Game machine

Abstract

To reduce a burden in designing.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a first board in which an LED is disposed, and a second board in which a driver for driving the LED is disposed, and a drive signal for driving the LED from the second board to the first board is outputted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 41

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In gaming machines, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used in display devices that display information related to the progress of the game, measurement display devices that display game history information for a predetermined period, and effect lamps used for effects according to the progress of the game.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, such LEDs are driven and controlled by an LED driver. Here, when the LED driver and the LED are arranged on the same substrate, if it is desired to change the LED driver or the LED, the entire substrate has to be changed, resulting in a large burden in design associated with the change.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to reduce the burden in design.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a first substrate on which an LED is arranged, and a second substrate on which a driver for driving the LED is arranged, and a drive signal for driving the LED is output from the second substrate to the first substrate.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the burden during design can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26

Figure 27

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34

Figure 35

Figure 36

Figure 37

Figure 38

Figure 39

Figure 40

Figure 41

Figure 42

Figure 43

Figure 44

Figure 45

Figure 46

Figure 47

Figure 48

Figure 49

Figure 50

Figure 51

Figure 52

Figure 53

Figure 54

Figure 55

Figure 56

Figure 57

Figure 58

Form for carrying out the invention

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in the following order with reference to the attached drawings. <1. Structure of the gaming machine> <2. Control configuration of the gaming machine> [2.1 Main control board] [2.2 Frame control board] [2.3 Power supply board] [2.4 Performance control board] <3. Overview of operation> [3.1 Game state] [3.2 Special pattern change display game] [3.3 About the jackpot] [3.4 Normal pattern change display game] [3.5 Screen displayed on the LCD unit] <4. Processing of the main control board> [4.1 Main control side main processing] [4.2 Timer interrupt processing on the main control side] <5. Processing of the frame control board> [5.1 Main control side main processing] [5.2 Timer interrupt processing on the frame control side] <6. Processing of the performance control board> [6.1 Main processing on the performance control side] [6.2 Timer interrupt processing on the performance control side] <7. LEDs related to the main control board> <8. LEDs related to the payout control board> <9. LEDs related to the 4th pattern display unit> <10. Performance LEDs arranged on the game board> [10.1 Performance LEDs on the illumination panel] [10.2 Performance LEDs on the movable role objects] [10.3 Performance LEDs on the lower right unit of the game board] [10.4 LED for effect arranged in the lower left unit of the game board] [10.5 LED for effect arranged in the effect panel] <11. Modification example> [11.1 Modification example 1] [11.2 Modification example 2] [11.3 Modification example 3] <12. Configuration example>

[0010] <1. Structure of the gaming machine> With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 as an embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the front frame 7 is opened in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment. In the following, the right direction as viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 1 is defined as the right direction of the gaming machine 1, and the left direction as viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 1 is defined as the left direction of the gaming machine 1. Also, the vertically upward direction is defined as the upward direction of the gaming machine 1, and the vertically downward direction is defined as the downward direction of the gaming machine 1. Further, the direction facing the player from the gaming machine 1 is defined as the front direction of the gaming machine 1, and the direction facing the gaming machine 1 from the player facing it is defined as the rear direction of the gaming machine 1. And the left and right directions of the gaming machine 1 mean the same as the width direction of the gaming machine 1.

[0011] The gaming machine 1 is a so-called smart pachinko machine that circulates game balls enclosed inside and uses them for the game.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a wooden outer frame 3, an inner frame 5 attached to the outer frame 3 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism 4, and a front frame 7 attached to the inner frame 5 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism 4. The hinge mechanism 4 is provided at the upper left end and the lower left end of the gaming machine 1. The inner frame 5 is formed in a frame shape and holds a game board 9 inside.

[0013] The front frame 7 has a transparent glass 11 held at the center, and a side unit 13 is provided so as to surround all or part of the periphery of the transparent glass 11. The side unit 13 has a decorative shape that matches the theme of the gaming machine 1, and may be provided with effect means such as LEDs and movable object devices inside, and exhibits an effect of conveying the atmosphere of the game to the player. The side unit 13 is detachably attached to the front frame 7.

[0014] A key cylinder 15 for unlocking the door is provided at the right end of the front frame 7. If a key is inserted into this key cylinder 15 and operated on one side, the locked state of the front frame 7 with respect to the inner frame 5 is released and the front frame 7 can be opened forward. If it is operated on the other side, the locked state of the inner frame 5 with respect to the outer frame 3 is released and the inner frame 5 can be opened forward.

[0015] An operation panel 17 is arranged below the front frame 7. A handle device 19 for firing a game ball from the firing device 31 is provided on the right side of the operation panel 17. A support base 20 for placing the player's wrist is provided below the handle device 19.

[0016] A game ball number display 21 and a counting switch 23 are provided on the left side of the operation panel 17. The game ball number display 21 is composed of six-digit 7-segment LEDs and displays the number of game balls managed by the gaming machine 1 (the number of game balls held by the player: hereinafter referred to as the managed game ball number). The counting switch 23 receives an operation input from the player to transfer the managed game ball number to the game value medium (card) of the game ball lending device or the like.

[0017] In addition, the operation panel 17 is provided with operation buttons 25 that are configured to be operable by the player. The operation buttons 25 include an effect button 25a, a direction key 25b, a brightness change button 25c, and a volume change button 25d. The effect button 25a can be operated (input can be received) during a predetermined input reception period, and it is possible to bring about a change in the effect by performing a predetermined operation (pressing, continuous hitting, long pressing, etc.). The effect button 25a is also an operator for instructing the determination of the item selected by the direction key 25b. The direction keys 25b are operators for users such as players and hall staff to select various items and give direction instructions and the like. The brightness change button 25c is an operator for adjusting the brightness of the effect LEDs 27 that are controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors, and includes a plus button for increasing the brightness of the effect LEDs 27 and a minus button for decreasing the brightness of the effect LEDs 27. The volume change button 25d is an operator for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker 29, and includes a plus button for increasing the volume and a minus button for decreasing the volume.

[0018] Below the operation panel 17, an effect panel 26 is provided. Inside the effect panel 26, a plurality of effect LEDs 27 are provided, and by controlling the lighting of these effect LEDs 27, the effect panel 26 is lit and displayed in various lighting modes and emission colors as a whole.

[0019] The effect LEDs 27 are controlled to light by the effect control board 120 and are provided at various locations other than inside the effect panel 26. For example, the effect LEDs 27 are provided around the gaming machine 1, such as at the periphery of the front frame 7, inside the side unit 13, inside the game board 9, and the like.

[0020] Also, around the gaming machine 1, for example, at the periphery of the front frame 7, a plurality of speakers 29 for outputting sound are provided. With the plurality of speakers 29, so-called stereo sound reproduction and more multi-channel sound reproduction can be performed for sounds related to the effect.

[0021] Inside the inner frame 5, a circulation mechanism 30 including a launching device 31 and a lifting device 33 is provided below the game board 9. The circulation mechanism 30 circulates game balls inside the gaming machine 1. The launching device 31 launches the game balls toward the game area 37 with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount (rotation angle) of the handle 19a of the handle device 19 by the player. The lifting device 33 conveys the game balls discharged from the game area 37 to the launching device 31. Note that the lifting device 33 incorporates a polishing device that polishes the game balls while lifting them up.

[0022] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the configuration of the game board 9 will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 9. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the A-A cross section in FIG. 3.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the game board 9 is provided with an outer rail 35 and an inner rail 36 for guiding the launched game balls. The outer rail 35 extends in an arc shape from slightly below the left lower end in the left-right direction, passes through the upper center in the left-right direction, and extends to the upper right part. And a substantially circular region surrounded by the outer rail 35 is formed as a game area 37, and the outside of the substantially circular region is formed as a non-game area. The game area 37 is a space formed between the game board 9 and the transparent glass 11, and is an area where the game balls can flow down.

[0024] The inner rail 36 extends in an arc shape from slightly below the left lower end in the left-right direction along the outer rail 35 to the upper left part. The region sandwiched between the outer rail 35 and the inner rail 36 is formed as a game ball guiding path 35a. The game ball guiding path 35a is a path through which the game balls launched from the launching device 31 pass, and guides the game balls launched from the launching device 31 to the game area 37.

[0025] The game area 37 is divided into a left game area 37a and a right game area 37b on the left and right respectively by a center decoration 39 provided in the center. The center decoration 39 is formed with a center apex 39a that protrudes upward most to divide the left game area 37a and the right game area 37b. Note that the center apex 39a may be formed at a position shifted to the right or left from the center instead of at the center in the left-right direction. The game balls launched by the launching device 31 with a launching intensity less than a predetermined value that does not exceed the center apex 39a will flow down the left game area 37a, and the game balls launched with a launching intensity equal to or greater than a predetermined value that exceeds the center apex 39a will flow down the right game area 37b.

[0026] In the game area 37, a shock stop portion 38 is provided so as to be continuous with the upper right end of the outer rail 35. By being disposed at a position along the outer rail 35, the shock stop portion 38 causes a game ball launched by the launching device 31 with a predetermined launching intensity or more to collide therewith and guides it to the right game area 37b.

[0027] Also, a backflow prevention member 40 is provided at the upper left end of the inner rail 36. The backflow prevention member 40 is urged counterclockwise by a spring (not shown) so as to block the game ball guide path 35a, and is rotatable clockwise about the upper left end of the inner rail 36 by a game ball entering the game area 37 from the game ball guide path 35a. Thereby, the backflow prevention member 40 prevents a game ball that has once entered the game area 37 from flowing back into the game ball guide path 35a.

[0028] A special symbol 1 start port 41 is provided below the center of the game board 9. The special symbol 1 start port 41 is a winning port related to the starting condition of the variable display operation of the first special symbol (hereinafter, referred to as the special symbol 1, and may also be abbreviated as the special figure 1) on the main display 63, and is configured as a fixed start port.

[0029] A special symbol 2 start port 43 is provided on the right side of the game board 9. The special symbol 2 start port 43 is a winning port related to the starting condition of the variable display operation of the second special symbol (hereinafter, referred to as the special symbol 2, and may also be abbreviated as the special figure 2) on the main display 63, and is configured as a variable start port whose opening and closing are controlled by a normal electric accessory 45.

[0030] The normal electric accessory 45 is switched between an open state that enables a game ball to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43 by operating the movable piece 45a and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for a game ball to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43.

[0031] Above the special symbol 2 start opening 43 in the right game area 37b, a normal symbol start opening 47 through which a game ball can pass is provided. This normal symbol start opening 47 is a gate related to the variable display operation of the normal symbol on the main display 63.

[0032] Below the special symbol 2 start opening 43 in the right game area 37b, a big winning opening 49 is provided. The big winning opening 49 is controlled to open and close by a special electric accessory 51. Note that the big winning opening 49 may be provided above the special symbol 2 start opening 43. The special electric accessory 51 can be switched between an open state that enables a game ball to enter the big winning opening 49 by operating a movable piece 51a and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for a game ball to enter the big winning opening 49.

[0033] Also, a plurality of winning openings 53 are provided on the lower left and right sides in the game area 37. In addition, an out opening 55 is provided on the lower center of the game area 37, and game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings are discharged from the game area 37 through the out opening 55.

[0034] Note that only game balls flowing down from the left game area 37a can enter the special symbol 1 start opening 41, but game balls flowing down from the right game area 37b may also be able to enter. Also, only game balls flowing down from the right game area 37b can enter or pass through the special symbol 2 start opening 43, the normal symbol start opening 47, and the big winning opening 49, but game balls flowing down from the left game area 37a may also be able to enter or pass through.

[0035] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters various winning openings provided in the game area 37, the number of bonus balls set for the winning opening into which the game ball has entered (for example, 3 for the special symbol 1 start opening 41, 1 for the special symbol 2 start opening 43, 15 for the big winning opening 49, and 5 for the winning opening 53) is paid out.

[0036] Also, in the area surrounded by the center decoration 39 at the center of the game board 9, an LCD unit (liquid crystal display device) 57 and an illumination panel 59 are provided. The LCD unit 57 variably displays and stops displaying, for example, three decorative symbols 201a to 201c (see FIG. 8), or displays various images for effect (still images and moving images) according to the control of an effect control board 120 described later. A plurality of types of decorative symbols 201 including different numbers, symbols, etc. are provided, and the combination of the three decorative symbols 201a to 201c that are stopped and displayed notifies the player of the result of a big win lottery described later.

[0037] The illumination panel 59 is made of a plate-shaped transparent synthetic resin material and is disposed opposite the LCD unit 57 on the player side (front side) of the LCD unit 57. On the front or rear surface of the illumination panel 59, a predetermined pattern such as characters, figures, symbols, and patterns is formed by embossing. When light is not incident from the side, the pattern on the illumination panel 59 is invisible or difficult to visually recognize, and when light is incident from the side, the pattern portion diffuses and emits light, making the pattern visible to the player.

[0038] A space is formed between the LCD unit 57 and the illumination panel 59, and one or a plurality of movable object devices 61 are disposed in this space. FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate one of the plurality of movable object devices 61. The movable object device 61 is disposed in front of the LCD unit 57 and is retracted to a position where the player cannot normally visually recognize it, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 3. Then, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, the movable object device 61 is driven by a movable object motor 61a (see FIG. 7) during the variable display of the decorative symbol 201 (during the variable display of the special symbols 1 and 2), etc., and moves to the front surface of the LCD unit 57, thereby giving the player a sense of expectation of a big win.

[0039] In the non-game area at the lower left of the game board 9, a main display 63 composed of a dot display is provided. Also, at the lower right of the LCD unit 57 on the game board 9, a fourth symbol display 65 composed of a dot display is provided.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the main display 63 and the fourth symbol display 65. The main display 63 is controlled by the main control board 100, and displays (notifies) information regarding the progress of the game by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of LEDs. Hereinafter, lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of the LEDs are collectively referred to as lighting display. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the main display 63 is provided with a special symbol 1 display 63a in which a variable display operation (lighting display) of the special symbol 1 is performed, a special symbol 2 display 63b in which a variable display operation of the special symbol 2 is performed, and a normal symbol display 63c in which a variable display operation of the normal symbol is performed. Also, the main display 63 is provided with a special symbol 1 hold number display 63d for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 hold number display 63e for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 2, a normal symbol hold number display 63f for displaying the hold number of the normal symbol, a round display 63g for displaying the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to a big win, a game state display 63h for displaying the game state (time reduction state, high probability state), and a right hit display 63i for prompting the player to perform a right hit. Note that a right hit means that the player operates the handle 19a in a game operation so as to launch a game ball toward the right game area 37b. The right hit display 63i is a display for notifying that it is more advantageous for the player to launch a game ball toward the right game area 37b than to launch a game ball toward the left game area 37a.

[0041] The fourth symbol display 65 is controlled by the effect control board 120, and notifies information regarding the progress of the game by lighting display of an LED. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the fourth symbol display 65 is provided with a special symbol 1 display 65a for performing the variable display operation of the special symbol 1 and a special symbol 2 display 65b for performing the variable display operation of the special symbol 2. Further, the fourth symbol display 65 is provided with a special symbol 1 hold number display 65c for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 hold number display 65d for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 2, and a right hit display 65e for prompting the player to hit right.

[0042] <2. Control Configuration of the Gaming Machine> FIGS. 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 1. With reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. 6 and 7, the control configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment mainly includes a main control board 100 that comprehensively controls the control related to the progress of the game (game operation control), a frame control board 110 that comprehensively controls the control related to the management of the number of game balls (bonus balls) and the control related to the management of game balls (launching, circulation), an effect control board 120 that comprehensively controls the execution control of the effects by the effect means in response to the effect control commands received from the main control board 100, a power supply board 130 that generates and supplies the necessary power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1 from an external power source, a game ball lending device connection terminal board 140 connected to a game ball lending device or the like, and a decoration relay board 150, a front frame relay board 160, an upper decoration board 170, and a decoration board 180 where components related to the effect means are provided or connected.

[0043] [2.1 Main Control Board] The main control board 100 includes a main control unit 101 and a system reset circuit 103. The main control unit 101 is a microprocessor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an RWM (Read / Write Memory). The ROM stores various data necessary for game operation control in addition to the control program for performing game operation control. The RWM functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The CPU performs game operation control by executing the control program stored in the ROM.

[0044] The system reset circuit 103 detects power-on, power-off, power abnormalities, etc., and outputs a system reset signal to reset the main control unit 101. Although not shown in the figure, the main control unit 101 also includes a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for realizing periodic interrupts, a pulse output generation function (bit rate generator) with a fixed period, and a time measurement function, an interrupt controller circuit that exhibits an interrupt enable / disable function such as a timer interrupt for adding an interrupt signal, a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit for monitoring the abnormal operation of the control program, a designated area outside running prohibition (IAT) circuit for monitoring whether the program is correctly executed within a preset address range, and a counter circuit (random number generation circuit) for generating a certain range of random numbers (hard random number values) in hardware, etc.

[0045] The counter circuit is composed of a random number generation circuit that generates random numbers and a sampling circuit that samples random number values from the random number generation circuit at a predetermined timing, and functions as a 16-bit counter as a whole. The main control unit 101 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state, and obtains the value indicated by the random number generation circuit as a random number for jackpot determination (0 to 65535), and uses the random number for jackpot determination in the jackpot lottery. Note that the random number for jackpot determination is obtained by adding a soft random number value generated by appropriate software processing to prevent acts such as aiming for a win and a hard random number value in order to prevent such acts.

[0046] On the main control board 100, there are a special symbol 1 start port switch 41a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start port 41, a special symbol 2 start port switch 43a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start port 43, a normal symbol start port switch 47a for detecting the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol start port 47, a winning port switch 53a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the winning port 53, and a big winning port switch 49a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the big winning port 49. The detection signals output from these are input to the main control unit 101. Therefore, the main control unit 101 can grasp through which winning port the game ball has entered (passed) based on the detection signals from each switch.

[0047] Also, on the main control board 100, there are a big winning port solenoid 51b for operating a special electric accessory 51 (movable piece 51a) that opens and closes the big winning port 49, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 45b for operating a normal electric accessory 45 (movable piece 45a) that opens and closes the special symbol 2 start port 43. The main control unit 101 outputs control signals for controlling these solenoids.

[0048] Also, on the game board 9, there are a magnetic sensor 67 for detecting magnetism, a radio wave sensor 69 for detecting radio waves, and a vibration sensor 71 for detecting vibration. These sensors are connected to the main control board 100. The signals from these sensors are input to the main control unit 101.

[0049] Also, a main display 63 is connected to the main control board 100. The main control unit 101 outputs a control signal for lighting and displaying the main display 63.

[0050] The main control board 100 is connected to the frame control board 110 so as to enable mutual communication. The main control board 100 (main control unit 101) mainly transmits a control command including information related to prize balls and a firing control signal indicating the availability of firing a game ball to the frame control board 110. Further, the main control board 100 receives a door open signal indicating the opening of the front frame 7, an RWM clear signal for clearing the RWM, a power supply abnormality signal indicating an abnormality of the power supply, and a frame communication confirmation signal for confirming communication from the frame control board 110. Furthermore, the main control board 100 receives a driving power supply (DC35VA, DC12VA, DC5VA, backup power supply) from the frame control board 110.

[0051] The main control board 100 transmits various effect control commands including information related to a special symbol variation display game and information related to errors to the effect control board 120. However, in order to prevent fraud such as illegal acts, the main control board 100 is configured for one-way communication in which it only transmits a signal to the effect control board 120 and cannot receive a signal from the effect control board 120.

[0052] [2.2 Frame Control Board] The frame control board 110 includes a frame control unit 111, an RWM clear switch 112a, a game ball count clear switch 112b, a ball extraction switch 112c, an error release switch 112d, a performance display 113, a system reset circuit 114, a power supply abnormality signal generation circuit 115, a firing control circuit 116, and a backup power supply generation circuit 117.

[0053] The frame control unit 111 is a microprocessor including a CPU, a ROM, and an RWM. The ROM stores a control program for managing the number of game balls, controlling the firing device 31 and the lifting device 33, and various data necessary for these controls. The RWM functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The CPU manages the number of game balls, controls the firing device 31 and the lifting device 33, etc. by executing the control program stored in the ROM.

[0054] The RWM clear switch 112a, the game ball count clear switch 112b, the ball discharge switch 112c, and the error release switch 112d are push-button switches. When the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed at power-on, the frame control unit 111 clears the RWM and transmits an RWM clear signal to the main control board 100. The main control unit 101 that receives the RWM clear signal clears a predetermined area of the RWM.

[0055] When the game ball count clear switch 112b is pressed at power-on, the frame control unit 111 clears the number of game balls it manages. When the number of game balls is cleared, 0 will be displayed on the game ball count display 21.

[0056] When the ball discharge switch 112c is pressed at power-on, the frame control unit 111 performs a ball discharge process to discharge the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that a game ball is detected by the lifting entrance switch 33f described later.

[0057] When the error release switch 112d is pressed when a specific error occurs, the frame control unit 111 releases the specific error that has occurred.

[0058] When the ball discharge switch 112c is pressed at power-on, the frame control unit 111 performs a process to discharge the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that a game ball is detected by the lifting entrance switch 33f described later.

[0059] When the error release switch 112d is pressed when a specific error occurs, the frame control unit 111 releases the specific error that has occurred.

[0060] The performance indicator 113 is composed of, for example, a six-digit 8-segment (7 segments + 1 dot) indicator. The performance indicator 113 is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and displays game achievement information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period (for example, every 6000 games). The game achievement information includes the consecutive accessory ratio, the accessory ratio, the base, etc. The consecutive accessory ratio is the ratio of the number of bonus balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49 out of the total number of bonus balls. The accessory ratio is the ratio of the number of bonus balls due to winning in the special symbol 2 start opening 43 and the number of bonus balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49 out of the total number of bonus balls. The base is the ratio of the total number of bonus balls to the number of game balls launched. Note that the performance indicator 113 can switch and display game achievement information for each predetermined period (each interval).

[0061] The system reset circuit 114 detects power-on, power-off, power abnormalities, etc., outputs a system reset signal, and resets the frame control unit 111.

[0062] The power abnormality signal generation circuit 115 monitors the voltage drop of the drive power supply (5V DC voltage (DC5VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA)) supplied from the power supply board 130, and outputs a power abnormality signal to the main control unit 101 when the voltage becomes below a predetermined threshold value. Also, the power abnormality signal generation circuit 115 may monitor the voltage drop of the 24V AC voltage (AC24V).

[0063] The launch control circuit 116 controls the launch of game balls from the launch device 31 by driving and controlling the launch device 31 (the ball feed solenoid 31a, the launch solenoid 31b).

[0064] The backup power generation circuit 117 generates a backup power supply (VBB) supplied to the RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 at power-off. The RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 supplied with the backup power supply (VBB) can hold (backup) the data stored over a certain period even when a power-off occurs.

[0065] The door opening sensor 73 provided on the inner frame 5 is connected to the frame control board 110. When the door opening sensor 73 detects at least one of the fact that the front frame 7 is opened with respect to the inner frame 5 and the fact that the inner frame 5 is opened with respect to the outer frame 3, it outputs a door opening signal to the main control board 100 via the frame control board 110.

[0066] The circulation mechanism 30 provided on the inner frame 5 is provided with a hoisting motor 33a, an out ball switch 33b, a foul ball switch 33c, an excessive position detection switch 33d, a shortage position detection switch 33e, a hoisting inlet switch 33f, a hoisting outlet switch 33g, and a hoisting position detection switch 33h, and these are connected to the frame control board 110.

[0067] The circulation mechanism 30 is formed with a pre-hoisting path through which the game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided, a hoisting path through which the game balls that have passed through the pre-hoisting path are hoisted, and a post-hoisting path through which the game balls hoisted in the hoisting path are guided to the launching device 31. In the circulation mechanism 30, the game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided to the lowermost end of the hoisting path through the pre-hoisting path. The game balls guided to the lowermost end of the hoisting path are hoisted upward in the hoisting path by the hoisting device 33. Then, the game balls that have reached the uppermost end of the hoisting path are sent to the post-hoisting path and then guided to the launching device 31 through the post-hoisting path.

[0068] The hoisting motor 33a is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and rotates a hoisting part, for example, a spiral member, disposed in the hoisting path. The rotated hoisting part guides the game balls that have reached the downstream end of the pre-hoisting path into the hoisting path and hoists the game balls staying in the hoisting path upward. Also, it sends out the game balls from the uppermost end of the hoisting path to the post-hoisting path.

[0069] The out ball switch 33b, the foul ball switch 33c, the excessive position detection switch 33d, the shortage position detection switch 33e, the hoisting inlet switch 33f, and the hoisting outlet switch 33g are switches for detecting game balls, and when they detect game balls, they output detection signals to the frame control board 110 (frame control unit 111).

[0070] The out ball switch 33b is arranged on the upstream side of the pre-lifting path, and detects a game ball (out ball) discharged from the game area 37 and guided to the pre-lifting path. The foul ball switch 33c is arranged on the foul ball confluence path connected between the positions where the out ball switch 33b and the excessive position detection switch 33d are respectively arranged on the pre-lifting path, and among the game balls launched from the launcher 31, it detects the game balls that do not reach the game area 37 and are returned to the pre-lifting path through the foul ball confluence path.

[0071] The excessive position detection switch 33d and the insufficient position detection switch 33e are arranged at a predetermined distance apart on the downstream side of the out ball switch 33b on the pre-lifting path, and detect the game balls staying on the pre-lifting path. The excessive position detection switch 33d is provided on the upstream side of the pre-lifting path compared to the insufficient position detection switch 33e. And when the excessive position detection switch 33d does not detect a game ball and the insufficient position detection switch 33e detects a game ball at the time of power-on, that is, when there is a game ball at the position where the insufficient position detection switch 33e is provided and there is no game ball at the position where the excessive position detection switch 33d is provided, it is determined by the frame control unit 111 that the game machine 1 is enclosed with a normal number of game balls. On the other hand, when the under-detection switch 33e does not detect a game ball at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are few game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1. When the over-detection switch 33d detects a game ball at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are many game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1. That is, in these cases, the frame control unit 111 determines that the number of game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 is not normal. In this case, the frame control unit 111 transmits a signal indicating that the number of game balls is not normal to the main control unit 101, and the main control unit 101 transmits an effect control command indicating that the number of game balls is not normal to the effect control unit 121. Then, the effect control unit 121 notifies the hall staff or the like by displaying on the LCD unit 57 or the like that the number of game balls is not normal.

[0072] The lift-inlet switch 33f is arranged near the downstream end of the pre-lift path and detects game balls staying near the downstream end of the pre-lift path. The lift-outlet switch 33g is arranged in the middle of the post-lift path and detects game balls staying at that position. When the lift-inlet switch 33f detects a game ball (there are game balls accumulated in the pre-game path) and the lift-outlet switch 33g does not detect a game ball (there are not a predetermined number of game balls staying in the post-lift path), the frame control unit 111 rotates the lift motor 33a.

[0073] When the lift-outlet switch 33g detects a game ball, that is, when a predetermined number of game balls are staying in the post-lift path, the frame control unit 111 stops the lift motor 33a.

[0074] The lift-position detection switch 33h detects the rotation angle of the lift motor 33a. The frame control unit 111 rotates the lift motor 33a based on the rotation angle detected by the lift-position detection switch 33h.

[0075] The launching device 31 includes a ball-feed solenoid 31a, a launch solenoid 31b, and a subtraction outlet switch 31c. The ball feed solenoid 31a sends the game ball located at the downstream end of the upward path to the firing position in the firing device 31 based on the control by the frame control unit 111. The firing solenoid 31b fires the game ball sent to the firing position by the ball feed solenoid 31a toward the game area 37 based on the control by the frame control unit 111. The subtraction exit switch 31c is arranged at the downstream end of the upward path and detects the game ball sent to the firing position in the firing device 31 by the ball feed solenoid 31a. When the game ball is detected by the subtraction exit switch 31c, the frame control unit 111 subtracts 1 from the managed number of game balls. Also, when the game ball fired from the firing device 31 is detected by the foul ball switch 33c when it is guided to the pre-upward path through the foul ball confluence path without reaching the game area 37, the frame control unit 111 adds 1 to the managed number of game balls to return the subtracted value. Further, when the frame control unit 111 receives a control command indicating the number of prize balls from the main control board 100 (main control unit 101), it adds the number of prize balls indicated by the command to the managed number of game balls.

[0076] Also, when the counting switch 23 provided on the front frame 7 is operated by the player, the frame control unit 111 transfers the managed number of game balls to the valuable medium of the game ball lending device via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 140. Specifically, when the counting switch 23 is operated for a time shorter than a predetermined time, 1 is subtracted from the managed number of game balls, and a signal for adding 1 to the number of game balls recorded in the valuable medium is output to the game ball lending device. As a result, in the game ball lending device, 1 is added to the number of game balls recorded in the valuable medium. Also, when the counting switch 23 is operated for a time longer than a predetermined time, every fixed time, 250 is subtracted from the managed number of game balls, and a signal for adding 250 to the number of game balls recorded in the valuable medium is output to the game ball lending device at any time. As a result, in the game ball lending device, 250 is added to the number of game balls recorded in the valuable medium every time the signal is received. Furthermore, when the frame control unit 111 receives a lending notice for lending game balls from a game ball lending device based on the number of game balls or money information stored in the valuable medium, it adds the number of game balls corresponding to the lending notice to the managed number of game balls. In this case, the number of game balls or money information recorded in the valuable medium is decreased by a value corresponding to the number of game balls in the lending notice.

[0077] The handle device 19 provided on the front frame 7 is provided with a touch sensor 19b, a firing stop switch 19c, and a firing intensity VR 19d, and these sensors are connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 can receive detection signals from the touch sensor 19b, the firing stop switch 19c, and the firing intensity VR 19d.

[0078] The touch sensor 19b detects that the player is touching the handle 19a. The firing stop switch 19c is a push-button type switch. The firing intensity VR 19d detects the operation amount (rotation angle) of the handle 19a.

[0079] The firing control circuit 116 controls the energization of the ball feed solenoid 31a and the firing solenoid 31b based on the firing control signal and the like output from the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111, thereby firing a game ball from the firing device 31. Specifically, when a firing control signal permitting firing is output from the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111, the touch sensor 19b detects that the player is touching the handle 19a, and the firing stop switch 19c is not operated, the firing operation of the game ball by the firing device 31 is permitted. Then, the firing control circuit 116 controls the firing solenoid 31b so that the game ball is fired with a firing intensity corresponding to the operation amount detected by the firing intensity VR 19d.

[0080] Also, a game ball number display 21 is connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 transmits a control signal for lighting and displaying the managed number of game balls to the game ball number display 21.

[0081] Further, a radio wave sensor 75 for detecting radio waves is provided in the front frame 7 at a position facing the foul ball switch 33c, and the radio wave sensor 75 is connected to the frame control board 110. The radio wave sensor 75 is provided with a coil and detects radio waves based on the induced magnetic field applied to the coil. The radio wave sensor 75 mainly detects unauthorized radio waves with respect to the foul ball switch 33c and outputs a detection signal to the frame control board 110.

[0082] [2.3 Power Supply Board] The power supply board 130 receives an AC input power supply (AC24V) from the outside and generates a DC voltage that serves as a driving power supply for each part based on the input AC input power supply (AC24V). The power supply board 130 generates a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA, DC35VB), a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA, DC12VB), and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) from the AC input power supply.

[0083] The generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), and the AC input power supply (AC24V) input from the outside are supplied to the frame control board 110. Further, the 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied to the frame control board 110 are also supplied to the main control board 100 together with the backup power supply generated by the frame control board 110. Also, the generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VB) and 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) are supplied to the effect control board 120. Further, the generated 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is also supplied to the front frame relay board 160.

[0084] [2.4 Effect Control Board, etc.] The effect control board 120 is connected to the decoration relay board 150, the front frame relay board 160, and the LCD unit 57, and the upper decoration board 170 is connected via the front frame relay board 160. The decorative relay board 150 is connected with a movable object motor 61a for driving the movable object device 61, a movable object position detection switch 61b for detecting the position of the movable object device 61, a fourth symbol display 65, and a decorative board 180. Also, the decorative relay board 150 is provided with a motor driver 61c for driving the movable object motor 61a and an LED driver 27a for controlling the lighting display of the effect LED 27.

[0085] The front frame relay board 160 is provided below the hinge mechanism 4 side in the front frame 7 and is arranged such that a connector is exposed on the rear side (the game board 9 side) (see Fig. 2). The front frame relay board 160 is connected with a speaker 29, an operation button 25, a vibration device 77 for giving vibration to the player, and a decorative board 180. Also, the front frame relay board 160 is provided with a power generation circuit 151 for generating a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). The 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) generated by the power generation circuit 151 is supplied to the upper decorative board 170 together with the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0086] The upper decorative board 170 is provided at the upper center in the front frame 7 and is arranged such that a connector is exposed on the rear side (the game board 9 side) (see Fig. 2). The upper decorative board 170 is connected with a movable object motor 61a, a movable object position detection switch 61b, a wind device 79, and a decorative board 180. The wind device 79 is driven under the control of the effect control unit 121 to blow wind to the player.

[0087] There are decorative boards 180 on which mainly the effect LEDs 27 are arranged and those on which the effect LEDs 27 and the LED driver 27a are arranged, and different decorative boards 180 may be continuously connected to each other. Note that the number and connection relationship of the decorative boards 180 are merely examples, and other configurations may also be possible.

[0088] The performance control board 120 includes a performance control unit 121, a sound ROM 123, a voice IC 125, a VDP circuit 127, and a power generation circuit 129.

[0089] The performance control unit 121 is a microprocessor including a CPU, a ROM, and an RWM. The ROM stores a control program for performance means and various data necessary for performance operation control. The RWM functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The CPU controls the performance means by expanding and executing the control program stored in the ROM in the RWM.

[0090] The performance control unit 121 performs arithmetic processing for various performance operations and controls each performance means based on the performance control program and the performance control commands received from the main control board 100. The performance means is a device that performs a performance for notifying or suggesting whether a state advantageous to the player occurs during the progress of the game or the like, and includes a performance LED 27, a speaker 29, an LCD unit 57, an illumination panel 59, a movable accessory 61, a vibration device 77, and a wind device 79.

[0091] The performance control unit 121 receives the performance control commands from the main control board 100 and determines a performance scenario based on the performance control commands. Then, the performance control unit 121 controls the performance means to execute the performance based on the determined performance scenario.

[0092] For example, the performance control unit 121 issues an instruction to the motor driver 61c to move the movable accessory 61 based on the performance scenario, or issues an instruction to the LED driver 27a to turn on and display the performance LED 27 based on the performance scenario. Note that the LED driver 27a provided on the decoration relay board 150 issues an instruction to turn on and display the fourth symbol display 65 in addition to the performance LED 27. Also, the performance control unit 121 drives the vibration device 77 to generate vibration based on the performance scenario, or drives the wind device 79 to blow wind based on the performance scenario.

[0093] The sound ROM 123 stores sound data such as BGM and sound effects. The voice IC 125 reads out the sound data corresponding to the determined production scenario from the sound ROM 123 and outputs it to the speaker 29. As a result, the BGM and sound effects corresponding to the determined production scenario are emitted from the speaker 29.

[0094] The VDP circuit 127 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), an image ROM, and a VRAM (Video RAM). The VDP controls all video output processes such as image expansion processing and image drawing. The image ROM stores the image data for which the VDP performs image expansion processing. The VRAM is an image memory area that temporarily stores the image data developed by the VDP. The VDP circuit 127 generates various image data based on the production scenario and outputs it to the LCD unit 57. As a result, various production images are displayed on the LCD unit 57.

[0095] The power generation circuit 129 generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0096] <3. Outline description of the operation> Next, an outline of the game operation of the gaming machine 1 realized by the above control configuration (FIGS. 6 and 7) will be described.

[0097] [3.1 Game state] In the gaming machine 1, in addition to the special game state in which a big win game is performed, a plurality of types of game states can be set. For the sake of easy understanding of this embodiment, first, various game states will be described.

[0098] The gaming machine 1 plays the game in any game state in which either the low probability state or the high probability state is combined with either the non-time reduction state or the time reduction state.

[0099] The low-probability state is a state where the winning probability of the big win lottery is relatively low, and the high-probability state is a state where the winning probability of the big win lottery is relatively high. The non-time-shortening state is a state where it is relatively difficult for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43, and the time-shortening state is a state where it is relatively easy for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43. For example, the opening time of the special symbol 2 start port 43 when winning the normal symbol lottery is set longer in the time-shortening state than in the non-time-shortening state. However, if game balls are more likely to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43 in the time-shortening state than in the non-time-shortening state, then in the time-shortening state, for example, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery may be increased or the variation time of the normal symbol may be shortened compared to the non-time-shortening state. In the present embodiment, the "normal state" refers to the low-probability state and the non-time-shortening state, and corresponds to the initial state. Note that in the gaming machine 1, any of the above-described gaming states may not be provided, or other gaming states may be provided. For example, the gaming machine 1 may be configured such that the game progresses according to either the non-time-shortening state or the time-shortening state without providing the low-probability state and the high-probability state.

[0100] [3.2 Special Symbol Variation Display Game] In the gaming machine 1, a special symbol 1 variation display game is executed based on a game ball entering (winning) the special symbol 1 start port 41. In the special symbol 1 variable display game, based on the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start port 41, random numbers (jackpot determination random number, special symbol determination random number, variable pattern random number) used in the special symbol 1 variable display game are acquired, and based on the acquired random numbers, the main control unit 101 conducts a jackpot lottery, a symbol lottery, and a variable pattern lottery. In the jackpot lottery, based on the jackpot determination random number, either a jackpot or a loss is determined by lottery. Also, in the symbol lottery, based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery and the special symbol determination random number, the stop symbol (jackpot symbol, loss symbol) that is finally stopped and displayed is determined by lottery. Further, in the variable pattern lottery, based on the lottery results of the jackpot lottery and the symbol lottery, and the variable pattern random number, the variable pattern that defines the variable time of the special symbol is determined by lottery. In the special symbol 1 variable display game, after starting the variable display of the special symbol 1 on the special symbol 1 display 63a, after the elapse of the variable time based on the lottery result of the variable pattern lottery, the stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the special symbol 1 display 63a.

[0101] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the special symbol 1 start port 41, that is, when a detection signal is input from the special symbol 1 start port switch 41a, the random numbers used in the special symbol 1 variable display game are acquired, and these random numbers are stored as reserved data in the special symbol 1 reserved memory area of the RWM up to the maximum reserved memory number (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0102] Also, in the gaming machine 1, based on the entry (winning) of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start port 43, the special symbol 2 variable display game is executed. The special symbol 2 variable display game, similar to the special symbol 1 variable display game, conducts a jackpot lottery, a symbol lottery, and a variable pattern lottery by the main control unit 101 based on the acquired random numbers. After starting the variable display of the special symbol 2 on the special symbol 2 display 63b, after the elapse of the variable time based on the lottery result of the variable pattern lottery, the stop symbol determined in the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the special symbol 2 display 63b.

[0103] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the special symbol 2 start port 43, that is, when a detection signal is input from the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a, a random number related to the special symbol 2 variable display game is acquired, and this random number is stored as hold data in the special symbol 2 hold memory area of the RWM up to the maximum hold memory number (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0104] When explaining without distinguishing between the special symbol 1 variable display game and the special symbol 2 variable display game, it is simply referred to as the special symbol variable display game.

[0105] [3.3 Jackpot Game] When winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery and the jackpot symbol stops and is displayed on the special symbol 1 display 63a or the special symbol 2 display 63b, then, based on the jackpot symbol, a jackpot game more advantageous to the player than during the special symbol variable display game is conducted. The jackpot symbol is determined by a symbol lottery based on the special symbol determination random number, the game state, etc. when winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery, and a specified number of rounds, etc. are associated with it.

[0106] The jackpot game is a "round game" where, after a predetermined pre-opening interval time (opening time) has elapsed, the big winning port 49 is opened and then a predetermined time (maximum opening time) elapses, or when the number of game balls entering the big winning port 49 reaches the maximum winning number, the big winning port 49 is closed, and this is repeated for a predetermined specified number of rounds (the number of rounds based on the jackpot symbol). Then, after the specified number of rounds has ended and a predetermined post-opening interval time (ending time) has elapsed, the jackpot game ends.

[0107] When the jackpot game is executed, according to the game state at the time of winning the jackpot and the determined jackpot symbol, the game state, the number of sure-win times, and the number of time-shortening times after the end of the jackpot game are determined. The number of probability changes is the number of executions of a special symbol variation display game in which a high-probability state can continue as a game state after a big win game. When the high-probability state is set after the end of the big win game, if the special symbol variation display game of the number of probability changes ends without winning the big win, the game state shifts to the low-probability state. The number of time shortening is the number of executions of a special symbol variation display game in which the time shortening state can continue as a game state after a big win game. When the time shortening state is set after the end of the big win game, if the special symbol variation display game of the number of time shortening ends without winning the big win, the game state shifts to the non-time shortening state.

[0108] [3.4 Normal Symbol Variation Display Game] In the gaming machine 1, a normal symbol variation display game is executed based on the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol start port 47. In the normal symbol variation display game, a normal symbol winning lottery is conducted by the main control unit 101 using a random number (random number for normal symbol winning determination) obtained based on the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol start port 47. After the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 63c based on the lottery result of the normal symbol winning lottery, the lottery result is stopped and displayed after the elapse of a predetermined variation time. In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the normal symbol start port 47, that is, when a detection signal is input from the normal symbol gate detection sensor 26a, a random number (random number for normal symbol winning determination) related to the normal symbol variation display game is obtained, and this random number is stored as hold data in the normal symbol hold memory area of the RWM up to the maximum hold memory number (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0109] In the lottery per general symbol, when winning per general symbol and the normal symbol stops and is displayed in the "per general symbol" mode on the normal symbol display 63c, then, a general power release game is played. In the general power release game, the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b operates to put the normal electric accessory 45 in an open state, and the special symbol 2 start port 43 is opened to facilitate the inflow of game balls. In the general power release game, the special symbol 2 start port 43 is kept open until a predetermined time (for example, 5.7 s) elapses or the number of game balls that have entered the special symbol 2 start port 43 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 6), and such an operation is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 1 time).

[0110] [3.5 Example of an effect] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a variable effect. The effect control board 120 receives an effect control command from the main control board 100 and controls the execution of an effect by an effect means. For example, in a special symbol variable display game, a variable effect is performed in synchronization with the special symbol variable display game based on the control of the effect control board 120.

[0111] In the variable effect, for example, three decorative symbols 201 (left decorative symbol 201a, middle decorative symbol 201b, right decorative symbol 201c) are scrolled and displayed in the center of the LCD unit 57, and a predetermined effect sound is output from the speaker 29.

[0112] Also, at the lower part of the LCD unit 57, there are provided a hold display area 205 where a hold display 203 (203a to 203d) corresponding to the number of holds of hold data stored for the currently-executing special symbol variable display game is performed, and a display area 209 for displaying the hold display corresponding to the currently-executing special symbol variable display game as the hold display 207.

[0113] The held displays 203 and the said held display 207 are provided with a plurality of display patterns. Based on the lottery results of the jackpot lottery, symbol lottery, and variable pattern lottery that are performed in advance by the main control unit 101 when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start port 41 or the special symbol 2 start port 43, the display pattern when displayed on the held display 203 and the said held display 207 is determined by the effect control unit 121. On the held display area 205 and the said display area 209, the held display 203 and the said held display 207 are displayed with the display pattern determined by the effect control unit 121. As display patterns, for example, patterns with different display colors such as default (white), blue, green, red, gold, etc. are provided. Note that the plurality of display patterns may differ not only in display color but also in shape. Also, the display pattern may change from when it is first displayed in the held display area 205 until it becomes non-displayed in the said display area 209. The degree of expectation of a jackpot is indicated by the display pattern of the said held display 207 finally displayed in the said display area 209.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 8(a), assume that the previous special symbol variable display game has ended, and the "1" symbol is stopped and displayed as the left decorative symbol 201a, the "2" symbol is stopped and displayed as the middle decorative symbol 201b, and the "3" symbol is stopped and displayed as the right decorative symbol 201c. Also assume that four held displays 203a to 203d are displayed in the held display area 205.

[0115] After that, for the next special symbol variable display game, the effect scenario and the decorative symbol 201 to be finally stopped are determined by the effect control unit 121. When the special symbol variable display game is started, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the variable display of the decorative symbols 201a to 201c is started (in the figure, the decorative symbol 201 during variable display is indicated by a white arrow), and the held display 203 is shift-displayed in the held display area 205, and the held display 203a that was displayed on the leftmost side in the held display area 205 is displayed as the said held display 207 in the said display area 209.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 8(c), after the left and right decorative symbols 201a and 201c temporarily stop, for example, with the same "7" symbol (after reaching the so-called reach state), when a predetermined development image (shown as "BATTLE" in the figure) is displayed on the LCD unit 57 as shown in Fig. 8(d), the hold display 203 and the hold display 207 disappear, and the decorative symbols 201a to 201c are displayed small, for example, in the upper right.

[0117] Then, as shown in Fig. 8(e), finally, for example, when the decorative symbols 201a to 201c stop and are displayed with the same "7" symbol, the player is notified that they have won the big prize. If the player has not won the big prize, the decorative symbols 201a to 201c do not stop and are displayed in unison, and the player is notified that they have lost.

[0118] After the decorative symbols 201a to 201c stop and are displayed with the same symbol, when the big prize game starts, a big prize effect is executed. As shown in Fig. 8(f), an image related to the big prize game (shown as "big prize" in the figure) is displayed on the LCD unit 57, and a right strike image 210 prompting a right strike is displayed in the upper right right strike display area 211 of the LCD unit 57. As a result, the player will perform a right strike.

[0119] <4. Processing of the Main Control Board> Subsequently, the processing performed by the main control unit 101 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing executed by the main control unit 101 mainly includes a main process (main control side main process: Fig. 9) and a timer interrupt process (main control side timer interrupt process: Fig. 10) started by a periodic interrupt.

[0120] [4.1 Main Control Side Main Process] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the main control side main process. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the main control side main process starts, in step S101, the main control unit 101 sets the internal registers of the CPU.

[0121] In step S102, the main control unit 101 determines whether the power supply abnormality signal indicating a power supply abnormality is ON (abnormal). If the power supply abnormality signal is ON (Yes in step S102), the process returns to step S102. If the power supply abnormality signal is not ON (normal) (No in step S102), in step S103, the main control unit 101 permits access to the RWM.

[0122] In step S104, the main control unit 101 determines whether the input signal (RWM clear signal) from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON. The input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a becomes ON when the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed and becomes OFF when the RWM clear switch 112a is not pressed. If the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S104), in step S105, the main control unit 101 determines whether the backup flag is ON. The backup flag is a flag indicating whether backup processing has been performed in the power check - backup process of step S201 described later, and is set to ON when the backup processing has been performed.

[0123] If the backup flag is ON (Yes in step S105), in step S106, the main control unit 101 performs backup restoration processing and transfers the process to step S108. The backup restoration processing is a restoration process for resuming the game after power - on based on the game information backed up in the RWM when the power supply is cut off. Also, in the backup restoration processing, an effect control command corresponding to the backup restoration is transmitted to the effect control board 120.

[0124] On the one hand, when the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (Yes in step S104), or when the backup flag is not ON (No in step S105), in step S107, the main control unit 101 executes the RAM clear return process and transfers the process to step S108. This RAM clear return process is a process of initializing the values in a predetermined area (used area) including the work area in the RWM, and transmitting an effect control command indicating that the RAM clear has returned to the effect control board 120.

[0125] In step S108, the main control unit 101 executes startup initialization processing necessary for starting a game operation, such as initializing the values of the registers of each part including the main control unit 101. The startup initialization processing includes a process of transmitting an effect control command for instructing the start of the game to the effect control board 120, a process of transmitting a command indicating the hold numbers of the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2, a process of turning on the emission control signal to the frame control board 110, and the like.

[0126] In step S109, the main control unit 101 sets the interrupt prohibition state, and in the subsequent step S110, executes the random number update process. In this random number update process, various random numbers used in the special symbol variable display game and the normal symbol variable display game are updated. After setting the interrupt permission state in step S111, the process returns to step S109.

[0127] In this way, the processes of steps S109 to S111 are repeatedly executed in an infinite loop. The main control unit 101 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S109 to S111 except during the timer interrupt process that is intermittently executed.

[0128] [4.2 Main control side timer interrupt process] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the main control side timer interrupt process. The main control side timer interrupt process is started by an interrupt every fixed time (4 ms) from the CTC, and is interrupted and executed during the execution of the main control side main process.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 10, when a timer interrupt occurs, the main control unit 101 executes the power check and backup process of step S201. In this power check and backup process, mainly, the power level supplied from the power supply board 130 is monitored, and when an abnormality such as a power failure occurs, backup processing such as storing predetermined game information at the time of power failure in the RWM is performed so that the game can resume smoothly when the power is restored. When the main control unit 101 performs the backup process, it turns on the backup flag.

[0130] In step S202, the main control unit 101 executes a timer management process for managing the timers used for game operation control. Here, updates (subtraction processing) are performed on the values of various timers used for the game operation control of the gaming machine 1.

[0131] In step S203, the main control unit 101 executes an input management process. In the input management process, input data is created based on input information (ON / OFF signals and rising states (ON edges, OFF edges)) output from various sensors and switches, and based on the created input data, the value of the winning counter is updated. The input information here is, for example, ON / OFF information (winning detection information) of detection signals output from detection switches such as the special symbol 1 start port switch 41a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a, the normal symbol start port switch 47a, the big winning port switch 49a, and the winning port switch 53a, ON / OFF information of detection signals output from the magnetic sensor 67, the radio wave sensor 69, and the vibration sensor 71, and status signals from the frame control board 110 (ON / OFF information of the door open sensor 73, the radio wave sensor 75, etc.). Thereby, whether a game ball is detected at each winning port is monitored for each interrupt. The "winning counter" is a counter provided corresponding to each winning port and counts the number of winning game balls (winning ball number).

[0132] In step S204, the main control unit 101 executes a timer interrupt internal random number management process for periodically updating the random numbers related to each variable display game. Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, for the special symbol determination random number, the general symbol hit determination random number, etc., a process of updating the random number (adding +1 for each interrupt) and changing the start value of the random number counter every time the random number counter makes a full circle is performed. Note that since the big hit determination random number is generated by the random number generation circuit, it is not updated here.

[0133] In step S205, the main control unit 101 executes an error management process. In the error management process, based on the input data related to various sensors and the status signals from the frame control board 110, the presence or absence of an error occurrence is monitored. When an error occurs, as error processing, the main control unit 101 transmits an error command corresponding to the type of the occurred error to the effect control board 120 as an effect control command. When the effect control board 120 receives this error command, it executes an error notification corresponding to the error type. Also, when the error in progress is resolved, the main control unit 101 transmits an error release command to the effect control board 120. When the effect control board 120 receives this error release command, it ends the error notification being executed.

[0134] In step S206, the main control unit 101 executes a general symbol management process. In the general symbol management process, processes necessary for executing the general symbol variable display game are performed, such as acquisition and storage of the general symbol hold data, general symbol lottery in the general symbol variable display game, and determination of the variable time for variably displaying the general symbol on the general symbol display 63c based on the lottery result.

[0135] In step S207, the main control unit 101 executes a general electric accessory management process. In the general electric accessory management process, processes necessary for executing the general electric accessory release game are performed, such as opening and closing control of the general electric accessory solenoid 45b.

[0136] In step S208, the main control unit 101 executes special symbol management processing. In the special symbol management processing, mainly, acquisition and storage of hold data of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, big win lottery and symbol lottery in the special symbol variable display game, variable pattern lottery of the special symbol based on the lottery result, etc., are performed, which are necessary processes for executing the special symbol variable display game. Then, the main control unit 101 transmits, as an effect control command, a variable pattern designation command including the big win lottery result, the current game state, and the variable pattern to the effect control board 120. Also, the main control unit 101 transmits, as an effect control command, a decorative symbol designation command including the symbol type (which of special symbol 1 or 2) and the stop symbol (symbol lottery result) to the effect control board 120.

[0137] In step S209, the main control unit 101 executes special electric accessory management processing. In the special electric accessory management processing, processes necessary for executing the big win game are performed.

[0138] In step S210, the main control unit 101 performs right hit notification information management processing. In the right hit notification information management processing, processes for performing right hit notification in a situation where right hit is advantageous, such as when the special symbol 2 start port 43 or the big winning port 49 is opened, are performed.

[0139] In step S211, the main control unit 101 executes LED management processing. In the LED management processing, output control of a control signal to the main display 63 is performed. The control signal is generated based on decisions in the normal symbol management processing (step S206), the special symbol management processing (step S208), the right hit notification information management processing (step S210), etc., and is output to the main display 63 in this LED management processing. Thereby, a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of the special symbol and the normal symbol, display of the hold number, etc. on the main display 63 are realized.

[0140] In step S212, the main control unit 101 performs solenoid management processing. In the solenoid management processing, it checks the signal related to the control of the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b generated in the normal electric accessory management processing (step S207), and also checks the signal related to the control of the big winning opening solenoid 51b generated in the special electric accessory management processing (step S209). Then, based on these signals, the operation / stop of the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b and the big winning opening solenoid 51b is controlled, and the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a is opened or closed, or the big winning opening 49 is opened or closed.

[0141] In step S213, the main control unit 101 determines whether the communication cycle (for example, at intervals of 108 ms) for communicating with the frame control board 110 has been reached. If the communication cycle for communicating with the frame control board 110 has not been reached (No in step S213), the main control unit 101 ends the main control side timer interrupt processing. If the communication cycle for communicating with the frame control board 110 has been reached (Yes in step S213), in step S214, the main control unit 101 performs reception data acquisition processing to receive the signal (door open signal, power abnormality signal, etc.) transmitted from the frame control board 110.

[0142] In step S215, the main control unit 101 outputs a control command corresponding to the game machine information ((hall control / cheating monitoring information) of the game machine 1 to the frame control board 110 and ends the main control side timer interrupt processing. The game machine information includes, for example, jackpot game occurrence information, symbol variation display game execution start information, information on the number of winnings and the number of prize balls, error information, and the like.

[0143] When the above timer interrupt processing ends, the main control unit 101 repeats the above steps S109 to S111 until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0144] <5. Processing of the Frame Control Board> Next, the processing performed by the frame control unit 111 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the frame control unit 111 mainly includes a main process (frame control side main process: FIG. 11) and a timer interrupt process (frame control side timer interrupt process: FIG. 12) that is started by a periodic interrupt.

[0145] [5.1 Frame Control Side Main Process] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the frame control side main process. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the frame control side main process is started, in step S301, the frame control unit 111 sets the internal registers of the CPU.

[0146] In step S302, the frame control unit 111 determines whether a power abnormality signal indicating a power abnormality is ON. If the power abnormality signal is ON (Yes in step S302), the process returns to step S302. If the power abnormality signal is not ON (OFF) (No in step S302), in step S303, the frame control unit 111 permits access to the RWM.

[0147] In step S304, the frame control unit 111 determines whether an input signal from the game ball number clear switch 112b is ON (the state where the game ball number clear switch 112b is pressed). If the input signal from the game ball number clear switch 112b is not ON (No in step S304), in step S305, the frame control unit 111 calculates a checksum for the area related to the game ball number in the RWM and determines whether the checksum is normal.

[0148] If the input signal from the game ball number clear switch 112b is ON (Yes in step S304), and if the checksum is not normal (No in step S305), in step S306, the frame control unit 111 executes a game ball number clear process for initializing the value of the area related to the game ball number in the RWM. On the other hand, when the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 112b is not ON (No in step S304) and the checksum is normal (Yes in step S305), the frame control unit 111 moves the process to step S307 without executing the game ball count clear process.

[0149] In step S307, the frame control unit 111 determines whether the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (the state where the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed). When the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S307), in step S308, the frame control unit 111 calculates the checksum for the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM and determines whether the checksum is normal.

[0150] When the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (Yes in step S307) and the checksum is not normal (No in step S308), in step S309, the frame control unit 111 executes the RWM clear process to initialize the values in the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM. On the other hand, when the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S307) and the checksum is normal (Yes in step S308), the frame control unit 111 moves the process to step S310 without executing the RWM clear process.

[0151] In step S310, the frame control unit 111 executes startup initialization processes such as initializing the work area that does not require backup, setting the WDT and timer interrupts, and the ball discharge process when the ball discharge switch 112c is pressed.

[0152] The frame control unit 111 sets the interrupt prohibition state in step S311 and performs a power failure abnormality check in step S312.

[0153] In step S313, the frame control unit 111 performs a launch stop control process that switches the launch control signal ON / OFF based on a predetermined condition and outputs the launch control signal to the launch control circuit 116.

[0154] In step S314, the frame control unit 111 performs a main control board communication process that receives a control command sent from the main control board 100 when there is one, and transmits the signal to the main control board 100 when there is one to be sent to the main control board 100.

[0155] In step S315, the frame control unit 111 performs a gaming machine information management process that manages gaming machine information based on the control command sent from the main control board 100. In the gaming machine information management process, the frame control unit 111 updates, for example, the number of managed gaming balls. Here, the frame control unit 111 adds the number of game balls in response to a control command regarding the number of winning balls transmitted from the main control board 100, subtracts the number of game balls in response to detection of a game ball by the subtraction calculation port switch 31c, and adds the number of game balls in response to detection of a game ball by the foul ball switch 33c.

[0156] In step S316, the frame control unit 111 performs an SC board communication process to communicate with the SC board of the game ball etc. lending device. In the SC board communication process, the frame control unit 111 updates, for example, the number of managed game balls. Here, the frame control unit 111 adds the number of game balls in response to a lending notification from the game ball etc. lending device, and subtracts the number of game balls in response to the operation of the counting switch 23.

[0157] In step S317, the frame control unit 111 performs a game ball number display control process to generate a control signal for lighting and displaying the managed game ball number updated in steps S315 and S316 on the game ball number display 21.

[0158] The frame control unit 111 performs an in-area error release process in step S318, performs a game ball circulation management process for appropriately controlling the lifting device 33 in step S319, performs an out-of-area error release process in step S320, and performs a fraud detection process in step S321.

[0159] In step S322, the frame control unit 111 calculates values (such as the number of game balls launched, the total number of prize balls, the number of prize balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49, the total of the number of prize balls due to winning in the special symbol 2 start opening 43 and the number of prize balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49, etc.) for calculating the game result information displayed on the performance display 113, and performs performance information management processing for calculating the game result information based on the calculated values.

[0160] In step S323, the frame control unit 111 performs performance display control processing for generating a control signal for causing the performance display 113 to turn on and display the game result information calculated in step S322. In step S324, the frame control unit 111 enables interrupts and returns the process to step S311.

[0161] Therefore, the frame control unit 111 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S311 to S324.

[0162] [5.2 Frame Control Side Timer Interrupt Processing] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the frame control side timer interrupt processing. The frame control side timer interrupt processing is activated by an interrupt every fixed time (1 ms) from the CTC, and is executed by interrupting during the execution of the frame control side main processing.

[0163] As shown in FIG. 12, when a timer interrupt occurs, the frame control unit 111 saves the registers in step S401. In step S402, the frame control unit 111 performs counter management processing of adding 1 to the values of the counters that count the first cycle (2 ms) and the second cycle (4 ms) respectively, and subtracting the 1 ms timer every 1 ms.

[0164] In step S403, the frame control unit 111 performs hoist motor management processing for driving control of the hoist motor 33a.

[0165] In step S404, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the first cycle (2 ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the first cycle. If it is not the first cycle (No in step S404), the frame control unit 111 skips steps S405 to S411 and transfers the process to step S412. If it is the first cycle (Yes in step S404), in step S405, the frame control unit 111 sets the control signals (game ball number display segment data, game ball number display common data) generated in step S318 to the SPI communication buffer, and performs game ball number display LED control processing to update the common counter.

[0166] In step S406, the frame control unit 111 performs 1-byte timer subtraction processing to subtract a timer composed of 1 byte.

[0167] In step S407, the frame control unit 111 performs switch detection processing to detect the states of the switches connected to the frame control unit 111. In step S408, the frame control unit 111 monitors the ball feed solenoid 31a and the foul ball switch 33c and performs subtraction mechanism control processing to update the counter related to the managed game ball number.

[0168] In step S409, the frame control unit 111 sets the control signals (performance display segment data, performance display common data) generated in step S323 to the SPI communication buffer, and performs performance display LED control processing to update the common counter.

[0169] In step S410, the frame control unit 111 detects the states of the switches provided in the lifting device 33 and performs game ball circulation switch detection processing to update various timers related to the circulation of game balls.

[0170] In step S411, the frame control unit 111 executes out-of-region error monitoring management processing to monitor out-of-region errors.

[0171] The processing from step S405 to step S411 up to here is executed in the first cycle (every 2 ms).

[0172] In step S412, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the second period (4 ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the second period. If it is not the second period (No in step S412), the frame control unit 111 skips steps S413 to S415 and transfers the process to step S416. If it is the second period (Yes in step S412), in step S413, the frame control unit 111 performs a test signal output process for outputting a test signal. Here, when the values of the fired ball number counter added in step S354, the foul ball number counter added in step S357, and the bonus ball number counter added in step S360 are other than 0, a pulse signal for one is output and the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

[0173] In step S414, the frame control unit 111 performs a 2-byte timer subtraction process for subtracting the timer composed of 2 bytes.

[0174] In step S415, the frame control unit 111 performs a performance display unit display setting process for switching the section displayed on the performance display unit 113.

[0175] The processes of steps S412 to S415 up to here are executed every second period (4 ms).

[0176] In step S416, the frame control unit 111 outputs the data of the output port. In step S417, the frame control unit 111 performs SPI communication. In SPI communication, for example, the control signal set in step S405 (game ball number display segment data and game ball number display common data described later) is serially output to the game ball number display 21. Also, the frame control unit 111 serially outputs the control signal set in step S409 (performance display segment data and performance display common data described later) to the performance display unit 113. As a result, the game ball number display 21 and the performance display unit 113 will turn on and display the game ball number and game result information based on the transmitted control signal.

[0177] In step S418, the frame control unit 111 restores the register and ends the frame control side timer interrupt process.

[0178] When the above timer interrupt process ends, the frame control unit 111 repeats the above steps S311 to S324 (see FIG. 11) until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0179] <6. Processing of the production control board> Subsequently, the processing performed by the production control board 120 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the production control board 120 mainly includes a main process (production control side main process: FIG. 13) and a timer interrupt process (production control side timer interrupt process: FIG. 14) started by a periodic interrupt.

[0180] [6.1 Production control side main process] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the production control side main process. First, in step S501, the production control unit 121 performs necessary initial setting processes before the start of the game operation. Here, as the initial setting processes, for example, command reception interrupt setting, origin return process of the movable accessory 61, initial setting of the CTC, permission of timer interrupt, initial setting of the register values inside the CPU including each part of the microcomputer, etc. are performed.

[0181] After finishing the above initial setting processes, the main loop processes of steps S504 to S511 are performed every predetermined time (16 ms), and the production software random number update process of step S503 is repeatedly performed otherwise.

[0182] In step S502, the rendering control unit 121 refers to the main loop update counter to determine whether the main loop update period (counter value > 15), which is the trigger for executing the main loop process, has arrived. The main loop update counter is a counter that is incremented during the rendering control side timer interrupt processing described later, which is executed every 1 ms. In this embodiment, the main loop process is performed every 16 ms. In the determination process of step S502, the main loop update counter value is determined. If the value is greater than "15" (Yes in step S502), it is considered that the execution timing of the main loop process has arrived, and the processes of steps S504 to S511 are executed. Otherwise, until the main loop update period arrives (No in step S502), in step S503, various rendering lottery random numbers used for lottery to determine the rendering scenario are updated.

[0183] When the main loop update period arrives (Yes in step S502), in step S504, the rendering control unit 121 clears the main loop update counter, and in step S505, it executes the demo power saving mode process. In the demo power saving mode process, the rendering during the demo (customer waiting rendering) and the setting process required for the power saving mode are executed.

[0184] In step S506, the rendering control unit 121 executes the rendering switch input process. In the rendering switch input process, the operation state of the operation button 25 is monitored. When an operation is detected, the rendering control process corresponding to the operation is executed.

[0185] In step S507, the rendering control unit 121 performs command analysis processing. In the command analysis processing, it monitors whether a rendering control command is stored in the command reception buffer. If a rendering control command is stored, this command is read out, and the rendering process corresponding to the read rendering control command is executed. When a rendering control command is transmitted from the main control board 100, it is stored in the command reception buffer of the RWM.

[0186] For example, when a variable pattern specification command and a decorative design specification command are received and stored in the reception buffer, the effect control unit 121 determines an effect scenario based on the information included in the command in the command analysis process, and stores the data of the effect scenario (effect scenario data) in the scenario setting area of the RWM. Note that the effect scenario defines a time schedule for how one or more types of effects appear at what timing and with what effect time width.

[0187] In step S508, the effect control unit 121 executes a scenario update process. In this scenario update process, the content of the timer required for the execution of the effect scenario is updated, and a process of advancing the effect scenario based on the timer value is executed. A typical example of the timer is an effect scenario timer that manages the time schedule regarding the occurrence timing of the effect. For example, within a variation period that is substantially the same as the variation period during which a special symbol is variably displayed, within the variation period during which the decorative design 201 is variably displayed, on the time axis, this timer manages the temporal schedule regarding what effects appear with what time width and by what effect means. Note that the effect scenario timer is also used in the LED drive data update process (step S510) and the movable object accessory operation update process (not shown) described later.

[0188] In step S509, the effect control unit 121 performs a sound output process. In the sound output process, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, data such as phrases and volume are output to the voice IC 125, and a sound effect is produced from the speaker 29 through the voice IC 125. Thereby, a sound effect along with the effect scenario is realized.

[0189] In step S510, the effect control unit 121 executes an LED drive data update process. In the LED drive data update process, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, a control signal (LED data) for lighting the effect LED 27 is created. Further, the effect control unit 121 creates a control signal (LED data) for lighting the fourth symbol display 65 based on an effect control command (commands such as the number of holds of special symbols and normal symbols, right hit notification, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 100 and an effect scenario timer.

[0190] In step S511, the effect control unit 121 executes LED output processing. In this LED output processing, the control signal (LED data) created in the LED drive data update processing is output to the LED driver 27a, and the fourth symbol display 65 and the effect LEDs 27 are lit through the LED driver 27a.

[0191] [6.2 Effect Control Side Timer Interrupt Processing] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the effect control side timer interrupt processing. The effect control side timer interrupt processing is started by an interrupt every fixed time (1 ms) from the CTC and is executed by interrupting during the execution of the effect control side main processing.

[0192] In step S601, the effect control unit 121 saves the contents of the register in the stack area, and then in step S602, it executes button input state update processing. In this button input state update processing, the input state of the operation detection signal from the operation button 25 is monitored, and when it is confirmed that the operation detection signal has been received, the detection information is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM.

[0193] In step S603, the effect control unit 121 executes movable object accessory operation update processing. In this movable object accessory operation update processing, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, a process of creating motor control data for operating the movable object motor 61a of the movable object accessory 61 is performed.

[0194] In step S604, the effect control unit 121 performs SOL·MOT output processing. In this SOL·MOT output processing, the motor control data of the movable object motor 61a created in the movable object prop movement update processing is output to the motor driver 61c. The motor driver 61c outputs a control signal based on the motor control data to the movable object motor 61a of the movable object prop 61 to be operated, and controls its operation. Thereby, the movable object effect by the movable object prop 61 according to the effect scenario is realized.

[0195] In step S605, the effect control unit 121 performs LCD command transmission processing. In this LCD command transmission processing, when there is an LCD command created in the scenario update processing (step S508), the LCD command is transmitted to the VDP circuit 127 to execute image display control for the LCD unit 57. Thereby, an image according to the effect scenario is displayed.

[0196] In step S606, the effect control unit 121 executes RTC information acquisition processing. In this RTC information acquisition processing, date and time information (RTC information) measured by the RTC is acquired. This RTC information is used when presenting an effect based on the RTC information.

[0197] In step S607, the effect control unit 121 increments the main loop update counter. This main loop update counter is reset in step S503 during the above-described main processing on the effect control side, and is incremented here.

[0198] In step S608, the effect control unit 121 restores the contents of the registers that were saved, terminates the timer interrupt processing, and executes the main processing on the effect control side until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0199] <7. LEDs related to the main control board 100> Next, the LEDs that are dynamically lit and controlled by the main control board 100, that is, the main display 63, will be described.

[0200] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the main display 63. As shown in FIG. 15, the main display 63 includes a main display base 301, a main display substrate 302, a main display cover 303, and a main display seal 304. The main display substrate 302 is disposed in the internal space formed by the main display base 301 and the main display cover 303.

[0201] A total of 32 monochromatic (red) LEDs 310 that constitute the special symbol 1 display 63a, the special symbol 2 display 63b, the normal symbol display 63c, the special symbol 1 hold count display 63d, the special symbol 2 hold count display 63e, the normal symbol hold count display 63f, the round display 63g, the game state display 63h, and the right hit display 63i are arranged on the main display substrate 302. These LEDs 310 are arranged such that the light emitting surface (irradiation surface) of the light is parallel to the main display substrate 302, and are top view type LEDs in which the optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the main display substrate 302.

[0202] Since the main display 63 has 32 LEDs 310, the 8 LEDs 310a that constitute the special symbol 1 display 63a are regarded as the first digit, the 8 LEDs 310b that constitute the special symbol 2 display 63b are regarded as the second digit, and the 8 (2, 4, 2) LEDs 310c that constitute the normal symbol display 63c, the round display 63g, and the right hit display 63i are regarded as the third digit, and the 8 (2, 2, 2, 2) LEDs 310d that constitute the special symbol 1 hold count display 63d, the special symbol 2 hold count display 63e, the normal symbol hold count display 63f, and the game state display 63h are regarded as the fourth digit. That is, since the LEDs 310 of each digit can be divided into groups of one each, the main display 63 can perform dynamic lighting control as a 4-digit × 8-segment display. Note that the combination of the LEDs 310 included in each digit is an example, and other combinations may be used.

[0203] In the main display cover 303, through holes 303a are respectively formed at positions facing each LED 310 arranged on the main display substrate 302.

[0204] The main display seal 304 is, for example, a translucent milky white seal member with a lower light transmittance than a colorless and transparent resin. Lines surrounding the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, and the round number is printed at a position corresponding to the round display 63g.

[0205] Therefore, when any one of the LEDs 310 of the main display 63 lights up, the light emitted from the LED 310 is irradiated from the front surface of the game board 9 through the main display seal 304 arranged in the front, and various game states are notified to the player.

[0206] Next, the transmission path of the control signal transmitted from the main control board 100 to the main display 63 will be described.

[0207] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around the main control unit 101 on the main control board 100. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration related to the display control of the main display 63 on the main control board 100. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the configuration for controlling the lighting of the LEDs 310 of the main display 63 will be described, and the description of other configurations will be omitted. In FIGS. 16 and 17, identifiers (alphabet + number) are also noted for the electronic components arranged on the main control board 100, the description of which is omitted. For example, "C" indicates a capacitor, "R" indicates a resistor, "CN" indicates a connector, "IC" indicates an integrated circuit, "OSC" indicates an oscillator, "RA" indicates a set resistor, "FLT" indicates a noise removal filter, and the numbers following these alphabets are unique values for identification. Since these identifiers are attached to identify electronic components on one board, the same identifier may be attached to different boards, but it does not mean that they indicate the same electronic component. The same applies to the circuit configurations described below.

[0208] As shown in FIG. 16, the main control unit 101 is composed of an integrated circuit having terminals numbered from "1" to "64" as if numbered. The main control unit 101 operates with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied via the 16th terminal, 19th terminal, 46th terminal, and 62nd terminal (VDD).

[0209] The 25th terminal enables selection of the chip select function "CS13", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP13", and the SPI communication transmission output function "SPITXA". In this embodiment, the 25th terminal has the SPI communication transmission output function "SPITXA" selected.

[0210] The 27th terminal enables selection of the chip select function "CS12", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP12", and the SPI communication clock output function "SPICKA". In this embodiment, the 27th terminal has the SPI communication clock output function "SPICKA" selected.

[0211] The 29th terminal enables selection of the chip select function "CS11", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP11", and the SPI communication chip select function "SPISA1". In this embodiment, the 29th terminal has the SPI communication chip select function "SPISA1" selected.

[0212] The main control unit 101 outputs a serial data signal (main display segment data, main display common data: SPITXA) as a control signal for dynamically lighting the main display 64 from terminal 25, outputs a chip select signal (SPISA1) from terminal 29, and outputs a clock signal (SPICKA) from terminal 27.

[0213] Here, the common data (for example, the main display common data) is a signal for selecting a group (digit) through which a drive current flows, that is, one group (digit) to be lit and displayed, among a plurality of groups (digits) of LEDs in the display. Also, the segment data (for example, the main display segment data) is a signal for turning on or off the LEDs in the group (digit) selected by the common data.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 17, on the main control board 100, in addition to the main control unit 101, an LED driver 100a, 100b, a connector 100c, and a plurality of resistors 100d are arranged.

[0215] The LED driver 100a has a 24-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 24 as numbered "1" to "24". The LED driver 100a is an LED driver using a sink-type transistor array that sucks current from a load (such as an LED). Terminal 1 (VDD) is used as a power supply terminal for driving, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 2 (RESET) is a reset signal input terminal to which a reset signal is input, and a reset signal (*IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. Terminal 3 (CS) is an input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip select signal (SPISA1) is input as a latch signal from the main control unit 101. Terminal 4 (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a clock signal (SPICKA) is input from the main control unit 101. Terminals 5 to 20 (PA0 to PA7, PB7 to PB0) are current-sinking pull-output terminals, and parallel data signals are pull-output. In this embodiment, terminals 5 to 12 are not used. Terminal 21 (DIN) is an input terminal for inputting a serial data signal, and a serial data signal (SPITXA) is input from the main control unit 101. Terminal 22 (DOUT) is an output terminal for outputting a serial data signal, and the serial data signal (SPITXA) is output to the LED driver 100b. Terminal 23 (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal and is connected to the ground. Terminal 24 (COM) is a terminal connected to an internal clamp diode to discharge the back electromotive force, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), which is the drive power supply for the LED 310, is input.

[0216] The LED driver 100b has a 16-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 16 as numbered "1" to "16". The LED driver 100b is an LED driver using a source-type transistor array that discharges current to a load (such as an LED). Terminal 1 (VCC) is a power supply terminal for supplying the drive power supply for a load (such as an LED), and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 2 (VDD) is a power supply terminal for driving, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 3 (DOUT) is an output terminal for outputting a serial data signal and is connected to the ground. Terminal 4 (RESET) is an input terminal for inputting a reset signal, and a reset signal (*IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. Terminal 5 (SCK) is an input terminal for inputting a clock signal, and a clock signal (SPICKA) is input from the main control unit 101. Terminal 6 (DIN) is an input terminal for inputting a serial data signal, and a serial data signal (SPITXA) is input from the LED driver 100a. The 7th terminal (CS) is a latch signal input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip select signal (SPISA1) is input as the latch signal from the main control unit 101. The 8th terminal (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal and is connected to the ground. The 9th to 16th terminals (00 to 07) are current supply type push output terminals, and parallel data signals are push output. In this embodiment, the 13th to 16th terminals (04 - 07) are not used.

[0217] The LED drivers 100a and 100b are serial - parallel conversion circuits that convert the serial data signal (SPITXA) from the main control unit 101 into a parallel data signal. A clock signal (SPICKA), a chip select signal (SPISA1), and a reset signal (*IORST) are input to the input terminals (SCK, CS, RESET) of the LED drivers 100a and 100b in parallel respectively.

[0218] The LED drivers 100a and 100b have a shift register and a parallel data latch circuit (data register). The shift register is composed of a plurality of D - type flip - flops. In synchronization with the clock signal (SPICKA), the bit data of one D - type flip - flop moves to the adjacent D - type flip - flop. The parallel data latch circuit is composed of, for example, a plurality of D - type flip - flops, and latches (holds) and captures (sets) the data of the shift register at a predetermined latch timing when receiving the chip select signal (SPISA1) as the latch signal.

[0219] LED drivers 100a and 100b are cascade-connected (multi-stage connected), with LED driver 100a forming the first stage and LED driver 100b forming the second stage. The serial data signal (SPITXA) transmitted from the main control unit 101 is input to terminal 21 (DIN) of LED driver 100a, passes through the shift register of LED driver 100a, and is output from terminal 22 (DOUT). The serial data signal (SPITXA) output from terminal 22 (DOUT) of LED driver 100a is input to terminal 6 (DIN) of LED driver 100b and passes through the shift register of LED driver 100b.

[0220] The data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of LED driver 100a is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (main display segment data 1 to 8) from terminals 13 to 20 (PB0 - PB7). Specifically, the terminals where the main display segment data is high are connected to ground, and the terminals where the main display segment data is low are not connected to ground. Also, the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of LED driver 100b is simultaneously pushed out as parallel data signals (main display common data 1 to 4) from terminals 9 to 12 (00 - 03). Specifically, the drive power supply (DC5VA) is supplied to the terminals where the main display common data is high, and the drive power supply (DC5VA) is not supplied to the terminals where the main display common data is low. Also, LED drivers 100a and 100b are simultaneously reset (initialized) by the reset signal (*IORST), and the internal data is cleared.

[0221] Terminals 20 to 13 (PB0 - PB7) of LED driver 100a are respectively connected to terminals 5 to 12 of connector 100c via wiring pattern 100e and resistor 100d. Also, terminals 9 to 12 (00 - 03) of LED driver 100b are respectively connected to terminals 1 to 4 of connector 100c via wiring pattern 100f.

[0222] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the main display board 302. As shown in FIG. 18, on the main display board 302, a connector 302a and 32 LEDs 310 are arranged. The connector 302a is connected to the connector 100c of the main control board 100 via a transmission cable.

[0223] Parallel data signals (main display common data 1 to 4) are respectively input from the main control board 100 to the first to fourth terminals of the connector 302a. Parallel data signals (main display segment data 1 to 8) are respectively input from the main control board 100 to the fifth to twelfth terminals of the connector 302a. Also, the first terminal of the connector 302a is connected in parallel to the anodes of eight LEDs 310a that constitute the special symbol 1 display 63a of the main display 63 via a wiring pattern 302b. The second terminal is connected in parallel to the anodes of eight LEDs 310b that constitute the special symbol 2 display 63b of the main display 63 via a wiring pattern 302b. The third terminal is connected to the anodes of eight LEDs 310c that constitute the normal symbol display 63c, the round display 63g, and the right hit display 63i of the main display 63 via a wiring pattern 302b. The fourth terminal is connected in parallel to the anodes of eight LEDs 310d that constitute the special symbol 1 reserved number display 63d, the special symbol 2 reserved number display 63e, the normal symbol reserved number display 63f, and the game state display 63h of the main display 63 via a wiring pattern 302b. The cathodes of any one of the LEDs 310a, any one of the LEDs 310b, any one of the LEDs 310c, and any one of the LEDs 310d are connected in parallel to the fifth to twelfth terminals via a wiring pattern 302c so as to be different from each other.

[0224] Then, the main display 63 passes a drive current through any one of the anodes of the LEDs 310a to 310d according to the main display common data, and extracts the drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 310 according to the main display segment data 1 to 8 through the resistor 100d. As a result, current flows through the LEDs 310a to 310d sequentially selected in the dynamic lighting method, causing them to light up.

[0225] Here, the main display 63 is controlled to light up in the order of, for example, special symbol 1 display 63a → special symbol 2 display 63b → normal symbol display 63c, round display 63g, and right hit display 63i → special symbol 1 hold count display 63d, special symbol 2 hold count display 63e, normal symbol hold count display 63f, and game state display 63h → special symbol 1 display 63a → ···.

[0226] The wiring patterns 100e and 302c individually connect the plurality of LEDs 310 that constitute each of the LEDs 310a to 310d of the main display 63 to the LED driver 100a. On the other hand, the wiring patterns 100f and 302b commonly connect the plurality of LEDs 310 that constitute each of the LEDs 310a to 310d of the main display 63 to the LED driver 100b. Therefore, in the wiring patterns 100f and 302b, the drive current flowing through the wiring patterns 100e and 302c gathers, so the drive current flowing through the wiring patterns 100f and 302b becomes larger than that flowing through the wiring patterns 100e and 302c. Therefore, the wiring patterns 100f and 302b are formed wider than the wiring patterns 100e and 302c. For example, the width of the wiring patterns 100f and 302b is 0.5 mm, and the width of the wiring patterns 100e and 302c is 0.2 mm. This can reduce the electrical resistance in the wiring patterns 100f and 302b where the drive current flowing is large and suppress heat generation.

[0227] Note that the resistor 100d mounted between the LED driver 100a and the LED 310 of the main display 63 can be mounted on either the main control board 100 or the main display board 302. However, since the main display board 302 is arranged in a narrow space such as below the game board 9, for example, when the resistor 100d is mounted, the heat generated by the resistor 100d will be trapped in the space where the main display board 302 is arranged, increasing the risk of damage to electronic components and the like. Therefore, by mounting the resistor 100d on the main control board 100, the risk of damage to the main display board 302 can be reduced. Also, when the resistor 100d is mounted on the main display board 302, it is necessary to increase the board size, and for example, the disposability of the main display 63 on the game board 9 may deteriorate. Therefore, by mounting the resistor 100d on the main control board 100, the board size of the main display board 302 can be reduced, and the disposability of the main display 63 can be improved.

[0228] <8. LEDs related to the frame control board 110> Next, the LEDs dynamically lit and controlled by the frame control board 110, that is, the game ball number display 21 and the performance display 113 will be described.

[0229] FIG. 19 is a view of the gaming machine 1 seen from the back side. FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the structure of the frame control board 110. As shown in FIG. 19, most of the back side of the gaming machine 1 is covered by a colorless and transparent back cover 81, and each part arranged inside the back cover 81 is protected. Also, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, the frame control board 110 and the power supply board 130 are arranged so as to overlap front and back below the back cover 81. The frame control board 110 is arranged on the front side (the rear side for the player) of the power supply board 130 when viewed from the back side of the gaming machine 1.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 20(a), the frame control board 110 is disposed within a space formed by a board case 321 and a board base 322. On the frame control board 110, an RWM clear switch 112a, a game ball count clear switch 112b, a ball discharge switch 112c, an error release switch 112d, and a plurality of connectors are exposed from the board case 321, and other electronic components are covered by the board case 321. Accordingly, the RWM clear switch 112a, the game ball count clear switch 112b, the ball discharge switch 112c, and the error release switch 112d can be operated by a hall staff or the like, and other electronic components are protected.

[0231] Since the board case 321 and the board base 322 are formed of a colorless and transparent resin material, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the electronic components (particularly the performance display 113) disposed on the frame control board 110 are visible from the outside through the board case 321. Therefore, in a state where the frame control board 110 is attached to the gaming machine 1, it is impossible or difficult to visually check the performance display 113 if the inner frame 5 is closed, but it becomes possible to visually check the performance display 113 through the board case 321 by opening the inner frame 5.

[0232] The performance display 113 has a total of 48 monochromatic (red) LEDs 320 arranged in 6 digits × 8 segments (7 segments (a to g) + 1 dot (dp)). These LEDs 320 are arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the board of the performance display 113, and are top view LEDs in which the optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the board of the performance display 113. The performance display 113 can perform dynamic lighting control as a 6-digit × 8-segment display.

[0233] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the game ball number display 21. As shown in FIG. 21, the game ball number display 21 includes a game ball number display base 331, a game ball number display board 332, a game ball number display panel 333, a game ball number display seal 334, and a game ball number display cover 335. The game ball number display board 332, the game ball number display panel 333, and the game ball number display seal 334 are accommodated in the space formed by the game ball number display base 331 and the game ball number display cover 335.

[0234] A total of 42 single-color (white) LEDs 336 of 6 digits × 7 segments (a to g) are arranged on the game ball number display board 332. These LEDs 336 are arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the game ball number display board 332, and are top-view LEDs in which the optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the game ball number display board 332. The game ball number display 21 can perform dynamic lighting control as a 6-digit × 7-segment display.

[0235] In the game ball number display panel 333, through holes 333a extending from the front surface 333b to the game ball number display board 332 are formed at positions facing the LEDs 336 arranged on the game ball number display board 332. Thereby, the light irradiated from the LEDs 336 passes through the opposing through holes 333a, and it is possible to reduce the light leaking from the other through holes 333a and becoming difficult to visually recognize.

[0236] The game ball number display seal 334 has a 7-segment shape that is, for example, semi-transparent milky white with a light transmittance lower than that of colorless transparency at positions facing the LEDs 336 arranged on the game ball number display board 332, transmits the light irradiated from the LEDs 336, and is opaque black that does not transmit light in other parts.

[0237] The game ball number display cover 335 is a translucent black panel (resin material) with a lower light transmittance than colorless transparency, which allows the light irradiated from the LED 336 to pass through and makes it difficult to visually recognize the 7-segment shape of the game ball number display seal 334 when the LED 336 is not emitting light.

[0238] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around the frame control unit 111 on the frame control board 110. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration related to the display control of the performance indicator 113 on the frame control board 110. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around a predetermined connector 110f on the frame control board 110. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the game ball number display board 332.

[0239] As shown in FIG. 22, the frame control unit 111 is constituted by an integrated circuit having terminals numbered from 1 to 71 as if numbered from "1" to "71". The frame control board 110 operates with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied via the 8th terminal (VDD3), 19th terminal (VDD1), and 52nd terminal (VDD2).

[0240] The 2nd terminal enables selection of the chip select function "XCS15", the general-purpose input / output function "PO7", and the chip select function "SS" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the 2nd terminal has the chip select function "SS" for SPI communication selected.

[0241] The 4th terminal enables selection of the chip select function "XCS14", the general-purpose input / output function "PO6", and the clock output function "SCK" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the 4th terminal has the clock output function "SCK" for SPI communication selected.

[0242] The 6th terminal enables selection of the chip select function "XCS13", the general-purpose input / output function "PO5", and the transmission output function "SDO" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the 2nd terminal has the transmission output function "SDO" for SPI communication selected.

[0243] The frame control unit 111 outputs a serial data signal (game ball count display segment data, game ball count display common data, performance display segment data, performance display common data: SDO) as a control signal for controlling the lighting of the game ball count display 21 and the performance display 113 from the 6th terminal, outputs a chip select signal (SS) from the 2nd terminal, and outputs a clock signal (SCK) from the 4th terminal.

[0244] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in addition to the frame control unit 111, an LED driver 110a, 110b, 110c, resistors 110d, 110e, and a connector 110f are arranged on the frame control board 110.

[0245] The LED driver 110a has a 16-terminal configuration from the 1st terminal to the 16th terminal as if numbered from "1" to "16". The LED driver 110a is an LED driver using a source-type transistor array that discharges current to a load (such as an LED). The 1st terminal (VCC) is a power supply terminal for supplying a drive power supply for the load (such as an LED), and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is input. The 2nd terminal (VDD) is a power supply terminal for driving, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. The 3rd terminal (DOUT) is an output terminal from which a serial data signal is output, and a serial data signal (SDO) is output to the LED driver 110b. The 4th terminal (RESET) is an input terminal to which a reset signal is input, and a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. The 5th terminal (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a clock signal (SCK) is input from the frame control unit 111. The 6th terminal (DIN) is an input terminal to which a serial data signal is input, and a serial data signal (SDO) is input from the frame control unit 111. The 7th terminal (CS) is an input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip select signal (SS) is input as a latch signal from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 8 (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal and is connected to ground. Terminals 9 to 16 (00 - 07) are current - supply type push - output terminals, and parallel data signals are push - output. In this embodiment, terminals 15 to 16 are not used.

[0246] LED driver 110b has a 24 - terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 24 as numbered from "1" to "24". LED driver 110b is an LED driver using a sink - type transistor array that sucks current from a load (such as an LED). Terminal 1 (VDD) is a driving power supply terminal, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 2 (RESET) is an input terminal to which a reset signal is input, and a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. Terminal 3 (CS) is an input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip - select signal (SS) is input as a latch signal from frame control unit 111. Terminal 4 (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a clock signal (SCK) is input from frame control unit 111. Terminals 5 to 20 (PA0 - PA7, PB7 - PB0) are current - sucking type pull - output terminals, and parallel data signals are pull - output. In this embodiment, terminals 11 to 13 are not used. Terminal 21 (DIN) is an input terminal to which a serial data signal is input, and a serial data signal (SDO) is input from LED driver 110a. Terminal 22 (DOUT) is an output terminal to which a serial data signal is output, and a serial data signal (SDO) is output to LED driver 110c. Terminal 23 (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal and is connected to ground. Terminal 24 (COM) is a terminal to which an internal clamp diode is connected to discharge the back - electromotive force, and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), which is the driving power supply for the LED, is input.

[0247] The LED driver 110c has a 16-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 16 as numbered "1" to "16". The LED driver 110c is an LED driver using a source-type transistor array that discharges current to a load (such as an LED). Terminal 1 (VCC) is a power supply terminal that supplies a drive power supply for a load (such as an LED), and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is input. Terminal 2 (VDD) is a power supply terminal for driving, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 3 (DOUT) is an output terminal from which a serial data signal is output, and it is connected to the ground. Terminal 4 (RESET) is an input terminal to which a reset signal is input, and a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. Terminal 5 (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a clock signal (SCK) is input from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 6 (DIN) is an input terminal to which a serial data signal is input, and a serial data signal (SDO) is input from the LED driver 110b. Terminal 7 (CS) is an input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip select signal (SS) is input as a latch signal from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 8 (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal, and it is connected to the ground. Terminals 9 to 16 (00 - 07) are current supply type push output terminals, and a parallel data signal is output.

[0248] The LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c are serial-parallel conversion circuits that convert the serial data signal (SDO) from the frame control unit 111 into a parallel data signal. A clock signal (SCK), a chip select signal (SS), and a reset signal ( / IORST) are input in parallel to the respective input terminals (SCK, CS, RESET) of the LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c.

[0249] The LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c include a shift register and a parallel data latch circuit (data register). The shift register is composed of a plurality of D flip-flops, and in synchronization with a clock signal (SCK), the bit data of one D flip-flop moves to the adjacent D flip-flop. The parallel data latch circuit is composed of, for example, a plurality of D flip-flops, and latches (holds) and captures (sets) the data of the shift register at a predetermined latch timing when receiving a chip select signal (SS) as a latch signal.

[0250] The LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c are cascade-connected (multi-stage connected), with the LED driver 110a forming the first stage, the LED driver 110b forming the second stage, and the LED driver 110c forming the third stage. The serial data signal (SDO) transmitted from the frame control board 110 is input to the 6th terminal (DIN) of the LED driver 110a, passes through the shift register of the LED driver 110a, and is output from the 3rd terminal (DOUT). The serial data signal (SDO) output from the 3rd terminal (DOUT) of the LED driver 110a is input to the 21st terminal (DIN) of the LED driver 110b, passes through the shift register of the LED driver 110b, and is output from the 22nd terminal (DOUT). The serial data signal (SDO) output from the 22nd terminal (DOUT) of the LED driver 110b is input to the 6th terminal (DIN) of the LED driver 110c and passes through the shift register of the LED driver 110c.

[0251] The data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110a is simultaneously push-output from the 9th to 14th terminals (00 - 05) as a parallel data signal (common game ball number display data 1 - 6). Specifically, a drive power supply (DC12VA) is supplied to the terminal where the common game ball number display data is high, and no drive power supply (DC12VA) is supplied to the terminal where the common game ball number display data is low. Also, a part of the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110b is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (game ball number display segment data 1 to 7) from terminals 20 to 14 (PB0 - PB6). Specifically, the terminals where the game ball number display segment data is high are connected to the ground, and the terminals where the game ball number display segment data is low are not connected to the ground. Also, a part of the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110b is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (performance display common data 1 to 6) from terminals 5 to 10 (PA0 - PA5). Specifically, the terminals where the performance display common data is high are connected to the ground, and the terminals where the performance display common data is low are not connected to the ground. The data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110c is simultaneously pushed out as parallel data signals (performance display segment data 1 to 8) from terminals 9 to 16 (00 - 07). Specifically, the drive power supply (DC12VA) is supplied to the terminals where the performance display segment data is high, and the drive power supply (DC12VA) is not supplied to the terminals where the performance display segment data is low. Also, the LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c are simultaneously reset (initialized) by a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown), and the internal data is cleared.

[0252] And, terminals 5 to 10 (PA0 - PA5) of the LED driver 110b and terminals 9 to 16 (00 - 07) of the LED driver 110c are connected to the performance display 113.

[0253] Here, as described above, the performance display 113 is composed of 6 digits × 8 segments (7 segments (a to g) + 1 dot (dp): 8 LEDs 320).

[0254] The fifth terminal (PA0) of the LED driver 110b is connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 320 that constitute the first digit of the eight segments of the performance indicator 113 via the wiring pattern 110g. Similarly, the sixth to tenth terminals (PA1 - PA5) of the LED driver 110b are connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 320 that constitute the second to sixth digits of the eight segments of the performance indicator 113 via the wiring pattern 110g, respectively.

[0255] Also, the ninth terminal (00) of the LED driver 110c is connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 320 (a) of each digit of the performance indicator 113 via the wiring pattern 110h and the resistor 110d. Similarly, the tenth to sixteenth terminals (01 - 07) of the LED driver 110c are connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 320 (b - g, dp) of each digit of the performance indicator 113 via the wiring pattern 110h and the resistor 110d, respectively.

[0256] Then, the performance indicator 113 passes a drive current through the anodes of the LEDs 320 according to the performance display segment data via the resistor 110d, and draws the drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 320 of the digit according to the performance display common data, so that the drive current flows through and lights up the LEDs 320 of the digit sequentially selected in the dynamic lighting method.

[0257] Here, the performance indicator 113 will be controlled to light up in the order of, for example, the first digit → the second digit → the third digit → the fourth digit → the fifth digit → the sixth digit → the first digit → ···.

[0258] Note that the wiring pattern 110h individually connects a plurality of LEDs 320 for each digit of the performance indicator 113 to the LED driver 110c. The wiring pattern 110g commonly connects a plurality of LEDs 320 for each digit of the performance indicator 113 to the LED driver 110b. Therefore, in the wiring pattern 110g, the drive current flowing through the wiring pattern 110h converges, so the drive current flowing through the wiring pattern 110g becomes larger than that of the wiring pattern 110h. Therefore, the wiring pattern 110g is formed wider than the wiring pattern 110h. For example, the width of the wiring pattern 110h is 0.15 mm, and the width of the wiring pattern 110g is 0.3 mm. Thereby, the electrical resistance in the wiring pattern 110g where the driving current flowing is large can be reduced, and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0259] Also, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the terminals 20 to 14 (PB0 - PB6) of the LED driver 110b are connected to the terminals 9 to 15 of the connector 110f via the wiring pattern 110i and the resistor 110e, respectively. Further, the terminals 9 to 14 (00 - 05) of the LED driver 110a are connected to the terminals 21 to 26 of the connector 110f via the wiring pattern 110j, respectively.

[0260] The connector 110f of the frame control board 110 is connected to a relay board (not shown) provided on the front frame 7 via a transmission cable. Among the signals transmitted to the relay board via the connector 110f of the frame control board 110, parallel data signals (game ball number display segment data 1 to 7, game ball number display common data 1 to 6) are input to the game ball number display board 332.

[0261] As shown in FIG. 25, via the connector 110f of the frame control board 110 and a relay board (not shown) arranged on the left side (hinge mechanism side) at the lower part of the front frame 7, the game ball number display segment data 1 to 7 are respectively input to the terminals 1 to 7 of the connector 332a arranged on the game ball number display board 332, and the game ball number display common data 1 to 6 are respectively input to the terminals 8 to 13 of the connector 332a.

[0262] And the terminal 8 of the connector 332a is connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 336 constituting the 7 - segment of the first digit of the game ball number display 21 via the wiring pattern 332b. Similarly, the terminals 9 to 13 of the connector 332a are connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 336 constituting the 7 - segments of the second to sixth digits of the game ball number display 21 via the wiring pattern 332b, respectively.

[0263] Also, the first terminal of the connector 332a is connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 336(a) of each digit of the game ball number display 21 via the wiring pattern 332c. Similarly, the second to seventh terminals of the connector 332a are connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs (b to g) of each digit of the game ball number display 21 via the wiring pattern 332c, respectively.

[0264] Then, the game ball number display 21 passes a drive current through the anodes of the LEDs 336 of the digit corresponding to the game ball number display common data 1 to 6, and draws the drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 336 based on the game ball number display segment data 1 to 7, so that the drive current flows through and lights up the LEDs 336 of the digit sequentially selected in the dynamic lighting method.

[0265] Here, the game ball number display 21 is controlled to light up in the order of, for example, the first digit → the second digit → the third digit → the fourth digit → the fifth digit → the sixth digit → the first digit → ···.

[0266] Note that the wiring patterns 110i and 332c individually connect a plurality of LEDs 336 for each digit of the game ball number display 21 to the LED driver 110b. On the other hand, the wiring patterns 110j and 332b commonly connect a plurality of LEDs 336 for each digit of the game ball number display 21 to the LED driver 110a. Therefore, in the wiring patterns 110j and 332b, the drive current flowing through the wiring patterns 110i and 332c converges, so that the drive current flowing through them becomes larger than that in the wiring patterns 110i and 332c. Therefore, the wiring patterns 110j and 332b are formed wider than the wiring patterns 110i and 332c. For example, the width of the wiring patterns 110i and 332c is 0.15 mm, and the width of the wiring patterns 110j and 332b is 0.3 mm. Thereby, the electrical resistance in the wiring patterns 110j and 332b where the flowing drive current is large can be reduced, and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0267] <9. LEDs related to the fourth symbol display 65> Next, the LEDs of the fourth symbol display 65 that are statically lit by the effect control board 120 will be described.

[0268] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the fourth symbol display 65. As shown in FIG. 26, the fourth symbol display 65 includes a fourth symbol display board 341, a fourth symbol display case 342, and a fourth symbol display seal 343. The fourth symbol display board 341 is housed inside the fourth symbol display case 342.

[0269] A total of nine LEDs 350 that constitute the special symbol 1 display 65a, the special symbol 2 display 65b, the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c, the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d, and the right-handed display 65e are arranged on the fourth symbol display board 341. These LEDs 350 are single-color (red) LEDs, arranged such that the light-emitting surfaces are parallel to the fourth symbol display board 341, and are top-view type LEDs in which the optical axes of the irradiated light are perpendicular to the fourth symbol display board 341.

[0270] Through holes 342a are respectively formed in the fourth symbol display case 342 at positions facing the respective LEDs 350 arranged on the fourth symbol display board 341.

[0271] The fourth symbol display seal 343 has a semi-transparent milky white round shape at positions facing the respective LEDs 350 arranged on the fourth symbol display board 341, with a light transmittance lower than that of colorless transparency, allowing the light irradiated from the LEDs 350 to pass through, and the other parts are opaque black that do not allow light to pass through. Also, the fourth symbol display seal 343 has lines and the like that respectively surround the special symbol 1 display 65a, the special symbol 2 display 65b, the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c, the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d, and the right-handed display 65e printed thereon.

[0272] Therefore, when any one of the LEDs 350 lights up, the light emitted from the LED 350 irradiates from the front surface of the game board 9 through the fourth symbol display seal 343, and various game states are notified to the player.

[0273] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the decoration relay board 150 to which the effect control board 120 and the fourth symbol display board 341 are connected. As shown in FIG. 27, an LED driver 150a is arranged on the decoration relay board 150. The LED driver 150a is an example of the above-described LED driver 27a and has a 48-terminal configuration from the first terminal to the 48th terminal as numbered "1" to "48".

[0274] The first terminal (VREF) is an output terminal where a 5V DC voltage (DC5V) generated by stepping down a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) input from the 48th terminal (SVCC) inside the LED driver 150a is output as a reference voltage. The second terminal (SCLK) is an input terminal for a clock signal (CLK). The third terminal (SDATA) is an input terminal for a serial data signal (DATA). The fourth terminal (SDEN) is an input terminal for an enable signal. The fifth terminal (CTLSCT) is a serial bus communication setting terminal, but a reference voltage from the first terminal, that is, an H level, is input and set to a predetermined mode. The sixth terminal (OUTSCT) is an output method control terminal to which a voltage of any one of the voltage levels of H level (for example, 5V), M level (for example, 2.5V), and L level (for example, 0V) is input, and the output method of the LED drive current is set according to the voltage level of the input voltage. The output method set here will be described in detail later. The seventh terminal (RESET) is an input terminal for a reset signal. Terminal 8 (RT1) is a resistance connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for reference current setting, and resistor 150b is connected thereto. The LED driver 150a can change the current value of the drive current flowing through the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) where parallel data signals are output by changing the resistance value of the resistor 150b connected to terminal 8. In the LED driver 150a, the larger the resistance value of the resistor 150b, the smaller the current value of the drive current can be made. For example, when the resistance values are 70 kΩ, 80 kΩ, 100 kΩ, 140 kΩ, 180 kΩ, the current values are set to 14 mA, 12 mA, 10 mA, 7 mA, 5.5 mA respectively. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of the resistor 150b is 140 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 7 mA. Terminal 9 and terminal 31 (NC) are dummy terminals. Terminal 10 (SGND) is a ground terminal. Terminals 11 to 15 (A0 - A4) are address terminals for setting the slave address, and a 5 - bit slave address can be set. Each terminal is set to "0" when connected to ground and "1" when connected to terminal 1. Terminals 16 to 18, 20 to 25, 27 to 29, 32 to 34, 36 to 41, 43 to 45 (LEDR1 - LEDB8) are output terminals where parallel data signals are output. Note that some of these output terminals are unused. Hereinafter, these will be referred to as LED output terminals. Terminals 19, 26, 35, 42 are ground terminals (PGND1 to PGND4). Terminal 30 (VLED) is a protection terminal for LED drive output. Terminals 46, 47 (TEST1, TEST2) are test terminals and are connected to ground. Terminal 48 (SVCC) is a power supply terminal to which the drive power is input, and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input.

[0275] The LED driver 150a operates in an output mode of either open-drain mode, constant-current mode, or mixed mode based on the voltage level (H / L / M) input to the 6th terminal (OUTSCT), and drives the effect LED 27 connected to the LED output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8). Since the voltage divided by two resistors (R27 and R29 in the figure) is input to the 6th terminal, the voltage level becomes M and it operates in the mixed mode.

[0276] Here, the open-drain mode is an operation mode in which the drain of the output transistor (FET) connected to the LED output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8) internally is in an open state, and the effect LED 27 is driven with a current value corresponding to the resistors and the effect LED 27 respectively connected to the LED output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8). Therefore, in the open-drain mode, the forward voltage of the effect LED 27 affects the current value. Also, in the open-drain mode, it becomes possible to flow currents with different current values by varying the voltage value and resistance value for each of the LED output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8). The open-drain mode is suitably used, for example, when it is desired to emit light with high brightness only from a predetermined effect LED 27. In the open-drain mode, since the output transistor performs ON / OFF switching operation, the internal power loss is less than when operating in the constant-current mode, and a relatively large current can be flowed. The constant-current mode is an operation mode in which the effect LED 27 is driven with a constant current corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor connected to the 8th terminal (RT1), regardless of the resistors and the effect LED 27 connected to the LED output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8). The constant-current mode is suitably used, for example, when it is desired to emit light from adjacent LED groups with the same brightness, although since a part of the output transistor operates linearly, the internal power loss is slightly large. The mixed mode is a mode in which the LED output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB6) function in the constant-current mode and the LED output terminals (LEDR7 - LEDB8) function in the open-drain mode.

[0277] The clock signal (CLK) output from the performance control board 120 and the serial data signal (LED data) as the control signal are supplied to the LED driver 150a. The LED driver 150a outputs a drive current according to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0278] The LED driver 150a has 24 LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from terminal 16 to terminal 45. The LED driver 150a generates a parallel data signal (03-R1 to 03-B8) based on the serial data signal (DATA) input from the performance control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (03-R1 to 03-B8) from the LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8).

[0279] Here, the parallel data signal is denoted as "03-R1", "03-G1", "03-B1", ···. And "R" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the red LED of the full-color LED chip. "G" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the green LED of the full-color LED chip. "B" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the blue LED of the full-color LED chip. However, "R", "G", and "B" are not necessarily assigned to the drive currents for the red LED, green LED, and blue LED respectively. For example, they may be assigned to the drive current for a monochromatic LED.

[0280] Terminals 16 to 18 and terminals 20 to 22 are connected to the connector 150c. Also, terminals 27 to 29, terminals 32 to 34, and terminals 36 to 38 are connected to the connector 150d. Also, terminals 44 and 45 are connected to the connector 150e.

[0281] The connector 150c is connected to the lower left side decorative board 452 (see FIGS. 40 to 42) via a transmission cable. The connector 150d is connected to the fourth symbol display board 341 via a transmission cable.

[0282] Figure 28 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the fourth symbol display substrate 341. As shown in Figure 28, a connector 341a is arranged on the fourth symbol display substrate 341. Then, parallel data signals (03-R4 to 03-B6) are respectively input from the second terminal to the tenth terminal of the connector 341a via the connector 150d of the decorative relay substrate 150. The second terminal to the tenth terminal of the connector 341a are respectively connected to the cathodes of different LEDs 350.

[0283] Also, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to the first terminal of the connector 341a. The first terminal of the connector 341a is respectively connected to the anodes of the LEDs 350 via resistors 341b. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (03-R4 to 03-B6), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through the resistors 341b and the LEDs 350, and the LEDs 350 are lit.

[0284] Here, since the LED output terminals (LEDR4~~LEDB6) are set in the constant current mode, the current value of the drive current supplied to the LED 350b is determined by the resistance value of the resistor 150b connected to the eighth terminal of the LED driver 150a, and the resistor 341b does not affect the current value of the drive current. The resistor 341b is provided to drop the voltage on the cathode side of the LED 350, that is, the voltage of the 27th terminal to the 38th terminal (excluding the 30th, 31st, and 35th terminals) of the LED driver 150a (for example, to about 0.5V).

[0285] Also, each LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65 is made unable to be adjusted in brightness by the user, and will be lit at a constant brightness by PWM control.

[0286] In this way, the effect control unit 121 can control the lighting of each LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65 simultaneously by static control.

[0287] <10. The effect LED 27 arranged on the game board 9> Next, the effect LED 27 that is statically lit and controlled by the effect control unit 121 will be described. Here, among the effect LEDs 27 provided in the gaming machine 1, the effect LEDs 27 arranged on the game board 9 and the effect panel 26 will be described.

[0288] As described above, the effect control unit 121 issues an instruction to the LED driver 27a to turn on and display the effect LED 27 based on the determined effect scenario. Specifically, in the ROM of the effect control unit 121, a luminance table that defines the reference gradation values of each effect LED 27 along the time axis is stored for each effect scenario. The reference gradation value defines the gradation value that serves as a reference when the LED driver 27a performs PWM control on the effect LED 27. For example, when the LED driver 27a performs PWM control on the effect LED 27 with 128 gradations (7 bits), the reference gradation value in the luminance table is specified as any one of 128 gradations (0 to 127).

[0289] When the effect scenario is determined, the effect control unit 121 reads out the luminance table corresponding to that effect scenario from the ROM.

[0290] FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the luminance table. As shown in FIG. 29(a), 8-bit (1-byte) luminance information is used to control the lighting of one effect LED 27. The upper 1 bit of the luminance information is assigned an α value (transparency information), and the lower 7 bits are assigned the reference gradation value. The α value indicates whether to update the reference gradation value. When it is 1, it indicates that the reference gradation value is updated, and when it is 0, it indicates that the reference gradation value is not updated. Note that in the effect control unit 121, the luminance of the effect LED 27 is managed by a plurality of layers, and the gradation value is updated in order from the luminance value of the lower layer. Therefore, when the α value is 0, the luminance value of the layer below remains as it is.

[0291] As shown in FIG. 29(a), when the luminance information is "11111111", the reference gradation value is specified as 127 (maximum). Also, when the luminance information is "11000000", the reference gradation value is specified as 64 (medium). Further, when the luminance information is "10000000", the reference gradation value is specified as 0 (extinguished). When the luminance information is "00000000", it is specified that the reference gradation value is not updated.

[0292] Here, as described above, the LED driver 27a has 24 LED output terminals. In this case, in the luminance table, as shown in FIGS. 29(b) to 29(d), since it is necessary to specify the luminance information for each LED output terminal, it is configured such that 24 pieces of luminance information are arranged. Also, the luminance table includes luminance information for a plurality (for example, 4) of LED drivers 27a.

[0293] FIGS. 29(b) to 29(d) show an example of a luminance table when 8 full-color LEDs are connected to one LED driver 27a. In FIGS. 29(b) to 29(d), the luminance information is shown in hexadecimal (00 to FF). Also, here, the luminance setting value to be described later is not considered in the explanation.

[0294] The full-color LED is composed of a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED. Therefore, it is necessary to perform lighting control for each LED, and 3 pieces of luminance information are required for one full-color LED. Therefore, one LED driver 27a can control 8 full-color LEDs (3×8 = 24 output terminals). Here, it is assumed that the full-color LEDs are connected in order from the LED output terminal with the smallest number, in the order of red LED, green LED, and blue LED, and are connected in order for each full-color LED. That is, it is assumed that the red LED, green LED, blue LED of the first full-color LED, the red LED, green LED, blue LED of the second one... are connected to the LED output terminals in order.

[0295] In the example of Fig. 29(b), luminance information of "FFFFFF···FF" is specified for LED drivers 1 to 4 at a timing of 4000 ms, luminance information of "808080···80" is specified at a timing of 2000 ms, and "LOOP" is specified at a timing of 0 ms. In "FFFFFF····FF", 24 sets of "FF" are provided. One "FF" is represented in hexadecimal as luminance information for one of the effect LEDs 27. Since "FF" is instructed for all the effect LEDs 27, all the full-color LEDs light up in white at maximum luminance. In "808080···80", 24 sets of "80" are provided. One "80" is represented in hexadecimal as luminance information for one LED. Since "80" is instructed for all the LEDs, all the full-color LEDs are turned off. Since "LOOP" instructs repetition, it instructs to repeat the above two lines.

[0296] In the example of Fig. 29(c), luminance information of "FF0000···00" is specified for LED drivers 1 to 4 at a timing of 3000 ms, luminance information of "00FF00···00" is specified at a timing of 2000 ms, luminance information of "0000FF···00" is specified at a timing of 1000 ms, and "LOOP" is specified at a timing of 0 ms. In "FF0000···00", only the red LED of the first color LED is specified as "FF" with a reference gradation value of 127 (maximum), and the other LEDs are specified as "00" for transparency. Therefore, the first color LED lights up in red, and the luminance of the other color LEDs remains unchanged. In "00FF00···00", only the green LED of the first color LED is specified as "FF" with a reference gradation value of 127 (maximum), and the other LEDs are specified as "00" for transparency. Therefore, the first color LED lights up in green, and the luminance of the other color LEDs remains unchanged. In the case of 「0000FF···00」, only the blue LED of the first color LED is specified as 「FF」 with a reference gradation value of 127 (maximum), and the other LEDs are specified as 「00」 for transparency. Therefore, the first color LED lights up in blue, and the brightness of the other color LEDs is not changed. Since 「LOOP」 indicates repetition, it instructs to repeat the above three lines.

[0297] In the example of Fig. 29(d), at the timing of 3000 ms, the luminance information of 「FF8080···80」 is specified for LED drivers 1 to 4, at the timing of 2000 ms, the luminance information of 「80FF80···80」 is specified, at the timing of 1000 ms, the luminance information of 「8080FF···80」 is specified, and 「LOOP」 is specified at the timing of 0 ms. In the case of 「FF8080···80」, only the red LED of the first color LED is specified as 「FF」 with a reference gradation value of 127 (maximum), and the other LEDs are specified as 「80」 with a reference gradation value of 0 (extinguished). Therefore, the first color LED lights up in red, and the other color LEDs are extinguished. In the case of 「80FF80···80」, only the green LED of the first color LED is specified as 「FF」 with a reference gradation value of 127 (maximum), and the other LEDs are specified as 「80」 with a reference gradation value of 0 (extinguished). Therefore, the first color LED lights up in green, and the other color LEDs are extinguished. In the case of 「8008FF···80」, only the blue LED of the first color LED is specified as 「FF」 with a reference gradation value of 127 (maximum), and the other LEDs are specified as 「80」 with a reference gradation value of 0 (extinguished). Therefore, the first color LED lights up in blue, and the other color LEDs are extinguished. Since 「LOOP」 indicates repetition, it instructs to repeat the above three lines.

[0298] In addition, the effect control unit 121 reads out the brightness setting value determined according to the operation of the brightness change button 25c. Here, the brightness setting values that can be set according to the operation of the brightness change button 25c are provided with, for example, five levels from 1 to 5. Then, each time the plus button of the brightness change button 25c is operated, the brightness setting value is increased by 1 until it reaches the maximum value of 5, and each time the minus button of the brightness change button 25c is operated, the brightness setting value is decreased by 1 until it reaches the minimum value of 1. When the brightness change button 25c is operated, the current brightness setting value is displayed on the LCD unit 57.

[0299] The brightness setting value is a coefficient for adjusting the reference gradation value of each effect LED 27 shown in the brightness table. For example, the brightness setting value "5" is set to 100%, the brightness setting value "4" is set to 80%, the brightness setting value "3" is set to 60%, the brightness setting value "2" is set to 40%, and the brightness setting value "1" is set to 20%.

[0300] Then, the effect control unit 121 multiplies the reference gradation value of each effect LED 27 shown in the brightness table read from the ROM by the brightness setting value to calculate and set the gradation value when each effect LED 27 is actually PWM-controlled by the LED driver 27a. The effect control unit 121 generates a control signal (LED data) indicating the calculated gradation value of each effect LED 27, and outputs the control signal (LED data) to the LED driver 27a in the above step S511 (see FIG. 13). As a result, the effect LED 27 is PWM-controlled by the LED driver 27a at a duty ratio (gradation value / 256) corresponding to the gradation value, and an illumination display effect according to the brightness table is realized.

[0301] Note that two types of the effect LEDs 27, i.e., a top view type and a side view type, are provided. However, in the brightness table, for any of the top view type and side view type effect LEDs 27, the number of steps of the reference gradation value specified in the brightness table is the same, and the number of steps of the brightness setting value set by the brightness change button 25c is also the same. As a result, since the number of steps of the reference gradation value and the luminance setting value is not changed depending on the top view type and the side view type (depending on the type of the effect LED 27), the design burden at the time of design can be reduced.

[0302] [10.1 Effect LED for Illumination Panel] FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the decorative substrate 180 around the illumination panel 59. FIG. 31 is a partially enlarged view around the illumination panel 59.

[0303] As shown in FIG. 30, the illumination panel 59 is formed in a plate shape that spreads sufficiently in the vertical and horizontal directions and is sufficiently short in the front-rear direction (the direction facing the player: the thickness direction). The illumination panel 59 is arranged such that the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b that spread in the vertical and horizontal directions face the player.

[0304] On the game board 9, four decorative substrates 180 are arranged around the illumination panel 59. Hereinafter, the four decorative substrates 180 are referred to as illumination substrates 401 to 404.

[0305] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the illumination substrate 401 is arranged on the left side of the illumination panel 59. The illumination substrate 401 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 401a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged faces the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the illumination substrate 401 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 401a is perpendicular to the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59. Note that "perpendicular" includes not only the case of being completely perpendicular but also including some error (angle error), and the same applies to other descriptions.

[0306] On the component surface 401a of the illumination substrate 401, six effect LEDs 27 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction so as to face the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged to face the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59 is denoted as the illumination LED 411.

[0307] The illumination LED 411 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light-emitting surface is parallel to the illumination substrate 401, and is a top-view type LED in which the optical axis of the irradiated light (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 31) is perpendicular to the illumination substrate 401. Note that "parallel" includes not only the case of being completely parallel but also including some error (angle error), and the same applies to other descriptions.

[0308] In this way, since the component surface 401a of the illumination substrate 401 does not face the player (is perpendicular to the player's facing direction), and the light-emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 is parallel to the illumination substrate 401, the light-emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 is arranged on the game board 9 so as not to face the player (to be perpendicular to the player's facing direction). And since the optical axis of the illumination LED 411 does not face the player, the light irradiated from the illumination LED 411 hardly reaches the player directly.

[0309] Since the light-emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 and the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59 are arranged with almost no gap, the illumination LED 411 irradiates light into the illumination panel 59 through the left side surface 59c. That is, the illumination LED 411 irradiates light in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the illumination panel 59.

[0310] In the illumination panel 59, the light incident from the left side surface 59c diffuses in the pattern portion, causing the pattern portion to emit light.

[0311] The illumination substrates 402 to 404 are arranged perpendicular to the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59, similar to the illumination substrate 401, and the effect LEDs 27 for irradiating light to the side surface of the illumination panel 59 are arranged.

[0312] The illumination substrates 402 and 403 are arranged above the illumination panel 59. The illumination substrates 402 and 403 are arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surfaces 402a and 403a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged face the upper surface 59d of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the illumination substrates 402 and 403 are arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surfaces 402a and 403a are perpendicular to the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59.

[0313] The illumination substrate 404 is arranged with a diffusion plate 405 interposed therebetween on the right side of the illumination panel 59. The illumination substrate 404 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 404a on which the electrical component (effect LED 27) is arranged faces the right side surface 59e of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the illumination substrate 404 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 404a is perpendicular to the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59.

[0314] A plurality of effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the component surfaces 402a to 404a of the illumination substrates 402 to 404 so as to face the upper surface 59d and the right side surface 59e of the illumination panel 59. These effect LEDs 27 are full-color LEDs, and are arranged such that the light emitting surfaces are parallel to the illumination substrates 402 to 404 respectively, and are top-view type LEDs in which the optical axes of the irradiated light are perpendicular to the illumination substrates 402 to 404 respectively. And these effect LEDs 27 irradiate light from the upper surface 59d or the right side surface 59e of the illumination panel 59 toward the inside of the illumination panel 59.

[0315] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the Illumi substrate 401. Note that since the Illumi substrates 402 to 404 have the same circuit configuration as the Illumi substrate 401, their descriptions are omitted. As shown in FIG. 32, an LED driver 401b is arranged on the Illumi substrate 401. The LED driver 401b is an example of the above-described LED driver 27a and controls the driving of the Illumi LED 411.

[0316] The LED driver 401b has a 48-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 48 as numbered "1" to "48". Terminal 1 (SVCC) is a power supply terminal to which a driving power supply is input, and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input. Terminal 2 (VREF) is an output terminal of a reference voltage. Terminal 3 (CTLSCT) is a serial bus communication setting terminal, but a reference voltage from terminal 2, that is, an H level, is input and set to a predetermined mode. Terminal 4 (OUTSCT) is an output method control terminal for the LED driving current. By being connected to the ground, it is set to an L level and set to a constant current mode. Terminal 5 (RESET) is an input terminal for a reset signal. Terminal 6 (Iref-B) is a resistance connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for setting the reference current of the LED output terminals (LEDB1 to LEDB8). The current value set by terminal 8 (Iref-R) can be commonly used as the current value of the driving current flowing through the LED output terminals (LEDB1 to LEDB8) when a reference voltage from terminal 2 is input. Terminal 7 (Iref-G) is a resistance connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for setting the reference current for the LED output terminals (LEDG1 to LEDG8). The current value set by terminal 8 (Iref-R) can be commonly used as the current value of the driving current flowing through the LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDR8) when a reference voltage from terminal 2 is input.

[0317] Terminal 8 (Iref-R) corresponds to terminal 8 (RT1) of the LED driver 150a. Terminal 8 (Iref-R) is a resistance connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for setting the reference current for the LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDR8), and the resistor 401c is connected thereto. The LED driver 401b can change the current value of the drive current flowing through the LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDR8) to which the parallel data signal is output by changing the resistance value of the resistor 401c connected to terminal 8. As described above, by inputting the reference voltage to terminal 6 (Iref-B) and terminal 7 (Iref-G), the current values of the drive currents flowing through the LED output terminals (LEDB1 to LEDB8) and the LED output terminals (LEDG1 to LEDG8) can be set to be the same (common) as the current value of the drive current flowing through the LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDR8). In the LED driver 401b, the larger the resistance value of the resistor 401c, the smaller the current value of the drive current can be made. For example, when the resistance values are 50 kΩ, 60 kΩ, 70 kΩ, 100 kΩ, and 130 kΩ, the current values are set to 14 mA, 12 mA, 10 mA, 7 mA, and 5.5 mA, respectively. In the present embodiment, since the resistance value of the resistor 401c is 50 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 14 mA. Note that the resistor 401c is arranged on the same mounting surface (for example, component surface 401a) as the LED driver 401b on the illumination substrate 401. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed that the electronic component connected to terminal 8 of the LED driver 401b is the resistor 401c and the resistance value (code) of the resistor 401c.

[0318] Terminal 9 (SGND) is a ground terminal. Terminal 10 (TEST1) is a test terminal and is connected to the ground. Terminals 11 to 16 (A0 - A5) are address terminals for setting the slave address, and a 6-bit slave address can be set. Each terminal is set to "0" for the bit when connected to the ground, and is set to "1" for the bit when connected to terminal 2 (reference voltage). Terminals 17 to 19, 21 to 29, 31 to 33, 35 to 40, and 42 to 44 (LEDR1 - LEDB8) are LED output terminals where parallel data signals are output. Some of these LED output terminals are unused and connected to ground. Terminals 20, 30, and 41 are ground terminals (PGND1 - PGND3). Terminal 34 (LVCC) is the power supply for the protection circuit of the output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8) and is connected to ground. Terminal 45 (SDO) is a dummy terminal. Terminal 46 (SDEN) is the input terminal for the enable signal. Terminal 47 (SDATA) is the input terminal for the serial data signal (DATA). Terminal 48 (SCLK) is the input terminal for the clock signal (CLK).

[0319] The clock signal (CLK) output from the lighting control unit 121 and the serial data signal (DATA) as the control signal (LED data) are supplied to the LED driver 401b via the connector 401e. The LED driver 401b outputs a drive current according to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0320] The LED driver 401b has 24 output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8) from terminal 17 to terminal 44. The LED driver 401b generates a parallel data signal (here 04 - R1 to 04 - B5) with a duty ratio corresponding to the gradation value indicated by the serial data signal (DATA) input from the lighting control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (04 - R1 to 04 - B5) from the output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB6).

[0321] Note that, similar to the case of the LED driver 150a, the parallel data signals are denoted as "04-R1", "04-G1", "04-B1", ···. Here, "R" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the red LED of the full-color LED chip. "G" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the green LED of the full-color LED chip. "B" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the blue LED of the full-color LED chip. However, "R", "G", and "B" are not necessarily always assigned to the drive currents for the red LED, green LED, and blue LED respectively. For example, they may be assigned to the drive current for a monochromatic LED.

[0322] Terminals 17 to 19 are connected in series with three illum LEDs 411 and a resistor 401d. Here, since the illum LED 411 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Terminal 17 has three red LEDs (R) of the illum LED 411 connected in series, terminal 18 has three green LEDs (G) of the illum LED 411 connected in series, and terminal 19 has three blue LEDs (B) of the illum LED 411 connected in series.

[0323] Also, terminals 21 to 23 are connected in series with three illum LEDs 411 and a resistor 401d. Terminal 21 has three red LEDs (R) of the illum LED 411 connected in series, terminal 22 has three green LEDs (G) of the illum LED 411 connected in series, and terminal 23 has three blue LEDs (B) of the illum LED 411 connected in series. Therefore, on the illum substrate 401, according to the parallel data signals (04-R1 to 04-B2), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to the resistor 401d and the three illum LEDs 411, and the illum LEDs 411 are lit with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gray scale value).

[0324] Note that the current value of the drive current supplied to the illumination LED 411 is determined by the resistance value of the resistor 401c connected to the 8th terminal of the LED driver 401b, and the resistor 401d does not affect the current value of the drive current. The resistor 401d is provided to drop the voltage supplied to the 17th to 23rd terminals (excluding the 20th terminal) of the LED driver 401b (for example, to about 0.5 V) and suppress the heat generation of the LED driver 401b. Also, since the forward voltage of the red LED is smaller than that of the blue LED and the green LED (see Fig. 58), in order to minimize all the voltages supplied to the 17th to 23rd terminals of the LED driver 401b, the resistance value of the resistor 401d connected to the red LED is set to a value larger than the resistance values of the resistors 401d connected to the blue LED and the green LED. Furthermore, the resistor 401d is arranged on the same mounting surface (for example, the component surface 401a) as the illumination LED 411 on the illumination substrate 401. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed that the electronic component connected to the illumination LED 411 is the resistor 401d and the resistance value (code) of the resistor 401d. The same applies to the resistors 421d, 434d, 435b, and 436b described later.

[0325] In this way, the effect control unit 121 can control the lighting of the illumination LED 411 arranged on the illumination substrate 401 by static control (PWM control).

[0326] [10.2 Illumination LEDs for Moving Object Props] Fig. 33 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the moving object prop 61. Fig. 33(a) is an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of the moving object prop 61, and Fig. 33(b) is a front view for explaining the moving object prop substrate 421.

[0327] As shown in FIG. 33(a), the movable object device 61 includes a movable object device substrate 421, a movable object device inner lens 422, a movable object device case 423, and a movable object device seal 424. The movable object device substrate 421 and the movable object device inner lens 422 are accommodated in a space formed by the movable object device case 423.

[0328] On the movable object device substrate 421, as an example of the above-described decorative substrate 180, as shown in FIG. 33(b), a plurality (nine) of effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the component surface 421a. The movable object device substrate 421 is arranged such that the component surface 421a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged faces the player. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the movable object device substrate 421 is referred to as a movable object device LED 425.

[0329] The movable object device LED 425 is a full-color LED, and is arranged such that the light emitting surface is perpendicular to the movable object device substrate 421, and is a side view type LED in which the optical axis of the irradiated light (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 33(b)) is parallel to the movable object device substrate 421.

[0330] The movable object device LEDs 425 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along the peripheral edge of the movable object device substrate 421 and such that the light emitting surfaces face the center.

[0331] Thus, since the component surface 421a of the movable object device substrate 421 faces the player and the light emitting surfaces of the movable object device LEDs 425 are perpendicular to the movable object device substrate 421, the movable object device LEDs 425 are arranged on the game board 9 such that the light emitting surfaces do not face the player (are perpendicular to the player's direct facing direction). And since the optical axes of the movable object device LEDs 425 do not face the player, the light irradiated from the movable object device LEDs 425 hardly reaches the player directly.

[0332] The movable object accessory inner lens 422 is disposed in front (on the player side) of the movable object accessory substrate 421 so as to cover the entire surface of the movable object accessory substrate 421. The movable object accessory inner lens 422 is made of, for example, a colorless transparent or resin member having a predetermined transmittance, and a predetermined uneven pattern is formed on its surface. Then, the movable object accessory inner lens 422 diffuses the light irradiated from the movable object accessory LED 425, guides the diffused light forward, and guides the light from the side surface to the outer peripheral direction.

[0333] The movable object accessory case 423 is disposed in front of the movable object accessory inner lens 422 so as to cover the movable object accessory substrate 421 and the movable object accessory inner lens 422. A movable object accessory seal 424 is attached to the front of the movable object accessory case 423. For example, a pattern such as a character's face is drawn on the movable object accessory seal 424.

[0334] Therefore, the movable object accessory 61 causes, for example, the character's face drawn on the movable object accessory case 423 to shine and emits light from the outer periphery of the character's face by the light irradiated from the movable object accessory LED 425 and diffused by the movable object accessory inner lens 422. Thereby, in the gaming machine 1, the movable object accessory 61 can be made conspicuous.

[0335] FIG. 34 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the movable object accessory substrate 421. As shown in FIG. 34, an LED driver 421b is disposed on the movable object accessory substrate 421. The LED driver 421b is an example of the above-described LED driver 27a and drives and controls the movable object accessory LED 425.

[0336] Since the LED driver 421b is composed of, for example, the same integrated circuit as the LED driver 401b, the terminal configuration and the like are the same as those of the LED driver 401b, and a detailed description thereof is omitted. The 4th terminal (OUTSCT) is set to the L level by being connected to the ground and is set to the constant current mode. A resistor 421c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref-R), and by changing the resistance value of the resistor 421c, the current value of the drive current flowing through the output terminals (LEDR1~LEDB8) can be set. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of the resistor 401c is 50 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 14 mA. Also, the resistor 421c is arranged on the same mounting surface (for example, the component surface 421a) as the LED driver 421b on the movable body substrate 421. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed that the electronic component connected to the 8th terminal of the LED driver 421b is the resistor 421c, and the resistance value (code) of the resistor 421c.

[0337] The clock signal (CLK) output from the effect control unit 121 and the serial data signal (DATA) as the control signal (LED data) are supplied to the LED driver 421b via the connector 421e. The LED driver 421b outputs a drive current corresponding to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0338] The LED driver 421b has 24 output terminals (LEDR1~LEDB8) from the 17th terminal to the 44th terminal. The LED driver 421b generates a parallel data signal (here 05-R1~05-B5) with a duty ratio corresponding to the gradation value indicated by the serial data signal (DATA) input from the effect control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (05-R1~05-B5) from the LED output terminals (LEDR1~LEDB6).

[0339] The 17th terminal~19th terminal, 21st terminal~23rd terminal and 24th terminal~26th terminal are connected in series with three movable body LEDs 425 and a resistor 421d respectively. Here, since the movable body LED 425 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). The 17th terminal, 21st terminal, and 24th terminal are connected in series with three red LEDs (R) of the movable member LED 425. The 18th terminal, 22nd terminal, and 25th terminal are connected in series with three green LEDs (G) of the movable member LED 425. The 19th terminal, 23rd terminal, and 26th terminal are connected in series with three blue LEDs (B) of the movable member LED 425. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (05-R1 to 05-B3), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to the resistor 421d and the three movable member LEDs 425, and the movable member LED 425 is lit with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gray scale value).

[0340] In this way, the effect control unit 121 can control the lighting of the movable member LED 425 arranged on the movable member substrate 421 by static control (PWM control).

[0341] [10.3 Effect LEDs in the lower right unit of the game board] FIG. 35 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. FIG. 36 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. FIG. 37 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. In FIG. 37, the winning port decorative substrate 434, the big winning port decorative substrate 435, and the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 are shown separated from the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 toward the rear side.

[0342] As shown in FIG. 35, a lower right unit 430 of the game board is arranged at the lower right of the game board 9. The lower right unit 430 of the game board forms a part of the right game area 37b and is provided with a special figure 2 start port 43, a normal electric member 45, a big winning port 49, a special electric member 51, a winning port 53, and the like.

[0343] As shown in FIG. 36, the lower right unit 430 of the game board includes a lower right base plate 431, a lower right cover 432, a lower right seal 433, a winning port decorative substrate 434, a big winning port decorative substrate 435, and a special figure 2 decorative substrate 436. The lower right base plate 431 is made of a resin material, for example, with unevenness formed on its surface so that light is diffused (diffusely reflected). Through holes are formed where special symbols 2 start ports 43, ordinary electric devices 45, large winning ports 49, special electric devices 51, winning ports 53, etc. are arranged.

[0344] The lower right cover 432 is made of a resin material, for example, with unevenness formed on its surface so that light is diffused (diffusely reflected), and a protruding portion protruding to the rear side for guiding the game balls is formed. And game balls can roll in the space sandwiched between the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432. That is, a part of the right game area 37b is formed by the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432.

[0345] A lower right seal 433 is pasted in front of the lower right cover 432. The lower right seal 433 is, for example, semi-transparent milky white with a lower light transmittance than colorless transparent resin, and a predetermined pattern is drawn on it.

[0346] Behind the lower right base plate 431, a winning port decorative substrate 434, a large winning port decorative substrate 435, and a special figure 2 decorative substrate 436, which are examples of the above-described decorative substrate 180, are arranged.

[0347] On the component surface 434a of the winning port decorative substrate 434, a plurality (two) of effect LEDs 27 are arranged. The winning port decorative substrate 434 is arranged such that the component surface 434a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged faces the player. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the winning port decorative substrate 434 is referred to as a winning port LED 441.

[0348] The winning port LED 441 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the winning port decorative substrate 434, and is a top-view type LED in which the optical axis of the irradiated light (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 37) is perpendicular to the winning port decorative substrate 434.

[0349] In this way, since the component surface 434a of the winning port decorative substrate 434 faces the player and the light emitting surface of the winning port LED 441 is arranged parallel to the winning port decorative substrate 434, the winning port LED 441 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the light emitting surface faces the player (faces directly).

[0350] Therefore, the optical axis of the winning port LED 441 will face the player. And the light irradiated from the winning port LED 441 is guided to the lower right seal 433 through the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432, causing the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 to glow from the rear, or causing the pattern drawn on the lower right seal 433 to glow from the rear.

[0351] A plurality (three) of effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the component surface 435a of the big winning port decorative substrate 435. The big winning port decorative substrate 435 is arranged such that the component surface 435a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged faces the player. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the big winning port decorative substrate 435 is referred to as the big winning port LED 442.

[0352] The big winning port LED 442 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the big winning port decorative substrate 435, and is a top view type LED in which the optical axis of the irradiated light (indicated by an arrow in Fig. 37) is perpendicular to the big winning port decorative substrate 435.

[0353] In this way, since the component surface 435a of the big winning port decorative substrate 435 faces the player and the light emitting surface of the big winning port LED 442 is arranged parallel to the big winning port decorative substrate 435, the big winning port LED 442 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the light emitting surface faces the player.

[0354] Therefore, the optical axis of the big winning port LED 442 will face the player. And the light irradiated from the big winning port LED 442 is guided to the lower right seal 433 through the big winning port 49 and the lower right cover 432, causing the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 to glow from the rear, or causing the pattern drawn on the lower right seal 433 to glow from the rear.

[0355] In the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436, a plurality (two) of effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the component surface 436a. The special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 is arranged such that the component surface 436a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged does not face the player (is perpendicular to the player's direct facing direction). Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 is denoted as the special figure 2 LED 443.

[0356] The special figure 2 LED 443 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light-emitting surface is perpendicular to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436, and is a side-view type LED in which the optical axis of the irradiated light (indicated by the arrow in FIG. 37) is parallel to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436.

[0357] Thus, since the component surface 436a of the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 does not face the player and the light-emitting surface of the special figure 2 LED 443 is arranged perpendicular to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436, the special figure 2 LED 443 will be arranged on the game board 9 such that the light-emitting surface faces the player.

[0358] Therefore, the optical axis of the special figure 2 LED 443 will face the player. And the light irradiated from the special figure 2 LED 443 is guided to the lower right seal 433 through the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432, causing the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 to glow from behind, or causing the pattern drawn on the lower right seal 433 to glow from behind.

[0359] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the winning port decorative substrate 434. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the big winning port decorative substrate 435 and the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436. As shown in FIG. 38, an LED driver 434b is arranged on the winning port decorative substrate 434. The LED driver 434b is an example of the above-described LED driver 27a, and drives and controls the winning port LED 441, the big winning port LED 442, and the special figure 2 LED 443.

[0360] Since the LED driver 434b is composed of the same integrated circuit as, for example, the LED drivers 401b and 421b, its terminal configuration and the like are the same as those of the LED drivers 401b and 421b, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. The fourth terminal (OUTSCT) is set to the L level by being connected to the ground and is set to the constant current mode. A resistor 434c is connected to the eighth terminal (Iref-R). By changing the resistance value of the resistor 434c, the current value of the drive current flowing through the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) can be set. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of the resistor 401c is 100 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 7 mA. Note that the resistor 434c is arranged on the same mounting surface (for example, the component surface 434a) as the LED driver 434b on the winning port decoration substrate 434. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed that the electronic component connected to the eighth terminal of the LED driver 434b is the resistor 434c and the resistance value (code) of the resistor 434c.

[0361] The clock signal (CLK) output from the effect control unit 121 and the serial data signal (DATA) as the control signal (LED data) are supplied to the LED driver 434b via the connector 434g. The LED driver 434b outputs a drive current corresponding to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0362] The LED driver 434b has 24 output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from the seventeenth terminal to the forty-fourth terminal. The LED driver 434b generates a parallel data signal (here, 01-R1 to 01-B5) with a duty ratio corresponding to the gradation value indicated by the serial data signal (DATA) input from the effect control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (01-R1 to 01-B5) from the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB6).

[0363] Terminals 17 to 19 are connected in series with two winning port LEDs 441 and resistor 434d. Here, since the winning port LED 441 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). On terminal 17, two red LEDs (R) of the winning port LED 441 are connected in series. On terminal 18, two green LEDs (G) of the winning port LED 441 are connected in series. On terminal 19, two blue LEDs (B) of the winning port LED 441 are connected in series. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (01-R1 to 01-B1), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through resistor 434d and two winning port LEDs 441, and the winning port LEDs 441 are lit with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gray scale value).

[0364] Also, terminals 21 to 23 are respectively connected to terminals 2 to 4 of connector 434e. Connector 434e is connected to the large winning port decorative substrate 435 via a transmission cable. As shown in Fig. 39(a), a connector 435c is arranged on the large winning port decorative substrate 435. Then, parallel data signals (01-R2 to 01-B2) are respectively input to connector 435c via connector 434e of the winning port decorative substrate 434.

[0365] A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to terminal 1 of connector 435c. Terminals 2 to 4 of connector 435c are connected in series with three large winning port LEDs 442 and resistor 435b. Here, since the large winning port LED 442 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). On terminal 2 of connector 435c, three red LEDs (R) of the large winning port LED 442 are connected in series. On terminal 3 of connector 435c, three green LEDs (G) of the large winning port LED 442 are connected in series. On terminal 4 of connector 435c, three blue LEDs (B) of the large winning port LED 442 are connected in series. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (01-R2 to 01-B2), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through resistor 435b and the three big winning port LEDs 442, and the big winning port LEDs 442 are lit with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gray scale value).

[0366] Also, the 24th to 26th terminals of the LED driver 434b are respectively connected to the 2nd to 4th terminals of the connector 434f. The connector 434f is connected to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 via a transmission cable. As shown in Fig. 39(b), a connector 436c is arranged on the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436. Then, parallel data signals (01-R3 to 01-B3) are respectively input to the connector 436c via the connector 434f of the winning port decorative substrate 434.

[0367] A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to the 1st terminal of the connector 436c. The 2nd to 4th terminals of the connector 436c are connected in series with two special figure 2 LEDs 443 and a resistor 436b. Here, since the special figure 2 LED 443 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Two red LEDs (R) of the special figure 2 LED 443 are connected in series to the 2nd terminal of the connector 436c, two green LEDs (G) of the special figure 2 LED 443 are connected in series to the 3rd terminal of the connector 436c, and two blue LEDs (B) of the special figure 2 LED 443 are connected in series to the 4th terminal of the connector 436c. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (01-R3 to 01-B3), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through resistor 436b and the two special figure 2 LEDs 443, and the special figure 2 LEDs 443 are lit with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gray scale value).

[0368] In this way, the effect control unit 121 can control the lighting of the winning port LED 441 arranged on the winning port decoration substrate 434, the big winning port LED 442 arranged on the big winning port decoration substrate 435, and the special figure 2 LED 443 arranged on the special figure 2 decoration substrate 436 by static control (PWM control).

[0369] [10.4 Effect LEDs Arranged in the Lower Left Unit of the Game Board] Figure 40 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the lower left unit 450 of the game board. As shown in Figure 40, the lower left unit 450 of the game board 9 is arranged at the lower left of the game board 9. The lower left unit 450 of the game board is provided with a lower left side cover 451, a lower left side decoration substrate 452, etc.

[0370] The lower left side cover 451 is arranged along the inner rail 36 from the lower center to the upper left direction of the game board 9, and is formed of a transparent or translucent resin material. The lower left side cover 451 has a thickness greater than the diameter of the game ball in the front-rear direction, and one or more winning ports 53 and out ports 55 are formed.

[0371] The lower left side decoration substrate 452 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the inner rail 36 and the lower left side cover 451. The lower left side decoration substrate 452 is arranged to be curved along the inner rail 36. The lower left side decoration substrate 452 is arranged such that the component surface 452a on which electrical components (effect LED 27, resistor) are arranged faces the lower left side cover 451. Thus, by lighting the effect LED 27 arranged on the lower left side decoration substrate 452, the lower left side cover 451 can be made to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode and light emission color.

[0372] FIG. 41 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. FIG. 41(a) is a diagram showing the wiring pattern on the component surface 452a of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. FIG. 41(b) is a diagram showing electronic components arranged on the component surface 452a of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. FIG. 41(c) is a diagram showing the wiring pattern on the solder surface 452b of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Note that FIG. 41(c) is shown as a perspective view so that the connection relationship with FIGS. 41(a) and 41(b) can be easily understood, and it is a figure reversed left and right. FIG. 42 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the lower left side decorative substrate 452.

[0373] As shown in FIG. 41, on the component surface 452a which is the surface of the lower left side decorative substrate 452, six effect LEDs 27 are arranged at arrangement positions 458(458a~458f) so as to be equally spaced in the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Hereinafter, the effect LEDs 27 arranged on the lower left side decorative substrate 452 are denoted as left side LEDs 453(453a~453f). Note that "equally spaced" includes not only the case of being completely equally spaced but also including some errors, and the same applies to other descriptions. Also, the six effect LEDs 27 may be arranged so as to be arranged at intervals (different intervals) other than equally spaced in the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452.

[0374] The left side LED 453 is a full-color LED, and is arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the lower left side decorative substrate 452, and is a top view type LED in which the optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Since the left side LED 453 is a full-color LED, a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED are provided, and it has a six-terminal configuration having an anode terminal and a cathode terminal for each color LED. And the left side LED 453 is arranged such that a straight line connecting the anode terminal and the cathode terminal of each color LED is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 (substantially parallel to the short side direction).

[0375] Further, on the lower left side decorative substrate 452, six resistors 454 are arranged at arrangement positions 457 (457a, 457b) separated into three each at both longitudinal ends of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Furthermore, on the lower left side decorative substrate 452, a connector 455 is arranged near the center of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 (between the left side LED 453d and the left side LED 453e).

[0376] On the solder side 452b of the lower left side decorative substrate 452, a wiring pattern 456a is formed along the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. The wiring pattern 456a is connected to the first terminal of the connector 455 and is formed wider than other wiring patterns. At both ends of the wiring pattern 456a, wiring patterns 456b and 456h formed on the component side 452a are respectively connected.

[0377] Three resistors 454 are connected to the wiring pattern 456b. These three resistors 454 are arranged such that a straight line connecting both terminals is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. In other words, the resistors 454 are arranged along the short side direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. The three resistors 454 are respectively connected to the anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left side LED 453a via a wiring pattern 456c formed on the solder side 452b. The cathode terminals of the left side LED 453a are respectively connected to the anode terminals of the respective LEDs of the left side LED 453b via a wiring pattern 456d formed on the component side 452a and a wiring pattern 456e formed on the solder side 452b. The cathode terminals of the left side LED 453b are respectively connected to the anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left side LED 453c via a wiring pattern 456f formed on the solder side 452b. The cathode terminals of the left side LED 453c are respectively connected to the second terminal, the third terminal, and the fourth terminal of the connector 455 via a wiring pattern 456g formed on the solder side 452b. Therefore, on the lower left side decorative substrate 452, the resistor 454, the left side LEDs 453a, 453b, 453c are connected in series in this order.

[0378] Three resistors 454 are connected to the wiring pattern 456h. These three resistors 454 are arranged such that the straight line connecting both terminals is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. In other words, the resistors 454 are arranged along the short side direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. The three resistors 454 are respectively connected to the anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left side LED 453d via the wiring pattern 456i formed on the solder surface 452b. The cathode terminals of the left side LED 453d are respectively connected to the anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left side LED 453e via the wiring pattern 456j formed on the component surface 452a and the wiring pattern 456k formed on the solder surface 452b. The cathode terminals of the left side LED 453e are respectively connected to the anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left side LED 453f via the wiring pattern 456l formed on the component surface 452a. The cathode terminals of the left side LED 453f are respectively connected to the fifth terminal, sixth terminal, and seventh terminal of the connector 455 via the wiring pattern 456m formed on the component surface 452a. Therefore, on the lower left side decorative substrate 452, the resistor 454, the left side LEDs 453d, 453e, 453f are connected in series in this order.

[0379] As shown in FIG. 42, the connector 455 has a seven-terminal configuration. The connector 455 is connected to the connector 150c (see FIG. 27) via a transmission cable (not shown).

[0380] A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to the first terminal of the connector 455. The second terminal, third terminal, and fourth terminal of the connector 341a are connected to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left side LED 453c. Also, the fifth terminal, sixth terminal, and seventh terminal of the connector 341a are connected to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left side LED 453f. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (03-R1 to 03-B1), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through the resistor 341b and the left side LEDs 453a, 453b, 453c, and the left side LEDs 453a, 453b, 453c are lit. Also, according to the parallel data signals (03-R2 to 03-B2), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through the resistor 341b and the left side LEDs 453d, 453e, 453f, and the left side LEDs 453d, 453e, 453f are lit. At this time, the left side LED 453 is controlled to be lit by the LED driver 150a arranged on the decoration relay board 150.

[0381] In this way, the lower left side decoration board 452 does not have the LED driver 27a arranged. On the other hand, the decoration relay board 150 does not have the effect LED 27 arranged. And the left side LED 453 arranged on the lower left unit 450 of the game board is driven and controlled by the LED driver 150a arranged on the decoration relay board 150. Thereby, for example, even when changing the type of the LED driver 150a in the development stage, it is not necessary to change the lower left unit 450 of the game board, and the design burden can be reduced.

[0382] Also, the decoration relay board 150 is also connected to the fourth symbol display board 341 on which the LED driver 27a is not arranged and other decoration boards 180. That is, a plurality of boards (decoration board 180, fourth symbol display board 341) on which the LED driver 27a is not arranged are connected to the decoration relay board 150. Thereby, for example, when changing the type of the LED driver 150a in the development stage, only the decoration relay board 150 needs to be changed without changing each of the plurality of boards on which the LEDs (effect LEDs 27, LEDs 350) are arranged. Therefore, the development burden in the development stage can be further reduced.

[0383] Also, the resistor 454 connected in series to the left side LED 453 is arranged in the lower left unit 450 of the game board. When changing the type of the left side LED 453, it is necessary to change the resistor 454 as well. In such a case, only the lower left unit 450 of the game board needs to be changed to change the left side LED 453 and the resistor 454, and there is no need to change the decoration relay board 150. Therefore, the development burden in the development stage can be further reduced. On the other hand, when the resistor 454 connected in series to the left side LED 453 can also be arranged on the decoration relay board 150, in such a case, not only the lower left unit 450 of the game board but also the decoration relay board 150 needs to be redesigned, and the development burden increases.

[0384] Fig. 43(a) is a diagram showing the arrangement of the left side LED 453 with respect to the lower left side decoration board 452. Fig. 43(b) is a diagram showing an arrangement example of the left side LED 453A with respect to the lower left side decoration board 452A in the comparative example. Incidentally, the lower left unit 450 of the game board has a thickness of, for example, 0.6 mm, and is accommodated between the inner rail 36 and the lower left side cover 451 so as to be bent in the thickness direction. At this time, as shown in Fig. 43(a), the left side LED 453 is arranged such that the straight line connecting the anode terminal and the cathode terminal of each color LED is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decoration board 452 (substantially parallel to the short side direction).

[0385] On the other hand, in the comparative example, as shown in Fig. 43(b), the left side LED 453A is arranged such that the straight line connecting the anode terminal and the cathode terminal of each color LED is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decoration board 452A.

[0386] And when the lower left side decoration board 452 is bent in the thickness direction, the left side LED 453 has the anode terminals and the cathode terminals of each color LED arranged at intervals closer to the arc direction of the lower left side decoration board 452 and in a larger number (3 points) compared with the comparative example. As a result, when the lower left side decorative substrate 452 is bent, the load applied to the left side LED 453 is reduced, and the situation where the left side LED 453 detaches from the lower left side decorative substrate 452 can be reduced. That is, the left side LED 453 has strong resistance to the bending of the lower left side decorative substrate 452.

[0387] Also, the resistor 454 is arranged such that the straight line connecting both terminals is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 (see FIG. 41). When the lower left unit 450 of the game board is bent, the resistor 454 has both terminals arranged at a closer interval to the arc direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 compared to the case where both terminals are substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. As a result, when the lower left side decorative substrate 452 is bent, the load applied to the resistor 454 is reduced, and the situation where the resistor 454 detaches from the resistor 454 can be reduced. That is, the resistor 454 has strong resistance to the bending of the lower left side decorative substrate 452.

[0388] [10.5 LEDs for effect arranged on the effect panel 26] FIG. 44 is a partially enlarged view of the lower part of the front frame 7. FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of the effect panel 26.

[0389] As shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, the effect panel 26 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 7 and on the left side of the handle device 19, and effect buttons 25a, a game ball number display 21, a speaker 29, etc. are arranged on the upper part.

[0390] The effect panel 26 extends in the left - right direction from the left end of the gaming machine 1 past the center to near the left end of the handle device 19, and has a length of about 3 / 4 of the width of the gaming machine 1. The effect panel 26 is curved such that the central part protrudes slightly forward.

[0391] The performance panel 26 is divided into a left performance panel 500 and a center performance panel 520 in the left - right direction, and the left performance panel 500 and the center performance panel 520 are made to be lit and displayed respectively. In the gaming machine 1, the left performance panel 500 and the center performance panel 520 perform an integrated performance by being lit and displayed in the same manner. However, the left performance panel 500 and the center performance panel 520 may be made to be lit and displayed in different manners.

[0392] The center performance panel 520 has a length of about 1.5 times that of the left performance panel 500 in the left - right direction. In other words, for the performance panel 26, the ratio of the left - right lengths of the left performance panel 500 and the center performance panel 520 is 4:6. In this way, in the performance panel 26, the center performance panel 520 is larger than the left performance panel 500.

[0393] As shown in FIG. 45, the left performance panel 500 includes a left front panel 501, a left diffusion lens 502, and a left performance panel substrate 503. The left front panel 501 is made of a thin transparent or translucent resin material in the front - rear direction, and for example, illustrations and characters designed for each model of the gaming machine 1 are printed on it. The left front panel 501 lights up these illustrations and characters by the light irradiated from the rear side.

[0394] The left diffusion lens 502 is disposed behind the left front panel 501, and is formed in a shape that spreads in the left - right direction and the up - down direction and is thin in the front - rear direction. The left diffusion lens 502 diffuses the light incident from the lower surface inside and emits it as substantially uniform light from the front surface. The left performance panel substrate 503 is disposed below the left diffusion lens 502. The left performance panel substrate 503 is disposed along the left - right direction and the front - rear direction such that the up - down direction is the plate - thickness direction. On the component surface 503a of the left stage panel substrate 503 (see Fig. 47), eight stage LEDs 27 are arranged. Hereinafter, the stage LEDs 27 arranged on the left stage panel substrate 503 are denoted as left stage panel LEDs 504 (504a to 504h).

[0395] The left stage panel LED 504 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light-emitting surface is parallel to the left stage panel substrate 503, and is a top-view type full-color LED in which the optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the left stage panel substrate 503.

[0396] The left stage panel LED 504 is arranged to face the lower surface of the left diffusion lens 502 and irradiates light onto the lower surface of the left diffusion lens 502. These lights light up the illustrations and characters on the left front panel 501.

[0397] The center stage panel 520 includes a center front panel 521, a center diffusion lens 522, and a center stage panel substrate 523. The center front panel 521 is made of a thin transparent or translucent resin material in the front-rear direction, and illustrations and characters connected to the illustrations and characters on the left diffusion lens 502 are printed thereon. The illustrations and characters on the center front panel 521 are lit up by the light irradiated from the rear side.

[0398] The center diffusion lens 522 is arranged behind the center front panel 521, and is formed in a shape that spreads in the left-right direction and the up-down direction and is thin in the front-rear direction. The center diffusion lens 522 diffuses the light incident from the lower surface inside and emits it as substantially uniform light from the front surface. A center stage panel substrate 523 is arranged below the center diffusion lens 522. The center stage panel substrate 523 is arranged along the left-right direction and the front-rear direction such that the up-down direction is the plate thickness direction. On the component surface 523a of the central display panel substrate 523 (see Fig. 49), ten display LEDs 27 are arranged. Hereinafter, the display LEDs 27 arranged on the central display panel substrate 523 are denoted as central display panel LEDs 524 (524a to 524j).

[0399] The central display panel LED 524 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light-emitting surface is parallel to the central display panel substrate 523, and is a top-view type full-color LED with the optical axis of the irradiated light perpendicular to the central display panel substrate 523.

[0400] The central display panel LED 524 is arranged to face the lower surface of the central diffusing lens 522 and irradiates light onto the lower surface of the central diffusing lens 522. This light lights up the illustrations and characters on the central front panel 521.

[0401] Fig. 46 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the left display panel substrate 503 and the central display panel substrate 523. As shown in Fig. 46, the left display panel substrate 503 and the central display panel substrate 523 are connected to a button connection substrate 541. Connected to the button connection substrate 541 are a button LED substrate 542 in addition to the left display panel substrate 503 and the central display panel substrate 543.

[0402] The button LED substrate 542 is provided inside the display button 25a. Arranged on the button LED substrate 542 are a driver for controlling the vibration device 77, movable body, etc. of the display button 25a, as well as a plurality of display LEDs 27 and an LED driver 27a for controlling the lighting of the display LEDs 27. As will be described in detail later, the LED driver 27a arranged on the button LED substrate 542 controls the lighting of the display LEDs 27 arranged on the button LED substrate 542 and also controls the lighting of the central display panel LEDs 524 arranged on the central display panel substrate 523.

[0403] FIG. 47 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the left effect panel substrate 503. FIG. 47(a) is a diagram showing the wiring pattern on the component surface 503a of the left effect panel substrate 503. FIG. 47(b) is a diagram showing electronic components arranged on the component surface 503a of the left effect panel substrate 503. FIG. 47(c) is a diagram showing the wiring pattern on the solder surface 503b of the left effect panel substrate 503. Note that FIG. 47(c) is shown as a perspective view so that the connection relationship with FIG. 47(a) and FIG. 47(b) can be easily understood, and it is a figure inverted left and right. Also, in FIG. 47(a), a diagram showing a part of the electronic components (capacitor 507, resistor 508) arranged on the component surface 503a is shown. In FIG. 47(c), a diagram showing the electronic component (resistor 508) arranged on the solder surface 503b is shown. FIG. 48 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the left effect panel substrate 503.

[0404] As shown in FIG. 47, on the component surface 503a which is the surface of the left effect panel substrate 503, eight left effect panel LEDs 504 are arranged at arrangement positions 511(511a~511h) so as to be arranged at substantially equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the left effect panel substrate 503. Note that the eight left effect panel LEDs 504 may be arranged so as to be arranged at intervals other than equal intervals (different intervals) in the longitudinal direction of the left effect panel substrate 503.

[0405] Since the left effect panel LED 504 is a full-color LED, a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED are provided, and it has a six-terminal configuration having an anode terminal and a cathode terminal for each color LED. And the left effect panel substrate 503 is arranged such that a straight line connecting the anode terminal and the cathode terminal of each color LED is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the left effect panel substrate 503 (substantially parallel to the short-side direction).

[0406] Also, on the component surface 503a, in addition to the left effect panel LED 504, a connector 505, an LED driver 27a, a plurality of capacitors 507, and resistors 508 are arranged. Hereinafter, the LED driver 27a arranged on the component surface 503a is denoted as the LED driver 506. A plurality of resistors 508 are arranged on the solder side 503b.

[0407] The connector 505 is arranged on the left side of the left effect panel substrate 503, and the LED driver 506 is arranged on the right side of the left effect panel substrate 503.

[0408] On the component side 503a, a solid ground 509 is formed and a plurality of wiring patterns 510 are formed. Here, the solid ground means a ground formed by a solid pattern. Here, the solid pattern means a wiring pattern having a wider portion than the linear wiring pattern 510. Also, the solid pattern means a planar wiring pattern wider than the diameter of the through hole.

[0409] On the solder side 503b, a solid ground 512 is formed and a plurality of wiring patterns 513 are formed. The wiring pattern to which a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is supplied is formed wider than other wiring patterns. The solid ground 512 is connected to the solid ground 509 via a plurality of through holes.

[0410] The cathode terminal of the left effect panel LED 504a is connected to the 17th to 19th terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB1) of the LED driver 506, and the anode terminal is connected to the cathode terminal of the left effect panel LED 504b via wiring patterns 510, 513, etc. The anode terminal of the left effect panel LED 504b is connected to the 6th terminal of the connector 505 via the resistor 508, wiring patterns 510, 513, etc. Therefore, the left effect panel LED 504a, the left effect panel LED 504b, and the resistor 508 are connected in series.

[0411] Similarly, the left effect panel LEDs 504c, 504d, and the resistor 508 are connected in series, the left effect panel LEDs 504e, 504f, and the resistor 508 are connected in series, and the left effect panel LEDs 504g, 504h, and the resistor 508 are connected in series.

[0412] That is, on the left effect panel substrate 503, the same number of left effect panel LEDs 504 (two each) are connected in series. This makes it easy to make the brightness of the left effect panel LEDs 504 the same.

[0413] As shown in FIGS. 47 and 48, the first terminal and the third terminal of the connector 505 are ground terminals and are connected to the solid grounds 509 and 512. The second terminal is an input terminal for a clock signal (CLK). The fourth terminal is an input terminal for a serial data signal (DATA). The fifth terminal is an input terminal for a reset signal (RSET). The sixth terminal is an input terminal for a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0414] Since the LED driver 506 is composed of, for example, the same integrated circuit as the LED driver 401b, the terminal configuration and the like are the same as those of the LED driver 401b, and a detailed description thereof is omitted. The fourth terminal (OUTSCT) is set to the L level by being connected to the ground and is set to the constant current mode. A resistor R4 is connected to the eighth terminal (Iref-R), and by changing the resistance value of the resistor R4, the current value of the drive current flowing through the LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) can be set. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of the resistor R4 is 110 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 6.33 mA.

[0415] The clock signal (CLK) output from the performance control unit 121 and the serial data signal (DATA) as the control signal (LED data) are supplied to the LED driver 506 via the connector 505. The LED driver 506 outputs a drive current according to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0416] The LED driver 506 has 24 LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from terminal 17 to terminal 44. The LED driver 506 generates a parallel data signal (here 18 - R1 to 18 - B4) with a duty ratio according to the gradation value indicated by the serial data signal (DATA) input from the performance control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (18 - R1 to 18 - B4) from the LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB4).

[0417] Terminals 17 to 19 are connected to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left performance panel LED 504a, terminals 21 to 23 are connected to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left performance panel LED 504c, terminals 24 to 26 are connected to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left performance panel LED 504e, and terminals 27 to 29 are connected to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the left performance panel LED 504e. Therefore, according to the parallel data signal (18 - R1 to 18 - B4), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through the resistor 508 and two left performance panel LEDs 504, and the left performance panel LEDs 504 are lit with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gradation value).

[0418] FIG. 49 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the central display panel substrate 523. FIG. 49(a) is a diagram showing the wiring pattern on the component surface 523a of the central display panel substrate 523. FIG. 49(b) is a diagram showing electronic components arranged on the component surface 523a of the central display panel substrate 523. FIG. 49(c) is a diagram showing the wiring pattern on the solder surface 523b of the central display panel substrate 523. Note that FIG. 49(c) is shown as a perspective view so that the connection relationship with FIGS. 49(a) and 49(b) can be easily understood, and it is a figure inverted left and right.

[0419] As shown in FIG. 49, on the component surface 523a which is the surface of the central display panel substrate 523, ten central display panel LEDs 524 (524a to 524j) are respectively arranged at arrangement positions 528 (528a to 528j) so as to be equally spaced in the longitudinal direction of the central display panel LED 524. Note that the ten central display panel LEDs 524 may be arranged so as to be spaced at intervals other than equal intervals (different intervals) in the longitudinal direction of the central display panel LED 524.

[0420] Since the central display panel LED 524 is a full-color LED, a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED are provided, and it has a six-terminal configuration having an anode terminal and a cathode terminal for each color LED. And the central display panel LED 524 is arranged such that a straight line connecting the anode terminal and the cathode terminal of each color LED is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the central display panel LED 524 (substantially orthogonal to the short-side direction).

[0421] Also, on the solder surface 523b, twelve resistors 525 are arranged separately in groups of three. Also, on the component surface 525a, a connector 526 is arranged near the right end.

[0422] On the solder surface 523b, a wiring pattern 527a is formed along the longitudinal direction of the central display panel substrate 523. The wiring pattern 527a is connected to the 7th terminal of the connector 526 and is formed wider than other wiring patterns. Twelve resistors 525 are connected in parallel to the wiring pattern 527a. These resistors 525 are arranged along the short side direction of the central display panel substrate 523.

[0423] The anodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524a are connected to the three rightmost resistors 525 via the wiring pattern 527b formed on the solder side 523b. The cathodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524a are connected to the anodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524b via the wiring pattern 527c formed on the component side 523a. The cathodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524b are connected to the first, second, and third terminals of the connector 526 via the wiring pattern 527d formed on the solder side 523b, respectively.

[0424] The three resistors 525 from the fourth to the sixth from the right are connected to the anodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524c via the wiring pattern 527e formed on the solder side 523b. The cathodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524c are connected to the anodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524d via the wiring pattern 527f formed on the component side 523a. The cathodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524d are connected to the anodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524e via the wiring pattern 527g formed on the component side 523a. The cathodes of the respective color LEDs of the central display panel LED 524e are connected to the first, second, and third terminals of the connector 526 via the wiring pattern 527h formed on the solder side 523b and the wiring pattern 527d formed on the solder side 523b, respectively.

[0425] Therefore, the center stage panel LEDs 524a and 524b are connected in series, and the center stage panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524b are connected in series. Also, the center stage panel LEDs 524a and 524b are connected in parallel with the center stage panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524b.

[0426] The anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524f are connected to the seventh to ninth resistors 525 from the right via the wiring pattern 527i formed on the solder side 523b. The cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524f are connected to the anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524g via the wiring pattern 527j formed on the component side 523a. The cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524g are connected to the fourth, fifth, and sixth terminals of the connector 526 via the wiring pattern 527k formed on the solder side 523b, respectively.

[0427] The anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524h are connected to the tenth to twelfth resistors 525 from the right via the wiring pattern 527l formed on the solder side 523b. The cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524h are connected to the anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524i via the wiring pattern 527m formed on the component side 523a. The cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524i are connected to the anode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524j via the wiring pattern 527n formed on the component side 523a. The cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the center stage panel LED 524e are connected to the fourth, fifth, and sixth terminals of the connector 526 via the wiring pattern 527k formed on the solder side 523b, respectively.

[0428] Therefore, the center effect panel LEDs 524f and 524g are connected in series, and the center effect panel LEDs 524h, 524i, and 524j are connected in series. Also, the center effect panel LEDs 524f and 524g and the center effect panel LEDs 524h, 524i, and 524j are connected in parallel.

[0429] FIG. 50 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the button LED substrate 542. FIG. 51 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the center effect panel substrate 523.

[0430] As shown in FIG. 50, on the button LED substrate 542, a connector 542a, an LED driver 542b, and a plurality of effect LEDs 27 are arranged. Note that the LED driver 542b is one of the LED drivers 27a.

[0431] The connector 542a is connected to the button connection substrate 541 via a transmission cable. The first terminal and the fourth terminal of the connector 542a are ground terminals. The second terminal is an input terminal for a clock signal (CLK-1). The fourth terminal is an input terminal for a serial data signal (DATA-1). The fifth terminal is an input terminal for a reset signal (RESET-1). The sixth terminal is an input terminal for a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). The seventh to twelfth terminals are output terminals from which parallel data signals (19-R7 to 19-B8) for the center effect panel LEDs 524 output from the LED driver 542b are output.

[0432] Since the LED driver 542b is composed of, for example, the same integrated circuit as the LED driver 401b, the terminal configuration and the like are the same as those of the LED driver 401b, and a detailed description thereof is omitted. The fourth terminal is connected to the second terminal (VFER), and when a 5V DC voltage (DC5V) is input, it is set to the H level and set to the open drain mode.

[0433] The clock signal (CLK-1) output from the performance control unit 121 and the serial data signal (LED data) as the control signal (DATA-1) are supplied to the LED driver 542b via the connector 542a. The LED driver 542b outputs a drive current according to the clock signals (CLK-1, CLK) and the serial data signals (DATA-1, DATA).

[0434] The LED driver 542b has 24 LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from terminal 17 to terminal 44. The LED driver 542b generates a parallel data signal (here 19-R1 to 19-B8) with a duty ratio according to the gradation value indicated by the serial data signal (DATA) input from the performance control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (19-R1 to 19-B8) from the LED output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8).

[0435] Terminals 17 to 37 are connected to the performance LEDs 27 arranged on the button LED board 542, and these performance LEDs 27 are lit according to the parallel data signal (19-R1 to 19-B7). Terminals 38 to 40 and terminals 42 to 44 are respectively connected to terminals 7 to 12 of the connector 542a. The parallel data signal (19-R7 to 19-B8) output from terminals 7 to 12 is input to the central performance panel board 523 via the button connection board 541.

[0436] As shown in FIG. 51, the connector 526 has a 7-terminal configuration. The connector 526 is connected to the connector 542a of the button LED board 542 via the button connection board 541 (see FIG. 27).

[0437] The first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal of the connector 526 are connected in parallel to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the central performance panel LED 524e and the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the central performance panel LED 524b. Terminal 4, Terminal 5, and Terminal 6 are connected in parallel with the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the central stage panel LED 524j and the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of the central stage panel LED 524g. A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to Terminal 7.

[0438] As described above, the central stage panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524e are connected in series, the central stage panel LEDs 524a and 524b are connected in series, and the central stage panel LEDs 524c, 524d, 524e and the central stage panel LEDs 524a, 524b are connected in parallel. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (19-R7 to 19-B7), drive currents flow from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to the resistor 525 and the central stage panel LEDs 524c, 524d, 524e, and to the resistor 525 and the central stage panel LEDs 524a, 524b, and the resistor 525 and the central stage panel LEDs 524a to 524e are lit.

[0439] Also, the central stage panel LEDs 524h, 524i, and 524j are connected in series, the central stage panel LEDs 524f and 524g are connected in series, and the central stage panel LEDs 524h, 524i, 524j and the central stage panel LEDs 524f, 524g are connected in parallel. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (19-R8 to 19-B8), drive currents flow from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to the resistor 525 and the central stage panel LEDs 524h, 524i, 524j, and to the resistor 525 and the central stage panel LEDs 524f, 524g, and the resistor 525 and the central stage panel LEDs 524f to 524j are lit.

[0440] At this time, since the number of central stage panel LEDs 524 connected in parallel (3 and 2) is different, the resistance values of the resistors 525 connected in series with the central stage panel LEDs 524 are determined so as to match the brightness of the light emitted from each central stage panel LED 524.

[0441] As described above, the effect panel 26 is provided with a left effect panel 500 and a center effect panel 520 that differ in size. The left effect panel 500 is lit and displayed by eight left effect panel LEDs 504 arranged on the left effect panel substrate 503, and the center effect panel 520 is lit and displayed by ten center effect panel LEDs 524 arranged on the center effect panel substrate 523. At this time, five center effect panel LEDs 524 (for example, 524a to 524e) connected to one system of LED output terminals are arranged more widely and discretely than two left effect panel LEDs 504 (for example, 504a and 504b) connected to one system of LED output terminals.

[0442] Here, the effect LED 27 can be connected in series only, for example, three at a time when driven by a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) due to the relationship of the forward voltage (for example, 2.2V to 3.3V). Therefore, for example, if ten center effect panel LEDs 524 on the center effect panel substrate 523 are connected in series in groups of three or two and not in parallel at all, it is necessary to use at least four systems of LED output terminals (four for each color LED), which increases the number of LED drivers 27a and enlarges the device and increases the number of components. Therefore, on the center effect panel substrate 523, by connecting the center effect panel LEDs 524c, 524d, 524e and the center effect panel LEDs 524a, 524b in parallel, it becomes possible to control the lighting of these five center effect panel LEDs 524 with one system (one LED output terminal for each color LED). Similarly, it becomes possible to control the lighting of the five center effect panel LEDs 524f to 524j with one system. That is, on the center effect panel substrate 523, it is possible to control the lighting of ten center effect panel LEDs 524 with two systems.

[0443] On the other hand, when attempting to drive five center effect panel LEDs 524 (for example, 524a to 524e) connected in parallel in constant current mode, the current values of the currents flowing through center effect panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524e will differ from the current values of the currents flowing through center effect panel LEDs 524a and 524b. In this case, the brightness will differ between center effect panel LEDs 524c, 524d, 524e and center effect panel LEDs 524a, 524b, making it impossible to uniformly light the center effect panel 520, reducing the effect and giving the player a sense of discomfort.

[0444] Therefore, on the center effect panel substrate 523, by driving the center effect panel LEDs 524 in open drain mode, it is possible to reduce the difference in brightness among the center effect panel LEDs 524 that are widely and discretely arranged for each system.

[0445] On the other hand, on the left effect panel substrate 503, the left effect panel LEDs 504 that are discretely arranged in a narrow range for each system are driven in constant current mode. On the left effect panel substrate 503, since the number of left effect panel LEDs 504 arranged is smaller and the range is narrower compared to the center effect panel substrate 523, the number of systems does not increase significantly even if the left effect panel LEDs 504 are not connected in parallel, so they are driven in constant current mode. As a result, the left effect panel substrate 503 can uniformly light the left effect panel 500.

[0446] <11. Modification Example> [11.1 Modification Example 1] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the main control board 100A in Modification Example 1. Note that the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0447] In the above-described embodiment, the performance indicator 113 is provided on the frame control board 110. However, as shown in FIG. 52, the performance indicator 113A may be provided on the main control board 100A.

[0448] Since the performance display 113A is arranged on the main control board 100A arranged on the back surface of the game board 9, it is usually impossible to visually recognize it. Note that the main control board 100A is housed in a colorless and transparent resin case, and the performance display 113A can be visually recognized through the resin case. The performance display 113A is a 4-digit × 8-segment display and includes 32 LEDs 320A, and is dynamically lit-controlled by the main control unit 101 to display game achievement information calculated based on the game results over a predetermined period.

[0449] The main control unit 101, for example, acquires information regarding the number of out balls from the frame control unit 111 and calculates game achievement information. Then, the main control unit 101 outputs main display segment data 1 to 8 and performance display segment data 1 to 8 as serial data signals to the LED driver 100a, and outputs main display common data 1 to 4 and performance display common data 1 to 4 to the LED driver 100b. That is, the serial data signal includes control signals for dynamically lighting the main display 63 and the performance display 113A.

[0450] The 13th terminal (04) of the LED driver 100b is connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 320A that constitute the first digit of the 8 segments of the performance display 113A. Similarly, the 14th terminal to 16th terminal (05 to 07) of the LED driver 100b are respectively connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 320A that constitute the second digit to fourth digit of the 8 segments of the performance display 113A.

[0451] Also, the 5th terminal (PA0) of the LED driver 100a is connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 320A (a) of each digit of the performance display 113A via a resistor 100g (corresponding to the resistor 110d). Similarly, the 6th terminal to 12th terminal (PA1 - PA7) of the LED driver 100a are respectively connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 320A (b to g, dp) of each digit of the performance display 113A via the resistor 100g.

[0452] Then, the performance indicator 113A supplies a drive current to the anodes of the LEDs 320A of the digits corresponding to the performance display common data, and draws out the drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 320A corresponding to the performance display segment data, so that the drive current flows through the LEDs 320A of the sequentially selected digits in the dynamic lighting method and lights them up.

[0453] Note that the LED driver for driving the LEDs 310 of the main display 63 and the LED driver for driving the LEDs 320A of the performance indicator 113A may be provided separately.

[0454] [11.2 Modification Example 2] FIG. 53 is a diagram for explaining the fourth symbol display 65A in Modification Example 2. As described above, the fourth symbol display 65 includes a special symbol 1 display 65a composed of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 display 65b composed of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 1 reserved number display 65c composed of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 reserved number display 65d composed of two LEDs 350, and a right-handed display 65e composed of one LED 350. And all of these displays were formed in a circular shape.

[0455] However, the shape of the fourth symbol display 65 and the number of LEDs of each display are not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 53, the fourth symbol display 65A includes a special symbol 1 display 65a composed of one LED 350, a special symbol 2 display 65b composed of one LED 350, a special symbol 1 reserved number display 65c composed of four LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 reserved number display 65d composed of four LEDs 350, and a right-handed display 65e composed of one LED 350. In addition, the special symbol 1 display 65a is formed in a square shape, and the special symbol 2 display 65b is formed in a triangular shape.

[0456] In this way, although the fourth symbol display 65(65A) displays the same information as the main display 63, it may be displayed in different modes (number, shape, etc.).

[0457] [11.3 Modification Example 3] FIG. 54 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the movable object component substrate 600 in Modification Example 3. FIG. 54(a) is a diagram showing the wiring pattern of the component surface 600a. FIG. 54(b) is a diagram showing the wiring pattern of the solder surface 600b. Note that FIG. 54(b) is shown as a perspective view so that the connection relationship with FIG. 54(a) can be easily understood, and it is a figure inverted left and right.

[0458] As described above, the movable object component substrate 421 (see FIG. 33) is housed in the movable object component case 423, and the movable object component 61 is illuminated by the movable object component LED 425. At this time, the movable object component LED 425 was arranged only on the component surface 421a of the movable object component substrate 421. However, in the decorative substrate 180 (for example, the movable object component substrate), the effect LEDs 27 may be arranged on both the component surface and the solder surface.

[0459] As shown in FIG. 54, for example, the movable object component substrate 600 provided inside the movable object component 61 is arranged such that the component surface 600a faces the front (the player side). On the movable object component substrate 600, a plurality of effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the component surface 600a, and a plurality of effect LEDs 27 are also arranged on the solder surface 600b. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the component surface 600a is denoted as the surface LED 601, and the effect LED 27 arranged on the solder surface 600b is denoted as the back surface LED 602 (602a to 602f).

[0460] The surface LED 601 is an LED of a top view type in which the light emitting surface is arranged parallel to the movable object component substrate 600, and the optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the movable object component substrate 600. By lighting the surface LED 601, the front surface of the movable object component 61 can be illuminated.

[0461] The back LED 602 is a side-view type LED in which the light-emitting surface 611 is arranged perpendicular to the movable object substrate 600, and the optical axis of the irradiated light is parallel to the movable object substrate 600. As shown by the arrow in Fig. 54(b), the back LED 602 is arranged such that the optical axis (light-emitting surface 611) faces the outside of the movable object substrate 600. When the back LED 602 is lit, the side surface of the movable object 61 can be illuminated from the back side.

[0462] On the component surface 600a, a solid ground 603 is formed over the entire surface, and a plurality of wiring patterns 604 are formed in the region where the solid ground 603 is not provided. Also, on the solder surface 600b, a solid ground 605 is formed over the entire surface, and a plurality of wiring patterns 606 are formed in the region where the solid ground 605 is not provided. Note that the wiring patterns 604 and 606 include a power supply wiring pattern through which the power supply voltage is transmitted and a signal wiring pattern through which a signal is transmitted.

[0463] The solid ground 603 and the solid ground 605 are electrically connected via a plurality of through-holes 607. Also, the wiring pattern 604 formed on the component surface 600a and the wiring pattern 606 (power supply wiring pattern, signal wiring pattern) formed on the solder surface 600b are electrically connected via a through-hole 608. Note that in Fig. 54, only a part of the through-holes 607 and 608 are labeled.

[0464] The resistor 609 connected to the front - surface LED 601 and the back - surface LED 602 is disposed on the solder surface 600b. Note that the resistor 609 may be entirely disposed on the solder surface 600b. At this time, the resistor 609 is disposed at a position not facing the light - emitting surface 611 of the back - surface LED 602. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the light emitted from the back - surface LED 602 from hitting the resistor 609. However, the resistor 609 may be disposed in a region excluding the non - disposed region AR1 described later.

[0465] FIG. 55 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the back - surface LED 602 and the through - holes 607 and 608. As shown in FIG. 54(b) and FIG. 55(a), the back - surface LED 602 is disposed such that the light - emitting surface 611 faces the closest end portion 600c of the movable - body component substrate 600. And when the region surrounded (sandwiched) by the virtual line IL1 along the light - emitting surface 611 and the end portion 600c facing the light - emitting surface 611 is defined as the non - disposed region AR1, the through - holes 607 and 608 are not disposed in the non - disposed region AR1. In other words, in the movable - body component substrate 600, the through - holes 607 and 608 are not provided in the vicinity (front - side vicinity) of the light - emitting surface 611 of the back - surface LED 602. If the through - holes 607 and 608 are provided in the vicinity of the light - emitting surface 611 of the back - surface LED 602, the light irradiated from the back - surface LED 602 passes through the through - holes 607 and 608 and reaches the component - surface 600a side. Then, the front surface of the movable - body component 61 will shine due to the light.

[0466] Also, on the solder surface 600b, like the back - surface LED 602c, the wiring pattern 606 may not be provided in the vicinity of the light - emitting surface 611. In this case, the wiring pattern 606 is formed on one or both of the rear - side vicinity and the side - side vicinity of the light - emitting surface 611, and the through - hole 608 is disposed on one or both of the rear - side vicinity and the side - side vicinity of the light - emitting surface 611. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the light from leaking to the component - surface 600a side from the region where the pattern between the solid - ground 605 and the wiring pattern 606 is not provided.

[0467] Also, on the solder surface 600b, when forming the wiring pattern 606 in the vicinity of the light emitting surface 611 (front vicinity), such as the back surface LEDs 602a, 602b, 602d, 602e, 02f, it is preferable to wire the wiring pattern 606 only on the same surface (solder surface 600b) without providing through holes 608 from the back surface LED 602 to the connection destination electronic components (other back surface LEDs 602 or resistors 609).

[0468] Also, when the end 600c of the movable member substrate 600 and the light emitting surface 611 are close (less than a predetermined distance), such as the back surface LED 602e, it may be possible not to arrange the solid grounds 603, 605 in front of the light emitting surface 611. On the other hand, when the end 600c and the light emitting surface 611 are far (equal to or more than a predetermined distance), such as the back surface LEDs 602a to 602d, 602f, it may be possible to arrange the solid grounds 603, 605 in front of the light emitting surface 611.

[0469] Here, in the movable member substrate 600, the surface LED 601 and the back surface LED 602 are separately controlled for lighting by different systems. And the effect control unit 121 may light the surface LED 601 and the back surface LED 602 in different light emission modes and light emission colors. In such a case, if the light irradiated from the back surface LED 602 escapes from the through holes 607, 608 to the component surface 600a side, it will mix with the light irradiated from the surface LED 601, and it will be impossible to light the front surface of the movable member 61 in the intended lighting mode (color and brightness), resulting in a decrease in the effect.

[0470] Also, the effect control unit 121 may turn off the surface LED 601 and turn on only the back surface LED 602. In such a case, although it is not desired to light the front surface of the movable member 61, the light irradiated from the back surface LED 602 escapes from the through holes 607, 608 to the component surface 600a side, and the front surface of the movable member 61 will be lit unintentionally.

[0471] In addition, when the effect control unit 121 notifies that a big win has occurred or that there is a high probability of a big win, the front surface LED 601 is lit, and the back surface LED 602 may be lit in addition to when notifying that a big win has occurred or that there is a high probability of a big win. In such a case, if the light irradiated from the back surface LED 602 passes through the through holes 607 and 608 to the component surface 600a side and lights up the front surface of the movable object accessory 61 when not notifying a big win or the possibility thereof, the player may mistakenly think that a big win has occurred or that there is a high probability thereof.

[0472] Also, the current value of the current flowing through the back surface LED 602 may be made larger than the current value of the current flowing through the front surface LED 601. In such a case, since the back surface LED 602 has a higher luminance than the front surface LED 601, if the light irradiated from the back surface LED 602 passes through the through holes 607 and 608 and leaks to the component surface 600a side even slightly, the front surface of the movable object accessory 61 cannot be lit in the intended lighting mode (color and luminance), and the effect of the performance will deteriorate.

[0473] Therefore, in the movable object accessory substrate 600 of the modified example 3, by not providing the through holes 607 and 608 near the light emitting surface of the back surface LED 602, it is possible to reduce the light irradiated from the back surface LED 602 from passing through the through holes 607 and 608 and leaking to the component surface 600a.

[0474] Also, at least one of the solid grounds 603 and 605 is formed near the light emitting surface of the back surface LED 602 (the direction in which the back surface LED 602 irradiates light). Thereby, when the movable object accessory substrate 600 is thin and light easily passes through, it is possible to reduce the light irradiated from the back surface LED 602 from hitting the solid grounds 603 and 605 and passing through the movable object accessory substrate 600.

[0475] Note that wiring patterns 604 and 606 may not be provided near the light emitting surface of the back surface LED 602 (the direction in which the back surface LED 602 irradiates light). Thereby, when the movable member substrate 600 is thin and light easily passes through, it is possible to reduce the light emitted from the back surface LED 602 from passing through the movable member substrate 600 at a portion where the wiring patterns 604 and 606 are not formed.

[0476] Note that the non - arrangement region AR1 is defined as the region sandwiched between the virtual line IL1 along the light emitting surface 611 of the back surface LED 602 and the end portion 600c. However, as shown in FIG. 55(b), when the boundary where the back surface LED 602 irradiates light is represented by the virtual line IL2, the region surrounded by the virtual line IL2 and the end portion 600c may be defined as the non - arrangement region AR2. Further, as shown in FIG. 55(c), the region surrounded by the virtual line IL3 drawn in a direction orthogonal to the light emitting surface 611 from both ends of the light emitting surface 611 of the back surface LED 602 and the end portion 600c may be defined as the non - arrangement region AR3.

[0477] Also, when the surface LED 601 is a side - view type LED, through - holes 607 and 608 may be provided near the light emitting surface of the surface LED 601. This is because even if the light irradiated from the surface LED 601 leaks to the solder surface 600b side, the influence on the effect is small, and it is more important to facilitate the design of the wiring patterns 604 and 606 by reducing the restrictions on the position of the through - holes.

[0478] <12. Configuration example> Hereinafter, a configuration example of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

[0479] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1 - 1A). (Configuration 1 - 1A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery related to giving benefits to the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0480] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-1A), the first LED corresponds to the LED320 of the performance display 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63.

[0481] FIG. 56 is a diagram showing various values related to the LEDs of the main display 63, the performance display 113, the game ball number display 21, and the fourth symbol display 65.

[0482] As shown in FIG. 56, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a drive power source to the LED320 of the performance display 113, and the forward voltage of the LED320 is 2V. Also, the resistor 110d (see FIG. 23) connected to the LED320 is set to 3300Ω. Therefore, a current of 3mA flows through the LED320. Further, since the six-digit 8-segment of the performance display 113 is sequentially controlled to light (the common number is 6 and the dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment is energized for only 1 / 6 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED320 is 3mA × 2V × (1 / 6) = 1mW.

[0483] On the other hand, a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is applied as a drive power source to the LED310 of the main display 63, and the forward voltage of the LED310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d (see FIG. 17) connected to the LED310 is set to 300Ω. Therefore, a current of 10mA flows through the LED310. Further, since the four-digit 8-segment of the main display 63 is sequentially controlled to light (the common number is 4 and the dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment is energized for only 1 / 4 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 310 is 10 mA × 2 V × (1 / 4) = 5 mW.

[0484] Therefore, the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113.

[0485] Here, among the main displays 63, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b need to be clearly visible to the player because they display the result of a lottery (big win lottery) related to giving benefits to the player. On the other hand, since the performance display 113 displays game achievement information calculated based on the game result, it suffices for the hall staff or the like to be able to confirm it and it does not need to be clearly visible.

[0486] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b are lit brighter than the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113. As a result, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) related to giving benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, by reducing the current value of the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113 that do not need to be visually recognized in the normal state and preventing them from being lit brightly, the power consumption can be suppressed.

[0487] In addition to (Configuration 1-1A), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-2). (Configuration 1-1A-2) The gaming machine 1 includes a driving unit that drives a first LED and a second LED. The driving unit is composed of a source-type LED driver and a sink-type LED driver, and the driving unit is driven based on a serial data signal output from the control unit.

[0488] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-1A-2), the drive unit corresponds to LED drivers 100a, 100b, 110b, and 110c. Also, the source-type LED drivers correspond to LED drivers 100b and 110c, and the sink-type LED drivers correspond to LED drivers 100a and 110b. Further, the control unit corresponds to the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111.

[0489] In the gaming machine 1, the drive current discharged from the source-type LED driver 100b is supplied to the LED 310 of the main display 63, and the drive current is drawn out by the sink-type LED driver 100a, so that the LED 310 of the main display 63 is lit and displayed in the dynamic lighting method.

[0490] Similarly, the drive current discharged from the source-type LED driver 110c is supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 113, and the drive current is drawn out by the sink-type LED driver 110b, so that the LED 320 of the performance display 113 is lit and displayed in the dynamic lighting method.

[0491] By doing so, the circuit configuration for lighting control of the LEDs 310 and 320 in the dynamic lighting method can be simplified.

[0492] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-3) in addition to (Configuration 1-1A) and (Configuration 1-1A-2). (Configuration 1-1A-3) The gaming machine 1 includes a drive unit that drives the first LED and the second LED, a common-side wiring pattern that commonly connects a plurality of the first LEDs or a plurality of the second LEDs to the drive unit, and a data-side wiring pattern that individually connects a plurality of the first LEDs or a plurality of the second LEDs to the drive unit. The common-side wiring pattern is wider than the data-side wiring pattern.

[0493] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-1A-3), the common-side wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns 100f, 302b, and 110g, and the data-side wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns 100e, 302c, and 110h.

[0494] The widths of the wiring patterns 100f and 302b, which are common-side wiring patterns, are 0.5 mm, and the width of the wiring pattern 110g is 0.3 mm. On the other hand, the widths of the wiring patterns 100e and 302c, which are data-side wiring patterns, are 0.2 mm, and the width of the wiring pattern 110h is 0.15 mm.

[0495] Thus, the width of the common-side wiring pattern is wider than that of the data-side wiring pattern. As a result, it becomes possible to reduce the electrical resistance of the common-side wiring pattern, and heat generation in the common-side wiring pattern through which a large drive current flows can be suppressed.

[0496] In addition to (Configuration 1-1A), (Configuration 1-1A-2), and (Configuration 1-1A-3), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-4). (Configuration 1-1A-4) The gaming machine 1 includes a first common-side wiring pattern that commonly connects a plurality of first LEDs to a drive unit, and a second common-side wiring pattern that commonly connects a plurality of second LEDs to the drive unit. The second common-side wiring pattern is wider than the first common-side wiring pattern.

[0497] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-1A-4), the first common-side wiring pattern corresponds to the wiring pattern 110g, and the second common-side wiring pattern corresponds to the wiring patterns 100f and 302b.

[0498] The width of the wiring pattern 110g, which is the first common-side wiring pattern, is 0.3 mm, and a drive current of 3 mA flows through it. On the other hand, the widths of the wiring patterns 100f and 302b, which are the second common-side wiring patterns, are 0.5 mm, and a drive current of 10 mA flows through them.

[0499] Thus, the second common-side wiring pattern with a large flowing drive current can reduce the electrical resistance and suppress heat generation by making the width wider than that of the first common-side wiring pattern.

[0500] In addition to (Configuration 1-1A), (Configuration 1-1A-2), (Configuration 1-1A-3), and (Configuration 1-1A-4), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-5). (Configuration 1-1A-5) The voltage value of the drive power source for driving the second LED of the gaming machine 1 is smaller than the voltage value of the drive power source for driving the first LED.

[0501] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-1A-5), the voltage value of the drive power source for driving the first LED is 12V (DC12VA), and the voltage value of the drive power source for driving the second LED is 5V (DC5VA).

[0502] Therefore, the voltage value of the drive power source for driving the second LED (LED310) is smaller than the voltage value of the drive power source for driving the first LED (LED320). Thereby, the resistance value of the resistor (resistor 100d) connected to the second LED (LED310) can be made small, and heat generation in the resistor can be suppressed. And since the current value of the drive current supplied to the resistor 100d is large, it is particularly effective. Also, in the main control board 100, since a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is supplied to most of the electronic components, by supplying a 5V DC voltage to the LED310, the wiring pattern can be drawn efficiently.

[0503] In addition to (Configuration 1-1A), (Configuration 1-1A-2), (Configuration 1-1A-3), (Configuration 1-1A-4), and (Configuration 1-1A-5), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-6). (Configuration 1-1A-6) The gaming machine 1 includes a driving unit that drives a first LED and a second LED. The first LED and the second LED are arranged on different substrates, and the driving unit drives the first LED and the second LED with the same driving power source.

[0504] In the case of this (Configuration 1-1A-6) concept, the first LED corresponds to the LED 320A of the performance display 113A in Modification 1 (see FIG. 52), and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63 in Modification 1. Further, the driving unit corresponds to the LED drivers 100a and 100b in Modification 1. Further, the driving power source corresponds to a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA).

[0505] FIG. 57 is a diagram showing various values related to the LEDs of the main display 63 and the performance display 113A in Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 57, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a driving power source to the LED 320A of the performance display 113A in Modification 1, and the forward voltage of the LED 320A is 2V. Further, the resistor 100g (see FIG. 52) connected to the LED 320A is set to 2000Ω. Therefore, a current of 5 mA flows through the LED 320A. And the power consumption of the LED 320A is 3 mW.

[0506] On the other hand, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a driving power source to the LED 310 of the main display 63 in Modification 1, and the forward voltage of the LED 310 is 2V. Further, the resistor 100d (see FIG. 17) connected to the LED 310 is set to 1000Ω. Therefore, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310. Also, the power consumption of the LED 310 is 5 mW.

[0507] And since the LED 320A of the performance display 113A is arranged on the main control board 100A (see FIG. 52), and the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b are arranged on the main display board 302 (see FIG. 15), it can be said that they are arranged on different substrates. In addition, the LED drivers 100a and 100b that control the LED 320A of the performance indicator 113A, and the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b are arranged on the main control board 100A. Then, the LED drivers 100a and 100b light up the LED 320A and the LED 310 with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), which is the same driving power source.

[0508] Thus, for the LEDs 320A and 310 that are lit with different brightness levels, lighting control can be performed with the same driving power source (DC12VA), and the circuit configuration can be simplified.

[0509] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1B). (Configuration 1-1B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying game achievement information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery related to profit provision to the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than that of the first LED.

[0510] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-1B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 1-1A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance indicator 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b among the main indicator 63.

[0511] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b among the main indicator 63 is 5 mW, and the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance indicator 113 is 1 mW. That is, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b among the main indicator 63 have a greater power consumption than the LED 320 of the performance indicator 113.

[0512] Therefore, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b will be lit brighter than the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113. As a result, the player can clearly see the result of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the awarding of benefits to the player. Also, the power consumption of the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113, which do not need to be visually recognized in the normal state, can be suppressed.

[0513] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-2A). (Configuration 1-2A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED that is arranged at a position where the player cannot visually recognize or has difficulty visually recognizing and displays gaming performance information calculated based on the gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED that is arranged at a position where the player can visually recognize and displays information regarding the result of the lottery regarding the awarding of benefits to the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0514] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-2A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63.

[0515] Since the performance display 113 is provided for the hall staff and the like to confirm the gaming performance information, it is unnecessary information for the player. If it is provided at a position where the player can visually recognize it while the game is being played, it may reduce the production effect by other production means and may also reduce the player's gaming motivation. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance display 113 is arranged is arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1 and is not visually recognizable or is difficult to visually recognize by the player in the normal use state.

[0516] On the other hand, among the main display 63, in particular, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b are displays for notifying the player of the game result. Therefore, when the game is being played, they must always be visible to the player. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3, the main display 63 is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine 1 and is always visible to the player.

[0517] And as shown in FIG. 56, a current of 3 mA flows through the LED 320 of the performance display 113. Also, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310 of the main display 63 (special symbol 1 display 63a, special symbol 2 display 63b). Therefore, the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 113.

[0518] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b is lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance display 113. As a result, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the granting of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, by reducing the current value of the LED 320 of the performance display 113 that does not need to be visually recognized in the normal state and preventing it from being lit brightly, power consumption can be suppressed.

[0519] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-2B). (Configuration 1-2B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED that is arranged at a position where the player cannot visually recognize or has difficulty visually recognizing and displays gaming performance information calculated based on the game result over a predetermined period, and a second LED that is arranged at a position where the player can visually recognize and displays information regarding the result of the lottery regarding the granting of benefits to the player. The power consumption of the second LED is larger than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0520] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-2B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 1-2A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63.

[0521] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is 5 mW, and the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance display 113 is 1 mW. That is, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 have a larger power consumption than the LED 320 of the performance display 113.

[0522] Therefore, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b will be lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance display 113. As a result, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the giving of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance display 113 that does not need to be visually recognized in the normal state can be suppressed.

[0523] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-3A). (Configuration 1-3A) The gaming machine 1 is arranged in a transparent case, and has a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on the gaming results over a predetermined period, and a member having a lower transmittance than the transparent case is provided in the front, and has a second LED for displaying information regarding the result of the lottery regarding the giving of benefits to the player, and the current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0524] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-3A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63.

[0525] As shown in FIG. 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance display 113 is arranged is housed in a board case 321 formed of a colorless and transparent resin material. Thereby, the performance display 113 can be visually recognized through the board case 321. At this time, since the board case 321 is colorless and transparent, it has a transmittance of about 100%, and the light emitted from the LED 320 of the performance display 113 is hardly attenuated by the board case 321. That is, the performance display 113 can be visually recognized without being affected by the board case 321.

[0526] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, for example, a translucent milky white main display seal 304 having a lower light transmittance than that of the colorless and transparent resin is provided in front of the main display 63 (the side irradiated with light). Thereby, the light emitted from the LED 310 of the main display 63 reaches the player after being attenuated by the main display seal 304.

[0527] Then, as shown in FIG. 56, a current of 3 mA flows through the LED 320 of the performance display 113. Also, a current of 10 mA flows through the LEDs 310 of the main display 63 (special symbol 1 display 63a, special symbol 2 display 63b). Therefore, the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 113. For example, when the light transmittance of the main display seal 304 is 50% of the light transmittance of the board case 321, it is conceivable to make the current value of the current supplied to the LED 310 twice the current value of the current supplied to the LED 320. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the player visually recognize with the same brightness.

[0528] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b are lit brighter than the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113. As a result, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, which are visible through the main display seal 304 with a lower light transmittance than the colorless and transparent resin, that is, the results of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the granting of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, by reducing the current value of the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113 that are visible through the colorless and transparent substrate case 321 so as not to light up brightly, the power consumption can be suppressed.

[0529] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-3B). (Configuration 1-3B) The gaming machine 1 is arranged in a transparent case and includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on the gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED provided in front with a member having a lower transmittance than the transparent case for displaying information regarding the result of the lottery regarding the granting of benefits to the player, and the power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0530] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-3B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 1-3A), the first LED corresponds to the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63.

[0531] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is 5 mW, and the power consumption of the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113 is 1 mW. That is, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 have a greater power consumption than the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113.

[0532] Therefore, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b emit light brighter than the LEDs 320 of the performance display 113. As a result, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, which are visible through the main display seal 304 having a lower light transmittance than the colorless and transparent resin, that is, the results of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the granting of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player.

[0533] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-4A). (Configuration 1-4A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming performance information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, where no decorative light emitter is arranged around it, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery regarding the granting of benefits to the player, where a decorative light emitter is arranged around it. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0534] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-3A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63. Also, the decorative light emitter corresponds to the effect LED 27.

[0535] As shown in FIG. 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance display 113 is arranged is arranged on the back surface of the gaming machine 1, and no effect LED 27 is arranged around it. Therefore, the performance display 113 can be visually recognized without being affected by the surrounding light.

[0536] On the one hand, the main display 63 is arranged on the front surface of the gaming machine 1, and various effect LEDs 27 are arranged around it (for example, the side unit 13 and the game board 9). Therefore, the main display 63 will be visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LEDs 27 arranged around it.

[0537] Then, as shown in FIG. 56, a current of 3 mA flows through the LED 320 of the performance display 113. Also, a current of 10 mA flows through the LEDs 310 of the main display 63 (the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b). Therefore, the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 113.

[0538] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b are lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance display 113. As a result, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, which will be visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LEDs 27 arranged around, that is, the results of the lottery (big win lottery) related to giving benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, by reducing the current value of the LED 320 of the performance display 113 that is not affected by the surrounding light and not lighting it brightly, power consumption can be suppressed.

[0539] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-4B). (Configuration 1-4B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming performance information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, where no decorative light emitters are arranged around it, and a second LED with decorative light emitters arranged around it for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery related to granting benefits to the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than that of the first LED.

[0540] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-4B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 1-4A), the first LED corresponds to the LED320 of the performance display 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63. Also, the decorative light emitter corresponds to the effect LED27.

[0541] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is 5 mW, and the power consumption of the LED320 of the performance display 113 is 1 mW. That is, the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 has a greater power consumption than the LED320 of the performance display 113.

[0542] Therefore, the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b emits light brighter than the LED320 of the performance display 113. As a result, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, which are visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LED27 arranged around, that is, the results of the lottery (big win lottery) related to granting benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, the power consumption can be suppressed by reducing the current value of the LED320 of the performance display 113 that is not affected by the surrounding light so that it does not emit light brightly.

[0543] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-1A). (Configuration 2-1A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the gaming value held by the player, and the current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0544] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 2-1A), the first LED corresponds to the LED320 of the performance display 113, and the second LED corresponds to the LED336 of the game ball number display 21.

[0545] As shown in FIG. 56, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a drive power source to the LED320 of the performance display 113, and the forward voltage of the LED320 is 2V. Further, the resistor 110d (see FIG. 23) connected to the LED320 is set to 3300Ω. Therefore, a current of 3mA flows through the LED320. Further, since the six-digit 8-segment of the performance display 113 is sequentially controlled to light (the common number is 6 and dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment is energized for only 1 / 6 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED320 is 3mA×2V×(1 / 6)=1mW.

[0546] On the other hand, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a drive power source to the LED336 of the game ball number display 21, and the forward voltage of the LED336 is 3V. Further, the resistor 110e (see FIG. 23) connected to the LED336 is set to 1300Ω. Therefore, a current of 7mA flows through the LED310. Further, since the six-digit 7-segment of the game ball number display 21 is sequentially lit (the common is 6) and is controlled to light by a dynamic method, each 7-segment is energized for only 1 / 6 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED336 is 7mA×3V×(1 / 6)=3mW.

[0547] Therefore, the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 is greater than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 113.

[0548] Here, the game ball number display 21 displays the number of game balls (game value) managed by the gaming machine 1. In other words, the game ball number display 21 displays the number of game balls held by the player. Therefore, the game ball number display 21 must be clearly visible to the player. On the other hand, since the performance display 113 displays the game performance information calculated based on the game result, it suffices that it can be confirmed by the hall staff or the like, and it does not need to be clearly visible.

[0549] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21, the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 is lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance display 113. Thereby, the game value can be clearly shown to the player. ...

Claims

[Claim 1] a first substrate on which the LEDs are disposed; A second substrate on which a driver for driving the LED is disposed; Equipped with A drive signal for driving the LED is output from the second substrate to the first substrate. Amusement machine.

Images