Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably increasing a degree of attention to a game.SOLUTION: A ball entry unit 850F is arranged in a right route of a game area PE. A performance gate 855F is provided in an upper part of the ball entry unit 850F, and game balls passing through the performance gate 855F flow into an upper rotary generator 856F. The upper rotary generator 856F functions as distribution means for distributing game balls to a first branched path part and a second branched path part, and game balls distributed to the first branched path part enter a lower operation hole 859F through a non-electric accessory 858F. A lower rotary generator 857F is provided between the non-electric accessory 858F and the lower operation hole 859F, and the non-electric accessory 858F is changed from a first guide state to a second guide state when game balls are placed on the lower rotary generator 857F. In the second guide state, in addition to game balls distributed to the respective branched path parts, one portion of game balls not passing through the performance gate 855F is guided to the lower operation hole 859F.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 75

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, are equipped with a gaming board on which a gaming area is formed through which gaming balls flow. A gaming ball is launched toward the gaming area based on a player's launch operation, and when the launched gaming ball enters a ball entry section provided in the gaming area, a bonus such as a payout of gaming balls is awarded to the player based on that. In gaming machines in which the awarding of bonuses depends on the movement of the gaming balls, some machines arrange gaming components such as nails or windmills in the gaming area to disperse the paths through which the gaming balls flow and diversify the movement of the gaming balls, thereby increasing attention to the movement of the gaming balls and ultimately the game (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-074175 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration in terms of increasing attention to the game through the movement of the game ball.

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

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

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to preferably increase the level of attention to the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

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

[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 gaming area of ​​the pachinko machine 10 for convenience.

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

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting four long frame materials on all four sides, and is formed into a rectangular frame shape as a whole. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the gaming hall by attaching and fixing this 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 gaming hall.

[0012] The gaming machine main section 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in an openable and closable state. Specifically, an upper support bracket 17 is fixed to the connecting portion between the upper and left frame sections of the outer frame 11, and a lower support bracket 18 is provided at the connecting portion between the lower and left frame sections of the outer frame 11. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 form a support mechanism, which allows the gaming machine main section 12 to rotate toward the front 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 section 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 section 12 is supported rotatably relative to the outer frame 11. In detail, when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, the left side is the base end of rotation and the right side is the tip end of rotation, and the inner frame 13 can be rotated forward.

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

[0015] (Front door frame 14) Next, we will explain the front door frame 14. As shown in Figure 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a frame body 20 made of synthetic resin and having an outer shape substantially identical to that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. A substantially elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the center of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of ​​a play area PE, which will be described later, can be viewed from the front, and the window portion 21 is blocked from the back 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 front and rear with the partition in between. In other words, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, interference between the glass panels 23 is avoided, and the glass panels 23 double-cover the playing area PE from the front side of the pachinko machine 10.

[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 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one, three or more. However, in consideration of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to use multiple glass panels and arrange them facing each other at the front and back with a predetermined gap between them. Incidentally, it is also possible to use a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of the glass panels.

[0018] Various light-emitting devices such as lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (more specifically, the window portion 21). For example, a circular illumination unit 26 incorporating light-emitting devices such as LEDs is provided along the periphery of the window portion 21. The circular illumination unit 26 lights up or flashes in response to changes in the game status, such as when a jackpot is hit or a predetermined reach is reached. In addition, an error display lamp unit 27 that lights up when a malfunction such as an error occurs is provided at the center of the circular illumination unit 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and prize ball lamp units 28 that light up while prize balls are being paid out are provided on the left and right sides of the error display lamp unit 27. In addition, speaker units 29 that output sound effects, background music, etc. according to the game status are provided near the left and right prize ball lamp units 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, which bulge toward the front, are arranged side by side. An upper tray 33, which opens upward, is provided inside the upper bulge 31, and a lower tray 34, which also opens upward, is provided inside the lower bulge 32 (see FIG. 2). The upper tray 33 has the function of temporarily storing game balls dispensed from a dispensing device (described later) and guiding them to a game ball launching mechanism (described later) while aligning them in a row. The lower tray 34 also has the function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 33 and as a receptacle for storing game balls that were discharged by the game ball launching mechanism but did not reach the game area PE (see FIG. 3) and are returned to the player.

[0020] A game ball launching handle 41 is provided to the right of the lower bulge 32 so as to protrude forward. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated, a game ball is launched from a game ball launching mechanism, 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 the game ball will reach the play area PE when this operation amount is adjusted by the player to a predetermined amount. Furthermore, by adjusting this operation amount, the player can selectively shoot the game ball into the right route or the left route, which will be described later.

[0021] As shown in Figure 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 that leads to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage that leads 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 by dividing the receiving portion into left and right halves with a partition wall, an entrance portion of the front door side upper tray passage and an entrance portion of the front door side lower tray passage are separated. The upstream sides of the front door side upper tray passage and the front door side lower tray passage lead to the gaming ball distribution section described below, and gaming balls that enter the front door side upper tray passage are guided to the upper tray 33, and gaming balls that enter the front door side lower tray passage are guided to the lower tray 34.

[0022] The front door frame 14 has projections at its upper and lower ends on the pivot base side of its rear surface. These projections form an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

[0023] Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. As in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 also omits the configuration inside the play area PE of the pachinko machine 10 for convenience.

[0024] (inner frame 13) The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of an inner frame base body 50, which has a substantially rectangular outer shape similar to the outer frame 11. The height of the inner frame base body 50 is set slightly smaller than the height of the outer frame 11. The inner frame base body 50 is positioned close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, leaving a slight gap between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame base body 50. A panel is attached to the outer frame 11 to close this gap. The panel is positioned below the inner frame base body 50 (specifically, its lower end), and when the inner frame 13 is closed to the outer frame 11, the inner frame base body 50 rests on the panel. A slight clearance may be provided between the panel and the inner frame base body 50 to prevent mutual interference, etc.

[0025] Support fittings 71 and 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 and 72 have shafts, and bearings provided on the front door frame 14 are inserted into these shafts, thereby supporting the front door frame 14 rotatably relative to the inner frame 13.

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

[0027] A cylinder lock 78 is installed on the inner frame base body 50 (locking device 75) to unlock the 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.) that constitutes the main part of the locking device 75, and is located adjacent to the locking unit. When the key inserted into 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 into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the left (counterclockwise), the inner frame 13 is unlocked from the outer frame 11.

[0028] A storage recess 51 for storing the game board unit 80 is formed in the center of the inner frame base body 50. The storage recess 51 is recessed toward the rear of the gaming machine to match the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the game board unit 80 is fitted into this storage recess 51 from the front of the gaming machine and fixed in place by a manual locking mechanism. 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 below) protrudes behind the inner frame 13 through this window hole 52. Note that almost the entire area of ​​this window hole 52 is covered from the front of the gaming machine by the game board unit 80 attached to the inner frame base body 50.

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

[0030] The front block 80a has a play area formation body 310 made of transparent resin, and the above-mentioned play area PE, where game balls flow down, is formed on the front surface of the play area formation body 310. As already explained, the play area PE is covered by a 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 play area formation body 310 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, i.e., so that game balls flowing down the play area PE do not line up front and back at the same point in the play area PE. This prevents balls from clogging the play area PE. Note that the play area formation body 310 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, and can also be made of wood.

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

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

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

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

[0035] An actuation port unit 83, a through gate 84, and the like are disposed around the central opening 85. The actuation port unit 83 is provided with an upper actuation port 83a disposed below the variable display unit 500, and a lower actuation port 83b disposed below the upper actuation port 83a. Of these two actuation ports 83a and 83b, the lower actuation port 83b is provided with an electric device 91 as an opening / closing type ball entry assist device (ball entry assist means) or an opening / closing member (opening / closing means). The electric device 91 comprises a movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the movable piece, and is switchable between an open state (assistance state) that allows or makes it easy to enter the lower actuation port 83b, and a closed state (non-assistance state) that makes it impossible or difficult to enter the ball.

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

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

[0038] The variable winning device (special winning device or special winning means) 82 has a large winning opening through which game balls can pass, and is provided with an opening / closing body as an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) that opens and closes the large winning opening. The opening / closing body can be switched between an open state (permitting state) that allows or makes it easy for game balls to enter, and a closed state (blocking state) that makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter. The opening / closing body is connected to a variable winning drive unit (more specifically, a solenoid or the like) provided on the back side of the game board unit 80, and the opening / closing door is normally kept closed, but is switched to an open state when an internal lottery is won to transition 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 the normal game state is won).

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

[0040] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given about the variable display unit 500. The variable display unit 500 constitutes a pattern display device that variably displays (variably displays) patterns when a winning entry into the actuation openings 83a, 83b is triggered, and the display contents are controlled by a notification / performance control device and a display control device, which will be described later. In the variable display unit 500, for example, patterns are displayed in a line on the left, center, and right, and these patterns are variably displayed by scrolling, for example, vertically. Then, when a jackpot is won, a predetermined combination of patterns is displayed stationary on a preset pay line, and the game will transition to the opening / closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot).

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

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

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

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

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

[0046] The actuation openings 83a, 83b are positioned closer to the central opening 85 (variable display unit 500). Because a win in the actuation openings 83a, 83b can trigger a transition to a special game state, it is thought that the player will pay attention to whether or not a win will occur in the actuation openings 83a, 83b, and also to the variable display unit 500 to determine whether or not a transition to the special game state will occur. Providing the actuation openings 83a, 83b closer to the variable display unit 500 is a device to allow the player to focus their attention on the area around the variable display unit 500.

[0047] A play area partitioning member 99 is disposed at the right end of the play area forming body 310, which partitions and forms the play area PE together with the guide rail 100 described below. A stopper member and a main display unit 87 are disposed on the play area partitioning member 99, against which game balls flying along 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 game balls that collide.

[0048] Here, we will provide additional explanation about the main display unit 87. The main display unit 87 is embedded in the game area partition member 99, and is positioned so that a portion of it faces the glass unit 22. This facing portion is provided with a main display section that displays predetermined images, etc. The main display unit 87 is electrically connected to a main control device, which will be described later, and the display content of the main display section is controlled by the main control device.

[0049] The main display unit includes a lower actuation port display unit that displays the result of a lottery based on a win at the upper actuation port 83a, and a lower actuation port display unit that displays the result of a lottery held based on a win at the lower actuation port 83b. The lower actuation port display unit displays a varying pattern triggered by a win at the upper actuation port 83a, and the result of the varying display being stopped is the result of the internal lottery held based on a win at the upper actuation port 83a. If the result of the internal lottery held based on a win at the upper actuation port 83a is a winning result corresponding to a transition to the opening / closing execution mode, the varying display is stopped on the lower actuation port display unit, and a predetermined pattern is displayed as the result of the stop, after which the system transitions to the opening / closing execution mode.

[0050] The lower operating port display unit displays a varying pattern triggered by a winning entry into lower operating port 83b, and the result of the varying display stopping is the clear display of the result of the internal lottery held based on the winning entry into lower operating port 83b. If the result of the internal lottery held based on the winning entry into lower operating port 83b is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the varying display on the lower operating port display unit stops, a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stopping result, and then the mode switches to the opening / closing execution mode according to the result.

[0051] Here, based on a win in either of the actuation ports 83a, 83b, a variable display is started in the corresponding actuation port display unit, and a predetermined stop result is displayed and the variable display is stopped, which corresponds to one game session. However, one game session is not limited to the above, and for example, in a configuration in which a single display area is provided and a variable display is made in that single display area regardless of whether a win occurs in either of the actuation ports 83a, 83b, it is also possible to count the variable display in that single display area as the start of a variable display and the variable display being stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed as one game session.

[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 a lottery based on winning at the through gate 84. The through gate display section displays a varying pattern triggered by winning at the through gate 84, and as a result of the stopping of the varying display, the result of the internal lottery conducted based on winning at the through gate 84 is clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on winning at the through gate 84 is a winning result corresponding to a transition to the electric role opening state, the through gate display section displays a predetermined stop result, the varying display is stopped, and then the system transitions to the electric role opening state. In the electric role opening state, the electric role device 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 a game ball passes through the through gate 84 is reserved up to a maximum of four times, and the main display section of the main display unit 87 is provided with a reserved number display section that displays the number of reserved balls.

[0054] The main display units described above 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 because game balls are prevented from moving in front of these various display units.

[0055] Referring again to Figure 5 to explain the configuration of the inner frame 13, below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50, there is provided a game ball launching mechanism 110 that 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 game balls placed at a predetermined launch waiting position, a launch rail 112 that determines the launch direction of the game balls launched by the solenoid 111, a ball delivery device 113 that supplies game balls to the launch waiting position, and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted, and the base plate 114 is fixed to the inner frame base body 50, thereby making it integrated with the inner frame base body 50.

[0057] The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to slope upward toward the game board unit 80. A groove with a substantially V-shaped cross section is formed in the launch rail 112, and the game ball fits into this groove portion, thereby defining the front-to-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 and launch control device, which will be described later. Based on the output of an electrical signal from the power supply and launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the extension / contraction direction, causing the game ball placed in the launch standby position to be launched toward the game board unit 80, more specifically, toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game board unit 80.

[0060] The guide rail 100, together with a play area partitioning member 99 fixed to the game board unit 80 (specifically, the front surface of the board), partitions the play area PE so that the outer shape of the play area PE is approximately circular. The guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 arranged facing each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball between them, and these two rails 101, 102 partition and form a single guide passage 103. The guide passage 103 has an entrance section 104 that opens at the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit section 105 located at the top of the play area PE. A 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 → guide rail 100 (entrance section 104 → exit section 105). In addition, in the game board unit 80, a return prevention member 106 is attached to the tip of the exit portion 105, more specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, to prevent game balls that have reached the game area PE from returning back into the guide passage 103, thereby preventing game balls that have already reached the game area PE from interfering with the launch of subsequent game balls.

[0061] Each of the rails 101, 102 that make up the guide rail 100 is arc-shaped with its center at approximately the center of the play area PE. For this reason, a game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is likely to move (slide or roll) along the outer rail 102, i.e., while remaining in contact with the outer rail 102, due to the centrifugal force generated within the game ball. In other words, when a game ball is launched so as to reach the play area PE, the area of ​​the guide passage 103 along the outer rail 102 essentially constitutes a passing area (passing path) through which the game ball passes, and the area along the inner rail 101 essentially constitutes an area through which the game ball does not pass.

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

[0063] A foul ball passage is disposed below the gap thus formed. The foul ball passage is integrally molded into 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 gap. The foul ball passage leads to the lower tray passage on the front door side, and game balls that enter the foul ball passage are discharged into the lower tray 34 shown in Figure 1. This reduces interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched.

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

[0065] A through hole is formed in the inner frame base body 50 to the left 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-to-rear direction, and a passageway forming member 121 is disposed in this through hole. The passageway forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base body 50 and has a main body side upper tray passage 122 and a main body side lower tray passage 123. The upstream sides of the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123 are connected to the game ball distribution section described below. In addition, the receiving portion of the passageway forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 fits below the passageway forming member 121, and the front door side upper tray passage is disposed below the main body side upper tray passage 122, and the front door side upper tray passage is disposed below the main body side lower tray passage 123.

[0066] An opening / closing member 124 that opens and closes 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 on 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, preventing game balls from falling out of each passage 122, 123. In contrast, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by a receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage are connected, and further, the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage are connected.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0073] The notification and performance control device 140 is equipped with a notification and performance control board that controls audio output, lamp display, and control of the variable display unit 500 in accordance with instructions from the main control device described below, and the notification and 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 mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin fixed to the rear of the game board unit 80 (more specifically, the rear block 80b), and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control device 162 is equipped with a main control board having a function for mainly controlling the game (main control circuit) and a function for monitoring the power supply (power outage 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 box cover are unopenably connected by a box sealing part 164 as 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 sealing.

[0076] The box sealing unit 164 can be configured in any way as long as it securely connects the box base and box cover. However, the box base and box cover are securely connected by inserting a locking pin into a locking hole that constitutes the box sealing unit 164. The sealing process using the box sealing unit 164 prevents unauthorized opening after sealing and allows early and easy detection of any unauthorized opening. Even after opening, the box can be resealed. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole among the multiple box sealing units 164. When the board box 163 is opened, for example, when a malfunction occurs in the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the connection between the box sealing unit with the inserted locking pin and the main body of the board box 163 is severed. This separates the box base and box cover of the board box 163, allowing the main control board inside to be removed. To reseal the box, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If a record of the board box 163 being opened is left in the board box 163, it is possible to easily detect that the board box 163 has been opened improperly by looking at the board box 163.

[0077] The board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are connected to each other in an unsealable manner by a base seal 165. More specifically, the base seal 165 has a locking hole and a locking pin, just like 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 detect any unauthorized removal of the board box 163.

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

[0079] A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged 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 a 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] Furthermore, the base body 251 constituting the back block 80b is equipped with detection sensors for the above-mentioned ball entry sections, including a general entry port detection sensor that detects game balls that have entered the general entry port 81 and an actuation port detection sensor that detects game balls that have entered the actuation ports 83a and 83b, and these various detection sensors constitute a winning detection mechanism. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and detection information (detection signals) are output from each detection sensor to the main control device 162.

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

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

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

[0084] An external terminal board is provided on the base portion 211. The external terminal board is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to a management control device (hall computer) on the gaming hall side through these output terminals. Also, as shown in FIG. 10 , a pair of upper and lower latch pins 214 are provided on the base portion 211 at the right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10. The latch pins 214 are inserted into the bearing portions 133 provided on the inner frame 13, thereby supporting the back pack unit 15 rotatably relative to 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. The fixing levers 134, inserted into the insertion portions, abut against the base portion 211 from behind, thereby fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame 13.

[0085] A payout mechanism 202 is disposed on the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is disposed on the top of the rear pack 201 and opens upward, and gaming balls supplied from the island facilities of the gaming hall are sequentially replenished to the tank 221. A tank rail 222 that gently slopes downstream is connected to the side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends vertically 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. Gaming balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to a gaming ball distributor 225 provided on the base 211 of the rear 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 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 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 front door side lower tray passage.

[0087] A discharge passage panel and control device aggregate unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211, sandwiching 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 facing the control device aggregate unit 204, and the open part of the discharge passage is blocked by the control device aggregate unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge game balls to island equipment or the like in the gaming hall, and game balls that have been guided to the discharge passage from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like pass through the discharge passage and are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10.

[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 one on top of the other in front of the other so that the payout control device 242 is 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 a ball jam in the dispensing device 224, the ball jam is cleared.

[0090] The power supply and launch control device 243 has a power supply and launch control board housed in a board box 246. The power supply and launch control board generates and outputs the predetermined 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 that constitutes the game ball launch mechanism 110 and the drive of the ball delivery device 113.

[0091] The power supply / launch control device 243 is also provided with a power switch 247. By operating the power 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 for storing various data, so that in the event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained and the state at the time of power recovery can be restored. For example, if the power is cut off in the normal manner, such as when the game hall closes, the state before the power outage is stored and retained. On the other hand, if the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166 provided on the main control unit 162, the RAM data is initialized.

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

[0094] (Variable display unit 500) As already explained, in this embodiment, the result of the lottery based on the ball entering the actuation port unit 83 is notified by the variable display unit 500 mounted on the game board unit 80, and the configuration of this variable display unit 500 is distinctive. Hereinafter, the variable display unit 500 in this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figs. 11 to 14. Fig. 11(a) is a front view of the variable display unit 500, Fig. 11(b) is a perspective view of the variable display unit 500, Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the variable display unit 500, Fig. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the variable display unit 500, and Fig. 14 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the variable display unit. Note that Fig. 12 shows some drum units without the light guide section described below.

[0095] 11, the variable display unit 500 comprises a substantially box-shaped housing 521 that is open to the front of the gaming machine, and a plurality of (specifically, three) drum units 523 that are housed in the housing 521 and lined up on the left and right, and the housing 521 is fixed to the play area forming body 310 from its back side, thereby being integrated with the play area forming body 310. The housing 521 is colored and opaque, and blocks light from outside the housing 521 so that it does not irradiate the interior through the flesh of the housing 521.

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

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

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

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

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

[0101] More specifically, rim 536 has a pair of left and right annular portions 541 centered on rotation central axis CL, and a long connecting portion 542 connecting these annular portions 541. Light guide portion 532 is secured to connecting portion 542 using a securing means in a state where it is superimposed on connecting portion 542 from the outside of frame 531. Frame 531 shown in this embodiment is made of a colorless and transparent synthetic resin, and a colorless and transparent adhesive is used as the securing means. This is a design to make frame 531 and the portion (securing means) secured to frame 531 less noticeable when light guide portion 532 is viewed visually.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 13 , a background display device 529 is disposed inside the light guiding unit 532. The background display device 529 includes a decorative sheet 581 with a seaside design, a backlight 582 positioned behind the decorative sheet 581 and irradiating the decorative sheet 581 with light, and a holder 583 on which the decorative sheet 581 and the backlight 582 are mounted. The holder 583 is fixed to the base body 524, thereby integrating the background display device 529 with the base body 524. The decorative sheet 581 is disposed with the surface with the design facing the front of the gaming machine (the central opening 85 side), and faces the inner surface 552 of the light guiding unit 532 from the inside of the frame 531 across a gap. This allows the background depicted on the decorative sheet 581 to be viewed from the front of the gaming machine through the light guiding unit 532. The decorative sheet 581 is opaque and colored, although it is light-transmitting, so that the backlight 582 and other elements located behind the decorative sheet 581 cannot be seen through the decorative sheet 581.

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

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

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

[0106] A plurality of through-holes 563 are formed in the bottom 562 of the insertion portion 561 to correspond to the light-emitting elements 572, and the light-emitting elements 572 mounted on the light-emitting substrate 571 face the end surface 554 of the light-guiding portion 532 through the through-holes 563. The optical axis of each light-emitting element 572 is oriented in the same direction as the rotation center axis CL of the rotating body 525, and light from the light-emitting elements 572 is irradiated onto the end surface 554 of the light-guiding portion 532. The base body 524 (including the insertion portion 561) is made of a colored, opaque synthetic resin material and has a light-absorbing function. This suppresses light leakage from the insertion portion 561. In this embodiment, the end surface 554 of the light-guiding portion 532 is located on an imaginary plane perpendicular to the rotation center axis CL, and the distance between the light-emitting element 572 and the end surface 554 is configured to be constant at any rotation position.

[0107] As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 15 , light from the light emitter 572 is repeatedly reflected by the outer surface 551 and inner surface 552 of the light-guiding unit 532 and travels toward the opposite end surface of the light-guiding unit 532. A light-emitting unit 553 having fine irregularities is formed on the outer surface 551 of the light-guiding unit 532. Upon reaching the light-emitting unit 553, the light supplied to the light-guiding unit 532 is emitted toward the front of the gaming machine. The light-emitting unit 553 corresponds to various symbols, which will be described later, and the light-emitting unit 553 is configured to emit light to display the symbols on the outer surface 551 of the light-guiding unit 532. In other words, when the light-emitting unit 553 is not emitting light, the symbols are not displayed. Because the light-emitting unit 553 is formed with fine irregularities, ambient light, such as that from the lighting in the gaming hall, can be reflected into the light-guiding unit 532, making it possible to visually view the light-emitting unit 553, which is normally virtually invisible or extremely difficult to see. Details will be described later, but the variable display unit 500 shown in this embodiment is devised to prevent such inconveniences from occurring.

[0108] In rotating body 525 shown in the present embodiment, a plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557 are arranged separately in the rotation direction to form light guide section 532 having a generally cylindrical shape as a whole. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of light guide section 532 will be additionally described with reference to FIG. 16 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0115] If the second opening 565 is expanded, light is more likely to leak from the side light 528. In contrast, in this embodiment, the second openings 565 are both formed to face backward, more specifically, facing diagonally rearward. This is a design that makes it less likely that light will enter the player's eyes if it leaks from the second opening 565.

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

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

[0118] The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 602 is connected to a power outage monitoring board 605, a payout control device 242, and various detection sensors 611a-611e, which are provided in the main control device 162. In this case, the power outage monitoring board 605 is connected to the power supply / launch control device 243, and power is supplied to the MPU 602 via the power outage monitoring board 605. In addition, as part of the various detection sensors 611a-611e, detection sensors provided in various winning-corresponding ball entry sections (payout-corresponding ball entry sections) such as the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, the operating port unit 83 (upper operating port 83a, lower operating port 83b), and the through gate 84 are each connected, and based on the detection information (detection signals) from these detection sensors, the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 determines whether a prize has been won (ball entry determination) in each ball entry section. Furthermore, the MPU 602 executes a lottery for generating a big win based on winnings at the upper actuation port 83a and the lower actuation port 83b, and also executes a lottery for generating a support based on winnings at the through gate 84.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0126] The notification / presentation control device 140 controls the display lamp units 26 to 28 and speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14, and the variable display unit 500 provided on the game board unit 80, based on various commands input from the main control device 162. In particular, the notification / presentation control device 140 has a function of determining the presentation mode for each game round, for example, an outline of the variable display mode of the symbols on the variable display unit 500 (for example, whether or not a reach has occurred and the contents of the reach presentation, etc.) and the stopped display mode of the symbols (the type of symbol combination to be finally stopped and displayed (determined display) upon completion of the changing display), based on various commands input from the main control device 162.

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

[0128] The MPU 602 uses various counter information during play to perform a lottery for jackpot occurrence, settings for the display of the main display unit 87, and settings for the symbol display of the variable display unit 500. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. 19, it uses a jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery for jackpot occurrence, a jackpot type counter C2 used to determine the type of jackpot such as a probability variable jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, a reach random number counter C3 used for a reach lottery when a miss variation is performed in the variable display unit 500, a random number initial value counter CINI used to set the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a variation type counter CS that determines the variable display time in the main display unit 87 and the variable display unit 500. Furthermore, it uses an electric accessory release counter C4 used for a lottery for determining whether or not to put the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b into an electric accessory release state.

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

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

[0131] In this case, when multiple consecutive wins occur at the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b, the first area Ra1, Rb1 through the fourth area Ra4, Rb4 store the numerical information in chronological order: first area Ra1, Rb1 → second area Ra2, Rb2 → third area Ra3, Rb3 → fourth area Ra4, Rb4. By providing four areas Ra1-Ra4, Rb1-Rb4, up to four winning ball records for the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b can be reserved and stored. The reserved ball storage area 632 also includes a total reserved number storage area, which stores information for identifying the number of winning ball records reserved for the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b.

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

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

[0134] The random number value that results in a jackpot win is stored as a win / loss table (win / loss information group) in a win / loss table storage area 621, which serves as win / loss information group storage means in the ROM 603. The contents of the win / loss table will now be described.

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

[0136] In this pachinko machine 10, the lottery mode for the win / loss lottery means is set to a low-probability mode (low-probability state) and a high-probability mode (high-probability state). The number of jackpot numerical information referenced in the low-probability mode is different from the number of jackpot numerical information referenced in the high-probability mode, with the former being fewer than the latter. Specifically, in the low-probability mode, only jackpot numerical information with address information equal to "1" is referenced when determining whether a win or loss occurs, while in the high-probability mode, jackpot numerical information corresponding to all address information is referenced when determining whether a win or loss occurs. That is, in the low-probability mode, there is one numerical information that results in a jackpot win, while in the high-probability mode, there are ten numerical information, which is more than in the low-probability mode. As a result, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability mode is 1 / 300, while the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability mode is 1 / 30, meaning that the high-probability mode has a higher probability of winning a jackpot than the low-probability mode. Note that the number and value of the random numbers that result in a win are arbitrary, as long as the winning probability is higher in the high-probability mode than in the low-probability mode.

[0137] The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of 0 to 29, and after reaching the maximum value, it returns to 0. The jackpot type counter C2 is updated periodically, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 when a gaming ball enters the upper actuation port 83a or the lower actuation port 83b.

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

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

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

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

[0142] The configuration for increasing the frequency of the electric role release state per unit time in the high-frequency support mode compared to the low-frequency support mode is not limited to the above, and may be configured to increase the probability of winning the electric role release state in the electric role release lottery, for example. Furthermore, in a configuration in which multiple types of reserved time (e.g., the time of the variable display executed on the role result display unit based on winning at the through gate 84) are available for the period between one electric role release lottery and the next electric role release lottery, the high-frequency support mode may be configured so that a shorter reserved time is more likely to be selected or the average reserved time is shorter than in the low-frequency support mode. Furthermore, the advantage of the high-frequency support mode over the low-frequency support mode may be increased by applying any one or any combination of the following conditions: increasing the number of releases, lengthening the opening time, shortening the reserved time between one electric role release lottery and the next electric role release lottery (i.e., shortening the time of one variable display on the role result display unit), shortening the average reserved time, and increasing the winning probability.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0153] As shown in (a) to (j) of Figure 21, the symbols consist of nine main symbols, each representing the numbers "1" to "9," and a secondary symbol, a picture of a seashell. The main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to "high probability symbols," and when these high probability symbols line up, the player enters a special gaming state known as a jackpot state, after which the player transitions to a high probability state. The main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to "low probability symbols," and when these low probability symbols line up, the player transitions to a jackpot state, but in this case the player does not transition to a high probability state.

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

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

[0156] When the above-mentioned reach display is performed, first the variable display of the symbols is finished in the left variable display area DL, and then in the state where the variable display of the symbols is finished in the right variable display area DR, a reach line is formed by the symbols with the same number attached being stopped and displayed on at least one of the activated lines L1 to L5, and in the situation where the reach line is formed, the variable display of the symbols is performed in the middle variable display area DM, resulting in a reach display. Then, when the open / close execution mode occurs, the same symbols as those forming the reach line are stopped and displayed on the reach line, and the variable display of the symbols in the middle symbol row is finished.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0167] In step S101, the CPU 161 executes a process of reading the various winning detection sensors. That is, the CPU 161 reads the status of the various winning detection sensors connected to the main control device 162, determines the status of the winning detection sensors, and stores the detection information (winning detection information).

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

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

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

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

[0172] (Winning process for operating port) Here, the winning process for the operating port will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0185] In the next step S403, a game control process is executed to control the game in each game. In this game control process, a jackpot determination is made, the variable display of the symbols by the variable display unit 500 is set, and the display of the operating port display section of the main display unit 87 is controlled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0204] In the variation start process, first, in step S601, a win / loss determination process is executed to determine whether the reserved information referenced in this variation start process corresponds to a jackpot win. Specifically, the information for jackpot determination among the information stored in the execution area AE, i.e., the information obtained from the information updated by the jackpot random number counter C1, is grasped. Then, if the win / loss lottery mode is the low probability mode, the win / loss table for the low probability mode stored in the win / loss table storage area 621 of ROM 603 is referenced to determine whether the grasped information is included in the information corresponding to a jackpot win. If the win / loss lottery mode is the high probability mode, the win / loss table for the high probability mode stored in the win / loss table storage area 621 of ROM 603 is referenced to determine whether the grasped information is included in the information corresponding to a jackpot win.

[0205] In the next step S602, it is determined whether the result of the win / loss determination process in step S601 corresponds to a jackpot win. If the result corresponds to a jackpot win, a type determination process is executed in step S603.

[0206] In the type determination process, the type determination information stored in the execution area AE, i.e., the information obtained from the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2, is identified. Also, by referring to the allocation table stored in the allocation table storage area 622 of the ROM 603, it is determined whether the identified type determination information is included in the information corresponding to the probability variable jackpot result. Specifically, if the reserved information corresponds to a ball entering the upper actuation port 83a, the allocation table for the upper actuation port 83a is referenced, and if the reserved information corresponds to a ball entering the lower actuation port 83b, the allocation table for the lower actuation port 83b is referenced to determine the type.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0214] The variable display time information when a reach does not occur is set so that the greater the number of common hold numbers CRN, the shorter the variable display time. However, this is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured so that it is not dependent on the number of common hold numbers CRN, or so that the smaller the number of common hold numbers CRN, the shorter the variable display time. Furthermore, the variable display time table for when a reach does not occur is set so that a shorter variable display time is selected when the support mode is in high-frequency support mode than when it is in low-frequency support mode, when the number of hold information is the same. However, this is not limited to this. The selected variable display time may be the same, or the above relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, the above configuration may be applied to the variable display time when a reach occurs, and a configuration may be adopted in which the variable display time that is likely to be selected and the variable display time that is unlikely to be selected differ between when a jackpot is won and when a miss reach occurs. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the variable display time table for a probability jackpot, the variable display time table for a normal jackpot, the variable display time table for a miss reach, and the variable display time table for a complete miss are each set separately.

[0215] As described above, the variable display time for each game is determined using parameters such as whether or not a reach has occurred, the type of reach display, the number of reserved information, and the value of the variable type counter, etc. However, the variable display time for each game is determined without using the contents of other reserved information, specifically, the information for determining a jackpot, the information for type determination, and the information for determining a reach, which are included in other reserved information, as parameters.

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

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

[0218] Returning to the explanation of the game round control processing (Fig. 29), when the main display unit 87 is in the process of variable display, the game round progress processing of steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game round progress processing, first, in step S506, it is determined whether the variable display time for the current game round has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of ​​RAM 604 has become "0". The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting processing, as described above. Furthermore, the value of this set variable display time information is decremented (subtracted) by 1 each time the timer interrupt processing (Fig. 25) is started.

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

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

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

[0222] As already explained, in this embodiment, the outline of the variable display mode of the pattern in the variable display unit 500 is specified by the notification / performance control device 140 with reference to a command from the main control device 162, and the details of the variable display mode are determined by the notification / performance control device 140 based on the result of the specification. Specifically, in the MPU 652 of the notification / performance control device 140, a variable display control process is executed as part of a periodic process that is started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec), and the outline of the variable display mode of the pattern is specified in this variable display control process. Here, the variable display control process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 31.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0229] In the jackpot effect setting process, the stop result of the jackpot symbols is determined (stop result determination process is performed). In the stop result determination process, if the result is a probability variable jackpot, the stop result of the current game round is determined to be the stop result of the combination of the same specific symbols (main symbols with odd numbers) on one active line L1 to L5. In addition, if the result is a normal jackpot, the stop result of the current game round is determined to be the stop result of the combination of the same non-specific symbols (main symbols with even numbers) on one active line L1 to L5.

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

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

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

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

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

[0235] 33 to 35, a supplementary explanation will be given below about the variable display mode of the symbols in the variable display unit 500. Fig. 33 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the variable display mode and the probability of winning, Fig. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a normal reach that does not support special changes, which will be described later, and Fig. 35 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a normal reach that supports special changes, which will be described later.

[0236] As shown in Fig. 33, the variable display mode of the symbols in this embodiment is roughly divided into three types: complete miss, normal reach, and super reach. For normal reach and super reach, the variable display mode of the symbols until they shift to the reach display is the same, and at least until they shift to the reach display, it is not clear whether they will shift from the variable display mode of the symbols up to that point to normal reach or super reach.

[0237] When comparing normal reach and super reach, there is a difference in the scrolling speed of the middle symbol after transitioning to the reach display. Specifically, in the case of normal reach, the scrolling speed of the middle symbol is set to be slower than in the case of super reach. Compared to normal reach, super reach has a higher expectation of resulting in a jackpot and transitioning to a special game state. For this reason, it is assumed that players hoping to transition to a special game state will pay attention to the changing display of the symbols in anticipation of transitioning to super reach.

[0238] (Normal reach not compatible with special modifications) Figure 34 shows an example of the flow of a normal reach corresponding to a miss result. As shown in Figure 34(a), when a game is started based on a ball entering the actuation port 83a, 83b, a variable display of the symbols is started in each variable display area DL, DM, DR, more specifically, a scrolling display that vertically traverses each variable display area DL, DM, DR from top to bottom.

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

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

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

[0242] After that, the scrolling display of the middle pattern row continues in the middle variable display area DM as shown in Figure 34(d) → Figure 34(e), and finally the "4" pattern is displayed stopped in the middle row of the middle variable display area DM, clearly indicating to the player that the result is a loss.

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

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

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

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

[0247] After that, as shown in Figure 35(f), when the middle symbol row is displayed again, the symbol on the active line L2 is replaced with the "8" symbol from the sub-symbol, and it is clearly indicated that the game has ended in a loss. After that, as the fixed display period has passed, the other symbols that had been hidden will also be displayed again, and a total of nine symbols (3x3) will be displayed.

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

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

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

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

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

[0253] If the determination in step S1003 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is determined whether it is time to stop and display the right symbol row in the right variable display area DR. If the determination in step S1005 is negative, the light emission and drive control process is terminated.

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

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

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

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

[0258] In this embodiment, the background is lit up as the display shifts to the reach display, suggesting the possibility of a big win. As will be described in detail later, by lighting the backlight 582, the light emitting portion 553 corresponding to the non-displayed symbol is made less noticeable.

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

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

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

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

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

[0264] Returning to the explanation of step S1001, if the determination in step S1001 is affirmative, i.e., if the special variable display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM 654, the special variable display process is executed in step S1016, and then the light emission and drive setting process is terminated. The special variable display process will be explained below with reference to Figure 38.

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

[0266] In step S1102, processing for turning off the side light for the middle drum is executed. Specifically, a flag for turning off the side light is set. In the light emission and drive control processing in step S903, processing for turning off the side light for the middle drum is performed based on this flag. As a result, the symbols that make up the middle symbol row are hidden, and the symbols that were temporarily displayed in the middle variable display area DM are also hidden.

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

[0268] The rotation direction of the center drum during a special change is determined based on two conditions: (1) the number of times the boundary portion BP1 passes through the center variable display area DM is minimized, and (2) the amount of rotation is minimized. For example, if one boundary portion BP1 passes through the center variable display area DM when the center drum is rotated in the forward direction, and two boundary portions BP1 pass through the center variable display area DM when the center drum is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotation direction is set to the forward direction. Regarding each of these conditions (1) and (2), (1) takes precedence over (2), and by moving the boundary portion BP1 through the center variable display area DM when the symbol is not displayed, it is difficult for the player to realize that the center drum is rotating.

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

[0270] In the light emission and drive control process of step S903, a process for partially lighting up the center drum side light is executed based on this flag. Specifically, the supply of light is started to the upper, middle, and lower sections of the center variable display area DM that are located on the reach line, and the supply of light to other sections is stopped. For example, if the reach line being formed currently spans the middle section, the light-emitting element 572b corresponding to the middle section is turned on, and the other light-emitting elements 572a, 572c to 572g are turned off. This causes the center symbols to suddenly switch places, enhancing the impact of the game result display.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0278] In the example shown in FIG. 40, when the same symbols are stopped on a preset pay line, a reach line is formed, and the display transitions to reach display. At timing tb3, the backlight 582 of the background display device 529 is turned on, emphasizing the transition to reach display. Also, at timing tb3, some of the light-emitting elements 572L constituting the side light 528L are turned off so that symbols that are stopped and displayed in the left variable display area DL but do not form a reach line are hidden. Also, some of the light-emitting elements 572R constituting the side light 528R are turned off so that symbols that are stopped and displayed in the right variable display area DR but do not form a reach line are hidden. Note that even under these circumstances, all of the light-emitting elements 572M constituting the side light 528M for the center drum are kept lit.

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

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

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

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

[0283] Immediately after the light emitter 572M is turned off at timing tb7, a drive signal is output to the motor 526M for the middle drum, and the light emitters 553M located on the reach line are replaced. At timing tb8 after the replacement is complete, the light emitters 572M corresponding to the reach line are turned on, and the others remain unlit. This makes it appear as if the middle symbol on the reach line has suddenly been replaced with another symbol. Since the number of games shown in Figure 40 corresponds to a losing result, the symbol combination that is finally displayed as a stop (confirmed display) also corresponds to a losing result.

[0284] While the special changes described above are being made, the backlight 582 is kept on, and light from the backlight 582 is irradiated to the front of the gaming machine through each drum (light guide unit 532). This is a device to prevent the pattern of the light emitting unit 553 from appearing when ambient light from the lighting of the gaming hall or the like is reflected onto the light guide unit 532.

[0285] Each drum (specifically, the light guide portion 532) of the variable display unit 500 described above is composed of a combination of multiple light guide panels 555-557, each divided in the rotation direction. Boundary regions BP1 are formed between the light guide panels 555-557. If these boundary regions BP1 frequently occur within the variable display area, it may detract from the appearance of the variable display unit 500 and hinder the ability to attract attention to the game by performing the various display effects described above. To prevent this inconvenience, one of the features of this embodiment is the arrangement of the light emitting portions 553 formed on the light guide portion 532, the position of the boundary regions BP1, and the relationship between the variable display area and the variable display area. This innovation will be described below with reference to FIGS. 22 and 41. While FIG. 41 illustrates the left drum, the relationship between the boundary regions BP1 and the variable display area is similar for the center drum and the right drum. For ease of explanation, FIG. 41 illustrates the light emitting portions 553 emitting light.

[0286] 22, the light guide section 532 of each drum is provided with a plurality of light emitting sections 553 arranged in the rotation direction. These light emitting sections 553 correspond to the main symbols and sub-symbols, and the light supplied from the side lights 528 is emitted from the light emitting sections 553 to display the main symbols "1" to "9" and the sub-symbols resembling "seashells."

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

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

[0289] Generally, to facilitate manufacturing, it is assumed that the boundary portion is set so that the distance from the light-emitting portion for the sub-symbol is the same as the distance from the light-emitting portion for the main symbol. However, such a configuration raises concerns that it may be difficult to increase the chances of the boundary portion stopping at a position outside the variable display area. In this regard, the configuration shown in this embodiment reduces the chances of the boundary portion BP1 coming into the player's eye, even when the symbol closest to the boundary portion is stopped at the upper or lower level of the variable display area, thereby preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience. Thus, the position of the boundary portion BP1 shown in this embodiment has a clear technical significance in making the boundary portion BP1 less noticeable.

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

[0291] As explained in FIG. 36, the variable operation processing executed by the MPU 652 of the notification and performance control device 140 includes the light emission and drive setting processing, light emission restriction processing, and light emission and drive control processing described above. As shown in FIG. 42(a), in the light emission restriction processing, first, the position of the boundary portion BP1 is identified in step S1201. Next, of the light emitters 572 constituting the side light 528, those to be restricted are identified in step S1202. Specifically, the light emitters located to the sides of the boundary portion BP1 identified in step S1201 are identified. In the following step S1203, the light emitters identified in step S1202 are set as those to be subject to light emission restriction. In the light emission and drive control processing, processing is performed to turn off the targets set in step S1203, regardless of the contents set in the light emission and drive setting processing.

[0292] As shown in Figure 42(b), when the boundary area BP1 moves in accordance with the rotation of the symbol row, the light emitters 572 located to the sides of the boundary area BP1 are switched to an off state in response to the movement. In other words, the supply of light to the boundary area BP1 is suppressed. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the boundary area BP1 from being conspicuous due to, for example, emitting light.

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

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

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

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

[0297] When changing the symbol displayed in the variable display area, the rotating body 525 (light guide unit 532) rotates in the supply state, making it appear as if the symbol is moving in the direction of the movement. In this way, by moving the light guide unit 532 rather than the light source, it is possible to advantageously avoid limitations on the manner in which the symbol can be changed due to factors such as the length of the wiring. Furthermore, since the position of the light source can be fixed, it is possible to replace symbols displayed in the same position, and even when symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the points that the player should pay attention to can be unified. This is a preferable configuration in terms of preventing symbol displays from being overlooked and reducing player fatigue.

[0298] The operating direction of light guiding unit 532 is set to be perpendicular to the direction of light irradiation by side light 528 (more specifically, light emitter 572). With this configuration, it is possible to suppress a change in the distance between the light emitter 572 and the target (end surface 554) of light irradiation in light guiding unit 532, which occurs as light guiding unit 532 operates. This is preferable in terms of suppressing a shortage of light supply to light emitting unit 553, which occurs when light from light emitter 572 is diffused before it is irradiated onto end surface 554, for example.

[0299] The light emitting units 553 are arranged side by side in the operating direction of the light guiding unit 532, and the light emitting units 572 constituting the side light 528 are also arranged side by side in the operating direction of the light guiding unit 532. By individually controlling the light emission of these light emitting units 572, it is possible to change the number of images displayed in the variable display area. In this way, by using a plurality of light emitting units 572 whose light emission can be individually controlled in combination, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of displayed symbols depending on the game situation, etc., and thus the expressive power of the variable display unit 500 can be dramatically improved.

[0300] If the light-emitting unit 553 is configured with minute irregularities, ambient light, such as lighting in an amusement hall, is diffused by the light-emitting unit, making it difficult to completely prevent the position and shape of the light-emitting unit 553 from being visually identified. In other words, the shape and position of the light-emitting unit 553 may be discerned by squinting. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, if light is irradiated from the backlight 582 to the light-guiding unit 532, the light from the backlight 582 can drown out ambient light, making it difficult to discern the shape and position of the light-emitting unit 553. This is preferable for enhancing the impact when a pattern suddenly appears by switching the sidelight 528 between a supply state and a non-supply state.

[0301] When the light guide unit 532 is operated, it cannot be denied that a close eye can identify that the light guide unit 532 is operating, using the light emitting unit 553 as a marker. This can reduce the impact of suddenly switching the design by operating the light guide unit 532 while the side light 528 is not supplying light. Therefore, when switching the design, as shown in the above embodiment, by operating the light guide unit 532 under conditions in which the side light 528 stops supplying light to the light guide unit 532 and the back light 582 is irradiating the light guide unit 532 with light, the light from the back light 582 can drown out ambient light and other factors. This makes it difficult to tell that the light guide unit 532 is operating, thereby preventing the above-mentioned inconvenience. Furthermore, because the light from the back light 582 is irradiated over the entire variable display area, it is possible to effectively demonstrate the effect of making it difficult to identify the shape, etc., of the light emitting unit 553 and the operating status of the light guide.

[0302] By rotating the light guiding unit 532, which has a substantially circular ring shape, the location where light is supplied on the light guiding unit 532 (end surface 554) is changed. As a result, the symbols are displayed variably on the light guiding unit 532. Because the light guiding unit 532 has a substantially circular ring shape, the variably displayed symbols can be continued without reversing the rotation direction of the light guiding unit 532. In other words, when performing dynamic display using the light guiding unit 532 to enhance expressiveness, it is possible to prevent the light guiding unit 532 from becoming excessively large. This is a preferable configuration for increasing the attention of players.

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

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

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

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

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

[0308] Dividing the light guide unit 532 into multiple pieces (light guide panels 555-557) in the rotation direction can facilitate manufacturing and reduce manufacturing costs. However, with this configuration, if the boundary (edge) of each piece gets caught on the open portion (entrance portion) of the insertion portion, it is expected that the behavior of the light guide unit 532 will be disrupted. Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, the gap is formed to be larger toward the open portion, thereby preventing the edge from getting caught on the insertion portion 561, thereby preferably preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience. Note that in a configuration in which the open portion (entrance portion) is expanded, light is more likely to leak from this portion. Therefore, by facing the open portion toward the rear of the gaming machine, even if light leaks, it can be made less noticeable.

[0309] As shown in the above embodiment, the light guide unit 532 is formed of multiple light guide panels 555-557 arranged in parallel in the rotation direction, thereby enabling the light guide unit 532 to have a substantially circular shape. This configuration contributes to easier manufacturing and reduced manufacturing costs for the drum unit 523 compared to, for example, forming a single light guide plate in an annular shape. However, when multiple parallel light guide panels 555-557 are interconnected, distortion due to manufacturing variations and the like may occur. In a configuration in which light is supplied to the end face 554 of the light guide unit 532, such distortion may cause variations in the positional relationship between the side light 528 and the end face 554, potentially hindering the symbol display function. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, the light guide panels 555-557 are attached to the frame 531 in a loose state, thereby preventing the above-mentioned inconvenience. This is preferable for preventing deterioration in the appearance when the light guide unit 532 is used to display changing symbols, thereby attracting players' attention.

[0310] As described above, when a single light guide unit 532 is constructed by combining multiple light guide panels 555-557, the boundary regions BP1 between the light guide panels 555-557 become conspicuous, detracting from the appearance of the light guide unit 532. This is undesirable in terms of attracting a player's attention. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the light guide unit 532 is fixed to the frame 531, the fixed portions of the light guide unit 532 to the frame 531 may appear different from the non-fixed portions. In this embodiment, both ends of each light guide panel 555-557 in the rotation direction are free ends, and the fixed portions are spaced apart from the boundary regions BP1 between the light guide panels 555-557. This prevents the player's line of sight from being guided to the boundary regions BP1 when the fixed portions come into the player's field of view, thereby minimizing the degradation of the appearance of the single light guide unit 532 constructed by combining multiple light guide panels 555-557.

[0311] When the light guide unit 532 is formed using multiple light guide panels 555-557, it is preferable to make the boundary region BP1 between the light guide panels 555-557 as inconspicuous as possible. The light emitters 572 (LEDs) constituting the sidelight 528 are configured to emit light in a predetermined direction. The end faces of the light guide panels 555-557 on both sides of the rotation direction extend in the predetermined direction. This configuration, in other words, aligns the direction of light emission with the direction of the boundary region BP1, thereby preventing the boundary region BP1 from emitting light. This is preferable for improving the appearance. Although the boundary region BP1 is located in a blank area (a non-patterned area), the boundary region BP1 extends in the direction of the rotation center axis CL, and thus the non-patterned area can be prevented from becoming excessively large in consideration of the boundary region BP1.

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

[0313] <Variation 1> In the first embodiment, the side light 528 serving as the "light emitting unit" is provided on the base body 524 that rotatably holds the rotating body 525 (drum), but this is not limiting. It is also possible to mount a configuration equivalent to the side light 528 on the rotating body 525. However, such a configuration would further increase the weight of the drum, which is expected to reduce responsiveness when rotating / stopping. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the side light 528 on the base body 524 as shown in the first embodiment, thereby reducing the weight of the rotating body 525.

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

[0315] However, considering that the end of the light guide 532 is inserted into the insertion portion 561, the possibility cannot be denied that the shielding means may come into contact with the wall surface of the insertion portion 561 due to manufacturing variations and deterioration over time. If the gaming machine continues to operate under such a condition where contact is possible, the shielding means may wear out, resulting in a deterioration in its shielding function. To address this issue, for example, increasing the gap between the light guide 532 and the insertion portion 561 can prevent such inconvenience, but increasing the gap is undesirable in terms of suppressing light leakage from the insertion portion 561 and improving light supply efficiency. Considering these circumstances, regulating the supply of light to the boundary portion BP1 by light emission control, as shown in the first embodiment, has the technical significance of favorably improving the durability of the gaming machine.

[0316] <Variation 3> In the first embodiment, the light guide panels 555 to 557 constituting the light guide unit 532 are not coupled to each other, but this is not limiting and the light guide panels 555 to 557 may be coupled to each other. However, in view of the fact that deformation such as distortion may occur in the light guide panels 555 to 557 during or after manufacturing, it is preferable to configure the light guide panels 555 to 557 to be not coupled to each other and to allow such deformation (to be absorbed at the boundary portion BP1).

[0317] <Variation 4> In the first embodiment, gaps are provided at the boundary regions BP1 of the light guide panels 555 to 557, but this does not negate a configuration in which the light guide panels 555 to 557 abut against each other at the boundary regions BP1.

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

[0319] <Variation 6> In the first embodiment described above, the rotating body 525 is attached to the base body 524 via the motor 526. However, in view of the weight of the rotating body 525 being increased by the light-guiding section 532, it is also possible to rotatably hold the rotating body 525 by the base body 524 and operate the rotating body 525 by the motor 526.

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

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

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

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

[0324] <Variation 11> In the first embodiment described above, when a special change (special fluctuation) is executed, the side light 528 is turned off after the operation of the rotator 525 is stopped, and the side light 528 is turned on after the operation of the rotator 525 is completed again. However, the specific configuration for operating the rotator 525 using the off period of the side light 528 is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to the above configuration, it is also possible to configure the side light 528 to be turned off while the rotator 525 is operating, and then to turn on the side light 528 after the operation of the rotator 525 is completed.

[0325] Furthermore, when a symbol is inserted or displayed by a special change, if a variable display mode in which the rotation speed of the middle drum rotor 525M is relatively slow (e.g., normal reach) and a variable display mode in which the rotation speed is relatively fast (e.g., super reach) are set, the timing of light supply / stop can be changed depending on the rotation speed. For example, when a symbol is temporarily suspended on the reach line, extending the pause period increases the time to confirm the symbol. However, simply extending the pause period may increase the restrictions on the number of re-changes during a special change. Therefore, resuming the light supply immediately before the pause increases the time to confirm the symbol. However, in such a configuration, the above-mentioned margin of error varies substantially depending on the rotation speed of the rotor. Therefore, when the rotation speed is relatively fast, it is recommended to configure the start timing of light supply to be earlier than when the rotation speed is relatively slow, or to extend the light supply range to a portion upstream of the reach line.

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

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

[0328] <Variation 14> In conventional gaming machines, for example, it is possible to make the symbols virtually indistinguishable by rapidly varying the symbols displayed. However, such movement hinders the improvement of the durability of the symbol display means. In particular, in a configuration in which the rotating body is equipped with a light guide unit as shown in this embodiment, the weight is heavier than when, for example, a rotating body equipped with a paper or the like, and there is a concern that such inconveniences will become more pronounced.

[0329] Therefore, the pattern displayed on the light guide unit 532 can be suddenly erased by stopping the supply of light from the side light 528 while the rotating body 525 is rotating. If the configuration is such that the appearance is significantly changed (the distinguishability is changed) by controlling the light emission of the side light 528, it is possible to diversify the display modes while suitably suppressing the resulting decrease in durability.

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

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

[0332] <Variation 16> The stop display period (pause period) of the center symbol when a special change is performed may or may not coincide with the final display period (final stop period). For example, the pause period may be changed depending on the number of symbol changes during the special change. Specifically, the pause periods may be longer for three symbol changes, two symbol changes, and one symbol change. In this case, if the pause period is short, the timing of the start of light supply may be advanced to ensure a period during which the symbol is visible. Specifically, if the pause period when the symbol changes once coincides with the final stop period, the pause period when the symbol changes twice is 0.2 seconds shorter than the final stop period, and the pause period when the symbol changes three times is 0.4 seconds shorter than the final stop period, the light supply may be resumed earlier by the shortened period (i.e., the supply may be resumed while the light guide unit 532 is operating).

[0333] <Variation 17> A configuration (second special modification) may be adopted in which light is supplied to the light emitting unit 553 only while the light emitting unit 553 is located on the pay line, and the supply of light is stopped when the unit is off the pay line, thereby displaying the images frame by frame. In this case, when comparing a normal reach that supports slow-changing display with a super reach that supports fast-changing display, the visibility of the images may be lower in the latter than in the former. Therefore, in the latter case, it is preferable to ensure visibility by supplying light even when the unit is slightly off the pay line. For example, it is preferable to delay the timing of stopping the light supply compared to the former, or to resume the light supply earlier than the former.

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

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

[0336] <Variation 20> In the first embodiment, the frame 531 is made of synthetic resin, but this is not limiting and the frame 531 can also be made of metal.

[0337] <Variation 21> The frame 531 and the light guide panels 555 to 557 shown in the first embodiment can also be integrally molded. With this configuration, there is no need for a fixing means for fixing the frame and the light guide panels and the associated configuration (for example, a portion corresponding to the rim 536). This is preferable in terms of improving the appearance of the variable display unit.

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

[0339] <Second embodiment> The variable display unit 500X shown in this embodiment is similar to the variable display unit 500 shown in the first embodiment in terms of the main configuration for variably displaying symbols, but differs in configuration from the variable display unit 500 in that the background displayed by the background display device 529X is switchable depending on the game situation. The variable display unit 500X in this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 43. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit 500X. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used with an "X" added to the end of the reference numerals, but those for which differences, etc., are not described are basically the same as the various configurations shown in the first embodiment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0349] Light from the light emitter 772X is repeatedly reflected by the outer and inner surfaces of the light-guiding unit 732X and travels toward the opposite end surface of the light-guiding unit 732X. A light-emitting unit made of fine irregularities is formed on almost the entire outer surface of the light-guiding unit 732X. While the light-emitting unit is formed only in a limited area in the light-guiding unit 532X for displaying patterns, the light-emitting unit in the light-guiding unit 732X does not have such a limited area. In other words, the light-guiding unit 732X in this embodiment functions as the lighting means (backlight 582) shown in the first embodiment.

[0350] The light supplied to the light guide section 732X reaches the light emission section of the light guide section 732X and is emitted forward of the gaming machine, and as the light passes through one of the decorative sheets 781X to 783X, the decorative sheet 781X to 783X emits bright light.

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

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

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

[0354] By suppressing the vibration of the rotors 525X, 725X with this configuration, when the rotors 525X, 725X are disposed doubly on the inside and outside, the operating gap between the rotors 525X, 725X can be reduced.

[0355] As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 44(a), the rotator 725X shown in this embodiment also has a light guide section 732X that is generally cylindrical overall, constructed by combining multiple light guide panels 755X to 757X that are arranged in a rotational direction, similar to the rotator 525X. The light guide panels 755X to 757X are made of transparent synthetic resin and are plate-shaped with a uniform thickness and curvature. The length dimension in the rotational direction of the rotator 725X and the width dimension in the direction of the rotation center axis CL are also the same, and the rotator 725X is formed to have the same appearance. The light guide panels 755X to 757X are each fixed to a rim 736X (more specifically, a connecting portion) of the frame 731X using a transparent adhesive, which is a fixing means, but the light guide panels 755X to 757X are not fixed to each other.

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

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

[0358] At boundary regions BP2 between the light guide panels 755X to 757X, adjacent light guide panels 755X to 757X face each other with a gap in between. This is a measure to prevent strong interference between the light guide panels 755X to 757X at the boundary regions BP2 when variations in size occur among the light guide panels 755X to 757X due to manufacturing errors, etc. Avoiding strong interference between the light guide panels 755X to 757X can prevent deformation such as the above-mentioned distortion of the light guide panels 755X to 757X.

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

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

[0361] As the rotating body 725X rotates, the background visible from the front of the gaming machine changes. Here, with reference to FIG. 44(b), the relationship between the gaming state and the background will be further explained. In the first normal gaming state, in which the support mode is the low-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low-probability mode, a daytime sandy beach is displayed as the background. In the second normal gaming state, in which the support mode is the high-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low-probability mode, and in the third normal gaming state, in which the support mode is the high-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the high-probability mode, an evening sandy beach is displayed as the background. In the special gaming state (open / close execution mode), which the game enters upon a jackpot result, a nighttime sandy beach is displayed as the background. In this way, by switching the background display depending on the gaming state, the gaming state is indicated to the player.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0372] Because the sheet materials 781Z to 783Z are not optically transparent, the rear side cannot be seen through the sheet materials 781Z to 783Z. The sheet materials 781Z to 783Z are all plain and do not have any background or other pattern, i.e., information that would serve as a clue for identifying the rotational position of the rotating body 725Z. In contrast, the light emitting portion 753Z (see FIG. 47) formed on the outer surface 751Z of the light guiding portion 732Z is ​​configured to display a predetermined pattern or the like by emitting light from the light emitting portion 753Z, similar to the light guiding portion 532Z. In other words, while the light guiding portion 732Y described in the second embodiment functions as an illumination means, the light guiding portion 732Z described in this embodiment functions as a pattern display means. Note that when light is not emitting from the light emitting portion 753Z, the pattern or the like is not displayed, making it virtually impossible or difficult to visually identify the light emitting portion 753Z.

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

[0374] The light-guiding panels 755Z constituting the light-guiding unit 732Z have a picture of 1 printed across the three light-guiding panels 755Z on the left and right. Specifically, the picture shows a sandy beach. When the light-guiding panels 755Z are facing the front of the gaming machine and light is supplied from the side lights 728Z, the background of the sandy beach is displayed.

[0375] On the light guide panels 756Z to 757Z, a "boy" symbol, a "bell" symbol, a "replay" symbol, a "7" symbol, and a "BAR" symbol are arranged in a predetermined order. Although not shown, the second display unit also has a plurality of active lines set thereon, similar to the first display unit, and when a 16R-compatible special jackpot result is achieved, a "7", "7", and "7" symbol combination is statically displayed on at least one of the active lines, when a 4R-compatible regular jackpot result is achieved, a "7", "7", and "BAR" symbol combination is statically displayed, and when a miss result is achieved, a symbol combination other than these symbol combinations is statically displayed (see Figure 48).

[0376] In this embodiment, depending on the game situation, the display can be switched between displaying a beach background using light guide panel 755Z and displaying patterns using light guide panels 756Z to 757Z, but the beach background and patterns will not be displayed in a static state simultaneously in the variable display area.

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

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

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

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

[0381] (Control process for upper operating port) As shown in FIG. 50, in the upper actuator control process, first in step S1401, it is determined whether a game related to the upper actuator 83a is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether the upper actuator display section of the main display unit 87 is in the process of a variable display or a fixed display, that is, whether one game is being played. This determination is made by determining whether a game-in-progress flag (game-in-progress information) for the upper actuator is stored (memorized) in the game-in-progress flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. The game-in-progress flag for the upper actuator is stored when a variable display is started on the upper actuator display section, and is erased when the picture is displayed stationary and the fixed display ends.

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

[0383] If a positive determination is made in step S1402, the process proceeds to step S1403. In step S1403, it is determined whether the number of plays related to the lower operating port 83b corresponds to a jackpot result. If a positive determination is made in step S1403, the control process for the upper operating port is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S1403 or step S1402, the process proceeds to step S1404.

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

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

[0386] This data shift process shifts the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower areas in order, clearing the data in the first area and shifting the data in each area from the second area to the first area, the third area to the second area, and the fourth area to the third area. Then, one of the lit LEDs in the hold number display unit for the upper operating port is turned off. In this light-off process, the LEDs in the hold number display unit for the upper operating port are turned off in order from the right, in contrast to the light-on process performed when hold information is added.

[0387] After the data setting process described above is performed, in step S1406, a process for starting the variable display of the pattern on the display unit for the upper actuation port and the variable display of the pattern on the variable display unit (variable start process for the upper actuation port) is performed, and then the game number control process is terminated. Here, the variable start process for the upper actuation port in step S1406 will be described with reference to Figure 51.

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

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

[0390] In step S1504, a stop result setting process for a jackpot result is executed. Specifically, the symbol to be finally displayed on the main display section D (upper operating port display section) of the main display unit 87 in that game round is identified from a stop result table for a jackpot result stored in advance in ROM 603, and the identified information is stored in RAM 604. This stop result table for a jackpot result contains a plurality of symbols to be displayed on the main display section D, and in step S1504, information indicating the symbol corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in RAM 604. Also, in step S1504, information for the MPU 602 to identify whether the current game result is a normal jackpot result or a special jackpot result is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. Specifically, if the result is a normal jackpot result, a normal jackpot flag is stored, and if the result is a special jackpot result, a special jackpot flag is stored.

[0391] After executing the setting process of step S1504, the process proceeds to step S1505. In step S1505, it is determined whether a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b is currently being executed. If the determination in step S1505 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1506. In step S1506, a forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. If a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b (variable display of symbols) is currently being executed, the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b (variable display of symbols) is forcibly terminated midway based on this forced termination flag. More specifically, if a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a corresponds to a jackpot result and a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b may be executed beyond the timing when the confirmation display for that game round is made, the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b is shortened, and the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b is terminated together with the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a. In such a case, the image displayed in a stopped state in the game round related to the lower operating port 83b corresponds to a losing result.

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

[0393] Specifically, the image to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display section D (display section for the upper operating port) of the main display unit 87 in the game round related to the start of the current fluctuation is identified from the stop result table for miss results stored in advance in ROM603, and the identified information is stored in RAM604.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0404] (Control process for lower operating port) As shown in FIG. 19, in the lower actuation port control process, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether a game is currently being played for the lower actuation port 83b. Specifically, it is determined whether the lower actuation port display section of the main display unit 87 is in the variable display to fixed display state, i.e., whether one game is currently being played. This determination is made by determining whether a game-current flag (variable display information) for the lower actuation port is stored (memorized) in the game-current flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. The game-current flag for the lower actuation port is stored when a variable display is started on the lower actuation port display section, and is erased when the image is displayed stationary and the fixed display ends.

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

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

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

[0408] This data shift process shifts the data stored in areas 1 to 4 to the lower areas in order, clearing the data in area 1 and shifting the data in each area from area 2 to area 1, area 3 to area 2, and area 4 to area 3. Then, one of the lit LEDs in the hold number display unit for the lower operating port is turned off. In this light-off process, the LEDs in the hold lamp unit for the lower operating port are turned off in order from the right, in contrast to the light-on process performed when hold information is added.

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

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

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

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

[0413] In step S1704, a stop result setting process for a jackpot result is executed. Specifically, the symbol to be finally displayed on the main display section D (the display section for the lower operating port) of the main display unit 87 in that game round is identified from a stop result table for a jackpot result stored in advance in ROM 603, and the identified information is stored in RAM 604. This stop result table for a jackpot result contains a plurality of symbols to be displayed on the main display section D, and in step S1704, information indicating the symbol corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in RAM 604. Also, in step S1704, information for the MPU 602 to identify whether the current game result is a normal jackpot result or a special jackpot result is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. Specifically, if the result is a normal jackpot result, a normal jackpot flag is stored, and if the result is a special jackpot result, a special jackpot flag is stored.

[0414] After executing the setting process of step S1704, the process proceeds to step S1705. In step S1705, it is determined whether a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a is currently being executed. If the determination in step S1705 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S1706. In step S1706, a forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. If a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a (variable display of symbols) is currently being executed, the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a (variable display of symbols) is forcibly terminated midway based on this forced termination flag. More specifically, if a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b corresponds to a jackpot result and a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a (corresponding to a loss result) may be executed beyond the timing when the confirmation display for that game round is made, the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a is shortened, and the game round related to the upper actuation port 83a is terminated together with the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b. In such a case, the image displayed in a stopped state in the game round related to the upper operating port 83a corresponds to a losing result.

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

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

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

[0418] After the variable display time setting process in step S1708 is executed, a variable start command and a type command are set in step S1709. The variable start command includes information on the variable display time. Here, as described above, the variable display time obtained by referring to the variable display time table for when a reach does not occur is different from the variable display time obtained by referring to the variable display time table for when a reach occurs. Therefore, even if the variable start command does not include information on whether a reach has occurred, the notification / performance control device 140, which is the sub-side control device, can determine whether a reach has occurred from the information on the variable display time. In this regard, it can be said that the variable start command includes information indicating whether a reach has occurred. Note that the variable start command may also include information directly indicating whether a reach has occurred.

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

[0420] Returning to the explanation of Figure 52, if a positive determination is made in step S1601, that is, if it is determined that a game round related to the lower actuation port 83b is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1608. In step S1608, it is determined whether it is the start timing of a game round related to the upper actuation port 83a that corresponds to the jackpot result. If a negative determination is made in step S1608, the process proceeds to step S1609.

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

[0422] If a positive stability is determined in step S1609, the process proceeds to step S1612. In step S1612, a fluctuation end process is executed. In the fluctuation end process, the display of the main display unit 87 is controlled so that the image is statically displayed on the lower operating port display section in a predetermined manner.

[0423] In the following step S1613, a variation end command is set. The variation end command set in step S1613 is sent to the notification / presentation control device 140 in step S401 of the normal processing (Fig. 28). Based on receiving the variation end command, the notification / presentation control device 140 executes processing to end the presentation for that game round. Furthermore, by receiving the variation end command, the notification / presentation control device 140 causes the combination of symbols corresponding to the game result, etc. of that game round to be displayed as a final result (final stop display) on the second display unit of the variable display unit 500Z. Note that the variation end command may not be sent and the presentation for the game round may be ended independently by the notification / presentation control device 140.

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

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

[0426] As described above in detail, in this embodiment, the game rounds related to the upper actuation port 83a and the game rounds related to the lower actuation port 83b are configured to proceed simultaneously. However, the variable display time set for each game round differs depending on the game state, and the main target of game progress changes depending on the game state. Below, with reference to Figure 54, we will provide a supplementary explanation of the relationship between the game state and the variable display time.

[0427] In the first normal game mode, in which the support mode is the low-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low-probability mode, the variable display time set for game turns executed based on balls entering the upper actuation port 83a is 1 to 20 seconds. For game turns corresponding to a losing result, the variable display time is set shorter as the number of reserved balls related to the upper actuation port 83a increases, allowing the game to proceed quickly while reducing the chances of not receiving reserved information even when a ball has entered the upper actuation port 83a. On the other hand, the variable display time set for game turns executed based on balls entering the lower actuation port 83b is a uniform 600 seconds. In other words, the variable display time is 600 seconds regardless of whether the lottery result is a jackpot or a losing result. Thus, in the first normal game mode, game turns related to the upper actuation port 83a are prioritized.

[0428] In contrast, in the second normal game state, in which the support mode is the high-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the high-probability mode, and in the third normal game state, in which the support mode is the high-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low-probability mode, the relationship of the variable display time is reversed from that in the first normal game state. That is, the variable display time set for game turns executed based on balls entering the upper actuation port 83a is a uniform 600 seconds. That is, the variable display time is 600 seconds regardless of whether the lottery result is a jackpot or a loss. On the other hand, the variable display time set for game turns executed based on balls entering the lower actuation port 83b is 1 to 10 seconds. For game turns corresponding to a loss, the variable display time is set to be shorter as the number of reserved balls related to the lower actuation port 83b increases. This allows game play to proceed quickly while reducing the chances of not receiving reserved ball information despite a ball entering the lower actuation port 83b. Thus, in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, game turns related to the lower actuation port 83b are prioritized.

[0429] In this embodiment, the lottery result is notified by the symbols displayed on the first display unit, and the lottery result is notified by the symbols displayed on the second display unit, and the side lights of each display unit are turned on / off as the main target of game progress changes depending on each game state. Below, the relationship between the game state and the light emission mode will be explained with reference to Figures 55 and 56.

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

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

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

[0433] Here, the MPU 652 of the notification / performance control device 140 executes control processing for game times as part of regular processing. The control processing for game times includes display processing for the upper actuation port corresponding to game times based on balls entering the upper actuation port 83a, and display processing for the lower actuation port corresponding to game times based on balls entering the lower actuation port 83b. The display processing for the upper actuation port will be explained below with reference to Figures 57 to 59.

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

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

[0436] (Main control process for upper operating port) 58, in the main control process for the upper actuation port, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether it is time to confirm and display (final stop display) the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game related to the lower actuation port 83b. If the determination in step S1901 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1902.

[0437] In step S1902, it is determined whether a game turn related to the upper operating port 83a is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S1902, the process proceeds to step S1903. In step S1903, it is determined whether it is time to start a game turn related to the upper operating port 83a. If a negative determination is made in step S1903, the main processing for the upper operating port is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S1903, the process proceeds to step S1904.

[0438] In step S1904, drive control start processing for the first display unit is executed. As a result, drive signals are output to each motor 526Z that constitutes the first display unit, and each rotating body 525Z begins to operate. In the following step S1905, light emission control processing for the side lights 528 of the first display unit is executed. As a result, if power is already being supplied to the side lights 528, the power supply is continued, and if power is not being supplied to some or all of the side lights 528, power supply to those side lights 528 is started.

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

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

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

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

[0443] (Special control processing for upper operating port) Next, we will explain the special control process for the upper actuation port, which is executed when the game is in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, which progress based on the ball entering the lower actuation port 83b. As shown in Figure 59, in the special control process for the upper actuation port, first, in step S2001, it is determined whether it is time to confirm and display (final stop display) the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game related to the lower actuation port 83b. If the determination in step S2001 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2002.

[0444] In step S2002, it is determined whether a game turn related to the upper operating port 83a is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S2002, the process proceeds to step S2003. In step S2003, it is determined whether a game turn related to the upper operating port 83a has started. If a negative determination is made in step S2003, the special control process for the upper operating port is terminated.

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

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

[0447] In step S2006, it is determined whether it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination (final stop display) in the game round related to the upper operating port 83a. If the determination in step S2006 is negative, in step S2010, drive control processing for the first display unit during fluctuation is executed. This controls the rotation / stop of each rotor 525. However, even in this case, since the side light 528 for the first display unit is turned off, the symbol remains undisplayed.

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

[0449] In the following step S2008, it is determined whether the current game result corresponds to a jackpot result. If the determination in step S2008 is negative, the special control process for the top operating port is terminated. If the determination in step S2008 is positive, the process proceeds to step S2009, where light emission control process for the side light 528Z for the first display unit is executed. As a result, light is supplied from the side light 528Z only to the light emitting portion 553Z on the line on which the jackpot symbol combination is formed, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result suddenly appears on the first display unit.

[0450] Returning to the explanation of step S2005, if a positive determination is made in step S2005, i.e., if the confirmation display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S2011. In step S2011, it is determined whether the confirmation display period has elapsed and it is time to end the confirmation display. If a negative determination is made in step S2011, the process proceeds to step S2012. In step S2012, it is determined whether the current game result is a jackpot result. If it is a jackpot result, the process proceeds to step S2013, where light emission extension control processing is executed to extend the light emission of the side light 528 of the first display unit until the special game state ends.

[0451] As described above in detail, if a jackpot result is obtained in a game involving the upper actuation port 83a during the second normal game state or the third normal game state, only that result is displayed on the first display unit, and the display continues until the end of the special game state. In contrast, if a loss result is obtained in a game involving the upper actuation port 83a during the second normal game state or the third normal game state, the rotor 525Z is stopped in accordance with that result, but the symbol combination corresponding to the loss result remains hidden.

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

[0453] (Main control process for lower operating port) As shown in Fig. 61, in the main control process for the lower operating port, first, in step S2201, it is determined whether it is time to display the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game related to the upper operating port 83a as a final stop display. If the determination in step S2201 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2202.

[0454] In step S2202, it is determined whether a game turn related to the lower operating port 83b is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S2202, the process proceeds to step S2203. In step S2203, it is determined whether it is time to start a game turn related to the lower operating port 83b. If a negative determination is made in step S2203, the main processing for this lower operating port is terminated. If a positive determination is made in step S2203, the process proceeds to step S2204.

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

[0456] Returning to the explanation of step S2202, if a positive determination is made in step S2202, that is, if a game involving the lower actuation port 83b is in progress, the process proceeds to step S2205. In step S2205, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination (final stop display) in the game involving the lower actuation port 83b. If a positive determination is made in step S2205, the process proceeds to step S2206.

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

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

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

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

[0461] In step S2302, it is determined whether a game turn related to the lower operating port 83b is in progress. If a negative determination is made in step S2302, the process proceeds to step S2303. In step S2303, it is determined whether a game turn related to the lower operating port 83b has started. If a negative determination is made in step S2303, the special control process for this lower operating port is terminated.

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

[0463] Returning to the explanation of step S2302, if a positive determination is made in step S2302, the process proceeds to step S2306. In step S2306, it is determined whether or not the final display of the symbol combination is being performed in the game round related to the lower actuation port 83b. If a negative determination is made in step S2306, the process proceeds to step S2307.

[0464] In step S2307, it is determined whether it is time to display the symbol combination as final (final stop) in the game turn related to the lower actuation port 83b. If the determination in step S2307 is negative, in step S2311, light emission and drive control processing for the second display unit during fluctuation is executed. As a result, the side lights 728Z are switched on and off depending on the rotation position of each rotor 725Z, the background is displayed flashing, and the symbols on the second display unit are not displayed. Note that when a game turn related to the lower actuation port 83b is executed in the first normal gaming state, each rotor 725Z will stop when the timing for the final display arrives without going through the above-mentioned reach display.

[0465] If the determination in step S2307 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S2308. In step S2308, a stop control process for the second display unit is executed. If the current game round corresponds to a jackpot result, the light emitting portion 753Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped on one of the activated lines L1 to L5, and if the current game round corresponds to a loss result, the light emitting portion 753Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the loss result is stopped on one of the activated lines L1 to L5.

[0466] In the following step S2309, it is determined whether the current game result corresponds to a jackpot result. If the determination in step S2309 is negative, the special control process for the lower operating port is terminated. If the determination in step S2309 is positive, the process proceeds to step S2310, where light emission control process for the side light 728Z for the second display unit is executed. As a result, light is supplied from the side light 728Z only to the light emitting portion 753Z on the line on which the jackpot symbol combination is formed, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result suddenly appears on the second display unit.

[0467] Returning to the explanation of step S2306, if a positive determination is made in step S2306, i.e., if the confirmation display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S2312. In step S2312, it is determined whether the confirmation display period has elapsed and it is time to end the confirmation display. If a negative determination is made in step S2312, the process proceeds to step S2313. In step S2313, it is determined whether the current game result is a jackpot result. If it is a jackpot result, the process proceeds to step S2313, and light emission extension control processing is executed to extend the light emission of the side light 728Z of the second display unit until the special game state ends.

[0468] Returning to the explanation of step S2301, if a positive determination is made in step S2301, the process proceeds to step S2315. In step S2315, a forced stop control process for the second display unit is executed. That is, if a symbol combination resulting in a jackpot is stopped and displayed in a game turn related to the upper actuation port 83a in the first normal gaming state, each rotor 725Z of the second display unit is also forced to stop. In this case, the second display unit is adjusted so that the combination of light emitting elements 753Z corresponding to the jackpot result does not stop on any of the pay lines L1 to L5.

[0469] As described above in detail, if a jackpot result is obtained in the ...

Claims

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

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