Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can effectively increase attention to the game. [Solution] An entry unit 850F is provided in the right route of the game area PE. An effect gate 855F is provided above the entry unit 850F, and game balls that pass through the effect gate 855F flow into the upper roulette 856F. The upper roulette 856F functions as a distribution means that distributes game balls to a first branch passage section and a second branch passage section, and game balls distributed to the first branch passage section enter the lower operating opening 859F via a non-electric mechanism 858F. On the display screen 500aF of the symbol display device 500F, a special effect is started based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the effect gate 855F. The execution time of this special effect is set to be longer than the time required when a game ball that has passed through the effect gate 855F enters the lower operating opening 859F via the aforementioned flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines are equipped with a symbol display device that variably displays symbols on a display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, when a game ball passes through an operation port provided in the game area, a lottery is conducted to determine whether a specific gaming state advantageous to the player, such as a winning state, is generated, and the variable display of the symbols is started. When winning the lottery, a specific symbol combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the gaming state shifts to a specific gaming state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably improving the attention paid to games.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is a game board in which a game area is formed, a first ball-in means through which a game ball flowing down in the game area can enter, A second ball entry means into which game balls flowing down the aforementioned game area can be entered, A display means having a display unit, Equipped with, The system is configured to initiate a first performance in a predetermined area of ​​the display unit based on the entry of a game ball into the first ball entry means. The system is configured to initiate a second performance in the predetermined area of ​​the display unit based on the fact that a game ball has entered the second ball entry means. The configuration allows the second performance to be initiated in the predetermined area based on the fact that a game ball enters the second ball entry means while the first performance is not being performed in the predetermined area. The second ball entry means can be configured to make it easier for game balls to enter than the first ball entry means. The configuration allows for the execution of a specific performance when the first performance is initiated. The configuration is characterized by the ability to execute the specific performance when the second performance is initiated. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the level of attention given to the game can be effectively increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the structure of the inner frame. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the configuration of the game board unit. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the game board unit from the rear. [Figure 8]It is a rear view showing the structure of the inner frame. [Figure 9] It is a rear view showing the structure of the pachinko machine. [Figure 10] It is a front view showing the structure of the back pack unit. [Figure 11] (a) Front view of the variable display unit, (b) Perspective view of the variable display unit. [Figure 12] It is an exploded perspective view of the variable display unit. [Figure 13] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the variable display unit. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram showing the state of light emission. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram showing the mounting structure of the light guide plate. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the light emitting part and the light guide plate. [Figure 18] It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 19] It is a schematic diagram showing various counters. [Figure 20] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration related to symbol display. [Figure 21] It is a schematic diagram showing the symbols displayed on the variable display unit. [Figure 22] It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the symbols displayed on the variable display unit. [Figure 23] It is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the display on the variable display unit. [Figure 24] It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the side LEDs. [Figure 25] It is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 26] It is a flowchart showing the winning process for the operation port. [Figure 27] It is a flowchart showing the information acquisition process. [Figure 28] It is a flowchart showing the normal processing executed by the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 29] This flowchart shows the game round control process. [Figure 30] This is a flowchart showing the process for initiating the change. [Figure 31] This flowchart shows the variable display control process executed by the MPU of the notification and performance control device. [Figure 32] This is a flowchart showing the process for initiating the change. [Figure 33] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the variable display pattern and the probability of hitting the jackpot. [Figure 34] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the animations in a normal reach that does not support special changes. [Figure 35] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the animations during a normal reach with special modification support. [Figure 36] This flowchart shows the processing for when fluctuations occur. [Figure 37] This flowchart shows the light emission and drive control processes. [Figure 38] This is a flowchart showing the processing for displaying special fluctuations. [Figure 39] This is a timing chart showing the sequence of events in a normal reach that does not support special changes. [Figure 40] This is a timing chart showing the sequence of events in a normal reach with special modification support. [Figure 41] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the visible range and the boundary area. [Figure 42] (a) A flowchart showing the light emission regulation process, and (b) A schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the regulated side LED and the boundary area. [Figure 43] This is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit in the second embodiment. [Figure 44] (a) A schematic diagram showing the relationship between each light guide plate and the background, and (b) A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the background. [Figure 45] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a variable display unit. [Figure 46]This is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit in the third embodiment. [Figure 47] This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of symbols and other elements displayed on the inner reels. [Figure 48] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the combination of symbols displayed on the inner reels and the type of jackpot. [Figure 49] This flowchart shows the game round control process executed by the MPU of the main control unit. [Figure 50] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the upper operating port. [Figure 51] This is a flowchart showing the process for initiating fluctuations for the upper operating port. [Figure 52] This is a flowchart showing the control process for the lower operating port. [Figure 53] This is a flowchart showing the process for initiating fluctuations for the lower operating port. [Figure 54] (a) A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the types of lottery modes and support modes, and (b) A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the display time of the fluctuations. [Figure 55] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game state and the illumination / exit status of each display unit. [Figure 56] (a) A schematic diagram showing a display mainly on the outer reels, and (b) A schematic diagram showing a display mainly on the inner reels. [Figure 57] This flowchart shows the display processing for the upper operation port, which is executed by the MPU of the notification and performance control device. [Figure 58] This is a flowchart showing the main control process for the upper operating port. [Figure 59] This is a flowchart showing the special control process for the upper operating port. [Figure 60] This is a flowchart showing the display process for the lower operating port. [Figure 61] This is a flowchart showing the main control process for the lower operating port. [Figure 62] This is a flowchart showing the special control process for the lower operating port. [Figure 63]This is a schematic diagram showing a gaming device in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 64] This is a schematic diagram showing the destinations of game balls that reach the distribution mechanism. [Figure 65] (a) A schematic diagram of the sorting mechanism in an unregulated state, and (b) A schematic diagram of the sorting device in a regulated state. [Figure 66] (a) Perspective view of the ball receiving mechanism from above, (b) Longitudinal cross-section of the ball receiving mechanism. [Figure 67] This is a schematic diagram of a gaming device in an unassisted state. [Figure 68] This is a schematic diagram of a gaming device in auxiliary mode. [Figure 69] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a gaming device. [Figure 70] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a gaming device. [Figure 71] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a gaming device. [Figure 72] This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a gaming device. [Figure 73] This is a front view showing the game board unit in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 74] This is a perspective view of the game board unit from the front. [Figure 75] This is a magnified view of a game board unit, showing a close-up of the lower part of the game area. [Figure 76] This is a perspective view of the ball entry unit from the front. [Figure 77] This is an exploded perspective view of the ball-receiving unit, showing the front cover removed from the base body. [Figure 78] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the ball entry process. [Figure 79] This is a schematic diagram showing the differences in the targets guided to the lower roulette. [Figure 80] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the lower roulette and the non-electric mechanism. [Figure 81] This is a schematic diagram showing the trend in the number of reserved units related to the lower operating port. [Figure 82]This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 83] This is a schematic diagram showing the content displayed on the screen. [Figure 84] This flowchart shows the variable display control processing for the first and second variable display areas executed by the MPU of the notification and performance control device. [Figure 85] This flowchart shows the variable display control process for the third variable display area, which is executed by the MPU of the notification and performance control device. [Figure 86] This flowchart shows the processing for the first normal game state. [Figure 87] This is a schematic diagram showing the time required for a game ball to move within the ball entry unit. [Figure 88] This is a flowchart showing the processing for the second and third phases. [Figure 89] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the display and presentation. [Figure 90] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the display and presentation. [Figure 91] This is a schematic diagram showing the variable display time table corresponding to losing results, which is referenced in the first normal game state. [Figure 92] This is a timing chart showing the sequence of display effects as the game progresses. [Figure 93] This is a schematic diagram showing the display content of the display screen in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 94] (a) A flowchart showing the command response process for hold display control executed by the MPU of the display control device, and (b) A schematic diagram illustrating a hold display. [Figure 95] This flowchart shows the information acquisition process performed by the MPU of the main control unit. [Figure 96] This is a flowchart showing the confirmation process for a pending notification. [Figure 97] This is a flowchart showing the process for setting up pending commands. [Figure 98] This flowchart shows the setting process for the hold notification effect, which is executed by the MPU of the notification and effect control device. [Figure 99] This is a schematic diagram showing the types of pending notification effects. [Figure 100] This is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the pending notification effect. [Figure 101] (a) A schematic diagram showing the setting values ​​in the seventh embodiment, and (b) A flowchart showing the setting suggestion process executed by the MPU of the notification and performance control device. [Figure 102] (a) A schematic diagram showing the probability of winning a setting suggestion, and (b) A schematic diagram showing an overview of the setting suggestion. [Figure 103] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the game board unit and the check sheet in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 104] This is a front view of the checklist. [Figure 105] This is a schematic diagram showing the positioning lines for the checklist. [Figure 106] (a) A schematic diagram showing the light guiding function, and (b) A block diagram showing the electrical configuration related to the light guiding function. [Figure 107] This is a schematic diagram showing the light-emitting effect in the glass unit as viewed from the front of the gaming machine. [Figure 108] (a) A partially enlarged view of the game board unit in the ninth embodiment, and (b) A partial cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Figure 108(a). [Figure 109] This is a close-up view of a portion of the game board unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] <First Embodiment> The following describes in detail a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), a type of gaming machine, based on the drawings. Figure 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 seen from the front, and Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an unfolded state. Note that in Figure 3, for convenience, the components within the game area of ​​the pachinko machine 10 are omitted.

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

[0011] As shown in Figure 2, the outer frame 11 is constructed by connecting elongated frame materials on all four sides, forming an overall rectangular frame shape. By attaching and fixing this outer frame 11 to the island equipment, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the gaming hall. Note that the outer frame 11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be installed on the island equipment of the gaming hall.

[0012] The main body of the gaming machine 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. Specifically, an upper support fitting 17 is fixed to the connection between the upper frame and the left frame of the outer frame 11, and a lower support fitting 18 is provided at the connection between the lower frame and the left frame of the outer frame 11. These upper support fittings 17 and 18 constitute a support mechanism, and this support mechanism allows the main body of the gaming machine 12 to rotate forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 (see Figures 3 and 4).

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

[0014] The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported within the inner frame 13, allowing it to rotate forward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the leading end when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Additionally, the back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported within the inner frame 13, allowing it to rotate backward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the leading end when viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

[0015] (Front door frame 14) Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame 20 whose outer shape is almost identical to that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. A roughly elliptical window 21 is formed in the central part of the frame 20, which allows almost the entire gaming area PE (described later) to be visible from the front, and this window 21 is covered from the rear side of the front door frame 14 by a glass unit 22.

[0016] The glass unit 22 comprises a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds these glass panels 23. The glass holder has a partition that divides the holding area of ​​the glass panels 23 into front and rear sections, and the two glass panels 23 face each other front and rear with the partition in between. In other words, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, interference between the glass panels 23 is avoided, and the game area PE is double-covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23.

[0017] It is not necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder; each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary; it may be one or three or more. However, in light of improving safety and security, it is preferable to use multiple glass panels and to position each of these glass panels facing each other front and back with a predetermined gap in between. Incidentally, it is also possible to use a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of glass panels.

[0018] Various light-emitting means, such as lamps, are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically the window section 21). For example, a ring-shaped illuminated section 26 containing LEDs or other light-emitting means is provided along the periphery of the window section 21. The ring-shaped illuminated section 26 lights up or flashes in accordance with changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or when a predetermined reach occurs. In addition, an error indicator lamp section 27 is provided in the center of the ring-shaped illuminated section 26, at the very top of the pachinko machine 10, which lights up when an error or malfunction occurs, and prize ball lamp sections 28 are provided to the left and right of it, which light up when prize balls are paid out. Furthermore, speaker sections 29 that output sound effects, background music, etc., according to the game state are provided in a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp sections 28 (see Figure 3).

[0019] Below the window portion 21 of the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulge 31 and a lower bulge 32 are arranged vertically side by side, bulging toward the front. Inside the upper bulge 31 is an upper tray 33 that opens upward, and inside the lower bulge 32 is a lower tray 34 that also opens upward (see Figure 2). The upper tray 33 has the function of temporarily storing game balls dispensed from the dispensing device (described later) and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism (described later) while aligning them in a line. The lower tray 34 has the function of storing game balls that are left over in the upper tray 33 and also functions as a receptacle for game balls that have been launched by the game ball launching mechanism but have not reached the game area PE (see Figure 3) and are returned to the player.

[0020] To the right of the lower bulge 32, a game ball launching handle 41 is provided, protruding toward the player. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated, a game ball is launched from the game ball launching mechanism, which will be described later. The launch speed of the game ball increases as the amount of operation (rotation) of the game ball launching handle 41 increases, and when this amount of operation is adjusted by the player to a predetermined amount, the game ball will reach the game area PE. Furthermore, by adjusting this amount of operation, the player can launch the game ball to either the right route or the left route, which will be described later.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is molded from synthetic resin and has a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion is formed at the upper corner, which protrudes to the rear and opens upward. By dividing this receiving portion into left and right sections with a partition wall, the entrance portion of the front door side upper tray passage and the entrance portion of the front door side lower tray passage are separated. The upstream side of the front door side upper tray passage and the front door side lower tray passage leads to a game ball distribution section, which will be described later. Game balls that enter the front door side upper tray passage are guided to the upper tray 33, and game balls that enter the front door side lower tray passage are guided to the lower tray 34.

[0022] On the rear side of the front door frame 14, at the pivot end, protruding shafts are provided at its upper and lower ends. These protruding shafts constitute the assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

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

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

[0025] Support brackets 71 and 72 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the pivot base side (left side in Figure 5) on the front surface of the inner frame base body 50. Although not shown in the figure, the support brackets 71 and 72 have shafts, and bearings provided on the front door frame 14 are inserted into these shafts, thereby supporting the front door frame 14 so that it can rotate relative to the inner frame 13.

[0026] A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is provided on the rotating end side (right side in Figure 5) of the inner frame base body 50. The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end of the inner frame base body 50 (the vertical frame member described later) and has front door hook members 76 scattered along its longitudinal direction (vertical direction). The inner frame base body 50 has a hook receiving member 49 (see Figure 3) provided on the back of the front door frame 14 and slits formed to protrude towards the front side of the inner frame 13, corresponding to each front door hook member 76. The front door hook members 76 that protrude through these slits engage with the front door hook members 76 provided on the front door frame 14 in a one-to-one correspondence with each front door hook member 76, thereby locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 in an unopenable state. Furthermore, the locking device 75 has an inner frame hook member 77 that extends to the rear side of the inner frame 13. These inner frame hook members 77 catch on a hook receiving member 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, thereby locking the main part of the gaming machine 12 in a closed position relative to the outer frame 11.

[0027] The inner frame base 50 (locking device 75) is equipped with a cylinder lock 78 for unlocking the locking device 75. The cylinder lock 78 is provided separately from the locking unit (each hook member 76, 77 and interlocking rod, etc.) that constitutes the main part of the locking device 75, and is positioned adjacent to the locking unit. Turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 to the right (clockwise) unlocks the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13, and turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 to the left (counterclockwise) unlocks the inner frame 13 to the outer frame 11.

[0028] A recessed area 51 for housing the game board unit 80 is formed in the central part of the inner frame base body 50. The recessed area 51 is recessed at the rear of the game machine to match the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the game board unit 80 is fixed in place by a manual locking mechanism while fitted into this recessed area 51 from the front of the game machine. A roughly rectangular window opening 52 is formed at the bottom of the recessed area 51, and the rear configuration of the game board unit 80 (rear block 80b, described later) protrudes from the rear of the inner frame 13 through this window opening 52. This window opening 52 is almost entirely covered from the front of the game machine by the game board unit 80 mounted on the inner frame base body 50.

[0029] (Game board unit 80) The game board unit 80 is formed by integrating a front block 80a, which is mainly made of a plate material made of synthetic resin, and a rear block 80b, which is provided on the rear side of the front block 80a and on which various game components (variable display device, control device, movable performance mechanism, etc.) described later are mounted on the base body 251.

[0030] The front block 80a has a game area forming body 310 made of transparent resin, and the aforementioned game area PE is formed on the front of the game area forming body 310 through which game balls flow. As already explained, the game area PE is covered by a glass unit 22 (more specifically, the rear glass panel 23). The glass unit 22 is positioned such that the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front of the game area forming body 310 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game balls, that is, so that game balls flowing down the game area PE do not line up front to back at the same point in the game area PE. This suppresses ball jamming in the game area PE. Note that the game area forming body 310 is not limited to being made of synthetic resin, but can also be made of wood.

[0031] The following describes the game board unit 80 (particularly the various components arranged in the game area PE of the game area forming body 310) based on Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a front view of the game board unit 80, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of the game board unit 80 from the rear.

[0032] The game area forming body 310 has multiple openings of varying sizes that penetrate in its own thickness direction (front-to-back direction). As shown in Figure 6, each opening is equipped with a general prize entry opening 81, a variable prize entry device 82, an operating opening unit 83 (operating openings 83a, 83b), a through gate 84, etc. When game balls enter the general prize entry opening 81, the variable prize entry device 82, and the operating openings 83a, 83b, these game balls are detected by detection sensors (not shown) provided corresponding to each entry point, and based on the detection result, the player is granted a predetermined number of prize balls (dispensing of game balls) or other benefits. In addition, an out opening 89 is provided at the bottom of the game area forming body 310, and game balls that do not enter the various entry points are discharged from the game area PE through the out opening 89. In the following explanation, to clearly distinguish it from the entry of game balls into the out opening 89, the entry of game balls into the general prize opening 81, the variable prize device 82, and the operating openings 83a and 83b will also be referred to as "winning a prize."

[0033] Furthermore, the game area forming body 310 is equipped with numerous game pins 93, windmills 94, and other game components to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow paths of the game balls. These various configurations of game pins 93, windmills 94, and other components differentiate the flow paths of the game balls, and are adjusted so that the balls enter the general prize winning holes 81, etc., as described above, with a suitable probability.

[0034] A central opening 85 is formed in the center of the front block 80a (game area forming body 310), and a transparent opening cover 86 is attached to cover this central opening. Behind this central opening 85 are the variable display unit 500 and the like, which belong to the rear block 80b, and the variable display unit 500 and the like can be seen from the front of the game machine through the central opening (opening cover 86). For the sake of explanation, in Figure 6 the opening cover 86 is shown with a dashed line to indicate that the variable display unit 500 is visible.

[0035] An operating port unit 83 and a through gate 84 are arranged around the central opening 85. The operating port unit 83 is provided with an upper operating port 83a located below the variable display unit 500 and a lower operating port 83b located below the upper operating port 83a. Of these two operating ports 83a and 83b, the lower operating port 83b is equipped with an electric mechanism 91 which serves as an opening and closing ball entry assist device (ball entry assist means) or opening and closing member (opening and closing means). The electric mechanism 91 has a movable piece and a solenoid-type drive unit that drives the movable piece, and can be switched between an open state (assist state) in which ball entry into the lower operating port 83b is possible or easy, and a closed state (non-assist state) in which ball entry is impossible or difficult.

[0036] Upstream from the lower operating port 83b (more specifically, to the side of the variable display unit 500: right route), the above-mentioned through gate 84 is located, and if a lottery is won triggered by the passage of a game ball through gate 84, the electric mechanism 91 is switched from a closed state to an open state for a predetermined period of time.

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

[0038] The variable prize-winning device (special ball-entry device or special ball-entry means) 82 has a large prize-winning opening through which game balls can pass, and is provided with an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) that opens and closes the large prize-winning opening. The opening / closing member can be switched between an open state (allowing state) in which game balls can be entered or entered easily, and a closed state (blocking state) in which entry is impossible or difficult. The opening / closing member is also connected to a variable prize-winning drive unit (specifically a solenoid, etc.) provided on the back side of the game board unit 80, and under normal circumstances the opening / closing door remains in the closed state, and is switched to the open state when the player wins the internal lottery to transition to the opening / closing execution mode (open / closing execution state) (jackpot: when the player wins the transition to a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state).

[0039] Here, the opening / closing execution mode is the mode that is entered when a jackpot is won. In this opening / closing execution mode, the variable prize winning device 82 is set to open and close repeatedly for a maximum of multiple rounds (for example, 16 rounds), with one round defined as the elapsed of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes (for example, 10 prizes).

[0040] Here, we will provide a supplementary explanation of the variable display unit 500. The variable display unit 500 is a symbol display device that displays symbols in a variable manner (variable display) when a prize is awarded in the operating openings 83a and 83b, and its display content is controlled by the notification / performance control device and display control device described later. In the variable display unit 500, for example, symbols are displayed in a row on the left, center, and right, and these symbols are displayed in a variable manner, for example, by scrolling up and down. When a jackpot is won, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the pre-set active lines, and the game transitions to the opening / closing execution mode (special game state or jackpot).

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

[0042] Furthermore, the variable prize-winning device 82 and the through gate 84 mentioned above are located on the right route, so that game balls flowing down the left route are prevented from entering these variable prize-winning devices 82 and the through gate. On the other hand, game balls flowing down the right route are prevented from entering the upper operating opening 83a. Therefore, when the electric mechanism 91 of the lower operating opening 83b is in high-frequency support mode or opening / closing execution mode, the game can be advanced to an advantage by launching game balls to the right route, and when it is in low-frequency support mode, the game can be advanced to an advantage by launching game balls to the left route. In other words, the player can advance the game to an advantage by selecting the path of the game balls from the right route or the left route depending on the game situation.

[0043] A stage section 96 is formed on the upper surface of the frame that constitutes the lower part of the center frame 95, allowing game balls to roll from side to side. Game balls that flow in through an inlet formed in the left frame of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage section 96 through a warp passage 97 also formed in the center frame 95. The stage section 96 is configured such that game balls that reach the stage section 96 are more likely to flow into the upper operating opening 83a, specifically, they are more likely to flow into the upper operating opening 83a compared to game balls that do not pass through the stage section 96, thus contributing to increased player attention to the movement of game balls on the stage section 96.

[0044] In this embodiment, as described above, the central opening 85 is covered by a transparent opening cover 86, which restricts the movement of game balls that have reached the stage section 96 towards the rear block 80b (variable display unit 500).

[0045] Furthermore, a first reserve lamp section 98a and a second reserve lamp section 98b are provided on the front of the frame section that constitutes the lower part of the center frame 95. The first reserve lamp section 98a on the left corresponds to the upper operating port 83a, and the number of times a game ball passes through the upper operating port 83a is reserved up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the lighting of the first reserve lamp section 98a. The second reserve lamp section 98b on the right corresponds to the lower operating port 83b, and the number of times a game ball passes through the lower operating port 83b is reserved up to a maximum of 4 times, and the number of reserved balls is displayed by the lighting of the second reserve lamp section 98b.

[0046] The operating ports 83a and 83b are positioned closer to the central opening 85 (variable display unit 500). Since entering the operating ports 83a and 83b can trigger a transition to a special game state, it is thought that players will pay attention to whether or not they enter the operating ports 83a and 83b, and also to the variable display unit 500 to determine whether or not they will transition to a special game state. Placing the operating ports 83a and 83b closer to the variable display unit 500 is a design feature that concentrates the area that players want to focus on around the variable display unit 500.

[0047] At the right end of the game area forming body 310, a game area partitioning member 99 is provided, which, together with the guide rail 100 (described later), partitions the game area PE. The game area partitioning member 99 is equipped with a stopper member and a main display unit 87, which are impacted by game balls flying along the guide rail 100. The stopper member is a buffering member positioned near the tip of the guide rail 100, and after the game balls collide with the stopper member, their momentum is reduced before they flow down the game area PE. In other words, the stopper member is provided with a force-reducing function that weakens the momentum of the colliding game balls.

[0048] Here, we will provide a supplementary explanation regarding the main display unit 87. The main display unit 87 is embedded in the game area partition member 99, and a portion of it is positioned to face the glass unit 22. This facing portion is provided with a main display section on which predetermined patterns and other information are displayed. The main display unit 87 is electrically connected to a main control device, which will be described later, and the display content of the main display section is controlled by the main control device.

[0049] The main display unit includes a lower operation slot display unit that displays the lottery results based on winning in the upper operation slot 83a, and a lower operation slot display unit that displays the lottery results based on winning in the lower operation slot 83b. In the lower operation slot display unit, a change in the pattern is displayed as a trigger when a win is made in the upper operation slot 83a, and as a result of stopping the change in the pattern display, the result of the internal lottery based on winning in the upper operation slot 83a is clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on winning in the upper operation slot 83a is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the opening / closing execution mode, the change in the pattern display is stopped in the lower operation slot display unit, and after a predetermined pattern is displayed as a result of stopping, the system transitions to the opening / closing execution mode.

[0050] In the lower opening display unit, a change in the pattern is displayed when a prize is won in the lower opening 83b, and the result of the internal lottery based on the prize being won in the lower opening 83b is clearly displayed as a result of the change in the pattern display stopping. If the result of the internal lottery based on the prize being won in the lower opening 83b is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the change in the pattern display unit stops, and after a predetermined pattern is displayed as a result of the stop, the system transitions to the opening / closing execution mode described above according to the result.

[0051] Here, based on a winning entry into either of the operating ports 83a or 83b, a variable display is started on the corresponding operating port display unit, and the period from when the predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display stops is considered one round of play. However, one round of play is not limited to the above. For example, in a configuration where a single display area is provided and a variable display is performed on that single display area regardless of whether a winning entry occurs into either of the operating ports 83a or 83b, one round of play can be considered from when the variable display starts on that single display area and stops while displaying the predetermined stop result.

[0052] In addition to the two displays mentioned above, the main display unit 87 also has a display unit for the through gate that shows the lottery results based on winning a prize in the through gate 84. In the display unit for the through gate, a change in the pattern is triggered when a prize is won in the through gate 84, and the result of the internal lottery based on winning a prize in the through gate 84 is clearly displayed as the result of stopping the change in the pattern. If the result of the internal lottery based on winning a prize in the through gate 84 is a winning result that corresponds to the transition to the electric device open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed in the through gate display unit and the change in the pattern stops, after which the machine transitions to the electric device open state. In the electric device open state, the electric device 91 provided in the lower operating opening 83b is opened in a predetermined manner.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of times a game ball passes through the through gate 84 is limited to a maximum of four times, and the main display section of the main display unit 87 is provided with a display section for the number of balls that have been limited.

[0054] The main display unit described in detail above is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and its visibility is ensured because the game balls do not move in front of these various display units.

[0055] To explain the configuration of the inner frame 13 again using Figure 5, below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50, there is a game ball launching mechanism 110 that launches game balls into the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launching handle 41.

[0056] (Game ball launching mechanism 110) The game ball launching mechanism 110 mainly comprises a solenoid 111 that launches game balls positioned at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game balls launched by the solenoid 111, a ball feeding device 113 that supplies game balls to the launch standby position, and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted. The base plate 114 is fixed to the inner frame base body 50, thereby integrating it with the inner frame base body 50.

[0057] The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 at an angle so as to slope upward toward the game board unit 80. The launch rail 112 has a groove with a roughly V-shaped cross-section, and the game ball fits into this groove, thereby determining the front-to-back position of the game ball.

[0058] A ball stopper is positioned near the downstream end (i.e., the lower end) of the launch rail 112 to hold the game balls supplied from the ball feeding device 113 in the aforementioned launch standby position. The solenoid 111 is positioned further downstream from the ball stopper.

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

[0060] The guide rail 100, together with the game area partitioning member 99 fixed to the game board unit 80 (specifically the front surface of the plate), partitions the game area PE so that the outer shape of the game area PE is approximately circular. The guide rail 100 consists of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are positioned opposite each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, and these two rails 101 and 102 partition a single guide passage 103. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion 104 that is open on the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion 105 located at the top of the game area PE. The game ball, launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111, is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of launch rail 112 → guide rail 100 (entrance portion 104 → exit portion 105). Furthermore, in the game board unit 80, a reverse return prevention member 106 is attached to the front of the exit portion 105, more specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101, to prevent game balls that have reached the game area PE from returning back into the guide passage 103, thereby suppressing the obstruction of subsequent game ball launches by game balls that have reached the game area PE earlier.

[0061] Each rail 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 is in the shape of an arc centered approximately in the center of the game area PE. As a result, game balls passing through the guide passage 103 are easily moved (sliding or rolling) along the outer rail 102, that is, while in contact with the outer rail 102, due to the centrifugal force generated within them. In other words, when a game ball is launched in a manner that delivers it to the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guide passage 103 substantially constitutes the area (path) through which the game ball passes, while the area along the inner rail 101 substantially becomes an area through which the game ball does not pass.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are positioned such that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board unit 80. In other words, the two rails 100 and 112 are positioned so that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are offset to the left and right near the lower edge of the game board unit 80. This brings both rails 100 and 112 closer to the lower edge of the game board unit 80, while creating a predetermined gap between the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

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

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

[0065] In the inner frame base 50, a through hole is formed to the left of the launch rail 112 (more specifically, on the side supporting the front door frame 14), and a passage forming member 121 is disposed in this through hole. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base 50 and has a main body side upper tray passage 122 and a main body side lower tray passage 123. The upstream sides of the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the main body side lower tray passage 123 lead to the game ball distribution section, which will be described later. Furthermore, below the passage forming member 121, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted, and below the main body side upper tray passage 122 is the front door side upper tray passage, and below the main body side lower tray passage 123 is the front door side upper tray passage.

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

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

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

[0069] As already explained, a window 52 is formed at the bottom of the housing recess (game board housing section) 51 in the inner frame base body 50, penetrating in the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50 and opening to the back side of the inner frame base body 50. This window 52 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board unit 80 housed in the housing recess 51. Various components such as control devices are mounted on the back of the game board unit 80 (back block 80b), and these various components are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window 52. Now, the configuration of the back of the game board unit 80 will be described.

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

[0071] The front side of the base body 251 is an area for arranging movable performance mechanisms, etc., while the rear side is an area for arranging control devices that control these various components and the variable display unit 500.

[0072] More specifically, a portion of the base body 251 protrudes from the rear side of the inner frame base body 50, and the variable display unit 500 (see Figure 6) and the notification / performance control device 140 for driving the variable display unit 500 are attached to this protruding portion. The variable display unit 500 and the notification / performance control device 140 are arranged on top of each other in the front-to-back direction (the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50) such that the variable display unit 500 is at the front and the notification / performance control device 140 is at the rear.

[0073] The notification and performance control device 140 is equipped with a notification and performance control board that controls the output of sound, lamp display, and variable display unit 500 according to instructions from the main control device, which will be described later. The notification and performance control board is housed in a board box 141 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

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

[0075] The circuit board box 163 comprises a box base (front case) with a roughly rectangular shape and a box cover (back case) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by a box sealing part 164, which serves as a sealing means, thereby sealing the circuit board box 163. Multiple box sealing parts 164 are provided on the short side of the circuit board box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

[0076] The box sealing section 164 can be configured in any way that makes it impossible to open the box base and the box cover, but the box base and the box cover are made impossible to open by inserting a locking pin into the locking hole of the box sealing section 164. The sealing process by the box sealing section 164 prevents unauthorized opening after sealing, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, it is possible to detect such a situation early and easily, and it is possible to reseal the box even after it has been opened. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole of the multiple box sealing sections 164. When the main control board inside malfunctions or when the main control board needs to be inspected, the connection between the box sealing section with the locking pin inserted and the main body of the board box 163 is cut. This separates the box base and the box cover of the board box 163, and the main control board inside can be removed. After that, if the sealing process is to be repeated, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If a record of the opening of the circuit board box 163 is kept in the circuit board box 163, it will be easy to discover that unauthorized opening has occurred by looking at the circuit board box 163.

[0077] The circuit board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are indestructibly connected by a base seal 165. Specifically, the base seal 165, like the box seal 164, has a locking hole and a locking pin. When the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole, the circuit board box 163 and the mounting base 161 are indestructibly connected. This makes it easier to detect if the circuit board box 163 has been illegally removed.

[0078] On the front of the base body 251, in the portion facing the lower rear of the game board unit 80, a collection passage (not shown) is formed that corresponds to the game board openings of the general prize slot 81, the variable prize slot 82, and the operating slots 83a and 83b, and converges at one location downstream. As a result, all game balls that enter the general prize slot 81, etc., are collected below the game board unit 80 via the collection passage. In other words, the base body 251 is equipped with the function of collecting game balls that enter the various prize slots.

[0079] Below the game board unit 80 is a discharge passage, which will be described later. Game balls that have been collected below the game board unit 80 by the collection passage are led into the discharge passage. Similarly, the out-out opening 89 also leads to the discharge passage, and game balls that do not enter any of the winning slots are led into the discharge passage via the out-out opening 89.

[0080] Furthermore, the base body 251 that constitutes the rear block 80b is equipped with detection sensors for each of the ball entry sections mentioned above, including a general prize entry detection sensor that detects game balls that have entered the general prize entry opening 81, and an operation opening detection sensor that detects game balls that have entered the operation openings 83a and 83b. These various detection sensors constitute the prize entry detection mechanism. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and detection information (detection signals) is output from each detection sensor to the main control device 162.

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

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

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

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

[0085] A dispensing mechanism 202 is provided on the base 211, bypassing the protective cover 212. The dispensing mechanism 202 is equipped with a tank 221 located at the top of the back pack 201 and opening upwards, into which game balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are sequentially replenished. A tank rail 222 that slopes gently downstream is connected to the side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 that extends vertically is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A dispensing device 224 is provided at the downstream end of the case rail 223. Game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 224 are supplied to a game ball distribution unit 225 provided on the base 211 of the back pack 201 through a dispensing passage (not shown) located downstream of the dispensing device 224.

[0086] The game ball distribution unit 225 has the function of distributing game balls dispensed from the payout device 224 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or the discharge passage described later. The inner opening is connected to the upper tray 33 via the main body side upper tray passage 122 and the front door side upper tray passage described above, and the outer opening is connected to the lower tray 34 via the main body side lower tray passage 123 and the front door side lower tray passage.

[0087] A discharge passage panel and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211, sandwiching the lower end from front to back. The discharge passage panel has a discharge passage formed on the side facing the control device assembly unit 204 that is open to the rear, and the opening of the discharge passage is closed by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed to discharge game balls to island equipment in a game hall, and game balls that are led from the above-mentioned collection passage to the discharge passage are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.

[0088] The control unit assembly 204 has a horizontally elongated mounting base 241, on which a payout control device 242 and a power supply / launch control device 243 are mounted. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / launch control device 243 are arranged stacked front to back, with the payout control device 242 facing the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0089] In the dispensing control device 242, a dispensing control board that controls the dispensing device 224 is housed in a circuit board box 244, and a state reset switch 245 provided on the dispensing control board protrudes outside the circuit board box 244. For example, when a dispensing error occurs, such as a ball jam in the dispensing device 224, pressing the state reset switch 245 will resolve the ball jam.

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

[0091] Furthermore, the power supply and launch control device 243 is equipped with a power switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power to the pachinko machine 10 can be switched between an on state and an off state.

[0092] Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and retain various data, so that even if a power outage occurs, it will retain the state it was in at the time of the power outage, and when power is restored, it will be able to return to that state. For example, when the power is shut off in the normal procedure, such as when a gaming hall closes for the day, the state it was in before the shutoff is stored in memory. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166 provided on the main control device 162, the RAM data is initialized.

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

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

[0095] As shown in Figure 11, the variable display unit 500 has a roughly box-shaped housing 521 that is open to the front of the gaming machine, and a plurality (specifically three) of drum units 523 housed in the housing 521 on the left and right sides. The housing 521 is fixed to the gaming area forming body 310 from its rear side, thereby integrating it with the gaming area forming body 310. The housing 521 is colored and opaque, and is designed to shield from light from the outside of the housing 521 so that light does not shine into the inside through the material of the housing 521.

[0096] A portion of the drum unit 523 protrudes forward through the opening 522 of the housing 521. A portion of this protruding part is visible from the front of the game machine through the central opening 85 formed in the game board unit (see the dashed line in Figure 11(a)). In other words, the central opening 85 functions as a defining part or window that defines the area visible to the variable display unit 500.

[0097] As shown in Figure 12, the drum unit 523 comprises a plate-shaped base body 524 that constitutes the mounting portion to the housing 521, and a rotating body (drum) 525 held by the base body 524. When the base body 524 is fixed to the housing 521, the base body 524 divides the internal area of ​​the housing 521 into three equal parts on the left and right sides to accommodate each drum unit 523.

[0098] The rotating body 525 is mounted on the base body 524 via a motor 526. Specifically, the motor 526 is fixed to the base body 524, and the rotating body 525 is fixed to the output shaft of the motor 526. The output shaft of the motor 526 extends in the direction of parallel installation of the drum units 523 (left and right direction), and the rotating body 525 rotates around the axis of this output shaft (rotation center axis CL). The motor 526 is connected to the notification and effect control device 140, and the drive control is performed by the notification and effect control device 140. The motor 526 is a stepping motor, and the rotation position of the rotating body 525 can be adjusted by the number of pulses of the output drive signal.

[0099] The base body 524 is equipped with a position detection sensor 527 that detects the rotational position of the rotating body 525. The position detection sensor 527 is connected to the notification and performance control device 140, which determines the rotational position of the rotating body 525 based on the detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor 527. If the rotational position of the rotating body 525 is shifted due to the influence of external forces or malfunctions, the rotational position of the rotating body 525 is corrected (modified) based on the determined position information.

[0100] The rotating body 525 is composed of a circular frame 531 that forms the skeleton of the rotating body 525 and a substantially cylindrical light guide portion 532 with a constant thickness that covers the outer circumference of the frame 531. As shown in Figure 12, the frame 531 is composed of a hub 535 as the central part to which the output shaft of the motor 526 is fixed, an annular rim 536 as the outer circumference to which the light guide portion 532 is fixed, and spokes 537 that connect the hub 535 and the rim 536.

[0101] More specifically, the rim 536 has a pair of annular sections 541 on the left and right sides centered on the pivot axis CL, and a long connecting section 542 that connects these annular sections 541. The light guide section 532 is fixed to the connecting section 542 using fixing means, with the frame 531 overlapping the connecting section 542 from the outside of the frame 531. The frame 531 shown in this embodiment is made of a colorless, transparent synthetic resin, and a colorless, transparent adhesive is used as the fixing means. This is a measure to make the frame 531 and the fixing part (fixing means) to the frame 531 less noticeable when the light guide section 532 is visible.

[0102] As shown in Figure 13, a background display device 529 is arranged inside the light guide unit 532. The background display device 529 has a decorative sheet 581 with a pattern resembling a beach, a backlight 582 that is located behind the decorative sheet 581 and illuminates the decorative sheet 581 with light, and a holder 583 on which the decorative sheet 581 and the backlight 582 are mounted. The holder 583 is fixed to the base body 524, thereby integrating it with the base body 524. The decorative sheet 581 is arranged so that the sheet surface with the pattern faces the front of the game machine (towards the central opening 85), and faces the inner surface 552 of the light guide unit 532 from the inside of the frame 531 with a gap in between. As a result, the background drawn on the decorative sheet 581 can be seen from the front of the game machine through the light guide unit 532. Furthermore, the decorative sheet 581 is colored and opaque, although it is light-transmitting, and is configured so that the backlight 582 and other components located behind it cannot be seen through the decorative sheet 581.

[0103] The backlight 582 is connected to the notification and effect control device 140, which switches the backlight on and off. When the backlight 582 is lit, the light from the backlight 582 passes through the decorative sheet 581, causing the decorative sheet 581 to emit bright light.

[0104] Next, with reference to Figure 14, the configuration related to the light emission of the light guide 532 will be described. The rim 536 of the frame 531 has a contact portion 543 that contacts the light guide 532 from the side opposite to the base body 524. The left and right position of the light guide 532 is defined by this contact portion 543. The end of the light guide 532 on the side opposite to the contact portion 543 (the side opposite to the base body 524) extends laterally from the rim 536. The base body 524 has an insertion portion 561 into which this extended portion (end) is inserted.

[0105] The insertion section 561 is groove-shaped and open to the light guide section 532 side, and the end of the light guide section 532 is inserted into the insertion section 561 through this opening (hereinafter referred to as the first opening section 564). On the side of the insertion section 561 opposite the light guide section 532, with the bottom 562 in between, is a light-emitting substrate 571 on which multiple light-emitting elements 572 (specifically LEDs) are mounted. The light-emitting substrate 571 is connected to a notification and effect control device 140, and the notification and effect control device 140 controls the illumination of the light-emitting substrate 571.

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

[0107] As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 15, the light from the light emitter 572 is repeatedly reflected by the outer surface 551 and inner surface 552 of the light guide 532 and heads toward the opposite end face of the light guide 532. Here, a light-emitting section 553 made of fine irregularities is formed on the outer surface 551 of the light guide 532. The light supplied to the light guide 532 reaches this light-emitting section 553 and is emitted toward the front of the gaming machine. The light-emitting section 553 corresponds to various patterns, which will be described later, and when the light-emitting section 553 emits light, these patterns are displayed on the outer surface 551 of the light guide 532. In other words, when the light-emitting section 553 is not emitting light, the patterns are not displayed. Furthermore, because the light-emitting section 553 is formed of fine irregularities, ambient light such as the lighting of the gaming hall is transferred to the light guide 532, making it possible to see the light-emitting section 553, which would normally be practically invisible or extremely difficult to see. As will be described in more detail later, the variable display unit 500 shown in this embodiment incorporates measures to suppress the occurrence of such problems.

[0108] In this embodiment, the rotating body 525 is constructed by combining a plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557, which are arranged separately in the direction of rotation, to form a light guide section 532 that is substantially cylindrical overall. The specific configuration of the light guide section 532 will be further explained below with reference to Figure 16.

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

[0110] As described above, in a configuration in which one end of the light guide portion 532 is inserted into the insertion portion 561, it is preferable to bring the inner surface of the insertion portion 561 and the light guide portion 532 as close together as possible in order to improve the light supply efficiency. However, in such a structure, it is necessary to take into account that distortion may occur in the light guide panels 555 to 557 due to manufacturing errors and changes over time, and to add a certain amount of clearance to the gap between them. In this embodiment, by making the light guide panels 555 to 557 not fixed to each other, it is possible to avoid the distortion that may occur if the light guide panels 555 to 557 were fixed. This makes it possible to minimize the above-mentioned clearance.

[0111] Furthermore, while constructing the rotating body 525 using the light guide section 532 can improve the expressive power of the variable display unit 500, it also tends to increase the weight of the rotating body 525. This raises concerns that it may reduce the responsiveness when rotating / stopping the rotating body 525. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16(b), overlapping in the thickness direction is avoided for the light guide panels 555 to 557. This suppresses the weight increase of the light guide section 532 and prevents a decrease in responsiveness.

[0112] At the boundary area BP1 between light guide panels 555 to 557, adjacent light guide panels 555 to 557 face each other with a gap in between. This is a design feature to prevent strong interference between light guide panels 555 to 557 at the boundary area BP1 if there are variations in size due to manufacturing tolerances or the like. By avoiding strong interference between light guide panels 555 to 557, it is possible to suppress deformation such as the aforementioned distortion in these light guide panels 555 to 557.

[0113] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16(b), the boundary portion BP1 is offset in the rotational direction relative to the connecting portion 542 of the frame 531, and both ends of each light guide panel 555 to 557 are unfixed (free ends) in the rotational direction. This is a design feature to separate the adhesive fixing points from the boundary portion BP1.

[0114] Next, with reference to Figure 17, the insertion portion 561 will be explained in more detail. The insertion portion 561 extends along the portion of the light guide portion 532 that protrudes forward from the opening 522 into the gaming machine. The open portions on both the upper and lower sides of the insertion portion 561 (hereinafter referred to as the second opening portion 565) are widened so that their width gradually increases towards the ends. This suppresses snagging when the boundary portion BP1 passes through the second opening portion 565.

[0115] If the second opening 565 is expanded, light leakage from the side light 528 is more likely to occur. In contrast, in this embodiment, both second openings 565 are formed to face backward, more specifically, diagonally backward. This is a measure to prevent light leakage from the second opening 565 from entering the player's eyes.

[0116] Furthermore, the bottom portion 562 of the insertion portion 561 can also be formed such that the distance from the light guide portion 532 increases toward both the upper and lower ends of the insertion portion 561. With such a configuration, snagging when the boundary portion BP1 passes through the insertion portion 561 can be suppressed even more effectively. (Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10) Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained based on the block diagram in Figure 18.

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

[0118] The MPU602 is equipped with input and output ports. The input side of the MPU602 is connected to the power outage monitoring board 605, the payout control device 242, and various detection sensors 611a to 611e, which are located on the main control device 162. In this case, the power supply and launch control device 243 is connected to the power outage monitoring board 605, and power is supplied to the MPU602 via the power outage monitoring board 605. In addition, as part of the various detection sensors 611a to 611e, detection sensors provided on various prize-winning ball entry sections (payout-compatible ball entry sections) such as the general prize entry opening 81, the variable prize entry device 82, the operation opening unit 83 (upper operation opening 83a, lower operation opening 83b), and the through gate 84 are connected to each sensor. Based on the detection information (detection signals) from these detection sensors, the MPU602 of the main control device 162 performs a prize entry determination (ball entry determination) for each ball entry section. Furthermore, the MPU602 performs a lottery to determine the occurrence of a jackpot based on the ball entering the upper operating port 83a and the lower operating port 83b, and also performs a lottery to determine the occurrence of a support based on the ball entering the through gate 84.

[0119] The output side of the MPU602 is connected to the power outage monitoring board 605, the payout control device 242, and the notification / performance control device 140. The payout control device 242 outputs a prize ball command based on the result of determining whether a ball has entered a prize-winning ball entry section such as the aforementioned operating openings 83a and 83b. In this case, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM603 is referenced when outputting the prize ball command. When a ball has entered the general prize opening 81, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output; when a ball has entered the variable prize device 82, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 15 game balls is output; when a ball has entered the upper operating opening 83a, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 3 game balls is output; and when a ball has entered the lower operating opening 83b, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 4 game balls is output.

[0120] The notification and performance control device 140 receives various commands from the main control device 162, including commands for variation, type commands, variation end commands, opening commands, and ending commands. When outputting these commands, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referenced. Details of these commands will be explained later. Each of the above commands is composed of information of a predetermined number of bytes, and this predetermined number of bytes contains various information.

[0121] Furthermore, the output side of the MPU 602 is connected to the variable prize drive unit 82c, which opens and closes the opening and closing door of the variable prize device 82; the electric mechanism drive unit 91c, which opens and closes the electric mechanism 91 of the lower operating opening 83b; and the main display unit 87. The main control board 601 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 602 performs drive control of the various drive units through these driver circuits.

[0122] In other words, in the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 602 controls the drive of the variable prize drive unit 82c so that the large prize opening is opened and closed. Also, if the support lottery for the electric mechanism 91 is won, the MPU 602 controls the drive of the electric mechanism drive unit 91c so that the electric mechanism 91 is opened and closed. In addition, the MPU 602 controls the display of the main display unit 87.

[0123] Furthermore, an external output terminal board 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU602, and information such as ball entry information into various ball entry points and lottery results such as jackpots is output to the management control device (hall computer HC) on the gaming hall side through this external output terminal board 213. This makes it possible for the hall computer HC to understand the status of the pachinko machine 10.

[0124] The power outage monitoring board 605 acts as a relay between the main control board 601 and the power supply / launch control device 243. The power outage monitoring board 605 is equipped with the function of monitoring the maximum voltage output from the power supply / launch control device 243, which is a stable DC voltage of 24 volts. The payout control device 242 controls the payout of prize balls and loaned balls by the payout device 224 based on prize ball commands input from the main control device 162.

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

[0126] The notification and performance control device 140 controls the indicator lamps 26-28 and speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14, as well as the variable display unit 500 provided on the game board unit 80, based on various commands input from the main control device 162. In particular, the notification and performance control device 140 has the function of determining the performance mode for each game round, for example, the outline of the variable display mode of the symbols in the variable display unit 500 (for example, whether or not a reach occurs and the content of the reach performance) and the symbol stop display mode (the type of symbol combination to be finally stopped (confirmed display) when the variable display ends), based on various commands input from the main control device 162.

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

[0128] The MPU602 uses various counter information during gameplay to perform tasks such as the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, setting the display of the main display unit 87, and setting the symbol display of the variable display unit 500. Specifically, as shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 19, it uses a jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, a jackpot type counter C2 used to determine the type of jackpot, such as a probability variation jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, a reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when a losing variation occurs in the variable display unit 500, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a variation type counter CS that determines the variation display time in the main display unit 87 and the variable display unit 500. Furthermore, it uses an electric mechanism release counter C4 used for a lottery to determine whether or not to put the electric mechanism 91 of the lower operating port 83b into the electric mechanism release state.

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

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

[0131] In this case, when multiple consecutive entries into the upper or lower operating port 83b occur, the numerical information is stored chronologically in the following order in the first area Ra1,Rb1 → second area Ra2,Rb2 → third area Ra3,Rb3 → fourth area Ra4,Rb4. With these four areas Ra1~Ra4 and Rb1~Rb4, up to four entries of the game ball entry history into the upper or lower operating port 83b can be stored in reserve. In addition, the reserved ball storage area 632 is provided with a total reserved number storage area, which stores information to identify the number of entries into the upper or lower operating port 83b that are being stored in reserve.

[0132] The execution area AE is an area used to move the values ​​stored in the first area Ra1 and Rb1 of the hold area RE when the main display unit 87 starts displaying changes. At the start of each game round, a win / loss determination is made based on the various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

[0133] For more details on each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 299, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 299). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 completes one cycle, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604 when a game ball enters the upper operation opening 83a or the lower operation opening 83b.

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

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

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

[0137] The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 29, and then reset to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The jackpot type counter C2 is updated periodically and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 when a game ball enters the upper operating opening 83a or the lower operating opening 83b.

[0138] In this pachinko machine 10, multiple types of jackpot results are set by differentiating two conditions: (1) the win / loss lottery mode in the win / loss lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode has ended, and (2) the support mode in the electric mechanism 91 of the lower operating opening 83b after the opening / closing execution mode has ended. As mentioned above, a low probability mode and a high probability mode are set for the win / loss lottery mode.

[0139] As for the support modes, when comparing situations in which game balls are continuously launched in the same manner towards the game area PE, a low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and a high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state) are set so that the frequency at which the electric mechanism 91 of the lower operating port 83b opens per unit time is relatively high or low.

[0140] Specifically, in both the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric mechanism opening state in the electric mechanism opening lottery using the electric mechanism opening counter C4 is the same (for example, 4 / 5 in both modes). However, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric mechanism 91 opens when the electric mechanism opening state is won is set to be greater than in the low-frequency support mode, and the opening time for each instance is also set to be longer. In this case, when the electric mechanism opening state is won in the high-frequency support mode and the electric mechanism 91 opens multiple times, the closing time from the end of one opening state to the start of the next opening state is set to be shorter than the opening time for each instance. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, a shorter time is selected for the time between the electric mechanism opening lottery and the next electric mechanism opening lottery compared to the low-frequency support mode.

[0141] As described above, in high-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the lower opening 83b is higher than in low-frequency support mode. In other words, in low-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the upper opening 83a is higher than in lower opening 83b, but in high-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the lower opening 83b is higher than in upper opening 83a. When a ball enters the lower opening 83b, a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed, so in high-frequency support mode, players can play without significantly reducing their number of balls.

[0142] Furthermore, the configuration for increasing the frequency of the electric feature opening state per unit time in the high-frequency support mode compared to the low-frequency support mode is not limited to the above, and for example, a configuration that increases the probability of winning the electric feature opening state in the electric feature opening lottery may also be used. In addition, in a configuration where multiple types of reservation time are available for the period between the electric feature opening lottery and the next electric feature opening lottery (for example, the time for the variable display executed in the feature result display unit based on the entry into the through gate 84), the high-frequency support mode may be set to more easily select a shorter reservation time or to have a shorter average reservation time than the low-frequency support mode. Moreover, the advantage of the high-frequency support mode over the low-frequency support mode may be increased by applying any one of the following conditions or any combination of conditions: increasing the number of openings, increasing the opening time, decreasing the reservation time between the electric feature opening lottery and the next electric feature opening lottery (i.e., decreasing the time for one variable display in the feature result display unit), decreasing the average time of the reservation time, and increasing the winning probability.

[0143] The distribution destinations for game results for the jackpot type counter C2 are stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in the distribution table storage area, which serves as a distribution information group storage means in ROM 603. These distribution destinations include normal jackpot results (special game results corresponding to low probability) and probability variation jackpot results (special game results corresponding to high probability).

[0144] Normally, a big win result occurs when, after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the win / loss lottery mode switches to a low probability mode, and the support mode remains in high-frequency support mode until the number of plays reaches the termination threshold (specifically, 100 plays). After the termination threshold has elapsed, the mode switches to low-frequency support mode.

[0145] A guaranteed jackpot result is one in which, after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the win / loss lottery mode becomes a high-probability mode and the support mode becomes a high-frequency support mode. This high-frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in a jackpot is won and the machine transitions back to the opening / closing execution mode.

[0146] In the distribution table, "0-19" corresponds to normal jackpot results, and "20-29" corresponds to probability-increasing jackpot results, but the distribution of these numbers is arbitrary. Furthermore, the destination of the jackpot results is not limited to the two types mentioned above. For example, multiple modes may be set in the opening / closing execution mode so that the expected value of acquiring game balls is high or low, and by creating differences in the destination mode of the opening / closing execution mode, the types of jackpot results may be increased beyond the two types mentioned above.

[0147] The reach random number counter C3 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 238, for example, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 238). The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically and stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of RAM 604 when a game ball enters the upper operation opening 83a or the lower operation opening 83b. More specifically, it is stored in the reserved area RE of RAM 604 when a game ball enters the upper operation opening 83a or the lower operation opening 83b. Then, the system decides whether or not to generate a reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of ​​ROM 603. However, in game rounds that transition to the opening / closing execution mode, the MPU 602 makes the decision to generate a reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of a reach display is the same in each game state, but it may be set individually according to each game state. For example, in the case of high-frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of reach displays may be set to be larger than in the case of low-frequency support mode.

[0148] Here, "reach display" (reach state) refers to a display state that makes the player believe that the display state is likely to result in the aforementioned special display state, in a gaming machine equipped with a variable display unit 500 capable of displaying (or changing) the variation of symbols (pictures), and in a game round in open / close execution mode, the stop display result after the variation display becomes a special display result.

[0149] In other words, this is a display state in which, by stopping the display of some of the multiple rows of symbols displayed on the variable display unit 500, combinations of symbols that have the potential to form a winning combination corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode are displayed, and the remaining rows of symbols are displayed in a variable state.

[0150] More specifically, as a preliminary step before ending the display of changing symbols, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying combinations of reach symbols that have the potential to result in a winning combination corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode on a pre-set active line, and then the display of changing symbols is performed using the final stopped symbol sequence while the reach line is formed.

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

[0152] The variable display unit 500 has three rows of symbols: left, center, and right. Corresponding to each of these rows, there are left variable display area DL, center variable display area DM, and right variable display area DR. In the variable display unit 500, the symbols in each row of symbols are displayed in a variable manner, scrolling in a predetermined direction (for example, from top to bottom) with periodicity. Three symbols are displayed stationarily in each variable display area DL, DM, and DR for each row of symbols, resulting in a total of 3 x 3 = 9 symbols being displayed stationarily.

[0153] As shown in Figures 21(a) to (j), the symbols consist of nine main symbols, numbered "1" to "9", and secondary symbols, which are pictures resembling seashells. The main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are "high probability symbols," and when these high probability symbols line up, the player enters a special game state called a jackpot state, and then transitions to the high probability state. The main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are "low probability symbols," and when these low probability symbols line up, the player transitions to the jackpot state, but in this case, the player does not transition to the high probability state.

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

[0155] Returning to the explanation of Figure 20, the variable display unit 500 is set to have five active lines: left line L1, middle line L2, right line L3, left-upward line L4, and right-upward line L5. Then, for each game played, the display of the changing symbols stops in the order of left symbol row → right symbol row → middle symbol row, and when the display of the changing symbols in all symbol rows has finished with a predetermined combination of symbols (for example, a combination of symbols with the same number) formed in any of the active lines L1 to L5, a jackpot video is displayed as a result of either a normal jackpot or a probability-increasing jackpot.

[0156] When the above-mentioned reach display occurs, the symbol display is first completed in the left reel display area DL, and then in the right reel display area DR. At this point, a reach line is formed when symbols with the same number are displayed to stop on at least one of the active lines L1 to L5. With the reach line formed, the symbol display is then performed in the middle reel display area DM, resulting in a reach display. If the opening / closing execution mode occurs, the symbol display in the middle symbol column is completed so that symbols identical to those forming the reach line are displayed to stop on the reach line.

[0157] Returning to the explanation of Figure 19, the variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 sequentially within the range of, for example, 0 to 198, and then reset to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 198). The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 602 to determine the variation display time in the main display unit 87 and the variation display time of the symbols in the variable display unit 500. The variation type counter CS is updated once each time the normal processing described later is executed, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal processing. The buffer value of the variation type counter CS is then obtained when determining the variation pattern at the start of the variation of the symbols by the variable display unit 500.

[0158] The electric mechanism release counter C4 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 249, and then reset to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 249). The electric mechanism release counter C4 is updated periodically and stored in the electric mechanism reserve area 633 of RAM 604 when a game ball enters the through gate 84. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to control the electric mechanism 91 to the open state based on the value of the stored electric mechanism release counter C4. For example, if C4 = 0 to 199, the electric mechanism 91 is controlled to the open state, and if C4 = 200 to 249, the electric mechanism 91 is not controlled to the open state.

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

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

[0161] Next, with reference to the schematic diagram in Figure 24, the relationship between the light-emitting elements 572 that constitute the side light 528 and the pattern display position will be explained. In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements 572 are arranged in a single line along the end of the light guide section 532 (see Figure 17). These light-emitting bodies 572 can be broadly classified into upper-stage light-emitting bodies 572a that supply light to the light-emitting bodies 553 located on the effective line L1 (upper stage) among the light-emitting bodies 553 formed in the light guide section 532, middle-stage light-emitting bodies 572b that supply light to the light-emitting bodies located on the effective line L2 (middle stage), lower-stage light-emitting bodies 572c that supply light to the light-emitting bodies located on the effective line L3 (lower stage), upper-limit light-emitting bodies 572d positioned above the upper-stage light-emitting bodies 572a and for the upper limit of the central aperture 85, intermediate light-emitting bodies 572e positioned between the upper-stage light-emitting bodies 572a and the middle-stage light-emitting bodies 572b, intermediate light-emitting bodies 572f positioned between the middle-stage light-emitting bodies 572b and the lower-stage light-emitting bodies 572c, and lower-limit light-emitting bodies 572g positioned below the lower-stage light-emitting bodies 572c and for the lower limit of the central aperture 85.

[0162] When the upper light-emitting element 572a lights up, light is emitted from the light-emitting unit 553 located in the upper section, causing a pattern to appear (be displayed) in that upper section. When the middle light-emitting element 572b lights up, light is emitted from the light-emitting unit 553 located in the middle section, causing a pattern to appear (be displayed) in that middle section. When the lower light-emitting element 572c lights up, light is emitted from the light-emitting unit 553 located in the lower section, causing a pattern to appear in that lower section.

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

[0164] Furthermore, when the light-emitting unit 553 moves from outside the central opening 85 to the active line L1, the display of the pattern begins before it reaches the active line L1 because the light-emitting unit 553 passes through the light supply range from the upper limit light-emitting element 572d. Also, when the light-emitting unit 553 moves from the active line L3 to outside the central opening 85, the display of the pattern continues even after it leaves the active line L3 because the light-emitting unit 553 passes through the light supply range from the lower limit light-emitting element 572g.

[0165] (Regarding the various processes executed by the main control unit 162) Next, the timer interrupt processing and normal processing performed by the MPU 602 in the main control unit 162 to advance the game in each game round will be explained. In addition to the timer interrupt processing and normal processing described above, the MPU 602 also performs main processing which is started when the power is turned on, and NMI interrupt processing which is started when a power outage signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal), but these various processes will not be explained.

[0166] (Timer interrupt handling) First, let's refer to the flowchart in Figure 25 and explain the timer interrupt processing. This process is activated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) by the MPU602.

[0167] In step S101, the process of reading the various prize detection sensors is executed. That is, the status of the various prize detection sensors connected to the main control unit 162 is read, the status of the prize detection sensor is determined, and the detection information (prize detection information) is saved.

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

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

[0170] In the following step S104, the entry process for the through gate 84 is executed. In the entry process for the through gate, it is determined whether or not the entry detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. If the flag is stored, and provided that the number of reserved items stored in the electric item reserve area is less than 4, the value of the electric item release counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electric item reserve area. In addition, the notification / performance control device 140 is instructed to light up the reserve lamp section 98 corresponding to the number of reserved items. If the entry detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 635, the entry detection flag is cleared and the entry process for the through gate is terminated.

[0171] After executing the prize-winning process for the through gate in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, where the prize-winning process for the operating ports 83a and 83b is executed, and this timer interrupt process ends.

[0172] (Award processing for the operating port) Here, the prize-winning process for the operating port will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 26 and 27.

[0173] In step S201, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered (become a prize) the upper opening 83a. If it is determined that a game ball has entered the upper opening 83a, the process proceeds to step S202, where a prize ball command is set in the payout control device 242 to dispense 3 game balls.

[0174] In the following step S203, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side indicating that a game ball has entered the upper operating opening 83a. As a result, the hall computer HC is aware that a game ball has entered the upper operating opening 83a. Then, in step S204, an information acquisition process is performed to store various values ​​such as the jackpot random number counter C1 and the jackpot type counter C2, and this prize entry process is completed.

[0175] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the game ball has not entered the upper opening 83a, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered (entered) the lower opening 83b. If it is determined that the game ball has entered the lower opening 83b, the process proceeds to step S206, where a prize ball command is set to the payout control device 242 to dispense 4 game balls. The prize ball command set in steps S202 and S206 is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in the external output processing (S701) of the normal processing described later.

[0176] In the following step S207, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the hall computer HC on the gaming hall side indicating that a game ball has entered the lower opening 83b. As a result, the hall computer HC is aware that a game ball has entered the lower opening 83b. After that, information acquisition processing is performed in step S204, and this prize entry process is completed.

[0177] Furthermore, if both steps S201 and S205 result in a negative determination, that is, if no ball enters either the upper opening 83a or the lower opening 83b, the prize-winning process is terminated.

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

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

[0180] In the following step S304, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and variation type counter CS, which were updated in step S103, are stored in the first memory area among the empty memory areas of the hold area RE, that is, the memory area corresponding to the common hold number CRN which was incremented by 1 in step S302.

[0181] In the following step S305, a hold command setting process is executed to make the notification / performance control device 140, which is the sub-control device, recognize that a prize has been won in the operating ports 83a and 83b, and this information acquisition process ends. The hold command set in the hold command setting process of step S305 will be transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in the external output process of the normal process (step S401) described later.

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

[0183] In normal processing, the first step is to perform external signal output processing in step S401. In the external signal output processing of step S401, output data such as timer interrupt processing or commands set in the previous normal processing is sent to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command is set, and if a prize ball command is set, it is sent to the payout control device 242. In addition, if various commands such as performance commands such as variation commands, type commands, variation end commands, hold commands, and shift commands (described later) are set, they are sent to the notification / performance control device 140.

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

[0185] In the following step S403, game round control processing is performed to control the game in each game round. This game round control processing includes determining whether a jackpot has been hit, setting the variable display unit 500 to display the changing symbols, and controlling the display of the operation port display section of the main display unit 87.

[0186] After executing the game turn control process in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404, where the game state transition process is executed. This game state transition process causes the game state to change to the open / close execution mode, high probability mode, high frequency support mode, etc.

[0187] In the following step S405, a process for supporting the electric mechanism 91, which is provided in the operating port unit 83, is executed. In this electric mechanism support process, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to open the electric mechanism 91, using numerical information obtained from the electric mechanism opening counter C4 stored in the electric mechanism reserve area 633 of the RAM 604. If the lottery results in the electric mechanism being open, the process of opening and closing the electric mechanism 91 is executed. In addition, the display control of the through gate display unit is performed to inform the user of the lottery result of the electric mechanism opening lottery.

[0188] As already explained, there are two modes of support provided by the electric mechanism 91: a low-frequency support mode and a high-frequency support mode. The game transition process transitions to one of these support modes. After this process, if the high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604, the game enters high-frequency support mode. If the flag is not set, the game enters low-frequency support mode.

[0189] In the processing for electric support, it is determined whether or not the system is in high-frequency support mode by checking whether or not a high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. If it is in high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric device 91 opens when the electric device opens is determined is set to be greater than in low-frequency support mode, and the duration of each opening is set to be longer. Also, if the system is in high-frequency support mode and the electric device 91 opens multiple times when the electric device opens, the closing time from the end of one opening state to the start of the next opening state is set to be shorter than the duration of one opening state.

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

[0191] Subsequently, in step S406, the game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, provided that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply / launch control device 243, the solenoid 111 of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is energized once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 seconds). As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

[0192] In the following step S407, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute the next normal process, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, within the remaining time until it is time to execute the next normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated.

[0193] In other words, step S408 updates the random number initial value counter CINI. Specifically, 1 is added to the random number initial value counter CINI, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0. The updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is then stored in the corresponding area of ​​RAM 604. In step S409, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the variation type counter CS, and when the counter values ​​reach their maximum values, they are cleared to 0. The updated values ​​of the variation type counter CS are then stored in the corresponding area of ​​RAM 604.

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

[0195] (Game turn control processing) Next, the game round control process in step S501 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 29 to 30.

[0196] In the game round control process, first, as shown in the flowchart in Figure 29, it is determined in step S501 whether or not the opening / closing execution mode is active. If the opening / closing execution mode is active, the game round control process is terminated without executing any of the processes from step S502 onward, namely the game round start process in steps S503 to S505 and the game round progress process in steps S506 to S508.

[0197] If the system is not in opening / closing execution mode, step S502 determines whether the display unit for the operation port of the main display unit 87 is showing a variable display. If the display unit for the operation port is not showing a variable display, the process proceeds to steps S503 to S505 for starting a game round. In the process for starting a game round, first step S503 determines whether the total number of starting reserved balls (common reserved ball count CRN) is "0". If the common reserved ball count CRN is "0", it means that no reserved ball information is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632. Therefore, the game round control process ends there.

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

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

[0200] (Data setting process) In the data setting process, first, the number of start-up hold memory N stored in the hold memory area FE that is the target of this setting process, as well as the common hold memory CRN, are decremented by 1. Next, if the target of this setting process is based on ball entry into the upper operation opening 83a, the data stored in the first area Ra1 of the hold area RE is moved to the execution area AE. After that, a process is executed to shift the data (i.e., hold information) stored in each area Ra1 to Ra4 of the hold area RE. This data shift process shifts the data stored in the first area Ra1 to the fourth area Ra4 sequentially to the lower areas, clearing the data in the first area Ra1 and shifting the data within each area in the following order: second area Ra2 → first area Ra1, third area Ra3 → second area Ra2, fourth area Ra4 → third area Ra3, and so on.

[0201] If the current setting process is based on balls entering the lower opening 83b, the data stored in the first area Rb1 of the holding area RE is moved to the execution area AE. Then, a process is executed to shift the data (i.e., holding information) stored in each area Rb1 to Rb4 of the holding area RE. This data shift process shifts the data stored in the first area Rb1 to the fourth area Rb4 sequentially towards the lower areas, clearing the data in the first area Rb1 and shifting the data within each area in the following order: second area Rb2 → first area Rb1, third area Rb3 → second area Rb2, fourth area Rb4 → third area Rb3, and so on.

[0202] Next, a shift command is set, which is information that allows the notification and performance control device 140 to recognize that a shift has occurred in the data in the hold area. After that, this data setting process is terminated. The set shift command is sent to the notification and performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal process (Figure 28). Upon receiving the shift command, the notification and performance control device 140 understands that a shift has occurred in the hold information.

[0203] (Initiation of change process) Next, the variation initiation process in step S505 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 30.

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

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

[0206] In the type determination process, the information used for type determination, i.e., the information updated by the jackpot type counter C2, is obtained from the information stored in the execution area AE. Furthermore, the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of ROM 603 is referenced to determine whether the obtained type determination information is included in the information corresponding to the probability variation jackpot result. Specifically, if the reserved information corresponds to a ball entering the upper operation opening 83a, the distribution table for the upper operation opening 83a is referenced, and if the reserved information corresponds to a ball entering the lower operation opening 83b, the distribution table for the lower operation opening 83b is referenced to perform the type determination.

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

[0208] In each stop result setting process from step S605 to step S607, information on the pattern of the image to be ultimately displayed on the main display unit 87 is identified by referring to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area of ​​ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in RAM 604. In addition, in steps S605 and S606, information for MPU 602 to identify whether the result of the win / loss judgment for this game round is a probability variation jackpot result or a normal jackpot result is stored in the various flag storage areas 635 of RAM 604. Specifically, in step S605, the probability variation jackpot flag is stored, and in step S606, the normal jackpot flag is stored.

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

[0210] When it is a jackpot result or even if it is a losing result but corresponding to the occurrence of a reach, refer to the variable display time table for reach occurrence stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603 to obtain variable display time information corresponding to the value of the current variable type counter CS, etc., and set the variable display time information in the variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in each counter area 634 of the RAM 604. After that, this setting process is terminated.

[0211] That is, in the present embodiment, when the result of the win / loss lottery is a jackpot winning result or when the result of the win / loss lottery is a losing result and a winning result in the lottery for reach occurrence, a configuration is provided to execute a reach display.

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

[0213] On the other hand, when it is not a jackpot result and is a losing result and does not correspond to the occurrence of a reach, refer to the variable display time table for non-reach occurrence stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 to obtain the variable display time corresponding to the value of the current variable type counter CS, and set the variable display time information in the above variable display time counter area. After that, this setting process is terminated.

[0214] The display time information for fluctuations when a reach does not occur is set so that the display time decreases as the number of common reserve numbers (CRN) increases. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the configuration may not depend on the number of common reserve numbers (CRN), and the display time may be set so that the display time decreases as the number of common reserve numbers (CRN) decreases. Also, in situations where the support mode is high-frequency support mode, the display time table for fluctuations when a reach does not occur is set so that a shorter display time is selected compared to situations where the number of reserve information is the same, compared to situations where the support mode is low-frequency support mode, but this is not limited to this, and the selected display time may be the same, or the relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, the above configuration may also be applied to the display time when a reach occurs, and the display time that is likely to be selected and the display time that is unlikely to be selected may differ between when a jackpot is won and when a reach fails. In addition, the display time table for fluctuations when a probability variation jackpot is won, when a normal jackpot is won, when a reach fails, and when a complete miss is failed may each be set individually.

[0215] As described above, the display time for each game round is determined by parameters such as whether or not a reach occurs, the type of reach display, the number of reserved information, and the value of the variation type counter. However, the display time for each game round is determined without using the contents of other reserved information, specifically the information for determining a jackpot, the information for determining the type, and the information for determining a reach included in other reserved information, as parameters.

[0216] Returning to the explanation of the variation start process, after the variation display time setting process is executed in step S608, the variation command and type command are set in step S609. The variation command includes information on whether or not a reach has occurred and information on the variation display time. The type command includes information on the game result. In other words, the type command includes information on the game result, such as information on the probability variation jackpot result, the normal jackpot result, and the loss result.

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

[0218] Returning to the explanation of the game round control process (Figure 29), if the main display unit 87 is in the process of displaying a variable display, the game round progression process from steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game round progression process, first in step S506, it is determined whether or not the variable display time for the current game round has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of ​​RAM 604 has become "0". As mentioned above, this value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process. Furthermore, this set value of the variable display time information is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (Figure 25) is activated.

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

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

[0221] In the following step S509, a variation termination command is set. After that, the game round control process is terminated. The variation termination command set in step S509 is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal process (Figure 28). Upon receiving the variation termination command, the notification / performance control device 140 confirms and displays the final stop symbol combination for that game round (final stop display).

[0222] As already explained, in this embodiment, the general outline of the variable display mode of the symbols in the variable display unit 500 is identified by the notification and performance control device 140 by referring to a command from the main control device 162, and the details of the variable display mode are determined by the notification and performance control device 140 based on the result of this identification. Specifically, the MPU 652 of the notification and performance control device 140 executes variable display control processing as part of periodic processing that is started at a predetermined interval (for example, 2 msec), and the general outline of the variable display mode of the symbols is identified in this variable display control processing. Now, the variable display control processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 31.

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

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

[0225] If a positive result is obtained in step S704, the process proceeds to step S706, where a process for ending the variation is executed, and then the variation display control process is terminated. In the variation termination process, the variation display of the symbols and the executed effects are terminated (confirmed stop) in accordance with the lottery result for that game round. Specifically, the variable display unit 500 is controlled to confirm the symbols to stop. In this process, the speaker unit 29 and the lamp unit 26 are driven and controlled to perform effects corresponding to the confirmed stop. After that, the variation termination process is terminated.

[0226] (Processing to initiate changes) Here, referring to the flowchart in Figure 32, we will provide a supplementary explanation of the variation initiation process in step S703. The variation initiation process is the process of starting the game round's effects based on the receipt of the variation command transmitted from the main control unit 162. In the variation initiation process, the variation display mode, such as the reach display, and the combination of symbols to be displayed as the confirmed display for the game round are determined.

[0227] In the variation start process, first, in step S801, the variation command received is read, and from this command, information on whether a reach occurred and information on the variation display time are identified. Also, as already explained, when a variation command is sent from the main control unit 162, a type command is also sent. In step S1201, the type command received along with the variation command is read, and from this command, information on the game result, such as information on the probability variation jackpot result, information on the normal jackpot result, or information on the loss result, is identified. Then, in step S2101, from the identified information, information on whether a jackpot was won, information on the type of jackpot if a jackpot was won, information on whether a reach occurred if a jackpot was not won, and information on the variation display time are obtained, and this obtained information is stored in the register of the MPU652.

[0228] In the following step S802, based on the information obtained in step S801, it is determined whether the result of the game round to be started corresponds to a jackpot result. If it is a jackpot result, that is, a probability-increasing jackpot result or a regular jackpot result, the process of setting the effects for the jackpot is executed in the following step S803.

[0229] In the jackpot setting process, the stopping result of the jackpot symbols is determined (stop result determination process is performed). In the stop result determination process, if it is a probability variation jackpot result, the stopping result in which the same specific symbol combination (main symbol with an odd number) is formed on one of the active lines L1 to L5 is determined as the stopping result for this game round. If it is a normal jackpot result, the stopping result in which the same non-specific symbol combination (main symbol with an even number) is formed on one of the active lines L1 to L5 is determined as the stopping result for this game round.

[0230] When a jackpot is achieved, the type of main symbol displayed and the active lines L1 to L5 are randomly determined by a lottery or similar method. The final stop line table stored in the various table areas of ROM653 stores the address information for each active line L1 to L5, and the final stop line determined by the above process is stored as address information in the final stop line address storage area provided in RAM654. At this time, a process is also executed to store the information of the determined stop result in the stop result address storage area. In the following explanation as well, the address information of the stop result determined by the various stop result determination processes is stored in the stop result address storage area of ​​RAM654.

[0231] Furthermore, the process for setting the effects for a jackpot determines the variation display pattern for the jackpot symbols (the variation display pattern determination process (effect pattern determination process) is performed). As already explained, if a jackpot is achieved, the result is notified via a reach display. In the variation display pattern determination process for the reach display, the variation display pattern table for the reach display stored in the various table areas of ROM653 is obtained, and the effect pattern for a normal reach display or a super reach display corresponding to the variation display time of the variation command received and the game result of the type command is determined. The address information of the determined variation display pattern is also stored in the pattern address storage area of ​​RAM654. In addition, in the variation display pattern determination process shown below, the corresponding variation display pattern table is obtained from the variation display pattern table storage area of ​​ROM653, and the effect pattern corresponding to the variation display time and game result is determined. The address information of the effect pattern determined in the effect pattern determination process is then stored in the pattern address storage area of ​​RAM654.

[0232] If it is determined in step S802 that the result is not a jackpot, the process proceeds to step S804. In step S804, it is determined whether a reach occurs in the current game round. If a reach occurs, the process proceeds to step S805, and an effect setting process for reach occurrence is executed. In the effect setting process for reach occurrence, the outline of the effect and the combination of symbols to be finally stopped are determined. Since the former is the same as the process in step S803 above, the description is incorporated by reference. Since this process corresponds to an off-reach, the stop symbol is determined so as not to be a symbol combination corresponding to a jackpot result. That is, a stop result in which a combination of off-reach symbols is established on one of the valid lines L1 to L5 is determined as the current stop result. In this case, the type of the combination of off-reach symbols and the valid lines L1 to L5 are randomly determined by lottery or the like. Also, in this determination, the same symbol combination does not occur on any of the valid lines L1 to L5, and the stop result on the valid line is determined so that the symbol in the same middle symbol column as the symbol forming the reach line is finally stopped at a stop position shifted forward or backward with respect to the reach line. Then, a process of storing the information of the determined stop result in the stop result address storage area is executed.

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

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

[0235] The following provides supplementary information regarding the variable display mode of the symbols in the variable display unit 500, with reference to Figures 33 to 35. Figure 33 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the variable display mode and the probability of winning a jackpot, Figure 34 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a normal reach that does not support the special changes described later, and Figure 35 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a normal reach that supports the special changes described later.

[0236] As shown in Figure 33, the symbol variation display modes in this embodiment are broadly classified into three types: complete miss, normal reach, and super reach. For normal reach and super reach, the symbol variation display mode until transitioning to the reach display is common, and at least until transitioning to the reach display, it is not explicitly stated whether the previous symbol variation display mode will transition to a normal reach or a super reach.

[0237] When comparing normal reaches and super reaches, there is a difference in the scrolling speed of the middle symbol after the reach display transition. Specifically, in the case of a normal reach, the scrolling speed of the middle symbol is set to be lower than in the case of a super reach. A super reach has a higher probability of resulting in a jackpot and transitioning to a special game state compared to a normal reach. Therefore, it is assumed that players who are hoping to transition to a special game state will pay attention to the changing symbol display in the hope of transitioning to a super reach.

[0238] (Normal reach that does not support special changes) Figure 34 illustrates the flow of a normal reach corresponding to a losing result. As shown in Figure 34(a), when a game round is started based on balls entering the operating ports 83a and 83b, the changing symbols are displayed in each of the changing display areas DL, DM, and DR. More specifically, a scrolling display is started that traverses each of the changing display areas DL, DM, and DR vertically from top to bottom.

[0239] Subsequently, the symbols are displayed in the order of left row → right row, and in the example shown in Figure 34(b), two winning lines are formed by the "7" symbol displayed on the active line L4 and the "6" symbol displayed on the active line L5.

[0240] At a predetermined timing immediately after the reach line is formed, as shown in Figure 34(c), the scrolling speed of the middle symbol column becomes the first steady speed (low speed), and in conjunction with this, other symbols in the left and right symbol columns that do not form a reach line are hidden. Specifically, the light-emitting element 572bL for the middle section of the left variable display area DL and the light-emitting element 572bR for the middle section of the right variable display area DR are turned off, causing the sub-symbols that were displayed in the middle section to be hidden.

[0241] In the variable display unit 500 shown in this embodiment, the light guide unit 532 and the side light 528 are used in combination to display the pattern, and the pattern becomes invisible when the light supply from the side light 528 is stopped. Although it is not impossible to distinguish the pattern of the light emission unit 553 formed in the light guide unit 532 if one looks closely, it becomes difficult to distinguish the pattern in question due to the fact that other patterns and other elements are emitting light in the surrounding area.

[0242] Subsequently, as shown in Figures 34(d) to 34(e), the scrolling display of the middle symbol row continues in the middle variable display area DM, and finally, the "4" symbol stops and is displayed in the middle of the middle variable display area DM, clearly indicating to the player that it is a losing result.

[0243] In this embodiment, in some game rounds involving normal and super reaches, the middle reel row may be displayed again after stopping, and the middle reel may be swapped (hereinafter referred to as a special change). When such a special change occurs, the probability of winning a jackpot increases in both normal and super reaches. Now, with reference to Figure 35, the flow of this special change will be explained.

[0244] (Normal reach with special modification support) When a game round begins based on balls entering the operating ports 83a and 83b, the symbols are displayed in the respective display areas DL, DM, and DR. More specifically, a scrolling display begins that traverses each display area DL, DM, and DR vertically from top to bottom. Subsequently, the symbols are displayed in the order of left row → right row, and in the example shown in Figure 35(a), one winning line is formed by the "7" symbols displayed on the active line L2.

[0245] At a predetermined timing immediately after the reach line is formed, as shown in Figure 35(b), the scrolling speed of the middle symbol column becomes the first steady speed (low speed), and in conjunction with this, other symbols in the left and right symbol columns that do not form a reach line are hidden. Specifically, the light-emitting elements 572aL and 572cL for the upper and lower sections of the left variable display area DL, and the light-emitting elements 572aR and 572cR for the upper and lower sections of the right variable display area DR are turned off, causing the sub-symbols that were displayed in the upper and middle sections to be hidden.

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

[0247] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 35(f), when the middle symbol row is redisplayed, the symbol located on the active line L2 changes from the sub-symbol to the "8" symbol, clearly indicating that the game round was a losing result. After the confirmation display period has elapsed, the other symbols that were hidden are also redisplayed, resulting in a total of 9 symbols being displayed in a 3x3 grid.

[0248] Here, referring to the flowcharts in Figures 36 to 38, we will explain the processing for when the display is fluctuating (Figure 31).

[0249] (Processing for when fluctuations are occurring) As shown in Figure 36, in the variable processing, step S901 determines whether to switch the side lights 528 and backlight 582 on or off, step S902 performs light emission restriction processing to determine which lights should be forcibly restricted, and step S903 controls the light emission of the side lights 528 and backlight 582 and the drive of the motor 526 based on the settings in steps S901 and S902.

[0250] (Light emission / drive setting process) As shown in Figure 37, in the illumination and drive setting process, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not a special variation display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM 654. This special variation display transition flag is stored when the special change of the symbols described above occurs and is erased when the corresponding game round ends. If the determination in step S1001 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1002.

[0251] In step S1002, it is determined whether the reach display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM654. The reach display transition flag is stored when the reach display is in parallel and is erased when the game transitions to the special change mentioned above or when the corresponding game round ends. If the determination in step S1002 is negative, the game proceeds to step S1003.

[0252] In step S1003, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop displaying the left pattern column in the left variable display area DL. If the determination in step S1003 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1004, where the stopping process for the left drum (rotating body 525L) is executed. Specifically, a flag is set to stop the output of the drive signal to the motor 526L for the left drum. In the light emission and drive control process of step S903, based on this flag and the stopping pattern determined at the start of the variation, stopping control is performed so that the pattern is stopped and displayed in the left variable display area DL.

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

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

[0255] After executing the stop process in step S1006, the process proceeds to step S1007 to determine whether the current game round corresponds to a reach display. If the result in step S1007 is negative, the main illumination / drive setting process is terminated. If the result in step S1007 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1008.

[0256] In step S1008, a process for partially turning off the side lights is executed. In this partial turning off process, a flag is set for the left drum side light 528L and the right drum side light 528R to turn off some of the light-emitting elements 572 in order to hide the symbols that do not form a reach line. In the light emission and drive control process of step S903, light emission control is performed to turn off some of the light-emitting elements 572 based on this flag and the stopping position (effective line) of the symbols determined at the start of the variation.

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

[0258] In this embodiment, the background lights up when the display transitions to a reach, suggesting that a jackpot may occur. As will be described in detail later, the backlight 582 is illuminated to make the light-emitting section 553 corresponding to the hidden symbols less conspicuous.

[0259] Subsequently, in step S1010, the reach display transition flag is set in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM654, and this illumination / drive setting process is terminated.

[0260] Returning to the explanation of step S1002, if a positive result is obtained in step S1002, that is, if the reach display transition flag is set in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM654, the process proceeds to step S1011. In step S1101, it is determined whether or not it is time to transition to a special variable display. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to perform a special change as shown in Figure 35. If a negative result is obtained in step S1011, the process proceeds to step S1012. In step S1012, it is determined whether or not it is time to change the variable display speed (scroll speed) of the middle symbol column. If a negative result is obtained in step S1012, the main illumination / drive setting process is terminated. If a positive result is obtained in step S1021, the process for changing the variable display speed is executed in step S1013, and then the main illumination / drive setting process is terminated.

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

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

[0263] In the following step S1015, the reach display transition flag stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM654 is cleared, and in step S1016, the special variation display transition flag is set in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM654, after which this light emission and drive setting process is terminated.

[0264] Returning to the explanation of step S1001, if a positive determination is made in step S1001, that is, if the special variation display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM 654, the special variation display processing is executed in step S1016, and then this light emission / drive setting processing is terminated. The special variation display processing will be explained below with reference to Figure 38.

[0265] (Processing for displaying special variations) In the special variation display processing, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the special change, i.e., the swapping of symbols. If the determination in step S1101 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0266] Step S1102 executes the process to turn off the side lights for the middle drum. Specifically, a flag for turning off the side lights is set. In the light emission and drive control process of step S903 above, the process of turning off the side lights for the middle drum is performed based on this flag. As a result, each symbol that makes up the middle symbol row is hidden, and each symbol that was temporarily displayed in the middle variable display area DM is hidden.

[0267] In the following step S1103, the process for driving the middle drum is executed. Specifically, a flag for restarting the middle drum is set. In the light emission and drive control process of step S903 above, the middle drum is rotated based on this flag. In other words, the middle drum rotates when no light is supplied from the side light 528M. The middle drum rotates so that the light emission unit 553 corresponding to the symbols (final stop symbols) that make up the symbol combination (final stop symbol combination) corresponding to the result of the current game is positioned on the reach line.

[0268] The direction of rotation of the middle drum during special changes is determined based on two conditions: (1) the number of times the boundary portion BP1 passes through the middle variable display area DM is minimized, and (2) the amount of rotation is minimized. For example, if rotating the middle drum in the forward direction causes one boundary portion BP1 to pass through the middle variable display area DM, and rotating the middle drum in the reverse direction causes two boundary portions BP1 to pass through the middle variable display area DM, then the forward direction is set as the direction of rotation. Of these conditions (1) and (2), (1) takes precedence over (2), and by having the boundary portion BP1 move through the middle variable display area DM while the symbols are not displayed, it is made difficult for the player to realize that the middle drum is rotating.

[0269] Returning to the explanation of step S1101, if a negative result is obtained in step S1101, it is determined in step S1104 whether or not it is the end of the symbol change (special change). If a negative result is obtained in step S1104, the special variation display process is terminated. If a positive result is obtained in step S1104, the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, the process for partially lighting the side lights for the middle drum is executed. Specifically, a flag for partial lighting is set.

[0270] In the light emission and drive control process of step S903 described above, a partial lighting process for the side lights of the middle drum is performed based on this flag. Specifically, the supply of light is started to the parts of the upper, middle, and lower sections of the middle variable display area DM that are located on the reach line, while the supply of light to the other sections remains stopped. For example, if the reach line being formed in this case spans the middle section, the light emitter 572b corresponding to the middle section is lit, while the other light emitters 572a, 572c to 572g remain off. This makes the middle symbols appear to change suddenly, enhancing the impact on the display of the game result.

[0271] The following provides supplementary explanations regarding the reach display flow, referring to the timing charts in Figures 39 and 40. Figure 39 is a timing chart showing the reach display flow without special changes, and Figure 40 is a timing chart showing the reach display flow with special changes.

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

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

[0274] In the example shown in Figure 39, a reach line is formed when the same symbol stops on a pre-set active line, and the display transitions to a reach display. At this timing ta3, the backlight 582 of the background display device 529 lights up, emphasizing the transition to the reach display. Also at timing ta3, some of the light-emitting elements 572L that make up the side light 528L are turned off so that symbols that do not form a reach line among those stopped and displayed in the left variable display area DL are not displayed. Similarly, some of the light-emitting elements 572R that make up the side light 528R are turned off so that symbols that do not form a reach line among those stopped and displayed in the right variable display area DR are not displayed. Even under these circumstances, all of the light-emitting elements 572M that make up the side light 528M for the middle drum remain lit.

[0275] At timing ta4 after the transition to the reach display, the symbols are stopped and displayed in the middle variation display area DM, and a symbol combination corresponding to the game result is formed. This clearly shows the game result to the player. Subsequently, at timing ta5 after the confirmed display period of the symbols has elapsed, all the light-emitting elements 572 that make up each side light 528 light up, and the back light 582 turns off.

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

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

[0278] In the example shown in Figure 40, a reach line is formed when the same symbol stops on a pre-set active line, and the display transitions to a reach display. At the timing of tb3, the backlight 582 of the background display device 529 lights up, emphasizing the transition to the reach display. Also at the timing of tb3, some of the light-emitting elements 572L that make up the side light 528L are turned off so that symbols that do not form a reach line among those stopped and displayed in the left variable display area DL are not displayed. Similarly, some of the light-emitting elements 572R that make up the side light 528R are turned off so that symbols that do not form a reach line among those stopped and displayed in the right variable display area DR are not displayed. Even under these circumstances, all of the light-emitting elements 572M that make up the side light 528M for the middle drum are kept lit.

[0279] At the timing of tb4 after the transition to the reach display, the symbols are temporarily displayed in the middle variation display area DM, and a symbol combination corresponding to the losing result is formed. The above special change (special variation display) occurs from the timing of tb4 onwards. Note that the sequence of events up to the timing of tb4 is the same as the sequence up to the timing of ta4 in the reach display that does not support the special change shown in Figure 39.

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

[0281] Immediately after the light emitter 572M is turned off at the timing of tb5, a drive signal is output to the motor 526M for the middle drum, causing the light emitter 553M located on the reach line to be swapped. At the timing of tb6, after the swap is complete, the light emitter 572M corresponding to the reach line is turned on, while the others remain off. This makes it appear as if the middle symbol on the reach line has suddenly been replaced with a different symbol.

[0282] The symbol combinations displayed at the timing of tb6 also correspond to the losing result, after which the second special change begins. Specifically, at the timing of tb7, which is after a predetermined waiting period (a period slightly shorter than the confirmed display period) has elapsed from the timing of tb6 when the symbol combinations were displayed, all of the light-emitting elements 572M that make up the side light 528M for the middle drum turn off, and the symbols that were stopped and displayed in the middle variable display area DM are temporarily hidden.

[0283] Immediately after the light emitter 572M turns off at the timing of tb7, a drive signal is output to the motor 526M for the middle drum, causing the light emitter 553M located on the reach line to be swapped. At the timing of tb8, after the swap is complete, the light emitter 572M corresponding to the reach line is lit, while the others remain off. This makes it appear as if the middle symbol on the reach line has suddenly been replaced with a different symbol. The number of game rounds shown in Figure 40 corresponds to a losing result, so the symbol combination that is ultimately displayed as stopped (confirmed) also corresponds to a losing result.

[0284] During the special modifications described above, the backlight 582 remains lit, and the light from the backlight 582 is projected forward through each drum (light guide 532) towards the front of the gaming machine. This is a measure to suppress the appearance of patterns on the light-emitting section 553 when ambient light from the lighting of the gaming hall or other areas is transferred to the light guide 532.

[0285] Each drum of the variable display unit 500 (specifically the light guide section 532), as detailed above, is composed of multiple light guide panels 555 to 557 that are divided in the rotational direction, and a boundary section BP1 is created between the light guide panels 555 to 557. The frequent occurrence of these boundary sections BP1 being located in the variable display area is a concern, as it detracts from the appearance of the variable display unit 500 and hinders efforts to increase attention to the game through the various display effects described above. In this embodiment, one of the features is that the arrangement of the light-emitting sections 553 formed in the light guide section 532, the position of the boundary section BP1, and the relationship between them and the variable display area have been carefully considered to suppress such problems. The details of this consideration will be explained below with reference to Figures 22 and 41. Figure 41 shows the left drum as an example, but the relationship between the boundary section BP1 and the variable display area is similar for the middle and right drums. Note that in Figure 41, for the sake of explanation, the light-emitting section 553 is shown emitting light.

[0286] As shown in Figure 22, each drum's light guide 532 is provided with multiple light-emitting units 553 arranged in the rotational direction. These light-emitting units 553 correspond to the main and sub-patterns, and the light supplied from the side light 528 is emitted from the light-emitting units 553 to display the main patterns "1" through "9" and the sub-pattern resembling a "seashell".

[0287] As shown in Figure 41(a), the size of the main design in the rotational direction is larger than the size of the secondary design. A boundary portion BP1 is placed between the main and secondary designs, and the design is offset towards the main design so that the gap formed between the boundary portion BP1 and the main design is smaller than the gap formed between the boundary portion BP1 and the secondary design.

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

[0289] Generally, to facilitate manufacturing, it is assumed that the boundary area is set so that the distance from the light-emitting part for the secondary symbol is the same as the distance from the light-emitting part for the main symbol. However, with such a configuration, there is a concern that it will be difficult to increase the opportunities to stop the boundary area outside the variable display area. In this regard, with the configuration shown in this embodiment, even if the symbol closest to the boundary area is stopped in the upper or lower part of the variable display area, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suppressed by reducing the opportunities for the boundary area BP1 to be seen by the player. Thus, the position of the boundary area BP1 shown in this embodiment has a clear technical significance in that it makes the boundary area BP1 less conspicuous.

[0290] Furthermore, one of the features of this embodiment is that measures have been taken to suppress the prominence of the boundary area BP1 while the pattern is being scrolled by rotating each drum. The measures described below will be explained with reference to Figure 42. Figure 42 is a flowchart showing the luminescence control process, and Figure 42(b) is a schematic diagram showing the shift of the regulated object.

[0291] As explained in Figure 36, the processing for when the display is changing, executed by the MPU 652 of the notification and effect control device 140, includes the above-mentioned light emission / drive setting processing, light emission restriction processing, and light emission / drive control processing. As shown in Figure 42(a), in the light emission restriction processing, first, in step S1201, the position of the boundary area BP1 is identified. Next, in step S1202, the light emitters 572 that make up the side light 528 that are subject to restriction are identified. Specifically, the light emitters located to the side of the boundary area BP1 identified in step S1201 are identified. In the following step S1203, the light emitters identified in step S1202 are set as targets for light emission restriction. In the above light emission / drive control processing, regardless of the settings made in the light emission / drive setting processing, the target set in step S1203 is turned off.

[0292] As shown in Figure 42(b), when the boundary portion BP1 moves as the pattern row rotates, the light-emitting element 572 located to the side of the boundary portion BP1 switches to the off state in accordance with this movement. In other words, the supply of light to the boundary portion BP1 is suppressed. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the boundary portion BP1 from becoming conspicuous by emitting light or other means.

[0293] The first embodiment described in detail above provides the following excellent effects.

[0294] In the variable display unit 500, the pattern is displayed by emitting light from the side light 528 through the light emitter 553 formed in the light guide 532. The pattern can be switched on or off by turning the side light 528 on or off, and the color of the pattern can also be changed by changing the light emission color. Thus, constructing a variable display unit (corresponding to the "pattern display means") using the light guide 532 and the side light 528 in combination is preferable in order to diversify the display of patterns and increase the level of attention given to the game.

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

[0296] By configuring the light from the side light 528 to shine onto the end face 554 of the light guide section 532, it is possible to suppress the visibility of the light source when visually checking the pattern.

[0297] When changing the pattern displayed in the variable display area, the rotating body 525 (light guide unit 532) rotates in the above supply state, making it appear as if the pattern is moving in the direction of the movement. By using this configuration, where the light guide unit 532 moves instead of the light source, it is possible to avoid limitations on the pattern change due to the length of the wiring, etc. Furthermore, since the position of the light source can be fixed, it becomes possible to swap the patterns displayed at the same position, and even when the patterns are displayed in a variable manner, the area that the player pays attention to can be kept consistent. This is a desirable configuration for preventing players from missing the pattern display and reducing player fatigue.

[0298] The operating direction of the light guide 532 is set to be perpendicular to the direction of light irradiation from the side light 528 (more specifically, the light emitter 572). With this configuration, changes in the distance between the light irradiated object (end face 554) and the light emitter 572 can be suppressed as the light guide 532 operates. This is preferable in preventing insufficient light supply to the light emission unit 553 due to diffusion of light from the light emitter 572 before it reaches the end face 554.

[0299] The light-emitting section 553 is arranged in the direction of operation of the light guide section 532, and the light-emitting elements 572 that constitute the side light 528 are also arranged in the direction of operation of the light guide section 532. By individually controlling the light emission of these light-emitting elements 572, the number of images displayed in the variable display area can be changed. In this way, by using multiple light-emitting elements 572 that can be individually controlled, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of displayed images according to the game situation, etc., thereby dramatically improving the expressive power of the variable display unit 500.

[0300] If the light-emitting section 553 is composed of minute irregularities, ambient light such as the lighting in the gaming hall will be diffused by the light-emitting section, making it difficult to completely prevent the visual identification of the position and shape of the light-emitting section 553. In other words, it may be possible to grasp the shape and position of the light-emitting section 553 by looking very closely. Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, by configuring the light-guiding section 532 to be illuminated from the backlight 582, ambient light can be obscured by the light from the backlight 582, making it difficult to grasp the shape and position of the light-emitting section 553. This is preferable for enhancing the impact when patterns suddenly appear by switching the supply / non-supply state of the side light 528.

[0301] When operating the light guide unit 532, it cannot be ruled out that by looking closely, it may be possible to identify that the light guide unit 532 is in operation using the light emitter 553 as a marker. This reduces the impact when the light guide unit 532 is operated while the side light 528 is not supplying light, thereby suddenly changing the pattern. Therefore, when changing the pattern, if the light guide unit 532 is operated under the conditions shown in the above embodiment, where the supply of light to the light guide unit 532 by the side light 528 is stopped and the light guide unit 532 is illuminated by the backlight 582, ambient light can be masked by the light from the backlight 582. This makes it difficult to tell that the light guide unit 532 is in operation, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the light from the backlight 582 illuminates the entire variable display area, it can effectively make it difficult to identify the shape of the light emitter 553 and the operating status of the light guide.

[0302] As the light guide 532, which is roughly annular in shape, rotates, the light supply point at the end face 554 of the light guide 532 is changed. As a result, the pattern is displayed in a variable manner by the light guide 532. Because the light guide 532 is roughly annular in shape, the variable display of the pattern can be continued without reversing the direction of rotation of the light guide 532. In other words, it is possible to suppress the light guide 532 from becoming excessively large in order to enhance expressiveness and other aspects by performing dynamic display using the light guide 532. This is a desirable configuration for increasing the attention of the player.

[0303] The distance from the side light 528 to the end face 554 of the light guide section 532 remains constant at any rotational position. Therefore, there is no need to change the position or orientation of the side light 528 in accordance with changes in the light supply location (for example, to ensure sufficient clearance for operation). Consequently, the configuration related to light supply in the variable display unit 500 can be simplified.

[0304] The side light 528 is configured such that the direction of light emission from the light-emitting element 572 (LED) is the same as the rotational axis CL, so that the direction of light emission and the arrangement direction (rotational direction) of the light-emitting parts 553 intersect. In other words, when using multiple light-emitting parts 553 in combination, it is avoided that the light-emitting parts 553 will be aligned in the direction of light emission. Therefore, when switching the displayed pattern according to the rotational position, it is possible to suppress the supply of light to patterns that are not to be displayed, and suitably avoid the occurrence of problems such as patterns that should not be displayed faintly emitting light.

[0305] In a configuration where the light guide 532 is roughly annular, an insertion section 561 is provided into which the portion (end) of the light guide 532 extending from the frame 531 (rim 536) is inserted, and a side light 528 is placed in this insertion section 561. This provides the following benefits: Even if the movement of the light guide 532 becomes unstable, displacement of the light guide 532 can be suppressed at a location close to the light irradiation position (insertion section). This allows the light supply function to be performed stably.

[0306] Furthermore, since the base body 524 holding the rotating body 525 is provided with an insertion portion 561, the gap with the light guide portion 532 can be minimized. This is preferable for suppressing strong interference between the insertion portion 561 and the light guide portion 532, and for suppressing light leakage from the insertion portion 561.

[0307] In a configuration in which the light guide portion 532 is movable, there is a concern that if the light guide portion 532 and the insertion portion 561 come into contact and the light guide portion 532 is damaged, light leakage and other problems are more likely to occur in that area. This is a factor that reduces the efficiency of light supply to the light emission portion 553. Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, by forming a gap between the insertion portion 561 and the outer surface portion 551 and inner surface portion 552 of the light guide portion 532 to avoid contact between the insertion portion 561 and the light guide portion 532, the occurrence of such problems can be suitably suppressed.

[0308] The light guide section 532 described above can be divided into multiple pieces (light guide panels 555-557) in the rotational direction, which contributes to easier manufacturing and reduced manufacturing costs. However, in such a configuration, if the boundary (edge) of each piece catches on the open portion (entrance portion) of the insertion section, it is assumed that the behavior of the light guide section 532 will be disrupted. Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, the gap is formed to increase toward the open portion, and by suppressing the catching of the edge with the insertion section 561, the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems can be suitably suppressed. In a configuration in which the open portion (entrance portion) is expanded, light is more likely to leak from this portion. Therefore, by facing the open portion toward the rear of the gaming machine, even if light leaks, it can be made less noticeable.

[0309] As shown in the above embodiment, by configuring the light guide section 532 with a plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557 arranged in parallel in the rotational direction, the shape of the light guide section 532 can be made substantially annular. With such a configuration, compared to, for example, the case in which one light guide plate is formed in an annular shape, it is possible to simplify the manufacturing of the drum unit 523 and reduce manufacturing costs. However, if the plurality of parallel light guide panels 555 to 557 are connected to each other, distortion may occur due to manufacturing variations, etc. In a configuration that supplies light to the end face 554 of the light guide section 532, there is a concern that the positional relationship between the side light 528 and the end face 554 may vary due to the influence of such distortion, which may prevent the pattern display function from working properly. In this regard, as shown in this embodiment, by attaching the light guide panels 555 to 557 to the frame 531 in a state where they are not fixed to each other, the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems can be suppressed. This is preferable in order to suppress the deterioration of appearance when displaying changing patterns using the light guide section 532 and to improve the attention of the player.

[0310] As described above, when a single light guide unit 532 is constructed by combining multiple light guide panels 555 to 557, the boundary area BP1 between the light guide panels 555 to 557 becomes conspicuous, reducing the appearance of the light guide unit 532. This is undesirable in terms of increasing the player's attention. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the light guide unit 532 is fixed to the frame 531, the fixing points of the light guide unit 532 to the frame 531 may differ in appearance from the unfixed points. In this embodiment, however, the ends on both sides in the rotational direction of each light guide panel 555 to 557 are free ends, and the fixing points are kept away from the boundary area BP1 between the light guide panels 555 to 557. This suppresses the player's gaze from being guided to the boundary area BP1 when the fixing points enter their field of view, and reduces the decrease in appearance caused by constructing a single light guide unit 532 by combining multiple light guide panels 555 to 557.

[0311] When the light guide section 532 is composed of multiple light guide panels 555 to 557, it is preferable to make the boundary portion BP1 of these light guide panels 555 to 557 as inconspicuous as possible. Here, the light-emitting element 572 (LED) that constitutes the side light 528 is configured to emit light in a predetermined direction, and the end faces on both sides of the rotation direction of the light guide panels 555 to 557 are configured to extend in that predetermined direction, that is, the direction of light irradiation and the direction in which the boundary portion BP1 extends coincide, thereby suppressing the emission of light from the boundary portion BP1. This is preferable in order to improve the appearance. The boundary portion BP1 is located in the area where the pattern is not placed (blank area), but since this boundary portion BP1 extends in the direction of the rotation center axis CL, it is possible to suppress the area where the pattern is not placed from becoming excessively large by taking this boundary portion BP1 into consideration.

[0312] If the number of light guide panels (number of divisions) is excessively large, the boundary areas between light guide panels will frequently stop in the variable display area (effective line). This is a concern as it may degrade the appearance of the variable display unit. Therefore, as shown in this embodiment, by defining the number of divisions so that the number of patterns arranged in each light guide panel 555 to 557 is greater than the upper limit of patterns that can stop in the variable display area, the opportunities for the boundary area BP1 to stop in the variable display area can be reduced. This mitigates the drawbacks of using multiple light guide panels in combination.

[0313] <Example 1> In the first embodiment described above, the side light 528, which serves as a "light-emitting part," is provided on the base body 524 that rotatably holds the rotating body 525 (drum). However, the invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to mount a configuration equivalent to the side light 528 on the rotating body 525. However, in such a configuration, the weight of the drum would increase further, and it is assumed that the responsiveness during rotation and stopping would decrease. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the side light 528 on the base body 524 as shown in the first embodiment above in order to reduce the weight of the rotating body 525.

[0314] <Modification 2> In the first embodiment described above, the light supply to the boundary portion BP1 is restricted by turning off a portion of the light-emitting element 572 (which serves as a light source for the boundary portion BP1) according to the rotational position of the boundary portion BP1. The specific configuration for restricting the light supply to the boundary portion BP1 is arbitrary; for example, a shielding means such as a sealing material that covers the boundary portion BP1 from the side may be provided.

[0315] However, considering that the end of the light guide portion 532 is inserted into the insertion portion 561, it cannot be ruled out that the shielding means may come into contact with the wall surface of the insertion portion 561 due to manufacturing variations and deterioration over time. If the gaming machine continues to operate under such conditions where contact is possible, the shielding means may wear down and its shielding function may deteriorate. As a countermeasure, for example, by increasing the gap between the light guide portion 532 and the insertion portion 561, such problems can be suppressed, but increasing the gap is undesirable in terms of suppressing light leakage from the insertion portion 561 and improving the light supply efficiency. Taking these circumstances into consideration, as shown in the first embodiment above, restricting the supply of light to the boundary portion BP1 by light emission control has technical significance in that it can suitably improve the durability of the gaming machine.

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

[0317] <Modification 4> In the first embodiment described above, a gap was provided at the boundary portion BP1 of the light guide panels 555 to 557, but this does not negate the possibility of a configuration in which the light guide panels 555 to 557 come into contact with each other at the boundary portion BP1.

[0318] <Modification 5> In the first embodiment described above, the inner surface of the insertion portion 561 and the light guide portion 532 are kept in non-contact, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a guide roller for guiding the light guide portion 532 may be provided on the insertion portion 561 side. However, scratches or other damage to the surface of the light guide portion 532 may alter the optical path and reduce the efficiency of supplying light to the light emission portion 553. In view of these circumstances, it is preferable to provide a protective member or the like on the part of the light guide portion 532 that comes into contact with the guide roller.

[0319] <Variation 6> In the first embodiment described above, the rotating body 525 is attached to the base body 524 via the motor 526. However, considering that the rotating body 525 is heavy due to the presence of the light guide portion 532, it is also possible to configure the system so that the rotating body 525 is rotatably held by the base body 524 and the rotating body 525 is operated by the motor 526.

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

[0321] <Differentiation Example 8> In the first embodiment described above, the light guide 532 is held in a rotatable manner, but the invention is not necessarily limited to this. It is sufficient that the pattern visible from the central opening 85 can be changed by moving the light guide; for example, the light guide may be held in a slidable manner.

[0322] <Modification 9> In the first embodiment described above, the light guide portion 532 was formed in a cylindrical shape, but it is not limited to this. For example, the light guide portion 532 may be formed in a disc shape and arranged so that its surface faces the front of the gaming machine. In this case, it is preferable to change the direction of the rotational axis of the rotating body in the front-rear direction.

[0323] <Variation 10> In the first embodiment described above, the backlight 582 is configured to light up when the display transitions to reach mode. However, it is sufficient that the backlight 582 is lit at least when a special change (special variation display) is performed, and it is optional whether or not to light up the backlight 582 during other periods.

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

[0325] Furthermore, when changing the display of symbols through special changes, if there are two types of display modes—a relatively slow rotation speed (e.g., normal reach) and a relatively fast rotation speed (e.g., super reach)—it is possible to change the timing of light supply / stop depending on the rotation speed. For example, if a symbol is temporarily paused on the reach line, extending the pause period increases the time available to confirm the symbol. However, simply extending the pause period may increase the constraints on the number of re-spins during special changes. Therefore, restarting the light supply immediately before the pause increases the time available to confirm the symbol. However, in such a configuration, the above margin effectively changes depending on the rotation speed of the rotating body. Therefore, when the rotation speed is relatively fast, it is advisable to configure the system to start the light supply earlier than when the rotation speed is relatively slow, or to extend the light supply range to a portion upstream of the reach line.

[0326] <Variation 12> In the first embodiment described above, the side light 528, which serves as the "light-emitting part," is fixed, and the light guide 532, which serves as the "light guide," is movable. However, it is also possible to reverse this relationship. That is, it is possible to display a changing pattern by moving the light-emitting part relative to the fixed light guide. Even in this case, it is preferable to align the direction of arrangement of the light-emitting parts formed on the light guide with the direction of movement of the light-emitting part.

[0327] <Example 13> In the first embodiment described above, the light guide portion 532 was formed in a substantially annular shape, but it is sufficient that the pattern displayed in the variable display area can be changed by movement in direction 1, and the light guide portion 532 is not limited to an annular shape (for example, it is not ruled out that a recess or the like may be formed in part of it).

[0328] <Example 14> In conventional gaming machines, it is possible to make the symbols virtually indistinguishable by rapidly changing their display speed. However, such movement hinders improvements in the durability of the symbol display mechanism. In particular, as shown in this embodiment, in a configuration in which the rotating body is equipped with a light guide, the weight is greater compared to cases in which paper or the like is used, so there are concerns that such disadvantages will become more pronounced.

[0329] Therefore, by stopping the supply of light from the side light 528 while the rotating body 525 is rotating, the pattern displayed on the light guide unit 532 can be suddenly turned off. By configuring the device in such a way that the appearance can be significantly changed (the identifiability changed) by controlling the emission of the side light 528, it is possible to diversify the display modes while effectively suppressing the resulting decrease in durability.

[0330] For example, it is advisable to use a combination of display modes that clearly show the process of the pattern change and display modes that do not show the process of the pattern change. With such a configuration, the modes of displaying the variable motion of the pattern can be suitably diversified.

[0331] <Example 15> To make the movement of the light guide unit 532 difficult to discern when the pattern is specially changed, the operation of the light guide unit 532 may be started at the same time as the side light 528 is turned off, or the operation of the light guide unit 532 may be started after the side light 528 is turned off. Alternatively, the side light 528 may be turned on after the operation of the light guide unit 532 is completed, or the side light 528 may be turned on at the same time as the operation of the light guide unit 532 is completed.

[0332] <Variation 16> When a special change is performed, the pause period (temporary pause period) for the middle symbol may or may not be made to match the final display period (final pause period). For example, the temporary pause period may be changed depending on the number of times the symbols are swapped during the special change. Specifically, it is possible to create differences so that the temporary pause period becomes longer in the order of 3 swaps < 2 swaps < 1 swap. In this case, if the temporary pause period is short, it is good to ensure that the symbols are visible for a period of time by speeding up the timing of the start of light supply for that period. More specifically, if the temporary pause period when the symbols are swapped once matches the final pause period, the temporary pause period when the symbols are swapped twice is 0.2 seconds shorter than the final pause period, and the temporary pause period when the symbols are swapped three times is 0.4 seconds shorter than the final pause period, it is good to configure the system to restart the light supply ahead of the shortened period (a configuration in which the supply is restarted while the light guide unit 532 is operating).

[0333] <Example 17> A configuration (second special modification) may be used in which light is supplied to the light-emitting unit 553 only during the period when the light-emitting unit 553 is located on the active line, and the supply of light is stopped when it moves out of the active line, thereby displaying the image frame by frame. In this case, when comparing a normal reach that supports slow-speed fluctuation display with a super reach that supports high-speed fluctuation display, the visibility of the image may be reduced in the latter than in the former. Therefore, in the latter case, it is preferable to ensure visibility by supplying light even when it is slightly out of the active line. For example, the timing of stopping the supply of light may be delayed compared to the former, or the timing of restarting the supply of light may be advanced compared to the former.

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

[0335] <Modification Example 19> In order to prevent players from pre-determining which symbols will be swapped during a special change, it is preferable to increase the proportion of the operating period of the light guide unit 532 and decrease the proportion of the waiting period from the stop of operation to the restart of light supply.

[0336] <Modification 20> In the first embodiment described above, the frame 531 is made of synthetic resin, but it is not limited to this. The frame 531 can also be made of metal.

[0337] <Variation 21> It is also possible to integrally mold the frame 531 and light guide panels 555-557 shown in the first embodiment described above. With such a configuration, fixing means for fixing the frame and light guide panels and associated components (for example, the part corresponding to the rim 536) become unnecessary. This is preferable for improving the appearance of the variable display unit.

[0338] Furthermore, it is also possible to construct a rotating body by integrally molding each of the three frame sections, which are divided in the rotational direction to correspond to each of the light guide panels 555 to 557, with the corresponding light guide panels 555 to 557, and then fixing these three pieces together using fixing means or the like. By using such a divided structure, it is possible to suppress difficulties in molding.

[0339] <Second Embodiment> The variable display unit 500X shown in this embodiment has the same main configuration for displaying the patterns as the variable display unit 500 shown in the first embodiment, but differs in that the background displayed by the background display device 529X can be switched according to the game situation. The variable display unit 500X in this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 43. Figure 43 is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit 500X. Note that the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment are reused, with "X" added to the end of the numerals, but unless otherwise explained, the various configurations shown in the first embodiment are basically the same.

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

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

[0342] Motor 526 is connected to the notification and effect control device 140, and the notification and effect control device 140 controls its drive. Motor 726X is a stepping motor, and the rotational position of the rotating body 725X can be adjusted by the number of pulses of the output drive signal.

[0343] The base unit 724X is equipped with a position detection sensor that detects the rotational position of the rotating unit 725X. The position detection sensor is connected to the notification and performance control device 140, which determines the rotational position of the rotating unit 725X based on the detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor. If the rotational position of the rotating unit 725X is shifted due to the influence of external forces or malfunctions, the rotational position of the rotating unit 725X is corrected (modified) based on the determined position information.

[0344] The rotating body 725X is composed of a circular frame 731X that forms the skeleton of the rotating body 725X, a substantially cylindrical light guide section 732X (light guide panels 755X~757X) that covers the outer circumference of the frame 731X, and decorative sheets 781X~783X attached to the outer surface of the light guide section 732X. The frame 731X is composed of a hub 735X as the central part to which the output shaft of the motor 726X is fixed, an annular rim 736X as the outer circumference to which the light guide section 732X is fixed, and spokes 737X that connect the hub 735X and the rim 736X.

[0345] More specifically, the rim 736X has a pair of annular sections on the left and right sides centered on the pivot axis CL, and a long connecting section that connects these annular sections. The light guide section 732X is fixed to the connecting section using a fixing means (adhesive) while being superimposed on the outside of the frame 731X.

[0346] The rim 736X of the frame 731X has a contact portion 743X that contacts the light guide portion 532 from the side opposite to the base body 524. The left-right position of the light guide portion 732X is defined by this contact portion 743X. The end of the light guide portion 732X opposite to the contact portion 743X (towards the base body 724X) extends laterally from the rim 736X. The base body 724X has an insertion portion 761X into which this extended portion (end) is inserted.

[0347] The insertion section 761X is groove-shaped and open to the light guide section 732X side, and the end of the light guide section 732X is inserted into the insertion section 761X through this opening. On the opposite side of the insertion section 761X from the light guide section 732X, with the bottom 762X in between, is a light-emitting substrate 771X on which multiple light-emitting elements 772X (specifically LEDs) are mounted. The light-emitting substrate 771X is connected to a notification / performance control device 140, and the notification / performance control device 140 controls the light emission of the light-emitting substrate 771X.

[0348] Multiple through-holes are formed at the bottom of the insertion section 761X to accommodate each light-emitting element 772X, and the light-emitting elements 772X mounted on the light-emitting substrate 771X face the end face 754X of the light-guiding section 732X through these through-holes. The optical axis of each light-emitting element 772X is oriented in the same direction as the rotational axis CL of the rotating body 725X, and the light from these light-emitting elements 772X is irradiated onto the end face 754X of the light-guiding section 732X. The base body 724X (including the insertion section 761X) is made of a colored, opaque synthetic resin material and is provided with a light-absorbing function. This suppresses light leakage from the insertion section 761X.

[0349] Light from the light-emitting element 772X is repeatedly reflected by the outer and inner surfaces of the light guide 732X and directed toward the opposite end surface of the light guide 732X. Here, a light-emitting area consisting of fine irregularities is formed over almost the entire outer surface of the light guide 732X. In contrast to the light guide 532X for displaying patterns, where the formation range of the light-emitting area was limited to a part, there is no such limitation on the formation range of the light-emitting area in the light guide 732X. In other words, the light guide 732X in this embodiment has the function of an illumination means (backlight 582) as shown in the first embodiment above.

[0350] The light supplied to the light guide unit 732X reaches the light emission unit of the light guide unit 732X and is emitted forward of the gaming machine. When this light passes through any of the decorative sheets 781X to 783X, the decorative sheets 781X to 783X will light up brightly.

[0351] In this embodiment, the rotating body 525X constituting the drum and the rotating body 725X constituting the background display device 529 face each other, with the majority of the rotating body 725X being housed within the rotating body 525X, which is slightly larger than the rotating body 725X. Since both the rotating body 525X and the rotating body 725X are movable, a corresponding gap in movement is required between them. However, if this gap in movement becomes too large, there is a concern that the background display may not function properly. One of the features of this embodiment is that measures have been taken to reduce the gap in movement, taking these circumstances into consideration.

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

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

[0354] With this configuration, by suppressing the vibration of the rotating bodies 525X and 725X, the operating gap between the rotating bodies 525X and 725X can be reduced when the rotating bodies 525X and 725X are arranged in a double configuration, both internally and externally.

[0355] As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 44(a), the rotating body 725X in this embodiment, like the rotating body 525X, is constructed by combining a plurality of light guide panels 755X to 757X that are arranged in separate directions of rotation to form a light guide section 732X that is generally cylindrical overall. The light guide panels 755X to 757X are made of transparent synthetic resin and are all plate-shaped with a constant thickness and curvature. Furthermore, the length dimension in the direction of rotation and the width dimension in the direction of the rotational axis CL of the rotating body 725X are the same, and they are formed to have the same appearance. The light guide panels 755X to 757X are each fixed to the rim 736X (specifically the connecting part) of the frame 731X using a transparent adhesive, which is the fixing means, but the light guide panels 755X to 757X are not fixed to each other.

[0356] As described above, in a configuration in which one end of the light guide section 732X is inserted into the insertion section 761X, it is preferable to bring the inner surface of the insertion section 761X and the light guide section 732X as close together as possible in order to improve the light supply efficiency. However, in such a structure, it is necessary to take into account that distortion may occur in the light guide panels 755X to 757X due to manufacturing errors and changes over time, and to add a certain amount of clearance to the gap between them. In this embodiment, by making the light guide panels 755X to 757X not fixed to each other, it is possible to avoid the distortion that may occur if the light guide panels 755X to 757X were fixed. This makes it possible to minimize the above-mentioned clearance.

[0357] Furthermore, while constructing the rotating body 725X using the light guide unit 732X can improve the expressive power of the variable display unit, it also tends to increase the weight of the rotating body 725X. This raises concerns that it may reduce the responsiveness when rotating / stopping the rotating body 725X. In this embodiment, however, overlapping in the thickness direction is avoided for the light guide panels 755X to 757X. This suppresses the weight increase of the light guide unit 732X and prevents a decrease in responsiveness.

[0358] At the boundary BP2 between light guide panels 755X and 757X, adjacent light guide panels 755X and 757X face each other with a gap in between. This is a design feature to prevent strong interference between light guide panels 755X and 757X at the boundary BP2 if there are variations in size due to manufacturing tolerances, etc. By avoiding strong interference between light guide panels 755X and 757X, deformation such as the aforementioned distortion can be suppressed.

[0359] Furthermore, the insertion portion 761X shown in this embodiment also extends along the portion of the light guide portion 732X that protrudes forward from the opening 522 of the housing 521 (see Figure 13) towards the front of the gaming machine. The openings on both the upper and lower sides of the insertion portion 761X are expanded so that their width gradually increases towards the ends. This suppresses snagging when the boundary portion BP2 passes through the opening. Incidentally, if the above-mentioned opening is expanded, light leakage from the side light 728X is more likely to occur. In contrast, in this embodiment, both of the above-mentioned openings are formed to face backward, more specifically, diagonally backward. This is a measure to make it less likely for light to enter the player's eyes if it leaks from the opening.

[0360] Each of the light guide panels 755X to 757X has a decorative sheet 781X to 783X attached to it. The decorative sheets 781X to 783X are the same size as the outer surface of the light guide panels 755X to 757X and are light-transmitting, but the patterns depicted on them differ. Specifically, the decorative sheet 781X attached to the light guide panel 755X has a pattern that mimics a beach in the daytime, the decorative sheet 782X attached to the light guide panel 756X has a pattern that mimics a beach in the evening, and the decorative sheet 783X attached to the light guide panel 757X has a pattern that mimics a beach at night.

[0361] As the rotating body 725X rotates, the background visible from the front of the gaming machine changes. Here, with reference to Figure 44(b), the relationship between the game state and the background is explained in more detail. In the first normal game state, where the support mode is the low-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low-probability mode, a daytime beach is displayed as the background. In the second normal game state, where the support mode is the high-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low-probability mode, and in the third normal game state, where the support mode is the high-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the high-probability mode, an evening beach is displayed as the background. In the special game state (open / close execution mode) that is entered when a jackpot is achieved, a nighttime beach is displayed as the background. In this way, by switching the background display according to the game state, the game state is indicated to the player.

[0362] In this embodiment, the background and pattern are displayed using a double rotating body, an inner and an outer one. In such a configuration, it becomes difficult to incorporate the lighting means into the inner rotating body in order to secure a power supply path to the lighting means. This problem is suitably solved by constructing the rotating body 725X using a light guide unit 732X that functions as a lighting means.

[0363] <Example 1> In the second embodiment described above, the motor 526X for the rotating body 525X and the motor 726X for the rotating body 725X are configured to protrude to the outside of the drum unit. With this configuration, the gap between the drum units, which are arranged side by side, becomes larger, and the spacing between each row of symbols increases. The following describes a modified example that takes these circumstances into consideration.

[0364] As shown in the schematic diagram of Figure 45, the hubs 535Y and 735Y of frames 531Y and 731Y are formed to protrude inward from the drum unit, and the engaging protrusions 591Y and 791Y of base bodies 524Y and 724Y engage with these hubs 535Y and 735Y from the rotational axis CL side. By making the engaging protrusions 591Y and 791Y hollow and arranging (housing) the motors 526Y and 726Y in this hollow portion, the protrusion of the motors 526Y and 726Y can be reduced. This reduces the gap and suppresses the separation of each pattern row.

[0365] <Modification 2> In the second embodiment described above, the light guide unit 732X was used as an illumination means for the decorative sheets 781X to 783X, but it is not limited to this. The light guide unit 732X can also be configured to display a predetermined pattern, similar to the light guide unit 532X. For example, the light-emitting part of the light guide unit 732X may be formed to display a pattern similar to the pattern written on the decorative sheets 781X to 783X. In such a configuration, it is undesirable for the back side to be visible through the light guide unit 732X. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a plain sheet material or the like on the inner surface of the light guide unit 732X to restrict visibility to the back side.

[0366] <Variation 3> In the second embodiment described above, decorative sheets 781X to 783X are individually attached to each light guide panel 755X to 757X. However, it is also possible to attach one decorative sheet so as to span across the three light guide panels 755X to 757X. With such a configuration, the boundary area BP2 between the light guide panels 755X to 757X can be covered, making the boundary area BP2 less noticeable.

[0367] <Modification 4> In the second embodiment described above, the configuration suggests four game states using three backgrounds, but it is also possible to configure the system so that the number of backgrounds matches the number of game states.

[0368] <Modification 5> It is also possible to apply the configurations shown in each modified example of the first embodiment to the variable display unit shown in this embodiment.

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

[0370] Each drum unit 723Z constituting the variable display unit is broadly divided into a first display unit consisting of a base body 524Z, a rotating body 525Z, a motor 526Z, a side light 528Z, etc., and a second display unit consisting of a base body 724Z, a rotating body 725Z, a motor 726Z, a side light 728Z, etc. The first display unit has the function of notifying the lottery result based on the ball entering the upper operating opening 83a (see Figure 6). If the lottery results in a probability variation jackpot, it displays the symbol combination corresponding to the probability variation jackpot result in a stop display on at least one of the effective lines L1 to L5. If the lottery results in a normal jackpot result, it displays the symbol combination corresponding to the normal jackpot result in a stop display on at least one of the effective lines L1 to L5. Note that the base body 524Z, rotating body 525Z, motor 526Z, and side light 528Z are identical to the base body 524Y, rotating body 525Y, motor 526Y, and side light 528Y shown in the second embodiment above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0371] The rotating body 725Z has a light guide section 732Z and a frame 731Z on which the light guide section 732Z is ​​mounted. The configuration of the light guide section 732Z is ​​the same as that of the light guide section 732Y shown in the second embodiment in that the light guide section 732Z is ​​made up of a combination of multiple light guide panels 755Z to 758Z. However, while decorative sheets 781Y to 783Y were attached to the outer surface of the light guide section 732Y, the light guide section 732Z shown in this embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that sheet materials 781Z to 783Z are attached to the inner surface of the light guide section 732Z.

[0372] Since the sheet materials 781Z to 783Z do not have light transmittance, it is not possible to see beyond them through the sheet materials 781Z to 783Z. All of the sheet materials 781Z to 783Z are plain and do not contain any background patterns or other information that would serve as a clue to identify the rotational position of the rotating body 725Z. In contrast, the light-emitting part 753Z (see Figure 47) formed on the outer surface 751Z of the light guide part 732Z is ​​configured to display a predetermined pattern or the like by emitting light from the light-emitting part 753Z, similar to the light guide part 532Z. In other words, while the light guide part 732Y shown in the second embodiment functioned as an illumination means, the light guide part 732Z shown in this embodiment functions as a pattern display means. When light is not emitted from the light-emitting part 753Z, the above pattern or the like is not displayed, and it becomes practically impossible or difficult to visually identify the light-emitting part 753Z.

[0373] Now, referring to Figure 47, we will explain the light-emitting section 753Z formed in the light-guiding section 732Z, that is, the patterns and designs displayed by the light-emitting section 753Z. For the sake of explanation, Figure 47 shows the state in which each light-emitting section 753Z emits light and displays patterns and designs.

[0374] The light guide panel 755Z, which makes up the light guide unit 732Z, has a single image printed across the three light guide panels 755Z on the left and right. Specifically, it has an image of a sandy beach. When the light guide panel 755Z is facing forward on the gaming machine, light is supplied from the side light 728Z, causing the sandy beach background to be displayed.

[0375] The light guide panels 756Z to 757Z have the "boy" symbol, "bell" symbol, "replay" symbol, "7" symbol, and "BAR" symbol arranged in a predetermined order. Although not shown in the diagram, the second display unit also has multiple active lines, similar to the first display unit. If a 16R jackpot is achieved, the combination of "7", "7", and "7" symbols is displayed on at least one of the active lines. If a 4R regular jackpot is achieved, the combination of "7", "7", and "BAR" symbols is displayed. If the result is a miss, a combination of symbols other than these symbols is displayed (see Figure 48).

[0376] In this embodiment, the display of the beach background is switched between using the light guide panel 755Z to display the symbols, depending on the game situation. However, the beach background and the symbols will never be displayed simultaneously in the variable display area.

[0377] The active lines in the second display unit are configured to coincide with the active lines L1 to L5 (active lines of the first display unit) shown in Figure 20 when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. By overlapping the active lines front and back, the system is designed to make it easier for players to understand. Hereafter, the active lines of the second display unit will also be referred to as active lines L1 to L5.

[0378] In the first and second embodiments described above, the game rounds related to the upper operating port 83a and the game rounds related to the lower operating port 83b are executed in a predetermined order, and the game rounds do not overlap. However, this embodiment differs in that the game rounds related to the upper operating port 83a and the game rounds related to the lower operating port 83b are executed in parallel. Below, we will explain the various processes executed by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 and the MPU 652 of the notification / performance control device 140 in order to realize this game flow, focusing on the differences from the second embodiment. First, with reference to Figures 49 to 53, we will explain the game round control process executed by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 in this embodiment.

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

[0380] If a positive result is obtained in step S1301, the game round control process ends immediately. If a negative result is obtained in step S1301, the game round control process for the game round related to winning at the upper opening 83a is executed in step S1302 (upper opening corresponding game round control process, upper opening control process), and the game round control process for the game round related to winning at the lower opening 83b is executed in step S1303 (lower opening corresponding game round control process, lower opening control process), after which the game round control process ends. The basic flow of these two control processes is the same. Below, the upper opening control process will first be explained with reference to Figures 50 and 51, and then the lower opening control process will be explained with reference to Figures 52 and 53, focusing on the differences from the lower opening control process.

[0381] (Control processing for upper operating port) As shown in Figure 50, in the upper operation port control process, first in step S1401, it is determined whether or not a game round is currently underway for the upper operation port 83a. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the upper operation port display unit of the main display unit 87 is in the process of changing display to confirmed display, that is, whether or not one game round is currently being played. This determination is made by checking whether or not the upper operation port game round flag (game round information) is stored in the game round flag storage area (changing display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The upper operation port game round flag is stored when the upper operation port display unit starts changing display and is erased when the image stops and the confirmed display ends.

[0382] If it is not a game round, a negative determination is made in step S1401 and the process proceeds to step S1402. In step S1402, it is determined whether or not it is a game round related to the lower operating port 83b. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the display unit for the lower operating port of the main display unit 87 is in the process of changing display to confirmed display, that is, whether or not one game round is being played. This determination is made by determining whether or not the game round flag (changing display information) for the lower operating port is stored in the game round flag storage area (changing display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The game round flag for the lower operating port is stored when the changing display is started on the display unit for the lower operating port and is erased when the symbols etc. corresponding to the lottery result (game result) are stopped and the confirmed display ends.

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

[0384] In step S1404, the total number of reserved balls in the reserved ball storage area 632 is referenced, and it is determined whether the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved balls, CRN for the upper operating port (more specifically, the number of reserved balls related to the upper operating port 83a), is "0". If the number of reserved balls stored in the upper operating port CRN is "0", the game round control process ends. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls stored in the upper operating port CRN is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, data setting processing is performed.

[0385] In the data setting process for the upper operation port 83a, first, the number of reserved memories for the upper operation port, CRN, is decremented by 1. Then, the data stored in the first area of ​​the upper operation port's reserved area Ra is moved to the first execution area AE1, and the data stored in the memory area of ​​the upper operation port's reserved area Ra is shifted.

[0386] This data shift process sequentially shifts the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower areas. The data in the first area is cleared, and the data within each area is shifted in the following order: second area → first area, third area → second area, fourth area → third area, and so on. Then, one of the lit LEDs on the upper operation port's hold count indicator is turned off. In this turn-off process, unlike the lighting process that is performed when hold information is added, the LEDs on the upper operation port's hold count indicator are turned off sequentially from right to left.

[0387] After performing the data setting process described in detail above, step S1406 executes the upper operation opening variation start process (upper operation opening variation start process) to start the variation display of the symbols on the upper operation opening display unit and the variation display of the symbols on the variable display unit, and then the game round control process ends. Now, with reference to Figure 51, the upper operation opening variation start process in step S1406 will be explained.

[0388] (Initiation process for upper operating port) In the upper operation opening fluctuation start process, first, a win / failure determination process is executed in step S1501. In the win / failure determination process, the win / failure table for the upper operation opening is referred to and it is determined whether the information for win / failure determination among the information stored in the first execution area, i.e., the numerical information obtained from the jackpot random number counter C1, matches the jackpot numerical information mentioned above. If the determination result in step S1501 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S1502 and the process proceeds to step S1503.

[0389] In step S1503, the type determination process is executed. In the type determination process, the information for type determination, i.e., the numerical information obtained from the jackpot type counter C2, is identified from the information stored in the first execution area. In addition, the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of ROM 603 is referenced to determine whether the type determination information identified above is included in either the information group corresponding to normal jackpot results or the information group corresponding to probability variation jackpot results.

[0390] In step S1504, the process for setting the stop result for a jackpot is executed. Specifically, the image to be ultimately displayed on the main display unit D (upper operation opening display unit) of the main display unit 87 in the current game round is identified from the jackpot result stop result table pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604. This jackpot result stop result table has multiple images set to be displayed on the main display unit D, and in step S1504, information indicating the image corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. Also in step S1504, information for the MPU 602 to identify whether the result of this game is a normal jackpot result or a probability variation jackpot result is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Specifically, if it is a normal jackpot result, the normal jackpot flag is stored, and if it is a probability variation jackpot result, the probability variation jackpot flag is stored.

[0391] After executing the setting process in step S1504, the process proceeds to step S1505. In step S1505, it is determined whether or not a game round related to the lower opening 83b is currently being executed. If the determination in step S1505 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1506. In step S1506, a forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If a game round related to the lower opening 83b (symbol variation display) is being executed, the game round related to the lower opening 83b (symbol variation display) will be forcibly terminated midway based on this forced termination flag. More specifically, if the game round related to the upper opening 83a corresponds to a jackpot result and the game round related to the lower opening 83b can be executed beyond the timing at which the confirmation display is made in that game round, the game round related to the lower opening 83b will be shortened and will terminate at the same time as the game round related to the upper opening 83a. In such cases, the symbols displayed during the game rounds related to the lower operating port 83b will correspond to a losing result.

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

[0393] Specifically, in the game round related to the start of this variation, the image to be ultimately displayed on the main display section D (upper operation opening display section) of the main display unit 87 is identified from the stop result table for losing results that is pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604.

[0394] After executing steps S1506 and S1507, or if a negative determination was made in step S1505, the process proceeds to step S1508. In step S1508, the process for setting the variable display time (display duration) is executed.

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

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

[0397] Returning to the explanation of Figure 50, if a positive determination is made in step S1401, that is, if it is determined that the game is currently in progress with respect to the upper operating port 83a, the process proceeds to step S1407. In step S1407, it is determined whether or not it is the start of a game round related to the lower operating port 83b and corresponding to a jackpot result. If a negative determination is made in step S1407, the process proceeds to step S1408.

[0398] Step S1408 determines whether or not the variable display time set in step S1508 has elapsed. If the determination in step S1408 is negative, the variable display processing is executed in step S1409, and then the control processing for the upper operating port is terminated. In the variable display processing in step S1409, the image is displayed in a variable manner by turning on / off the various LEDs that make up the upper operating port display unit.

[0399] If a positive result is obtained in step S1408, the process proceeds to step S1411. In step S1411, the variation termination process is executed. In the variation termination process, the display control of the main display unit 87 is performed so that the symbols on the upper operation slot display unit are stopped and displayed in a predetermined manner. That is, for example, the confirmation display of the symbols corresponding to the lottery result (game result) is performed. Note that the game rounds flags for the upper operation slot stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604 are erased when the confirmation display is completed.

[0400] In the following step S1412, the variation termination command is set, and then the game round control process is terminated. The variation termination command set in step S1412 is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal process (Figure 28). Based on the receipt of the variation termination command, the notification / performance control device 140 executes a process to terminate the performance for that game round. Specifically, upon receiving the variation termination command, the combination of symbols corresponding to the game result for that game round is confirmed and displayed (final stop display) on the first display unit of the variable display unit. Alternatively, the notification / performance control device 140 may independently terminate the performance for a game round even if the variation termination command is not transmitted.

[0401] After executing the process in step S1412, the process proceeds to step S1413, where the game count counter update process is executed. The game count counter is used to identify the number of games in which the high-frequency support mode is maintained in the second normal game state described above, and is deducted by "1" each time a game is played. If the game count counter becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step S1414, and the process proceeds to step S1415. In step S1415, the high-frequency support mode flag stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM 604 is erased. In the following step S1416, the high-frequency support mode termination command is set, and then the control process for the main operation port is terminated. The high-frequency support mode termination command is sent to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal process (Figure 28). Based on the receipt of this command, the notification / performance control device 140 switches the display performance mode.

[0402] If a positive result is obtained in step S1407, the process of rewriting the stop symbol is executed in step S1410, and after executing each of the processes in steps S1411 to S1416 above, the control process for the main operation port is terminated. In the process of rewriting the stop result, the stop result is rewritten so that the symbol corresponding to the losing result is displayed as the stop symbol.

[0403] Next, the control process for the lower operating port will be described with reference to Figures 52 and 53.

[0404] (Control processing for the lower operating port) As shown in Figure 19, in the control process for the lower opening, first in step S1601, it is determined whether or not a game round is currently underway for the lower opening 83b. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the lower opening display unit of the main display unit 87 is in the process of changing display to confirmed display, that is, whether or not one game round is currently being played. This determination is made by checking whether or not the lower opening game round flag (changing display information) is stored in the game round flag storage area (changing display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. The lower opening game round flag is stored when the lower opening display unit starts changing display and is erased when the image stops and the confirmed display ends.

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

[0406] If a positive result is obtained in step S1602, the process proceeds to step S1603. In step S1603, it is determined whether the number of game rounds related to the upper operating port 83a corresponds to a jackpot result. If a positive result is obtained in step S1603, the control process for the lower operating port is terminated. If a negative result is obtained in step S1603, or if a negative result was obtained in step S1602, the process proceeds to step S1604. In step S1604, the total number of reserved balls in the reserved ball storage area 632 is referenced, and it is determined whether the number of reserved balls stored in the reserved balls, CRN for the lower operating port (specifically the number of reserved balls related to the lower operating port 83b), is "0". If the number of reserved balls stored in the lower operating port CRN is "0", the game round control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls stored in the lower operating port CRN is not "0", the process proceeds to step S1605. In step S1605, data setting processing is performed.

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

[0408] This data shift process sequentially shifts the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower areas. The data in the first area is cleared, and the data within each area is shifted in the following order: second area → first area, third area → second area, fourth area → third area, and so on. Then, one of the lit LEDs in the lower operation port's hold count indicator is turned off. In this turn-off process, unlike the lighting process that is performed when hold information is added, the LEDs in the lower operation port's hold lamp section are turned off sequentially from right to left.

[0409] After performing the data setting process described in detail above, in step S1606, the variable start process for the lower operating port (variable start process for the lower operating port) is executed to start the variable display of the symbols in the main display unit 87 (main display section D) and the variable display unit (specifically the second display unit), and then the game round control process is terminated.

[0410] Now, with reference to Figure 53, the process for initiating the lower operating port's fluctuation in step S1606 will be explained.

[0411] (Initiation process for lower operating port) In the lower opening variation start process, first, a win / failure determination process is executed in step S1701. In the win / failure determination process, the win / failure table for the lower opening is referenced to determine whether the information for win / failure determination, i.e., the numerical information related to the jackpot random number counter C1, among the various information stored in the second execution area matches the jackpot numerical information mentioned above. If the determination result in step S1701 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S1702 and the process proceeds to step S1703.

[0412] In step S1703, the type determination process is executed. In the type determination process, the numerical information obtained from the jackpot type counter C2, which is among the various information stored in the second execution area, and the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of the ROM 603 are referenced to determine whether the type determination information identified above is included in the information group corresponding to normal jackpot results or the information group corresponding to probability variation jackpot results.

[0413] In step S1704, the process for setting the stop result for a jackpot is executed. Specifically, the image to be ultimately displayed on the main display unit D (lower operation opening display unit) of the main display unit 87 in the current game round is identified from the jackpot result stop result table pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604. This jackpot result stop result table has multiple images set to be displayed on the main display unit D, and in step S1704, information indicating the image corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. Also in step S1704, information for the MPU 602 to identify whether the result of this game is a normal jackpot result or a probability variation jackpot result is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Specifically, if it is a normal jackpot result, the normal jackpot flag is stored, and if it is a probability variation jackpot result, the probability variation jackpot flag is stored.

[0414] After executing the setting process in step S1704, the process proceeds to step S1705. In step S1705, it is determined whether or not a game round related to the upper operating port 83a is currently being executed. If the determination in step S1705 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1706. In step S1706, a forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of RAM 604. If a game round related to the upper operating port 83a (symbol variation display) is being executed, the game round related to the upper operating port 83a (symbol variation display) will be forcibly terminated midway based on this forced termination flag. More specifically, if a game round related to the lower operating port 83b corresponds to a jackpot result and the game round related to the upper operating port 83a (corresponding to a losing result) can be executed beyond the timing at which the confirmation display is made in that game round, the game round related to the upper operating port 83a will be shortened and will terminate at the same time as the game round related to the lower operating port 83b. In such cases, the symbols displayed during the game rounds related to the upper operating port 83a will correspond to a losing result.

[0415] Returning to the explanation of step S1702, if the result of the judgment in step S1701 is a false result, the judgment is made to negate in step S702 and proceed to step S1707.

[0416] In step S1707, a stop result setting process for losing outcomes is executed. Specifically, the image to be ultimately displayed on the main display section D (lower operation opening display section) of the main display unit 87 for the game round related to the start of the variation is identified from the stop result table for losing outcomes pre-stored in the ROM 603, and this identified information is stored in the RAM 604.

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

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

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

[0420] Returning to the explanation of Figure 52, if a positive determination is made in step S1601, that is, if it is determined that the game is currently in progress and the lower opening 83b is involved, the process proceeds to step S1608. In step S1608, it is determined whether or not it is the start of a game round related to the upper opening 83a and the game round corresponding to the jackpot result. If a negative determination is made in step S1608, the process proceeds to step S1609.

[0421] In step S1609, it is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed. If the determination in step S1609 is negative, the variable display processing is executed in step S1610, and then the control processing for the lower opening is terminated. In the variable display processing in step S1610, the image is displayed in a variable manner by turning on / off the various LEDs that make up the lower opening display unit.

[0422] If a positive stability is achieved in step S1609, the process proceeds to step S1612. In step S1612, the variation termination process is executed. In the variation termination process, the display control of the main display unit 87 is performed to stop displaying the image on the lower operation port display section in a predetermined manner.

[0423] In the following step S1613, a variation termination command is set. The variation termination command set in step S1613 is transmitted to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal processing (Figure 28). Based on the receipt of the variation termination command, the notification / performance control device 140 executes a process to terminate the performance for that game round. In addition, upon receiving the variation termination command, the notification / performance control device 140 displays the combination of symbols corresponding to the game result for that game round on the second display unit of the variable display unit 500Z as a final display (final stop display). Alternatively, the notification / performance control device 140 may independently terminate the performance for a game round even if the variation termination command is not transmitted.

[0424] After executing the process in step S1613, the process proceeds to step S1614, where the game count counter is updated. The game count counter is used to identify the number of games in which the high-frequency support mode is maintained in the second normal game state described above, and is deducted by "1" each time a game is played. If the game count counter becomes "0", a positive determination is made in step S1615, and the process proceeds to step S1616. In step S1616, the high-frequency support mode flag stored in the various flag storage area of ​​RAM 604 is erased. In the following step S1617, the high-frequency support mode termination command is set, and then the control process for the lower opening is terminated. The high-frequency support mode termination command is sent to the notification / performance control device 140 in step S401 of the normal process (Figure 28). Based on the receipt of this command, the notification / performance control device 140 switches the display performance mode.

[0425] If a positive result is obtained in step S1608, the process of rewriting the stop symbol is executed in step S1611, and after executing each of the processes in steps S1612 to S1617 above, the control process for the main operation port is terminated. In the process of rewriting the stop result, the stop result is rewritten so that the symbol corresponding to the losing result is displayed as the stop symbol.

[0426] As detailed above, in this embodiment, the game rounds related to the upper operating port 83a and the game rounds related to the lower operating port 83b proceed simultaneously. However, there is a difference in the variable display time set for each game round depending on the game state, and the main target of game progression switches depending on the game state. The relationship between the game state and the variable display time will be further explained below with reference to Figure 54.

[0427] In the first normal game state, where the support mode is low-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is low-probability mode, the display time for the game rounds executed based on balls entering the upper operating port 83a is set to 1 to 20 seconds. In particular, for game rounds corresponding to losing results, a difference is made so that the display time for the game rounds decreases as the number of reserved balls related to the upper operating port 83a increases, making it possible to reduce the chances in which reserved ball information is not acquired even though balls have entered the upper operating port 83a, while still allowing the game to progress quickly. On the other hand, the display time for the game rounds executed based on balls entering the lower operating port 83b is uniformly set to 600 seconds. In other words, the display time for the game rounds is 600 seconds regardless of whether the lottery result is a jackpot or a losing result. Thus, in the first normal game state, game rounds related to the upper operating port 83a proceed preferentially.

[0428] In contrast, in the second normal game state, where the support mode is high-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is high-probability mode, and in the third normal game state, where the support mode is high-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is low-probability mode, the relationship between the set variation display time and the third normal game state is reversed compared to the first normal game state. That is, the variation display time set for game rounds executed based on ball entry into the upper operation port 83a is uniformly set to 600 seconds. In other words, the variation display time is 600 seconds regardless of whether the lottery result is a jackpot or a loss. On the other hand, the variation display time set for game rounds executed based on ball entry into the lower operation port 83b is 1 to 10 seconds. In particular, for game rounds corresponding to a loss, a difference is made so that the variation display time becomes shorter as the number of reserved balls related to the lower operation port 83b increases, making it possible to reduce the chances in which reserved ball information is not acquired even though a ball has entered the lower operation port 83b, while still allowing the game to progress quickly. Thus, in the second and third normal game states, game rounds related to the lower operation port 83b proceed preferentially.

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

[0430] In the first normal game state, where the game progresses primarily based on balls entering the upper opening 83a, the side light 528Z of the first display unit and the side light 728Z of the second display unit are basically kept lit (see Figure 55). In the first normal game state, the rotating body 725Z of the second display unit is kept in a state where the aforementioned beach background faces the front of the game machine, and the symbols corresponding to the upper opening 83a are variably displayed in front of the beach background. In other words, as shown in Figure 56(a), the symbols of the first display unit and the background of the second display unit become visible.

[0431] In contrast, in the second and third normal game states, where the game progresses primarily based on balls entering the lower opening 83b, the side light 528Z of the first display unit is generally kept off, and the side light 728Z of the second display unit is kept on (see Figure 55). In these game states, with a few exceptions, the symbols on the first display unit are not displayed, and the configuration is such that it does not obstruct the visibility of the symbols displayed by the second display unit. In other words, basically, as shown in Figure 56(b), only the symbols on the second display unit are visible.

[0432] In the special game state, the symbol combination that triggered the transition to that special game state will continue to be displayed. In other words, if the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped on the first display unit, the background will be hidden and the display of that symbol combination will continue. Similarly, if the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped on the second display unit, the display of that symbol combination will continue.

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

[0434] In the first normal gameplay state, the side light 528Z for the first display unit and the side light 728Z for the second display unit are generally kept lit, while in the second and third normal gameplay states, the side light 528Z for the first display unit is generally kept off and the side light 728Z for the second display unit is kept lit.

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

[0436] (Main control processing for upper operating port) As shown in Figure 58, in the main control processing for the upper opening, first, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display (final stop display) the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the lower opening 83b. If the determination in step S1901 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1902.

[0437] Step S1902 determines whether or not a game round related to the upper operating port 83a is currently underway. If the determination in step S1902 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1903. Step S1903 determines whether or not it is the start of a game round related to the upper operating port 83a. If the determination in step S1903 is negative, the main processing for this upper operating port ends. If the determination in step S1903 is positive, the process proceeds to step S1904.

[0438] In step S1904, the drive control start process for the first display unit is executed. This outputs a drive signal to each motor 526Z constituting the first display unit, and each rotating body 525Z starts operating. In the following step S1905, the light emission control process for the side lights 528 of the first display unit is executed. This continues the power supply to the side lights 528 if power is already being supplied, and starts the power supply to the side lights 528 if some or all of the power supply to the side lights 528 is not being supplied.

[0439] Returning to the explanation of step S1902, if a positive result is obtained in step S1902, that is, if it is during a game round related to the upper operating port 83a, the process proceeds to step S1906. In step S1906, it is determined whether or not it is the time to confirm and display the symbol combination during the game round related to the upper operating port 83a. If a positive result is obtained in step S1906, the process proceeds to step S1907.

[0440] In step S1907, the stop control process for the first display unit is executed. As a result, all rotating bodies 525Z constituting the first display unit stop, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is displayed in a stopped state. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1906, the process proceeds to step S1908, where the illumination and drive control process for the first display unit during variation is executed. As a result, the left and right symbol columns stop displaying and transition to a reach display, or the middle symbol column undergoes a special change. In this case, the specific flow of the display effect is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

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

[0442] Subsequently, in step S1910, a forced stop control process is executed to stop each rotating body 525Z of the first display unit. When each rotating body 525Z is forcibly stopped, the combination of light-emitting units 553Z corresponding to the incorrect result is stopped in the variable display area. However, since the supply of light from the side light 528Z is stopped in step S1909, these light-emitting units 553Z do not emit light.

[0443] (Special control processing for upper operating port) Next, we will explain the special control processing for the upper operating port that is executed when the game is in the second normal game state or the third normal game state, which proceeds based on balls entering the lower operating port 83b. As shown in Figure 59, in the special control processing for the upper operating port, first, in step S2001, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display (final stop display) the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the lower operating port 83b. If the determination in step S2001 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2002.

[0444] Step S2002 determines whether or not a game round related to the upper operating port 83a is currently underway. If the determination in step S2002 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2003. In step S2003, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of a game round related to the upper operating port 83a. If the determination in step S2003 is negative, the special control processing for this upper operating port is terminated.

[0445] If a positive result is obtained in step S2003, the drive control start process for the first display unit is executed in step S2004, and then the special control process for the main operating port is terminated. The drive control start process for the first display unit starts outputting drive signals to each motor 526Z for the first display unit, and each rotating body 525Z starts operating. However, the side lights 528 for the first display unit are kept off, so the symbols on the first display unit remain invisible. In other words, each rotating body 525Z rotates idly.

[0446] Returning to the explanation of step S2002, if a positive result is obtained in step S2002, proceed to step S2005. In step S2005, it is determined whether or not the display of confirmed symbol combinations is currently being performed in the game round related to the upper operating port 83a. If a negative result is obtained in step S2005, proceed to step S2006.

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

[0448] If a positive result is obtained in step S2006, the process proceeds to step S2007. In step S2007, the stop control process for the first display unit is executed. If the current game round corresponds to a jackpot result, the light emitter 553Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped on one of the active lines L1 to L5. If the current game round corresponds to a losing result, the light emitter 553Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the losing result is stopped on one of the active lines L1 to L5.

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

[0450] Returning to the explanation of step S2005, if a positive result is obtained in step S2005, that is, if the confirmation display is in progress, the process proceeds to step S2011. In step S2011, it is determined whether or not the confirmation display period has elapsed and it is time to end the confirmation display. If a negative result is obtained in step S2011, the special control processing for the main operation port is terminated. If a positive result is obtained in step S2011, the process proceeds to step S2012. In step S2012, it is determined whether or not the result of this game is a jackpot. If it is a jackpot, the process proceeds to step S2013 and the illumination extension control processing is executed to extend the illumination of the side light 528 of the first display unit until the special game state ends.

[0451] As detailed above, if a jackpot is achieved during a game involving the upper operating port 83a in the second or third normal game state, only that result will be displayed on the first display unit, and this display will continue until the end of the special game state. In contrast, if a losing result is achieved during a game involving the upper operating port 83a in the second or third normal game state, the rotating body 525Z will stop according to that result, but the symbol combination corresponding to the losing result will remain hidden.

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

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

[0454] Step S2202 determines whether or not a game round related to the lower opening 83b is currently underway. If the determination in step S2202 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2203. Step S2203 determines whether or not it is the start of a game round related to the lower opening 83b. If the determination in step S2203 is negative, the main processing for this lower opening is terminated. If the determination in step S2203 is positive, the process proceeds to step S2204.

[0455] In step S2204, the drive control start process for the second display unit is executed. This outputs a drive signal to each motor 726Z that makes up the second display unit, and each rotating body 725Z starts operating. As described above, in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the side light 728Z of the second display unit is basically kept lit, so when the rotating body 725Z starts operating, the display of changing symbols on the second display unit begins.

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

[0457] In step S2206, the stop control process for the second display unit is executed. As a result, all rotating bodies 725Z constituting the second display unit stop, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is displayed in a stopped state. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2205, the process proceeds to step S2207, where the illumination and drive control process for the second display unit during variation is executed. As a result, the left and right symbol columns stop displaying and transition to a reach display, or the middle symbol column undergoes a special change. In this case, the specific flow of the display effect is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

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

[0459] Subsequently, in step S2209, a forced stop control process is executed to stop each rotating body 725Z of the second display unit. When each rotating body 725Z is forcibly stopped, the combination of light-emitting units 753Z corresponding to the incorrect result is stopped in the variable display area. However, since the supply of light from the side light 728Z is stopped in step S2208, these light-emitting units 753Z do not emit light.

[0460] (Special control processing for the lower operating port) Next, we will explain the special control processing for the lower opening that is executed when the game is in the first normal game state, which progresses based on balls entering the upper opening 83a. As shown in Figure 62, in the special control processing for the lower opening, first, in step S2301, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display (final stop display) the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game round related to the upper opening 83a. If the determination in step S2301 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2302.

[0461] Step S2302 determines whether or not it is currently a game round related to the lower opening 83b. If the determination in step S2302 is negative, the process proceeds to step S2303. In step S2303, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of a game round related to the lower opening 83b. If the determination in step S2303 is negative, the special control process for this lower opening is terminated.

[0462] If a positive result is obtained in step S2303, the process proceeds to step S2304. In step S2304, special control processing for the side lights of the second display unit is executed, and in the following step S2305, drive control processing for the second display unit is executed. As a result, the output of drive signals to each motor 726Z for the second display unit is started, and each rotating body 725Z starts to operate. In this case, the light emitter 753Z for the background and the light emitter 753Z for the symbols pass through the variable display area at a predetermined cycle, but the supply of light from the side lights 728Z is temporarily suspended during the period when the light emitter 753Z for the symbols passes through the variable display area. As a result, the background appears to the player to be flashing.

[0463] Returning to the explanation of step S2302, if a positive result is obtained in step S2302, proceed to step S2306. In step S2306, it is determined whether or not the display of confirmed symbol combinations is currently being performed in the game round related to the lower operating port 83b. If a negative result is obtained in step S2306, proceed to step S2307.

[0464] In step S2307, it is determined whether or not it is time to display the confirmed symbol combination (final stop display) during the game round related to the lower operating port 83b. If the determination in step S2307 is negative, step S2311 executes the illumination and drive control processing for the second display unit during rotation. As a result, the side lights 728Z switch on / off according to the rotation position of each rotating body 725Z, the background flashes, while the symbols on the second display unit are not displayed. Note that if a game round related to the lower operating port 83b is executed in the first normal game state, each rotating body 725Z will stop when it is time for the confirmed display without going through the reach display described above.

[0465] If a positive result is obtained in step S2307, the process proceeds to step S2308. In step S2308, the stop control process for the second display unit is executed. If the current game round corresponds to a jackpot result, the light emitter 753Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped on one of the active lines L1 to L5. If the current game round corresponds to a losing result, the light emitter 753Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the losing result is stopped on one of the active lines L1 to L5.

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

[0467] Returning to the explanation of step S2306, if a positive result is obtained in step S2306, that is, if the confirmation display is in progress, proceed to step S2312. In step S2312, it is determined whether the confirmation display period has elapsed and it is time to end the confirmation display. If a negative result is obtained in step S2312, the special control processing for the main operation port is terminated. If a positive result is obtained in step S2011, proceed to step S2313. In step S2313, it is determined whether the result of this game is a jackpot result. If it is a jackpot result, proceed to step S2313 and execute the illumination extension control processing to extend the illumination of the side light 728Z of the second display unit until the special game state ends.

[0468] Returning to the explanation of step S2301, if a positive result is obtained in step S2301, the process proceeds to step S2315. In step S2315, the forced stop control process for the second display unit is executed. In other words, if a combination of symbols resulting in a jackpot is displayed in the first normal game state during a game round related to the upper operating port 83a, the second display unit is also forcibly stopped. In this case, the second display unit is adjusted so that no combination of light-emitting parts 753Z corresponding to a jackpot is stopped on any of the active lines L1 to L5.

[0469] As detailed above, if a jackpot is achieved during a game involving the lower opening 83b in the first normal game state, only that result will be displayed on the...

Claims

[Claim 1] A game board in which the game area is formed, A first ball entry means into which game balls flowing down the aforementioned game area can be entered, A second ball entry means into which game balls flowing down the aforementioned game area can be entered, A display means having a display unit, Equipped with, The system is configured to initiate a first performance in a predetermined area of ​​the display unit based on the entry of a game ball into the first ball entry means. The system is configured to initiate a second performance in the predetermined area of ​​the display unit based on the fact that a game ball has entered the second ball entry means. The configuration allows the second performance to be initiated in the predetermined area based on the fact that a game ball enters the second ball entry means while the first performance is not being performed in the predetermined area. The second ball entry means can be configured to make it easier for game balls to enter than the first ball entry means. The configuration allows for the execution of a specific performance when the first performance is initiated. A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured to execute the specific performance when the second performance is initiated.

Images