532 is not stopped (operation is continued) during the process, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to temporarily stop the light guiding unit 532 during the special change.

[0335] <Variation 19> In order to prevent the player from specifying in advance the patterns to be replaced during a special change, it is preferable to increase the proportion of the operation period of the light-guiding unit 532 and the waiting period from when operation stops until the light supply is resumed, and decrease the proportion of the latter.

[0336] <Variation 20> In the first embodiment, the frame 531 is made of synthetic resin, but the present invention is not limited to this. The frame 531 may also be made of metal.

[0337] <Variation 21> It is also possible to integrally mold the frame 531 and the light guide panels 555 to 557 shown in the first embodiment. With such a configuration, a fixing means for fixing the frame and the light guide panels and an associated configuration (for example, a portion corresponding to the rim 536) are not required. This is preferable in terms of improving the appearance of the variable display unit.

[0338] It is also possible to construct a rotor by integrally molding each frame portion formed by dividing the frame 531 into three in the rotation direction corresponding to each of the light guide panels 555 to 557 with the corresponding light guide panels 555 to 557, and fixing the three pieces to each other using a fixing means, etc. By using such a divided structure, it is possible to prevent molding from becoming difficult.

[0339] <Second embodiment> The variable display unit 500X shown in this embodiment is similar to the variable display unit 500 shown in the first embodiment in terms of the main configuration for variably displaying the symbols, but differs from the variable display unit 500 in that the background displayed by the background display device 529X can be switched depending on the game situation. Hereinafter, the variable display unit 500X in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 43. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit 500X. Note that, for configurations similar to those in the first embodiment, the reference numerals are used and "X" is added to the end of the reference numerals, but those for which no explanation is given of differences, etc. are basically the same as the various configurations shown in the first embodiment.

[0340] 43, although there are differences in size and the like, background display device 529X shown in the present embodiment has the same basic configuration as drum unit 523 shown in the first embodiment, more specifically, base body 524, rotating body 525, motor 526, position detection sensor 527, and side light 528. Specifically, background display device 529X has a plate-shaped base body 724X constituting an attachment portion to housing 521, and a rotating body 725X held by base body 724X.

[0341] The rotating body 725X is mounted on the base body 724X via the motor 726X. Specifically, the motor 726X is fixed to the base body 724X, and the rotating body 725X is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 726X. The output shaft of the motor 726X extends in the direction in which the drum units 723X are arranged side by side (left and right direction), and the rotating body 725X rotates around the axis of the output shaft. The rotation center axis of the rotating body 725X shown in this embodiment coincides with the rotation center axis CL of the rotating body 525X (they are coaxial). In this way, by aligning the rotation center axes, the operating gap of each of the rotating bodies 525X and 725X is reduced. In the following description, the rotation center axis of the rotating body 725X will also be referred to as the "rotation center axis CL".

[0342] The motor 526 is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, and is configured so that its drive is controlled by the notification / performance control device 140. The motor 726X is a stepping motor, and the rotational position of the rotor 725X can be adjusted by the number of pulses of the output drive signal.

[0343] The base body 724X is equipped with a position detection sensor that detects the rotational position of the rotating body 725X. The position detection sensor is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, which grasps the rotational position of the rotating body 725X based on detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor. If a deviation occurs in the rotational position of the rotating body 725X due to the influence of an external force or the occurrence of a malfunction, the rotational position of the rotating body 725X is corrected (modified) based on the grasped position information.

[0344] The rotating body 725X is composed of a circular frame 731X that constitutes the framework of the rotating body 725X, a substantially cylindrical light guiding section 732X (light guiding panels 755X-757X) that covers the outer periphery of the frame 731X, and decorative sheets 781X-783X attached to the outer surface of the light guiding section 732X. The frame 731X is composed of a hub 735X as a center portion to which an output shaft of a motor 726X is fixed, an annular rim 736X as the outer periphery to which the light guiding section 732X is fixed, and spokes 737X that connect the hub 735X and the rim 736X.

[0345] Specifically, the rim 736X has a pair of left and right annular portions centered on the central axis CL of rotation, and a long connecting portion connecting the annular portions. The light guide 732X is fixed to the connecting portion using a fixing means (adhesive) in a state where the light guide 732X is superimposed on the connecting portion from the outside of the frame 731X.

[0346] An abutment portion 743X is formed on the rim 736X of the frame 731X, which abuts against the light guiding portion 532 from the side opposite the base body 524 side. The left and right position of the light guiding portion 732X is determined by this abutment portion 743X. The end of the light guiding portion 732X on the side opposite the abutment portion 743X (the side of the base body 724X) extends laterally from the rim 736X. The base body 724X is formed with an insertion portion 761X into which this extending portion (end portion) is inserted.

[0347] The insertion section 761X has a groove shape that is open on the light guiding section 732X side, and an end of the light guiding section 732X is inserted into the insertion section 761X through this open portion. A light emitting board 771X on which a plurality of light emitters 772X (more specifically, LEDs) are mounted is disposed on the opposite side of the light guiding section 732X across the bottom 762X of the insertion section 761X. The light emitting board 771X is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, and the notification / performance control device 140 controls the light emission of the light emitting board 771X.

[0348] A plurality of through holes are formed in the bottom of the insertion section 761X to correspond to the light emitters 772X, and the light emitters 772X mounted on the light emitting substrate 771X face the end surface 754X of the light guide section 732X through the through holes. The optical axis of each light emitter 772X faces the same direction as the rotation center axis CL of the rotating body 725X, and light from the light emitters 772X is irradiated onto the end surface 754X of the light guide section 732X. The base body 724X (including the insertion section 761X) is made of a colored opaque synthetic resin material and is provided with a light absorbing function. This suppresses light leakage from the insertion section 761X.

[0349] Light from the light emitter 772X is repeatedly reflected on the outer and inner surfaces of the light guide 732X, and travels toward the opposite end surface of the light guide 732X. A light emitting portion made of fine irregularities is formed on almost the entire outer surface of the light guide 732X. While the light emitting portion is formed in a limited area in the light guide 532X for displaying patterns, the light emitting portion is not formed in the light guide 732X. That is, the light guide 732X in this embodiment has a function as the illumination means (backlight 582) shown in the first embodiment.

[0350] The light supplied to the light guiding section 732X reaches the light emitting section of the light guiding section 732X and is emitted forward of the gaming machine. As the light passes through any of the decorative sheets 781X-783X, the decorative sheets 781X-783X emit bright light.

[0351] In this embodiment, the rotating body 525X constituting the drum and the rotating body 725X constituting the background display device 529 face each other, and most of the rotating body 725X is housed in the rotating body 525X, which is one size larger than the rotating body 725X. Since both the rotating body 525X and the rotating body 725X are movable, a suitable operating gap is required between them. However, if such an operating gap becomes too large, there is a concern that the background display will not be performed properly. In this embodiment, one of the features is that, in consideration of such circumstances, a design is made to reduce the operating gap.

[0352] 43, an engagement recess 591X that engages with a hub 535X of a frame 531X is formed in the base body 524X, and the base body 524X is assembled to the frame 531X in a rotatable state by engaging the hub 535X with the engagement recess 591X. The motor 526X is disposed on the opposite side of the base body 524X to the frame 531X (outside the drum unit) and is fixed to the frame 531X. This configuration reduces the weight load on the output shaft of the motor 526X and suppresses vibration when the rotating body 525X is rotated.

[0353] On the other hand, the base body 724X is formed with an engagement recess 791X that engages with the hub 735X of the frame 731X, and the base body 724X is assembled to the frame 731X in a rotatable state by engaging the hub 735X with the engagement recess 791X. The motor 726X is disposed on the opposite side of the base body 724X to the frame 731X (outside the drum unit) and is fixed to the frame 731X. This configuration reduces the weight load on the output shaft of the motor 726X and suppresses vibration when the rotating body 725X is rotated.

[0354] With this configuration, by suppressing the vibration of the rotating bodies 525X, 725X, when the rotating bodies 525X, 725X are disposed doubly on the inside and outside, the operating gap between the rotating bodies 525X, 725X can be made small.

[0355] As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 44(a), the rotating body 725X shown in this embodiment is also constructed with a light guide section 732X having a generally cylindrical shape by combining a plurality of light guide panels 755X to 757X provided separately in the rotation direction in the same manner as the rotating body 525X. The light guide panels 755X to 757X are made of transparent synthetic resin, and are each plate-shaped with a constant thickness and a constant curvature. In addition, the length dimension in the rotation direction of the rotating body 725X and the width dimension in the direction of the rotation central axis line CL are also the same, and the rotating body 725X is formed to have the same appearance. The light guide panels 755X to 757X are each fixed to the rim 736X (more specifically, the connecting portion) of the frame 731X using a transparent adhesive as a fixing means, but the light guide panels 755X to 757X are not fixed to each other.

[0356] As described above, in a configuration in which one end of the light guiding unit 732X is inserted into the insertion unit 761X, it is preferable to bring the inner surface of the insertion unit 761X and the light guiding unit 732X as close as possible to improve light supply efficiency. However, in this structure, it is necessary to add a certain amount of margin to the gap between the two in consideration of distortion of the light guiding panels 755X to 757X caused by manufacturing errors and changes over time. Here, in this embodiment, by not fixing the light guiding panels 755X to 757X to each other, it is possible to avoid distortion that may occur when the light guiding panels 755X to 757X are fixed. This makes it possible to minimize the margin.

[0357] When the rotator 725X is constructed using the light guide section 732X, the expressiveness of the variable display unit can be improved, but the weight of the rotator 725X tends to increase. This is a cause of concern that the responsiveness when rotating / stopping the rotator 725X may decrease. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the light guide panels 755X to 757X are prevented from overlapping in the thickness direction. This prevents an increase in the weight of the light guide section 732X and suppresses a decrease in responsiveness.

[0358] At boundary regions BP2 between the light guide panels 755X to 757X, the adjacent light guide panels 755X to 757X face each other with a gap between them. This is a measure to prevent the light guide panels 755X to 757X from strongly interfering with each other at the boundary regions BP2 when the light guide panels 755X to 757X vary in size due to manufacturing errors or the like. By preventing the strong interference between the light guide panels 755X to 757X, it is possible to suppress deformation such as the above-mentioned distortion in the light guide panels 755X to 757X.

[0359] The insertion section 761X shown in this embodiment also extends along the portion of the light guide section 732X that protrudes from the opening 522 (see FIG. 13) of the housing 521 toward the front of the gaming machine. The upper and lower open portions of the insertion section 761X are expanded so that the width gradually increases toward the ends. This prevents the boundary portion BP2 from getting caught when passing through the open portion. Incidentally, when the open portion is expanded, light leakage from the side light 728X is likely to occur. In contrast, in this embodiment, both of the open portions are formed so that they face backward, more specifically, diagonally backward. This is a device to make it difficult for light leaking from the open portion to enter the player's eyes.

[0360] Decorative sheets 781X to 783X are attached to the light guide panels 755X to 757X, respectively. The decorative sheets 781X to 783X are the same size as the outer surfaces of the light guide panels 755X to 757X and have light transparency, but are different in the patterns they have. Specifically, the decorative sheet 781X attached to the light guide panel 755X has a pattern imitating a sandy beach in the daytime, the decorative sheet 782X attached to the light guide panel 756X has a pattern imitating a sandy beach in the evening, and the decorative sheet 783X attached to the light guide panel 757X has a pattern imitating a sandy beach at night.

[0361] By rotating the rotating body 725X, the background visible from the front of the gaming machine is switched. Here, referring to FIG. 44(b), the relationship between the gaming state and the background will be explained in more detail. In the first normal gaming state in which the support mode is the low frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low probability mode, a daytime sandy beach is displayed as the background. In the second normal gaming state in which the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low probability mode, and in the third normal gaming state in which the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the high probability mode, a sandy beach in the evening is displayed as the background. In the special gaming state (opening / closing execution mode) to which the game is transferred when a jackpot result is obtained, a sandy beach at night is displayed as the background. In this way, the display of the background is switched according to the gaming state, so that the gaming state is suggested to the player.

[0362] In this embodiment, the background and the design are displayed using two rotating bodies, an inner one and an outer one. In such a configuration, it is difficult to incorporate lighting means into the inner rotating body in order to ensure a power supply path to the lighting means. In this regard, the above problem is preferably solved by constructing the rotating body 725X using the light guiding section 732X that functions as the lighting means.

[0363] <Variation 1> In the second embodiment, the motor 526X for the rotating body 525X and the motor 726X for the rotating body 725X are configured to protrude outside the drum unit. In this configuration, the gap between the drum units arranged side by side becomes large, and the distance between each pattern row becomes large. Below, a modified example that takes such circumstances into consideration will be described.

[0364] As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 45, the hubs 535Y, 735Y of the frames 531Y, 731Y are formed to be convex toward the inside of the drum unit, and the engaging protrusions 591Y, 791Y of the base bodies 524Y, 724Y engage with the hubs 535Y, 735Y from the side of the rotation center axis CL. The engaging protrusions 591Y, 791Y are hollow, and the motors 526Y, 726Y are disposed (housed) in the hollow portions, thereby reducing the protrusion of the motors 526Y, 726Y. This reduces the gap and prevents the pattern rows from separating.

[0365] <Variation 2> In the second embodiment, the light guide 732X is used as an illumination means for the decorative sheets 781X to 783X, but the present invention is not limited to this. The light guide 732X can also be configured to display a predetermined pattern like the light guide 532X. For example, the light emitting portion of the light guide 732X may be formed so as to be able to display a pattern similar to the pattern printed on the decorative sheets 781X to 783X. In such a configuration, it is not preferable that the back side is visible through the light guide 732X. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a plain sheet material or the like on the inner surface side of the light guide 732X to restrict the back side from being visible.

[0366] <Modification 3> In the second embodiment, the decorative sheets 781X-783X are attached to the light guide panels 755X-757X individually, but it is also possible to attach one decorative sheet across the three light guide panels 755X-757X. With this configuration, the boundary regions BP2 between the light guide panels 755X-757X can be covered to make the boundary regions BP2 less noticeable.

[0367] <Modification 4> In the second embodiment, four game states are suggested by three backgrounds, but it is also possible to configure the number of backgrounds to match the number of game states.

[0368] <Variation 5> The configurations shown in the respective modified examples of the first embodiment can also be applied to the variable display unit shown in this embodiment.

[0369] <Third embodiment> In this embodiment, the basic structure of the variable display unit is the same as that of the second embodiment, but the configuration is different from that of the second embodiment in that the variable display unit is used to execute different display effects for each game state. The variable display unit in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 46. Fig. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit.

[0370] Each drum unit 723Z constituting the variable display unit is roughly divided into a first display unit consisting of a base body 524Z, a rotating body 525Z, a motor 526Z, a side light 528Z, etc., and a second display unit consisting of a base body 724Z, a rotating body 725Z, a motor 726Z, a side light 728Z, etc. The first display unit has a function of notifying the result of a lottery based on the ball entering the upper operating port 83a (see FIG. 6), and is configured to stop and display a symbol combination corresponding to the result of the probability variable jackpot on at least one of the above-mentioned effective lines L1 to L5 when the result of the lottery is a probability variable jackpot, and to stop and display a symbol combination corresponding to the result of a normal jackpot on at least one of the effective lines L1 to L5 when the result of the lottery is a normal jackpot. The base body 524Z, the rotor 525Z, the motor 526Z, and the side light 528Z are the same as the base body 524Y, the rotor 525Y, the motor 526Y, and the side light 528Y shown in the second embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0371] Rotating body 725Z has light guiding section 732Z and frame 731Z on which light guiding section 732Z is ​​mounted, and has the same configuration as light guiding section 732Y shown in the second embodiment in that light guiding section 732Z is ​​formed by combining a plurality of light guiding panels 755Z-758Z. However, light guiding section 732Y has decorative sheets 781Y-783Y attached to its outer surface, whereas light guiding section 732Z shown in the present embodiment has sheet materials 781Z-783Z attached to its inner surface, which is different from the second embodiment.

[0372] Since the sheet materials 781Z to 783Z are not provided with light transparency, the back side cannot be seen through the sheet materials 781Z to 783Z. The sheet materials 781Z to 783Z are all plain and do not have a pattern such as a background, i.e., information that serves as a foothold for identifying the rotational position of the rotating body 725Z. In contrast, the light emitting portion 753Z (see FIG. 47) formed on the outer surface portion 751Z of the light guiding portion 732Z is ​​configured to display a predetermined pattern or the like by emitting light from the light emitting portion 753Z in the same manner as the light guiding portion 532Z. In other words, the light guiding portion 732Y shown in the second embodiment functions as an illumination means, whereas the light guiding portion 732Z shown in this embodiment functions as a pattern display means. Note that, in a situation where light is not emitted from the light emitting portion 753Z, the pattern or the like is not displayed, and it is substantially impossible or difficult to visually identify the light emitting portion 753Z.

[0373] Here, light emitting portion 753Z formed in light guiding portion 732Z, i.e., patterns and the like displayed by light emitting portion 753Z, will be described with reference to Fig. 47. For ease of explanation, Fig. 47 shows a state in which each light emitting portion 753Z emits light to display a pattern and the like.

[0374] A picture of 1 is drawn across the three light guide panels 755Z on the left and right sides of the light guide unit 732Z on the light guide panel 755Z. Specifically, a picture of a sandy beach is drawn. When the light guide panel 755Z faces the front of the gaming machine and light is supplied from the side light 728Z, the background of the sandy beach is displayed.

[0375] On the light guide panels 756Z to 757Z, the "boy" symbol, the "bell" symbol, the "replay" symbol, the "7" symbol, and the "BAR" symbol are arranged in a predetermined order. Although not shown, the second display unit is also configured to have a plurality of effective lines set in the same manner as the first display unit, and in the case of a 16R-compatible special jackpot result, the symbol combination of "7", "7", and "7" is displayed on at least one of the effective lines, in the case of a 4R-compatible normal jackpot result, the symbol combination of "7", "7", and "BAR" is displayed, and in the case of a miss result, a symbol combination other than these symbol combinations is displayed (see FIG. 48).

[0376] In this embodiment, depending on the game situation, the display can be switched between displaying a beach background using light-guiding panel 755Z and displaying patterns using light-guiding panels 756Z to 757Z, but the beach background and patterns are never displayed statically at the same time in the variable display area.

[0377] The pay lines on the second display unit are configured to match the pay lines L1 to L5 (pay lines on the first display unit) shown in Figure 20 when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and overlapping the pay lines front to back makes it easier for players to understand. Hereinafter, the pay lines on the second display unit will also be referred to as pay lines L1 to L5.

[0378] In the first and second embodiments, the game times related to the upper actuation port 83a and the game times related to the lower actuation port 83b are executed in a predetermined order and do not overlap with each other, but in this embodiment, the game times related to the upper actuation port 83a and the game times related to the lower actuation port 83b are executed in parallel, which is different. Hereinafter, various processes executed by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 and the MPU 652 of the notification / performance control device 140 to realize such a game flow will be described, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment. First, the game times control process executed by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 49 to 53.

[0379] (Game play control processing) In the game play control process in this embodiment, first, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not the special game state (opening / closing execution mode) is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not an open / close execution mode flag (opening / closing execution state information) is stored (stored) in an open / close execution mode flag storage area (opening / closing execution state information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The open / close execution mode flag is stored when the game state is shifted to the open / close execution mode in the game state shift process described later, and is erased when the open / close execution mode is terminated in the game state shift process.

[0380] If a positive determination is made in step S1301, the game number control process is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S1301, the game number control process for the game number related to the winning of the upper actuation port 83a (game number control process corresponding to the upper actuation port, control process for the upper actuation port) is executed in step S1302, and the game number control process for the game number related to the winning of the lower actuation port 83b (game number control process corresponding to the lower actuation port, control process for the lower actuation port) is executed in step S1303, and then the game number control process is terminated. The basic flow of these two control processes is the same. Below, the upper actuation port control process will be described first with reference to Figures 50 and 51, and then the lower actuation port control process will be described with reference to Figures 52 and 53, focusing on the differences from the lower actuation port control process.

[0381] (Control process for upper operating port) As shown in FIG. 50, in the upper operation port control process, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not a game related to the upper operation port 83a is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the upper operation port display section of the main display unit 87 is in a variable display~fixed display, that is, whether or not one game round of play is being played. This determination is made by determining whether or not a game round flag (game round information) for the upper operation port is stored (stored) in a game round flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The game round flag for the upper operation port is stored when a variable display is started on the upper operation port display section, and is erased when the picture is displayed stationary and the fixed display ends.

[0382] If a game is not being played, a negative determination is made in step S1401, and the process proceeds to step S1402. In step S1402, it is determined whether a game is being played for the lower operation port 83b. Specifically, it is determined whether the display section for the lower operation port of the main display unit 87 is in a variable display to fixed display, that is, whether one game is being played. This determination is made by determining whether a game-play flag (variable display information) for the lower operation port is stored (stored) in a game-play flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The game-play flag for the lower operation port is stored when a variable display is started in the display section for the lower operation port, and is erased when a picture or the like corresponding to the lottery result (game result) is stopped and the fixed display ends.

[0383] If an affirmative determination is made in step S1402, the process proceeds to step S1403. In step S1403, it is determined whether or not the number of plays related to the lower operating port 83b corresponds to a jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1403, the control process for the upper operating port is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S1403 or step S1402, the process proceeds to step S1404.

[0384] In step S1404, the total reserved number storage area of ​​reserved ball storage area 632 is referenced to determine whether the reserved memory number CRN for the upper operating port (more specifically, the number of reserved information related to upper operating port 83a), which is the number of reserved information stored, is "0". If the reserved memory number CRN for the upper operating port is "0", the game number control process ends as is. On the other hand, if the reserved memory number CRN for the upper operating port is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, data setting process is performed.

[0385] In the data setting process for the upper operating port 83a, first, the reserved memory count CRN for the upper operating port is decremented by 1. Then, the data stored in the first area of ​​the reserve area Ra for the upper operating port is moved to the first execution area AE1, and the process of shifting the data stored in the memory area of ​​the reserve area Ra for the upper operating port is executed.

[0386] This data shift process is a process in which data stored in the first to fourth areas is shifted to the lower area in order, and the data in the first area is cleared, and the data in each area is shifted from the second area to the first area, the third area to the second area, and the fourth area to the third area. Then, one of the lit LEDs in the reserved number display for the upper operating port is turned off. In this light-off process, the LEDs in the reserved number display for the upper operating port are turned off in order from the right, which is the opposite of the light-on process executed when reserved information is added.

[0387] After the data setting process described above is performed, the upper operation port change start process (upper operation port change start process) is performed in step S1406 to start the change display of the picture on the upper operation port display section and the change display of the picture on the variable display unit, and then the game number control process is terminated. Here, the upper operation port change start process in step S1406 will be described with reference to FIG. 51.

[0388] (Upper operating port fluctuation start processing) In the upper operation port variation start process, first, a win / loss determination process is executed in step S1501. In the win / loss determination process, a win / loss table for the upper operation port is referenced to determine whether the information for win / loss determination among the information stored in the first execution area, that is, the numerical information obtained from the jackpot random number counter C1, matches the jackpot numerical information described above. If the determination result in step S1501 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S1502 and the process proceeds to step S1503.

[0389] In step S1503, a type determination process is executed. In the type determination process, information for type determination among the information stored in the first execution area, that is, numerical information obtained from the jackpot type counter C2, is grasped. In addition, by referring to the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of the ROM 603, it is determined whether the above-mentioned grasped information for type determination is included in the information group corresponding to the normal jackpot result or the information group corresponding to the probability variable jackpot result.

[0390] In step S1504, a stop result setting process for the jackpot result is executed. Specifically, the image to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section D (upper operation port display section) of the main display unit 87 in the relevant game round is specified from a stop result table for the jackpot result stored in advance in the ROM 603, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604. A plurality of images to be stopped and displayed on the main display section D are set in this stop result table for the jackpot result, and in step S1504, information indicating the image according to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. Also, in step S1504, information for specifying by the MPU 602 whether the current game result is a normal jackpot result or a probability variable jackpot result is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Specifically, if the result is a normal jackpot result, a normal jackpot flag is stored, and if the result is a probability variable jackpot result, a probability variable jackpot flag is stored.

[0391] After executing the setting process of step S1504, the process proceeds to step S1505. In step S1505, it is determined whether or not a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b is being executed. If the determination is affirmative in step S1505, the process proceeds to step S1506. In step S1506, a forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If a game round (variable display of patterns) related to the lower actuation port 83b is being executed, the game round (variable display of patterns) related to the lower actuation port 83b is forcibly terminated midway based on this forced termination flag. More specifically, if a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a corresponds to a jackpot result and a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b may be executed beyond the timing of the confirmation display in the game round, the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b is shortened and the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b is also terminated together with the end of the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a. In such a case, the image displayed in a stopped state during the game round related to the lower operating port 83b corresponds to a losing result.

[0392] Returning to the explanation of step S1502, if the determination result in step S1501 is a miss result, a negative determination is made in step S1502, and the process proceeds to step S1507. In step S1507, a stop result setting process for a miss result is executed.

[0393] Specifically, the image to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section D (display section for the upper operating port) of the main display unit 87 in the game round related to the start of the current fluctuation is identified from a stop result table for losing results pre-stored in ROM 603, and the identified information is stored in RAM 604.

[0394] After the processes of steps S1506 and S1507 have been executed, or if a negative decision has been made in step S1505, the process proceeds to step S1508. In step S1508, a process of setting a variable display time (display duration) is executed.

[0395] After executing the variable display time setting process in step S1508, a variable start command and a type command are set in step S1509. The variable start command includes information on the variable display time. Here, as described above, the variable display time acquired by referring to the variable display time table for non-reach occurrence is different from the variable display time acquired by referring to the variable display time table for reach occurrence. Therefore, even if the variable start command does not include information on the occurrence of a reach, the notification / performance control device 140, which is the control device on the sub side, can identify the occurrence of a reach from the information on the variable display time. In this respect, it can be said that the variable start command includes information indicating the occurrence of a reach. Note that the variable start command may include information directly indicating the occurrence of a reach.

[0396] After executing the setting process of step S1509, the process proceeds to step S1510, where the variable display of the upper operation port display section in the main display unit 87 is started, and then the variable start process for the upper operation port is terminated. In the process of step S1510, a game turn flag for the upper operation port is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. This makes it possible to specify in the subsequent processes that a game turn (e.g., variable display) related to the upper operation port 83a is currently being executed.

[0397] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 50, if a positive determination is made in step S1401, that is, if it is determined that a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1407. In step S1407, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b that corresponds to a big win result. If a negative determination is made in step S1407, the process proceeds to step S1408.

[0398] In step S1408, it is determined whether the timing has passed the variable display time set in step S1508. If a negative determination is made in step S1408, variable display processing is executed in step S1409, and then the upper operating port control processing is terminated. In the variable display processing in step S1409, various LEDs constituting the upper operating port display unit are turned on and off, thereby variably displaying the image.

[0399] If a positive determination is made in step S1408, the process proceeds to step S1411. In step S1411, a variation end process is executed. In the variation end process, the display of the main display unit 87 is controlled so that the image is stopped and displayed on the upper operation port display section in a manner determined in advance. That is, for example, a final display of an image corresponding to the lottery result (game result) is executed. Note that the game play flag for the upper operation port stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604 is erased when the final display is completed.

[0400] After setting the variation end command in the following step S1412, this game round control process is terminated. The variation end command set in step S1412 is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 28). Based on receiving the variation end command, the notification / performance control device 140 executes a process for ending the performance for that game round. Specifically, by receiving the variation end command, the combination of symbols corresponding to the game result of that game round is displayed as a final display (final stop display) on the first display unit of the variable display unit. Note that the variation end command may not be transmitted and the notification / performance control device 140 may end the performance for the game round by itself.

[0401] After executing the process of step S1412, the process proceeds to step S1413, where the game count counter is updated. The game count counter is a counter for specifying the number of games for continuing the high frequency support mode in the second normal game state, and is decremented by "1" each time a game is executed. If the game count counter becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step S1414, and the process proceeds to step S1415. In step S1415, the high frequency support mode flag stored in the various flag storage area of ​​the RAM 604 is erased. In the following step S1416, a high frequency support mode end command is set, and then the main operation port control process is terminated. The high frequency support mode end command is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal process (FIG. 28). In the notification / performance control device 140, the display performance mode is switched based on the reception of this command.

[0402] If the determination in step S1407 is affirmative, the process of rewriting the stop image is executed in step S1410, and the process of steps S1411 to S1416 is executed, and then the control process for the main upper operating port is terminated. In the process of rewriting the stop result, the stop result is rewritten so that the image corresponding to the miss result is displayed as a stop image.

[0403] Next, the lower operating port control process will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0404] (Control process for lower operating port) As shown in FIG. 19, in the lower operation port control process, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not a game related to the lower operation port 83b is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the lower operation port display section of the main display unit 87 is in a variable display~fixed display, that is, whether or not one game round is being played. This determination is made by determining whether or not a game turn flag (variable display information) for the lower operation port is stored (stored) in a game turn flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The game turn flag for the lower operation port is stored when a variable display is started on the lower operation port display section, and is erased when the picture is displayed stationary and the fixed display ends.

[0405] If a game is not being played, a negative determination is made in step S1601 and the process proceeds to step S1602. In step S1602, it is determined whether a game related to the upper operation port 83a is being played. Specifically, it is determined whether the upper operation port display section of the main display unit 87 is in a variable display to fixed display state, that is, whether one game is being played.

[0406] If an affirmative determination is made in step S1602, the process proceeds to step S1603. In step S1603, it is determined whether or not the number of times the game is played related to the upper actuation port 83a corresponds to a jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1603, the process proceeds to step S1604. In step S1604, the process refers to the total reserved number storage area of ​​the reserved ball storage area 632, and it is determined whether or not the reserved memory number CRN for the lower actuation port, which is the number of reserved information stored in the reserved information storage area (more specifically, the number of reserved information related to the lower actuation port 83b), is "0". If the reserved memory number CRN for the lower actuation port is "0", the process proceeds to step S1605. On the other hand, if the reserved memory number CRN for the lower actuation port is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1605. In step S1605, a data setting process is performed.

[0407] In the data setting process for the lower operating port 83b, first, the reserved memory count CRN for the lower operating port is decremented by 1. Then, the data stored in the first area of ​​the reserve area Rb for the lower operating port is moved to the second execution area, and the process of shifting the data stored in the memory area of ​​the reserve area Rb for the lower operating port is executed.

[0408] This data shift process is a process in which data stored in the first to fourth areas is shifted to the lower areas in order, and the data in the first area is cleared, and the data in each area is shifted from the second area to the first area, the third area to the second area, and the fourth area to the third area. Then, one of the lit LEDs in the hold number display section for the lower operating port is turned off. In this light-off process, the LEDs in the hold lamp section for the lower operating port are turned off in order from the right, which is the opposite of the light-on process executed when hold information is added.

[0409] After the data setting process described above in detail is performed, in step S1606, a change start process for the lower operating port (change start process for the lower operating port) is executed to start the changing display of the image on the main display unit 87 (main display section D) and the changing display of the pattern on the variable display unit (more specifically, the second display unit), and then this game round control process is terminated.

[0410] Now, with reference to FIG. 53, the lower operating port fluctuation start process of step S1606 will be described.

[0411] (Lower operating port fluctuation start processing) In the lower operation port variation start process, first, a win / loss determination process is executed in step S1701. In the win / loss determination process, a win / loss table for the lower operation port is referenced to determine whether or not the information for win / loss determination among the various information stored in the second execution area, that is, the numerical information related to the jackpot random number counter C1, matches the jackpot numerical information described above. If the determination result in step S1701 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S1702 and the process proceeds to step S1703.

[0412] In step S1703, a type determination process is executed. In the type determination process, the type determination information among various information stored in the second execution area, that is, the numerical information acquired from the jackpot type counter C2 and the allocation table stored in the allocation table storage area 622 of the ROM 603 are referenced to determine whether the above-mentioned grasped type determination information is included in the information group corresponding to the normal jackpot result or the information group corresponding to the probability variable jackpot result.

[0413] In step S1704, a stop result setting process for the jackpot result is executed. Specifically, the image to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section D (display section for the lower operation port) of the main display unit 87 in the relevant game round is specified from a stop result table for the jackpot result stored in advance in the ROM 603, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604. A plurality of images to be stopped and displayed on the main display section D are set in this stop result table for the jackpot result, and in step S1704, information indicating the image according to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. Also, in step S1704, information for specifying by the MPU 602 whether the current game result is a normal jackpot result or a probability variable jackpot result is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Specifically, if the result is a normal jackpot result, a normal jackpot flag is stored, and if the result is a probability variable jackpot result, a probability variable jackpot flag is stored.

[0414] After executing the setting process of step S1704, the process proceeds to step S1705. In step S1705, it is determined whether or not a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a is being executed. If the determination is affirmative in step S1705, the process proceeds to step S1706. In step S1706, a forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If a game round (variable display of patterns) related to the upper actuation port 83a is being executed, the game round (variable display of patterns) related to the upper actuation port 83a is forcibly terminated midway based on this forced termination flag. More specifically, if a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b corresponds to a jackpot result and a game round (corresponding to a loss result) related to the upper actuation port 83a may be executed beyond the timing of the confirmation display in the game round, the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a is shortened and the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a is terminated together with the end of the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b. In such a case, the image displayed in a stopped state during the game round related to the upper operating port 83a corresponds to a losing result.

[0415] Returning to the explanation of step S1702, if the determination result in step S1701 is a failure result, a negative determination is made in step S1702 and the process proceeds to step S1707.

[0416] In step S1707, a process for setting a stop result for a losing result is executed. Specifically, the image to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section D (the display section for the lower operation port) of the main display unit 87 in the game round related to the start of the current fluctuation is specified from a stop result table for a losing result stored in advance in the ROM 603, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604.

[0417] After the process of step S1706 or step S1707 is executed, or if a negative decision is made in step S1705, the process proceeds to step S1708. In step S1708, a process of setting a variable display time (display duration) is executed.

[0418] After executing the variable display time setting process in step S1708, a variable start command and a type command are set in step S1709. The variable start command includes information on the variable display time. Here, as described above, the variable display time acquired by referring to the variable display time table for non-reach occurrence is different from the variable display time acquired by referring to the variable display time table for reach occurrence. Therefore, even if the variable start command does not include information on the occurrence of a reach, the notification / performance control device 140, which is the control device on the sub side, can identify the occurrence of a reach from the information on the variable display time. In this respect, it can be said that the variable start command includes information indicating the occurrence of a reach. Note that the variable start command may include information directly indicating the occurrence of a reach.

[0419] After executing the setting process of step S1709, the process proceeds to step S1710, where the variable display of the lower operation port display section in the main display unit 87 is started, and then the variable start process for the lower operation port is terminated. In the process of step S1710, a game turn flag for the lower operation port is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. This makes it possible to specify in the subsequent processes that a game turn (e.g., variable display) related to the lower operation port 83b is currently being executed.

[0420] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 52, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1601, that is, if it is determined that a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1608. In step S1608, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a that corresponds to a big win result. If a negative determination is made in step S1608, the process proceeds to step S1609.

[0421] In step S1609, it is determined whether the variable display time has elapsed. If a negative determination is made in step S1609, a variable display process is executed in step S1610, and then the lower operating port control process is terminated. In the variable display process in step S1610, the various LEDs constituting the lower operating port display unit are turned on and off, thereby variably displaying the image.

[0422] If positive stability is determined in step S1609, the process proceeds to step S1612. In step S1612, a fluctuation end process is executed. In the fluctuation end process, the display control of the main display unit 87 is performed so that the image is stopped and displayed on the lower operation port display section in a previously determined manner.

[0423] In the next step S1613, a variation end command is set. The variation end command set in step S1613 is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 in normal processing (FIG. 28). Based on receiving the variation end command, the notification / performance control device 140 executes processing to end the performance for that game round. In addition, by receiving the variation end command, the notification / performance control device 140 causes the combination of symbols corresponding to the game result of that game round to be displayed as a final display (final stop display) on the second display unit of the variable display unit 500Z. Note that the variation end command may not be transmitted, and the notification / performance control device 140 may be configured to end the performance for the game round by itself.

[0424] After executing the process of step S1613, the process proceeds to step S1614, where the game count counter is updated. The game count counter is a counter for specifying the number of games for continuing the high frequency support mode in the second normal game state, and is decremented by "1" each time a game is executed. If the game count counter becomes "0", an affirmative decision is made in step S1615, and the process proceeds to step S1616. In step S1616, the high frequency support mode flag stored in the various flag storage area of ​​the RAM 604 is erased. In the following step S1617, a high frequency support mode end command is set, and then the control process for the lower operating port is terminated. The high frequency support mode end command is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal process (FIG. 28). In the notification / performance control device 140, the display performance mode is switched based on the reception of this command.

[0425] If the determination in step S1608 is affirmative, the process of rewriting the stop image is executed in step S1611, and the process of steps S1612 to S1617 is executed, and then the control process for the main upper operating port is terminated. In the process of rewriting the stop result, the stop result is rewritten so that the image corresponding to the miss result is displayed as a stop image.

[0426] As described above in detail, in this embodiment, the game round related to the upper operating port 83a and the game round related to the lower operating port 83b are configured to proceed simultaneously. However, the variable display time set for each game round is different depending on the game state, and the main target of the game progress is switched depending on the game state. Below, referring to Figure 54, a supplementary explanation will be given on the relationship between the game state and the variable display time.

[0427] In the first normal game state in which the support mode is the low frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low probability mode, the variable display time set for the game round executed based on the ball entering the upper actuation port 83a is 1 to 20 seconds. In particular, for the game round corresponding to the miss result, the variable display time is set to be shorter as the number of reserved balls related to the upper actuation port 83a increases, so that it is possible to reduce the chance that the reserved information is not acquired even though the ball has entered the upper actuation port 83a while the game is proceeding quickly. On the other hand, the variable display time set for the game round executed based on the ball entering the lower actuation port 83b is uniformly 600 seconds. In other words, the variable display time is 600 seconds regardless of whether the lottery result is a big win result or a miss result. In this way, in the first normal game state, the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a will proceed preferentially.

[0428] In contrast, in the second normal game state in which the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the high probability mode, and in the third normal game state in which the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low probability mode, the relationship of the variable display time set is the opposite to that in the first normal game state. That is, the variable display time set for the game round executed based on the ball entering the upper actuation port 83a is uniformly 600 sec. That is, the variable display time is 600 sec regardless of whether the lottery result is a jackpot result or a miss result. On the other hand, the variable display time set for the game round executed based on the ball entering the lower actuation port 83b is 1 to 10 sec. In particular, for the game round corresponding to the miss result, the variable display time is set to be shorter as the number of reserved balls related to the lower actuation port 83b increases, so that it is possible to reduce the chance that the reserved information is not obtained even if a ball enters the lower actuation port 83b while the game progresses quickly. In this way, in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b progresses preferentially.

[0429] In this embodiment, the lottery result is notified by the symbols displayed by the first display unit, and the lottery result is notified by the symbols displayed by the second display unit, and the side lights of each display unit are switched on and off in accordance with the change in the main game progress target according to each game state. The relationship between the game state and the light emission mode will be described below with reference to Figures 55 and 56.

[0430] In the first normal game state in which the game progresses mainly based on the ball entering the upper operating port 83a, the side light 528Z of the first display unit and the side light 728Z of the second display unit are basically kept on (see FIG. 55). In the first normal game state, the rotating body 725Z of the second display unit is kept in a state in which the background of the sandy beach described above faces the front of the gaming machine, and the pattern corresponding to the upper operating port 83a is variably displayed in front of the background of the sandy beach. In other words, as shown in FIG. 56(a), the pattern of the first display unit and the background of the second display unit can be seen.

[0431] In contrast, in the second and third normal game states in which the game progresses mainly based on balls entering the lower operating port 83b, the side light 528Z of the first display unit is basically kept off, and the side light 728Z of the second display unit is kept on (see FIG. 55). In these game states, with some exceptions, the symbols on the first display unit are not displayed, and the symbols displayed by the second display unit are not obstructed from being seen. In other words, basically, only the symbols on the second display unit are visible, as shown in FIG. 56(b).

[0432] In the special game state, the display of the symbol combination that triggered the transition to the special game state continues. In other words, when the symbol combination corresponding to the big win result is displayed in a stopped state on the first display unit, the background is hidden and the display of the symbol combination continues, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the big win result is displayed in a stopped state on the second display unit, the display of the symbol combination continues.

[0433] Here, in the MPU 652 of the notification / performance control device 140, a control process for a game round is executed as part of the regular process. The control process for a game round includes an upper actuation port display process corresponding to a game round based on a ball entering the upper actuation port 83a, and a lower actuation port display process corresponding to a game round based on a ball entering the lower actuation port 83b. The upper actuation port display process will be described below with reference to Figs. 57 to 59.

[0434] In addition, in the first normal game state, the side light 528Z for the first display unit is basically kept on and the side light 728Z for the second display unit is basically kept on, and in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the side light 528Z for the first display unit is basically kept off and the side light 728Z for the second display unit is basically kept on.

[0435] (Display processing for upper operating port) As shown in Fig. 57, in the upper operation port control process, first, in step S1801, it is determined whether or not the first normal game state is in progress. If the determination in step S1801 is affirmative, the upper operation port main control process is executed in step S1802, and if the determination in step S1801 is negative, the upper operation port special control process is executed in step S1803.

[0436] (Main control process for upper actuator) As shown in Fig. 58, in the main control process for the upper operating port, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not it is time to display the symbol combination corresponding to the big win result in the game round related to the lower operating port 83b as a final stop display. If a negative determination is made in step S1901, the process proceeds to step S1902.

[0437] In step S1902, it is determined whether or not a game turn related to the upper operating port 83a is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S1902, the process proceeds to step S1903. In step S1903, it is determined whether or not it is time to start a game turn related to the upper operating port 83a. If a negative determination is made in step S1903, the main processing for the upper operating port is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S1903, the process proceeds to step S1904.

[0438] In step S1904, a process for starting drive control of the first display unit is executed. This causes drive signals to be output to each motor 526Z constituting the first display unit, and each rotor 525Z starts to operate. In the following step S1905, a process for controlling the emission of light of the side lights 528 of the first display unit is executed. This causes the power supply to continue if power is already being supplied to the side lights 528, and causes the power supply to start if power is not being supplied to some or all of the side lights 528.

[0439] Returning to the explanation of step S1902, if a positive determination is made in step S1902, that is, if a game involving the upper actuation port 83a is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1906. In step S1906, it is determined whether or not it is time to display the determined symbol combination in the game involving the upper actuation port 83a. If a positive determination is made in step S1906, the process proceeds to step S1907.

[0440] In step S1907, a stop control process for the first display unit is executed. As a result, all the rotating bodies 525Z constituting the first display unit are stopped, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1906, the process proceeds to step S1908, and a light emission and drive control process for the first display unit during the variation is executed. As a result, the left and right symbol rows are stopped and displayed, and the display transitions to a reach display, or the center symbol row is changed in a special way. In this case, the specific flow of the display performance is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0441] Returning to the explanation of step S1901, if a positive determination is made in step S1901, that is, if it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b, the process proceeds to step S1909. In step S1909, a light-off control process is executed to turn off all of the side lights 528Z for the first display unit. In other words, when the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b progresses during the first normal game state and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed on the second display unit, the symbols on the first display unit are hidden, so that the visibility of the symbol combination displayed by the second display unit behind is not hindered.

[0442] Then, in step S1910, a forced stop control process is executed to stop the display of each rotating body 525Z of the first display unit. When each rotating body 525Z is forced to stop, the combination of light emitting parts 553Z corresponding to the miss result is stopped in the variable display area, but these light emitting parts 553Z do not emit light because the supply of light from the side light 528Z is stopped in step S1909.

[0443] (Special control processing for upper operating port) Next, the special control process for the upper actuation port, which is executed when the game is in the second normal game state and the third normal game state in which the game progresses based on the ball entering the lower actuation port 83b, will be described. As shown in Fig. 59, in the special control process for the upper actuation port, first, in step S2001, it is determined whether it is the timing to display the symbol combination corresponding to the big win result in the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b as a final stop display. If a negative determination is made in step S2001, the process proceeds to step S2002.

[0444] In step S2002, it is determined whether or not a game turn related to the upper operating port 83a is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S2002, the process proceeds to step S2003. In step S2003, it is determined whether or not it is time to start a game turn related to the upper operating port 83a. If a negative determination is made in step S2003, the special control process for the upper operating port is terminated.

[0445] If the determination in step S2003 is affirmative, the drive control start process for the first display unit is executed in step S2004, and then the special control process for the main upper operating port is terminated. The drive control start process for the first display unit starts the output of drive signals to each motor 526Z for the first display unit, and each rotating body 525Z starts operating. However, since the side light 528 for the first display unit is maintained in an off state, the pattern on the first display unit remains hidden. In other words, each rotating body 525Z rotates freely.

[0446] Returning to the explanation of step S2002, if an affirmative decision is made in step S2002, the process proceeds to step S2005. In step S2005, it is determined whether or not the final display of the symbol combination is being performed in the game round related to the upper operating port 83a. If a negative decision is made in step S2005, the process proceeds to step S2006.

[0447] In step S2006, it is determined whether or not it is time to display the symbol combination (final stop display) in the game round related to the upper operating port 83a. If a negative determination is made in step S2006, a drive control process for the first display unit during fluctuation is executed in step S2010. This controls the rotation / stop of each rotating body 525. However, even in this case, the side light 528 for the first display unit is turned off, so the symbol remains undisplayed.

[0448] If the determination in step S2006 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S2007. In step S2007, a stop control process for the first display unit is executed. If the current game round corresponds to a jackpot result, the light emitting portion 553Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped on one of the activated lines L1 to L5, and if the current game round corresponds to a loss result, the light emitting portion 553Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the loss result is stopped on one of the activated lines L1 to L5.

[0449] In the next step S2008, it is determined whether or not the current game result corresponds to a jackpot result. If the determination in step S2008 is negative, the special control process for the main upper operating port is terminated. If the determination in step S2008 is positive, the process proceeds to step S2009, where the light emission control process for the side light 528Z for the first display unit is executed. As a result, light is supplied from the side light 528Z only to the light emitting portion 553Z on the line on which the jackpot symbol combination is formed, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result suddenly appears on the first display unit.

[0450] Returning to the explanation of step S2005, if a positive judgment is made in step S2005, i.e., if the final display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S2011. In step S2011, it is judged whether or not the final display period has elapsed and it is time to end the final display. If a negative judgment is made in step S2011, the process proceeds to step S2012. In step S2012, it is judged whether or not the current game result is a jackpot result. If it is a jackpot result, the process proceeds to step S2013, where a light emission extension control process is executed to extend the light emission of the side light 528 of the first display unit until the special game state ends.

[0451] As described above in detail, if a jackpot result is obtained in the game number related to the upper actuation port 83a during the second normal game state and the third normal game state, only that result is displayed on the first display unit, and the display will continue until the end of the special game state. On the other hand, if a loss result is obtained in the game number related to the upper actuation port 83a during the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the rotating body 525Z will also be stopped according to that result, but the symbol combination corresponding to the loss result will remain hidden.

[0452] (Display processing for lower operating port) Next, the control process for the lower operation port will be described with reference to Figures 60 to 62. As shown in Figure 60, in the control process for the lower operation port, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not the second normal game state or the third normal game state is in progress. If a positive determination is made in step S2101, a main control process for the lower operation port is executed in step S2102, and if a negative determination is made in step S2101, a special control process for the lower operation port is executed in step S2103.

[0453] (Main control process for lower operating port) As shown in Fig. 61, in the main control process for the lower operating port, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether or not it is time to display the symbol combination corresponding to the big win result in the game round related to the upper operating port 83a as a final stop display. If a negative determination is made in step S2201, the process proceeds to step S2202.

[0454] In step S2202, it is determined whether or not a game turn related to the lower operating port 83b is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S2202, the process proceeds to step S2203. In step S2203, it is determined whether or not it is time to start a game turn related to the lower operating port 83b. If a negative determination is made in step S2203, the main processing for the lower operating port is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S2203, the process proceeds to step S2204.

[0455] In step S2204, the drive control start process for the second display unit is executed. As a result, a drive signal is output to each motor 726Z constituting the second display unit, and each rotating body 725Z starts to operate. As described above, in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the side light 728Z of the second display unit is basically kept in the ON state, so that when the rotating body 725Z starts to operate, the variable display of the symbols is started on the second display unit.

[0456] Returning to the explanation of step S2202, if an affirmative decision is made in step S2202, that is, if the game is being played related to the lower actuation port 83b, the process proceeds to step S2205. In step S2205, it is determined whether or not it is time to display the final symbol combination (final stop display) in the game play related to the lower actuation port 83b. If an affirmative decision is made in step S2205, the process proceeds to step S2206.

[0457] In step S2206, the stop control process of the second display unit is executed. As a result, all the rotating bodies 725Z constituting the second display unit are stopped, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2205, the process proceeds to step S2207, and the light emission and drive control process for the second display unit during the fluctuation is executed. As a result, the left and right symbol rows are stopped and displayed, and the display transitions to a reach display, or the center symbol row is changed in a special way. In this case, the specific flow of the display performance is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0458] Returning to the explanation of step S2201, if a positive determination is made in step S2201, that is, if it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a, the process proceeds to step S2208. In step S2208, a light-off control process is executed to turn off all of the side lights 728Z for the second display unit. In other words, when the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a progresses during the second normal game state or the third normal game state, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed on the first display unit, the symbols on the second display unit are hidden, preventing the player from being confused by excessive information provided to the player.

[0459] After that, in step S2209, a forced stop control process is executed to stop the display of each rotating body 725Z of the second display unit. When each rotating body 725Z is forced to stop, the combination of light emitting parts 753Z corresponding to the miss result is stopped in the variable display area, but these light emitting parts 753Z do not emit light because the supply of light from the side light 728Z is stopped in step S2208.

[0460] (Special control processing for lower operating port) Next, the special control process for the lower actuation port, which is executed when the game is in the first normal game state in which the game progresses based on the ball entering the upper actuation port 83a, will be described. As shown in Fig. 62, in the special control process for the lower actuation port, first, in step S2301, it is determined whether it is the timing to display the symbol combination corresponding to the big win result in the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a as a final display (final stop display). If a negative determination is made in step S2301, the process proceeds to step S2302.

[0461] In step S2302, it is determined whether or not a game turn related to the lower operating port 83b is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S2302, the process proceeds to step S2303. In step S2303, it is determined whether or not it is time to start a game turn related to the lower operating port 83b. If a negative determination is made in step S2303, the special control process for the lower operating port is terminated.

[0462] If the determination in step S2303 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S2304. In step S2304, a special control process for the side light of the second display unit is executed, and in the following step S2305, a drive control process for the second display unit is executed. This starts the output of a drive signal to each motor 726Z for the second display unit, and each rotor 725Z starts to operate. In this case, the background light emitting portion 753Z and the pattern light emitting portion 753Z pass through the variable display area at a predetermined cycle, and the supply of light from the side light 728Z is temporarily halted during the period when the pattern light emitting portion 753Z passes through the variable display area. This makes the background appear to the player as if it is flashing.

[0463] Returning to the explanation of step S2302, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2302, the process proceeds to step S2306. In step S2306, it is determined whethe...

Claims

[Claim 1] a game board on which a game area is formed; A first ball entry means into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter; A second ball entry means into which a game ball flowing down the game area can enter; a display means having a display unit; Equipped with A configuration capable of starting a first performance in a predetermined area on the display unit based on the game ball entering the first ball entry means, A configuration capable of starting a second performance in the predetermined area on the display unit based on the game ball entering the second ball entry means, The second performance can be started in the predetermined area based on the game ball entering the second ball entry means under the condition that the first performance is not being executed in the predetermined area, The second ball entry means can be configured to allow game balls to enter the ball slot more easily than the first ball entry means, A configuration in which a specific performance can be executed when the first performance is started, A gaming machine characterized by being configured to be able to execute the specific presentation when the second presentation is started.

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