Game machine

Abstract

To allow a player to easily recognize a brand of a game machine.SOLUTION: The game machine includes: manufacturer information containing a mark for identifying a manufacturer of the game machine; and a mark for identifying a provider of the game machine. The mark for identifying the manufacturer and the mark for identifying the provider are different from each other. The game machine comprises: a manufacturer information display unit which recognizably displays the manufacturer information; and a brand information display unit which recognizably displays brand information. The brand information display unit is offset toward a player side with respect to the manufacturer information display unit and is arranged so as to be overlapped with at least a part of the manufacturer information display unit. Thus, when the brand information display unit displays the brand information, visibility of a display region of the manufacturer information display unit from the player side is blocked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot machines may display a brand, such as the name of a company selling the machine, so that players can recognize the brand (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-120100 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in conventional gaming machines, the brand display is not always clearly enough displayed for players, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it easier for players to recognize the brand of a gaming machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In a representative aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of displaying manufacturer information including a mark for identifying the manufacturer of the gaming machine and brand information including a mark for identifying a provider of the gaming machine, wherein the mark for identifying the manufacturer and the mark for identifying the provider are different from each other, and the gaming machine has a manufacturer information display unit that recognizably displays the manufacturer information and a brand information display unit that recognizably displays the brand information, wherein the brand information display unit is offset toward the player from the manufacturer information display unit and is positioned so as to overlap at least a portion of the manufacturer information display unit, and wherein when the brand information display unit displays the brand information, visibility of the display area of ​​the manufacturer information display unit from the player's side is obstructed. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the brand of the gaming machine can be made more easily recognizable to players. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a view of the gaming machine (pachinko machine) from the front. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board in a pachinko machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pachinko machine game control system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a performance control system of a pachinko machine. [Diagram 5] 1 is a front view of a main portion of a pachinko machine equipped with a brand information display section and a manufacturer information display section according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] A front view of the main parts of a pachinko machine equipped with a brand information display unit and a manufacturer information display unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the pachinko machine of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] A front view of the main parts of a pachinko machine equipped with a brand information display unit and a manufacturer information display unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] A front view of the main parts of a pachinko machine equipped with a brand information display unit and a manufacturer information display unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a view of the gaming machine (pachinko slot machine) from the front side. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachislot machine body. [Figure 13] A front view of the main parts of a pachislot machine equipped with a brand information display section and a manufacturer information display section according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of a slot machine equipped with a brand information display section and a manufacturer information display section according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 15] A front view of the main parts of a pachislot machine equipped with a brand information display section and a manufacturer information display section according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] A front view of the main parts of a pachislot machine equipped with a brand information display section and a manufacturer information display section according to the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the first to fourth embodiments, a configuration will be described assuming a pachinko machine 10 as an example of a gaming machine, and in the fifth to eighth embodiments, a configuration will be described assuming a pachislot machine 80 as an example of a gaming machine. In addition, in the following description of the gaming machines according to the first to eighth embodiments, front (front), back (back), left, and right are based on the directions seen by a player during play.

[0010] [First embodiment] (1. Overall Configuration of Pachinko Machine 10) FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a pachinko machine 10, which is an example of a gaming machine. The pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is an enclosed type pachinko machine (smart pachinko machine), and gaming balls as gaming media circulate inside the gaming machine and are not added as gaming value to a tray such as an upper tray. Gaming value is added as numerical data instead of gaming media (gaming balls). Note that the configuration of the following embodiment can also be applied to gaming machines that are not enclosed type.

[0011] Pachinko machine 10 is equipped with an opening / closing frame that is attached to frame 11, which is fixed to the island equipment, via hinges 16 so that it can be opened and closed. The opening / closing frame is made up of a front frame 12 (main body frame) and a glass frame 15 (front frame unit). The left end of the opening / closing frame is the shaft-mounted end attached to hinge 16, and the right end is the open end that is opened by rotation. Frame 11 and front frame 12 make up an outer frame unit.

[0012] A game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is disposed on the front frame 12, and a glass frame 15 having a cover glass 14 that covers the front of the game board 30 is attached. The cover glass 14 functions as a game viewing area that allows a game area 32 (see FIG. 2) formed on the game board 30 to be viewed. Note that the cover glass 14 is shown as an example of a transparent member, and a plastic cover may be used instead of the cover glass 14. The glass frame 15 functions as a transparent member holding frame that holds the transparent member.

[0013] The front frame 12 and the glass frame 15 can be opened individually. For example, by opening only the glass frame 15, the playing area 32 of the playing board 30 can be accessed. Also, by opening the front frame 12 with the glass frame 15 not opened, the playing control device (main board) 100 (see FIG. 3) and the like disposed on the back side of the playing board 30 can be accessed. In the following, the structure consisting of the cover glass 14 and the glass frame 15, which opens and closes with respect to the playing area 32 of the playing board 30, is specifically referred to as the "front door 20."

[0014] Various frame-constituting members are disposed around the edge of the glass frame 15 around the cover glass 14 .

[0015] Decorative devices 18a, 18b, and 18c capable of producing light effects according to the game status are disposed on the upper, right, and left sides of the glass frame 15. The decorative devices 18a, 18b, and 18c house lighting components such as LEDs 46 (see FIG. 4) inside, and are performance devices that produce light effects according to the game status. These decorative devices 18a, 18b, and 18c collectively constitute the frame decorative device 18.

[0016] Upper speakers 19a are disposed at the upper right and upper left corners of the glass frame 15. In addition to these upper speakers 19a, lower speakers 19b are provided at the bottom of the pachinko machine 10. The lower speaker 19b is disposed at the bottom of the front frame 12. These upper speakers 19a and lower speakers 19b emit sound effects, alarm sounds, notification sounds, etc.

[0017] The performance operation device is located on an operation panel extending left and right at the bottom of the glass frame 15, and is an operation device including a performance button 25 and a directional key switch 450.

[0018] The effect button 25 includes a built-in effect button switch 25a (see FIG. 4) that detects when it is pressed. A plurality of effect buttons 25 may be provided. The directional key switch 450 (directional key SW) may be a cross key switch, or may be a general type consisting of a plurality of (e.g., four) switches arranged on the front, back, left, right, etc. The directional key switch 450, for example, adjusts the brightness of the effect LED 46 by increasing or decreasing (+-) with the two switches on the left and right, and adjusts the volume of the speaker 19 (upper speaker 19a and lower speaker 19b) by increasing or decreasing (+-) with the two switches on the front and back.

[0019] By operating the performance operation device (particularly the performance button 25), the player can perform a performance in which the player's operation is involved in the special symbol variable display game displayed on the main display 41. For example, a performance pattern (performance mode) can be selected, or a preview performance that predicts the result of the variable display game can be executed. Note that the variable display game includes a special symbol variable display game (special symbol variable display game), and when it is simply referred to as a variable display game, this specification refers to the special symbol variable display game unless otherwise specified.

[0020] In addition, the presentation content may be changed not only when the variable display game is being played, but also when the game is not being played by the player operating the presentation operation device.

[0021] The game state when the variable display game is executed consists of a plurality of game states. The normal game state (normal state) is a game state in which no special game state occurs, and is basically a low base state with a low ball payout rate (base value). The special game state is a non-normal game state, and includes a specific game state and a special game state. For example, the specific game state includes a time-saving state (normal power support state) and a state in which the probability of a special result (e.g., a jackpot) occurring in the variable display game is high (probability change state, probability change state). The special game state includes a jackpot state and a small jackpot game state (small jackpot state). The special game state is basically a high base state in which the ball payout rate (base value) is higher than the normal game state. The game control device 100 (game state selection means, setting means) can select (set) one game state from the plurality of game states to set it as the current game state.

[0022] An operating handle 24 for controlling the operation of a ball launcher (not shown) is provided below the glass frame 15 and at the bottom of the front frame 12.

[0023] The operating handle 24 is disposed, for example, at the lower right of the front frame 12 and to the right of the lower speaker 19b. When the player rotates the operating handle 24 as a launching operation, the ball launching device launches the supplied game ball into the game area 32 of the game board 30. The launching speed of the game ball launched from the ball launching device is set to be faster as the rotation operation amount of the operating handle 24 increases. That is, the ball launching device can change the launching force, which is the force (speed) with which the game ball is launched into the game area 32, in response to the operation of the operating handle 24 by the player, and can launch the game ball in various launching modes with different launching forces. The launching modes (hitting methods) corresponding to the launching operation (operation amount) of the operating handle 24 include a left hit (normal hit) in which the game ball flows down on the left side of the game area 32, and a right hit in which the game ball flows down on the right side of the game area 32.

[0024] In the enclosed pachinko machine 10, game balls discharged from the play area 32 are resupplied to the ball launching device, and there is no exchange of game balls with the outside of the pachinko machine 10 (island equipment) or discharge of game balls into the tray.

[0025] In addition, on the back side of the front frame 12, a game control device 100, a performance control device 300, a power supply device 400 that supplies power to various devices, etc. are arranged (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0026] The card unit 201 is a so-called machine sandwich, and is installed between the pachinko machine 10 and the adjacent pachinko machine on the game island. The card unit 201 is installed on the left side of the pachinko machine 10 and is connected to the pachinko machine 10 so as to be able to communicate with the pachinko machine 10. The card unit 201 has an insertion section 202 into which a card, which is a data storage medium such as an IC card, is inserted. The card can store the remaining amount of money deposited, and the number of balls on the card (the number of game values ​​owned), which is the number of balls owned by the player. The balls on the card are valid only on the day they are generated, and the balls on the card after that day may be added to the balls saved managed by the game parlor (the balls saved are converted into saved balls). The card may be capable of storing the personal information of the player or the remaining amount of payment (prepaid balance). The card unit 201 has a cash insertion section 203 into which cash can be inserted as paper money. The amount of money deposited into the cash insertion section 203 is added to the remaining amount stored in the card.

[0027] The card unit 201 includes an operation panel 210. The operation panel 210 includes a ball lending operation section 211, a payout operation section 212, a return operation section 213, a game ball number display section 214, and a balance display section 215. The game ball number display section 214 and the balance display section 215 are provided in a monitor such as a liquid crystal monitor. The ball lending operation section 211 is operated when increasing the number of balls held by the game machine (the number of usable game balls, the number of usable game values), which is the number of game balls that can be used by the player, based on the balance stored in the card. The number of balls held by the game machine is numerical data managed by the pachinko machine 10. The payout operation section 212 is operated when increasing the number of balls held by the game machine based on the number of balls held by the card. The return operation section 213 is operated when receiving the return of the card inserted into the card unit 201. The number of balls held by the card is displayed on the game ball number display section 214. The remaining balance display section 215 displays the remaining balance.

[0028] The card unit 201 includes a unit control device 220, which includes a CPU 220a, a ROM 220b, and a RAM 220c. The CPU 220a executes a unit control program to perform a predetermined control. The ROM 220b stores the unit control program. The RAM 220c stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the card unit 201. The card unit 201 includes an input / output unit 220d that is connected to the pachinko machine 10 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The pachinko machine 10 may be connected to the input / output unit 220d of the card unit 201 so as to be able to communicate with the card unit 201 via the payout control device 200. The card unit 201 also includes an input / output unit that connects to a hall computer installed in a gaming facility (game parlor). The hall computer can communicate with a server installed in a data center outside the gaming facility via a network.

[0029] The CPU 220a can rewrite the memory contents of the card inserted into the insertion unit 202. The CPU 220a receives an input of an input amount signal output when cash is inserted into the cash insertion unit 203. The CPU 220a also increases the number of balls held by the gaming machine in response to an operation signal from the ball lending operation unit 211 or the payout operation unit 212, and performs control to return cards in response to an operation signal from the return operation unit 213. The CPU 220a also controls the display contents of the game ball number display unit 214 and the remaining amount display unit 215.

[0030] When the CPU 220a receives a counting signal from the pachinko machine 10, it adds the number of game balls that can be identified from the counting signal to the number of balls held on the card. The counting signal is information that can identify the number of balls held on the gaming machine side that is to be transferred as the number of balls held on the card of the card unit 201, and is transmitted from the pachinko machine 10 to the card unit 201.

[0031] The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a ball number display unit 217 that displays the number of balls held by the gaming machine (the number of available gaming values), which is the number of available gaming balls that can be used by the player. As an example, the ball number display unit 217 is configured with multiple (for example, six) seven-segment LED lamps arranged in a row, and can display multiple (six-digit) numbers.

[0032] The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a counting operation unit 218, which is operated when the player ends the game on the pachinko machine 10. When the counting operation unit 218 is pressed, it outputs the above-mentioned counting signal. The pachinko machine 10 is provided with a counting notification unit 218a, which notifies whether or not counting is possible. As an example, the ball number display unit 217, the counting operation unit 218, and the counting notification unit 218a are disposed on the front side of the glass frame 15.

[0033] The number of prize balls awarded to a player (number of awarded game balls, number of awarded game values, amount of awarded game value) is added to the number of balls held by the gaming machine (number of usable game values). The number of prize balls is awarded as game balls in non-enclosed gaming machines, but is awarded as numerical data in enclosed gaming machines. The number of balls fired into the gaming area 32 (or the number of balls discharged from the gaming area 32) becomes the number of used game balls (number of used game values) in enclosed gaming machines, and can be stored and managed as numerical data. The new number of balls held by the gaming machine is calculated by subtracting the number of used game balls from the current number of balls held by the gaming machine and adding the number of prize balls.

[0034] (2. Game Board) Next, the game board 30 of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 provided in the pachinko machine 10.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, the game board 30 includes a flat game board body 30a that serves as a mounting base for various components. The game board body 30a is made of wood or synthetic resin, and a game area 32 surrounded by a guide rail 31 is provided on the front side of the game board body 30a. The pachinko machine 10 is configured to play a game by shooting game balls from a ball launcher into the game area 32 surrounded by the guide rail 31. The shooting passage 29 guides the game balls from the ball launcher to the game area 32. In the game area 32, windmills, obstacle nails, and the like are arranged as components for changing the flow direction of the game balls, and the shot game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing their rolling direction due to these components.

[0036] At approximately the center of the game board body 30a, a window portion 40 serving as a display area for a variable display game is provided. Behind the window portion 40, a main display 41 is arranged as an effect display device (variable display device) that variably displays a plurality of identification information. The main display 41 is constituted by, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is arranged so that the display content can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 30 through the window portion 40. Note that the main display 41 is not limited to a liquid crystal display, and may be constituted by a display such as an organic EL.

[0037] A plurality of variable display areas are provided on the display screen (display portion) of the main display 41, and identification information (special symbols) and images that produce a variable display game are displayed in each variable display area.

[0038] An upper effect unit 40a and a side effect unit 40b are provided at the upper part and the right side part of the game board 30, respectively. The upper effect unit 40a and the side effect unit 40b have effect LEDs 46 and perform light emission effects, and can also perform motion effects (moving effects, rotating effects) as effect moving bodies 44 (movable accessories, see FIG. 4).

[0039] In the game area 32 to the right side of the window portion 40, a normal symbol start gate (general symbol start gate) 34 is provided. Inside the general symbol start gate 34, a gate switch (SW) 34a for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general symbol start gate 34 is provided (see FIG. 3). When a game ball launched into the game area 32 passes through the general symbol start gate 34, a general symbol variable display game is executed.

[0040] General winning openings 35 (general winning areas) are arranged in the game area 32 at the lower left of the window portion 40, and general winning openings 35 are also arranged in the game area 32 at the lower right of the window portion 40. The winning of a game ball into these general winning openings 35 is detected by winning opening switches (SW) 35a(1 to n) provided in the general winning openings 35.

[0041] In the game area 32 below the window 40, a start winning port 36 (first start winning port, start winning port 1, first start winning area) that provides the start condition of the special chart variable display game is provided. In the game area 32 on the right side of the window 40, a normal variable winning device 37 (normal electric device, normal electric) equipped with a second start winning port (second start winning port, start winning port 2, second start winning area) is provided below the normal chart start gate 34. The normal variable winning device 37 is equipped with a movable member 37b (movable piece) that rotates forward or the like to change the state to one in which the game ball can easily flow in. When the movable member 37b is in a closed state, the game ball cannot win the normal variable winning device 37. When the game ball wins the start winning port 36 or the normal variable winning device 37, the special chart variable display game is executed. In this embodiment, the game ball is more likely to enter the start winning hole 36 when hit from the left, and the game ball is more likely to enter the normal variable winning device 37 when hit from the right.

[0042] When the result of the normal variable display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, the movable member 37b operates via the normal power solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) to open, changing to an open state (an easy-to-win state advantageous to the player) in which game balls can easily flow into the normal variable winning device 37. If the movable member 37b is not in the open state (easy-to-win state), it becomes a closed state (a non-easy-to-win state, a difficult-to-win state) in which game balls cannot easily flow into the normal variable winning device 37. In this embodiment, the start winning port 36 does not have a movable member (opening / closing member) unlike the normal variable winning device 37, and is always in an open state (open state), but a configuration having a movable member (opening / closing member) is also possible.

[0043] The movable member 37b is controlled by the game control device 100, which will be described later. The game control device 100 increases the frequency of occurrence of the easy-to-win state by shortening the variation time of the normal map variation display game or by making the winning probability of the normal map variation display game higher than normal, or by lengthening the occurrence time of the easy-to-win state compared to the easy-to-win state that occurs in the normal game state in which no special play is performed, thereby generating a time-saving state (normal power support state) as a specific game state. Note that the time-saving state (normal power support state) also occurs overlappingly in the probability variation state (excluding the latent probability variation state).

[0044] In the game area 32 below the normal variable winning device 37, a special variable winning device 39 is provided having an opening / closing door 39c that opens the large winning port (large winning area) by operating a large winning port solenoid 39b (see FIG. 3). The special variable winning device 39 converts the large winning port from a closed state (a closed state disadvantageous to the player) to an open state according to the result of the special chart variable display game, and by facilitating the inflow of game balls into the large winning port, it is designed to give the player a predetermined game value (for example, the number of time-saving / probability-changing times after the end of the prize ball or the end of the big win). In addition, a large winning port switch 39a (count switch) (see FIG. 3) is arranged in the large winning port as a detection means for detecting the game ball that has entered the large winning port. In addition, the special variable winning device 39 is designed to make it easier for game balls to enter when hitting from the right.

[0045] A specific area 42 (so-called V winning port) is provided inside the special variable winning device 39. For example, if a game ball enters the specific area 42 (V winning port, V winning area) after the opening and closing door 39c is opened by a small win, a big win is confirmed. The specific area 42 may be opened for a long time only during a small win so that the game ball can easily pass through. The game control device 100 can detect the passage of the game ball into the specific area 42 (V winning) via a sensor (specific area switch 72 described later) or the like, and when it detects a V winning, it determines that the game will transition to a big win state (V winning big win state) after the small win ends, and transmits information indicating that a V winning has occurred (specific area passing command, etc.) to the performance control device 300 described later. Then, the performance control device 300 can notify the V winning on the main display 41 or the like.

[0046] That is, in this embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 is a so-called 1 type 2 type mixed machine (1+2 type machine). In this embodiment, the special variable winning device 39 is opened by a small win, and the game ball enters a specific area 42 (V winning hole) in the special variable winning device 39, resulting in a big win. The configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to gaming machines other than the 1 type 2 type mixed machine.

[0047] When a game ball enters the large winning port of the general winning port 35, the start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37, and the special variable winning device 39, the payout control device 200 (see FIG. 3) gives the number of winning balls according to the type of winning port as numerical data and adds it to the number of balls held by the gaming machine (the number of usable game balls, the number of usable game values). In addition, the lower game area 32 is provided with an outlet 30b for collecting game balls that did not enter the winning ports. In addition, the general winning port 35, the start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37, and the special variable winning device 39, or their vicinity, are provided with performance LEDs 46 that can emit light when a game ball enters a prize.

[0048] In addition, outside the game area 32, in the lower right corner of the game board main body 30a, a collective display device 50 that executes a special chart change display game (special chart 1 change display game, special chart 2 change display game) and a normal chart change display game is provided. The collective display device 50 is an information display device that is composed of LED lamps (light-emitting parts, light-emitting members) and displays information such as the current game state, and includes display units 51 to 60.

[0049] The collective display device 50 has a first special chart change display unit 51 (special chart 1 display, 8 LED lamps) and a second special chart change display unit 52 (special chart 2 display, 8 LED lamps) for the change display game, which are composed of a group of multiple LED lamps, a change display unit 53 (normal chart display, 3 LED lamps) for the normal chart change display game, and a memory display unit (special chart 1 hold display unit 54, special chart 2 hold display unit 55, normal chart hold display unit 56) for notifying the start memory number (hold number) of each change display game. The special chart 1 display unit 51 and the special chart 2 display unit 52 may be 7-segment type display units. The special chart 1 hold display unit 54 is composed of two LED lamps. The special chart 2 hold display unit 55 is composed of two LED lamps. The normal chart hold display unit 56 is composed of two LED lamps.

[0050] The collective display device 50 is also provided with a first game status display unit 57 (first game status indicator, one LED lamp) that indicates whether it is time to hit to the right (when you should hit to the right) or when it is time to hit to the left (when you are hitting normally), a second game status display unit 58 (second game status indicator, one LED lamp) that lights up when a time-saving state occurs to indicate the occurrence of the time-saving state, a third game status display unit 59 (third game status indicator, probability state display unit, one LED lamp) that indicates that the probability state of a jackpot is in a high probability state when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on, and a round display unit 60 (four LED lamps) that displays the number of rounds at the time of a jackpot (the number of times the special variable winning device 39 is opened and closed, the upper limit of the number of rounds).

[0051] In the special chart 1 display 51 and the special chart 2 display 52, the variable display game (pattern variable game) is executed by a variable display (variable display) in which the identification information (for example, a part or all of the multiple LED lamps) is repeatedly turned on and off (blinking). Note that multiple types of identification information (patterns) may be displayed in a variable manner while being switched on and off. In addition, the variable display game may be performed by all LED lamps provided as displays for the variable display game being turned on and off (all LEDs flashing simultaneously), circulating (any one LED lamp is turned on and off in a predetermined order at predetermined times), or by turning on and off (blinking) or circulating lighting by a predetermined number of LEDs among the multiple LED lamps. In the normal chart display 53, the variable display game (pattern variable game) is also executed by a variable display (variable display, flashing) in which the three LED lamps are repeatedly turned on and off. In addition, the normal chart display 53 can also be appropriately configured in the same manner as the special chart 1 display 51 and the special chart 2 display 52. In this way, since the pattern (special pattern or ordinary pattern) displayed (display mode, display state) on the special pattern 1 display 51, the special pattern 2 display 52, or the ordinary pattern display 53 fluctuates (changes) over time in the variable display game, the variable display game is also called a pattern variable game.

[0052] The pachinko machine 10 (particularly the game board 30) of this embodiment is provided with a brand information display section 500 (particularly the brand display area 500a) and a manufacturer information display section 510 (particularly the manufacturer display area 510a). The brand information display section 500 and the manufacturer information display section 510 will be described in detail later.

[0053] Next, the flow of the game in the pachinko machine 10, the details of the regular chart variation display game and the special chart variation display game will be described.

[0054] In the pachinko machine 10, a game is played by shooting game balls toward the game area 32 from a ball launcher (not shown). The shot game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction due to obstacle nails, windmills, etc. arranged in various places in the game area 32, and win or enter the normal start gate 34, the normal winning port 35, the start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37, or the special variable winning device 39, or flow into the out port 30b provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and are discharged from the game area 32. Then, when a game ball wins the normal winning port 35, the start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37, or the special variable winning device 39, the number of prize balls according to the type of winning port is added to the number of balls held by the game machine (the number of available game balls). The ball number display unit 217 displays the number of balls held by the game machine after the addition.

[0055] The normal map start gate 34 is provided with a gate switch 34a that detects the game ball that has passed through the normal map start gate 34. When the game ball passes through the normal map start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a, and a normal map variation display game is executed based on the result of the judgment of the winning judgment random number value extracted at this time.

[0056] In a state where the normal map variation display game cannot be started, for example, when the normal map variation display game has already been played and the game has not ended, or when the result of the normal map variation display game is a win and the normal variation winning device 37 has been converted to an open state, when the game ball passes through the normal map start gate 34, if the normal map start memory number (normal map reserve number) is less than the upper limit number, the memory number is incremented (+1). The game control device 100 (RAM 111c) serves as a start memory means for storing a predetermined random number extracted based on the passage of the game ball through the normal map start gate 34 as a start memory that becomes the right to play the normal map variation display game, with a predetermined number as the upper limit.

[0057] The normal map start memory (normal map reserve) stores a random number value for determining whether the normal map fluctuation display game is a win or a loss, and when this random number value for determining whether the game is a win or a loss matches the judgment value, the normal map fluctuation display game is a win and a specific result pattern is derived.

[0058] The regular pattern variation display game (pattern variation game) is executed by the regular pattern display device 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The regular pattern display device 53 is composed of an LED that indicates a win when lit as regular identification information (regular pattern, regular pattern) and indicates a miss when unlit, and displays the variation of the regular identification information by flashing this LED, and displays the result by turning on or off the LED after a predetermined variation display time has elapsed.

[0059] If the normal random number value extracted when passing through the normal start gate 34 is a winning value, the normal pattern (normal pattern) displayed on the normal display 53 stops in a winning state, and the game is in a winning state. At this time, the normal power solenoid 37c is driven, and the movable member 37b is converted to an open state for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds x 2 times), allowing the game ball to enter the normal variable winning device 37. The opening time (for example, 3 seconds) of the movable member 37b of the normal variable winning device 37 may be called the normal power opening time.

[0060] The entry of the game ball into the start winning hole 36 and the entry into the normal variable winning device 37 are detected by the start winning hole 1 switch 36a (see FIG. 3) and the start winning hole 2 switch 37a (see FIG. 3). The game ball that enters the start winning hole 36 is detected as the start winning ball of the special chart 1 variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit (here, 4). The game ball that enters the normal variable winning device 37 is detected as the start winning ball of the special chart 2 variable display game, and is stored up to a predetermined upper limit (here, 4). The game control device 100 (RAM 111c) serves as a start memory means that stores a predetermined number of extracted random numbers as start memories that become the right to execute the special chart variable display game, based on the entry of the game ball into the start winning hole 36 or the start winning area (start hole) of the normal variable winning device 37, up to a predetermined number.

[0061] When detecting the starting winning ball of the special symbol variation display game, various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a jackpot pattern random number, a variation pattern random number, etc. are extracted. These random numbers are stored in the special symbol reserve memory area (part of the RAM) of the game control device 100 as a special symbol start memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, up to 8 times (4 times x 2)). The number of special symbol start memories is displayed on the special symbol 1 reserve display 54 and the special symbol 2 reserve display 55 for notifying the number of starting winnings of the collective display device 50, and is also displayed on the display screen of the main display 41.

[0062] The game control device 100 executes a special chart 1 variable display game on the special chart 1 display device 51 based on a winning entry to the start winning port 36 or the first start memory (special chart 1 start memory, special chart 1 reservation). Also, the game control device 100 executes a special chart 2 variable display game on the special chart 2 display device 52 based on a winning entry to the normal variable winning device 37 or the second start memory (special chart 2 start memory, special chart 2 reservation).

[0063] The special chart 1 change display game (first special chart change display game, first pattern change game) and the special chart 2 change display game (second special chart change display game, second pattern change game) are played by displaying a change in identification information (special pattern, special chart) on the special chart 1 display 51 and the special chart 2 display 52, and then stopping to display a predetermined result pattern.

[0064] In addition, a decorative special chart variable display game that variably displays multiple types of identification information corresponding to each special chart variable display game is executed on the main display 41. The identification information on the main display 41 is composed of numbers, symbols, character patterns, pictures, etc., and for example, the numbers may be different for each of the multiple types of identification information.

[0065] The decorative special symbol variation display game (decorative symbol variation game, performance game) on the main display 41 is performed by starting the variation display (scroll display or rotation display) of the identification information (decorative special symbol, decorative special symbol) consisting of the above-mentioned numbers, etc., in the order of left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), center (third special symbol), etc., and then stopping the varying symbols sequentially after a predetermined time, thereby displaying the result of the special symbol variation display game. On the main display 41, multiple types of identification information are displayed in a variable manner while being replaced. In this way, the identification information (decorative special symbol) displayed on the main display 41 varies (including change and movement) over time in the decorative special symbol variation display game, so the decorative special symbol variation display game is also called a pattern variation game. Also, on the main display 41, various performance displays such as the appearance of character images are performed to increase interest.

[0066] When a game ball enters the start winning hole 36 or the normal variable winning device 37 at a predetermined timing (when the jackpot random number value at the time of winning detection is a jackpot value), a specific result state (special result state) is derived from the displayed symbols as a result of the special symbol variable display game, and a jackpot state (special game state) is entered. Correspondingly, the display state of the main display 41 becomes a special result state (for example, a state in which numbers such as "777" are lined up).

[0067] At this time, the special variable prize winning device 39 converts the large prize winning port from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) by energizing the large prize winning port solenoid 39b (see FIG. 3). In other words, the large prize winning port provided in the special variable prize winning device 39 opens wide for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls win, and during this time the player is granted the privilege of winning many game balls as prize balls (game value).

[0068] When a game ball enters the first start winning hole 36 or the normal variable winning device 37 at a predetermined timing (when the jackpot random number value at the time of winning detection is a small win value), a special result state (small win result state) is derived from the displayed symbols as a result of the special chart variable display game, and a small win state is achieved. Correspondingly, the display state of the main display 41 becomes a small win result state. In this embodiment, the jackpot random number value is also used to determine a small win, but the small win value (small win determination value) is different from the jackpot value (jackpot determination value). Also, the small win random number value may be used to determine a small win.

[0069] At this time, the special variable winning device 39 converts the large prize opening from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined short time by energizing the large prize opening solenoid 39b (see FIG. 3). Note that the total opening time of the large prize opening is shorter in the small win state (small win game state) than in the big win state (special game state), so the game value (number of balls acquired) that the player can acquire is smaller in the small win state than in the big win state. Note that the large prize opening is in an open state in both the small win state and the big win state, but the big win state may be called the first special game state and the small win state may be called the second special game state.

[0070] Here, we will explain the difference between a big win and a small win.

[0071] A big win is a special result that accompanies the operation of a condition device, and a small win is a special result that does not accompany the operation of a condition device. The condition device is activated when a big win occurs in a special pattern variable display game (a big win pattern stops being displayed), and the activation of the condition device means, for example, that a big win state occurs and a specific flag is set to continuously activate the special variable winning device 39 as a special electric device. The "condition device" may be a software means such as a flag that is turned on and off by software as described above, or a hardware means such as a switch that is turned on and off electrically.

[0072] Specifically, in the case of a big win, the big win flag is set to open the special variable winning device, whereas in the case of a small win, the small win flag is set to open the special variable winning device. However, if there is a V win during a small win state, the condition device will be activated.

[0073] In addition, the special chart 2 variable display game is executed in priority over the special chart 1 variable display game, and when there is a start memory of the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game, and it becomes possible to execute the special chart variable display game, the special chart 2 variable display game is executed (special chart 2 reserved priority consumption, special chart 2 priority change). Alternatively, the special chart 1 variable display game and the special chart 2 variable display game may be executed in the order in which the winning (i.e., the start memory) occurred (winning order consumption), and when the start memory of the special chart 1 variable display game and / or the special chart 2 variable display game occurs and it becomes possible to execute the special chart variable display game, the variable display game based on the oldest generated start memory may be executed.

[0074] In addition, when there is no distinction between the special chart 1 change display game and the special chart 2 change display game, they are simply referred to as the special chart change display game.

[0075] (3. Game Control Device) 3 is a block diagram of a game control system of the pachinko machine 10. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a game control device 100 (main board) that constitutes a main control means. The game control device 100 is a main control device that controls the game in an integrated manner, and is composed of a game microcomputer 111 (hereinafter referred to as a game microcomputer), an input section 120 having an input port, an output section 130 having an output port, a driver, etc., and a data bus that connects the game microcomputer 111, the input section 120, and the output section 130. The game microcomputer 111 can receive various signals and data via the input section 120, and can transmit various signals and data via the output section 130.

[0076] The gaming microcomputer 111 may be connected to an oscillator circuit (crystal oscillator) that has an oscillator such as a crystal resonator and generates a clock that serves as a reference for the CPU's operating clock, timer interrupt, and random number generation circuit. The gaming control device 100 and electronic components such as solenoids and motors driven by the gaming control device 100 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level, such as DC 32V, DC 12V, or DC 5V, generated by the power supply device 400, to enable them to operate.

[0077] The power supply unit 400 includes a normal power supply unit 410 having an AC / DC converter that generates a DC voltage of DC 32 V from a 24 V AC power supply and a DC / DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC 12 V or DC 5 V from a voltage of DC 32 V, a backup power supply 420 that supplies power supply voltage to the RAM 111c inside the gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power outage, and a control signal generating unit 430 that has a power outage monitoring circuit and generates and outputs control signals such as a power outage monitoring signal and a reset signal that notify the game control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of a power outage.

[0078] The backup power supply 420 can be composed of one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power supply 420 is supplied to the gaming microcomputer 111 (particularly the built-in RAM 111c) of the gaming control device 100, so that data stored in the RAM 111c is retained even during a power outage or after the power is cut off. The control signal generating unit 430 monitors, for example, the 32V voltage generated by the normal power supply unit 410, and when it drops to, for example, 17V or less, detects the occurrence of a power outage and outputs a power outage monitoring signal. In addition, when the power is turned on or when the power is restored, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from that point.

[0079] The gaming control device 100 is also provided with a RAM clear switch 112. When the RAM clear switch 112 is pressed down and turned on, an initialization switch signal is generated, and based on this, a RAM initialization process is performed to forcibly initialize information stored in the RAM 111c in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. Here, initialization basically means a 0 clear that erases information and sets it to 0, but some values ​​such as performance information (base value) may be maintained at their current values ​​without being cleared to 0. Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop process of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a type of forced interrupt signal, and resets the entire control system.

[0080] The RAM clear switch 112 is provided on the game control device 100 inside the pachinko machine 10, and is disposed in a position (inaccessible position) that cannot be operated unless the front frame 12 (main body frame) is opened. In other words, general players cannot access and operate the RAM clear switch 112. The RAM clear switch 112 may be provided in a location other than the game control device 100.

[0081] The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU 111a (Central Processing Unit: microprocessor), a read-only ROM 111b (Read Only Memory), and a random access memory (RAM) 111c (Random Access Memory) that can be read and written at any time.

[0082] The ROM 111b stores unchanging information for game control (programs, fixed data, judgment values ​​of various random numbers, etc.) in a non-volatile manner. The RAM 111c is used as a working area for the CPU 111a during game control and as a storage area for various signals and random numbers, and stores information related to games (game information) and serves as a storage means capable of storing and retaining stored information even in the event of a power outage.

[0083] Also, the ROM 111b stores a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern (variation mode and variation time) that specifies, for example, the execution time of the special chart variation display game, the performance contents, and the occurrence or non-occurrence of a reach state. The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111a to refer to one or more variation pattern random numbers stored as a start memory and determine a variation pattern. Also, the variation pattern table includes a miss variation pattern table that is selected when the result is a miss, a jackpot variation pattern table that is selected when the result is a jackpot, and the like. The pattern table may include a table (such as a latter half variation group table or a latter half variation pattern selection table) for determining a latter half variation pattern that is a variation pattern after the reach state is reached, and a table (such as a first half variation group table or a first half variation pattern selection table) for determining a former half variation pattern that is a variation pattern before the reach state is reached.

[0084] The CPU 111a executes the game control program in the ROM 111b, generates control signals (commands) for the payout control device 200 and the performance control device 300, generates and outputs drive signals for the solenoid and the display device, and controls the entire pachinko machine 10. Although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 111 is equipped with a random number generating circuit for generating a jackpot random number for determining a jackpot in the special chart variable display game, a special chart pattern random number for determining a jackpot pattern (a jackpot stop pattern), a small win pattern (a small win stop pattern), and a time-saving pattern (a support hit pattern, a support hit stop pattern), and a change pattern random number for determining a change pattern in the special chart variable display game (including information on the change display of various reaches and no reaches, and information on the execution time of the special chart variable display game).

[0085] In addition, the CPU 111a acquires one of the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111b in the process related to the special chart variation display game. Specifically, the CPU 111a selects and acquires one of the plurality of variation pattern tables based on the game result (jackpot or miss) of the special chart variation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special chart variation display game as the current game state, the number of start memories, etc. Here, the CPU 111a serves as a variation distribution information acquisition means for acquiring one of the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111b when executing the special chart variation display game.

[0086] The payout control device 200 is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, input interface, output interface, etc., and performs control to pay out prize balls (game value) as numerical data in accordance with payout instructions (commands or data) from the game control device 100.

[0087] The input section 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 is connected to the gate switch 34a of the normal start gate 34, the winning port switch 35a of the normal winning port 35, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the first starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the second starting winning port (normal variable winning device 37), and the large winning port switch 39a of the special variable winning device 39. The outputs from the gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a, the starting port 1 switch 36a, the starting port 2 switch 37a, and the large winning port switch 39a are also supplied from the gaming control device 100 to a test firing device (not shown) via a relay board 70. In addition, the detection signals of the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a may be input directly to the gaming microcomputer 111 in addition to the input section 120. The switch connected to the input section 120 may be, for example, a switch that magnetically detects game balls.

[0088] Furthermore, the input unit 120 is connected to a specific area switch 72, a remaining ball outlet switch 73, and an out ball detection switch 74. The specific area switch 72 detects the passage (V entry) of a game ball to the specific area 42 (V entry). The remaining ball outlet switch 73 detects a game ball that has passed through a remaining ball outlet that discharges game balls from the special variable entry device 39. The out ball detection switch 74 detects all game balls that have been shot into the game area and finished playing (i.e., all game balls that have passed through the entry port or out port 30b). In addition to the game balls that have entered the out port 30b, game balls that have entered the entry port (first start entry port 36, second start entry port (normal variable entry device 37), large entry port, or general entry port 35) are guided to the out ball detection switch 74 via a passage or the like not shown in the figure and are detected.

[0089] In addition, various fraud / abnormality sensors 67 (error sensors) that detect errors such as fraud and abnormalities in the pachinko machine 10 are connected to the input unit 120. For example, the fraud / abnormality sensors 67 include a radio wave sensor that detects the emission of radio waves to the pachinko machine 10, a magnetic sensor switch for fraud detection provided on the front frame 12 or the like of the pachinko machine 10, a glass frame open detection switch (door opening / closing sensor) for detecting glass frame open provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the pachinko machine 10, a front frame open detection switch (main frame open detection switch) for detecting front frame open provided on the front frame 12 (main frame) or the like, and a vibration sensor that detects vibrations of the pachinko machine 10.

[0090] In addition, the input unit 120 takes in a signal from the RAM clear switch 112 and supplies it to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus. In addition, data may be input from the payout control device 200 to the gaming control device 100 via the input unit 120.

[0091] Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the performance control device 300, for example, by serial communication, via the output unit 130. Note that communication between the game control device 100 and the performance control device 300 is one-way communication that does not allow signals to be input from the performance control device 300 to the game control device 100. Data may be transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 via the output unit 130.

[0092] In this embodiment, data is transmitted, for example, by serial communication, from the game control device 100 to the brand information display device 500b via the output unit 130. The brand information display device 500b is a device for displaying brand information in the above-mentioned brand display area 500a in response to a command from the game control device 100.

[0093] Furthermore, a buffer 133 can be connected to the output unit 130, and the buffer 133 outputs a test firing test signal from the output unit 130 to a test firing test device of a certification agency (not shown) via a relay board 70. The buffer 133 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a game machine as an actual machine (mass-produced product) installed in an amusement store (game parlor).

[0094] The output unit 130 is provided with an output port that outputs open / close data for the normal solenoid 37c that opens the normal variable prize winning device 37, the special prize opening solenoid 39b that opens the special variable prize winning device 39, and the lever solenoid 42b that operates the lever to open the specific area 42. The output unit 130 is further provided with a driver that receives the open / close data signal, generates a solenoid drive signal, and outputs it.

[0095] Furthermore, the output unit 130 can output on / off data for the LEDs of the collective display device 50 as data to be displayed on the collective display device 50, using a corresponding output port and driver.

[0096] Furthermore, the output unit 130 can output external information related to the pachinko machine 10, such as jackpot information, to the external information terminal 71 using a corresponding output port and driver. The external information terminal 71 can be connected to an external device (such as an information collection terminal or an amusement facility internal management device (hall computer)) installed in, for example, an amusement facility, and is capable of supplying information related to the pachinko machine 10 to the external device. Note that the number of external information terminals 71 may be set in consideration of the number of types of external information and the number of output destinations for the external information.

[0097] Furthermore, the output unit 130 can output, as data to be displayed on the performance display device 152, LED on / off data of the performance display device 152 using a corresponding output port and driver.

[0098] In this embodiment, the performance display device 152 is made up of a plurality (four) of 7-segment type (8-segment type including the dot Dp) displays (LED lamps), but is not limited to this.

[0099] The performance display device 152 is provided on the game control device 100 (main board), but may be provided elsewhere. For example, the performance display device 152 can display performance information such as ball payout rate (base value). The performance information is derived based on the number of winning balls (number of game values) obtained by winning, and is, for example, the ball payout rate (base value), the ratio of roles, the number of discharged balls, etc.

[0100] The ball output rate (base value) is the ratio (proportion) of the total number of winning balls to the number of balls discharged (or the number of balls fired into the game area 32), and is calculated as (number of acquired balls ÷ number of discharged balls) × 100 (%). In other words, the ball output rate is the number of acquired balls (total number of winning balls) per 100 discharged balls. The number of discharged balls can be obtained by counting the signal of the out ball detection switch 74, etc. In an enclosed game machine, the number of acquired balls (total number of winning balls) is the number of game values ​​(amount of game value) that are granted as numerical data.

[0101] For example, the feature ratio is the percentage (= so-called continuous feature ratio) of the number of prize balls (number of balls won by feature) obtained by winning in a large prize slot during a jackpot state out of the total number of prize balls (total number of prize balls) obtained by winning in a prize slot during a specified period (for example, from when the pachinko machine 10 is turned on to the present) (= the total number of prize balls).

[0102] (Safety device (complete function)) Furthermore, the game control device 100 also has a function of a safety device. The safety device is a game stopping means (stopping means) that can generate a game stop state (game not possible state, game prohibited state) in which the special chart change display game, the normal chart change display game, and round play (play during a big win or a small win) cannot be executed as games by establishing an operating condition (predetermined condition) based on the number of safe balls and the number of discharged balls. In the game stop state, a new special chart change display game and a new normal chart change display game cannot be started. The safety device can take appropriate measures against fraud in cases where the number of safe balls is abnormally high due to fraud, and may also be able to suppress a player's addiction to the game. If addiction is suppressed, the player can play with peace of mind.

[0103] In this embodiment, the safety device is a function realized by software (program) in the game control device 100, and is also called a completion function (or an ending function, a stop function). Of course, the safety device may be provided as hardware such as an electric circuit or a circuit board.

[0104] In this embodiment, the operating condition of the safety device is (1) that the number of balls difference, which indicates the difference between the number of safe balls and the number of discharged balls in a specified period, reaches a ball difference reference value (predetermined value), and (2) that the device is neither a big win nor a small win. The number of balls difference is the number of safe balls minus the number of discharged balls in a specified period (number of balls difference = number of safe balls - number of discharged balls). In this way, the operating condition of the safety device consists of two stages of conditions (1) and (2). The number of balls difference regarding condition (1) may be the number of balls difference in a specified period from the time of the minimum value of the number of balls difference to the present, that is, the number of balls difference based on the minimum value (the increase in the number of balls difference from the minimum value), and may further correspond to the maximum increase in the number of balls difference during one day's business (so-called MY). The operating condition may be other, and for example, the condition (1) may be configured to be that the number of safe balls reaches a predetermined value. The condition (2) may be configured to be that the special variable winning device is not in operation, or that the large winning port is not in an open state.

[0105] In this embodiment, the number of safe balls is the total number of prize balls (number of acquired balls, number of balls dispensed) that are determined to be awarded in a predetermined period. The number of discharged balls (number of out balls) is the number of game balls discharged from the game area 32 in a predetermined period, and can be counted by counting the signal from the out ball detection switch 74.

[0106] Note that the number of launched balls, which is the number of launched balls launched and introduced into the play area 32, may be used instead of the number of ejected balls, and the difference in the number of balls may be the number of safe balls - the number of launched balls. The number of launched game balls and the number of ejected balls may be collectively referred to as the number of used balls (difference in the number of balls = number of safe balls - number of used balls). Foul balls that were launched by the ball launcher but did not reach the play area 32 are excluded from the number of launched balls, and the difference in the number of balls is deducted by -1 each time a game ball is launched by the ball launcher, and is added by +1 each time a foul ball is produced.

[0107] For example, the state of the safety device will be in a non-operated state (an activation notice state, an activation warning state, or a normal state where the safety device is not activated) in response to a difference in the number of balls of less than 90,000. The state of the safety device will be an activation notice state that notifies the activation of the safety device in response to a difference in the number of balls of 90,000 to 94,999. In response to reaching a difference in the number of balls of 95,000, the state will be an activation warning state that warns the activation of the safety device, or an activated state (activated state) where the safety device is activated.

[0108] In addition, when the difference in the number of balls reaches 95,000, the activation warning state will be activated if the machine is in a big win or small win, and will be activated if the machine is neither in a big win nor a small win. Therefore, if the safety device is activated before a big win or small win occurs, a game stop state (a state where play is not possible, a state where play is prohibited) will occur immediately after the safety device is activated, and the activation warning state will not occur. In addition, the safety device is likely to be activated before a big win or small win occurs in a time-saving state or a probability-changing state.

[0109] On the other hand, when the big win or small win ends and the big win or small win is no longer occurring, the safety device transitions from the activation warning state to the activation state (activating state).

[0110] In the activation notice state, the performance control device 300 displays an activation notice display (for example, the text "Play will end soon") on the main display 41. In the activation warning state of the safety device during a small win or a big win, the performance control device 300 displays an activation warning display (for example, the text "Play will end after the win") on the main display 41.

[0111] When the safety device is in operation (not during a small win or big win), i.e., when the game is stopped, the presentation control device 300 displays an operation indication (the words "Play Stopped") on the main display 41. When the safety device is in operation, the game control device 100 sets a safety device operation flag (safety device operation flag) to on, which indicates that the safety device is in operation. The safety device operation flag is cleared to 0 (safety device operation flag = 0) by RAM initialization processing (RAM clear processing), and the operation of the safety device is deactivated.

[0112] In the game stop state, the special chart change display game, the normal chart change display game, and the round game (game during a big win or a small win) cannot be executed as games. In order to do this, for example, in the game stop state, the detection of the game ball at the winning port switch is disabled, the winning port (winning) is disabled, the solenoid stops so that the big winning port, the specific area 42, the normal winning device 37, etc. are closed, the launch of the game ball from the ball launching device is stopped (prohibited) and the launch is stopped, and the collective display device 50 is turned off. In the game stop state, not only can the special chart change display game and the normal chart change display game not be continued, but a new special chart change display game and a new normal chart change display game cannot be started.

[0113] (4. Transitional states at power up) Depending on the on / off state of the RAM clear switch 112 when the power is turned on, the device transitions to various states (modes).

[0114] When the RAM clear switch 112 is turned on at the time of power-on, the state transitions to a RAM initialization state (RAM clear mode), and a RAM initialization process (RAM clear process) is executed to initialize the RAM 111c. When the RAM clear switch 112 is turned on, the state first becomes RAM clear preparation (initialization preparation), and when the RAM clear switch 112 is turned on again during RAM clear preparation, the RAM 111c may be initialized by the RAM initialization process (RAM clear process). When the RAM initialization process is executed, the game control device 100 may output a security signal (for example, 4 msec, 128 msec, etc.) as external information to an external device such as a hall computer via the external information terminal 71.

[0115] If the RAM clear switch 112 is off when the power is turned on, the state transitions to a normal power recovery state (normal power recovery mode), in which power is simply restored.

[0116] (5. Performance control device) Next, the configuration of the performance control device 300 (sub-board) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram of the performance control system of the pachinko machine 10. The performance control device 300 is a sub-control device (sub-board, sub-board, sub-control means) that can control the image on the main display 41, the sound from the speakers 19a and 19b, the light emission of the performance LED 46, and / or the operation of the performance movable body 44 in response to commands from the game control device 100. That is, the performance control device 300 can control the performance related to the game. The performance LED 46 may be a full-color LED (light-emitting diode) that can emit light in various colors.

[0117] The performance control device 300 includes a control microcomputer 311 (CPU), a VDP (Video Display Processor) 312 as a graphics processor that performs image processing for displaying images on the main display 41 in accordance with commands and data from the control microcomputer 311, and a sound control unit 314 that controls the sound output to play various melodies, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 19.

[0118] A ROM 321 that stores programs executed by the CPU and various data, and a RAM 322 that provides a working area are connected to the control microcomputer 311. The control microcomputer 311 also has a RAM (e.g., a cache memory) therein that provides a working area.

[0119] The control microcomputer 311 analyzes commands from the game control device 100, determines the display content, and instructs the VDP 312 on the content of the output video, as well as performing processes such as instructing the sound control unit 314 on the sound to be played, turning on the performance LED 46, controlling the drive of the motor and solenoid of the performance movable body 44, and managing the performance time.

[0120] The VDP 312 is provided with a RAM that provides a working area, and a scaler for enlarging and reducing images. Also connected to the VDP 312 are an image ROM 325 that stores character images and video data, and an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 326 that is used to develop and process image data such as characters read from the image ROM 325.

[0121] The sound control unit 314 includes a sound ROM in which sound data including voice is stored, and an amplifier circuit that amplifies the sound data.

[0122] The performance control device 300 is also provided with an interface chip (command I / F) that receives commands sent from the game control device 100. The performance control device 300 receives the special symbol reservation number command, decorative special symbol command, variation command, symbol stop command, and the like sent from the game control device 100 to the performance control device 300 via the command I / F as performance control instruction signals (performance commands).

[0123] The performance control device 300 also has a performance LED control circuit 332 that drives and controls the performance LEDs (light emitting diodes) 46 provided on the game board 30, and a performance movable body control circuit 334 that drives and controls the performance movable bodies 44 (such as movable parts that work together with the performance display on the main display 41 to enhance the performance effect) provided on the game board 30, the glass frame 15, etc.

[0124] These control circuits 332, 334, which drive and control the performance LED 46 and the motor and solenoid of the performance movable body 44, are connected to the control microcomputer 311 via an address / data bus.

[0125] Furthermore, the performance control device 300 is provided with a switch input circuit 336. The switch input circuit 336 has a function of inputting a detection signal indicating the on / off state of the performance button switch 25a built into the performance button 25 provided in the glass frame 15 and a detection signal indicating the on / off state of the directional key switch 450 to the control microcomputer 311. The switch input circuit 336 also inputs a detection signal of a volume adjustment switch 335 that enables a person related to the game establishment (a staff member, a manager, a supervisor) to adjust the volume (maximum volume, etc.) of the speakers 19a, 19b to the control microcomputer 311.

[0126] Normal power supply section 410 of power supply device 400 supplies a desired level of DC voltage to performance control device 300 having the configuration described above and to the electronic components controlled thereby.

[0127] (6. Basic Control) Next, a basic control of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. The CPU 111a of the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 extracts a random number value for determining whether the normal game is a hit, based on the input of a detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided on the normal game start gate 34, and compares it with the judgment value stored in the ROM 111b to judge whether the normal game is a hit or a miss.

[0128] Then, the normal map display 53 displays a normal map variation display game in which the identification pattern is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time, and then the pattern is stopped. If the result of the normal map variation display game is a win, the normal map display 53 displays a special result state, and the normal power solenoid 37c is operated, and the movable member 37b of the normal variation winning device 37 is controlled to open as described above for a predetermined period of time (for example, 3 seconds x 2 times). If the result of the normal map variation display game is a loss, the normal map display 53 is controlled to display a loss result state.

[0129] In addition, a first start memory is stored based on the input of a game ball detection signal from the start port 1 switch 36a provided in the start winning port 36 (first start port), and based on the first start memory, a random number value for determining a jackpot in the special chart 1 variable display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in ROM 111b to determine whether the special chart 1 variable display game is a win or a loss.

[0130] In addition, a second start memory is stored based on the input of a game ball detection signal from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variable winning device 37 (second start port), and based on the second start memory, a random number value for determining a jackpot in the special chart 2 variable display game is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in ROM 111b to determine whether the special chart 2 variable display game is a win or a miss.

[0131] Then, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 outputs a control signal (performance control command) including the judgment result of the special symbol 1 variable display game and the special symbol 2 variable display game to the performance control device 300. Then, the special symbol variable display game in which the identification symbol is displayed variably for a predetermined time and then stopped is displayed on the special symbol 1 display device 51 and the special symbol 2 display device 52. That is, the game control device 100 constitutes a game control means that controls the progress of the variable display game based on the winning of the game ball flowing down the game area 32 into the start winning area (the first start winning port 36, the normal variable winning device 37).

[0132] Also, the performance control device 300 displays a decorative special chart variable display game corresponding to the special chart variable display game on the special chart 1 display device 51 and the special chart 2 display device 52 on the main display 41 based on a command (control signal) from the game control device 100. Furthermore, the performance control device 300 performs processing such as setting the performance state, outputting sound from the speakers 19a and 19b, and controlling the emission of various performance LEDs 46 based on a command (control signal) from the game control device 100. In other words, the performance control device 300 constitutes a performance control means that controls the performance related to the game (variable display game, etc.).

[0133] When the result of the special chart variable display game is a small win or a big win, the CPU 111a of the game control device 100 displays the special result state on the special chart 1 display 51 or the special chart 2 display 52 and generates a special game state. In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111a performs control to open the opening and closing door 39c of the special variable winning device 39 by the big winning port solenoid 39b, for example, to allow the game balls to flow into the big winning port.

[0134] Then, one round (R) is defined as opening the large prize opening until one of the following conditions is met: a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the large prize opening, or a predetermined time for opening (e.g., 27 seconds or 0.05 seconds) has elapsed since the opening of the large prize opening. This is controlled (repeated) for a predetermined number of rounds (e.g., 15 times, 11 times, or 2 times) (cycle play). Also, if the result of the special chart variation display game is a miss, control is performed to display the result state of the miss on the special chart 1 display 51 or the special chart 2 display 52.

[0135] Furthermore, the game control device 100 can generate a high probability state (specific game state) as a game state after the special game state ends, based on the result state of the special chart variation display game. The high probability state (probability change state) is a state in which the probability of a winning result in the special chart variation display game is higher than the normal probability state. Furthermore, regardless of whether the high probability state is reached based on the result state of either the special chart 1 variation display game or the special chart 2 variation display game, both the special chart 1 variation display game and the special chart 2 variation display game will be in the high probability state. In the high probability state (probability change state), the game control device 100 sets a special chart high probability flag indicating a high probability state.

[0136] In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a time-saving state (specific game state) as a game state based on the result state of the special chart variation display game and the number of times it is executed. In the time-saving state, the normal chart variation display game and the normal variation winning device 37 may be controlled to be in a time-saving operation state, and the normal power support state is established because the opening time of the normal variation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled to be substantially longer than in a normal game state in which no special game is performed. Note that even in a high probability state (normal probability state) other than the latent probability state, the time-saving state is overlapped and normal power support is executed.

[0137] In addition, in the time-saving state, the execution time of the special chart change display game (special chart change time) can be shortened more than usual, and time-saving changes in the special chart change display game can also be executed.

[0138] In addition, in the time-saving state, it is possible to set the number of times the normal variable winning device 37 opens (the number of normal power openings) for one winning result of the normal variable display game to a second number of times (for example, four times) that is greater than the first number of times (for example, two times). In addition, in the time-saving state, it is possible to set the probability of a winning result of the normal variable display game (normal probability, normal winning probability) to a high probability that is higher than the normal probability (low probability) in the normal operation state.

[0139] In the time-saving state, the time for converting the normal variation winning device 37 to the open state is extended more than usual by changing one or more of the normal chart variation time, normal chart stop time, normal power opening count, normal power opening time, and normal chart probability. As a result, in the time-saving state, it becomes easier to win the normal variation winning device 37 than in the normal game state in which no special game is played, and the number of times the special chart variation display game is executed per unit time can be increased more than in the normal game state, and the execution interval of the special chart variation display game can also be shortened. It is also possible to set multiple types of time-saving states in which different things are changed. It is also possible to set the movable member 37b not to be opened in the normal operation state (normal chart probability is 0). In addition, the high probability state and the time-saving state can occur independently of each other, and both can occur simultaneously, or only one can occur.

[0140] The game control device 100 basically sets a time-saving flag indicating the time-saving state in the time-saving state. However, even if the time-saving flag is set, the low base state (a state in which left-handed play is recommended) in which the opening time of the normal variable winning device 37 is extremely short and the ball payout rate (base value) is low may be treated as a normal game state in which there is substantially no normal power support and no special play is performed (slight time-saving).

[0141] The time-saving state includes a time-saving state that occurs immediately after a jackpot due to a jackpot (a time-saving), a time-saving state that occurs when the ceiling number of times is reached without a jackpot (ceiling time-saving, b time-saving, play time), and a time-saving state that occurs when the time-saving pattern stops displaying (support hit) without a jackpot (sudden time-saving, c time-saving). Note that if the number of times of the special pattern variable display game (excluding the number of times in the probability variable state) executed after turning on the power or after the jackpot state ends reaches the ceiling number of times, the time-saving state (play time) will be entered even if a jackpot or time-saving pattern is not won.

[0142] After the time-saving state ends, a remaining reservation consumption state can be generated in which the second start memory (special chart 2 start memory, special chart 2 reservation) remaining at the time of the time-saving state ending is consumed. In the remaining reservation consumption state (remaining reservation consumption mode), the second start memory generated by winning the normal variable winning device 37 (normal power) during the time-saving state is consumed as a remaining reservation, and the special chart 2 variable display game is executed. The remaining reservation consumption state is a state advantageous to the player because the special chart 2 variable display game is executed. In addition, the special chart 2 variable display game is generally more advantageous to the player than the special chart 1 variable display game in terms of the number of rounds at the time of a jackpot and the probability of a small jackpot (and thus the probability of a V-winning jackpot).

[0143] To explain in more detail below, the control processing by the gaming microcomputer 111 of the gaming control device 100 consists of a main processing (main program) that starts when the power is turned on, and a timer interrupt processing (interrupt processing program) that is performed at a predetermined time period (e.g., 4 msec).

[0144] For example, the game control device 100 checks for abnormalities in the RAM 111c in the main process, and if the RAM 111c is abnormal, access to the RAM 111c is prohibited so that the game cannot be played unless the RAM clear switch 112 is on. For example, an abnormality in the RAM 111c can be determined by checking whether the checksum stored in the RAM 111c when the power is cut off (power outage) matches the checksum when the power is turned on. If the RAM 111c is normal, it transitions to various states (modes) depending on the on / off state of the RAM clear switch 112 when the power is turned on.

[0145] In the main process, a loop process is provided to repeatedly allow interrupts. While the interrupts are allowed, the timer interrupt process is executed. During the loop process, performance information such as the ball output rate (base value) may be repeatedly updated as information to be displayed on the performance display device 152 (interrupts may be prohibited before updating in order to stabilize the ball output rate).

[0146] In the timer interrupt processing, it is possible to execute input processing for receiving input from various switches via the input unit 120, output processing for producing various outputs via the output unit 130, special pattern game processing for controlling the special pattern change display game and setting the display of special patterns on the collective display device 50, regular pattern game processing for controlling the regular pattern change display game and setting the display of regular patterns on the collective display device 50, and error monitoring processing for monitoring for errors such as fraud and abnormalities based on signals input from the fraud / abnormality sensor 67.

[0147] In addition, in the timer interrupt process, when a game ball enters the start winning hole 36 (first start hole) or the normal variable winning device 37 (second start hole) and a start memory is generated, a pre-determination (pre-reading determination) is performed that can determine the game result based on the winning in advance at a stage before the start of the special chart variable display game based on the start memory. The game control device 100 constitutes a pre-determination means (pre-reading determination means) that can determine the result of the variable display game in advance before the variable display game based on the start memory is executed.

[0148] Furthermore, in the timer interrupt processing, it is possible to execute a safety device related processing for performing processing related to the safety device (complete function), a difference ball number counting processing for updating a counter for counting the difference ball number, etc. In the safety device related processing, safety device related information such as the operating state of the safety device is transmitted as a command to the performance control device 300, and a safety device operating flag indicating that the safety device is operating is set.

[0149] In the main process that starts when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 can transmit power failure recovery commands indicating that the power has been restored or turned on, and RAM initialization related commands related to RAM initialization, to the performance control device 300 and the brand information display device 500b. The RAM initialization related commands include a RAM initialization command indicating that the RAM is being cleared (initialized) and a RAM clear preparation command indicating that the RAM is being prepared for clearing.

[0150] In addition, during timer interrupt processing, the game control device 100 can send commands to the performance control device 300 as follows.

[0151] The game control device 100 can transmit game status commands indicating game status such as normal game status, time-saving status (normal power support status), special chart high probability status (probability change status), error commands indicating errors such as fraud or abnormality, and safety device related commands related to safety devices. The safety device related commands include a difference ball information command indicating the difference ball number, an operation notice command corresponding to the operation notice status of the safety device, an operation warning command corresponding to the operation warning status of the safety device, and an operation command corresponding to the operation status of the safety device.

[0152] The game control device 100 can transmit customer waiting commands related to a customer waiting state where no game is being played, a variation command indicating a variation pattern of the special chart variation display game, a decorative stop pattern command (decorative special chart command) indicating a decorative stop pattern displayed on the main display 41 corresponding to a losing pattern, a big win pattern, a small win pattern, a time-saving pattern, etc., as a result of the special chart variation display game, a pattern stop command indicating the stop of the special chart variation display game, and a winning command corresponding to each stage of the big win state or the small win state. Here, the customer waiting commands include a customer waiting demo command that instructs a customer waiting demo such as a movie demo on the demo screen. In addition, the winning commands include an opening command (fanfare command) corresponding to the opening (fanfare) of a small win or a big win, a round command corresponding to a round of a small win or a big win, an interval command corresponding to an interval between rounds, and an ending command corresponding to an ending of a big win or a small win.

[0153] The game control device 100 can transmit a special figure 1 reservation number command and a special figure 2 reservation number command indicating the start memory number when the first start memory number (special figure 1 reservation number) which is the number of the first start memory (special figure 1 reservation) and the second start memory number (special figure 2 reservation number) which is the number of the second start memory (special figure 2 reservation) change. The game control device 100 can increase the first start memory number by 1 when the game ball enters (enters) the start winning hole 36 and the first start memory occurs, and can increase the second start memory number by 1 when the game ball enters (enters) the normal variable winning device 37 and the second start memory occurs. The game control device 100 can decrease the first start memory number by 1 at the start of the special figure 1 variable display game based on the first start memory, and can decrease the second start memory number by 1 at the start of the special figure 2 variable display game based on the second start memory.

[0154] In addition, the game control device 100 can transmit a look-ahead command when a game ball enters the start winning hole 36 (first start hole) or the normal variable winning device 37 (second start hole) and the first start memory or the second start memory occurs. The look-ahead command includes a look-ahead stop pattern command corresponding to the stop pattern information (jackpot stop pattern, small win stop pattern, time-saving stop pattern, miss stop pattern) based on the jackpot random number or special pattern random number saved as the first start memory or the second start memory, and a look-ahead fluctuation pattern command based on the saved fluctuation pattern random number.

[0155] In addition, the game control device 100 can transmit necessary commands to the presentation control device 300, such as a hitting instruction notification command (left hit instruction notification command, right hit instruction notification command) that instructs (suggests) the player on the recommended hitting method (launch mode) depending on the game state or changes in the game state, and a specific area passage command that indicates a V win.

[0156] The performance control device 300 performs processing according to the command received from the game control device 100, for example, as follows.

[0157] When the performance control device 300 receives a power failure recovery command, it displays text such as "Restoring" on the main display 41, and when it receives a RAM initialization command, it displays text such as "RAM clearing" on the main display 41 and also issues an alert for, for example, 30 seconds by lighting the performance LED 46 and sounding the speakers 19a, 19b (particularly when RAM clearing is in progress). When the performance control device 300 receives a RAM clear preparation command, it displays text such as "RAM clear preparation" on the main display 41.

[0158] When the performance control device 300 receives an error command, it may display text such as "Error Occurring" on the main display 41, and may notify the error by lighting the performance LED 46 and making a sound from the speakers 19a, 19b depending on the type of error command. Note that if the error command contains information indicating the content of the error, the content of the error may be displayed on the main display 41.

[0159] When the performance control device 300 receives the difference ball information command, it may display the difference ball number on the main display 41. When the performance control device 300 receives the operation notice command, the operation warning command, or the operation command, it displays text such as "Play will end soon", "Play will end after the win", or "Play is ending" on the main display 41 in response to each command.

[0160] When the performance control device 300 receives a customer waiting demo command in the customer waiting state, it displays a customer waiting demo such as a movie demo (video) on the main display 41. Note that the customer waiting state is entered when both the first start memory number and the second start memory number are zero and the special chart variation display game is not being executed. The customer waiting demo may start after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the customer waiting state.

[0161] When the performance control device 300 receives a variation command indicating a variation pattern and a stop pattern command indicating a decorative stop pattern on the main display 41, it executes a variation-related performance setting process to set a performance related to the decorative special chart variation display game on the main display 41 based on the content of the variation pattern, the special chart type (special chart 1 or special chart 2), the type of stop pattern (miss pattern, big win pattern, small win pattern, time-saving pattern, etc.). In addition, when a game ball enters the start winning hole 36 or the normal variation winning device 37 in the customer waiting state, or when the first start memory or the second start memory remains after the special chart variation display game ends, the game control device 100 starts the special chart variation display game on the special chart 1 display device 51 or the special chart 2 display device 52 of the collective display device 50, and transmits the variation command, the stop pattern command, etc. to the performance control device 300.

[0162] In the variation-related performance setting process, it is possible to set a notice performance that appears during the special chart variation display game and can notify the result of the special chart variation display game, a variation performance such as a pseudo-successive performance or a reach performance on the main display 41, and a specific decorative stop pattern. The variation command may include information on the number of pseudo consecutive performances, which is the number of pseudo-successive performances (number of pseudo variations), and information on the type (type) of reach performance corresponding to the reach state. The pseudo-successive performance is a performance in which a pseudo variation that varies and temporarily stops a decorative special pattern on the main display 41 is performed a predetermined number of times in one special chart variation display game. In addition, in the variation-related performance setting process, it is possible to set the light emission mode of the performance LED 46 and the sound mode of the speakers 19a, 19b according to the notice performance or the variation performance.

[0163] Here, the term "reach" (reach state) refers to a display state in which the display result already derived and displayed on the main display 41 satisfies the conditions for a special result state when some of the display results of the decorative special chart variable display game have not yet been derived and displayed. When the display result becomes a special result state on the pay line (for example, on a line in the vertical or horizontal direction) of the main display 41, the game state becomes a special game state that is advantageous to the player. In addition, a state in which a variable display is performed by multiple variable display areas while maintaining a state in which all special result states are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state.

[0164] Therefore, for example, if the decorative special chart variable display game displayed on the main display 41 in response to the special chart variable display game displays multiple identification information for a predetermined period of time in each of the left, center, and right variable display areas on the display device, and then stops the variable display in the order of left, right, center, etc. to display the result state, a state in which the variable display stops in the left and right variable display areas when the conditions for a special result state are met (for example, the same identification information) becomes a reach state.

[0165] In the reach state, multiple reach effects can be executed, and reach effects with different expectations (reliabilities) for deriving a special result mode (jackpot mode) are set as systems (types) such as normal reach (N reach), special 1 reach (SP1 reach), special 2 reach (SP2 reach), special 3 reach (SP3 reach), and premium reach. The expectations (reliabilities) for a jackpot increase in the following order: no reach < normal reach < special 1 reach < special 2 reach < special 3 reach < premium reach. A state in which a reach state has occurred is a state in which the possibility of a jackpot is higher than when a reach state has not occurred.

[0166] The expectation (reliability) of the performance (notice) indicates the probability of a jackpot if the performance is selected, and can be calculated based on the selection rate of the performance when it is a jackpot and the selection rate of the performance when it is not a jackpot (when it is a miss). The higher the selection rate of the performance when it is a jackpot, the higher the expectation, and the higher the selection rate of the performance when it is a miss, the lower the expectation. The jackpot includes the aforementioned V-winning jackpot, and the expectation of the V-winning jackpot is approximately the same as the expectation of the small jackpot that generates the V-winning. The expectation can be set not only for the jackpot, but also for the expectation of the occurrence of advantageous states other than the jackpot (for example, small jackpot state, time-saving state) and advantageous events (for example, reach).

[0167] When the performance control device 300 receives a pattern stop command indicating the stop of the special symbol variable display game, it sets the stop of the decorative special symbol variable display game on the main display 41. It is also possible to configure the game control device 100 to send a variable time command indicating the value of the variable time to the performance control device 300, and the performance control device 300 to set the stop of the decorative special symbol variable display game after the variable time has elapsed from the start of the decorative special symbol variable display game.

[0168] When the performance control device 300 receives an opening command, it executes an opening performance (fanfare performance), which is the start performance of a small or big win, when it receives a round command, it executes a round performance, which is the performance during a round, when it receives an interval command, it executes an interval performance in the interval between rounds, and when it receives an ending command, it executes an ending performance corresponding to the ending of a big or small win.

[0169] When the performance control device 300 receives the special chart 1 reserved number command or the special chart 2 reserved number command, it displays the reserved display corresponding to the start memory (reserved) on the main display 41 or the like in the same number as the special chart 1 reserved number or the special chart 2 reserved number. When the performance control device 300 receives a look-ahead change pattern command and a look-ahead stop pattern command as look-ahead commands, it sets by drawing a look-ahead preview performance (look-ahead performance, look-ahead preview) with a drawing probability corresponding to the look-ahead command. Examples of look-ahead preview performance include continuous preview performance and reserve change preview. Examples of continuous preview performance include a chance eye look-ahead performance related to a decorative stop pattern.

[0170] When the performance control device 300 receives a left hit instruction notification command and a right hit instruction notification command as the hitting instruction notification command, it can execute a left hit instruction display and a right hit instruction display corresponding to each command on the main display 41. When the performance control device 300 receives a specific area passing command, it may execute a performance to congratulate the V winning on the main display 41.

[0171] In addition, the performance control device 300 is capable of receiving commands necessary for control other than those mentioned above from the game control device 100.

[0172] (7. Brand information display section and manufacturer information display section) The brand information display unit 500 and the manufacturer information display unit 510 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0173] (7-1. Definition of Terms) The definitions of terms commonly used in the first to eighth embodiments will be explained below.

[0174] "Brand Information" "Brand information" means information including visually recognizable signs (letters, figures, symbols, three-dimensional shapes, or colors, combinations of these, or videos combining one or more of these) for identifying the source (such as a business or organization) of the gaming machine (the pachinko machine 10 of the first to fourth embodiments, and the pachislot machine 80 of the fifth to eighth embodiments).

[0175] In particular, "brand information" is defined as information that functions as a sign that allows players to recognize the provider of the gaming machine. "Brand information" includes, for example, the name, abbreviation, or logo representing the company that is recognized or should be recognized by the establishment (hall) where the gaming machine is installed or by general consumers (players) as a party (provider) engaged in the business of providing the gaming machine, including the sale of the gaming machine. The concept of "provider" includes a single company, or a group of companies consisting of multiple companies.

[0176] "Manufacturer information" means information including visually recognizable trademarks (letters, figures, symbols, three-dimensional shapes, or colors, or combinations of these, or videos combining one or more of these) that identify the business entity that manufactures the gaming machine.

[0177] In particular, the "manufacturer information" is defined as information that functions as a sign that allows the manager of the gaming machine (the worker at the gaming machine installation store, the maintenance company for the gaming machine, or other companies that manage the gaming machine) to recognize the manufacturer of the gaming machine. The "manufacturer information" includes, for example, the name, abbreviation, or logo representing the company (manufacturer, etc.) that is recognized or should be recognized by the manager of the gaming machine as a person engaged in the business of manufacturing the gaming machine. The concept of "manufacturer" includes a single company or a group of companies that is composed of a group of multiple companies. Furthermore, the "manufacturer" may be a company that has a certain capital relationship (such as a parent company and a subsidiary company relationship) with the "provider". Furthermore, if the "provider" is a group of companies, the "manufacturer" may be one or more companies that belong to the group of companies. Furthermore, if a single business (a single company or a single group of companies) engages in both the business of providing the same gaming machine and the business of manufacturing the same gaming machine, the display mode of the "brand information" and the display mode of the "manufacturer information" may be partially or entirely the same. For example, the name of the same company may be included in both "Brand Information" and "Manufacturer Information."

[0178] (7-2. Prerequisite Issues) In the case of gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot, the company recognized by general consumers (players, etc.) as the provider of the gaming machine may be different from the company that actually manufactures the gaming machine. In response to this, players tend to select the gaming machine they will play on by referring to the provider. Therefore, it is necessary to inform players of the relationship between the gaming machine and its provider, and a sign (brand information) indicating the provider may be displayed on the gaming machine. On the other hand, the manager of the gaming machine (e.g., a staff member at the store where the machine is installed) may check information indicating the manufacturer of the gaming machine (manufacturer information) when performing management tasks such as maintenance. For this reason, not only brand information but also manufacturer information may be displayed on the gaming machine.

[0179] However, when both brand information and manufacturer information are displayed on a gaming machine, there is a risk that a player may mistakenly recognize the manufacturer of the gaming machine as the provider, or that an administrator may mistakenly recognize the provider as the manufacturer. In particular, in the field of gaming machines, there are many cases where a company that is the provider of a gaming machine is the manufacturer (not the provider) of other gaming machines, or where the provider is a group company and the manufacturer is a company that belongs to the group, making it easy for a mistake to occur between the manufacturer and the provider. In view of such a situation, in this embodiment and the second to eighth embodiments described below, a gaming machine having a configuration that can prevent the above-mentioned mistake between the provider and the manufacturer is provided.

[0180] (7-3. Composition of the brand information display section and manufacturer information display section) 5 is a front view of the main part of the pachinko machine 10 according to the first embodiment, which is equipped with a brand information display unit 500 and a manufacturer information display unit 510. As shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 10 according to this embodiment has a brand information display unit 500 that displays brand information linked to the pachinko machine 10 in a recognizable manner, and a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays manufacturer information for identifying the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 10.

[0181] In particular, the brand information display unit 500 has a brand display area 500a that is provided at a predetermined position on the pachinko machine 10 and is capable of displaying brand information, and a brand information display device 500b that performs processing to display brand information in the brand display area 500a.

[0182] The brand display area 500a is configured by an area that displays brand information by an electromagnetic method (for example, a dedicated liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, etc.). In particular, in this embodiment, the brand display area 500a is provided above the main display 41 in the play area 32 of the game board 30.

[0183] Furthermore, the brand information display device 500b (see FIG. 3) is realized by various hardware and software for performing a process of displaying brand information in the brand display area 500a by an electromagnetic method. In particular, in this embodiment, the brand information display device 500b can be realized by a display device (a display device for displaying digital data such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display) that performs a process of displaying brand information in the brand display area 500a in response to a command from the game control device 100.

[0184] Therefore, the brand information display unit 500 displays the brand information in its brand display area 500a so that it is recognizable (visible) from the outside of the pachinko machine 10 (particularly, from the front side through the cover glass 14 of the front door 20).

[0185] On the other hand, the manufacturer information display unit 510 has a manufacturer display area 510a that is provided at a predetermined position of the pachinko machine 10 and can display the manufacturer information. This manufacturer display area 510a can be realized as an area where the manufacturer information is displayed by a non-electromagnetic method (for example, a printing area on a component of the pachinko machine 10, or an area where a predetermined seal or paper member with the manufacturer information is attached, etc.). In particular, the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is composed of a seal or paper member with the manufacturer information (name of the manufacturer) attached above the main display 41 in the play area 32. That is, the manufacturer information written in this manufacturer display area 510a is recognizable (visible) from the outside of the pachinko machine 10 (particularly, from the front side through the cover glass 14 of the front door 20). The manufacturer display area 510a may be configured as an area including the manufacturer information directly written on the surface of the play board 30.

[0186] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the brand display area 500a of the brand information display section 500 is configured to be larger than the area of ​​the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510.

[0187] In this embodiment, the brand information display unit 500 (more specifically, the brand information display device 500b) displays brand information in the brand display area 500a when a predetermined condition is met (see FIG. 5(A)). On the other hand, the brand information display device 500b hides the brand information in the brand display area 500a when the predetermined condition is not met (see FIG. 5(B)).

[0188] Here, "predetermined condition" means one or more conditions defined as an index for determining a situation in which visibility of brand information from outside the pachinko machine 10 (particularly the front side where the player is located) should be prioritized over visibility of manufacturer information. More specifically, when the predetermined condition is met, it can be considered that the situation is one in which visibility of brand information should be prioritized over visibility of manufacturer information. On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is not met, it is not necessary to prioritize visibility of brand information, and it can be considered that the situation is typically one in which visibility of manufacturer information should be prioritized over visibility of brand information.

[0189] In particular, in this embodiment, the "predetermined condition" is stipulated as the power on / off of the pachinko machine 10. More specifically, the establishment of the predetermined condition is defined as the power of the pachinko machine 10 being on (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, this will be referred to as "when the power is on"), while the non-establishment of the predetermined condition is defined as the power of the pachinko machine 10 being off (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, this will be referred to as "when the power is off"). Therefore, when the power is on, both the brand information and the manufacturer information are displayed on the pachinko machine 10 (particularly on the surface of the game board 30), and when the power is off, only the manufacturer information is displayed without the brand information.

[0190] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the game control device 100 detects a signal indicating that the power of the pachinko machine 10 has been turned on (for example, a reset signal generated by the power supply device 400 when the power is turned on), it generates a flag indicating that the power of the pachinko machine 10 has been turned on (power on flag) and transmits this to the brand information display device 500b. Also, when the game control device 100 detects a signal indicating that the power supply voltage of the pachinko machine 10 has fallen below a certain value (for example, a power outage monitoring signal generated by the power supply device 400 when the voltage drops), it generates a flag indicating that the power of the pachinko machine 10 has been turned off (power off flag) and transmits this to the brand information display device 500b.

[0191] Then, when the brand information display device 500b receives a power-on flag from the game control device 100, it displays the brand information in the brand display area 500a. Therefore, when the power is turned on, the brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a and becomes visible from the outside (particularly the front side) of the pachinko machine 10. That is, when the power is turned on for the pachinko machine 10, which is assumed to be when a player sits in front of the pachinko machine 10 and looks toward the pachinko machine 10, the brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a, which is larger than the manufacturer display area 510a in which the manufacturer information is displayed.

[0192] On the other hand, the brand information display device 500b hides the brand information in the brand display area 500a when it receives a power-off flag from the game control device 100. Therefore, when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, which is when the administrator is expected to perform administrative tasks, the brand information is not displayed and only the manufacturer information is displayed.

[0193] [Modifications] In this modification, the above-mentioned predetermined condition is a condition related to the game status of the pachinko machine 10. The "game status" is a specific operation status related to the game that the pachinko machine 10 can be in when the power is turned on. In particular, the game status of this modification includes a first game status and a second game status different from the first game status.

[0194] Here, the "first gaming situation" refers to a gaming situation in which the possibility of executing a gaming effect that focuses the player's vision (a gaming effect display such as a notice or reach executed on the main display 41) is low, and it is estimated that the player is relatively likely to focus his / her attention on the display of brand information. Specifically, the first gaming situation includes the time after the end of a big win state (at the time of ending or immediately after the end), during the display of a demo screen that displays a movie demo for waiting customers on the main display 41, and at the start of a game (when the operating handle 24 is operated while the demo screen is displayed, or when launch or winning is detected), etc.

[0195] On the other hand, the "second gaming situation" refers to a gaming situation in which it is highly possible to execute a gaming performance that focuses the player's vision, and in which it is estimated that the player is relatively unlikely to pay attention to the display of brand information. Specifically, the second gaming situation includes a normal gaming state, a specific gaming state, and a special gaming state.

[0196] More specifically, in this modified example, it is assumed that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is on, and the satisfaction of a predetermined condition defines the gaming status as the first gaming status, and the non-satisfaction of the predetermined condition defines the gaming status as the second gaming status. That is, when the gaming status is the first gaming status, the brand information display device 500b displays brand information in the brand display area 500a. On the other hand, when the gaming status is the second gaming status, the brand information display device 500b does not display the brand information in the brand display area 500a.

[0197] The determination of whether the game status is the first game status or not is made based on whether the brand information display device 500b has received, from the game control device 100, predetermined information (data) suggesting that the game presentation that focuses the player's vision as described above is not being executed. This data includes, for example, a flag indicating that the big win state has ended, a customer waiting demo command, and / or a detection signal indicating that the operating handle 24 has been operated during the customer waiting demo.

[0198] In addition, the determination of whether the game status is the second game status is performed based on whether the brand information display device 500b has received, from the game control device 100, predetermined data suggesting the possibility of executing the game presentation that focuses the player's vision as described above. This data includes, for example, a flag indicating that the current state of the pachinko machine 10 is in normal play, a flag indicating that a specific game is in progress (normal power support, etc.), and / or a flag indicating that a special game is in progress (jackpot, etc.).

[0199] According to this modified example, on the assumption that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is on, the brand information can be displayed only in situations where game effects that draw the player's visual attention are unlikely to be executed, such as immediately after the end of a jackpot and at the start of play.

[0200] [Functions and Effects of the First Embodiment] According to this embodiment, a pachinko machine 10 is provided that is capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information linked to the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10). This pachinko machine 10 has a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays the manufacturer information in a recognizable manner, and a brand information display unit 500 that displays the brand information in a recognizable manner. In particular, the brand information display unit 500 displays the brand information when a predetermined condition is met, and does not display the brand information when the predetermined condition is not met. Furthermore, the manufacturer information display unit 510 displays the manufacturer information regardless of whether the above-mentioned predetermined condition is met or not.

[0201] According to the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, when a predetermined condition is met, the brand information is displayed, so that the player can visually recognize the brand information. Therefore, even if the manufacturer and the provider of the pachinko machine 10 are different, it is possible to prevent the player from mistaking the manufacturer for the provider. On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is not met, the brand information is hidden, so that the manager who requests information about the manufacturer can see only the manufacturer information without seeing the brand information, and the recognition of the manufacturer information can be improved. Therefore, even if the manufacturer and the provider of the pachinko machine 10 are different, it is possible to prevent the manager from mistaking the provider for the manufacturer.

[0202] In particular, according to this embodiment, the establishment of the predetermined condition includes the power of the pachinko machine 10 being on.

[0203] This allows the brand information to be displayed when the power is turned on, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his or her eyes directed toward the pachinko machine 10, and ensures that the brand information is visible to the player. This further increases the player's awareness of the association between the pachinko machine 10 and its provider, and more reliably prevents the player from mistaking the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 10 for the provider.

[0204] Furthermore, in this embodiment (more specifically, the modified example), the gaming status of the pachinko machine 10 is a first gaming status (such as after the end of a jackpot state, while a demo screen is being displayed on the main display 41, and at the start of a game), or a second gaming status different from the first gaming status (such as a normal gaming status, a specific gaming status, or a special gaming status). The establishment of a predetermined condition includes the gaming status of the pachinko machine 10 being the first gaming status, and the non-establishment of a predetermined condition includes the gaming status of the pachinko machine 10 being the second gaming status.

[0205] This allows the brand information to be displayed in a situation where the possibility of executing a game presentation (such as a presentation on the main display 41) that draws the player's visual attention is low, such as immediately after the end of a jackpot. In other words, the brand information can be displayed when the player's gaze is not focused on the game presentation, thereby increasing the player's recognition of the brand information (the provider of the pachinko machine 10). In addition, the brand information can be hidden in a situation where the possibility of executing a game presentation that draws the player's visual attention is high, thereby preventing a situation where the display of the brand information distracts the player's attention from the game presentation and reduces interest.

[0206] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the brand display area 500a of the brand information display section 500 is configured to be larger than the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510.

[0207] As a result, when both the brand information and the manufacturer information are displayed, the brand information is displayed relatively large, so that the brand information stands out more than the manufacturer information and can be more easily recognized by the player. This can further increase the player's awareness of the relationship between the pachinko machine 10 and its provider, and more reliably prevent the player from mistaking the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 10 for the provider.

[0208] [Second embodiment] Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described. In the following description of each embodiment, the same elements as those described in the previous embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0209] 6 is a front view of a main part of a pachinko machine 10 including a brand information display unit 500 and a manufacturer information display unit 510 in the second embodiment.

[0210] As shown in the figure, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 is provided on the front door 20 on the front side of the game board 30. On the other hand, the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is provided on the game board 30 on the rear side of the front door 20. That is, the brand display area 500a is arranged offset to the player side (the front side of the pachinko machine 10) with respect to the manufacturer display area 510a.

[0211] In particular, the brand display area 500a is realized by a so-called transparent screen that projects and displays a predetermined image on a transparent screen, or a transparent display (transmissive liquid crystal display or transmissive organic EL display). More specifically, the brand display area 500a is configured as a transparent screen formed on a part of the front door 20 (especially the cover glass 14). Further, the brand information display device 500b is configured by a projection device that switches between display and non-display of brand information in the brand display area 500a configured as a transparent screen on the front door 20 in response to a command from the game control device 100. Note that the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 may be configured as a transparent screen capable of so-called AR (Augmented Reality) display, and the brand information display device 500b may be configured by predetermined software and / or hardware that performs a process of switching between display and non-display of an image including brand information in the brand display area 500a.

[0212] The manufacturer display area 510a is configured as a sticker or paper member or the like on which manufacturer information is described, attached to the surface of the game board 30. Note that the manufacturer display area 510a may be an area including manufacturer information directly written on the surface of the game board 30.

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the brand display area 500a is arranged to overlap in the front-to-rear direction (the direction from the front to the back of the pachinko machine 10 as seen by the player) with the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510. In other words, the brand display area 500a is arranged so as to hide the entire manufacturer display area 510a when seen from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0214] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the brand information display device 500b displays brand information in the brand display area 500a when a predetermined condition is met (particularly when the power is turned on) (see FIGS. 6(A) and 7(A)). On the other hand, the brand information display device 500b does not display brand information in the brand display area 500a when a predetermined condition is not met (particularly when the power is turned off) (see FIGS. 6(B) and 7(B)).

[0215] According to this, by displaying the brand information in the brand display area 500a when the power is turned on, it is possible to block the view from the front of the manufacturer display area 510a located behind the brand display area 500a. Therefore, when the power is turned on, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his / her eyes directed toward the pachinko machine 10, it is possible to make it possible to make a state in which only the brand information is visible (manufacturer information is not visible) from the outside of the pachinko machine 10 (particularly the front).

[0216] On the other hand, when the power is off, the brand information is hidden in the manufacturer display area 510a, so that the visibility from the front of the manufacturer display area 510a arranged behind the brand display area 500a is ensured. Therefore, when the power is off, when it is assumed that the administrator will perform administrative tasks, it is possible to make it so that only the manufacturer information is visible (the brand information is not visible) from outside the pachinko machine 10 (particularly from the front).

[0217] 7 shows an example in which the brand display area 500a overlaps the entire manufacturer display area 510a in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10. On the other hand, taking into consideration the layout of decorations that differ for each model, a configuration in which the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 partially overlaps the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10 may be adopted. Even in this case, when brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a, the visibility of the manufacturer information by the player can be hindered to a certain extent, and the display of the brand information can be emphasized to the player.

[0218] [Modifications] In this modification, as in the modification of the first embodiment, it is assumed that the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is on, and the establishment of a predetermined condition is determined as the first game status, and the non-establishment of the predetermined condition is determined as the second game status. According to this, it is possible to display brand information only in situations where it is unlikely that a game performance that draws the player's visual attention is executed, such as immediately after the end of a jackpot and at the start of a game, on the assumption that the power supply of the pachinko machine 10 is on.

[0219] [Functions and Effects of the Second Embodiment] According to this embodiment, a pachinko machine 10 is provided that is capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying the manufacturer and brand information linked to the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10). This pachinko machine 10 has a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays the manufacturer information in a recognizable manner, and a brand information display unit 500 that displays the brand information in a recognizable manner. In particular, the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 is offset toward the player (the front side of the pachinko machine 10) with respect to the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510.

[0220] According to the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, when both the brand information and the manufacturer information are displayed, the brand information is displayed relatively close to the player, so that the visual recognition effect of the brand information by the player can be improved. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the player from mistaking the manufacturer for the brand information.

[0221] In this embodiment, the brand information display unit 500 displays the brand information when a predetermined condition is met and does not display the brand information when the predetermined condition is not met. On the other hand, the manufacturer information display unit 510 displays the manufacturer information regardless of whether the predetermined condition is met or not.

[0222] As a result, when the predetermined condition is met, the brand information is displayed closer to the player in the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information. This can further improve the visual recognition effect of the brand information by the player, and more reliably prevent the player from confusing the provider or the like represented by the brand information with the manufacturer. On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is not met, the brand information is hidden, thereby ensuring visibility of the manufacturer information located farther away from the player in the manufacturer display area 510a. This can make it easier for the manager to visually check the manufacturer information.

[0223] In particular, according to this embodiment, the establishment of the predetermined condition includes the power of the pachinko machine 10 being on.

[0224] This allows the brand information to be displayed when the power is turned on, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his or her eyes directed toward the pachinko machine 10, and ensures that the brand information is visible to the player. This further increases the player's awareness of the association between the pachinko machine 10 and its provider, and more reliably prevents the player from mistaking the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 10 for the provider.

[0225] Furthermore, in a modification of the present embodiment, the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 is either a first gaming state (after the end of the jackpot state, during the display of the demo screen on the main display 41, at the start of the game, etc.) or a second gaming state different from the first gaming state (such as the normal gaming state, the specific gaming state, and the special gaming state). The establishment of the predetermined condition includes the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 being the first gaming state, and the non - establishment of the predetermined condition includes the gaming state of the pachinko machine 10 being the second gaming state.

[0226] According to this, it is possible to realize the same operational effects as those of the pachinko machine 10 in the first embodiment (especially its modification).

[0227] In addition, the following technical idea (hereinafter referred to as "technical idea X1") can also be grasped from the above - described second embodiment. That is, the following technical idea X1 is included in the matters described in the original specification of the present application.

[0228] (Technical idea X1) A pachinko machine 10 capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information associated with the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10), a manufacturer information display unit 510 that visibly displays the manufacturer information, and a brand information display unit 500 that visibly displays the brand information, and the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 is offset toward the player side (front side of the pachinko machine 10) with respect to the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510, and is arranged at least partially overlapping (overlapping) in the front - rear direction of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510, the brand information display unit 500 displays the brand information when a predetermined condition is satisfied and does not display the brand information when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the manufacturer information display unit 510 displays the manufacturer information regardless of the establishment or non - establishment of the predetermined condition.

[0229] As a result, when the predetermined condition is met, the brand information is displayed superimposed on the manufacturer information as seen by the player, and the display of the brand information can be emphasized more than the manufacturer information. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the player's awareness of the association between the pachinko machine 10 and its brand (provider). Therefore, even if the provider and manufacturer of the pachinko machine 10 are different, it is possible to more reliably prevent the player from mistaking the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 10 for the provider. On the other hand, when the predetermined condition is not met, the brand information is hidden to ensure the visibility of the manufacturer information. Therefore, it is possible to further emphasize the display of the manufacturer information and more reliably increase the administrator's awareness of the association between the pachinko machine 10 and its manufacturer. Therefore, even if the manufacturer and provider of the pachinko machine 10 are different, it is possible to more reliably prevent the administrator from mistaking the provider of the pachinko machine 10 for the manufacturer.

[0230] [Third embodiment] FIG. 8 is a front view of a main part of a pachinko machine 10 equipped with a brand information display section 500 and a manufacturer information display section 510 in the third embodiment.

[0231] As shown in the figure, the pachinko machine 10 (particularly the front door 20) of this embodiment is provided with a movable body 511. The movable body 511 is configured, for example, in a shape that imitates a predetermined creative element (such as a character or an object) related to the game content of the pachinko machine 10. In other words, the movable body 511 functions as a member that decorates the exterior of the pachinko machine 10. In particular, the movable body 511 is movable to take either a first position P1 that overlaps in the front-rear direction with the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information, or a second position P2 that does not overlap in the front-rear direction with the manufacturer display area 510a.

[0232] The movable body 511 moves between the first position P1 and the second position P2 under the control of the game control device 100, for example. More specifically, the game control device 100 positions the movable body 511 at the first position P1 when the predetermined condition described in the first or second embodiment is satisfied (more specifically, when the power is turned on). That is, when the game control device 100 detects a signal indicating that the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on (for example, a reset signal generated by the power supply device 400 when the power is turned on), it drives the movable body 511 to move it from the second position P2 to the first position P1 (see FIG. 8(A)). Also, the game control device 100 positions the movable body 511 at the second position P2 when the predetermined condition is not satisfied (more specifically, when the power is turned off). In other words, when the game control device 100 detects a signal indicating that the power supply voltage of the pachinko machine 10 has fallen below a certain value (for example, a power outage monitoring signal generated by the power supply device 400 when the voltage drops), it drives the movable body 511 to move it from the first position P1 to the second position P2 (see Figure 8 (B)).

[0233] Therefore, when the power is turned on, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his / her eyes directed toward the pachinko machine 10, the movable body 511 is located at the first position P1 and prevents the manufacturer display area 510a from being seen from the front. That is, the movable body 511 functions as an obstruction means for obstructing the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a. Therefore, when the power is turned on, the player's view of the manufacturer display area 510a (manufacturer information) is obstructed, and the brand display area 500a (display of brand information) can be further emphasized.

[0234] In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the position of the movable body 511 is adjusted under the control of the performance control device 300 instead of the game control device 100.

[0235] [Modifications] 9 is a front view of the main part of a pachinko machine 10 equipped with a brand information display unit 500 and a manufacturer information display unit 510 in a modified example of the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, in this modified example, a light control window 512 is used as the obstruction means instead of the movable body 511.

[0236] As shown in the figure, the light control window 512 is configured as a partial area of ​​the cover glass 14 of the front door 20, and is provided at a position overlapping the manufacturer display area 510a provided on the game board 30 in the front-to-rear direction of the pachinko machine 80. In particular, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the light control window 512 is configured to be larger than the area of ​​the manufacturer display area 510a, so that the light control window 512 overlaps the entire manufacturer display area 510a when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0237] The light control window 512 is made of a material capable of controlling the refractive index (transmittance) according to a predetermined condition (particularly, turning the power of the pachinko machine 10 on and off). More specifically, the light control window 512 can be realized by a light control film or the like that becomes opaque when the light control window 512 is energized and becomes transparent when the light control window 512 is not energized.

[0238] Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10 of this modification, when a predetermined condition is met (for example, when the power is turned on), brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a, and the light control window 512 overlapping the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 becomes opaque, hindering the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a (manufacturer information) (see FIG. 9(A)). Therefore, when the power is turned on, the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a is hindered for the player, and the display of the brand information in the brand display area 500a can be further emphasized. This can further increase the player's awareness of the association between the pachinko machine 10 and its provider.

[0239] On the other hand, when the power is off, the light control window 512 becomes transparent, thereby ensuring visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a (see FIG. 9(B)). Therefore, when the power is off, it is possible to make only the manufacturer information visible from the outside (particularly the front) of the pachinko machine 10, and the display of the manufacturer information can be emphasized to further increase the manager's awareness of the relationship between the pachinko machine 10 and its manufacturer.

[0240] 9 shows an example in which the light control window 512 overlaps the entire manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10. On the other hand, in consideration of the layout of decorations that differ for each model, a configuration in which the light control window 512 partially overlaps the manufacturer display area 510a in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10 may be adopted. Even in this case, when brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a, the visibility of the manufacturer information by the player is hindered to a certain extent, and the display of the brand information can be emphasized to the player.

[0241] [Effects of the third embodiment] According to this embodiment or the above-mentioned modified example, a pachinko machine 10 is provided that is capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information linked to the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10). This pachinko machine 10 has a manufacturer information display unit 510 that recognizably displays the manufacturer information, a brand information display unit 500 that recognizably displays the brand information, and inhibition means (511, 512) that is provided on the player side (front side) of a manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 and inhibits visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 when a predetermined condition is met.

[0242] According to the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment or the above-mentioned modified example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the obstructing means prevents the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 from being seen from the front of the pachinko machine. Therefore, the display of the brand information can be made more noticeable to the player than the display of the manufacturer information. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent a situation in which the player mistakenly recognizes the manufacturer as the provider.

[0243] In particular, the obstruction means of the present embodiment includes an obstruction member (movable body 511) having a function of decorating the exterior of the pachinko machine 10.

[0244] This allows the function of the obstruction means to be realized by a member that decorates the exterior of the pachinko machine 10, eliminating the need to add a dedicated part to realize the function. In particular, by using a member that decorates the exterior of the pachinko machine 10, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the aesthetic beauty of the exterior is marred by providing an additional dedicated part, and to prevent a decrease in interest due to a loss of the concept or theme that should be provided to players associated with the game content of the pachinko machine 10.

[0245] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the establishment of the predetermined condition includes the power of the pachinko machine 10 being on.

[0246] This makes it possible to hinder the visibility of the display of the manufacturer information and make the display of the brand information more noticeable when the power is turned on, when it is assumed that the player is looking at the pachinko machine 10. This makes it possible to further increase the player's awareness of the association between the pachinko machine 10 and its provider, and more reliably prevent the player from mistaking the manufacturer of the pachinko machine 10 for the provider.

[0247] [Fourth embodiment] FIG. 10 is a front view of a main part of a pachinko machine 10 equipped with a brand information display section 500 and a manufacturer information display section 510 in the fourth embodiment.

[0248] As shown in the figure, in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the brand display area 500a in the brand information display unit 500 is configured as part of the screen area of ​​the main display 41. Moreover, the function of the brand information display device 500b for displaying brand information in the brand display area 500a can be realized by the performance control device 300 (particularly, the control microcomputer 311, the VDP 312, the image ROM 325, and the VRAM 326, etc.) shown in Fig. 4.

[0249] On the other hand, the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is provided below the play area 32 of the game board 30 (particularly, on the left side of the start winning hole 36 in the figure). In particular, the manufacturer display area 510a is configured by a sticker or paper member or the like on which the manufacturer information is written, which is affixed to the lower area of ​​the play area 32. Note that the manufacturer display area 510a may be configured as an area including the manufacturer information that is directly written below the play area 32.

[0250] Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, a decorative window 513 is provided in a part of the cover glass 14 of the front door 20. The decorative window 513 is configured as an opaque area in which creative elements (such as characters and objects) related to the game content of the pachinko machine 10 are drawn. In other words, the decorative window 513 functions as a member that decorates the exterior of the pachinko machine 10. In addition, the decorative window 513 is provided at a position that overlaps the manufacturer display area 510a in the front-rear direction when the front door 20 is closed. In particular, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the decorative window 513 is configured to be larger than the area of ​​the manufacturer display area 510a, so that the decorative window 513 overlaps (overlaps) the entire manufacturer display area 510a when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10.

[0251] In this embodiment, the predetermined condition for switching between displaying and hiding the brand information in the brand display area 500a is defined as the open / closed state of the front door 20. More specifically, the establishment of the predetermined condition is defined as the front door 20 being in a closed state.

[0252] That is, the brand information display device 500b (the performance control device 300 in this embodiment) displays brand information in the brand display area 500a of the main display 41 when the front door 20 is closed. Therefore, when the front door 20 is closed, the brand information is displayed on the main display 41, and the decorative window 513 located away from the main display 41 on the cover glass 14 blocks the view of the manufacturer display area 510a provided on the game board 30 from the front (see FIG. 10(A)). Therefore, when the front door 20 is closed, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his / her eyes directed toward the pachinko machine 10, the visibility of the manufacturer information in the manufacturer display area 510a can be hindered while ensuring the visibility of the display of the brand information in the brand display area 500a.

[0253] On the other hand, non-establishment of the predetermined condition is defined as the front door 20 being in an open state. That is, the brand information display device 500b (the performance control device 300 in this embodiment) hides the brand information in the brand display area 500a when the front door 20 is open. Therefore, when the front door 20 is open, the brand information on the main display 41 is hidden, and the decorative window 513 is moved away from the front of the manufacturer display area 510a, ensuring visibility of the manufacturer information (see FIG. 10(B)). Therefore, when the front door 20 is open, when it is expected that the manager will perform management tasks, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display of the manufacturer information in the manufacturer display area 510a.

[0254] The determination of whether the front door 20 is in a closed state or an open state can be performed by the brand information display device 500b (the performance control device 300 in this embodiment) by referring to the output signal of a door open / close sensor (not shown). Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the performance control device 300 receives information (flag or command) indicating the open / closed state of the front door 20 from the game control device 100 and determines the open / closed state of the front door 20 based on the information. In this case, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the game control device 100 receives an output signal of the door open / close sensor, generates a flag indicating the open / closed state of the front door 20 from the output signal, and outputs the flag to the performance control device 300.

[0255] 10(A) shows an example in which the decorative window 513 overlaps the entire manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10. On the other hand, in consideration of the layout of decorations that differ for each model, a configuration in which the decorative window 513 partially overlaps the manufacturer display area 510a in the front-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10 may be adopted. Even in this case, when brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a, the visibility of the manufacturer information by the player is hindered to a certain extent, and the display of the brand information can be emphasized to the player.

[0256] [Functions and Effects of the Fourth Embodiment] According to this embodiment, a pachinko machine 10 is provided that can display manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information linked to the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10). This pachinko machine 10 has a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays the manufacturer information in a recognizable manner, a brand information display unit 500 that displays the brand information in a recognizable manner, and an inhibition means that is provided on the player side (the front side of the pachinko machine 10) of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 and inhibits the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 when a predetermined condition is met. In particular, the inhibition means is configured not to inhibit the visibility of the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 even when the above-mentioned predetermined condition is met.

[0257] According to the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the obstruction means prevents the manufacturer display area 510a (manufacturer information) from being seen from the front, making the brand display area 500a (brand information) of the brand information more noticeable. This makes it possible to further increase the player's awareness of the association between the pachinko machine 10 and its provider, and to prevent the player from mistaking the manufacturer for the provider.

[0258] In particular, the obstruction means of the present embodiment includes an obstruction member (decorative window 513) having a function of decorating the exterior of the pachinko machine 10.

[0259] This allows the function of the obstruction means to be realized by a member that decorates the exterior of the pachinko machine 10, eliminating the need to add a dedicated part to realize the function. In particular, by using a member that decorates the exterior of the pachinko machine 10, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the aesthetic beauty of the exterior is marred by providing an additional dedicated part, and to prevent a decrease in interest due to a loss of the concept or theme that should be provided to players associated with the game content of the pachinko machine 10.

[0260] Moreover, the obstruction means in this embodiment is configured so as not to obstruct the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 when the predetermined condition is not met (when the front door 20 is open).

[0261] This makes it possible to release the inhibition of visibility of the manufacturer information in the manufacturer display area 510a under certain circumstances, such as when the administrator is expected to perform administrative tasks. This makes it easier for the administrator to view the manufacturer information, and more reliably prevents the administrator from mistaking the provider of the pachinko machine 10 for the manufacturer.

[0262] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the establishment of the predetermined condition includes the front door 20 being closed.

[0263] This makes it possible to hinder the player's visibility of the manufacturer information in the manufacturer display area 510a when the front door 20 is closed, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his or her eyes directed toward the pachinko machine 10. This makes it possible to more reliably increase the player's awareness of the association between the pachinko machine 10 and its provider, and to prevent the player from mistaking the manufacturer for the provider.

[0264] [Modifications] As a modified example of the pachinko machine 10 of the fourth embodiment, the above-mentioned obstructing means may be configured to obstruct the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 even if the predetermined condition is not satisfied (even when the front door 20 is open). For example, a structure may be adopted in which the manufacturer display area 510a, which is configured as a sticker or paper member on which the manufacturer information is written, is partially overlapped by a component of the front door 20 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 (a structure in which at least a part of the display of the manufacturer information is hidden when viewed from the front).

[0265] This allows the brand display area 500a (brand information) to be always emphasized and highlighted preferentially over the manufacturer display area 510a (manufacturer information) regardless of the open / closed state of the front door 20. Therefore, the circumstances of the players who are users (improving awareness of the relationship between the pachinko machine 10 and its provider) can be given priority over the administrator who manages the machine as a business.

[0266] In addition, the following two technical ideas (referred to as "technical idea X2" and "technical idea X3") can be further grasped from the above-mentioned fourth embodiment. That is, the following technical ideas X2 and X3 are included in the matters described in the original specification of the present application.

[0267] (Technical Thoughts X2) A pachinko machine 10 capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information associated with the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10), a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays manufacturer information in a recognizable manner; A brand information display unit 500 that displays brand information in a recognizable manner; and an inhibition means that is provided on the player side (front side) of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 and inhibits visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 when a predetermined condition is established, The manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is provided on the gaming machine main body (game board 30) to which the front door 20 is attached so as to be able to open and close. The obstruction means is provided on the front door 20 and is constituted by an obstruction member (decorative window 513) arranged in a position that at least partially overlaps with the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 in the front-to-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10 when the front door 20 is in a closed state.

[0268] As a result, when the front door 20 is in a closed state, the decorative window 513 overlaps with the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510, hindering the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a. Therefore, when the front door 20 is closed, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his / her eyes on the pachinko machine 10, the display of the brand information is emphasized to prevent the player from mistaking the manufacturer for the provider. On the other hand, when the front door 20 is open, the decorative window 513 is separated from the manufacturer display area 510a, ensuring the visibility of the manufacturer information. Therefore, when the front door 20 is open, when it is assumed that the manager will perform management duties, the display of the manufacturer information is emphasized to prevent the player from mistaking the provider for the manufacturer.

[0269] (Technical Thoughts X3) A pachinko machine 10 capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information associated with the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10), a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays manufacturer information in a recognizable manner; A brand information display unit 500 that displays brand information in a recognizable manner; and an inhibition means that is provided on the player side (front side) of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 and inhibits visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 when a predetermined condition is established, The manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is provided on the front door 20. The obstruction means of the pachinko machine 10 is composed of an obstruction member (decorative window 513) that is arranged in a position that at least partially overlaps with the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 in the front-to-rear direction of the pachinko machine 10, but does not overlap with the brand display area 500a of the brand information display section 500.

[0270] As a result, the decorative window 513 overlaps the manufacturer display area 510a of the front door 20 but does not overlap the brand display area 500a, so it is possible to inhibit the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a (manufacturer information) while ensuring the visibility of the brand display area 500a (brand information). Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a player mistakenly believes a provider to be a manufacturer by emphasizing the display of the brand information.

[0271] [Fifth embodiment] In the fifth to eighth embodiments described below, each configuration will be described assuming that a pachislot machine 80 is used as an example of a gaming machine.

[0272] (Overall configuration of pachislot machine 80) FIG. 11 is a view of the slot machine 80 from the front side, and FIG. 12 is a view of the slot machine 80 (hereinafter referred to as "main body 82") from the front, excluding the front door 81. Note that the slot machine 80 according to this embodiment is assumed to be a type of slot machine called a "Smart Slot" in which the game can be played without using real game media (medals). Therefore, the slot machine 80 does not have the structure required when using real medals, such as a medal insertion port and a medal ejection port, which are standard features of conventional slot machines using real medals. On the other hand, each configuration described in the following embodiments can also be applied to slot machines using real game media (medals).

[0273] The pachislot machine 80 has a main body 82 and a front door 81 that is pivotally supported on the main body 82 via hinge portions 83 (in FIG. 12, four hinge portions are provided on the left edge side of the main body 82) so that the door can be pivoted open and closed.

[0274] As shown in particular in FIG. 11, on the front side of the front door 81, there are provided reel frames 84 (left reel frame 84L, middle reel frame 84C, right reel frame 84R), an LCD panel 85, a lower panel 86, operation buttons 87 such as a bet button 87a and a menu selection button, upper speakers 88 (upper left speaker 88L, upper right speaker 88R), lower speakers 89 (lower left speaker 89L, upper right speaker 89R), and various LEDs (not shown) (medal number display lamp and status display lamp).

[0275] The reel frame 84 is a transparent window frame formed in a position facing the front of the reels 90 (left reel 90L, center reel 90C, right reel 90R) built into the main body 82 when the front door 81 is closed. That is, a player or the like can visually check the reels 90 through the reel frame 84 from the outside (particularly the front) of the slot machine 80.

[0276] The liquid crystal panel 85 displays a predetermined image (such as a performance image) according to the game content of the slot machine 80. In particular, the liquid crystal panel 85 displays the predetermined image under the control of a sub-control board 94 (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 12) provided on the back side (rear side) of the front door 81.

[0277] The name of the slot machine 80 and images of characters that appear in the slot machine are drawn on the surface of the lower panel 86. In particular, the images are easily visible when a backlight (not shown) installed on the back side (rear side) of the lower panel 86 is turned on.

[0278] In this embodiment, a manufacturer display area 510a of the brand information display section 500 and a manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 are provided at the bottom of the lower panel 86 (directly above the bottom left speaker 89L in FIG. 11). The configurations of the brand information display section 500 and the manufacturer information display section 510 will be described in detail later.

[0279] The operation buttons 87 consist of a bet button 87a which determines the number of gaming media to be used in the game, a start lever 87b which accepts operation by the player to trigger the start of the game, and stop buttons 87c (87cL, 87cC, 87cR) which accept a stop operation to stop each reel 90.

[0280] Under the control of the sub-control board 94, the upper speaker 88 and the lower speaker 89 output predetermined sounds (such as the lines of the characters and related music) according to the game content of the pachislot machine 80.

[0281] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the main body 82 of the pachislot machine 80 is provided with reels 90 (left reel 90L, center reel 90C, right reel 90R), a power supply device 91, a main control board 92, a setting device 93, and a game media number control board 95.

[0282] The reels 90 are composed of a left reel 90L, a center reel 90C, and a right reel 90R. The left reel 90L, the center reel 90C, and the right reel 90R are configured to be rotatable by a stepping motor (not shown). The left reel 90L, the center reel 90C, and the right reel 90R are each provided with a plurality of different patterns. As a result, by rotating each reel 90, the patterns visible from the front through the reel frame 84 of the front door 81 change. When an operation of the corresponding stop button 87c is detected, the rotation of each reel 90 stops immediately or with a movement (slide) of a predetermined number of frames depending on the result of an internal winning role lottery executed at the timing when the game is started (the timing when the operation of the start lever 87b is detected).

[0283] The power supply device 91 is a device for supplying power to each component of the pachislot machine 80. The power supply device 91 is controlled to be started or stopped by operating a power switch (not shown).

[0284] The main control board 92 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with electronic components such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, and a random number circuit. The main control board 92 executes control related to the progress of the game (such as the drawing of internal winning roles according to set values, reel control, winning determination, and control related to the increase and decrease of the number of game media) by executing processing based on data and control signals transmitted and received between various sensors and other boards. Note that the main control board 92 is housed in a specified case from the viewpoint of enhancing security against fraudulent acts such as tampering, and the case is fitted with a specified structure (sealing sticker or rivet) that leaves a trace when opened.

[0285] In particular, the main control board 92 performs a lottery for an internal winning combination in response to the operation of the start lever 87b, and transitions the gaming state of the slot machine 80 among a plurality of gaming modes in response to the lottery result. The plurality of gaming modes include, for example, a normal gaming state, a specific gaming state, and a special gaming state. The normal gaming state is a normal gaming state that is not advantageous to the player (has a relatively low base value). The specific gaming state means a gaming state such as a chance zone (CZ) in which the probability of transitioning to the special gaming state is favored, although the base value is the same as that of the normal gaming state, or a base value lower than that of the special gaming state. The special gaming state is a gaming state that is advantageous to the player (has a relatively high base value). Special gaming states include, for example, various bonuses such as Big Bonus (BB), Regular Bonus (RB), Middle Bonus (MB), Challenge Bonus (CB), and Single Bonus (SB), as well as certain high base gaming states such as Replay Time (RT), Assist Time (AT), Assist Replay Time (ART), and Challenge Time (CT).

[0286] The setting device 93 is a device for performing setting change processing to change setting values ​​and setting confirmation processing to confirm setting values ​​that have already been set, and is equipped with a setting key switch, a setting change switch, a setting display LED, etc.

[0287] The sub-control board 94 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with electronic components such as a CPU, RAM, ROM, and ROM. The sub-control board 94 controls the operation of various presentation devices (particularly the display of the liquid crystal panel 85, the on / off of the backlight of the lower panel 86, and the output sound of the speakers 88, 89), the display of the medal count indicator lamp, and the display of other decorative lamps (not shown) in response to commands from the main control board 92. In particular, the sub-control board 94 appropriately displays presentation images and demo screens related to the game content on the liquid crystal panel 85 in response to commands from the main control board 92.

[0288] The game media number control board 95 is composed of a microcomputer equipped with electronic components such as a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The game media number control board 95 is connected to the main control board 92 and a dedicated unit for managing the number of game media owned by the player, which is located outside the pachinko slot machine 80, via two-way communication, and is configured to be able to electronically manage the balance of the number of game media through communication between them. In addition, the game media number control board 95 is connected to the sub-control board 94 so as to be able to communicate one-way, and is configured to be able to transmit various information related to the number of game media (for example, credit value, number of bets, etc.) to the sub-control board 94.

[0289] (Brand information display section and manufacturer information display section) FIG. 13 is a front view of a main part of a slot machine 80 equipped with a brand information display section 500 and a manufacturer information display section 510 in the fifth embodiment.

[0290] As shown in the figure, the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 of this embodiment is provided in a part of the front door 81 (particularly the lower panel 86) and is configured as an area that displays brand information by an electromagnetic method (for example, a dedicated liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display). In addition, the brand information display device 500b is configured as a device that displays brand information in the brand display area 500a in response to a command from the main control board 92.

[0291] On the other hand, manufacturer display area 510a of manufacturer information display section 510 is attached to the surface of lower panel 86 and is configured with a sticker or paper member on which manufacturer information (name of manufacturer) is written. Note that manufacturer display area 510a may be configured as an area including manufacturer information that is written directly on the surface of lower panel 86.

[0292] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the brand display area 500a is configured to be larger than the area of ​​the manufacturer display area 510a, and these are arranged side by side on the lower panel 86.

[0293] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the brand information display unit 500 (more specifically, the brand information display device 500b) displays brand information in the brand display area 500a when a predetermined condition is met (particularly when the power of the pachinko slot machine 80 is turned on) (see FIG. 13(A)). On the other hand, the brand information display device 500b does not display the brand information in the brand display area 500a when the predetermined condition is not met (particularly when the power of the pachinko slot machine 80 is turned off) (see FIG. 13(B)).

[0294] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the main control board 92 detects a signal indicating that the power of the pachinko slot machine 80 has been turned on (for example, a reset signal generated by the power supply device 91 when the power is turned on), it transmits a flag indicating that the power of the pachinko slot machine 80 has been turned on (power on flag) to the brand information display device 500b. Also, when the main control board 92 detects a signal indicating that the power supply voltage of the pachinko slot machine 80 has fallen below a certain value (for example, a power outage monitoring signal generated by the power supply device 91 when the voltage drops), it transmits a flag indicating that the power of the pachinko slot machine 80 has been turned off (power off flag) to the brand information display device 500b.

[0295] Then, when the brand information display device 500b receives a power-on flag from the main control board 92, it displays brand information in the brand display area 500a. Therefore, when the power is turned on, the brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a and becomes visible from the outside (particularly the front side) of the pachinko slot machine 80. That is, when the power is turned on for the pachinko slot machine 80, which is assumed to be when a player sits in front of the pachinko slot machine 80 and looks toward the pachinko slot machine 80, the brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a.

[0296] On the other hand, the brand information display device 500b hides the brand information in the brand display area 500a when it receives a power-off flag from the main control board 92. Therefore, when the power of the slot machine 80 is turned off, which is when the administrator is expected to perform administrative tasks, the brand information is not displayed and only the manufacturer information is displayed.

[0297] [Modifications] In this modification, the predetermined condition is a condition related to the game status of the slot machine 80. The "game status" is a specific operation status related to the game that the slot machine 80 can be in when the power is turned on. In particular, the game status of this modification includes a first game status and a second game status different from the first game status.

[0298] Here, the "first game situation" in this modified example means a game situation in which the possibility of executing a game presentation that focuses the player's vision (a game presentation display such as a notice or reach executed on the liquid crystal panel 85) is low, and it is estimated that the player is relatively likely to pay attention to the display of brand information. Specifically, the first game situation includes, for example, the end of a special game state (bonus, ART, etc.), while a demo screen is being displayed on the liquid crystal panel 85, and the start of a game (when an operation of the start lever 87b is detected while the demo screen is being displayed). Note that, if the pachinko slot machine 80 is configured as a slot machine that uses conventional real medals instead of a smart slot, the start of a game may include the time when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot.

[0299] On the other hand, the "second gaming situation" refers to a gaming situation in which it is highly possible to execute a gaming performance that focuses the player's vision, and in which it is estimated that the player is relatively unlikely to pay attention to the display of brand information. Specifically, the second gaming situation includes a normal gaming state, a specific gaming state (e.g., during CZ), and a special gaming state (e.g., during a bonus or ART).

[0300] More specifically, in this modified example, it is assumed that the power of the pachinko slot machine 80 is on, and the satisfaction of a predetermined condition defines the gaming status as the first gaming status, and the non-satisfaction of the predetermined condition defines the gaming status as the second gaming status. That is, when the gaming status is the first gaming status, the brand information display device 500b displays brand information in the brand display area 500a. On the other hand, when the gaming status is the second gaming status, the brand information display device 500b does not display the brand information in the brand display area 500a.

[0301] The determination of whether the gaming situation is the first gaming situation is performed based on whether the brand information display device 500b has received, from the main control board 92, predetermined information (data) suggesting that the gaming performance that focuses the player's vision as described above is not being performed. This data includes, for example, a flag indicating that a special gaming state (bonus, ART, etc.) has ended, and a detection signal indicating that the operation buttons 87 (bet button 87a, start lever 87b, etc.) have been operated while the demo screen is being displayed.

[0302] Moreover, the determination of whether the gaming situation is the second gaming situation is performed based on whether the brand information display device 500b has received, from the main control board 92, predetermined data suggesting the possibility of executing the gaming performance that focuses the player's vision as described above. This data includes, for example, a signal indicating that the current state of the pachinko slot machine 80 is a normal gaming state, a signal indicating that it is in a specific gaming state (e.g., during CZ), and / or a signal indicating that it is in a special gaming state (e.g., during bonus or ART).

[0303] According to this modified example, on the assumption that the power of the pachislot machine 80 is on, brand information can be displayed only in situations where game effects that draw the player's visual attention are unlikely to be executed, such as at the end of a bonus or ART and at the start of play.

[0304] [Functions and Effects of the Fifth Embodiment] According to this embodiment, a pachinko slot machine 80 is provided that is capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information linked to the gaming machine (pachinko slot machine 80). This pachinko slot machine 80 has a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays the manufacturer information in a recognizable manner, and a brand information display unit 500 that displays the brand information in a recognizable manner. In particular, the brand information display unit 500 displays the brand information when a predetermined condition is met, and does not display the brand information when the predetermined condition is not met. Furthermore, the manufacturer information display unit 510 displays the manufacturer information regardless of whether the above-mentioned predetermined condition is met or not.

[0305] In particular, according to this embodiment, the establishment of the predetermined condition includes the power of the pachislot machine 80 being on.

[0306] Furthermore, in this embodiment (particularly the modified example), the gaming status of the pachinko slot machine 80 is a first gaming status (such as when a special gaming status ends, when a demo screen is being displayed on the liquid crystal panel 85, and when gaming starts), or a second gaming status different from the first gaming status (such as a normal gaming status, a specific gaming status, and a special gaming status). The establishment of the predetermined condition includes the gaming status of the pachinko slot machine 80 being the first gaming status, and the non-establishment of the predetermined condition includes the gaming status of the pachinko slot machine 80 being the second gaming status.

[0307] In this embodiment, the brand display area 500a of the brand information display section 500 is configured to be larger than the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510.

[0308] According to the pachinko machine 80 of the fifth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to realize the same effects as those of the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment.

[0309] [Sixth embodiment] FIG. 14 is a front view of a main part of a slot machine 80 equipped with a brand information display section 500 and a manufacturer information display section 510 in the sixth embodiment.

[0310] As shown in the figure, in the pachislot machine 80 of this embodiment, the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 is provided on the back surface of the lower panel 86 of the front door 20. On the other hand, the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is provided on the lower panel support 96 arranged behind the lower panel 86 in the front door 20. In other words, the brand display area 500a is offset toward the player with respect to the manufacturer display area 510a. More specifically, the brand display area 500a is provided on the lower panel 86 located relatively on the front side (the near side as seen from the player). Also, the manufacturer display area 510a is provided on the lower panel support 96 located relatively on the rear side (the far side as seen from the player).

[0311] In particular, the brand display area 500a in this embodiment is configured as a transparent screen formed on a part of the lower panel 86. Moreover, the brand information display device 500b is configured as a projection device for switching between displaying and hiding brand information in the brand display area 500a configured as a transparent screen on the lower panel 86 in response to a command from the main control board 92. Note that the brand display area 500a on the lower panel 86 may be configured as a transparent screen that enables so-called AR (Augmented Reality) display, and the brand information display device 500b may be configured with predetermined software and / or hardware that performs processing that enables switching between displaying and hiding an image including brand information in the brand display area 500a.

[0312] The manufacturer display area 510a is configured as a sticker or a paper member on which manufacturer information is written, which is affixed to the surface of the lower panel support body 96. The manufacturer display area 510a may also be an area including manufacturer information that is written directly on the surface of the lower panel support body 96.

[0313] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the brand display area 500a is arranged to overlap the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 in the front-to-rear direction (the direction from the front to the back of the pachinko slot machine 80 as seen by the player). In other words, the brand display area 500a is arranged so as to hide the manufacturer display area 510a when seen from the front of the pachinko slot machine 80.

[0314] Similarly to the first embodiment, the brand information display device 500b displays brand information in the brand display area 500a when a predetermined condition is met (particularly when the power is turned on) (see FIG. 14(A)). On the other hand, the brand information display device 500b does not display brand information in the brand display area 500a when a predetermined condition is not met (particularly when the power is turned off) (see FIG. 14(B)).

[0315] According to this, by displaying the brand information in the brand display area 500a when the power is turned on, it is possible to block visibility from the front of the manufacturer display area 510a located behind the brand display area 500a. Therefore, when the power is turned on, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his / her line of sight directed toward the pachinko slot machine 80, it is possible to make it possible to make only the brand information visible (manufacturer information invisible) from the outside of the pachinko slot machine 80 (particularly the front).

[0316] On the other hand, when the power is off, the brand information is hidden in the manufacturer display area 510a, so that the visibility from the front of the manufacturer display area 510a arranged behind the brand display area 500a is ensured. Therefore, when the power is off and it is assumed that the administrator will perform administrative tasks, it is possible to make it so that only the manufacturer information is visible (the brand information is not visible) from the outside of the pachislot machine 80 (particularly the front).

[0317] [Modifications] In this modified example, as in the modified example of the fifth embodiment, the predetermined condition is premised on the power of the slot machine 80 being on, the establishment of the predetermined condition is defined as the gaming status being the first gaming status, and the non-establishment of the predetermined condition is defined as the gaming status being the second gaming status. According to this, on the premise that the power of the slot machine 80 is on, it is possible to display brand information only in situations where the possibility of executing gaming performances that draw the player's visual attention is low, such as at the end of a bonus or ART and at the start of a game.

[0318] [Functions and Effects of the Sixth Embodiment] According to this embodiment, a pachinko slot machine 80 is provided that is capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information linked to the gaming machine (pachinko slot machine 80). This pachinko slot machine 80 has a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays the manufacturer information in a recognizable manner, and a brand information display unit 500 that displays the brand information in a recognizable manner. In particular, the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 is disposed offset toward the player (the front side of the pachinko slot machine 80) with respect to the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510.

[0319] In this embodiment, the brand information display unit 500 displays the brand information when a predetermined condition is met and does not display the brand information when the predetermined condition is not met. On the other hand, the manufacturer information display unit 510 displays the manufacturer information regardless of whether the predetermined condition is met or not.

[0320] In particular, according to this embodiment, the establishment of the predetermined condition includes the power of the pachislot machine 80 being on.

[0321] Furthermore, in this embodiment (particularly the modified example), the gaming status of the pachinko slot machine 80 is a first gaming status (such as when a special gaming status ends, when a demo screen is being displayed on the liquid crystal panel 85, and when gaming starts), or a second gaming status different from the first gaming status (such as a normal gaming status, a specific gaming status, and a special gaming status). The establishment of the predetermined condition includes the gaming status of the pachinko slot machine 80 being the first gaming status, and the non-establishment of the predetermined condition includes the gaming status of the pachinko slot machine 80 being the second gaming status.

[0322] According to the pachinko machine 80 of the sixth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to realize the same effects as those of the pachinko machine 10 of the second embodiment.

[0323] In addition, the following technical idea (hereinafter, referred to as "technical idea X4") can also be understood from this embodiment. That is, the following technical idea X4 is included in the matters described in the original specification of the present application.

[0324] (Technical Thoughts X4) A slot machine 80 capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information associated with the gaming machine (slot machine 80), a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays manufacturer information in a recognizable manner; A brand information display unit 500 that displays brand information in a recognizable manner, The brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 is offset toward the player (the front side of the pachinko slot machine 80) with respect to the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510, and is disposed so as to at least partially overlap (overlap) the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 in the front-to-rear direction of the pachinko slot machine 10; The brand information display unit 500 displays the brand information when a predetermined condition is met, and does not display the brand information when the predetermined condition is not met. The manufacturer information display unit 510 of the slot machine 80 displays manufacturer information regardless of whether a predetermined condition is satisfied or not.

[0325] The pachinko machine 80 according to the technical concept X4 can achieve the same effects as those achieved by the pachinko machine 10 according to the technical concept X1 described in the second embodiment.

[0326] [Seventh embodiment] FIG. 15 is a front view of a main part of a slot machine 80 equipped with a brand information display section 500 and a manufacturer information display section 510 in the seventh embodiment.

[0327] In the slot machine 80 of this embodiment, the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is configured as a part of the lower panel 86. In particular, the manufacturer display area 510a is configured as an area in which the manufacturer information is not displayed when the backlight of the lower panel 86 is turned on (power is on) and the manufacturer information can be displayed when the backlight is turned off (power is off). More specifically, the manufacturer display area 510a can be realized by a hologram structure having unevenness that adjusts the refractive index of light so that the characters and the like written on the lower panel 86 are visible when no light is irradiated and the characters and the like are not visible when light is irradiated. Note that the manufacturer display area 510a may be structured so that the brightness becomes high enough to prevent visibility when light (backlight) is irradiated, making it difficult to see the characters and the like (i.e., a structure in which the manufacturer information is too bright for the player to see).

[0328] As a result, when the power is turned on (particularly when the lower panel 86 is lit up) when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his or her eyes directed toward the pachislot machine 80, the brand information is displayed in the brand display area 500a, but visibility of the manufacturer information from the front is hindered by the light from the backlight and the structure of the lower panel 86. Therefore, it is possible to make the manufacturer information less visible to the player while playing, and to further emphasize the display of the brand information.

[0329] [Functions and Effects of the Seventh Embodiment] According to this embodiment, a slot machine 80 is provided that is capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information linked to the gaming machine (slot machine 80). The slot machine 80 has a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays manufacturer information in a recognizable manner, a brand information display unit 500 that displays brand information in a recognizable manner, and an obstruction means (a backlight and a part of the lower panel 86) that is provided on the player side (the front side of the slot machine 80) of a manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 and obstructs visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 when a predetermined condition is met.

[0330] In particular, the obstruction means of this embodiment includes an obstruction member (part of the lower panel 86) having a function of decorating the appearance of the slot machine 80. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the establishment of the predetermined condition includes the power of the slot machine 80 being on.

[0331] According to the pachinko machine 80 of the seventh embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to realize the same effects as those of the pachinko machine 10 of the third embodiment.

[0332] [Eighth embodiment] FIG. 16 is a front view of a main part of a slot machine 80 equipped with a brand information display section 500 and a manufacturer information display section 510 in the eighth embodiment.

[0333] As shown in the figure, the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 of this embodiment is configured as part of the screen area of ​​the liquid crystal panel 85. Moreover, the function of the brand information display device 500b for displaying brand information in the brand display area 500a is realized by the sub-control board 94. More specifically, the sub-control board 94 is configured to be able to execute display processing of brand information in the brand display area 500a (in particular, displaying and hiding brand information) as part of the screen display control of the liquid crystal panel 85.

[0334] On the other hand, the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is provided below the reel 90 in the main body 82. In particular, the manufacturer display area 510a in this embodiment is provided at a position overlapping in the front-to-rear direction with a component of the front door 81 (in FIG. 16, the decorative part 514 near the stop button 87c) when the front door 81 is closed.

[0335] In this embodiment, the predetermined condition for switching between displaying and hiding the brand information in the brand display area 500a is defined as the open / closed state of the front door 81. More specifically, the establishment of the predetermined condition is defined as the front door 81 being in a closed state.

[0336] That is, the brand information display device 500b (the sub-control board 94 in this embodiment) displays brand information in the brand display area 500a when the front door 81 is closed. Therefore, when the front door 81 is closed, the brand information is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 85, and the decorative part 514 located away from the liquid crystal panel 85 blocks the view of the manufacturer display area 510a provided on the main body part 82 from the front (see FIG. 16(A)). Therefore, when the front door 81 is closed, when it is assumed that the player will be seated with his / her eyes directed toward the pachinko slot machine 80, it is possible to block the visibility of the manufacturer information in the manufacturer display area 510a while ensuring the visibility of the brand information display in the brand display area 500a.

[0337] On the other hand, non-establishment of the predetermined condition is defined as the front door 81 being in an open state. That is, the brand information display device 500b (the sub-control board 94 in this embodiment) does not display the brand information in the brand display area 500a when the front door 81 is open. Therefore, when the front door 81 is open, the brand information on the liquid crystal panel 85 is not displayed, and the decorative part 514 of the front door 81 is moved away from the front of the manufacturer display area 510a, ensuring visibility of the manufacturer information (see FIG. 16(B)). Therefore, when the front door 81 is open, when it is assumed that the manager will perform management tasks, it is possible to improve the visibility of the display of the manufacturer information in the manufacturer display area 510a.

[0338] The determination of whether the front door 81 is in a closed state or an open state can be executed by the brand information display device 500b (the sub-control board 94 in this embodiment) by referring to the output signal of a front door open / close sensor (not shown). Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the sub-control board 94 receives information (flags or commands) indicating the open / closed state of the front door 81 from the main control board 92 and determines the open / closed state of the front door 81 based on the information. In this case, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which the main control board 92 receives an output signal of the front door open / close sensor, generates a flag or command indicating the open / closed state of the front door 81 from the output signal, and outputs it to the sub-control board 94.

[0339] [Functions and Effects of the Eighth Embodiment] According to this embodiment, a pachinko slot machine 80 capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information linked to a gaming machine (pachinko slot machine 80) is provided. This pachinko slot machine 80 has a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays manufacturer information in a recognizable manner, a brand information display unit 500 that displays brand information in a recognizable manner, and an inhibition means that is provided on the player side (the front side of the pachinko slot machine 80) of a manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 and inhibits visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 when a predetermined condition is met. In particular, the inhibition means is configured not to inhibit visibility of the brand display area 500a of the brand information display unit 500 even when the above-mentioned predetermined condition is met.

[0340] In particular, the obstruction means of the present embodiment includes an obstruction member (decoration portion 514) having a function of decorating the appearance of the slot machine 80.

[0341] Furthermore, the obstruction means in this embodiment is configured so as not to obstruct the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 when the predetermined condition is not met (when the front door 81 is open).

[0342] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fulfillment of the predetermined condition includes the front door (front door 81) being closed.

[0343] The pachinko machine 80 having the above-described configuration can achieve the same effects as those achieved by the pachinko machine 10 in the fourth embodiment.

[0344] [Modifications] As a modification of the pachinko slot machine 80 of the eighth embodiment, the obstruction means may be configured to obstruct the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 even if the predetermined condition is not satisfied (even when the front door 81 is open). This makes it possible to realize the same effect as that of the pachinko machine 10 in the modification of the fourth embodiment.

[0345] In addition, the following two technical ideas (referred to as "technical idea X5" and "technical idea X6") can also be understood from this embodiment. That is, the following technical ideas X5 and X6 are included in the matters described in the original specification of the present application.

[0346] (Technical Thoughts X5) A slot machine 80 capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information associated with the gaming machine (slot machine 80), a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays manufacturer information in a recognizable manner; A brand information display unit 500 that displays brand information in a recognizable manner; and an inhibition means that is provided on the player side (the front side of the slot machine 80) with respect to the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510, and inhibits the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 when a predetermined condition is established, The manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is provided on the gaming machine main body (main body 82) to which the front door 81 is attached so as to be able to be opened and closed. The pachislot machine 80 includes an obstruction means provided on the front door 81 and configured as an obstruction member (decorative portion 514) arranged in a position that at least partially overlaps with the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 in the front-to-rear direction of the pachislot machine 80 when the front door 81 is in a closed state.

[0347] (Technical Thought X6) A slot machine 80 capable of displaying manufacturer information for identifying a manufacturer and brand information associated with the gaming machine (slot machine 80), a manufacturer information display unit 510 that displays manufacturer information in a recognizable manner; A brand information display unit 500 that displays brand information in a recognizable manner; and an inhibition means that is provided on the player side (front side) of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 and inhibits visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 when a predetermined condition is established, The manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 is provided on the front door 81. The obstruction means is a pachislot machine 80 that is composed of an obstruction member (decorative portion 514) that is arranged in a position that at least partially overlaps with the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display section 510 in the front-to-rear direction of the pachislot machine 80, but does not overlap with the brand display area 500a of the brand information display section 500.

[0348] The pachinko slot machine 80 according to the technical idea X5 can realize the same effect as the pachinko machine 10 according to the technical idea X2 described in the fourth embodiment. Also, the pachinko slot machine 80 according to the technical idea X6 can realize the same effect as the pachinko machine 10 according to the technical idea X3 described in the fourth embodiment.

[0349] [Other Modifications] Other modifications not described in the above-described embodiments and their modifications will be summarized below. (I) The specific aspects of the brand information display section 500 and the manufacturer information display section 510 can be modified as appropriate. (I-1) The brand display area 500a in the brand information display unit 500 may be configured by attaching a sticker or paper material on which the brand information is written, or as an area in which the brand information is written directly on a component of the gaming machine (pachinko machine 10 or pachislot machine 80). (I-2) The manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 may be configured to be displayed by an electromagnetic method (a displayable area on a display device for displaying digital data such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or an LED display), and a configuration for controlling the display of manufacturer information in the manufacturer display area 510a (such as switching between display and non-display) may be adopted (adding a separate display device, or incorporating the function into an existing control device such as a main control device). (I-3) In the slot machine 80, the manufacturer display area 510a may be provided in a component (for example, the main control board 92) in the main body 82. In the pachinko machine 10, the manufacturer display area 510a may be provided in various internal control devices (control boards).

[0350] (II) The specific configuration of the obstruction means for obstructing the visibility of the manufacturer display area 510a of the manufacturer information display unit 510 can also be modified as appropriate. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, the obstruction means is configured with a member having a function of decorating the exterior of the gaming machine (the pachinko machine 10 or the pachislot machine 80). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a dedicated structure or device capable of realizing the function of the obstruction means may be adopted.

[0351] It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment or example, and various modifications and alterations are possible within the scope of the technical idea, and it is clear that these are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. For example, the performance control device 300 (sub-control board 94) can execute part of the processing executed by the game control device 100 (main control board 92), and conversely, the game control device 100 (main control board 92) can execute part of the processing executed by the performance control device 300 (sub-control board 94). For example, it is possible to combine multiple embodiments and multiple modified examples in various ways. In addition, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the scope of the claims and the meaning and content equivalent thereto. [Explanation of symbols]

[0352] 10 Pachinko machines (amusement machines) 14 Coverslip 20 Front door 24 Operating handle 30 Game Board 32 Gaming area 41 Main Display 80 Pachislot Machines 81 Front door (front door) 82 Main body 85 Liquid crystal panel 86 Lower Panel 87 Operation buttons 91 Power supply 92 Main control board 94 Sub-control board 96 Lower panel support 100 Game control device 300 Production control device 500 Brand information display section 500a Brand information display area 500b Brand information display device 510 Manufacturer information display section 510a Manufacturer information display area 511 Movable body (obstruction means, obstruction member) 512 Light control window (obstruction means, obstruction member) 513 Decorative windows (obstructing means, obstructing members) 514 Decorative parts (obstructing means, obstructing members)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine capable of displaying manufacturer information including a mark for identifying a manufacturer of the gaming machine and brand information including a mark for identifying a provider of the gaming machine, The mark for identifying the manufacturer and the mark for identifying the provider are different from each other, a manufacturer information display unit that displays the manufacturer information in a recognizable manner; a brand information display unit that displays the brand information in a recognizable manner, the brand information display section is offset toward the player from the manufacturer information display section and is disposed so as to overlap at least a portion of the manufacturer information display section; When the brand information display unit displays the brand information, a display area of ​​the manufacturer information display unit is prevented from being viewed by a player. Amusement machine.

Images