Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably enhancing an attention degree to a display performance.SOLUTION: A backside block 80b constituting a game board unit is provided with a movable performance device 300 for executing a special performance by executing a prescribed operation according to a game situation. The movable performance device 300 comprises a rotary unit 350 in which a light-emitting board is built. The rotary unit 350 is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction at a performance position in front of a pattern display device 253. A plurality of light-emitting bodies are mounted on the light-emitting board so as to be aligned in a direction crossing a rotation center axis of the rotary unit 350 as seen in the rotation center axis direction of the rotary unit. When the rotary unit 350 rotates, by switching a light emission mode of the light-emitting bodies according to the rotation of the rotary unit 350, a prescribed image utilizing an afterimage of light is displayed in an operation area of a movable unit 320 provided in front of the pattern display device 253.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines and slot machines, are provided with a light-emitting unit that is arranged in a position visible from the front of the gaming machine and changes its display mode as the game progresses. These light-emitting units are endowed with a function to enhance the presentation effect during the game by changing the display mode in various ways according to the game progress, etc. (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-24447 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, even if one tries to enhance the presentation effect by using the above-mentioned light-emitting parts, many of them tend to end up being similar, and there is still room for improvement in terms of increasing attention to the display presentation by improving its appearance, etc.

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

[0006] The present invention relates to A movable performance device having a movable body provided with a light emitting means and rotatably held thereon and a drive unit for rotating the movable body; A control means for controlling the movable effect device in accordance with the progress of a game to perform a game effect; Equipped with The control means a drive control means for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; a light emission control means for switching a light emission mode of the light emission means in response to a rotational position or a rotational period of the movable body while the movable body is rotating, thereby displaying a predetermined image in a motion area of ​​the movable body by utilizing an afterimage of light; having The light-emitting means is characterized in that it has a light-emitting substrate having a plate surface configured to be parallel or approximately parallel to the central axis of rotation of the movable body, and having a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on the plate surface and arranged at different distances from the central axis of rotation, and a light-guiding section that guides light from the light-emitting elements so that it is irradiated in the direction of the central axis of rotation. Effect of the Invention

[0007] This can effectively increase the attention to the display performance. [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] This is an oblique view of a pachinko machine seen from the front. [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 front. [Figure 8] This is an oblique view of the game board unit from the rear side. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of the inner frame. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. [Figure 11] A front view showing the rear pack unit. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the rear block. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 2A is a front perspective view showing the movable performance device, and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view showing the movable performance device. [Figure 17] 1 is an exploded oblique view of the movable performance device as seen from the front side. [Figure 18] 1 is an exploded perspective view of the movable performance device as seen from the rear side. [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an operation mode of a movable effect device. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 2A is a front view of the rotating unit, and FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22] 21(a) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 20, and FIG. 21(b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an optical path formation body. [Figure 24] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration related to special effects. [Diagram 25] 10 is a flowchart showing a special performance drive control process executed by an MPU of the notification / performance control device. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing a special effect light emission control process executed by an MPU of the notification / effect control device. [Figure 27] 1A is a flowchart showing a first light emission control process, and FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing a second light emission control process. [Figure 28] 13 is a timing chart showing the flow of special effects. [Figure 29] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the display mode of an image related to a special effect. FIG. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a rotation unit according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a rotation unit according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a rotation unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a rotation unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Diagram 34] 13A is a schematic diagram showing an electrical configuration in a sixth embodiment, FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram showing a rotary connection connector, and FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the rotary connection connector. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13(a) is a schematic diagram showing a rotation unit in a seventh embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing differences in the shapes of light guiding parts. [Diagram 36] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a rotation unit according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a rotation unit in a ninth embodiment. [Figure 38] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a rotation unit according to a tenth embodiment. 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] An operation button 35 operated by a player is disposed in the upper bulge 31 in a portion closer to the player than the upper tray 33. By operating this operation button 35, a performance corresponding to the operation (for example, a special performance using a movable performance device) will be performed, which will be described later.

[0021] 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, which will be described later. 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 game area PE.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 in Fig. 5, similar to Fig. 3, the configuration within the play area PE of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for the sake of convenience.

[0025] (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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 the front door hook members 76, respectively, for allowing the hook receiving members 49 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 to protrude to the front side of the inner frame 13. The hook receiving members 49 protruding through the slits are engaged 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 extending 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 gaming machine main part 12 is locked in a closed position relative to the outer frame 11.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] (Game board unit 80) The game board unit 80 is comprised of a game board 80a formed primarily from a plate material made of a transparent synthetic resin material, and a rear block 80b provided on the rear side of the game board 80a and having various game components (variable display device, control device, movable performance mechanism, luminous decorative components, etc.) described below mounted on a base body 251. The front portion of the rear block 80b is visible through the game board 80a.

[0031] The above-mentioned play area PE, in which the game balls flow down, is formed on the front surface of the game board 80a. As already explained, the play area PE is covered by the glass unit 22 (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 game board 80a 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 point in the play area PE. This prevents balls from clogging the play area PE. The game board 80a (specifically, the board) is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and can also be made of wood.

[0032] The game board unit 80 (particularly various components arranged in the game area PE of the game board 80a) will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figure 6 is a front view of the game board unit 80, Figure 7 is a perspective view of the game board unit 80 seen from the front, and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the game board unit 80 seen from the rear. In Figure 7, the components visible through the game board 80a are also shown by two-dot chain lines, and are shown in a state close to the overall appearance of the game board unit 80 when actually viewed.

[0033] The game board 80a has a plurality of large and small openings that penetrate in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the game board. As shown in FIG. 6, a general winning opening 81, a variable winning device 82, operation openings 83a, 83b, a through gate 84, etc. are arranged in each opening. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operation 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 game board 80a, and game balls that do not enter the various ball entry sections are discharged from the game 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."

[0034] In addition, numerous nails are planted on the game board 80a in order to appropriately distribute and adjust the flow path of the game balls, and various components (apparatuses) such as windmills are arranged. The flow path of the game balls is differentiated by the various configurations of these nails and windmills, and adjustments are made so that the above-mentioned general winning hole 81 and the like will win with a moderate probability.

[0035] A central opening 85 is formed in the center of the game board 80a, and a transparent opening cover 86 is attached so as to cover the central opening 85 from the back side of the game board 80a. The variable display unit 252 and the like belonging to the back block 80b are located behind the central opening 85, and the variable display unit 252 and the like can be seen through the central opening 85 (opening cover 86) from the front of the game 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 252 is visible.

[0036] Operating ports 83a, 83b and a through gate 84 are arranged around the central opening 85. The operating ports 83a, 83b are composed of an upper operating port 83a arranged below the variable display unit 252 and a lower operating port 83b arranged directly below the upper operating port 83a. In particular, the lower operating port (lottery trigger ball entry section) 83b is provided with an electric device 91 as an opening / closing type ball entry assistance device (ball entry assistance means) or opening / closing member (opening / closing means). The electric device 91 has a pair of left and right movable pieces and a solenoid type drive unit that drives the movable pieces, 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 the ball cannot be entered or is difficult to enter.

[0037] The through gate 84 is located upstream of this lower operating port 83b (more specifically, to the side of the variable display unit 252), and if a lottery is won in which the passing of the game ball through the through gate 84 is triggered, the electric device 91 is switched from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined period of time.

[0038] When a ball enters the upper actuation port 83a, three game balls are dispensed, and when a ball enters the lower actuation port 83b, four game balls are dispensed, but the number of game balls dispensed is not limited to the above. However, in order to increase the advantage of the lower actuation port 83b over the upper actuation port 83a, it is preferable to set the number of balls dispensed related to the lower actuation port 83b to be greater than the number of balls dispensed related to the upper actuation port 83a.

[0039] The variable winning device (special ball winning device or special ball winning means) 82 is formed with a big winning opening that leads to the back side of the game board 80a, and is provided with an opening / closing door as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) that opens and closes the big winning opening. The opening / closing door can be switched between an open state (assistance state) in which the game ball can or can easily enter, and a closed state (non-assistance state) in which the game ball can or can not enter. The opening / closing door is connected to a variable winning drive unit (solenoid in detail) provided on the back side of the game board 80a, 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).

[0040] 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).

[0041] Here, the variable display unit 252 will be explained in more detail. The variable display unit 252 has a pattern display device 253 that variably displays (variably displays) patterns when a winning entry into the actuation openings 83a and 83b is used as a trigger. The pattern display device 253 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display, and the display contents are controlled by a display control device described later. On the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253, for example, patterns are displayed in a line at the top, middle, and bottom, and these patterns are variably displayed so as to be scrolled in the left and right direction. When a big win is won, a predetermined combination of patterns is displayed stationary on a preset pay line, and the game moves to the above-mentioned opening and closing execution mode (special game state or big win). The pattern display device 253 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be a dot matrix or 7-segment type display device.

[0042] The game board 80a is provided with a center frame 95 surrounding the central opening 85. The center frame 95 is fixed to the game board 80a (specifically, a plate body) from its front side, and in this fixed state, the center frame 95 stands up from the front of the game board 80a, 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 game area PE from colliding with the pattern display device 253, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is roughly divided into a route that bypasses the variable display unit 252 (specifically, the center frame 95) from the right side and a route that bypasses the variable display unit 252 from the left side.

[0043] A stage section where game balls can roll left and right is formed on the upper surface of the frame section constituting the lower part of the center frame 95. Game balls flowing in from inlets formed in the left frame sections on the left and right sides of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage section through a warp passage also formed in the center frame 95. The stage section is configured so that game balls that reach the stage section tend to flow relatively easily into the upper operating port 83a, which contributes to increasing the player's attention to the movement of the game balls on the stage section.

[0044] In this embodiment, as described above, the central opening 85 is covered by a transparent opening cover 86, which prevents the game ball that reaches the stage portion from moving toward the rear block 80b (variable display unit 252).

[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 that the game ball has passed through the upper actuation port 83a can be displayed by lighting the first holding lamp section 98a. 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 that the game ball has passed through the lower actuation port 83b can be displayed by lighting the second holding lamp section 98b.

[0046] The actuation openings 83a and 83b are disposed at positions close to the central opening 85 (the variable display unit 252). Since a win at the actuation openings 83a and 83b can trigger a transition to a special game state, it is considered that the player pays attention to whether or not a win will be made at the actuation openings 83a and 83b, and also pays attention to the symbol display device 253 to grasp whether or not a transition to a special game state will occur. Providing the actuation openings 83a and 83b close to the variable display unit 252 is a device for concentrating the player's attention on the area around the variable display unit 252.

[0047] A play area partitioning member 99 is disposed at the right end of the play board 80a (the rotating tip of the play board unit 80 described later) which partitions the play area PE together with a guide rail 100 described later. A stopper member is disposed on the play area partitioning member 99 against which game balls flying along the main display unit 87 and the guide rail 100 collide. The stopper member is a buffer member disposed near the tip of the guide rail 100, and game balls that collide with the stopper member have their momentum weakened before flowing down the play area PE. In other words, the stopper member is endowed with a force-reducing function that weakens the momentum of the colliding game ball.

[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 an upper 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 upper 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 upper operating port display unit, a predetermined pattern is displayed as the result of the stop, 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 either 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 (more specifically, until the final display is completed), 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 either of the actuation ports 83a, 83b occurs, it is also possible to count the variable display in that single display area as the period from when the variable display is started to when the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed as one game round.

[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 80a side. A groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed in the launch rail 112, and the game ball is configured to fit into the groove to determine the front-rear position of the game ball.

[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 80a, more specifically, toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game board 80a.

[0060] The guide rail 100, together with a play area partitioning member 99 fixed to the game board 80a (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, a backflow prevention member 106 is attached to the end of the exit portion 105 of the game board 80a, 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 80a. 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 80a. This allows the rails 100, 112 to approach the lower edge of the game board 80a, 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 on the left end of the game board 80a 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 member that is installed in consideration of such circumstances, and is provided 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 45 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 lower 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 8 and 9. Figure 9 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 9, a bearing fitting 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (right side in Fig. 9) on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50. Bearing portions 133 are formed spaced apart from each other above and below on the bearing fitting 132, 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 is formed in the bottom portion of the storage recess (game board storage portion) 51 in the inner frame base body 50 in the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50 and is open to the back side of 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 with reference to FIG. 8.

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

[0071] The front side of the base body 251 is an area for arranging movable performance mechanisms, luminous decorative components, etc., and the rear side is an area for arranging a control device that controls these various components and the variable display unit 252 (pattern display device 253) (see Figure 7, etc.).

[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 pattern display device 253 (see FIG. 7, etc.) and a display control device for driving the pattern display device 253 are attached to the protruding part. The pattern display device 253 and the display control device are stacked in the front-to-rear direction (thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50) so that the pattern display device is on the front side and the display control device is on the rear side. Furthermore, the notification / performance control device 140 is mounted on the back part of the base body 251 so as to be located behind the display control device.

[0073] The notification / performance control device 140 is equipped with an notification / performance control board which controls audio output, lamp display, and the display control device 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 80a, 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 gathers at one place downstream. As a result, all game balls that have won the general winning opening 81 etc. are configured to gather below the game board unit 80 via the recovery passage. In other words, the base body 251 is provided with a function of recovering 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 rear block 80b, as detection sensors for each of the above-mentioned ball entry sections, a general entry port detection sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the general entry port 81, a variable entry device detection sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the variable entry device 82, and an operation port detection sensor that detects a game ball that has entered the operation ports 83a, 83b are mounted, and a winning detection mechanism is configured 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 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and Figure 11 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 10, 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, and a protective cover part 212 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape protruding to the rear of the pachinko machine 10, as shown in Fig. 11. The protective cover part 212 is closed on the left and right sides and the top, and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to surround at least the variable display unit 252 (see Fig. 10).

[0084] The base portion 211 is provided with an external terminal board (not shown). 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. 11, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 at the right end 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 pins 214 into the bearing portion 133 provided on the inner frame 13. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixing levers 134 provided on the inner frame 13 are inserted, and the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by abutting against the base portion 211 from the rear with the fixing levers 134 inserted into the insertion portions.

[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] As already explained, in this embodiment, a back block 80b on which various movable performance devices and decorative members with a light-emitting function are mounted is provided behind a transparent game board 80a, and these performance devices and the like can be seen through the game board 80a. Below, referring to Figs. 12 to 15, a supplementary explanation will be given of the main configuration of the game board unit 80. Fig. 12 is a front view of the game board unit 80, Fig. 13 is a front view of the game board 80a, Fig. 14 is a front perspective view of the back block 80b, and Fig. 15 is a front view of the back block 80b. In Fig. 12, taking into consideration that the game board 80a is transparent, a part of the back block 80b that is actually visible through the game board 80a is shown by a two-dot chain line. In addition, in Figs. 14 and 15, for convenience of explanation, some configurations such as decorative bodies arranged on the front part of the back block 80b are omitted.

[0095] (Game board unit 80) As shown in Fig. 12, a part of the back block 80b is located behind the play area PE. This makes it possible to use the area behind the play area PE where the game balls flow down as an execution area for various game performances. This configuration contributes to improving the appearance of the game board unit 80 and expanding the performance execution area compared to a conventional game machine equipped with a wooden game board.

[0096] In addition, by providing the back block 80b behind the game board 80a, the space between the variable display unit 252 and the game board 80a can be used as an installation area for the movable performance device, and compared to the above-mentioned conventionally known configuration, it is possible to promote the enlargement of the movable performance device and the diversification of its operation. Although the details will be described later, in this embodiment, the movable performance device provided between the game board 80a and the variable display unit 252 (pattern display device 253) has a characteristic configuration.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 13, the game board 80a is given a function to form an area (game area PE) where game balls flow down. When trying to improve various decorative functions and performance functions related to the game and secure the game area PE at the same time, the game area PE is inevitably compressed by prioritizing the former. In this regard, the game area PE is prevented from being compressed by arranging the minimum necessary configuration for securing the flow path of the game balls and securing the inlet, etc. on the front side of the game board 80a and relocating the additional configuration for performance and decoration to the rear block 80b side. In other words, it is possible to secure the game area PE as widely as possible within the limited range of the front side of the game board 80a (specifically, the board).

[0098] As already explained, the back block 80b has a base body 251 that is endowed with the function of a pedestal on which various performance devices such as the variable display unit 252 and various control devices such as the notification / performance control device 140 are mounted. As shown in Fig. 14, the base body 251 has a substantially box-shaped main body 255 that is formed so that its outer shape in a front view is substantially the same size as the game board 80a and is open on the game board 80a side (front side), and a flange portion 256 formed along the opening edge of the main body 255, and is screwed to the game board 80a with the flange portion 256 abutting against the back side of the game board 80a, thereby forming a single unit with the game board 80a.

[0099] An opening is formed in the back (bottom) of the main body 255 so as to penetrate from front to back, that is, so as to communicate with the central opening 85 (see FIG. 13) of the game board 80a. The variable display unit 252 is attached to the back of the main body 255 so as to cover this opening, and the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253 is exposed to the front side through the opening. The notification / performance control device 140 and the display control device are stacked on the variable display unit 252 (more specifically, the pattern display device 253) so that the latter is on the front side and the former is on the rear side, and further below that, the main control device 162 is attached to the main body 255 (see FIG. 8, etc.).

[0100] As shown in Fig. 15, the main body 255 is equipped with a movable performance device (movable performance device 300) that executes a performance according to the game situation. The movable performance device 300 is disposed along the left frame portion 261, the right frame portion 262, and the upper frame portion 263 of the base body 251, and the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253 is surrounded by the movable performance device 300. The movable performance device 300 is accommodated in a recess formed by the main body 255, and even if the back block 80b is carried alone during manufacturing, etc., the movable performance device 300 is prevented from interfering with other components such as a jig.

[0101] In addition, a series of decorative members 271 are arranged across the left and right frame portions 261, 262 and the lower frame portion 264, and a decorative member 272 is arranged along the upper frame portion 263 (see Figure 12), so that the movable performance device 300 is hidden behind these decorative members 271, 272.

[0102] The decorative members 271, 272 are made of a colored synthetic resin material with optical transparency, and have light emitters such as LEDs built in. These light emitters are connected to the notification / performance control device 140, and the notification / performance control device 140 controls the light emission according to the game situation, thereby performing a light emission performance behind the game area PE.

[0103] In addition, the decorative member 271 is formed with a recovery passage for recovering game balls that flow into the ball entry parts such as the general winning port 81 and the operating ports 83a, 83b formed in the game board 80a, and the entrance part of the recovery passage is connected to each of the winning parts. In other words, the game balls that flow into the ball entry parts in the game board 80a are led to the recovery passage of the back block 80b, and then returned to the island equipment of the game hall through the discharge passage of the back pack unit 15.

[0104] In this embodiment, the configuration of the movable performance device 300 described above is a characteristic feature. Therefore, the specific configuration of the movable performance device 300 will be described below with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figure 16(a) is a perspective view of the movable performance device 300 seen from the front side, and Figure 16(b) is a perspective view of the movable performance device 300 seen from the back side.

[0105] (Movable production device 300) 15, the movable performance device 300 is composed of a movable block 301 arranged along the upper frame portion 263 of the base body 251, and a support block 302 that supports the movable block 301 from both the left and right sides. The support block 302 is equipped with rail portions 311 that extend vertically along the left and right frame portions 261, 262, and a drive mechanism 312 that is arranged at the upper end of each rail portion 311 and raises and lowers the movable block 301.

[0106] 16, the drive mechanism 312 includes a lifting drive unit 314 as a power source for lifting and lowering the movable block 301, and a link mechanism 313 as a power transmission means for transmitting the power of the lifting drive unit 314 to the movable block 301. The lifting drive unit 314 is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, and the lifting drive unit 314 operates based on a drive signal output from the notification / performance control device 140, thereby changing the height position of the movable block 301.

[0107] The support block 302 is equipped with a locking device that switches between a state in which the movement (descent) of the movable block 301 is restricted and a state in which it is permitted when the movable block 301 is disposed in a standby position hidden behind the decorative member 272, and this locking device is configured to switch from the restricting state to the permitting state when the movable block 301 is required to be lowered. The support block 302 is also provided with a height position detection sensor 315 that detects whether the movable block 301 is disposed in the standby position. This height position detection sensor 315 is connected to the notification / performance control device 140, and the notification / performance control device 140 is configured to monitor whether the movable block 301 is in the standby position, more specifically, whether the movable block 301 is in the standby position or in a performance position described later, based on detection information from the height position detection sensor 315.

[0108] Next, the movable block 301 will be described with reference to Fig. 15, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the movable block 301 as viewed from the front side, and Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the movable block 301 as viewed from the rear side.

[0109] (movable block 301) 15, the movable block 301 has a base unit 320 that extends left and right along the upper frame portion 263 (decorative member 272) of the rear block 80b. The base unit 320 is disposed so as to straddle both rail portions 311. A wiring port is formed at the end of the base unit 320, and the movable block 301 and the notification / performance control device 140 are electrically connected through this wiring port → rail portion 311.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 17, the base unit 320 is formed by combining a front component 321 decorated on the front side and a back component 322 covering the back part of the front component 321, and the inside functions as a storage area for the above-mentioned wiring and the like. The front component 321 is formed with a shaft portion 323 that supports the rotation unit 350 as a "movable body". The shaft portion 323 is cylindrical, and a bearing portion 361 (see FIG. 18) of the rotation unit 350 is engaged with its outer periphery. This allows the rotation unit 350 to rotate around the central axis of the shaft portion 323. In the following description, the central axis of the shaft portion 323 and the bearing portion 361 is referred to as the "rotation central axis CL1".

[0111] A rotation drive unit 324 (more specifically, a DC motor) is attached to the back-side component 322 as a drive source for rotating the rotation unit 350. A drive gear 325 is fixed to the output shaft of the rotation drive unit 324. A driven gear 327 is formed on the outer periphery of the bearing portion 361 of the rotation unit 350, and this driven gear 327 is connected to the drive gear 325 via an intermediate gear 326. As a result, the power generated by the rotation of the rotation drive unit 324 is transmitted to the rotation unit 350 via the drive gear 325 → intermediate gear 326 → driven gear 327.

[0112] The rotation ratio between the driving gear 325 and the driven gear 327 is set so that the driven gear 327 (i.e., the rotating unit 350) rotates once for each of the multiple rotations of the driving gear 325. This ensures the rotational torque and reduces the variation in the rotational speed of the rotating unit 350 during steady rotation, which will be described later.

[0113] The rotation unit 350 shown in this embodiment is provided with a light-emitting function (electrical configuration), and the appearance of the performance (special performance) using the rotation unit 350 is improved by changing the light-emitting mode according to the game situation, etc. As described above, the rotation drive unit 324 is arranged so as to be offset from the rotation center axis CL1 of the rotation unit 350 by configuring a power transmission mechanism related to the rotation drive unit 324 by using multiple gears in combination. Such an offset arrangement of the rotation drive unit 324 has technical significance in securing an electrical connection path between the electrical configuration of the rotation unit 350 and the base unit 320 (the notification / performance control device 140) while allowing the rotation of the rotation unit 350. Here, a configuration for electrically connecting the rotation unit 350 and the notification / performance control device 140 via the base unit 320 will be described.

[0114] 18, the bearing portion 361 provided in the rotation unit 350 is also annular like the shaft portion 323, and a connection terminal is provided in the bearing portion 361. This connection terminal extends to the base unit 320 side through the hollow portion of the shaft portion 323, and a rotation connection connector 328 (more specifically, a slip ring) provided in the rear structure 322 of the base unit 320 is connected to this connection terminal.

[0115] The rotary connection connector 328 has a shaft that engages with the connection terminal and rotates around the rotation central axis CL1 following the rotation unit 350, a metallic ring portion fixed to the shaft, and a metallic brush portion disposed on the outer periphery of the rotary connection connector 328 and pressed against the side of the ring portion. The brush portion belongs to the base unit 320, and is prevented from rotating following the rotation of the rotation unit 350.

[0116] When the rotating unit 350 rotates, the brush portion slides on the ring portion, so that even if the rotation position changes, the contact between the ring portion and the brush portion, i.e., the electrical connection between the rotating unit 350 and the base unit 320 (the notification / performance control device 140) is maintained. The outer diameter of the ring portion is configured to be larger than the outer diameters of the shaft portion 323 and the bearing portion 361. This is a device for ensuring the sliding speed between the ring portion and the brush portion and suppressing the occurrence of dynamic changes (so-called stick-slip) at the contact points between the ring portion and the brush portion.

[0117] Next, the flow of the special performance performed using the movable performance device 300 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of Fig. 19. In Fig. 19, the decorative member 272 and the pattern display device 253 belonging to the back block 80b are shown in a simplified state by two-dot chain lines.

[0118] (Movement of movable performance device 300) 19(a), in a game round not corresponding to the special effect, the movable block 301 of the movable effect device 300 is in a standby state behind (standby position) the decorative member 272. When the movable block 301 is disposed in the standby position, the decorative member 272 prevents the movable block 301 from being seen.

[0119] At the timing when the special effect starts, a drive signal is output to the lifting drive unit 314 (see FIG. 15, etc.), and the movable block 301 descends from the standby position to a performance position where it overlaps with the symbol display device 253 (display screen 253a) from the front of the gaming machine (see FIG. 19(a)→FIG. 19(b)). As shown in FIG. 19(b), when the movable block 301 reaches the performance position, the rotation unit 350 remains on standby in a position (initial position) where it is oriented sideways.

[0120] Thereafter, when the driving condition for rotating the rotation unit 350 (in this embodiment, the operation of the above-mentioned operation button 35 disposed on the front door frame 14) is satisfied, output of a driving signal to the rotation drive unit 324 is started. As a result, the rotation unit 350 rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine) around the rotation center axis CL1.

[0121] The rotation speed of the output shaft in the rotation drive unit 324 depends on the number of pulses of the drive signal output from the notification / performance control device 140. The rotation speed of the rotation unit 350 increases as the number of pulses of the drive signal output to the rotation drive unit 324 gradually increases. When the number of pulses reaches the upper limit, the rotation speed of the rotation unit 350 becomes maximum. In this manner, when the rotation unit 350 is sufficiently accelerated, it becomes difficult to follow the movement of the rotation unit 350 (for example, the tip of the rotation) with the eyes. In other words, it is as if the substance of the rotation unit 350 has faded leaving an afterimage. During rotation at a low speed, the rotation unit 350 gets in the way, and the part of the pattern display device 253 located behind the operating area ME of the rotation unit 350 that is not visible changes according to the movement of the rotation unit 350. On the other hand, during rotation at a high speed, visibility from the front of the gaming machine is guaranteed in the entire area except for the rotation center (excluding the part overlapping with the base unit 320).

[0122] Although details will be described later, as the light emission mode of the rotation unit 350 changes in accordance with the rotation of the rotation unit 350, images (patterns) such as letters and pictures are displayed in the above-mentioned operating area ME using afterimages of light. By displaying an image by the rotation unit 350 on the front side and an image by the pattern display device 253 on the rear side, multiple images can be superimposed one behind the other. By providing correlation between the display contents of each of these images, the cooperation between the pattern display device 253 and the movable performance device 300 is strengthened, making it possible to perform a display performance with impact.

[0123] When the special effect ends, the pulses of the drive signal output to the rotation drive unit 324 gradually decrease. Then, when the rotation unit 350 returns to the initial position while being sufficiently decelerated, the output of the drive signal is stopped. As a result, the rotation unit 350 stops at the initial position.

[0124] 19(d), when the rotation unit 350 stops at the initial position, the lifting drive unit 314 is driven. As a result, the movable block 301 returns from the performance position to the standby position, and the overlap between the movable performance device 300 (movable block 301) and the pattern display device 253 is released.

[0125] If the stop position of the rotation unit 350 is shifted and the return to the initial position cannot be confirmed, a retry process is executed to return the rotation unit 350 to the initial position before returning the movable block 301 to the standby position. In other words, the return of the movable block 301 to the standby position is delayed until the return of the rotation unit 350 to the initial position is completed.

[0126] As described above, the movable performance device 300 (rotation unit 350) is provided with a function as an image display means (drawing means) that displays (draws) a predetermined image in the operating area ME of the rotation unit 350. In the present embodiment, one of the features is that a device is provided to suitably improve the image display function provided to the rotation unit 350. Hereinafter, the rotation unit 350 (particularly the configuration related to image display) will be supplemented with reference to Figs. 20 to 23. Fig. 20(a) is a front view of the rotation unit 350, Fig. 20(b) is a plan view of the rotation unit 350, Fig. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the rotation unit 350, Fig. 22(a) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 20(b), Fig. 22(b) is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 20(b), and Fig. 23 is a schematic view showing the internal structure (configuration related to light path formation) of the rotation unit 350.

[0127] (Rotating unit 350) As shown in FIG. 20, the rotating unit 350 is formed by combining the mounting part 351, which is provided with the bearing part 361 and has a function of mounting to the base unit 320, and the main body part 352 extending from the mounting part 351 in a direction intersecting the rotation center axis CL1. The main body part 352 is thinned to reduce the area it occupies when viewed from the front of the gaming machine from the viewpoint of improving the visibility of the symbol display device 253. On the other hand, the configuration related to the mounting part 351 is bulky when viewed from the front of the gaming machine to ensure the mounting strength and the securing of an electrical connection path with the base unit 320. For this reason, a part of the mounting part 351 protrudes farther from the rotation center axis CL1 than the main body part 352. This protruding part is covered from the front of the gaming machine by a decorative cover 362, which prevents the appearance of the rotating unit 350 from deteriorating.

[0128] The main body 352 is configured to be symmetrical (bilaterally symmetrical) with respect to the mounting part 351 (rotation central axis CL1). This is a measure to suppress imbalance in the weight balance of the main body 352 and to reduce the load generated at the pivot points when the rotating unit 350 rotates, and to realize operational stability, etc.

[0129] More specifically, the main body 352 curves backward as it moves away from the rotation axis CL1, and generally forms a generally arcuate shape that is convex toward the rotation axis CL1 (more specifically, toward the front of the gaming machine) as a whole (see FIG. 20(b)). Due to the presence of the above-mentioned mounting portion 351 and other components related to holding the rotation unit 350, the rotation unit 350 needs to have a certain degree of width in the direction of the rotation axis CL1. The recess formed by the generally arcuate main body 352 is used as an area for arranging the mounting portion 351, thereby mitigating the expansion of the front-to-rear width of the rotation unit 350.

[0130] 21, the main body 352 has a flat light emitting substrate 372 on which a plurality of light emitting bodies (LEDs) 371 are mounted, an optical path forming body 381 which forms a passageway (optical path) for light from the light emitting bodies 371, and a housing 391 which houses the light emitting substrate 372 and the optical path forming body 381. The housing 391 is made of a colored, opaque synthetic resin material, and is provided with a function as a shielding means for preventing the light emitting substrate 372 and the like from being seen.

[0131] The light emitting board 372 is arranged so that its plate surface is parallel to the rotation central axis CL1, i.e., so that its plate surface faces a direction intersecting (orthogonal) with the rotation central axis CL1. The outer edge of the light emitting board 372 is curved so as to escape rearward as it moves away from the rotation central axis CL1, and is formed so that its outer shape is a substantially arcuate shape that protrudes toward the front of the gaming machine, similar to the main body 352. In accordance with this, the light emitting bodies 371 are arranged so as to be aligned in the longitudinal direction of the light emitting board 372, i.e., so that the light emitting bodies 371 are offset rearward as they are farther from the rotation central axis CL1.

[0132] The optical path forming body 381 is disposed so as to face the plate surface (hereinafter also referred to as the surface 373) of the light emitting substrate 372 on which the light emitting body 371 is disposed (see FIG. 22(a)). The optical path forming body 381 is configured so as to have an outer shape that is substantially arc-shaped like the light emitting substrate 372, and the surface 373 of the light emitting substrate 372 is covered by this optical path forming body 381. Note that the light emitting body 371 shown in this embodiment is fixed so that its optical axis faces the thickness direction of the light emitting substrate 372, and light from the light emitting body 371 is configured to be irradiated onto the optical path forming body 381.

[0133] The light path forming body 381 is formed by stacking a plurality of plate-shaped light guide members 382 that are mirror-finished to reflect light, and a light guide section 385 is formed inside the light guide member 381 to guide light from the light emitters 371 in a direction along the plate surface of the light emitting substrate 372, more specifically, toward the rotation center axis CL1 (to the front of the game machine). Specifically, a partition wall 384 extending in the same direction as the rotation center axis CL1 divides the space sandwiched by the light guide members 382 in the same direction as the arrangement direction of the light emitters 371, thereby forming a plurality of light guide sections 385 corresponding to the individual light emitters 371. The inner wall surface of the light guide section 385 extends in the same direction as the rotation center axis CL1 at least in a predetermined range including an outlet portion 387 of the light guide section 385, and the irradiation direction of light is specified. In this manner, by configuring the light direction from the light-emitting body 371 to be changed to a direction along the plate surface of the light-emitting substrate 372 by the light-guiding section 385, it is possible to prevent the manufacture and quality control of the light-emitting substrate from becoming difficult, compared to a configuration in which the direction of light irradiation depends on the orientation (mounting angle) of the light-emitting body 371.

[0134] The light path forming body 381 is provided with a cover member 383 that covers the exit portion 387 of the light guide portion 385 from the front side in the light irradiation direction (the front side of the gaming machine). The cover member 383 is made of a colorless and opaque synthetic resin material and is formed to transmit the light from the light guide portion 385. The light from the light emitter 371 is irradiated to the front of the gaming machine through the light guide portion 385 → cover member 383. At this time, the light is reflected / diffused when passing through the cover member 383, making it possible to make it look as if the cover member 383 is emitting light. In the following description, the portion of the cover member 383 through which light transmits (the portion that appears to emit light) is referred to as the light emitting portion 355 (see FIG. 22(b)).

[0135] The light emitting substrate 372 is covered by the optical path forming body 381 and the housing 391. This prevents the light from the light emitting body 371, which is the light source, from leaking from areas other than the light emitting section 355 and prevents the light from the light emitting body 371 from being viewed directly.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 22(b), the light emitting substrate 372 shown in this embodiment is offset at a position away from the rotation axis CL1 (a position away from the rotation axis CL1 in the radial direction), and is configured so that the surface 373 faces the rotation axis CL1. The light path forming body 381 that is arranged so as to overlap the light emitting substrate 372 and constitutes the light emitting unit 355 is arranged on the rotation axis CL1. That is, the rotation axis CL1 of the rotating unit 350 is located on a virtual plane on which the light emitting unit 355 is arranged. By configuring the light emitting unit 355 to be aligned in the radial direction of the rotation axis CL1 as viewed in the direction of the rotation axis CL1, the association between the rotation position and the light emitting mode is prevented from becoming complicated when switching the light emitting mode according to the rotation position of the rotating unit 350.

[0137] Here, when the "plate surface" of the light emitting substrate 372 faces the rotation direction, the load generated on the light emitting substrate with rotation is larger than that of the light emitting substrate with the "end surface" facing the rotation direction. This load is roughly divided into those caused by the moment centered on the pivot point and those caused by the air resistance generated with rotation. If the maximum rotation speed is set high or the degree of acceleration / deceleration is increased to improve the responsiveness during rotation, the above-mentioned load becomes larger. This may cause deformation such as distortion in the light emitting substrate 372, which may cause light emission to be not performed normally. In the present embodiment, in consideration of such circumstances, the light emitting substrate 372 is protected, thereby preventing the occurrence of such inconveniences.

[0138] Specifically, the housing 391 is fixed to the mounting portion 351 to the base unit 320, the optical path forming body 381 is fixed to the housing 391, and the light emitting board 372 is fixed to the optical path forming body 381. This assembly structure can prevent the moment generated when the rotating unit 350 rotates from directly acting on the light emitting board 372. In addition, by using the optical path forming body 381 as a partition to reinforce the housing 391, it is possible to prevent deformation of the housing 391 itself. In addition, by interposing the optical path forming body 381 between the housing 391 and the light emitting board 372, even if the housing 391 is affected by distortion or the like due to rotation, it is possible to prevent the influence from being transmitted to the light emitting board 372.

[0139] In this way, using the configuration related to light emission to increase the strength of the rotating unit 350 is advantageous in terms of suppressing the increase in weight due to reinforcement, compared to the case where a reinforcing material or the like is separately provided. The light path forming body 381 is formed by combining plate-shaped light guiding members 382, ​​and while it is hollow to ensure the light guiding section 385, a certain degree of strength is ensured by the partition wall 384 and the like. With such a configuration, it is possible to more suitably suppress the increase in weight of the rotating unit 350, which can contribute to ensuring responsiveness during acceleration / deceleration and reducing the load on the pivot points.

[0140] According to the configuration in which the light emitting board 372 is accommodated in the housing 391 as described above, it is possible to prevent the light emitting board 372 from being exposed to the outside of the rotation unit 350. This is advantageous in preventing wind pressure generated by rotation from acting directly on the light emitting board 372.

[0141] However, in a configuration in which the light emitting board 372 is housed in the housing 391, it is expected that heat will be easily trapped in the housing 391. If the temperature inside the housing 391 rises due to heat trapped in the housing 391, this can lead to malfunctions and the like. In particular, in a configuration in which a large number of light emitters 371 are used in combination to enhance the performance function, or in which the supply power is set to a large value in order to increase the luminosity or amount of light of the light emitters 371, there is a concern that the amount of heat generated by the light emitting board 372 will increase, resulting in a noticeable effect of reduced heat dissipation efficiency. For these reasons, it is not desirable to impose stricter restrictions on light emission performance.

[0142] Here, a portion of the housing 391 constituting the outer periphery of the rotating unit 350 facing the rear surface 374 of the light emitting substrate 372 is spaced from the light emitting substrate 372 so that a certain amount of gap is secured between the light emitting substrate 372. A slit 392 penetrating the inside and outside of the housing 391 is formed in the facing portion. The slit 392 is disposed on both sides of the rotation central axis CL1. In other words, when the rotating unit 350 rotates in the above-mentioned predetermined rotation direction, the slits 392 are roughly classified into those facing the predetermined rotation direction and those facing the opposite side to the predetermined rotation direction.

[0143] When the rotary unit 350 rotates, air is taken into the housing 391 through those slits 392 facing in the above-mentioned predetermined rotation direction, and air inside the housing 391 is exhausted through those facing in the opposite direction to the predetermined rotation direction. This allows ventilation inside and outside the housing 391.

[0144] As already explained, in this embodiment, a predetermined image is displayed in the operating area ME of the rotation unit 350 by utilizing an afterimage of light that occurs when the rotation unit 350 rotates. Due to such circumstances, a certain degree of rotation speed of the rotation unit 350 is guaranteed. Furthermore, since the slits 392 are formed in a portion facing the plate surface of the light emitting substrate 372 (i.e., a portion having a certain degree of area), negative pressure tends to increase around the slits 392 that face the opposite side to the above-mentioned predetermined rotation direction. This negative pressure is utilized to promote exhaust, thereby improving the above-mentioned ventilation efficiency.

[0145] In addition, the housing 391 is open on the symbol display device 253 side (rear of the gaming machine), and air is allowed to flow in and out through this opening. This ensures a certain degree of ventilation efficiency even when the ventilation function using the slits 392 is not performed well.

[0146] Since these open areas for ventilation do not face the front of the gaming machine, the presence of these open areas can be effectively prevented from detracting from the appearance of the rotation unit 350 or causing light leakage.

[0147] In the light emitting substrate 372, the surface 373 on which the light emitting body 371 is mounted is covered with the optical path forming body 381. For this reason, it is difficult to directly air-cool the light emitting body 371 (surface 373). Here, in the light emitting substrate 372 shown in the present embodiment, thermal inductors 375 connected to the heat sink of the light emitting body 371 are provided in addition, and these thermal inductors 375 are arranged so as to protrude from the back surface 374 of the light emitting substrate 372. By positioning the thermal inductors 375 in the area where the above-mentioned ventilation is performed, it is possible to increase the heat dissipation efficiency even if the light emitting body 371 (surface 373) is not directly air-cooled.

[0148] By taking the heat countermeasures described above in detail, it is possible to protect the light emitting substrate 372 while mitigating the restrictions on the amount of light emitted and the luminous intensity caused thereby and suppressing deterioration in appearance, etc.

[0149] As already explained, one of the features of the movable performance device 300 is that it rotates a group of light emitting units 355 arranged in a direction intersecting with the rotation central axis CL1, and makes images such as letters and patterns appear in the space (operation area ME) in front of the pattern display device 253 by the afterimage of light from the light emitting units 355. Below, a supplementary explanation of the specific configuration related to image display will be given with reference to Figs. 22 and 23.

[0150] 22(b), the light guiding section 385 is composed of a first light guiding member 382a having a groove-like portion formed by two adjacent partition walls 384, the groove-like portion being open in the same direction as the rotation central axis CL1 (to the front of the gaming machine) and toward the light emitting substrate 372, and a second light guiding member 382b covering the groove-like portion from the light emitting substrate 372 side. A reflecting section 388a that reflects the incident light toward the front side of the rotation unit 350 is formed in a portion of the bottom surface 388 of the groove-like portion located on an extension of the inlet section 386 of the light guiding section 385.

[0151] Bottom surface 388 (including reflecting portion 388a) is subjected to a light diffusion process (e.g., embossing) with fine irregularities in a predetermined range on the entrance portion 386 side. Light is repeatedly reflected and diffused within light guide portion 385, so that light from light emitter 371 spreads throughout the entire light guide portion 385. In this way, the light traveling toward exit portion 387 of light guide portion 385 is prevented from being biased, thereby mitigating the shading difference in light emitter 355.

[0152] In addition, the plate surface 389 covering the groove-shaped portion of the second light guide member 382b is a smooth surface that is not subjected to light diffusion processing. As described above, in a configuration in which the light guide section 385 is formed by combining two light guide members 382a, 382b, the presence of unevenness on the mating surface makes it easy for gaps to occur at the boundary between the two light guide members 382a, 382b. Therefore, by configuring the plate surface of the second light guide member 382b to be not subjected to light diffusion processing, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of gaps at the boundary between the light guide members 382a, 382b in a combined state, and to suppress light leakage from the light guide section 385. In particular, the light guide section 385 uses the partition wall 384 to reduce the blank between the light guide sections 385, and the possibility that light leaking from one light guide section 385 reaches another light guide section 385 cannot be denied. In view of these circumstances, there is technical significance in making the plate surface 389 of the second light guiding member 382b a smooth surface that is not subjected to a light diffusion treatment.

[0153] 23(a), the intervals of side wall surfaces 390 forming light guiding section 385 are constant in the diffusion region where the above-mentioned light diffusion processing has been performed, whereas after passing through the diffusion region, the intervals expand toward outlet section 387. More specifically, partition wall 384 forming side wall surface 390 is tapered so that the thickness of partition wall 384 becomes thinner on the outlet section 387 side of light guiding section 385.

[0154] In order to promote light diffusion, it is preferable to increase the number of times that light is incident on the portion that has been subjected to light diffusion processing. Therefore, in the above-mentioned diffusion region, the side wall surfaces 390 are made parallel, and the distance between these parallel portions 390a is deliberately narrowed, thereby making it possible to increase the number of times that light is reflected in the diffusion region.

[0155] The light, which is diffused by the parallel portion 390a but has a regulated irradiation direction, is encouraged to spread in the direction in which the side wall surfaces 390 are arranged side by side by the expansion portion 390b, which is formed so as to expand the interval. In a gaming machine, the face of the player is generally positioned in front of the symbol display device, but the line of sight may vary to some extent depending on the player's physique, posture, etc. Therefore, the expansion portion 390b provides a certain degree of expansion in the irradiation direction of the light, thereby making it possible to suppress the difficulty in seeing. The use of the parallel portion 390a and the expansion portion 390b in combination has a clear technical significance in improving the visibility of the light-emitting portion 355.

[0156] Furthermore, when displaying an image by controlling the light emission of the light-emitting units 355, the presence of blank spaces between the light-emitting units 355 can be a factor in degrading the appearance of the image. In this regard, the partition wall 384 that separates the light-emitting units 355 is formed to be tapered, thereby reducing the blank spaces. The optical path forming body 381 shown in this embodiment is provided with a function of reinforcing the housing 391. The partition wall 384 plays an important role in exerting this reinforcing function, and it is not preferable to simply form the entire body thin. Therefore, by forming the portion of the partition wall 384 that constitutes the outlet portion 387 to be tapered as described above, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

[0157] The direction of light irradiation defined by the light guide 385 is defined to be the direction of the rotation axis CL1 in each of the light emitting units 355. However, the exit portion 387 of the light guide 385 is configured so that the lateral component increases as it moves away from the rotation axis CL1. This is a device to suppress an extreme decrease in visibility even when the player's line of sight is shifted from the rotation axis CL1, for example, when viewed from diagonally forward, and to ensure a three-dimensional effect, which will be described later. In addition, the light quantity of the light emitting unit 355 can be guaranteed regardless of the distance from the rotation axis CL1, while the light emission level can be reduced as the distance from the rotation axis CL1 increases.

[0158] Here, the width of the light-emitting portion 355 (width in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis CL1) defined by the partition wall 384 is configured to be the same for all light-emitting portions 355 (see, for example, width dimension L1=width dimension L2). Taking into account the curvature of the virtual display surface on which the image is displayed, the spacing when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis CL1 (when viewed from the front) is unified. This prevents a decrease in visibility of the light-emitting portion 355 far from the rotation axis CL1.

[0159] In realizing such a configuration, the spacing dimension (e.g., see spacing dimensions X1, X2) of the light-emitting bodies 371 when viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 (when viewed from the front) is constant, while the actual distance between the light-emitting bodies 371 is configured to increase as it moves away from the rotation center axis CL1 (e.g., see distance dimension D1 < distance dimension D2).

[0160] According to the movable effect device 300 described above, the virtual display surface formed by rotating the rotation unit 350 is curved to give depth (convex toward the front of the game machine). Details will be described later, but this is a device to give a sense of depth (three-dimensional effect) to the displayed image.

[0161] <Electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0162] 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 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 602, a RAM that is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control programs stored in the ROM are executed, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as random number generators, and the like.

[0163] The MPU602 is provided with an input port and an output port. The power failure monitoring board, the payout control device 242, and various detection sensors provided in the main control device 162 are connected to the input side of the MPU602. The power failure monitoring board is connected to the power supply / launch control device 243, and the MPU602 is supplied with power through the power failure monitoring board. In addition, as part of the various detection sensors, various detection sensors attached to the winning ball entry parts (payout ball entry parts) such as the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, the operating opening 83, and the through gate 84 are connected, and the MPU602 of the main control device 162 performs winning judgment (ball entry judgment) for each ball entry part. In addition, the MPU602 executes a lottery for generating a jackpot based on the winning at the operating opening 83, and executes a lottery for generating a support based on the winning at the through gate 84.

[0164] The output side of the MPU 602 is connected to a power failure monitoring board, a dispensing control device 242, and a notification / performance control device 140. Various commands such as a fluctuation start command (fluctuation command), a type command, a fluctuation end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the notification / performance control device 140. In this case, when outputting these various commands, the command information storage area of ​​the ROM 603 is referenced.

[0165] An MPU 612 is mounted on a notification / performance control board 611 provided in the notification / performance control device 140. The MPU 612 incorporates a ROM 613 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 612, a RAM 614 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control programs stored in the ROM 613 are executed, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

[0166] The MPU 612 is provided with an input port and an output port. In addition to the main control device 162, the height position detection sensor 315 and the rotation position detection sensor 329 provided on the movable performance device 300 are connected to the input side of the MPU 612. Based on the detection information (detection signals) from these detection sensors 315, 329, the positions of the movable block 301 and the rotation unit 350 can be grasped. In addition, the above-mentioned operation button 35 arranged on the front door frame 14 is connected to the input side of the MPU 612, and based on the signal from this operation button 35, it is possible to grasp whether or not an operation is being performed.

[0167] The output side of MPU 612 is connected to light emitting units 26-28, speaker unit 29, display control device 620, and various electrical components of movable performance device 300 (lifting drive unit 314, rotation drive unit 324, light emitting board 372), etc.

[0168] Based on various commands input from the main control device 162, the MPU 612 grasps the variable display time of the symbols on the symbol display device 253 (whether or not a reach effect occurs), and ultimately determines the type of combination of symbols to be stopped and determines the details of the reach effect. In such a process executed for each game, when the reach effect corresponds to the special effect, a signal for executing the special effect is output to the drive units 314, 324 and the light emitting board 372 of the movable effect device 300.

[0169] The display control device 620 has a display control board equipped with an MPU, which incorporates a program ROM storing various control programs and fixed value data, a work RAM which is a memory for temporarily storing various data etc. when executing the control programs stored in the program ROM, a video display processor (VDP), a character ROM storing image data, and a video RAM for temporarily storing image data read from the character ROM.

[0170] The VDP is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver built into the picture display device 253. The VDP is also called a "drawing chip" because it is made into an IC chip, and its substance can be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing.

[0171] The MPU of the display control device 620 executes display control of the symbol display device 253 based on commands input from the notification / performance control device 140. Specifically, the variable display is performed for each game round according to the content of the variable display and the type of combination of symbols to be stopped and displayed, which are finally determined by the notification / performance control device 140. When a display performance corresponding to the special performance is executed, the display content on the symbol display device 253 is set to correspond to the operation of the movable performance device 300 and the display of a predetermined image by the rotation unit 350.

[0172] Here, the special performance processing executed as part of the regular processing by MPU 612 of notification / performance control device 140 will be described. The special performance processing is broadly divided into a drive control processing (special performance drive control processing) for controlling the drive of lift drive unit 314 and rotation drive unit 324 of movable performance device 300, and a light emission control processing (special performance light emission control processing) for controlling the light emission of light emitting board 372. In the following explanation, the special performance drive control processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 25, and then the special performance light emission control processing will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Fig. 26 and Fig. 27.

[0173] (Special performance drive control processing) As shown in Fig. 25, in the special effect drive control process, first, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the game is related to the special effect. If the determination in step S101 is negative, the drive control process ends. If the determination in step S101 is positive, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0174] In step S102, it is determined whether or not it is time to lower the movable block 301 of the movable performance device 300 from the standby position to the performance position. If a positive determination is made in step S102, the process proceeds to step S103. After executing the process of lowering the movable block 301 in step S103, this drive control process ends.

[0175] In the process of lowering the movable block 301, first, the restriction on the movement of the movable block 301 by the locking device provided on the support block 302 is released. After that, a drive signal corresponding to the lowering of the movable block 301 is output to the lifting drive unit 314. As a result, the movable block 301 is lowered from the standby position to the performance position, and becomes visible from the front of the gaming machine.

[0176] Returning to the explanation of step S102, if a negative determination is made in step S102, that is, if it is determined that it is not the timing to descend to the performance position, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, it is determined whether or not the movable block 301 is at the performance position based on detection information from the height position detection sensor 315. If a negative determination is made in step S104, the drive control process ends. In this embodiment, when the movable block 301 is placed at the standby position, the operating area of ​​the rotation unit 350 is not secured, and the operating area is secured by placing the movable block 301 at the performance position. Therefore, when the movable block 301 is not at the performance position, various processes related to the rotation of the rotation unit 350 are avoided, thereby protecting the rotation unit 350, etc.

[0177] If the determination in step S104 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, it is determined whether or not the operation of the operation button 35 is valid during the valid period. The special effects shown in this embodiment are operation-responsive effects corresponding to the player's operation, and the effects proceed when the operation button 35 is operated. Specifically, the operation is enabled at the timing after the movable block 301 waits at the effect position, and an image suggesting the operation (for example, "Press the button!") is displayed on the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253 accordingly. The special effects proceed when the operation button 35 is operated during this valid period, and when the operation button 35 is not operated during the valid period, the special effects are rewritten to those that do not correspond to the operation.

[0178] If a positive determination is made in step S105, that is, if it is determined that the valid period is in progress, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, it is determined whether or not the operation button 35 has been operated based on detection information from the operation button 35. If a negative determination is made in step S106, the drive control process ends as is. If a positive determination is made in step S106, the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, a rotation start process for the rotation unit 350 is executed. If the valid period has elapsed without an operation being performed (if a positive determination is made in step S108), the process proceeds to step S107, and the rotation of the rotation unit 350 is started upon the elapse of the valid period. However, during rotation triggered by the elapse of the valid period in this way, the special performance is switched to one that does not support operation, and an image different from the image that should have been displayed is displayed.

[0179] In the rotation start process, a drive signal is output to rotation drive unit 324 to rotate rotation unit 350. In this embodiment, a DC motor is adopted as rotation drive unit 324, and the rotation speed is controlled by pulses output to this rotation drive unit 324. Although details will be described later, this output drive signal maintains rotation unit 350 at a predetermined rotation speed, which is an upper limit speed.

[0180] Returning to the explanation of step S105, if a negative determination is made in step S105, i.e., if it is determined that the operation is not currently in the valid period, the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, it is determined whether or not it is time to end the special performance. If a negative determination is made in step S109, the drive control process is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S109, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0181] In step S110, a process for stopping the rotation unit 350 at the initial position is executed. Specifically, based on detection information from the rotation position detection sensor 329, the output of a drive signal to the rotation drive unit 324 is adjusted so that the rotation unit 350 stops at the initial position. After executing the process of step S110, a process for returning the movable block 301 from the performance position to the standby position is executed (see step S111), on the condition that the rotation unit 350 has returned to the initial position. Specifically, a drive signal is output to the lift drive unit 314 to lift the movable block 301 to the standby position. After the movable block 301 has returned to the standby position, the lock device is switched to a restricting state to restrict the movement of the movable block 301.

[0182] When the special effect is executed, the rotation unit 350 and the like emit light in accordance with the movement of the movable block 301 and the rotation unit 350. The light emission control process for special effects will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0183] (Light emission control processing for special effects) In the special effect light emission control process, first, in step S201, it is determined whether or not the game is related to the special effect. If the determination in step S201 is negative, the drive control process ends. If the determination in step S201 is positive, the process proceeds to step S202.

[0184] In step S202, it is determined whether or not light is being emitted. If a negative determination is made in step S202, i.e., if light emission has not yet started, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, it is determined whether or not it is a predetermined timing (light emission start timing) before descending to the performance position. If a negative determination is made in step S203, the light emission control process for this special performance is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204. After the first light emission control process is executed in step S204, the light emission control process for this special performance is terminated.

[0185] Here, the first light emission control process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0186] In the first light emission control process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the first light emission performance is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S301, the process proceeds to step S302, where the first light emission performance start process is executed, and then the first light emission control process is terminated. In the first light emission performance start process, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 355 provided in the rotation unit 350 is grasped by referring to the first light emission mode setting table stored in the light emission mode storage table of the ROM. Then, the output of a signal to the light emission board 372 is started to emit light to the light emission target in the grasped mode.

[0187] If the determination in step S301 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, the value of an update period counter provided in various counter areas of the RAM is referenced to determine whether a preset update period has elapsed. The update period counter is updated each time the determination process in step S303 is executed.

[0188] The rotation unit 350 shown in this embodiment is configured to rotate at a constant speed (steady rotation) so as to maintain the state in which the rotation speed reaches the above-mentioned predetermined speed (maximum speed). When rotating at this constant speed, the update period is set to match (more specifically, to match) the period required for one rotation.

[0189] If a negative determination is made in step S303, the first light emission control process is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S303, a light emission target switching process is executed in step S304. The light emission target switching process switches the light emission target in a predetermined order by referring to the light emission mode storage table. As a result, the light emission target among the multiple light-emitting parts 355 provided in the rotation unit 350 is changed so as to shift from one end side to the other end side of the rotation unit 350.

[0190] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 26, if a positive determination is made in step S202, i.e., if it is determined that light is being emitted, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether it is time to return the movable block 301 to the standby position. If a positive determination is made in step S205, the process proceeds to step S209, where a process of turning off the light-emitting unit 355 is executed, and then the light-emitting control process for this special effect is terminated.

[0191] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S206, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, it is determined whether or not it is time to start decelerating the rotation unit 350. If a negative determination is made in step S206, the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, it is determined whether or not the number of pulses of the drive signal output to the rotation drive unit 324 is a predetermined maximum value, that is, whether or not the rotation speed of the rotation unit 350 has reached a maximum and is transitioning to constant speed rotation. If a positive determination is made in step S206, or if a negative determination is made in step S207, the process proceeds to step S204, where the first light emission control process is executed, and the light emission control process for special effects is then terminated.

[0192] On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S206 and an affirmative determination is made in step S207, the second light emission control process is executed in step S208, and then the light emission control process for the special effect is terminated. Here, the second light emission control process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 27(b).

[0193] In the second light emission control process, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the second light emission performance is being performed. If a negative determination is made in step S401, the process proceeds to step S402, where the second light emission performance start process is executed, and the second light emission control process is terminated. In the second light emission performance start process, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 355 provided in the rotation unit 350 is grasped by referring to the second light emission mode setting table stored in the light emission mode storage table of the ROM. Then, the output of a signal to the light emitting board 372 is started to light the light emitting target.

[0194] If a positive determination is made in step S401, that is, if it is determined that the second light emission performance is in progress, the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, it is determined based on the detection information from the rotation position detection sensor 329 whether or not the rotation unit 350 has completed one rotation and returned to its initial position, that is, the position before the start of rotation. If a negative determination is made in step S403, the second light emission control process is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S403, the second light emission control process is terminated after a light emission target switching process is executed in step S404.

[0195] In this embodiment, it is predefined which light-emitting object is to be illuminated / exited at which timing when the rotating unit 350 rotates once, and by switching on and off the illumination in a predefined order during the rotation, images such as patterns and characters are displayed in the motion area ME (virtual display surface) of the rotating unit 350 described above. As already explained, the period required for one rotation during constant speed rotation is also almost constant. In the second light-emitting mode setting table, it is predefined which light-emitting object is to be illuminated / exited at which timing (at which rotation position) during one rotation. However, it cannot be denied that the period required for one rotation may be extended due to the variation in the rotation of the rotating unit 350. If an error can occur between the actual movement of the rotating unit 350 and the movement predicted in advance, such an error may accumulate, causing inconvenience such as a shift or distortion of the displayed image, which may not only deteriorate the appearance of the image, but also reduce the reliability of the movable performance device 300. In this embodiment, therefore, by defining the display mode for each rotation, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of errors as described above and to prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems.

[0196] Here, the flow when the special effect is executed will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

[0197] At the timing ta1 when the reach display appears during a game round and the special effect starts, the first light-emitting effect starts using the light-emitting portion 355 of the rotation unit 350. At the start timing of the special effect, the rotation unit 350 is placed in the initial position and is oriented sideways. Therefore, the first light-emitting effect causes a swing display in which the light-emitting portion shifts left and right. However, when the movable block 301 is placed in the standby position, the rotation unit 350 remains hidden behind the decorative member 272, making it difficult to visually determine that the light-emitting portion 355 is emitting light.

[0198] At the timing ta2 immediately after the first light emission performance is started, the movable block 301 descends from the standby position to the performance position. As a result, the rotation unit 350 is positioned in front of the pattern display device 253 (display screen 253a), and it becomes visible that the rotation unit 350 and the light emitting unit 355 are emitting light.

[0199] At the timing ta3 after the rotation unit 350 reaches the performance position, the operation of the operation button 35 arranged on the front door frame 14 is enabled, and at the same time, a message prompting the operation of the operation button 35 is displayed on the pattern display device 253. By operating the operation button 35 during the valid period according to this message, the special performance moves to the next stage.

[0200] When the operation button 35 is operated at the timing ta4 during the period in which the operation is valid, the rotation unit 350 starts rotating in a predetermined direction (clockwise direction) based on the operation. There is a certain time lag before the rotation unit 350 accelerates and then rotates at a constant speed, but the light emission mode during acceleration is the same as the light emission mode before rotation. As a result, an image resembling a vortex of light is displayed in the operating area ME of the rotation unit 350 for a short period of time.

[0201] At the timing ta5 when the rotation unit 350 transitions to constant speed rotation, that is, when the number of pulses of the drive signal output to the rotation drive unit 324 reaches the upper limit, the light emission mode of the rotation unit 350 changes to the mode determined when the special performance was set. In this embodiment, multiple light emission modes are provided according to the expectation of a big win result. Below, a supplementary explanation of these various light emission modes will be given with reference to the schematic diagram in Figure 28(b).

[0202] The images displayed in the operating area ME under the condition of constant speed rotation are roughly divided into four types. Specifically, there are provided a first mode (moving image) in which an image resembling a vortex of light is displayed rotating like during acceleration, a second mode (still image) in which a character resembling a girl's face is displayed still, a third mode (moving image) in which an image resembling a school of small fish is displayed scrolling, and a fourth mode (still image) in which a letter (e.g. "V") indicating that a jackpot has been reached is displayed still.

[0203] When a special effect is executed in a game turn corresponding to a jackpot result, the order of likelihood of selection is second mode < third mode < fourth mode. In contrast, when a special effect is executed in a game turn corresponding to a losing result, the order of likelihood of selection is third mode < second mode, with fourth mode being excluded from the options. For this reason, when a message prompting an operation is displayed, it is expected that the player will perform the operation in the hope of displaying an image with the highest possible expectation (for example, the fourth mode).

[0204] When an operation is performed, one of the display modes from the second to fourth mode is executed depending on the game result, whereas when no operation is performed, the display mode in the first mode is executed regardless of the game result.

[0205] Here, a supplementary explanation of the displayed image will be given with reference to the schematic diagram of Fig. 29. Fig. 29 shows an example of an image displayed in the third mode.

[0206] As already explained, the rotation unit 350 is formed in an arc shape that is convex toward the front of the gaming machine, centered on the rotation axis CL1. This gives the image displayed in the above-mentioned operation area ME (virtual display surface) a sense of depth (three-dimensional effect) in the direction of the rotation axis CL1 (front-rear direction). By shifting the light-emitting unit 355 itself back and forth and making the display surface curved, it is possible to contribute to improving the appearance compared to the case where a flat image is displayed.

[0207] The operation area ME is configured so that an image is not displayed in its entirety, but is switched between a display area where an image is displayed and a non-display area where image display is avoided depending on timing, etc. The visibility of the pattern display device 253 through the non-display area is guaranteed for the non-display area, whereas the visibility of the pattern display device 253 through the non-display area is reduced for the display area. Specifically, the light intensity of the light emitting unit 355 is configured to be stronger than that of the pattern display device 253. For this reason, the light from the light emitting unit 355 drowns out the light behind the part where an image is displayed in the operation area ME for the rotation unit 350, resulting in the above-mentioned reduced visibility.

[0208] The symbol display device 253 is configured to notify the game result by a combination of symbols that are stopped and displayed. As described above, the visibility of the symbols is ensured by providing transparency to the display area of ​​the image by the rotation unit 350. In addition, when a moving image is displayed in the display area, even if the visibility of the symbols through the image may be reduced due to the shifting of the light-emitting points, it is possible to prevent the reduced visibility from continuing.

[0209] For example, in the special effect shown in Fig. 29, a school of small fish similar to the school of small fish displayed by the pattern display device 253 is displayed by the rotation unit 350, and the display contents by the two display devices (effect devices) are related to each other. In particular, the school of fish displayed on the front side by the rotation unit 350 is configured to be larger in size and have a faster scroll speed than the school of fish displayed on the back side by the pattern display device 253. This makes it possible to enhance the sense of depth in the display effect by the pattern display device 253 and the rotation unit 350.

[0210] The image of the small fish displayed on the virtual display surface changes in size slightly in the process of scrolling from the right side to the left side. Specifically, it becomes larger from a relatively small state, returns to the original size, and then disappears from the display screen 253a. More specifically, the image of the small fish displayed on the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253 becomes invisible when it reaches a position where it overlaps with the virtual display surface, and at the timing when the image of the small fish becomes invisible, the image of the small fish corresponding to the image is displayed on the virtual display surface. Then, when this image becomes invisible after crossing the virtual display surface, the image of the small fish corresponding to the image that became invisible is redisplayed on the display screen 253a of the pattern display device 253 at the timing when the image becomes invisible. This gives the player the impression that the image has moved from the display screen 253a side to the virtual display surface and returned to the display screen 253a side again, and at that time, it is possible to make the fish appear to have moved three-dimensionally from the back side → the front side → the back side.

[0211] According to the first embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects can be expected.

[0212] In the rotation unit 350 constituting the "drawing means" in the movable performance device 300, a plurality of light emitting parts 355 are formed at different distances from the rotation center axis CL1 of the rotation unit 350 (aligned in the radial direction of the rotation center axis CL1 when viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1), and by changing the light emission state of the light emitting parts 355 according to the rotation of the rotation unit 350, a predetermined image (for example, an image of a pattern or letters imitating a character, etc.) is displayed in the operating area ME of the rotation unit 350 by using an afterimage of light. Since the position (relative position) of the light emitting parts 355 in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 is shifted, a sense of depth (three-dimensionality) is generated in the above-mentioned predetermined image in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 (front-back direction). This improves the appearance of the special performance by the movable performance device 300 and contributes to increasing the attention to the special performance.

[0213] When a special performance is executed, the rotation unit 350 is placed in a performance position in front of the pattern display device 253 (corresponding to the "picture display means"). When the rotation unit 350 rotates in this performance position, the rotation speed of the rotation unit 350 reaches the upper limit speed, and although an afterimage becomes faintly visible, it becomes difficult to follow the actual body of the rotation unit 350 with the eyes. Therefore, even if a predetermined image is displayed in the operating area ME by the rotation, the visibility of the display content (pattern, etc.) of the display screen 253a located behind it is guaranteed. This allows the movable performance device 300 and the pattern display device 253 to coexist favorably, and an integrated performance is possible by cooperation between the movable performance device 300 and the pattern display device 253.

[0214] For example, it is possible to shift the position of only a part of the light-emitting units 355 in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1. However, it is expected that such a small change will easily be lost in the surrounding light and the above-mentioned three-dimensional display function will not be fully realized. Therefore, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the light-emitting units 355 as a whole is gradually shifted to prevent the three-dimensional display from becoming difficult to understand.

[0215] In particular, by configuring the distance between adjacent light-emitting units 355 in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 to increase the farther they are from the rotation center axis CL1, in other words, by configuring the deviation in relative position in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 to be more pronounced the farther they are from the rotation center axis CL1, the movable performance device 300 can function as if it were a roughly hemispherical display, which can contribute to enhancing the three-dimensional visual effect described above.

[0216] In the rotary movable effect device 300 shown in this embodiment, the further the light emitting unit 355 is from the rotation central axis CL1, the faster the moving speed associated with the rotation. Therefore, the brightness of the image decreases the farther from the rotation central axis CL1. The light emitters 371 corresponding to each light emitting unit 355 are standardized so that the amount of light is constant. If the light emitting unit 355 is configured with such characteristics so that it shifts toward the back (rear) of the gaming machine as it moves away from the rotation central axis CL1, the combination of the decrease in brightness and the shift toward the back can suitably realize the above-mentioned three-dimensional display.

[0217] Although the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized by increasing the distance between the light emitting parts 355 in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine, the operating area ME of the rotation unit 350 tends to become bulky. This is undesirable because it increases the constraints on the arrangement of the movable performance device 300. In this respect, if the rotation unit 350 is formed on a circular arc that protrudes toward the front of the gaming machine as shown in the present embodiment, and the end (rotation tip portion) of the rotation unit 350 is configured to rotate around the attachment point to the base unit 320, the expansion of the occupied area due to the enhanced three-dimensional effect can be suitably alleviated. As a result, in a configuration in which the movable performance device 300 is arranged in front of the pattern display device 253, the occupied area of ​​the movable performance device 300 is prevented from becoming unnecessarily bulky, and coexistence with the pattern display device 253 is suitably realized.

[0218] Although the light from the light emitting unit 355 basically travels toward the rotation axis CL1 (to the front of the game machine), the light farther from the rotation axis CL1 has an increased component that travels outward. This ensures the visibility of the light when viewed from the front of the movable performance device 300, while contributing to the enhancement of the three-dimensional effect described above.

[0219] In addition, the light-emitting portion 355 itself is given a certain width, and is formed so that the outward component becomes stronger as the light-emitting portion 355 is farther from the rotation center axis CL1. This contributes to enhancing the three-dimensional effect when an image is displayed. In other words, giving the curved cover member 383 the function of the light-emitting portion 355, rather than making the light source directly visible, is technically significant in terms of enhancing the three-dimensional effect.

[0220] As described above, in the configuration in which the rotation unit 350 is rotated, a load generated during acceleration and deceleration may be applied to the light emitting substrate 372, causing deformation such as distortion. If such deformation occurs, the light emitting substrate 372 may not function properly, and the possibility of causing a problem in the light emission control cannot be denied. It is expected that such a phenomenon will become more noticeable when the rotation radius is increased or the degree of acceleration / deceleration is increased to improve responsiveness.

[0221] In this regard, by using the housing 391 as an object to be rotatably held as shown in the present embodiment and mounting the light emitting substrate 372 on the housing 391, the load acting on the light emitting substrate 372 can be reduced. This makes it possible to suitably prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned various inconveniences. The housing 391 is case-shaped, and the light emitting substrate 372 is housed therein. This enhances the protective function of the light emitting substrate 372, and makes it possible to suitably prevent deformation such as distortion of the light emitting substrate.

[0222] In a configuration in which the light emitting substrate 372 is housed in the housing 391, it is possible to prevent deformation such as warping of the light emitting substrate 372, but on the other hand, heat generated in the light emitting substrate 372 is likely to be trapped inside the housing 391. This is not preferable because it can cause a decrease in the durability and operational stability of the light emitting substrate 372. Therefore, if a slit 392 is provided in a portion of the housing 391 facing the rotation direction and air is taken into the housing 391 through the slit 392, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably prevented.

[0223] Moreover, the mounting surface (surface 373) of the light emitting substrate 372 on which the light emitting body 371 is mounted faces the opposite side to the slit 392. In this way, by avoiding confrontation between the slit 392 and the light emitting body 371, light leakage from the housing 391 is suppressed, and the above heat countermeasures are suppressed from becoming a factor that deteriorates the appearance of the movable performance device 300 or makes it difficult to see the displayed image.

[0224] Slits 392 are configured with those facing in the direction of rotation and those facing in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation. Negative pressure is generated around slits 392 facing in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation due to the rotation of rotating unit 350, and this negative pressure is used to promote the exhaust of air from within housing 391. This can enhance the heat exhaust function described above.

[0225] The configuration in which the positions of the light-emitting units 355 are shifted in the direction of the rotation central axis CL1 can be realized, for example, by forming the light-emitting substrate arranged to face the front side into a curved shape. However, such a configuration reduces moldability compared to, for example, a case in which the light-emitting substrate is flat. In addition, since the orientation of the light-emitting bodies can change depending on the arrangement on the substrate, it becomes necessary to individually set the orientation of each light-emitting body in order to align the orientation so that the light-emitting bodies face a predetermined direction (the direction of the rotation central axis). This can be a factor that makes it difficult to attach the light-emitting bodies and perform quality control of the orientation, etc.

[0226] In this regard, if the light emitting substrate 372 is arranged so as to be parallel to the rotation center axis CL1 and the light irradiation direction is determined by the light guide unit 385 as shown in the present embodiment, the difference in the position of the light emitting unit 355 in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 can be realized with a simple configuration by shifting the position of the light emitting body 371 in the plate surface direction of the light emitting substrate 372. This makes it possible to realize a configuration that is excellent in terms of manufacturing / management, etc., and can favorably promote the installation of the movable performance device 300. Therefore, compared to the case where the light emitting substrate is intentionally made curved as described above, it is possible to favorably improve the degree of freedom in setting the orientation of the light emitting body with a simple configuration while facilitating manufacturing / management, etc.

[0227] In addition, when an image or the like is to be displayed in space by the rotating movable performance device 300, it is necessary to ensure a certain degree of rotation speed. Here, if the plate surface is parallel to the rotation center axis CL1, it is assumed that the load generated on the light emitting substrate 372 with rotation increases due to increased air resistance. Therefore, if the light emitting substrate 372 is accommodated in the housing 391 as described above, the light emitting substrate 372 can be suitably protected from such load. In addition, the housing 391 has a high degree of design freedom regarding its shape, etc., compared to the light emitting substrate 372. Therefore, in a configuration in which the plate surface of the light emitting substrate 372 faces the rotation direction, it is easy to implement measures to reduce air resistance on the housing 391, which can suitably contribute to ensuring the rotation speed.

[0228] By increasing the number of light-emitting bodies arranged on the light-emitting board, various effects such as improved resolution and diversification of the light-emitting display mode (predetermined image) can be enjoyed. However, increasing the number of light-emitting bodies inevitably results in a larger light-emitting board. If the plate surface (optical axis or light irradiation direction) of the light-emitting board is configured to face the direction of the central axis of rotation, the size of the board will directly lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the rotating movable performance device and the light-emitting performance using it.

[0229] In this respect, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the light emitting substrate 372 is parallel to the rotation axis CL1 as described above, and the light emitting direction is directed toward the rotation axis CL1 using the light guiding unit 385, so that the edge (end) of the light emitting substrate 372 can be directed toward the rotation axis CL1 while still ensuring the function of emitting light toward the rotation axis CL1. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the appearance caused by the increase in size of the light emitting substrate due to the circumstances described above, and can ease the constraints related to the game presentation. Therefore, it is possible to perform a game presentation with a greater impact, which can contribute to increasing the attention to the game presentation using the movable presentation device 300.

[0230] The light emitter 371 is disposed so that the optical axis faces the thickness direction of the light emitting substrate 372, and the light guide section 385 is configured to guide the light from the light emitter 371 from the center side to the end side of the light emitting substrate 372 along the plate surface of the light emitting substrate 372. With this configuration, even if the light emitting substrate 372 and the light guide section 385 are used in combination, it is possible to prevent the occupied area of ​​the "light emitting unit" from becoming unnecessarily large when viewed as a whole. In addition, by configuring the light to be guided to the end of the light emitting substrate 372, it is possible to prevent the light emitting substrate 372 from becoming an obstacle that impedes the visibility of the light emitting section 355.

[0231] In this embodiment, the exit portion 387 of the light guide 385 and the light emitting portion 355 are located on a virtual line intersecting with the rotation central axis CL1. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the complication of light emission control in displaying a predetermined image by switching the light emission mode according to the rotation of the rotation unit 350. In addition, if the light emitting substrate is configured to be located on the virtual line, it is necessary to extend the light guide from the end of the light emitting substrate in order to position the light emitting point on the virtual line, and the light passage path becomes complicated. Furthermore, since the light emitting substrate and the light emitting point are aligned in the direction of the rotation central axis, the width of the movable body in the direction of the rotation central axis increases. According to the arrangement shown in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of these various inconveniences and realize a practically preferable configuration.

[0232] According to a configuration in which the light emitting substrate 372 is disposed at a position deviated from the central axis of rotation CL1 and the optical path forming body 381 is disposed at a position intersecting the central axis of rotation CL1, the light emitting substrate 372 can be brought close to the wall portion of the housing 391 in which the slits 392 serving as "ventilation holes" are formed. This makes it possible to suitably strengthen the heat dissipation function using the slits 392.

[0233] In a configuration in which an image such as a pattern or a character is displayed in the operating area ME of the rotation unit 350 by changing the light emission state of the light emitting unit 355 according to the rotation of the rotation unit 350 and using the afterimage of light, it is concerned that the resolution of the displayed image decreases and the appearance of the image decreases when the blank portion occurring between the light emitting portions becomes large. In this regard, by forming the partition wall 384 so as to have a tapered shape in which the thickness becomes thinner toward the exit portion 387 in a predetermined range including the exit portion 387 of the light guiding unit 385 as shown in this embodiment, the blank portion can be reduced and the roughness of the image can be made less noticeable. This can improve the appearance of the special performance by the movable performance device 300 and contribute to increasing the attention to the performance.

[0234] As described above, in a configuration having the rotary movable performance device 300, the possibility that the light emission performance will not be performed well due to deformation such as distortion of the rotation unit 350 increases. For this reason, it is necessary to give a certain degree of strength to the rotation unit 350. Therefore, by making the light path forming body 381 (light guiding member 382) in which the light guiding section 385 is formed function as a reinforcing section for the rotation unit 350, the above-mentioned concerns regarding strength can be eliminated. Here, if the entire partition wall 384 is made thin in forming the reinforcing section, there is a concern that the function as the reinforcing section will be reduced. Therefore, if the thickness of the partition wall 384 is made thin only near the light emission point (exit section 387) as described above, it is possible to suitably achieve both improved appearance of the light emission performance and the function as a reinforcing section.

[0235] The size of the light emitting portion depends on the exit portion 387 of the light guiding portion 385. By configuring the light passing through the light guiding portion 385 to be diffused in the light guiding portion 385, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a problem in which the substantial light emitting range is narrower than the exit portion 387, and the substantial blank portion (gap) between the light emitting portions becomes large. Here, in order to improve the diffusion efficiency of diffusing light in the light guiding portion 385 (passage), it is not preferable for the passage width to be excessively large. Therefore, there is a clear technical significance in a configuration in which the partition wall 384 is made thin around the exit where light diffusion has progressed to a certain degree while ensuring a certain thickness for the partition wall 384 and suppressing the expansion of the passage width.

[0236] In spreading light throughout the entire exit portion 387 of the light guide 385, it is more difficult to ensure the amount of light at the outer edge of the exit portion 387 (particularly near the partition wall 384) than at the center of the exit portion 387. In other words, when looking at the exit portion 387, a difference in brightness is likely to occur between the center and the outer edge. Therefore, the partition wall 384 is intentionally configured not to diffuse light in the area forming the exit portion 387, thereby suppressing loss due to light diffusion, thereby contributing to ensuring the clarity of light at the outer edge of the light-emitting area.

[0237] In a configuration in which the size of the light-emitting portion (dot) depends on the exit portion 387 of the light-guiding section 385, the shape of the exit portion 387 strongly affects the displayed image, etc. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, by making the width of the exit portion 387 smaller in the rotation direction than in the direction intersecting the rotation direction, it is possible to avoid the light becoming difficult to view by ensuring a certain size for the exit portion 387, and to suitably contribute to improving the definition of the image when displaying a predetermined image.

[0238] In a configuration having a light diffusion section with a reflecting function, the light is repeatedly reflected, and the light diffusion function is effectively exhibited. Therefore, by adopting a configuration that promotes light diffusion between the partition walls 384 (opposing plate surfaces 389) that are relatively close to each other, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of areas where light is difficult to spread, and to effectively exhibit the above-mentioned diffusion effect.

[0239] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, the image of the characters, pictures, etc. displayed by the movable effect device 300 (rotation unit 350) is configured to have a sense of depth (three-dimensional effect) that becomes convex toward the front side of the gaming machine as it approaches the rotation center axis CL1. In this embodiment, the light emitting unit 355A is shifted in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 to provide a sense of depth (three-dimensional effect), which is common to the first embodiment, but the configuration related to the expression of the sense of depth is different from the first embodiment. The configuration related to the difference will be described below with reference to FIG. 30. FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the rotation unit 350A in the second embodiment.

[0240] The rotating unit 350A is curved so as to be recessed toward the back at the rotation center side (central part), and the light emitting body 371A and the light emitting section 355A are arranged so that the closer they are to the rotation center axis CL1, the further rearward they are located in the gaming machine. In other words, the front-to-back relationship between the light emitting bodies 371A arranged side by side is reversed from that of the first embodiment. As a result, the virtual display surface of the image displayed by the rotating unit 350A also has a curved shape with the central part recessed in the depth direction.

[0241] The image displayed by rotating the rotary unit 350A is a vortex facing the rotation center axis CL1. By displaying such an image, the player can be given the impression that he or she is being drawn toward the symbol display device 253 as the vortex rotates. This is a preferable configuration for encouraging the player who sees the image to pay attention to the symbol display device 253.

[0242] Here, as in the first embodiment, the moving distance of the light emitter 371A when the rotating unit 350A rotates once becomes longer as it becomes farther from the rotation central axis CL1. Therefore, when displaying an image in the operating area ME using the afterimage of light, the light emission level decreases (becomes darker) as it becomes farther from the rotation central axis CL1. In the first embodiment, all the light emitters 371 are common, but the above phenomenon (difference in light emission level) is used to emphasize the sense of depth.

[0243] In contrast, in this embodiment, the light emitters 371A located on the outside are differentiated so as to be brighter than the light emitters 371A located on the inside with respect to the rotation central axis CL1. In this way, by compensating for the lack of light of the outer light emitters 371A, the brightness of the image when performing the special performance is adjusted so that it becomes brighter from the outside to the inside. This prevents the operating principle of the rotation unit 350A shown in the first embodiment (the difference in light emission level according to the moving distance) from becoming a factor that reduces the sense of depth.

[0244] In the second embodiment described above, the light intensity of each light-emitting body 371A is set individually, but this does not mean that the light intensity of each light-emitting body 371A may be unified as in the first embodiment. In addition, the brightness is adjusted from the outside to the inside from light to dark when a special effect is performed, but it is also possible to set the light intensity of each light-emitting body 371A individually so that the brightness during rotation is unified.

[0245] <Third embodiment> When displaying (drawing) images such as patterns and characters in space using a rotating performance device as shown in the first embodiment, the appearance of the image can be improved by reducing the gaps (blanks) between the light-emitting sections 355. In addition, by increasing the number of light-emitting bodies 371 and subdividing the light-emitting points (dots), a finer display is possible, and the expressiveness can be suitably improved. However, due to design / manufacturing / quality control reasons, there are restrictions on the arrangement of the light-emitting bodies 371, and it is necessary to provide a certain amount of gap (clearance) between the light-emitting bodies 371 in reality.

[0246] In this embodiment, further improvements are made to improve the expressiveness of the movable performance device in consideration of these various circumstances. The following describes the characteristic configuration of this embodiment, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to Fig. 31. Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a rotation unit 350B in this embodiment.

[0247] The light emitting bodies 371B mounted on the light emitting board 372B are consistent with the first embodiment in that the arrangement area of ​​the light emitting bodies 371B as a whole is gradually shifted rearward as it moves away from the rotation central axis CL1. However, when viewed from a smaller perspective, the light emitting bodies 371B are arranged so that they are alternately arranged in the order of front side → back side → front side → back side, etc. as they move away from the rotation central axis CL1 direction (front-rear direction). In other words, while they are arranged alternately front-rear, they are configured so that the amount of rearward offset increases as a whole as they move away from the rotation central axis CL1.

[0248] By arranging the light emitters 371B apart in the front-rear direction (the direction of the rotation center axis CL1) (see distance Y3), dependency on the separation distance in the left-right direction is reduced in securing the gap between the light emitters 371B. Using this, the distance X3 between adjacent light emitters 371B in the left-right direction (the longitudinal direction of the rotation unit 350) is reduced compared to the first embodiment. This allows the image to be displayed in a more detailed manner (enabling finer display), thereby improving the image quality of the displayed image.

[0249] In such a configuration, the light emitting body 371B located on the near side in the direction of the rotation central axis CL1 (the direction of irradiation of light from the light emitting unit 355B) may itself become a factor that hinders the formation of an optical path for the light emitting body 371B located further back. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the overlapping of the light emitting bodies 371B in the direction of the rotation central axis CL1 is suppressed, thereby preventing the light emitting body 371B on the near side from hindering the formation of an optical path.

[0250] When forming light guide sections 385B for adjacent light emitters 371B, the blank can be reduced by thinning partition walls 384B that separate the light guide sections 385B. However, considering that the light path forming body 381B has a function of reinforcing the housing 391B, it is not preferable that thinning of the partition walls reduces the reinforcing function. In this regard, in the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the influence of thinning of the partition walls 384B (reduction in strength) is compensated for by extending and subdividing the partition walls 384B in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 according to the alternating arrangement.

[0251] This makes it possible to improve the expressiveness of the image displayed by the rotation unit 350, while suitably suppressing a decrease in the operational reliability of the rotation unit 350 due to a resultant decrease in strength, etc.

[0252] In the rotary movable performance device 300B described above, the fineness of the image such as a displayed pattern can be improved by reducing the interval between the light emitters in the radial direction of the rotation center axis. However, since it is necessary to secure a certain amount of occupied area for each light emitter on the light emitting board in the first place, there is a limit to simply reducing the arrangement interval. In this regard, by shifting the position of the light emitter 371B in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1 so as to follow the plate surface of the light emitting board 372B, the arrangement interval in the arrangement direction of the light emitters 371B (for example, the direction intersecting the rotation center axis CL1 when viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1) can be reduced. This can favorably contribute to the improvement of the above-mentioned fineness.

[0253] In a configuration in which an image is displayed by rotating the rotation unit 350B, it is preferable to make the rotation unit 350B as light as possible in order to improve responsiveness at the start and end of rotation. Therefore, if the light emitters 371B are alternately shifted to one side (e.g., the front side) and the other side (e.g., the rear side) in the direction of the rotation central axis CL1 as shown in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the front-rear width of the light emitting substrate 372B from becoming unnecessarily bulky, thereby contributing to reducing the weight of the light emitting substrate 372. Therefore, it is possible to realize an optimized light emission mode while suppressing a decrease in responsiveness of the operation caused by the light emission mode.

[0254] In the third embodiment, the light emitters 371B arranged in a line in a direction (horizontal direction) away from the rotation central axis CL1 are shifted so that their front and rear positions alternate, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the light emitters 371 may be divided into a plurality of blocks each consisting of a single light emitter 371 or a plurality of adjacent light emitters 371, and each block may be shifted so that their front and rear positions alternate.

[0255] <Fourth embodiment> In the third embodiment, the light emitters 371B are arranged so that their front and rear positions are shifted alternately, thereby improving the expressiveness of the image displayed in the motion area ME in the special performance. However, when the position of the light emitters 371B is shifted in the light irradiation direction, the light emitters 371B on the near side in the irradiation direction may become a factor that reduces the degree of freedom related to the handling of the light guide unit for the light emitters 371B on the far side. One of the features of the movable performance device shown in this embodiment is that it is devised to realize the above-mentioned improvement in expressiveness (high image quality, etc.) while suppressing the reduction in the degree of freedom related to the handling of the light guide unit. Hereinafter, the rotating unit 350C in this embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 32, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0256] A second light emitting board 372YC is disposed on the housing 391C at a position opposite to the first light emitting board 372XC across the optical path forming body 381C. A second light emitting body 371YC is mounted on a plate surface of the second light emitting board 372YC facing the optical path forming body 381C, and light from the second light emitting body 371YC is configured to be incident on the optical path forming body 381C.

[0257] The optical path forming member 381C is provided with a first light guiding portion 385XC that defines the irradiation direction of light from the first light emitter 371XC of the first light emitting substrate 372XC, and a second light guiding portion 385YC that defines the irradiation direction of light from the second light emitter 371YC of the second light emitting substrate 372YC. The first light guiding portion 385XC and the second light guiding portion 385YC are arranged alternately in a direction intersecting with the rotation central axis CL1.

[0258] In the second light-emitting substrate 372YC, the second light emitters 371YC are arranged offset so as to be positioned between the first light emitters 371XC. In other words, the second light emitters 371YC are arranged so as to fill the gaps between the first light emitters 371XC, and the first light emitters 371XC are arranged so as to fill the gaps between the second light emitters 371YC, thereby establishing a positional relationship in which the blanks are complemented by each other.

[0259] This makes it possible to subdivide the light emitting points (dots) while ensuring gaps between the light emitting portions 355C, and thus makes it possible to preferably realize improved expressiveness through fine display.

[0260] In the housing 391, as the number of light emitters 371C contained therein increases, heat tends to build up inside. In this regard, slits are formed in the portion of the housing 391 facing the plate surface of the second light-emitting board 372YC, and the efficiency of heat dissipation caused by the rotation of the rotation unit 350C is ensured. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of heat caused by the addition of the light emitters 371C.

[0261] By adding the second light-emitting substrate 372YC, the weight of the entire rotating unit 350C increases. However, by arranging the light-emitting substrates 372XC, 372YC symmetrically on either side of the rotation central axis CL1, the weight balance is improved compared to the rotating unit 350 shown in the first embodiment, which can contribute to improving the operational stability during steady rotation and mitigating the stress generated at the pivot points due to rotation.

[0262] <Alternative form> As shown in the fourth embodiment, the use of multiple light emitting substrates in combination to improve expressiveness is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. Various examples (variations) of the use of multiple light emitting substrates in combination will be described below.

[0263] <Example 1> In the fourth embodiment, the first light emitters 371XC and the second light emitters 371YC arranged side by side in the direction away from the rotation central axis CL1 (horizontal direction) are alternately arranged, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to divide the first light emitters 371XC into a plurality of first blocks consisting of a single or a plurality of adjacent first light emitters 371XC, and divide the second light emitters 371YC into a plurality of second blocks consisting of a single or a plurality of adjacent second light emitters 371YC, and arrange the first blocks and the second blocks alternately.

[0264] <Example 2> In the fourth embodiment, the light from the first light emitter 371XC of the first light emitting substrate 372XC and the light from the second light emitter 371YC of the second light emitting substrate 372YC are collected in the light path forming member 381C, but the present invention is not limited to this. A first light path forming member for the first light emitter 371XC and a second light path forming member for the second light emitter 371YC may be provided separately.

[0265] <Fifth embodiment> In the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, the expressiveness of the image displayed by the rotation unit 350C is improved by using a plurality (two) of stacked light emitting substrates 372XC and 372YC in combination. In the configuration shown in this embodiment, the expressiveness of the image is realized by using a plurality of light emitting substrates in combination, but the specific configuration and the approach (idea) for improving the expressiveness are different from those in the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration of the rotation unit 350D in this embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 33, focusing on the differences from the rotation unit 350C shown in the fourth embodiment.

[0266] A flat plate-shaped partition 393D is formed inside the housing 391D that constitutes the outer hull of the rotation unit 350D, dividing the internal space in two in the thickness direction of the housing 391D. The partition 393D is provided with a function as a base for mounting the first light-emitting board 372XD and the second light-emitting board 372YD, and each of the light-emitting boards 372XD, 372YD is fixed to the partition 393D such that the plate surface on the side on which the light-emitting bodies 371XD, 371YD are mounted faces the opposite side to the partition 393D.

[0267] In the housing 391D, the optical path forming bodies 381XD, 381YD are disposed so as to sandwich the light emitting boards 372XD, 372YD between the partition portion 393D and the housing 391D. That is, the light from the first light emitting body 371XD is irradiated to the first optical path forming body 381XD facing the first light emitting board 372XD, and the light from the second light emitting body 371YD is irradiated to the second optical path forming body 381YD facing the second light emitting board 372YD.

[0268] The first optical path forming body 381XD and the second optical path forming body 381YD are arranged so that the distance from the rotation central axis CL1 to the first light emitting unit 355XD (first light emitting body 371XD) and the distance from the rotation central axis CL1 to the second light emitting unit 355YD (second light emitting body 371YD) are equal. In other words, the orbit through which the first light emitting unit 355XD passes and the orbit through which the second light emitting unit 355YD passes as the rotating unit 350D rotates are configured to match (overlap).

[0269] In this way, by securing a plurality of (two) light sources passing through one light-emitting location when the rotating unit 350D rotates once, it is possible to control the light-emitting state at the light-emitting location by two light sources, the first light-emitting unit 355XD (first light-emitting body 371XD) and the second light-emitting unit 355YD (second light-emitting body 371YD), which pass through the light-emitting location. This configuration can contribute to improving expressiveness in terms of diversifying light-emitting control patterns, etc. Also, in a configuration in which the light-emitting state is determined by using a plurality of (two) light-emitting units 355XD and 355YD passing through the same location in combination, the rotation speed of the rotating unit 350D can be reduced while ensuring the image display function. This is a preferable configuration for realizing improvement in the durability, etc. of the rotating unit 350D (movable performance device).

[0270] The positional relationship between the first light-emitting unit 355XD and the second light-emitting unit 355YD shown in this embodiment is not essential, and as in the above fourth embodiment, it is also possible to configure the positions to be shifted so as to avoid overlap between the trajectory through which the first light-emitting unit 355XD passes and the trajectory through which the second light-emitting unit 355YD passes.

[0271] Sixth embodiment In the rotary connection connector 328 shown in the first embodiment, a shaft body that rotates around the rotation center axis CL1 following the rotary unit 350, a metallic ring part fixed to the shaft body, and a metallic brush part disposed on the outer periphery of the rotary connection connector 328 and pressed against the ring part from the side are used, so that even if the rotation position of the rotary unit 350 changes, the contact between the ring part and the brush part, that is, the electrical connection between the rotary unit 350 and the base unit 320 (the notification / performance control device 140) is maintained. In this embodiment, the configuration of the rotary connection connector is different from that of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration of the rotary connection connector 328E shown in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 34. FIG. 34(a) is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electrical connection, and FIG. 34(b) is a schematic diagram showing the rotary connection connector 328E in the sixth embodiment.

[0272] As shown in FIG. 34(a), the electric path connecting the notification / performance control device 140 and the light emitting substrate 372E of the movable performance device 300E is roughly divided into a power supply line EL for power supply, a ground line GL, and a signal line SL for command transmission instructing the light emission mode. Each of these lines EL, GL, and SL is connected to the control unit 370E of the light emitting substrate 372E via a rotary connection connector 328E. The control unit 370E specifies the light emitting body 371 to be turned on and the light emitting body 371 to be turned off based on the command inputted through the signal line SL, and switches the power supply to each light emitting body 371 on and off according to the specified contents. The control unit 370E is configured to operate based on the power supplied through the power supply line EL, and the power supply line EL is provided with a function of supplying operating power not only to the light emitting body 371E but also to the control unit 370E.

[0273] 34(b1), the rotary connection connector 328E has a movable plate 331E fixed to the rotary unit 350 and rotating together with the rotary unit 350, and a fixed plate 332E fixed to the base unit 320 and facing the movable plate 331E. The movable plate 331E is disposed so that its plate surface faces the same direction as the rotation central axis CL1, and a connection terminal is formed on the plate surface of the movable plate 331E facing the fixed plate 332E side so as to form a circular ring shape centered on the rotation central axis CL1.

[0274] These connection terminals have different diameter dimensions so as to form a concentric circle around the central axis of rotation CL1, and are arranged on the side away from the central axis of rotation CL1 in the following order: movable plate side connection terminal for the power line EL → movable plate side connection terminal for the ground line GL → movable plate side connection terminal for the signal line SL.

[0275] A plurality of fixed-plate-side connection terminals are disposed along the movable-plate-side connection terminals provided on the movable plate 331E in a portion of the fixed plate 332E facing the movable plate 331E. Specifically, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) fixed-plate-side connection terminals for the power supply line EL corresponding to the movable-plate-side connection terminal for the power supply line EL are provided at equal intervals in the rotation direction about the rotation center axis CL1, a plurality of (four in this embodiment) fixed-plate-side connection terminals for the ground line GL corresponding to the movable-plate-side connection terminal for the ground line GL are provided at equal intervals in the rotation direction about the rotation center axis CL1, and a plurality of (four in this embodiment) fixed-plate-side connection terminals for the signal line SL corresponding to the movable-plate-side connection terminal for the signal line SL are provided at equal intervals in the rotation direction about the rotation center axis CL1.

[0276] As described above, when rotating the rotation unit 350E at high speed, it cannot be denied that the actual rotation axis may deviate (e.g., tilt) from the rotation center axis CL1 due to manufacturing errors in the support structure or deterioration over time such as wear. Such deviation may cause instability in the electrical connection between the notification / performance control device 140 and the light-emitting substrate 372. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by providing multiple connection points at equal intervals in the rotation direction for each line, deviation of the rotation axis of the rotation unit 350E can be favorably tolerated.

[0277] For example, the influence of the above-mentioned misalignment can be suppressed by increasing the contact pressure by pressing the fixed plate side connection terminal provided on the fixed plate 332E against the movable plate side connection terminal. However, such a configuration increases the wear that occurs when the fixed side connection terminal and the movable body side connection end slide. Such an increase in friction is not preferable because it ultimately promotes wear of the connection terminal and becomes a factor that leads to connection failure. Compared to such a configuration, providing multiple connection points as described above is advantageous in reducing the contact pressure and improving durability.

[0278] When the actual rotation axis is tilted relative to the rotation axis CL1, the effect of the tilt increases as the axis moves away from the rotation axis CL1. In this embodiment, the light emitter 371E emits light and the control unit 370E operates by the power supplied from the power line EL, and the importance of the power line EL is higher than that of the other lines. Therefore, by arranging the power line EL at a position where the effect of the tilt is relatively small, that is, at a position closest to the rotation axis CL1, it is possible to prevent connection failures such as the power supply path being cut off due to the tilt even if the tilt occurs.

[0279] Furthermore, in a configuration in which rotation continues while maintaining a contact state, wear of the connection terminals depends on the rotation speed, more specifically, the relative speed and sliding distance between the movable plate side connection terminal and the fixed plate side connection terminal at the contact point. These relative speeds and sliding distances increase as the distance from the rotation center axis CL1 increases. In this embodiment, the connection terminals constituting the relatively important power supply line EL are disposed at positions close to the rotation center axis CL1 where the relative speed is relatively low and the sliding distance is relatively short. This makes it possible to suppress wear of the connection terminals constituting the power supply line EL.

[0280] In addition, various ideas have been implemented for the rotary connector 328 shown in this embodiment to improve connection stability, etc., but it is not necessary to use all of these technical ideas at the same time, and some of them can be applied to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 34(b2), a configuration may be provided in which multiple sets of corresponding connection terminals (rings 341F and brushes 342F) are provided for the power line EL and ground line GL, which are relatively important. In particular, the farther away from the bearing location, the greater the influence when the actual rotation axis is tilted with respect to the rotation center axis CL1. In view of this situation, there is technical significance in arranging the connection terminals constituting the power line EL at a position close to the bearing location, as shown in FIG. 34(b2).

[0281] In consideration of the fact that different levels of importance are set for each line, it is also possible to configure the terminal width (width in the direction of the rotation center axis) to be larger for lines of higher importance (for example, the power supply line EL and the ground line GL) to allow for some margin at the contact points.

[0282] <Seventh embodiment> In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the light emitting points are shifted in the direction of the rotation central axis CL1 to impart a sense of depth (three-dimensional effect) to the displayed images such as characters and pictures, but in this embodiment, the degree of the sense of depth is changed depending on the situation to realize the stylization of the display mode, which is a difference from the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the configuration related to this difference will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

[0283] In the rotating unit 350G shown in the present embodiment, light emitting units 370G each including a light emitting substrate 372G and an optical path forming body 381G are disposed on both sides of the rotation axis CL1. The light emitting units 370G are rotatably held by a housing 391G, and are configured to rotate back and forth about the end portion (rotation axis CL2) on the rotation axis CL1 side, thereby changing the inclination (attitude) with respect to the rotation axis CL1.

[0284] The housing 391G is equipped with a rotation drive unit 401G as a position change means for changing the position of the light-emitting unit 370G. The rotation drive unit 401G is connected to the notification / performance control device 140 and is configured to operate based on a drive signal from the notification / performance control device 140. As a result, the light-emitting unit 370G is configured to move between a first position and a second position that is tilted more rearward than the first position. Although not shown, the housing 391G is equipped with a locking device that can be switched between an allowable state that allows the position of the light-emitting unit 370G to change and a restrictive state that restricts the position change, and when the position of the light-emitting unit 380G is changed, this locking device is temporarily switched from the restrictive state to the allowable state.

[0285] When comparing an image displayed when the light-emitting unit 370G is placed at the first position with an image displayed when the light-emitting unit 370G is placed at the second position, the latter image has a stronger sense of depth (three-dimensional effect) than the former image. This allows the appearance of images that appear similar at first glance to be changed.

[0286] Here, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 35(b1), in the light guide section 385 shown in the first embodiment, the light irradiation direction is set to the direction of the rotation central axis CL1, thereby suppressing the spread of light in a direction intersecting the rotation central axis CL1. Such a configuration is advantageous in suppressing the interference of light between the light emitting sections 355 when a plurality of light emitting sections 355 are used in combination, thereby improving the clarity of the image. However, if this configuration is applied as it is to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the following inconveniences arise. For example, when the light guide section is formed on the premise that the light emitting unit 370G is arranged in the first position, the visibility of the image (light) when arranged in the second position decreases, and when the light guide section is formed on the premise that the light emitting unit 370G is arranged in the second position, the visibility of the image (light) when arranged in the first position decreases.

[0287] Therefore, in the light guide 385G shown in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 35(b2), the side surface 390G of the light guide 385G is inclined so that the interval increases forward, thereby allowing the light to spread in the direction intersecting the rotation central axis CL1. This prevents a decrease in visibility of an image displayed by the light from the light emitting section 355G, regardless of whether the light emitting unit 370G is disposed at the first position or the second position.

[0288] Next, the attitude control of the light-emitting units 370G will be described. In this embodiment, the change in the attitude of the light-emitting units 370G occurs while the rotating unit 350G is rotating. In other words, the change in the attitude of the light-emitting units 370G is avoided when the rotating unit 350G is stopped. Specifically, the attitude change modes include (1) a mode in which the light-emitting units 370G change to the second position while an image is being displayed at the first position, and (2) a mode in which the light-emitting units 350G change from the first position to the second position after the rotating unit 350G starts rotating and before the image is displayed.

[0289] In this embodiment, the expectation of a big win is set higher when the sense of depth is emphasized. When such differentiation is made, it is assumed that the attention of the player is directed to the degree of three-dimensionality imparted to the displayed image. If the attitude of the light-emitting units 370G changes when the rotation unit 350G is stationary, the degree of the sense of depth imparted to the image will be revealed before the image is displayed, and there is a concern that attention to the displayed image will decrease. In this regard, by configuring the light-emitting units 370G to change their attitude during rotation as described above, the occurrence of such inconveniences can be suitably suppressed.

[0290] In the configuration shown in the present embodiment, the light-emitting unit 370G is switched between the first position and the second position, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to change the position of the light-emitting unit 370G. In addition, in the present embodiment, a three-dimensional display is performed in either the first position or the second position, but it is also possible to switch between two-dimensional display and three-dimensional display, including a state in which the inclination with respect to the rotation center axis CL1 is 90 degrees.

[0291] Incidentally, it is possible to change the inclination of the two light-emitting units 370G individually to make the inclinations with respect to the rotation center axis CL1 different, but such a configuration may worsen the balance during rotation, making it difficult to stabilize the rotation and increasing the load on the pivot points. Therefore, in allowing such individual operations, it is preferable to take measures to stabilize the rotation and prevent a decrease in durability (for example, by using a counterweight, etc.).

[0292] <Eighth embodiment> As explained in the seventh embodiment, if the direction of light irradiation changes due to a change in posture, the amount of light reaching the player decreases, giving the impression that the light is dimmed. This phenomenon does not have much effect when the change in posture of the light-emitting board is small, but becomes more noticeable when the change in angle is increased to emphasize the change in three-dimensional effect. Of course, if the player simply changes his line of sight, it becomes easier to capture the light and understand what image is being displayed. However, it is assumed that when the line of sight is changed, it becomes difficult to see the part on the opposite side to the side to which the line of sight is shifted, making it difficult to ensure visibility of the entire image. In this embodiment, one of the features is that a design is made to ensure visibility while increasing the degree of change in three-dimensional effect in consideration of such circumstances. Below, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 36, the configuration related to the above design will be described, focusing on the differences from the seventh embodiment.

[0293] 36(a), the rotating unit 350H shown in the present embodiment has the same configuration in that a light emitting unit 370H consisting of a light emitting board 372H and an optical path forming body 381H is rotatably supported by a housing 391H. However, the configuration is different from that of the seventh embodiment in that the light emitting unit 370H is provided with a first light emitting board 372XH on which a first light emitting body 371XH is mounted and a second light emitting board 372YH on which a second light emitting body 371YH is mounted, and the optical path forming body 381H is provided with a first light guiding section 385XH arranged along the first light emitting board 372XH for guiding light from the first light emitting body 371XH and a second light guiding section 385YH arranged along the second light emitting board 372YH for guiding light from the second light emitting body 371YH.

[0294] As shown in Figures 36 (b1) and (b2), the first light-guiding portion 385XH is formed so that the light irradiation direction faces the front of the gaming machine (towards the rotational center axis CL1) when the light-emitting unit 370H is arranged in the first position, and the second light-guiding portion 385YH is formed so that the light irradiation direction faces the front of the gaming machine (towards the rotational center axis CL1) when the light-emitting unit 370H is arranged in the second position.

[0295] When drawing is performed by the rotation unit 350H under the condition that the light-emitting unit 370H is arranged at the first position, the first light emitter 371XH is turned on / blinking, and the second light emitter 371YH is turned off. As a result, light from the first light emitter 371XH is irradiated through the first light guide 385XH, and an image is displayed in the operation area ME. The first light guide 385XH is regulated so that the light irradiation direction is toward the front of the gaming machine when the light-emitting unit 370H is arranged at the first position, so that the visibility of the displayed image is suitably ensured.

[0296] On the other hand, when drawing is performed by the rotation unit 350H under the condition that the light emitting unit 370H is arranged at the second position, the second light emitter 371YH is turned on / blinking, and the first light emitter 371XH is turned off. As a result, the light from the second light emitter 371YH is irradiated through the second light guide 385YH, and an image is displayed in the operation area ME. The second light guide 385YH is regulated so that the light irradiation direction is toward the front of the gaming machine when the light emitting unit 370H is arranged at the second position, so that the visibility of the displayed image is suitably ensured.

[0297] According to the rotation unit 350H described above in detail, it is possible to improve the expressive power by using the function of changing the sense of depth, while suitably suppressing the resulting decrease in visibility of the image.

[0298] <Alternative form> As described in the eighth embodiment, in order to change the stereoscopic effect of an image displayed by the rotation unit 350H, the rotation unit 350H may be configured as follows.

[0299] <Example 1> A light emitter for which the inclination with respect to the rotation central axis CL1 is 90 degrees and a light guide configured so that the light irradiation direction is toward the front of the gaming machine (the direction of the rotation central axis CL1) when the inclination with respect to the rotation central axis CL1 is 90 degrees may be added, or the combination of the first light emitter 371XH and the first light guide 385XH or the combination of the second light emitter 371YH and the second light guide 385YH may be replaced. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to switch between planar display and stereoscopic display.

[0300] <Example 2> In the eighth embodiment, the light-emitting unit 370H (light-emitting section 355H) is configured to be located on the back side of the rotation central axis CL2 regardless of whether the light-emitting unit 370H (light-emitting section 355H) is located at the first position or the second position, but this is not limited to the above. For example, it is possible to configure the light-emitting unit 370H (light-emitting section 355H) to be located on the front side of the rotation central axis CL2 at either the first position or the second position, and the light-emitting unit 370H (light-emitting section 355H) to be located on the back side of the rotation central axis CL2 at the other position. According to this configuration, the image is displayed three-dimensionally at either position, but it is possible to reverse the relationship of the concaves and convexes of the virtual display surface, which can greatly change the appearance.

[0301] <Example 3> In the eighth embodiment, the first light emitters 371XH and the second light emitters 371YH are arranged in the rotational direction, but it is not necessary to separate the arrangement areas of the light emitters 371XH and 371YH. For example, the first light emitters 371XH and the second light emitters 371YH can be arranged alternately on the same plane. However, when the first light emitters 371XH and the second light emitters 371YH are used individually in such a configuration, one of the first light emitter 355XH corresponding to the first light emitter 371XH and the second light emitter 355YH corresponding to the second light emitter 371YH becomes blank for the other, so the roughness of the displayed image becomes noticeable. Therefore, when it is assumed that the light emitters are used differently depending on the posture of the light-emitting unit, there is technical significance in arranging the first light emitter 355XH and the second light emitter 355YH on the same orbit as shown in the eighth embodiment.

[0302] <Example 4> In the eighth embodiment, the first light guide 385XH is defined so that the light irradiation direction is toward the front of the gaming machine when the light-emitting unit 370H is located at the first position, and the second light guide 385YH is defined so that the light irradiation direction is toward the front of the gaming machine when the light-emitting unit 370H is located at the second position. The light guides 385XH and 385YH are used according to the situation, but the present invention is not limited to this. When the attitude of the light-emitting unit 370H changes, the direction of the light guide with respect to the main body of the light-emitting unit 370H may be changed so that the light irradiation direction is maintained in a predetermined direction.

[0303] <Ninth embodiment> In the seventh embodiment, the attitude of the light-emitting unit 370G is changed using the driving force from the rotation drive unit 401G and the like. However, in order to stably change the attitude of the light-emitting unit 370G, which has a certain degree of weight, while the rotation unit 350G is rotating, the power generated by the rotation drive unit 401G needs to be increased to a certain degree, and the size and weight of the rotation drive unit 401G tend to increase. This may also affect the weight of the rotation unit 350G itself. In this embodiment, one of the features is that the structure related to the attitude change is devised in consideration of these various circumstances. Hereinafter, the rotation unit 350I in this embodiment will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 37, focusing on the differences from the seventh embodiment and the like.

[0304] In the present embodiment, light emitting block 356I is constructed by light emitting body 371I, light guiding section 385I that guides light from light emitting body 371I, transparent member 382I through which light from light guiding section 385I passes, and case body 401I in which these various components are mounted. These light emitting blocks 356I are held by housing 391I in a state where they are aligned in a direction intersecting with rotation central axis CL1.

[0305] The light-emitting blocks 356I are roughly divided into fixed light-emitting blocks 356aI and movable light-emitting blocks 356bI that are movable in a direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the light-emitting blocks 356I. Hereinafter, a configuration related to the movement of the movable light-emitting blocks 356bI will be described.

[0306] A guide groove 395I is formed in the housing 391I, and a protrusion 402I formed on the case body 401I engages with the guide groove 395I. The guide groove 395I extends in the front-rear direction and is inclined with respect to the rotation center axis CL1 so that the distance between the rear end and the rotation center axis CL1 is greater than the distance between the front end and the rotation center axis CL1. The light-emitting block 356I is allowed to slide along the guide groove 395I.

[0307] The housing 391I is provided with a locking device having a stopper 399I that can be switched between an allowable state that allows the movable light-emitting block 356bI to move and a restricted state that restricts the movement. The stopper 399I is slidable in the direction of the rotation axis CL1, and in the restricted state, the stopper 399I abuts against the back surface of the light-emitting block 356bI to restrict the movement of the light-emitting block 356bI along the guide groove 395I. In this state, all the light-emitting blocks 356bI are lined up horizontally and aligned in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis CL1.

[0308] The stopper 399I retreats and moves away from the light-emitting block 356bI, thereby allowing the light-emitting block 356bI to move along the guide groove 395I. Specifically, as the rotating unit 350I rotates, a centrifugal force acts on the light-emitting block 356bI so as to move the light-emitting block 356bI away from the rotational center axis CL1. Here, a component moving away from the rotational center axis CL1 is imparted to the direction of the guide groove 395I, and the light-emitting block 356bI retreats along the guide groove 395I due to this centrifugal force. The light-emitting block 356bI that has retreated due to the centrifugal force hits the rear end of the guide groove 395I, thereby being prevented from retreating any further.

[0309] As shown in Fig. 37(c), an engagement protrusion 403I and an engagement groove 404I that engage with an adjacent case body are formed on the side portion of the case body 401I. The light-emitting blocks 356bI are connected to each other by the engagement protrusion 403I and the engagement groove 404I, and the amount of change in the relative position is limited so that the overlap in the arrangement direction is maintained. Incidentally, in a situation where the movement of a part of the light-emitting blocks 356bI is hindered due to factors such as getting caught, the movement of this light-emitting block 356bI is assisted by the adjacent light-emitting block 356bI, ensuring smooth posture change.

[0310] Here, the front end of the guide groove 395I is aligned in the front-rear position, whereas the rear end is provided with a difference such that the farther the rear end is from the rotation center axis CL1, the farther the rear end extends. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37(b), the position of the retracted light-emitting block 356bI shifts rearward as the distance from the rotation center axis CL1 increases.

[0311] At the timing before the rotation speed increases and shifts to constant speed rotation, the centrifugal force becomes greater than the sliding resistance that impedes the movement of the light-emitting blocks 356bI, and all of the movable light-emitting blocks 356bI reach the rear end of the guide groove 395I. As a result, the posture of the light-emitting blocks 356 as a whole changes to form an arc with the fixed light-emitting block 356aI located on the rotation central axis CL1 at the head.

[0312] After a stereoscopic image is displayed using the rotation unit 350I, the stopper 399I moves forward on the condition that the rotation unit 350I has returned to its initial position. As a result, the light-emitting block 356bI located at the rear end of the guide groove 395I is pushed forward by the stopper 399I and returns to the front end of the guide groove 395I.

[0313] <Alternative form> The configuration in which the attitude is changed by utilizing the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the rotating unit 350I as shown in the ninth embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0314] <Example 1> In the ninth embodiment, the stopper 399I is operated to return each light-emitting block 356bI to its original position (front end position), but in such a configuration, the presence of an actuator for driving the stopper 399I increases the weight of the rotation unit 350I. Therefore, for example, a biasing means (e.g., a spring) for biasing each light-emitting block 356bI to the front end position may be provided, and the light-emitting block 356bI may move against the biasing force of the biasing means. According to this configuration, the rotation speed decreases and the centrifugal force decreases, so that the biasing force stored in the biasing means can return the light-emitting block 356bI to the front end position. Therefore, it is possible to contribute to reducing the weight of the rotation unit 350I compared to the case where an actuator is mounted.

[0315] <Example 2> In the ninth embodiment, the stopper 399I is slid back and forth to move the light emitting block 356bI between two positions, the front end position and the rear end position, i.e., the switchable posture is two-stage, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to increase the switchable posture. For example, the stopper 399I is divided into two with the rotation center axis CL1 as a reference, and each stopper 399I is held rotatably with the end on the rotation center axis CL1 side as a reference. By rotating the stopper 399I back and forth, the movement amount of each light emitting block 356bI can be changed finely, and the sense of depth (three-dimensional effect) can be switched in multiple stages or steplessly.

[0316] Even if the switchable positions are diversified by such changes, the light irradiation direction (direction of the optical axis) of each light-emitting block 356bI is maintained facing the front of the gaming machine, so there is no need to adjust the optical axis for each position. This contributes to further improving the expressiveness with a simple configuration while ensuring the visibility of the image.

[0317] <Tenth embodiment> As already explained, the possibility cannot be denied that the rotation speed of the rotation unit 350 shown in the first embodiment and the like may vary during constant speed rotation due to manufacturing errors and deterioration over time such as wear. Such unstable rotation of the rotation unit 350 may cause distortion of the displayed image, which may deteriorate the appearance. In the rotation unit 350J shown in the present embodiment, one of the features is that a device is implemented to stably perform the image display function in order to prevent such inconvenience from occurring. Hereinafter, the configuration related to the device will be explained with reference to FIG. 38. FIG. 38 is a schematic view of the rotation unit 350J as viewed from the back side.

[0318] As shown in FIG. 38(a), a housing 391J of a rotating unit 350J is provided with a weight 411J, a shaft 412J through which the weight 411J is inserted and which holds the weight 411J so that the weight 411J can move toward and away from the rotation center axis CL1 (in a direction intersecting the rotation center axis CL1), and a coil spring 413J as a biasing means for biasing the weight 411J toward the rotation center axis CL1.

[0319] In addition, an inner stopper portion 414J that prevents the weight 411J from moving toward the rotation center axis CL1 is formed at the rotation center portion of the housing 391J, and an outer stopper portion 415J that prevents movement away from the rotation center axis CL1 is formed at the rotation tip portion of the housing 391J, and the movement range of the weight 411J is determined by these stopper portions 414J, 415J.

[0320] When the rotating unit 350J is waiting in the initial position (not rotating), the weight 411J is pressed against the inner stopper portion 414J by the biasing force of the coil spring 413J, and is prevented from moving toward the outer stopper portion 415J. When the rotating unit 350J starts to rotate and the rotation speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the weight 411J increases. As the centrifugal force acting on the weight 411J exceeds the biasing force of the coil spring 413J, the weight 411J moves toward the outer stopper portion 415J (see FIG. 38(a) to FIG. 38(b)).

[0321] At the beginning of rotation of the rotating unit 350J, the weight 411J waits at a position close to the rotation central axis CL1, so that the presence of the weight 411J is prevented from interfering with the rotation of the rotating unit 350J.

[0322] In contrast, before the rotation speed of the rotating unit 350 reaches the upper limit, the weight 411J reaches the outer stopper portion 415J, and the rotation moment generated in the rotating unit 350 becomes maximum. This suppresses abrupt changes in the rotation speed of the rotating unit 350, and the rotation is stabilized when the rotation speed transitions to constant speed rotation.

[0323] In a configuration in which the weight 411J is biased by the coil spring 413J, when the weight 411J is not pressed against the inner stopper portion 414J or the outer stopper portion 415J, the expansion and contraction (vibration) of the coil spring 413J directly affects the position of the weight 411J, making the position of the weight 411J unstable. In this regard, when the rotation speed reaches a maximum and the weight 411J is shifting to a steady rotation, the centrifugal force acting on the weight 411J greatly exceeds the biasing force of the coil spring 413J, and the weight 411J is maintained in a state of being pressed against the outer stopper portion 415J. This prevents the presence of the coil spring 413J from being a factor in changing the moment of inertia during constant speed rotation.

[0324] Here, using movable weight 411J to increase the amount of change in the moment of inertia is effective in increasing stability during constant speed rotation while suppressing initial rotation resistance. In particular, the moment of inertia during constant speed rotation can be increased by moving weight 411J away from rotation center axis CL1. However, since there is a limit to the size (total length) of rotation unit 350J, there is also a limit to how far weight 411J can be moved away from rotation center axis CL1. In particular, if weight 411J is controlled by using coil spring 413J, the presence of coil spring 413J will increase the restriction on the travel distance of weight 411J.

[0325] In this regard, in the present embodiment, when the weight 411J is in contact with the outer stopper portion 415J, the coil spring 413J is housed in a recess 416J formed in the outer stopper portion 415J, thereby making it possible to increase the stroke of the weight 411J.

[0326] The moment of inertia varying means 410J, which is constituted by the movable weight 411J and various associated components, is disposed symmetrically with respect to the central axis of rotation CL1, thereby preventing the weight balance of the rotating unit 350J from being disturbed by the presence of the moment of inertia varying means 410J.

[0327] As shown in FIG. 38(a), when the rotating unit 350J is arranged at the initial position, the movement axis (shaft body 412J) of the two weights 411J is configured to be oriented horizontally. In other words, when the rotating unit 350J is in a standby state arranged at the initial position, the weight of the weight 411J is prevented from being applied to the coil spring 413J. In this way, when the rotating unit 350J is not rotating, the application of unnecessary external force to the coil spring 413J is prevented, thereby suppressing a deterioration in the function of the coil spring 413J. As a result, in a configuration in which two moment of inertia varying means 410J are used in combination, the occurrence of a difference in the degree of change when the moment of inertia changes is suppressed, and the change in the moment of inertia is smoothed.

[0328] According to the tenth embodiment described above in detail, as the rotation speed of the rotating unit 350J increases, the weight 411J moves away from the rotation center axis CL1 due to centrifugal force, and the moment of inertia during high-speed rotation can be increased. This makes it possible to suppress variations in the rotation speed during high-speed rotation and suppress image distortion.

[0329] When considering stability during high-speed rotation, it is possible to fix a weight in advance to a portion far from the central axis of rotation so as to increase the moment of inertia. However, such an arrangement of the weight increases the resistance when accelerating the movable body, which may cause a decrease in responsiveness at the start of rotation. In this respect, in the configuration shown in this embodiment, the weight 411J is located at a position close to the central axis of rotation CL1 at the start, so that the moment of inertia can be made relatively small. This makes it possible to preferably suppress the decrease in responsiveness.

[0330] For the reasons above, by creating a sufficiently large difference between the moment of inertia at its minimum and maximum, i.e., by significantly changing the moment of inertia between when the rotation unit 350J is started and when it is rotating at high speed, it is possible to suppress a decrease in responsiveness at the beginning of rotation (when accelerating) while suppressing speed variations during high-speed rotation, thereby improving operational stability and improving the operation of the movable performance device 300.

[0331] Although the effect of speed variation can be mitigated by performing fine control using, for example, a stepping motor, etc., such measures increase the control load and do not completely eliminate the image distortion described above. For the above reasons, there is technical significance in adopting the configuration shown in this embodiment.

[0332] In a configuration in which the weight is used to change the moment of inertia, if the position of the weight changes under conditions of steady rotation, this can become a factor that destabilizes the rotation of the movable body. Therefore, by adopting a configuration that prevents the displacement of the weight 411J during steady rotation (a predetermined rotation speed) and suppresses changes in the moment of inertia during the steady rotation, it is possible to suitably prevent the weight from becoming a factor that destabilizes the rotation.

[0333] The rotating unit 350J is long and horizontal, and is configured so that the standby position is horizontal. This prevents the weight 411J from moving away from the rotation center axis CL1 due to its own weight during standby, and effectively suppresses positional variation during standby. This prevents the responsiveness of the movable body 411J from decreasing when it is started.

[0334] Furthermore, since the rotating unit 350J is symmetrical about the central axis of rotation CL1, it is possible to suppress deviations such as settling that occur in the coil springs 413J and the like, and thus suppress deterioration of balance during rotation.

[0335] In the above embodiment, the weight 411J is held slidably, but it is sufficient if the distance of the weight 411J (specifically, its center of gravity) from the rotation center axis CL1 can be changed, and for example, the weight can be held rotatably. By changing the posture of the weight, the distance between the center of gravity of the weight and the rotation center axis CL1 changes, thereby ensuring the variable function of the moment of inertia.

[0336] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to each of the above-mentioned embodiments, or may be applied in combination with some or all of the following embodiments. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or some of the various configurations shown in each of the above-mentioned embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects to be exerted) of each of the configurations to be combined is guaranteed. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration formed by a combination of the embodiments, or may be applied in combination with some or all of the following embodiments.

[0337] (1) In each of the above embodiments, the rotational axis CL1 of the rotational unit 350 as the "movable body" is arranged to face the front-rear direction of the gaming machine, but this is not limited to this. The direction of the rotational axis CL1 can be determined arbitrarily. For example, the rotational unit 350 can be configured so that the rotational axis CL1 faces the up-down direction.

[0338] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the area in front of the pattern display device 253 (display screen 253a) as the "picture display means" is set as the motion area ME of the movable presentation device 300, but the position at which the motion area ME is set is arbitrary. The movable presentation device 300 shown in the above embodiments is characterized in that the visibility of the configuration located behind it can be ensured through the motion area ME. In view of this characteristic, it is also possible to use the area in front of game components such as lamp units and decorative bodies as the motion area ME. Even in this case, the light-emitting performance by the lamp unit and the visibility of the decorative members can be ensured.

[0339] (3) In each of the above embodiments, a DC motor is used as the "drive unit" for the rotation unit 350. Instead, a stepping motor may be used. With a stepping motor, the rotation angle can be controlled by output pulses. When a stepping motor is used, the light emission mode is defined in association with the number of output pulses, thereby making it possible to switch the display mode according to the rotation angle.

[0340] (4) In each of the above embodiments, whether or not constant speed rotation is occurring is determined based on the output status (output pulse) of the drive signal to the rotation drive unit 324. However, it is also possible to determine whether or not constant speed rotation is occurring based on detection information from a position detection sensor or the like (for example, by calculating the required rotation period or rotation speed).

[0341] (5) In each of the above embodiments, the light-emitting units 355 are arranged symmetrically (bilaterally symmetrically) about the rotation axis CL1. In such a configuration, when the rotation angle becomes 180 degrees, the positional relationship between the light-emitting units 355 (first group of light-emitting units 355) on one side of the rotation axis CL1 and the light-emitting units 355 (second group of light-emitting units 355) on the other side is reversed. In consideration of such a movement, it is also possible to configure the light-emission control target to be switched every time the rotation angle becomes 180 degrees.

[0342] Specifically, the first light-emitting unit 355 group is controlled to emit light in the first control mode and the second light-emitting unit 355 group is controlled to emit light in the second control mode until the rotation angle of the rotation unit 350 reaches 180 degrees from the initial position, and the control mode is switched so that the first light-emitting unit 355 group is controlled to emit light in the second control mode and the second light-emitting unit 355 group is controlled to emit light in the first control mode until the rotation angle reaches 180 degrees and the rotation unit returns to the initial position. Since the orbit through which each of the first light-emitting unit 355 group passes and the orbit through which each of the second light-emitting unit 355 group passes coincide with each other, the display control span of each light-emitting point can be reduced to a period half that of each of the above embodiments. As a result, if the rotation speed is the same as that of each of the above embodiments, it is possible to express even smoother movements when displaying, for example, videos. In addition, in order to ensure smoothness equivalent to that of each of the above embodiments, it is possible to suppress the rotation speed to about half.

[0343] (6) In each of the above embodiments, the light-emitting units 355 are arranged symmetrically about the rotational axis CL1, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the light-emitting units may be arranged asymmetrically about the rotational axis CL1. Also, it is not necessarily required to dispose the light-emitting units 355 on both sides of the rotational axis CL1. However, in consideration of stability during high-speed rotation and mitigation of stress generated at the pivot points, the above-mentioned symmetrical arrangement is technically significant.

[0344] (7) In each of the above embodiments, the light emitting substrate 372 is disposed so that its plate surface is parallel to the rotational axis CL1, but the light emitting substrate 372 may be disposed so as to be inclined with respect to the rotational axis CL1, or so as to intersect (for example, perpendicular to) the rotational axis CL1. In addition, the light emitting substrate 372 is disposed at a position away from the rotational axis CL1, but the light emitting substrate 372 may be disposed on the rotational axis CL1.

[0345] (8) In each of the above embodiments, when the rotation speed of the rotation unit 350 has not reached a predetermined speed (upper limit speed) (during acceleration or deceleration), the light emission control is performed in units of a preset cycle, and when the rotation speed of the rotation unit 350 has reached the predetermined speed (during constant speed rotation), the light emission control is performed by the rotation unit 350 in units of one rotation. However, such switching of the control mode is not essential. For example, it is possible to unify the above two conditions.

[0346] (9) In each of the above embodiments, the light path forming body 381 that constitutes the light emitting unit 355 is used. However, this does not deny a configuration in which light from the light emitting body 371 is directly irradiated in front of the gaming machine.

[0347] (10) In each of the above embodiments, light guiding section 385 is provided with a light diffusion region and a non-light diffusion region, but this is not limited to the above. The entire area of ​​light guiding section 385 may be a light diffusion region or a non-light diffusion region.

[0348] (11) In each of the above embodiments, one of the two plate surfaces of the light emitting board 372 is the mounting surface for the light emitting body 371. However, it is also possible to mount the light emitting body 371 on both surfaces of the light emitting board 372.

[0349] Furthermore, the object on which the light emitting body 371 is to be disposed does not necessarily have to be a plate-shaped member. For example, the object on which the light emitting body 371 is to be disposed may be a rod-shaped member or a semi-spherical member.

[0350] (12) In each of the above embodiments, the intervals between the light emitting bodies 371 are set to gradually increase with increasing distance from the central axis of rotation CL1. However, the intervals between the light emitting bodies 371 may be set to be constant.

[0351] In addition, when a virtual display surface is assumed to be convex toward the front of the gaming machine at the center, the intervals between the light emitting parts 355 can be made smaller as they move away from the rotation center axis CL1, rather than being constant. This causes the dots (pixels) to change from sparse to dense from the rotation center outward, which can greatly enhance the sense of depth (three-dimensionality).

[0352] (13) In each of the above embodiments, the rotating unit 350 is configured to rotate in a clockwise direction as viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1, but this can be changed to a configuration in which the rotating unit 350 rotates in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis CL1. Also, while the rotating unit 350 is configured to rotate in only one direction, it can be configured to rotate in both forward and reverse directions.

[0353] (14) As shown in each of the above embodiments, in a configuration in which an image is displayed in space using a rotary image display means, the greater the distance from the rotation center axis CL1 to the light-emitting unit 355, the lower the apparent light emission level becomes, and the darker the image becomes due to the lack of light. In other words, a difference in brightness occurs in the image depending on the distance from the rotation center axis CL1. Therefore, instead of making the specifications of all the light-emitting bodies 371 common, it is also possible to arrange light-emitting bodies with a higher light emission level (larger light amount) that are farther from the rotation center axis CL1, and perform a correction so that the above-mentioned difference in brightness becomes smaller or the brightness is unified. In addition, it is not denied that the same correction as the above correction can be performed by increasing the light emission level by increasing the supply power to light-emitting bodies farther from the rotation center axis CL1, or by adjusting the light amount (tone control) for each light-emitting body 371.

[0354] In particular, the light emission of the light-emitting portion 355 located on the rotation central axis CL1 may be excessively strong. Therefore, it is preferable to use the various configurations described above to provide a configuration in which the light emission level is reduced at least during rotation.

[0355] (15) In each of the above embodiments, the light emission mode is switched when the rotation unit 350 accelerates, rotates at a constant speed, and then decelerates. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light emission mode may be the same regardless of the rotation state, or an image may be displayed only during constant speed rotation.

[0356] (16) In each of the above embodiments, the special effects executed by the movable effect device 300 are operation-responsive effects corresponding to the operation of the operation button 35 (corresponding to the "operation unit") by the player, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to configure the special effects by the movable effect device 300 so as not to relate to the operation of the operation button 35.

[0357] (17) In each of the above embodiments, during constant speed rotation, the next light emission control mode (the flow of which light emitter is turned on / off at what timing) is set for each rotation based on the detection information from the rotation position detection sensor 329, and during non-constant speed rotation, the next light emission control mode is set when a predetermined period has elapsed that is set to be equal to the period required for one rotation during constant speed rotation, but this can also be reversed. Also, it is not necessarily necessary to use both of the above two conditions as the conditions for switching (setting) the light emission control mode, and it is also possible to unify them into one of the conditions.

[0358] (18) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration does not distinguish between the light-emitting body that is the light-emitting object in the first light-emitting control process executed when the rotation is at a constant speed and the light-emitting body that is the light-emitting object in the second light-emitting control process executed when the rotation is not at a constant speed. However, this can be changed to a configuration that distinguishes between the light-emitting object when the rotation unit 350 is rotating at a constant speed and the light-emitting object when the rotation is not at a constant speed. For example, it is possible to limit a part of the light-emitting body 371 not to be the light-emitting object by excluding the light-emitting body 371 located at the rotation tip of the rotation unit 350 from the light-emitting object when the rotation is not at a constant speed. In the first place, in a configuration in which an image is displayed by rotating the rotation unit 350, the quality of the displayed image is lower than the image that is originally displayed by forcibly displaying the image when the rotation speed is not sufficient for drawing. Therefore, in the above embodiment, the configuration is such that the displayed image is used for constant rotation and non-constant rotation. In this case, if the configuration is such that the light-emitting object is limited, the difference between the image displayed during constant rotation and the image displayed otherwise can be emphasized while ensuring the quality of the image displayed during constant rotation.

[0359] (18) The present invention can also be applied to other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines in which an electric device opens a predetermined number of times when a gaming ball enters a specific area of ​​a special device, pachinko machines in which a right is generated and a jackpot is awarded when a gaming ball enters a specific area of ​​a special device, pachinko machines equipped with other devices, arrange ball machines, mahjong ball machines, and other gaming machines.

[0360] The present invention can also be applied to non-pinball gaming machines, such as slot machines, which have multiple reels with multiple types of patterns printed around them, and in which the rotation of the reels begins when a medal is inserted and a start lever is operated, and after the reels stop when a stop switch is operated, if a specific pattern or combination of specific patterns is formed on a winning line visible through a display window, a bonus such as a medal payout is given to the player.

[0361] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine and a slot machine, in which the gaming machine main body is supported on an outer frame so that it can be opened and closed, is equipped with a storage section and an intake device, and the reels begin to rotate when the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of gaming balls stored in the storage section have been taken in by the intake device.

[0362] <Inventions extracted from the above embodiments> The following describes the features of the inventions extracted from the above-mentioned embodiments, while indicating the effects, etc., as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-mentioned embodiments are appropriately indicated in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0363] <Feature A group> Misalignment of light emission points The following feature A group has been made in response to a problem that the invention is trying to solve with regard to the background technology, which states, "Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines and slot machines, are provided with light-emitting units that are arranged in positions visible from the front of the gaming machine and whose display mode changes as the game progresses. These light-emitting units are endowed with a function to enhance the presentation effects during play by changing the display mode in various ways according to the game progress, etc. (for example, Patent Document 1)." The background technology states, "However, even if attempts are made to enhance the presentation effects using the above-mentioned light-emitting units, many of them tend to be similar, and there is still room for improvement in terms of increasing attention to the display effects by improving the appearance, etc. of the display effects."

[0364] Feature A1. A movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) that is rotatably held and extends in a direction intersecting with the rotation center axis (rotation center axis CL1) and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) that rotates the movable body; A control means (announcement / performance control device 140) for controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of the game to perform a game performance; Equipped with The movable body is provided with a light emitting means (main body 352) having a plurality of light emitting units (light emitting units 355) arranged at different distances from a rotation central axis (rotation central axis CL1) of the movable body, The control means A drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; A light emission control means (a function of executing a light emission control process in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for switching the light emission mode of the light emission means according to the rotational position or rotational period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating; having The gaming machine, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are arranged so as to be offset in the direction of the central axis of rotation.

[0365] According to feature A1, a plurality of light-emitting parts are formed at different distances from the rotation axis of the movable body (for example, aligned in the radial direction of the rotation axis when viewed from the rotation axis direction), and by changing the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting means (plurality of light-emitting parts) according to the rotation of the movable body, it is possible to display images such as patterns and letters by utilizing an afterimage of light so that they appear to float in the space that is the operating area of ​​the movable body. Since the positions (relative positions) of the light-emitting parts in the rotation axis direction are shifted, a sense of depth (three-dimensionality) is created in the image in the rotation axis direction. This improves the appearance of the game presentation (light-emitting presentation) by the movable presentation device, and contributes to increasing the attention to the presentation.

[0366] The configuration shown in this characteristic may be defined as "a movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) that is rotatably held and extends in a direction intersecting with a rotation center axis (rotation center axis CL1) and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) that rotates the movable body, and a control means (announcement / performance control device 140) that performs game performance by controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of a game, the movable body is provided with light emitting means (main body 352) having a plurality of light emitting units (light emitting units 355) that are arranged at different distances from the rotation center axis (rotation center axis CL1) of the movable body, and the control means controls the movable body to rotate. It is also possible to provide a gaming machine having a drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in MPU 612 of notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit by rotating the movable body, and a light emission control means (a function of executing light emission control processing in MPU 612 of notification / performance control device 140) for switching the light emission mode of the light emitting means in accordance with the rotational position or rotation period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating, wherein the multiple light emitting units include a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit having different distances from the rotation center axis, and the relative positions of the first light emitting unit and the second light emitting unit are shifted in the direction of the rotation center axis.

[0367] Incidentally, the movable performance device (movable performance device 300) includes a movable body (rotation unit 350) that is rotatably held and extends in a direction intersecting with a rotation center axis (rotation center axis CL1) and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) that rotates the movable body, and a control means (announcement / performance control device 140) that performs game performance by controlling the movable performance device according to the progress of the game, and the movable body is provided with a plurality of light emitting units (light emitting units 355) arranged in a radial direction (for example, a left-right direction) of the rotation center axis (rotation center axis CL1) of the movable body. It is also possible to provide a gaming machine having a control means (main body 352) which has a drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in MPU 612 of notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body, and a light emission control means (a function of executing light emission control processing in MPU 612 of notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the light emission of the light emitting means when the movable body is rotating, and the multiple light emitting units are arranged so as to be offset in the direction of the central axis of rotation.

[0368] Feature A2. A movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) that is rotatably held and extends in a direction intersecting with the rotation center axis (rotation center axis CL1) and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) that rotates the movable body; A control means (announcement / performance control device 140) for controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of the game to perform a game performance; Equipped with The movable body is provided with a light emitting means (main body 352) having a plurality of light emitting units (light emitting units 355) arranged at different distances from the rotation center axis of the movable body, The control means A drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; A light emission control means (a function of executing a light emission control process in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for displaying a predetermined image in the operating area of ​​the movable body by switching the light emission mode of the light emission means according to the rotational position or rotational period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating, using an afterimage of light. having The gaming machine, wherein the plurality of light-emitting units are arranged so as to be offset in the direction of the central axis of rotation.

[0369] According to feature A2, a plurality of light-emitting parts are formed at different distances from the rotation axis of the movable body (for example, aligned in the radial direction of the rotation axis when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis), and by changing the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting means according to the rotation of the movable body, a predetermined image (for example, an image of a pattern or letters imitating a character, etc.) can be made to appear in the rotation area of ​​the movable body by utilizing an afterimage of light. Since the positions (relative positions) of the light-emitting parts in the direction of the rotation axis are shifted, a sense of depth (three-dimensionality) is created in the predetermined image in the direction of the rotation axis. This improves the appearance of the game presentation (light-emitting presentation) by the movable presentation device, and contributes to increasing the attention to the presentation.

[0370] The configuration shown in this characteristic may be defined as "a movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) that is rotatably held and extends in a direction intersecting with a rotation center axis (rotation center axis CL1) and a drive section (rotation drive section 324) that rotates the movable body, and a control means (announcement / performance control device 140) that performs game performance by controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of a game, the movable body is provided with a light emitting means (main body section 352) having a plurality of light emitting sections (light emitting sections 355) that are arranged at different distances from the rotation center axis of the movable body, and the control means controls the drive of the drive section so as to rotate the movable body." It is also possible to provide a gaming machine having a control means (a function of executing drive control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) and a light emission control means (a function of executing light emission control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for switching the light emission mode of the light emitting means in accordance with the rotational position or rotational period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating, thereby displaying a predetermined image by utilizing an afterimage of light in the operating area of ​​the movable body, wherein the multiple light emitting elements include a first light emitting element and a second light emitting element having different distances from the rotation center axis, and the relative positions of the first light emitting element and the second light emitting element are shifted in the direction of the rotation center axis.

[0371] Feature A3. The device has a display screen (display screen 253a) and is equipped with a pattern display means (pattern display device 253) that variably displays a pattern on the display screen. The gaming machine described in feature A1 or feature A2, characterized in that the movable performance device is configured to allow the display screen to be viewed through the moving area of ​​the movable body when the movable body is rotated in front of the picture display means to display a predetermined image.

[0372] According to feature A3, when the movable body rotates in front of the picture display means, even if a predetermined image is displayed in the operating area due to the rotation, the display content (picture, etc.) of the display screen located behind it is guaranteed to be visible. Therefore, the movable performance device and the picture display means can be suitably coexisted, and for example, an integrated performance can be achieved by cooperation between the movable performance device and the picture display means.

[0373] For example, the movable body may be formed to have an elongated shape that extends in a direction intersecting with the central axis of rotation. With this configuration, the movable body itself becomes difficult to visually see as the rotation speed increases. Therefore, the visibility described above can be favorably ensured.

[0374] Incidentally, the configuration shown in this feature can also be defined as "a gaming machine described in feature A1 or feature A2, characterized in that it has a display screen (display screen 253a) and is equipped with a pattern display means (pattern display device 253) which variably displays patterns on the display screen, and the movable performance device is configured to rotate the movable body in front of the pattern display means so that a predetermined image is displayed in the operating area of ​​the movable body while the pattern displayed on the display screen of the pattern display means located behind it can be viewed through the operating area."

[0375] Feature A4. A gaming machine described in any one of Features A1 to A3, characterized in that the multiple light-emitting units are arranged so that the degree of separation in the direction of the rotational axis from the light-emitting unit closest to the rotational axis increases as the light-emitting units move away from the rotational axis.

[0376] For example, it is possible to shift the position of only some of the light-emitting parts in the direction of the central axis of rotation. However, such small changes are likely to be lost, and it is expected that the three-dimensional display function shown in feature A1 etc. will not be fully realized. Therefore, by devising the arrangement of the entire light-emitting parts, it is possible to prevent the three-dimensional display from becoming difficult to understand.

[0377] In particular, if the configuration is such that the degree of separation between adjacent light-emitting elements in the direction of the rotation center axis increases the farther they are from the rotation center axis, the more pronounced the deviation in relative position in the direction of the rotation center axis will be, allowing the movable performance device to function as if it were a curved (e.g., spherical) display, which can contribute to enhancing the visual effects described in feature A1, etc.

[0378] Feature A5. The rotation center axis extends in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine, and the light from the light-emitting unit is irradiated toward the front of the gaming machine. A gaming machine described in any one of Features A1 to A4, characterized in that the multiple light-emitting units are staggered so that the ones closer to the rotation center axis are at the front and the ones farthest from the rotation center axis are at the back.

[0379] In the rotating movable performance device shown in feature A1, the further the light emitting unit is from the central axis of rotation, the faster the moving speed (angular velocity) associated with the rotation. Therefore, the brightness of the image decreases the farther it is from the central axis of rotation. If the light emitting unit is configured to shift toward the back as it moves away from the center of rotation with such characteristics, the combination of the decrease in brightness and the shift toward the back can be used to ideally realize the above-mentioned three-dimensional display.

[0380] Feature A6. The gaming machine described in Feature A5, wherein the multiple light-emitting elements are configured so that the amounts of light emitted from the light-emitting elements are equal.

[0381] For example, if the light-emitting units are differentiated by increasing the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting units farther from the central axis of rotation (the outer side), not only will the configuration of the light-emitting units become more complicated, but there is also concern that this could be a factor in reducing the sense of three-dimensionality described above. Therefore, if the light amounts of the light-emitting units are unified as shown in this feature, the reduction in the sense of three-dimensionality can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

[0382] The configuration described in this feature may be "a gaming machine described in feature A5, characterized in that the light-emitting section located at the back is configured to emit less light." In addition, when the light intensity is set individually for each light-emitting section (for example, when the light-emitting section located at the back emits more light), it is preferable to suppress the apparent brightness of a predetermined image displayed with rotation to a level that decreases as it moves away from the center.

[0383] Feature A7. The movable body has an arc shape that is convex toward the front of the gaming machine. A gaming machine described in feature A5 or feature A6, characterized in that at least a portion of the portion holding the movable body is located in an area surrounded by the motion area of ​​the movable body.

[0384] Although the three-dimensional effect can be emphasized by increasing the distance between the light-emitting parts in the front-to-rear direction, this tends to result in the operating area of ​​the movable body becoming larger. This is undesirable because it places greater restrictions on the placement of the movable presentation device. In this regard, if the end of the rotating body (the tip of the rotation) is configured to rotate around the holding part, as shown in this feature, the expansion of the occupied area caused by the enhanced three-dimensional effect can be suitably alleviated. As a result, in a configuration in which the movable presentation device is placed in front of a game device such as a picture display means (picture display device 253), for example, it becomes easier to coexist with the game device, which can contribute to promoting the use of the movable presentation device.

[0385] Feature A8. The light-emitting units are arranged at equal intervals; A gaming machine described in any one of features A5 to A7, characterized in that the area in which the light-emitting unit is arranged is arc-shaped.

[0386] According to feature A8, when viewed from the direction of the rotation center axis (the front of the gaming machine), the spacing between the light-emitting parts changes from sparse to dense from the center of rotation outward. By changing the spacing in this way when viewed from the front, it is possible to contribute to enhancing the three-dimensional effect described above.

[0387] Feature A9. The light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting substrate (light-emitting substrate 372) on which a light-emitting body (light-emitting body 371) is mounted, and a light-guiding portion (light-guiding portion 385) that guides light from the light-emitting body in the direction of the rotation center axis, the light guide portion extends in a direction of the rotation center axis line within a predetermined range including a light irradiation port, A gaming machine described in any one of Features A5 to A8, characterized in that the irradiation ports are formed so that the component facing outward becomes larger the farther they are from the direction of the rotation center axis.

[0388] Although the light from the light emitting unit is basically directed in the direction of the rotation axis, the light farther from the rotation axis has an increased component directed outward. This ensures the visibility of the light when viewed from the front of the movable performance device while contributing to the enhancement of the three-dimensional effect mentioned above.

[0389] Feature A10. The rotation center axis of the movable body extends in the front-rear direction of the gaming machine; The light from the light emitting unit is configured to be irradiated toward the front of the gaming machine, A gaming machine described in any one of Features A1 to A4, characterized in that the multiple light-emitting units are arranged by shifting them in the direction of the rotation center axis so that the ones closer to the rotation center axis are at the back and the ones farthest from the rotation center axis are at the front.

[0390] According to feature A10, a sense of depth can be created by making the rear of the gaming machine concave. For example, it is possible to display an image that draws attention to a decorative body or a picture display means located behind the movable performance device, and the link with the structure located behind the movable performance device can be strengthened.

[0391] Feature A11. The gaming machine described in Feature A10, wherein the light-emitting unit is configured so that the amount of light increases as it moves away from the central axis of rotation.

[0392] As already explained, the farther the light-emitting unit is from the central axis of rotation, the longer the distance it moves when it rotates. This causes a lack of light near the tip of the movable body, resulting in a decrease in luminous intensity, which can reduce the sense of depth as shown in feature A9. Therefore, as shown in this feature, by increasing the light amount, the decrease in luminous intensity according to the distance of movement can be suppressed, and the decrease in the sense of depth can be suitably suppressed.

[0393] Feature A12. The light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting substrate (light-emitting substrate 372) on which a light-emitting body (light-emitting body 371) is mounted, and a light-guiding portion (light-guiding portion 385) that guides light from the light-emitting body in the direction of the rotation center axis, The gaming machine described in any one of Features A1 to A11, characterized in that the movable body has a base body (housing 391) rotatably held by a holding portion (base unit 320) and in which the light-guiding portion is arranged, and the light-emitting substrate is mounted so as to overlap the base body.

[0394] In a configuration in which a movable body is rotated as shown in feature A1, etc., the load generated during acceleration and deceleration may cause the light-emitting substrate, etc. to deform, which may change the light-emitting behavior. In addition, if the distortion becomes large, light emission may not be performed properly. These phenomena are expected to become more noticeable when the rotation radius is large or the degree of acceleration / deceleration is increased to improve responsiveness.

[0395] In this regard, as shown in this feature, by mounting the light emitting substrate so that it overlaps the base body on the object that is rotatably held, the load on the light emitting substrate can be reduced, thereby making it possible to suitably suppress the occurrence of the various inconveniences described above.

[0396] Feature A13. The gaming machine according to Feature A12, wherein the base body is case-shaped and the light-emitting board is housed inside the case.

[0397] As shown in feature A13, by forming the base body into a case shape and housing the light-emitting substrate inside it, the protective function of the light-emitting substrate can be enhanced and deformation such as distortion of the light-emitting substrate can be effectively suppressed.

[0398] Feature A14. A gaming machine described in Feature A13, characterized in that a vent (slit 392) for introducing air into the housing area of ​​the light-emitting substrate in the base body is formed in the portion of the base body facing the rotation direction of the movable body.

[0399] According to the configuration shown in feature A14, it is possible to suppress deformation such as distortion of the light-emitting substrate, but on the other hand, heat generated in the light-emitting substrate is likely to be trapped. This is undesirable because it can cause a decrease in the durability and operational stability of the light-emitting substrate. Therefore, if a vent is provided in the part facing the rotation direction and air is taken into the storage section through the vent, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed. In addition, as described above, the light-guiding section guides light in the direction of the rotation center axis, and preventing the vent from facing the target of light irradiation has the technical significance of suppressing a decrease in the appearance of the movable performance device.

[0400] In addition, when the light emitter is mounted on only one surface of the light emitting substrate, it is preferable to arrange the light emitting substrate so that the surface on the side where the light emitter is not mounted faces the ventilation hole, thereby making it possible to effectively suppress light leakage from the ventilation hole.

[0401] Feature A15. The vent is a first vent; The gaming machine described in feature A14 is characterized in that a second ventilation port (slit 392) is formed in a portion of the base body facing the light-emitting substrate and facing opposite the direction of rotation, which exhausts air within the storage area from the base body.

[0402] According to feature A15, negative pressure can be used to exhaust air, further improving the cooling effect. The second ventilation hole is formed in a part facing the opposite direction to the rotation direction, not the direction of light irradiation, so that the improved cooling effect can be prevented from degrading the appearance.

[0403] Feature A16. The gaming machine described in any one of Features A1 to A15, characterized in that the light-emitting unit has a light-emitting board (light-emitting board 372) configured so that the plate surface on which the light-emitting body (light-emitting body 371) is mounted is parallel to the central axis of rotation, and a light-guiding unit (light-guiding unit 385) that guides light from the light-emitting body in the direction of the central axis of rotation, and is configured so that light from the light-emitting body is irradiated in the direction of the central axis of rotation through the light-guiding unit.

[0404] The configuration in which the positions of the light-emitting units are shifted in the direction of the central axis of rotation can be realized, for example, by forming the light-emitting substrate itself into a curved shape. However, such a configuration reduces moldability compared to, for example, a case in which the light-emitting substrate is flat. In addition, since the orientation of the light-emitting bodies can change depending on the arrangement on the substrate, it becomes necessary to set the orientation of each light-emitting body individually in order to align the orientation so that they face in a specific direction (the direction of the central axis of rotation). This can be a factor that makes it difficult to attach the light-emitting bodies and perform quality control of the orientation, etc.

[0405] In this regard, if the light emitting substrate is parallel to the central axis of rotation as shown in this feature, and the light irradiation direction is determined by the light guide, the difference in the position of the light emitting unit in the direction of the central axis of rotation can be realized with a simple configuration by shifting the position of the light emitting body in the plate surface direction of the light emitting substrate. This makes it possible to realize a configuration that is excellent in terms of manufacturing / management, etc., and can favorably promote the installation of the movable performance device shown in feature A1. Therefore, compared to the case where the light emitting substrate is purposely curved as described above, it is possible to favorably improve the degree of freedom in setting the orientation of the light emitting body with a simple configuration while facilitating manufacturing / management, etc.

[0406] In addition, when attempting to display an image or the like in a space using a rotating movable performance device, it is necessary to ensure a certain degree of rotation speed. Here, if the plate surface is parallel to the central axis of rotation, it is assumed that the load on the light-emitting substrate with rotation increases due to increased air resistance. Therefore, if the light-emitting substrate is housed in the base body shown in feature A12, etc., the light-emitting substrate can be suitably protected from such load. In addition, the base body has a higher degree of freedom in terms of its shape, etc., compared to the light-emitting substrate. Therefore, in a configuration in which the plate surface of the light-emitting substrate faces the rotation direction, the base body can be designed to reduce air resistance, which can contribute to ensuring the rotation speed.

[0407] Feature A17. The light-emitting unit is a first light-emitting unit, A second light emitting unit is provided at a position symmetrical to the first light emitting unit across the rotation central axis, The gaming machine described in any one of Features A1 to A16, characterized in that the light emission control means is configured to switch between illuminating the first light-emitting unit of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit and illuminating the second light-emitting unit of the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit depending on the rotation status of the movable body.

[0408] According to the feature A17, by configuring the light emission state to be switched between the first light emission unit and the second light emission unit depending on the rotation situation, it is possible to finely switch the light emission state. This makes it possible to suitably improve the appearance of the light emission effect by the light emission effect device.

[0409] For example, by configuring the light-emitting target to switch between the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit at half the period (angle) of one rotation of the rotating body, the above-mentioned effects of using the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit in combination can be optimally exerted.

[0410] Feature A18. The light-emitting unit includes a light-emitting substrate (light-emitting substrate 372) on which a plurality of light-emitting bodies (light-emitting bodies 371) are mounted, and a light-guiding portion (light-guiding portion 385) that guides light from the light-emitting bodies in the direction of the rotation center axis; A gaming machine described in any one of features A1 to A17, characterized in that it is provided with a change means for changing the inclination of the light-emitting unit relative to the central axis of rotation.

[0411] As described above, by shifting the position of the light-emitting part in the direction of the central axis of rotation, a three-dimensional effect can be imparted to the pattern or other image displayed by the movable presentation device. Such a three-dimensional effect can be changed depending on the degree of shift in the position of the light-emitting part. Therefore, by making it possible to change the inclination of the light-emitting part as shown in this feature, it is possible to provide a difference in the strength of the three-dimensional effect or to create differences in the locations where unevenness occurs. This makes it possible to diversify the presentation modes.

[0412] <Feature B group> The plate surface of the light-emitting substrate and the central axis of rotation are parallel The following feature B group has been made in response to a problem that the invention is trying to solve with regard to the background technology, which states, "Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines and slot machines, are provided with light-emitting units that are arranged in positions visible from the front of the gaming machine and whose display mode changes as the game progresses. These light-emitting units are endowed with a function to enhance the presentation effects during play by changing the display mode in various ways according to the game progress, etc. (for example, Patent Document 1)." The background technology states, "However, even if attempts are made to enhance the presentation effects using the above-mentioned light-emitting units, many of them tend to be similar, and there is still room for improvement in terms of increasing attention to the display effects by improving the appearance, etc. of the display effects."

[0413] Feature B1. A movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) rotatably held on which a light emitting means (main body 352) is provided and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) for rotating the movable body; A control means (announcement / performance control device 140) for controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of the game to perform a game performance; Equipped with The control means A drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; A light emission control means (a function of executing update processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for switching the light emission mode of the light emission means according to the rotational position or rotational period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating; having The light-emitting means is a gaming machine characterized in that it has a light-emitting board (light-emitting board 372) on which a plurality of light-emitting bodies (light-emitting bodies 371) are mounted and arranged on the board surface so as to be parallel or approximately parallel to the central axis of rotation of the movable body and at different distances from the central axis of rotation, and a light-guiding section (light-guiding section 385) that guides the light from the light-emitting bodies so that it is irradiated in the direction of the central axis of rotation.

[0414] By increasing the number of light-emitting bodies arranged on the light-emitting board, various effects can be enjoyed, such as improved resolution and diversification of the light-emitting display mode (for example, images such as displayed patterns). However, increasing the number of light-emitting bodies inevitably results in a larger light-emitting board. If the plate surface (optical axis or light irradiation direction) of the light-emitting board is configured to face the direction of the central axis of rotation, the size of the board will directly lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the rotating movable performance device and the light-emitting performance using it.

[0415] In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the light emitting substrate is parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation axis, and the light emitting direction is oriented toward the rotation axis using the light guide, so that the edge (end) of the light emitting substrate faces the rotation axis while ensuring the function of emitting light toward the rotation axis. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of appearance caused by the increase in size of the light emitting substrate due to the above-mentioned circumstances, and can ease the constraints on the game presentation. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform a game presentation with more impact, which can contribute to increasing the attention to the game presentation using the movable presentation device.

[0416] Furthermore, for example, when manufacturing a light-emitting substrate, if an attempt is made to arrange the light-emitting body so that it faces in a direction different from the thickness direction of the light-emitting substrate, inconveniences such as a decrease in manufacturing efficiency and complication of quality control may occur. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this characteristic, since it is not necessary to forcibly change the optical axis (light emission direction) of the light-emitting body, various inconveniences such as a decrease in manufacturing efficiency can be suppressed, and this can contribute to promoting the adoption of movable performance devices.

[0417] Feature B2. A movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) rotatably held on which a light emitting means (main body 352) is provided and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) for rotating the movable body; A control means (announcement / performance control device 140) for controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of the game to perform a game performance; Equipped with The control means A drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; A light emission control means (a function of executing a light emission control process in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for displaying a predetermined image in the operating area of ​​the movable body by switching the light emission mode of the light emission means according to the rotational position or rotational period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating, using an afterimage of light. having The light-emitting means is a gaming machine characterized in that it has a light-emitting board (light-emitting board 372) on which a plurality of light-emitting bodies (light-emitting bodies 371) are mounted and arranged on the board surface so as to be parallel or approximately parallel to the central axis of rotation of the movable body and at different distances from the central axis of rotation, and a light-guiding section (light-guiding section 385) that guides the light from the light-emitting bodies so that it is irradiated in the direction of the central axis of rotation.

[0418] By increasing the number of light-emitting bodies arranged on the light-emitting board, various effects such as improved definition and diversification of the light-emitting display mode (predetermined image) can be enjoyed. However, increasing the number of light-emitting bodies inevitably results in a larger light-emitting board. If the plate surface (optical axis or light irradiation direction) of the light-emitting board is configured to face the direction of the central axis of rotation, the size of the board will directly lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the rotating movable performance device and the light-emitting performance using it.

[0419] In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the light emitting substrate is parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation axis, and the light emitting direction is oriented toward the rotation axis using the light guide, so that the edge (end) of the light emitting substrate faces the rotation axis while ensuring the function of emitting light toward the rotation axis. This makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of appearance caused by the increase in size of the light emitting substrate due to the above-mentioned circumstances, and can ease the constraints on the game presentation. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform a game presentation with more impact, which can contribute to increasing the attention to the game presentation using the movable presentation device.

[0420] Furthermore, for example, when manufacturing a light-emitting substrate, if an attempt is made to arrange the light-emitting body so that it faces in a direction different from the thickness direction of the light-emitting substrate, inconveniences such as a decrease in manufacturing efficiency and complication of quality control may occur. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this characteristic, since it is not necessary to forcibly change the optical axis (light emission direction) of the light-emitting body, various inconveniences such as a decrease in manufacturing efficiency can be suppressed, and this can contribute to promoting the adoption of movable performance devices.

[0421] Feature B3. The light emitter is arranged so that the optical axis faces the thickness direction of the light emitting substrate, The gaming machine described in Feature B1 or Feature B2, characterized in that the light-guiding section is configured to guide the light from the light-emitting body along the plate surface of the light-emitting substrate from the center side to the end side of the light-emitting substrate.

[0422] According to feature B3, the light from the light emitter travels along the plate surface of the light emitting substrate toward the end of the light emitting substrate. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the light emitting means from becoming large even in a configuration in which the light emitting substrate and the light guiding section are used together. In addition, by guiding the light toward the end of the light emitting substrate, it is possible to prevent the light emitting substrate from becoming an obstacle that impedes the visibility of the light emitting portion.

[0423] Feature B4. The light emitting substrate has a predetermined width in the direction of the rotation center axis, A gaming machine described in any one of Features B1 to B3, characterized in that the multiple light-emitting bodies are arranged so that their positions in the direction of the rotation center axis are shifted.

[0424] In the rotary performance device shown in feature B1, etc., the fineness of the image such as the picture displayed can be improved by reducing the interval between the light-emitting bodies in the radial direction of the rotation central axis. However, since it is necessary to secure a certain amount of occupied area for each light-emitting body on the light-emitting board in the first place, there is a limit to simply reducing the arrangement interval. In this regard, in combination with feature B1, the arrangement interval in the arrangement direction of the light-emitting bodies (for example, the direction intersecting the rotation central axis when viewed in the direction of the rotation central axis) can be reduced by shifting the position of the light-emitting body in the direction of the rotation central axis so as to follow the plate surface of the light-emitting board. This can favorably contribute to the improvement of the fineness mentioned above.

[0425] For example, by forming the width dimension of the light-emitting substrate in the direction of the central axis of rotation to be larger than the width required for arranging the light-emitting body, the degree of freedom in arranging the light-emitting body in the direction of the central axis of rotation can be suitably improved.

[0426] Feature B5. The gaming machine described in Feature B4, wherein the multiple light-emitting bodies are arranged so that their positions in the direction of the central axis of rotation are alternating.

[0427] In a configuration in which a movable body is rotated, it is preferable to make the movable body as light as possible in order to improve responsiveness at the start and end of rotation. Therefore, if the light-emitting body is alternately shifted to one side (e.g., the front side) and the other side (e.g., the rear side) in the direction of the central axis of rotation as shown in this feature, it is possible to suppress the above-mentioned predetermined width of the light-emitting substrate from being unnecessarily bulky, thereby contributing to reducing the weight of the light-emitting substrate. Therefore, it is possible to realize an optimized light-emitting mode while suppressing the resulting decrease in responsiveness of the operation.

[0428] Feature B6. A light guide portion forming body (light guide member 382 of optical path forming body 381) is provided so as to overlap with the light emitting substrate and in which the light guide portion is formed, the light emitting substrate is disposed at a position twisted with respect to the central axis of rotation, A gaming machine described in any one of Features B1 to B5, characterized in that the light guide portion forming body is arranged so that an exit portion of the light guide portion (exit portion 387 or light emitting portion 355) is located on a virtual line (virtual straight line or virtual curve) that intersects with the rotation center axis when viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis.

[0429] According to feature B6, the exit portion (light-emitting portion) of the light-guiding portion is located on a virtual line intersecting with the rotation central axis. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the difficulty of controlling the light emission in displaying a pattern such as a predetermined image by switching the light-emitting mode according to the rotation of the movable body. In addition, if the light-emitting substrate is configured to be located on the virtual line, it is necessary to extend the light-guiding portion from the end of the light-emitting substrate in order to position the light-emitting portion on the virtual line, and the light passage path becomes complicated. In addition, since the light-emitting substrate and the light-emitting portion are aligned in the direction of the rotation central axis, the width of the movable body in the direction of the rotation central axis increases. According to the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of these various inconveniences and realize a configuration that is preferable for practical use.

[0430] Feature B7. The movable body has a base body (housing 391) supported so as to be rotatable around the rotation center axis; A gaming machine according to any one of Features B1 to B6, characterized in that the base body is formed with a housing portion (an internal area of ​​a housing 391) for housing the light emitting board.

[0431] As shown in feature B1, etc., in a configuration in which the plate surface faces the direction of rotation, air resistance increases. Such resistance can be a cause of deformation of the light-emitting substrate. If the light-emitting substrate were to deform, there is a concern that the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting performance device would be disturbed and the performance function would not be properly performed. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the light-emitting substrate is housed in a base body, and the generation of stress that would deform the light-emitting substrate is suppressed, thereby making it possible to suitably suppress deformation of the light-emitting substrate.

[0432] Feature B8. A gaming machine as described in Feature B7, characterized in that a vent (slit 392) for introducing air into the storage section is formed in the portion of the base body facing the direction of rotation of the movable body.

[0433] According to the configuration shown in feature B7, it is possible to suppress deformation such as distortion of the light-emitting substrate, but on the other hand, heat generated in the light-emitting substrate is likely to be trapped. This is undesirable because it can cause a decrease in the durability and operational stability of the light-emitting substrate. Therefore, if a vent is provided in the part facing the rotation direction and air is taken into the storage section through the vent, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed. In addition, as described above, the light-guiding section guides light in the direction of the rotation center axis, and preventing the vent from facing the target of light irradiation has the technical significance of suppressing a decrease in the appearance of the movable performance device.

[0434] Feature B9. The light emitting body is disposed on the side of the light emitting substrate facing the light guide portion forming body, The gaming machine described in feature B8 is characterized in that a heat induction section (heat induction member 375) for transmitting heat from the light-emitting body is provided on the side of the light-emitting board facing the ventilation hole.

[0435] According to the configuration of this feature, since heat dissipation can be promoted through the heat induction section, it is possible to avoid the light emitter facing the ventilation hole side. Therefore, it is possible to suppress light leakage from the base body through the ventilation hole, and to suppress the presence of the ventilation hole from being a factor that deteriorates the appearance of the movable performance device (image).

[0436] Feature B10. The base body is rotatably supported at a central portion in a longitudinal direction of the base body; the vent is a first vent, A gaming machine as described in Feature B8 or Feature B9, characterized in that a second ventilation hole is formed in a portion of the base body facing opposite the direction of rotation, on the opposite side of the central axis of rotation from the first ventilation hole, so as to communicate with the storage section.

[0437] According to feature B7, the air that flows in from the first ventilation opening due to the rotation is exhausted from the storage section through the second ventilation opening. At this time, the negative pressure generated near the second ventilation opening increases due to the high rotation speed, and the exhaust is promoted. This makes it possible to favorably improve the cooling efficiency shown in feature B8.

[0438] Feature B11. A light guide portion forming body (light guide member 382 of light path forming body 381) is provided so as to overlap with the light emitting substrate and in which the light guide portion is formed, the light emitting substrate is disposed at a position twisted with respect to the central axis of rotation, the light guiding section forming body is disposed such that an outlet portion of the light guiding section is positioned on a virtual line perpendicular to the central axis of rotation, The movable body includes a base body (housing 391) supported so as to be rotatable about the central axis of rotation, The base body has a housing portion (an internal region of a housing 391) for housing the light emitting substrate. A ventilation hole (slit 392) is formed in at least one of a pair of wall surfaces that form the housing portion and face the plate surface of the light emitting substrate, A gaming machine described in any one of Features B1 to B10, characterized in that the light-emitting substrate is located between the wall portion in which the air vent is formed and the light-guiding portion forming body.

[0439] According to feature B11, the exit portion of the light guide is located on a virtual line intersecting with the rotation central axis. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the difficulty of controlling the light emission when displaying a pattern such as a predetermined image by switching the light emission mode according to the rotation of the movable body. In addition, if the light emitting substrate is configured to be located on the virtual line, it is necessary to extend the light guide from the end of the light emitting substrate in order to position the light emitting point on the virtual line, and the light passage path becomes complicated. In addition, since the light emitting substrate and the light emitting point are aligned in the direction of the rotation central axis, the width of the movable body in the direction of the rotation central axis increases. According to the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of various inconveniences and realize a practically preferable configuration.

[0440] As shown in feature B1, etc., in a configuration in which the plate surface faces the direction of rotation, air resistance increases. Such resistance can be a cause of deformation of the light-emitting substrate. If the light-emitting substrate were to deform, there is a concern that the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting performance device would be disturbed and the performance function would not be properly performed. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this feature, the light-emitting substrate is housed in a base body, and the generation of stress that would deform the light-emitting substrate is suppressed, thereby making it possible to suitably suppress deformation of the light-emitting substrate.

[0441] Furthermore, by combining a configuration in which the light emitting substrate is disposed at a position away from the central axis of rotation and the light guide portion forming body is disposed at a position intersecting the central axis of rotation, the light emitting substrate can be brought closer to the wall portion of the case body in which the ventilation hole is formed, thereby suitably enhancing the cooling function of the light emitting substrate using the ventilation hole.

[0442] Feature B12. A movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) rotatably held on which a light emitting means (main body 352) is provided and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) for rotating the movable body; A control means (announcement / performance control device 140) for controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of the game to perform a game performance; Equipped with The control means A drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; A light emission control means (a function of executing update processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for switching the light emission mode of the light emission means according to the rotational position or rotational period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating; having The light emitting means is A first light emitting substrate (light emitting substrate 372X) having a plate surface configured to be parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation central axis of the movable body and having a plurality of first light emitting bodies (light emitting bodies 371X) mounted thereon and arranged at different distances from the rotation central axis on the plate surface; A second light emitting substrate (light emitting substrate 372Y) having a plate surface configured to be parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation central axis and having a plurality of second light emitting bodies (light emitting bodies 371Y) mounted thereon and arranged at different distances from the rotation central axis on the plate surface; a light guide portion forming body (light guide member 382) in which a first light guide portion (385X) that guides the light from the first light emitter to be irradiated in the direction of the rotation central axis and a second light guide portion (385Y) that guides the light from the second light emitter to be irradiated in the direction of the rotation central axis are formed; A gaming machine comprising:

[0443] By increasing the number of light-emitting bodies arranged on the light-emitting board, various effects can be enjoyed, such as improved resolution and diversification of the light-emitting display mode (for example, images such as displayed patterns). However, increasing the number of light-emitting bodies inevitably results in a larger light-emitting board. If the plate surface (optical axis or light irradiation direction) of the light-emitting board is configured to face the direction of the central axis of rotation, the size of the board will directly lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the rotating movable performance device and the light-emitting performance using it.

[0444] In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this characteristic, the light emitting substrate is parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation central axis, and the light emitting direction is oriented toward the rotation central axis using the light guiding section, so that the edge (end) of the light emitting substrate faces the rotation central axis while ensuring the function of emitting light toward the rotation central axis. As a result, even if the light emitting substrate is enlarged due to the above-mentioned circumstances, the deterioration of the appearance caused by this can be suitably suppressed.

[0445] Furthermore, when manufacturing a light-emitting substrate, if an attempt is made to arrange the light-emitting body so that it faces in a direction different from the thickness direction of the light-emitting substrate, inconveniences such as a decrease in manufacturing efficiency and complication of quality control may occur. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this characteristic, since it is not necessary to forcibly change the optical axis (light emission direction) of the light-emitting body, various inconveniences such as a decrease in manufacturing efficiency can be suppressed, and this can contribute to promoting the adoption of movable performance devices.

[0446] In particular, by using two light-emitting substrates in combination and irradiating light from each light-emitting substrate through a light-guiding section forming body, it is possible to prevent the size of the movable performance device when viewed in the direction of the central axis of rotation from becoming excessively large, while contributing to improving the display function described above.

[0447] Feature B13. A movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) rotatably held on which a light emitting means (main body 352) is provided and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) that rotates the movable body; A control means (announcement / performance control device 140) for controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of the game to perform a game performance; Equipped with The control means A drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; A light emission control means (a function of executing a light emission control process in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for switching the light emission mode of the light emission means according to the rotational position or rotational period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating; having The light emitting means is A first light emitting substrate (light emitting substrate 372X) having a plate surface configured to be parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation central axis of the movable body and having a plurality of first light emitting bodies (light emitting bodies 371X) mounted thereon and arranged at different distances from the rotation central axis on the plate surface; A second light emitting substrate (light emitting substrate 372Y) having a plate surface configured to be parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation central axis and having a plurality of second light emitting bodies (light emitting bodies 371Y) mounted thereon and arranged at different distances from the rotation central axis on the plate surface; having The first light emitting substrate and the second light emitting substrate face each other across the rotation central axis, A gaming machine characterized by having a light guide portion forming body (light guide member 382) provided between the first light emitting board and the second light emitting board, and having a light guide portion (385) formed therein that guides light from the first light emitting board and the second light emitting board so that it is irradiated in the direction of the central axis of rotation.

[0448] By increasing the number of light-emitting bodies arranged on the light-emitting board, various effects can be enjoyed, such as improved resolution and diversification of the light-emitting display mode (for example, images such as displayed patterns). However, increasing the number of light-emitting bodies inevitably results in a larger light-emitting board. If the plate surface (optical axis or light irradiation direction) of the light-emitting board is configured to face the direction of the central axis of rotation, the size of the board will directly lead to a deterioration in the appearance of the rotating movable performance device and the light-emitting performance using it.

[0449] In this respect, according to the configuration shown in this characteristic, the light emitting substrate is parallel or approximately parallel to the rotation central axis, and the light emitting direction is oriented toward the rotation central axis using the light guiding section, so that the edge (end) of the light emitting substrate faces the rotation central axis while ensuring the function of emitting light toward the rotation central axis. As a result, even if the light emitting substrate is enlarged due to the above-mentioned circumstances, the deterioration of the appearance caused by this can be suitably suppressed.

[0450] Furthermore, when manufacturing a light-emitting substrate, if an attempt is made to arrange the light-emitting body so that it faces in a direction different from the thickness direction of the light-emitting substrate, inconveniences such as a decrease in manufacturing efficiency and complication of quality control may occur. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in this characteristic, since it is not necessary to forcibly change the optical axis (light emission direction) of the light-emitting body, various inconveniences such as a decrease in manufacturing efficiency can be suppressed, and this can contribute to promoting the adoption of movable performance devices.

[0451] In particular, by using two light-emitting substrates facing each other across the central axis of rotation and aligning the light irradiation position with the light guide section forming body disposed between them, it is expected that the precision can be further improved while saving space. In addition, the control of the light emission timing, etc. can be specified based on the light guide section disposed on the central axis of rotation, eliminating the need to adjust the light emission timing in anticipation of deviation from the central axis of rotation. This contributes to simplification of the light emission control.

[0452] It is also possible to apply the technical ideas presented in Feature A to Feature B described above.

[0453] <Feature C Group> The light-emitting substrate is located away from the central axis of rotation. The following feature C group has been made in response to a problem that the invention is trying to solve with regard to the background technology that states, "Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines and slot machines, are provided with light-emitting units that are arranged in positions visible from the front of the gaming machine and whose display mode changes as the game progresses. These light-emitting units are endowed with a function to enhance the presentation effects during play by changing the display mode in various ways according to the game progress, etc. (for example, Patent Document 1)." The background technology states, "However, even if attempts are made to enhance the presentation effects using the above-mentioned light-emitting units, many of them tend to be similar, and there is still room for improvement in terms of increasing attention to the display effects by improving the appearance, etc. of the display effects."

[0454] Feature C1. A movable performance device (movable performance device 300) having a movable body (rotation unit 350) rotatably held on which a light emitting means (main body 352) is provided and a drive unit (rotation drive unit 324) for rotating the movable body; A control means (announcement / performance control device 140) for controlling the movable performance device in accordance with the progress of the game to perform a game performance; Equipped with The control means A drive control means (a function of executing drive control processing in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; A light emission control means (a function of executing a light emission control process in the MPU 612 of the notification / performance control device 140) for switching the light emission mode of the light emission means according to the rotational position or rotational period of the movable body when the movable body is rotating; having The light emitting means includes a light emitting substrate (light emitting substrate 372) on which a plurality of light emitting bodies (light emitting bodies 371) are mounted, and a light guiding section forming body (light guiding member 382) on which a light guiding section (light guiding section 385) that guides light from the light emitting bodies so that the light is irradiated in the direction of the rotation central axis is formed, and the light guiding section forming body and the light emitting substrate are overlapped in a direction intersecting with the rotation central axis, A gaming machine characterized in that the light guide portion forming body is arranged so that the outlet portion (outlet portion 387) of the light guide portion is aligned in the radial direction of the rotation center axis when viewed in the direction of the rotation center axis.

[0455] By changing the light emission mode of the light emitting means (multiple light emitting units) in response to the rotation of the movable body, it is possible to display images such as patterns and letters by utilizing the afterimage of light, so that they appear to float in the space that is the operating area of ​​the movable body. Here, if it is attempted to arrange the light emitting units so that they are aligned in the radial direction of the rotation central axis when viewed in the direction of the rotation central axis, the degree of freedom regarding the arrangement and shape of the light emitting substrate is reduced. Therefore, by devising the arrangement of the exit part (light emitting point) of the light guiding unit as shown in this feature, it is possible to alleviate the constraints regarding the arrangement of the light emitting substrate, etc., and contribute to improving the appearance of the movable performance device and the game performance (light emitting performance) by the movable performance device, and it is possible to suitably increase the attention to the game performance using the movable performance device.

[0456] The configuration shown in this characteristic may be defined as "a movable performance ...

Claims

[Claim 1] A movable performance device having a movable body provided with a light emitting means and rotatably held thereon and a drive unit for rotating the movable body; A control means for controlling the movable effect device in accordance with the progress of a game to perform a game effect; Equipped with The control means a drive control means for controlling the drive of the drive unit so as to rotate the movable body; a light emission control means for switching a light emission mode of the light emission means in response to a rotational position or a rotational period of the movable body while the movable body is rotating, thereby displaying a predetermined image in a motion area of ​​the movable body by utilizing an afterimage of light; having The light-emitting means is characterized in that it has a light-emitting substrate having a plate surface configured to be parallel or approximately parallel to the central axis of rotation of the movable body, and having a plurality of light-emitting elements mounted on the plate surface and arranged at different distances from the central axis of rotation, and a light-guiding section that guides light from the light-emitting elements so that it is irradiated in the direction of the central axis of rotation.

Images