Gaming machine

Abstract

Efficiently emits light with a small number of LEDs. [Solution] The gaming machine comprises multiple LEDs and a circuit board on which the multiple LEDs are mounted. The multiple LEDs are side-view type LEDs arranged so that their light-emitting surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the circuit board, and the multiple LEDs are arranged in a straight line along the direction of light irradiation.

Description

Technical Field

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[0006] ,

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

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently emit light with a small number of LEDs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of a gaming machine. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a gaming machine with the front frame open. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the game board. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of the game board. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the main display unit and the fourth symbol display unit. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates an example of a variation in the game's presentation. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the main processing on the primary control side. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating the timer interrupt processing on the main control side. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the main processing on the frame control side. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart illustrating the timer interrupt processing on the frame control side. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the main processing on the production control side. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart illustrating the timer interrupt processing on the performance control side. [Figure 15] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the main display unit. [Figure 16] This is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around the main control unit on the main control board. [Figure 17] This is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration related to the display control of the main display on the main control board. [Figure 18] This is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the main display board. [Figure 19] This is a diagram of the gaming machine seen from the back side. [Figure 20] This is a diagram for explaining the structure of the frame control board. [Figure 21] This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the game ball number display. [Figure 22] This is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around the frame control unit on the frame control board. [Figure 23] This is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration related to the display control of the performance display on the frame control board. [Figure 24] This is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around a predetermined connector on the frame control board. [Figure 25] This is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the game ball number display board. [Figure 26] This is a diagram for explaining the structure of the fourth symbol display. [Figure 27] This is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the decoration relay board that relays between the effect control board and the fourth symbol display board. [Figure 28] This is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the fourth symbol display board. [Figure 29] This is a diagram for explaining the luminance table. [Figure 30] This is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the decoration board around the illumination panel. [Figure 31] This is a partially enlarged view around the illumination panel. [Figure 32] This is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the illumination board. [Figure 33] This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the movable accessory. [Figure 34] This is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the movable accessory board. [Figure 35] This diagram explains the layout of the lower right unit on the game board. [Figure 36] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the lower right unit of the game board. [Figure 37] This is a side view illustrating the configuration of the lower right unit of the game board. [Figure 38] This diagram shows a part of the circuit configuration of the prize winning slot decorative circuit board. [Figure 39] This figure shows a portion of the circuit configuration of the large prize winning slot decorative circuit board and the decorative circuit board shown in Special Figure 2. [Figure 40] This diagram explains the layout of the lower left unit on the game board. [Figure 41] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the decorative circuit board on the lower left side. [Figure 42] This diagram shows the circuit configuration of the decorative circuit board on the lower left side. [Figure 43] This diagram shows the arrangement of the left-side LEDs relative to the lower-left side decorative substrate. [Figure 44] This is a magnified view of the lower part of the front frame. [Figure 45] This is a disassembled perspective view of the display panel. [Figure 46] This diagram illustrates the connection relationship between the left and center performance panel boards. [Figure 47] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the left-side display panel circuit board. [Figure 48] This diagram shows the circuit configuration of the left-side display panel board. [Figure 49] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the central display panel circuit board. [Figure 50] This diagram shows the circuit configuration of the button LED board. [Figure 51] This diagram shows the circuit configuration of the central display panel board. [Figure 52] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a movable mechanism. [Figure 53] This diagram shows a modified example of an LED used for visual effects in a movable prop. [Figure 54] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a movable mechanism. [Figure 55]This figure shows the circuit configuration of the main control board in modified example 1. [Figure 56] This diagram illustrates the fourth symbol display in modified example 2. [Figure 57] This diagram illustrates the configuration of the movable component circuit board in modified example 3. [Figure 58] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the back-mounted LEDs and the through-holes. [Figure 59] This diagram shows various values ​​related to the LEDs of the main display, performance display, game ball count display, and the fourth symbol display. [Figure 60] This figure shows various values ​​related to the LEDs of the main display and performance display A in modified example 1. [Figure 61] This diagram shows various information and values ​​related to the illumination LED, movable part LED, prize entry LED, main prize entry LED, and special feature 2 LED. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order with reference to the attached drawings. <1. Structure of a gaming machine> <2. Control Configuration of Gaming Machines> [2.1 Main Control Board] [2.2 Frame control board] [2.3 Power Supply Board] [2.4 Performance Control Board] <3. Overview of Operation> [3.1 Game Status] [3.2 Special Symbol Variation Display Game] [3.3 Big Win Game] [3.4 Regular Symbol Variation Display Game] [3.5 An example of staging] <4. Processing on the main control board> [4.1 Main Control Side Main Processing] [4.2 Main Control Timer Interrupt Processing] <5. Processing of the frame control board> [5.1 Frame control side main processing] [5.2 Timer interrupt processing on the frame control side] <6. Processing of the performance control board> [6.1 Main Processing on the Performance Control Side] [6.2 Timer interrupt processing on the performance control side] <7. LEDs related to the main control board> <8. LED related to the payout control board> <9. LED related to the fourth symbol display> <10. LEDs used for visual effects placed on the game board> [10.1 LEDs for illumination panel effects] [10.2 LEDs for effects on movable parts] [10.3 LED for visual effects on the lower right unit of the game board] [10.4 LED for visual effects located in the lower left unit of the game board] [10.5 LEDs for special effects placed on the display panel] [10.6 LEDs for effects on movable parts] [10.7 LEDs for effects on movable parts] <11. Variant> [11.1 Variation 1] [11.2 Variation 2] [11.3 Variation 3] <12. Example Configuration>

[0010] <1. Structure of a gaming machine> The overall structure of the gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment with the front frame 7 open. In the following, the direction to the right from the perspective of a player facing directly towards the gaming machine 1 will be defined as the right direction of the gaming machine 1, and the direction to the left from the perspective of a player facing directly towards the gaming machine 1 will be defined as the left direction of the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, the direction directly upward will be defined as the upward direction of the gaming machine 1, and the direction directly downward will be defined as the downward direction of the gaming machine 1. In addition, the direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player facing directly towards it will be defined as the front direction of the gaming machine 1, and the direction from the player facing directly towards the gaming machine 1 toward the gaming machine 1 will be defined as the rear direction of the gaming machine 1. The left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 means the same as the width direction of the gaming machine 1.

[0011] Gaming machine 1 is a so-called smart pachinko machine that uses game balls sealed inside to circulate and play games.

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

[0013] The front frame 7 has a transparent glass 11 held in the center, and side units 13 are provided so as to surround all or part of the transparent glass 11. The side unit 13 is designed with a decorative shape that matches the theme of the gaming machine 1, and may also be equipped with LEDs, movable parts, and other performance elements inside, thereby conveying the atmosphere of the game to the player. The side unit 13 is interchangeably attached to the front frame 7.

[0014] A key cylinder 15 for unlocking the door is provided at the right end of the front frame 7. Inserting a key into this key cylinder 15 and operating it in one direction releases the lock on the front frame 7 to the inner frame 5, allowing the front frame 7 to be opened forward. Operating it in the other direction releases the lock on the inner frame 5 to the outer frame 3, allowing the inner frame 5 to be opened forward.

[0015] An operation panel 17 is located on the lower side of the front frame 7. To the right of the operation panel 17 is a handle device 19 for launching game balls from the launching device 31. Below the handle device 19, a support platform 20 is provided for the player to rest their wrist on.

[0016] To the left of the control panel 17 are a game ball count display 21 and a counting switch 23. The game ball count display 21 consists of a 6-digit 7-segment LED and displays the number of game balls managed by the gaming machine 1 (the number of game balls held by the player; hereinafter referred to as the managed game ball count). The counting switch 23 receives input from the player to transfer the managed game ball count to the game value medium (card) of the game ball dispensing device.

[0017] Furthermore, the control panel 17 is equipped with operation buttons 25 that can be operated by the player. The operation buttons 25 include a performance button 25a, a directional key 25b, a brightness change button 25c, and a volume change button 25d. The effect button 25a becomes operable (input accepted) during a predetermined input acceptance period, and changes in the effect can be brought about by performing a predetermined operation (pressing, repeatedly pressing, holding, etc.). In addition, the effect button 25a also serves as an operator to instruct the confirmation of the item selected by the directional key 25b. The directional keys 25b are controls used by players, hall staff, and other users to select various items, indicate directions, and perform other actions. The brightness change button 25c is an operator for adjusting the brightness of the performance LED 27, which is controlled to have various lighting patterns and light colors. It consists of a plus button to increase the brightness of the performance LED 27 and a minus button to decrease the brightness of the performance LED 27. The volume control button 25d is a control for adjusting the volume of sound output from the speaker 29, and consists of a plus button to increase the volume and a minus button to decrease the volume.

[0018] Below the control panel 17, a display panel 26 is provided. Inside the display panel 26, multiple display LEDs 27 are provided, and by controlling the lighting of these display LEDs 27, the display panel 26 as a whole lights up and displays in various lighting patterns and colors.

[0019] The LEDs 27 used for effects are controlled by the effect control board 120 and are installed in various locations other than within the effect panel 26. For example, the LEDs 27 used for effects are installed around the gaming machine 1, such as around the front frame 7, inside the side unit 13, inside the game board 9, etc.

[0020] Furthermore, multiple speakers 29 that output sound are provided around the gaming machine 1, for example, around the periphery of the front frame 7. Multiple speakers 29 are used to enable stereo sound reproduction and multi-channel sound reproduction for sounds related to the performance.

[0021] The inner frame 5 is provided with a circulation mechanism 30, including a launching device 31 and a lifting device 33, located below the game board 9. The circulation mechanism 30 circulates the game balls within the game machine 1. The launching device 31 launches the game balls toward the game area 37 with a force corresponding to the amount (rotation angle) of the player's operation on the handle 19a of the handle device 19. The lifting device 33 transports the game balls discharged from the game area 37 to the launching device 31. Furthermore, the lifting device 33 incorporates a polishing device that polishes the game balls while they are being lifted.

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

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

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

[0025] The game area 37 is divided into a left game area 37a and a right game area 37b by a center ornament 39 located in the center. The center ornament 39 has a center vertex 39a that protrudes upward to divide the left game area 37a and the right game area 37b. Note that the center vertex 39a may be formed at a position shifted to the right or left of the center, rather than being in the exact center in the left-right direction. Game balls launched by the launching device 31 with a predetermined launch intensity below that which does not exceed the center vertex 39a will flow down the left game area 37a, while game balls launched with a predetermined launch intensity or greater than that which exceeds the center vertex 39a will flow down the right game area 37b.

[0026] The game area 37 is provided with a stopper 38 that is continuous with the upper right end of the outer rail 35. The stopper 38 is positioned along the outer rail 35, causing the game balls launched by the launching device 31 with a predetermined launching force or higher to collide with the stopper 38 and guide them to the right game area 37b.

[0027] Furthermore, a backflow prevention member 40 is provided at the upper left end of the inner rail 36. The backflow prevention member 40 is biased counterclockwise by a spring (not shown) so as to block the game ball guide path 35a, and is also capable of rotating clockwise around the upper left end of the inner rail 36 as a pivot point by game balls entering the game area 37 from the game ball guide path 35a. In this way, the backflow prevention member 40 prevents game balls that have entered the game area 37 from flowing back into the game ball guide path 35a.

[0028] A special symbol 1 start port 41 is provided at the lower center of the game board 9. The special symbol 1 start port 41 is a prize entry port related to the starting conditions for the variable display operation of the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special symbol 1, and sometimes abbreviated as special symbol 1) on the main display unit 63, and is configured as a fixed start port.

[0029] A special symbol 2 start opening 43 is provided on the right side of the game board 9. The special symbol 2 start opening 43 is a prize entry point related to the starting conditions for the variable display operation of the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special symbol 2, and sometimes abbreviated as special symbol 2) on the main display unit 63, and is configured as a variable start opening whose opening and closing is controlled by the ordinary electric mechanism 45.

[0030] The standard electric mechanism 45 can be switched between an open state, which allows game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start opening 43, and a closed state, which makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start opening 43, by operating the movable piece 45a.

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

[0032] Below the special symbol 2 start opening 43 in the right game area 37b, a large prize opening 49 is provided. The large prize opening 49 is controlled to open and close by a special electric mechanism 51. The large prize opening 49 may also be provided above the special symbol 2 start opening 43. The special electric mechanism 51 can be switched between an open state, which allows game balls to enter the large prize opening 49, and a closed state, which makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the large prize opening 49, by operating the movable piece 51a.

[0033] In addition, multiple prize entry points 53 are provided on the left and right lower sides of the game area 37. Furthermore, an outlet 55 is provided on the lower center side of the game area 37, and game balls that do not enter any of the prize entry points are discharged from the game area 37 through the outlet 55.

[0034] Furthermore, while the special symbol 1 starting gate 41 is only accessible to game balls that have flowed down the left game area 37a, it may also be accessible to game balls that have flowed down the right game area 37b. Furthermore, while only game balls that have flowed down the right game area 37b can enter or pass through the special symbol 2 starting opening 43, the regular symbol starting opening 47, and the big prize opening 49, game balls that have flowed down the left game area 37a may also enter or pass through.

[0035] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters one of the various prize slots located in the game area 37, the number of prize balls set for the prize slot into which the game ball entered (for example, 3 balls for the special symbol 1 starting slot 41, 1 ball for the special symbol 2 starting slot 43, 15 balls for the large prize slot 49, and 5 balls for the prize slot 53) is dispensed.

[0036] Furthermore, an LCD unit (liquid crystal display device) 57 and an illumination panel 59 are provided in the area surrounded by the center ornament 39 in the center of the game board 9. The LCD unit 57, in accordance with the control of the performance control board 120 described later, displays, for example, three decorative patterns 201a to 201c (see Figure 8) in a variable and stopped manner, and displays various images (still images and moving images) for performances. The decorative symbols 201 come in multiple variations, including different numbers and symbols. The combination of the three decorative symbols 201a to 201c that are displayed indicates the result of the jackpot lottery, which will be described later.

[0037] The illumination panel 59 is made of a plate-shaped transparent synthetic resin material and is positioned opposite the LCD unit 57, on the player side (front side) than the LCD unit 57. The illumination panel 59 has predetermined patterns such as letters, figures, symbols, and designs formed on its front or back surface by embossing. When light is not incident on the illumination panel 59 from the side, the patterns are not visible or are difficult to see, but when light is incident on the side, the patterns emit diffused light and become visible to the player.

[0038] A space is formed between the LCD unit 57 and the illumination panel 59, and one or more movable components 61 are arranged within this space. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate one of the multiple movable components 61. The movable mechanism 61 is positioned in front of the LCD unit 57 and is retracted to a position where it is not normally visible to the player, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3. Then, as shown by the solid line in Figure 3, the movable mechanism 61 is driven by the movable motor 61a (see Figure 7) during the display of the decorative symbols 201 (during the display of special symbols 1 and 2), etc., and moves to the front of the LCD unit 57, thereby giving the player a sense of anticipation for a big win.

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

[0040] Figure 5 illustrates the main display unit 63 and the fourth symbol display unit 65. The main display unit 63 is controlled by the main control board 100 and displays (notifies) information regarding the progress of the game by lighting, flashing, and extinguishing LEDs. In the following, the lighting, flashing, and extinguishing of LEDs will be collectively referred to as lighting display. As shown in Figure 5(a), the main display unit 63 includes a special symbol 1 display unit 63a that displays the variable display operation (lighting display) of special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 display unit 63b that displays the variable display operation of special symbol 2, and a normal symbol display unit 63c that displays the variable display operation of normal symbols. In addition, the main display unit 63 includes a special symbol 1 reserved number display unit 63d that displays the number of reserved special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 reserved number display unit 63e that displays the number of reserved special symbol 2, a normal symbol reserved number display unit 63f that displays the number of reserved normal symbols, a round display unit 63g that displays the prescribed number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to a jackpot, a game state display unit 63h that displays the game state (time reduction state, high probability state), and a right-hand shooting display unit 63i that prompts the player to shoot to the right. Right-handed play refers to the player operating the handle 19a to launch the game ball towards the right-hand play area 37b. The right-handed play indicator 63i is a display that informs the player that launching the game ball towards the right-hand play area 37b is more advantageous than launching it towards the left-hand play area 37a.

[0041] The fourth symbol display unit 65 is controlled by the performance control board 120 and notifies information regarding the progress of the game by lighting up LEDs. As shown in Figure 5(b), the fourth symbol display unit 65 is equipped with a special symbol 1 display unit 65a that displays the variation of special symbol 1, and a special symbol 2 display unit 65b that displays the variation of special symbol 2. The fourth symbol display unit 65 is also equipped with a special symbol 1 reserved number display unit 65c that displays the number of reserved special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 reserved number display unit 65d that displays the number of reserved special symbol 2, and a right-hand play display unit 65e that prompts the player to play to the right.

[0042] <2. Control Configuration of Gaming Machines> Figures 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 1. The control configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be explained with reference to the block diagrams in Figures 6 and 7. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is composed of a main control board 100 that comprehensively controls the progress of the game (game operation control), a frame control board 110 that comprehensively controls the management of the number of game balls (prize balls) and the management of game balls (launching, circulation), an effect control board 120 that receives effect control commands from the main control board 100 and comprehensively controls the execution of effects by the effect means, a power supply board 130 that generates and supplies the necessary power voltage to the gaming machine 1 from an external power supply, a game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 140 that is connected to a game ball dispensing device, and a decorative relay board 150, a front frame relay board 160, an upper decorative board 170, and a decorative board 180 on which components related to the effect means are provided or connected.

[0043] [2.1 Main Control Board] The main control board 100 comprises a main control unit 101 and a system reset circuit 103. The main control unit 101 is a microprocessor equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RWM (Read / Write Memory). The ROM stores control programs for controlling game operations, as well as various data necessary for game operation control. The RWM functions as a work area and buffer memory. The CPU controls game operations by executing the control programs stored in the ROM.

[0044] The system reset circuit 103 detects power-on, power-off, power-related abnormalities, etc., and outputs a system reset signal to reset the main control unit 101. Although not shown in the diagram, the main control unit 101 also includes a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for implementing periodic interrupts, pulse output generation functions at regular intervals (bitrate generator), and time measurement functions; an interrupt controller circuit that performs interrupt enable / disable functions such as timer interrupts that provide interrupt signals; a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit for monitoring abnormal operation of the control program; an Intrusion Prevention Attack (IAT) circuit for monitoring whether the program is executing correctly within a preset address range; and a counter circuit (random number generation circuit) for generating random numbers within a certain range (hardware random values) in hardware.

[0045] The counter circuit described above includes a random number generation circuit that generates random numbers and a sampling circuit that samples random values ​​from the random number generation circuit at predetermined timings, and functions as a 16-bit counter as a whole. The main control unit 101 sends instructions to the sampling circuit according to the processing state to obtain the value indicated by the random number generation circuit as a random number for jackpot determination (0 to 65535), and uses the random number for jackpot determination in the jackpot lottery. The random number for jackpot determination is obtained by adding a software random value, which is generated by appropriate software processing, and a hardware random value, in order to prevent cheating such as targeting specific jackpots.

[0046] The main control board 100 is connected to the following switches: a special symbol 1 start-up switch 41a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start-up slot 41; a special symbol 2 start-up slot 43a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start-up slot 43; a normal symbol start-up slot switch 47a for detecting the passage of a game ball into the normal symbol start-up slot 47; a prize slot switch 53a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the prize slot 53; and a large prize slot switch 49a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the large prize slot 49. The detection signals output from these switches are input to the main control unit 101. Therefore, the main control unit 101 can determine which prize slot a game ball has entered (passed through) based on the detection signals from each switch.

[0047] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to a large prize opening solenoid 51b that operates a special electric mechanism 51 (movable piece 51a) that opens and closes the large prize opening 49, and a regular electric mechanism solenoid 45b that operates a regular electric mechanism 45 (movable piece 45a) that opens and closes the special symbol 2 start opening 43. The main control unit 101 outputs control signals to control these solenoids.

[0048] The game board 9 is also equipped with a magnetic sensor 67 for detecting magnetism, a radio wave sensor 69 for detecting radio waves, and a vibration sensor 71 for detecting vibrations, and these sensors are connected to the main control board 100. Signals from these sensors are input to the main control unit 101.

[0049] Furthermore, the main control board 100 is connected to the main display unit 63. The main control unit 101 outputs a control signal to illuminate the main display unit 63.

[0050] The main control board 100 is connected to the frame control board 110 so that they can communicate with each other. The main control board 100 (main control unit 101) mainly transmits control commands containing information about prize balls and launch control signals indicating whether or not to launch game balls to the frame control board 110. The main control board 100 also receives from the frame control board 110 a door open signal indicating the opening of the front frame 7, an RWM clear signal to clear the RWM, a power supply abnormality signal indicating a power supply abnormality, and a frame communication confirmation signal to confirm communication. Furthermore, the main control board 100 receives drive power (DC35VA, DC12VA, DC5VA, backup power) from the frame control board 110.

[0051] The main control board 100 transmits various performance control commands, including information related to the special symbol variation display game and error information, to the performance control board 120. However, in order to prevent fraudulent activities such as cheating, the main control board 100 only transmits signals to the performance control board 120 and is configured as a one-way communication system in which it cannot receive signals from the performance control board 120.

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

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

[0054] The RWM clear switch 112a, the game ball count clear switch 112b, the ball removal switch 112c, and the error clear switch 112d are push-button type switches. If the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 clears the RWM and transmits an RWM clear signal to the main control board 100. Upon receiving the RWM clear signal, the main control unit 101 clears a predetermined area of ​​the RWM.

[0055] If the game ball count clear switch 112b was pressed when the power was turned on, the frame control unit 111 clears the game ball count it manages. As a result of the game ball count being cleared, 0 will be displayed on the game ball count display unit 21.

[0056] If the ball removal switch 112c is pressed when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 performs a ball removal process to eject the game balls sealed inside the game machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that it has detected game balls with the lifting inlet switch 33f, which will be described later.

[0057] The frame control unit 111 clears the specific error that occurred when the error clear switch 112d is pressed when a specific error occurs.

[0058] If the ball removal switch 112c is pressed when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 performs a process to discharge the game balls sealed inside the game machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that it has detected game balls with the lifting inlet switch 33f, which will be described later.

[0059] The frame control unit 111 clears the specific error that occurred when the error clear switch 112d is pressed when a specific error occurs.

[0060] The performance indicator 113 is composed of, for example, a 6-digit 8-segment (7 segments + 1 dot) display. The performance indicator 113 is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and displays game performance information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period (for example, every 6000 games). Game performance information includes the continuous prize ratio, prize ratio, and base. The continuous prize ratio is the proportion of the total number of prize balls that are awarded for entering the large prize slot 49. The prize ratio is the proportion of the total number of prize balls that are awarded for entering the special symbol 2 start slot 43 and the prize balls that are awarded for entering the large prize slot 49. The base is the proportion of the total number of prize balls that are awarded for the total number of game balls shot. Furthermore, the performance display unit 113 can switch and display game performance information for each predetermined period (each interval).

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

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

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

[0064] The backup power generation circuit 117 generates a backup power supply (VBB) that is supplied to the RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 when the power supply is interrupted. When the RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 receive the backup power supply (VBB), they are able to retain (back up) the stored data for a certain period of time even when a power outage occurs.

[0065] A door open sensor 73, which is provided on the inner frame 5, is connected to the frame control board 110. When the door open sensor 73 detects that the front frame 7 has been opened relative to the inner frame 5, or that the inner frame 5 has been opened relative to the outer frame 3, it outputs a door open signal to the main control board 100 via the frame control board 110.

[0066] The circulation mechanism 30 provided in the inner frame 5 includes a lifting motor 33a, an out ball switch 33b, a foul ball switch 33c, an over-position detection switch 33d, an under-position detection switch 33e, a lifting inlet switch 33f, a lifting outlet switch 33g, and a lifting position detection switch 33h, all of which are connected to the frame control board 110.

[0067] The circulation mechanism 30 includes a pre-lift path to which game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided, a lift path to which game balls that have passed through the pre-lift path are lifted, and a post-lift path to which game balls lifted in the lift path are guided to the launching device 31. In the circulation mechanism 30, game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided through the pre-lifting path to the lowest end of the lifting path. Once guided to the lowest end of the lifting path, the game balls are lifted upward within the lifting path by the lifting device 33. After reaching the uppermost end of the lifting path, the game balls are sent to the post-lifting path and then guided through the post-lifting path to the launching device 31.

[0068] The lifting motor 33a is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and rotates a lifting part, which is for example a spiral member, located within the lifting path. The rotated lifting part guides game balls that have reached the downstream end of the pre-lifting path into the lifting path and lifts game balls that have accumulated within the lifting path upward. It also sends game balls from the uppermost end of the lifting path to the post-lifting path.

[0069] The out ball switch 33b, foul ball switch 33c, excessive position detection switch 33d, under-position detection switch 33e, lifting inlet switch 33f, and lifting outlet switch 33g are switches that detect game balls, and when a game ball is detected, a detection signal is output to the frame control board 110 (frame control unit 111).

[0070] The out ball switch 33b is located upstream of the pre-lift path and detects game balls (out balls) that have been ejected from the game area 37 and guided into the pre-lift path. The foul ball switch 33c is located in the foul ball confluence path, which is connected between the positions where the out ball switch 33b and the excessive position detection switch 33d are located in the pre-lift path. It detects game balls launched from the launcher 31 that do not reach the game area 37 and are returned to the pre-lift path via the foul ball confluence path.

[0071] The over-position detection switch 33d and the under-position detection switch 33e are positioned downstream of the out-ball switch 33b on the pre-lift path and separated by a predetermined distance, and are used to detect game balls that remain in the pre-lift path. The over-position detection switch 33d is located upstream of the under-position detection switch 33e on the pre-lift path. Furthermore, if the over-position detection switch 33d does not detect any game balls when the power is turned on, and the under-position detection switch 33e does detect game balls, that is, if there are game balls at the position where the under-position detection switch 33e is located, and there are no game balls at the position where the over-position detection switch 33d is located, the frame control unit 111 determines that the correct number of game balls are sealed inside the game machine 1. On the other hand, if the under-position detection switch 33e does not detect game balls when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are too few game balls sealed inside the game machine 1. Also, if the over-position detection switch 33d detects game balls when the power is turned on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are too many game balls sealed inside the game machine 1. In other words, in these cases, the frame control unit 111 determines that the normal number of game balls are not sealed inside the game machine 1. In this case, the frame control unit 111 sends a signal to the main control unit 101 indicating that the normal number of game balls are not sealed inside, and the main control unit 101 sends a performance control command to the performance control unit 121 indicating that the normal number of game balls are not sealed inside. The performance control unit 121 then notifies hall staff, etc., that the normal number of game balls are not sealed inside by displaying it on the LCD unit 57, etc.

[0072] The lifting inlet switch 33f is located near the downstream end of the pre-lifting path and detects game balls that are accumulating near the downstream end of the pre-lifting path. The lifting exit switch 33g is located in the middle of the lifting path and detects game balls that are stuck at that location. The frame control unit 111 rotates the lifting motor 33a when a game ball is detected at the lifting inlet switch 33f (meaning game balls are accumulated in the pre-game path) and no game ball is detected at the lifting outlet switch 33g (meaning no predetermined number of game balls are accumulated in the post-lift path).

[0073] The frame control unit 111 then stops the lifting motor 33a when a game ball is detected by the lifting outlet switch 33g, that is, when a predetermined number of game balls are accumulated in the lifting path.

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

[0075] The launching device 31 includes a ball feeding solenoid 31a, a launching solenoid 31b, and a subtraction port switch 31c. The ball feeding solenoid 31a, based on control by the frame control unit 111, sends the game ball located at the downstream end of the lifted path to the launch position in the launching device 31. The launch solenoid 31b, based on the control by the frame control unit 111, launches the game ball that has been sent to the launch position by the ball feeding solenoid 31a toward the game area 37. The subtraction port switch 31c is located at the downstream end of the lifting path and detects the game ball being sent to the launch position in the launching device 31 by the ball feeding solenoid 31a. When a game ball is detected by the subtraction input switch 31c, the frame control unit 111 subtracts 1 from the number of managed game balls. Also, when a game ball launched from the launching device 31 is detected by the foul ball switch 33c as being guided to the pre-lift path via the foul ball confluence path without reaching the game area 37, the frame control unit 111 adds 1 to the number of managed game balls to restore the subtracted value. Furthermore, when the frame control unit 111 receives a control command indicating the number of prize balls from the main control board 100 (main control unit 101), it adds the number of prize balls indicated in the command to the total number of game balls managed.

[0076] Furthermore, when the counting switch 23 provided on the front frame 7 is operated by the player, the frame control unit 111 transfers the number of managed game balls to the valuable medium of the game ball dispensing device via the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 140. Specifically, if the counting switch 23 is operated for a shorter time than a predetermined time, a signal is output to the game ball dispensing device that subtracts 1 from the managed game ball count and adds 1 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium. As a result, the game ball dispensing device adds 1 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium. Furthermore, if the counting switch 23 is operated for a longer period than predetermined, a signal is periodically output to the game ball dispensing device that subtracts 250 from the managed game ball count and adds 250 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium. As a result, the game ball dispensing device adds 250 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium each time it receives a signal. Furthermore, when the frame control unit 111 receives a loan notification from the game ball dispensing device to lend out game balls based on the number of game balls or monetary information stored in the valuable medium, it adds the number of game balls corresponding to the loan notification to the managed number of game balls. In this case, the number of game balls or monetary information recorded in the valuable medium will be reduced by the value corresponding to the number of game balls corresponding to the loan notification.

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

[0078] The touch sensor 19b detects when the player is touching the handle 19a. The firing stop switch 19c is a push-button type switch. The firing intensity VR19d detects the amount of movement (rotation angle) of the handle 19a.

[0079] The launch control circuit 116 launches game balls from the launching device 31 by controlling the supply of power to the ball feeding solenoid 31a and the launching solenoid 31b based on the launch control signals output from the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111. Specifically, the launch control signal that permits launching is output from the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111, the touch sensor 19b detects that the player is touching the handle 19a, and the launch stop switch 19c is not operated, at which point the launching operation of the launching device 31 to launch game balls is permitted. The launch control circuit 116 then controls the launch solenoid 31b so that the game ball is launched with a launch intensity corresponding to the input amount detected by the launch intensity VR19d.

[0080] Furthermore, a game ball count indicator 21 is connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 transmits control signals to the game ball count indicator 21 to illuminate and display the managed game ball count.

[0081] Furthermore, the front frame 7 is equipped with a radio wave sensor 75 that detects radio waves at a position opposite the foul ball switch 33c, and the radio wave sensor 75 is connected to the frame control board 110. The radio wave sensor 75 is equipped with a coil and detects radio waves based on the induced magnetic field applied to the coil. The radio wave sensor 75 mainly detects unauthorized radio waves directed at the foul ball switch 33c and outputs a detection signal to the frame control board 110.

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

[0083] The generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), along with the externally input AC power supply (AC24V), are supplied to the frame control board 110. Furthermore, the 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied to the frame control board 110 are also supplied to the main control board 100 along with the backup power generated by the frame control board 110. Furthermore, the generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VB) and 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) are supplied to the performance control board 120. In addition, the generated 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is also supplied to the front frame relay board 160.

[0084] [2.4 Performance control board, etc.] The performance control board 120 is connected to the decorative relay board 150, the front frame relay board 160, and the LCD unit 57, and the upper decorative board 170 is connected via the front frame relay board 160. The decorative relay board 150 is connected to a movable motor 61a for driving the movable mechanism 61, a movable position detection switch 61b for detecting the position of the movable mechanism 61, a fourth symbol display 65, and a decorative board 180. Furthermore, the decorative relay board 150 is equipped with a motor driver 61c for driving the movable motor 61a and an LED driver 27a for controlling the lighting of the performance LEDs 27.

[0085] The front frame relay board 160 is located below the hinge mechanism 4 side of the front frame 7, and is positioned so that the connector is exposed on the rear side (towards the game board 9) (see Figure 2). The front frame relay board 160 is connected to a speaker 29, operation buttons 25, a vibration device 77 that provides vibration to the player, and a decorative board 180. The front frame relay board 160 is also equipped with a power generation circuit 151 that generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). The 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) generated by the power generation circuit 151 is supplied to the upper decorative board 170 along with the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0086] The upper decorative circuit board 170 is located in the upper center of the front frame 7, and is positioned so that the connector is exposed on the rear side (towards the game board 9) (see Figure 2). The upper decorative circuit board 170 is connected to a movable body motor 61a, a movable body position detection switch 61b, a wind device 79, and a decorative circuit board 180. The wind device 79 is driven by the performance control unit 121 and blows wind towards the player.

[0087] The decorative circuit board 180 mainly consists of one on which the performance LEDs 27 are arranged, and another on which the performance LEDs 27 and LED drivers 27a are arranged, and different decorative circuit boards 180 may be connected in a continuous sequence. Note that the number and connection relationship of the decorative circuit boards 180 are merely examples, and other configurations are also possible.

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

[0089] The performance control unit 121 is a microprocessor equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RWM. The ROM stores control programs for the performance means and various data necessary for controlling the performance operations. The RWM functions as a work area and buffer memory. The CPU controls the performance means by loading the control programs stored in the ROM into the RWM and executing them.

[0090] The performance control unit 121 performs calculation processing for various performance operations and controls each performance means based on the performance control program and performance control commands received from the main control board 100. The performance means are devices that perform performances to notify or suggest whether or not a favorable state will occur for the player during the game, and include performance LEDs 27, speakers 29, LCD units 57, illumination panels 59, movable parts 61, vibration devices 77, and wind devices 79.

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

[0092] For example, the performance control unit 121 instructs the motor driver 61c to move the movable prop 61 based on the performance scenario, and instructs the LED driver 27a to light up the performance LED 27 based on the performance scenario. In addition, the LED driver 27a provided on the decorative relay board 150 instructs the fourth symbol display 65 to light up in addition to the performance LED 27. Furthermore, the performance control unit 121 drives the vibration device 77 to generate vibrations based on the performance scenario, and drives the wind device 79 to blow air based on the performance scenario.

[0093] The sound ROM 123 stores sound data such as background music and sound effects. The sound IC 125 reads the sound data corresponding to the determined performance scenario from the sound ROM 123 and outputs it to the speaker 29. As a result, the speaker 29 emits background music and sound effects corresponding to the determined performance scenario.

[0094] The VDP circuit 127 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), an image ROM, and VRAM (Video RAM). The VDP controls all aspects of video output processing, including image unpacking and image rendering. The image ROM stores the image data that the VDP uses for image processing. VRAM is an image memory area that temporarily stores image data expanded by VDP. The VDP circuit 127 generates various image data based on the performance scenario and outputs it to the LCD unit 57. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the LCD unit 57.

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

[0096] <3. Overview of Operation> Next, we will explain the general operation of the gaming machine 1, which is realized by the control configuration described above (Figures 6 and 7).

[0097] [3.1 Game Status] In the gaming machine 1, in addition to the special game state for winning big, multiple types of game states can be set. To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the various game states will be explained first.

[0098] Game machine 1 proceeds in one of two game states, which is a combination of either a low probability state or a high probability state, and either a non-time-saving state or a time-saving state.

[0099] A low-probability state is a state where the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is relatively low, while a high-probability state is a state where the probability of winning the jackpot lottery is relatively high. In the non-shortened time state, it is relatively difficult for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start slot 43, while in the shortened time state, it is relatively easy for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start slot 43. For example, in the shortened time state, the opening time of the special symbol 2 start slot 43 when a regular symbol win is achieved is set to be longer than in the non-shortened time state. However, if it is easier for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start slot 43 in the shortened time state than in the non-shortened time state, then in the shortened time state, for example, the probability of winning the regular symbol win lottery may be increased, or the variation time of the regular symbols may be shortened. In this embodiment, "normal state" refers to the low-probability state and the non-time-saving state, and corresponds to the initial state. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 does not necessarily have to have any of the above-mentioned game states, and may have other game states. For example, the gaming machine 1 may not have a low probability state or a high probability state, and the game may proceed in either a non-time-saving state or a time-saving state.

[0100] [3.2 Special Symbol Variation Display Game] In game machine 1, the special symbol 1 variation display game is executed based on the entry (winning) of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start slot 41. In the Special Symbol 1 Variable Display Game, random numbers used in the Special Symbol 1 Variable Display Game (random numbers for jackpot determination, random numbers for special symbol determination, and random numbers for variable pattern) are acquired based on the entry of a game ball into the Special Symbol 1 Start Port 41. Based on the acquired random numbers, the main control unit 101 performs a jackpot lottery, a symbol lottery, and a variable pattern lottery. In the jackpot lottery, either a jackpot or a loss is determined by lottery based on the jackpot determination random number. In the symbol lottery, the final stopping symbol (jackpot symbol, losing symbol) is determined by lottery based on the result of the jackpot lottery and the special symbol determination random number. In the variable pattern lottery, the variable pattern that defines the variable time of the special symbol is determined by lottery based on the results of the jackpot lottery and the symbol lottery, and the variable pattern random number. In the Special Symbol 1 Variable Display Game, after the variable display of Special Symbol 1 begins on the Special Symbol 1 display unit 63a, and after the variable time based on the result of the variable pattern lottery has elapsed, the stopped symbol determined by the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the Special Symbol 1 display unit 63a.

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

[0102] Furthermore, in the game machine 1, the special symbol 2 variation display game is executed based on the entry (winning) of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start slot 43. In the special symbol 2 variation display game, similar to the special symbol 1 variation display game, the main control unit 101 performs a jackpot lottery, a symbol lottery, and a variation pattern lottery based on the acquired random number. After the special symbol 2 variation display starts on the special symbol 2 display unit 63b, and after the variation time based on the result of the variation pattern lottery has elapsed, the stop symbol determined by the symbol lottery is stopped and displayed on the special symbol 2 display unit 63b.

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

[0104] When explaining the Special Symbol 1 Variation Display Game and the Special Symbol 2 Variation Display Game without distinguishing between them, they will simply be referred to as the Special Symbol Variation Display Game.

[0105] [3.3 Big Win Game] If a player wins a jackpot in the jackpot lottery and the jackpot symbol is displayed on either the special symbol 1 display 63a or the special symbol 2 display 63b, a jackpot game that is more advantageous to the player than the special symbol variation display game will then be played based on the jackpot symbol. The jackpot symbol is determined by a symbol lottery based on a random number for special symbol determination and the game state when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, and is associated with a predetermined number of rounds.

[0106] In a jackpot game, after a predetermined pre-opening interval (opening time) has elapsed, the large prize slot 49 opens and then closes after a predetermined time (maximum opening time) has elapsed, or when the number of balls that have entered the large prize slot 49 reaches the maximum number of balls that can be won. This "round game" is repeated for a predetermined number of rounds (number of rounds based on the jackpot symbol). After the predetermined number of rounds is completed, the jackpot game ends after a predetermined post-opening interval (ending time) has elapsed.

[0107] If a jackpot is won, the game state at the time of the jackpot, the game state after the jackpot ends, the number of bonus rounds, and the number of time-saving rounds are determined according to the game state at the time of the jackpot and the winning symbols that were determined. The "probability variation count" refers to the number of times a special symbol variation display game is played, which allows the high-probability state to continue after a big win. If the high-probability state is set after a big win, and the special symbol variation display game count for the probability variation count ends without winning another big win, the game state will transition to the low-probability state. The "Short Time Count" refers to the number of times a special symbol variation display game can be played after a big win, allowing the Short Time state to continue. If the Short Time state is set after a big win, and the Special Symbol Variation Display Game for the Short Time Count ends without a big win, the game state will transition to a non-Short Time state.

[0108] [3.4 Regular Symbol Variation Display Game] In game machine 1, a game of displaying the changing symbols is executed based on the fact that a game ball has passed through the regular symbol starting opening 47. In the regular symbol variation display game, a random number (random number for determining regular symbol wins) is obtained based on the passage of the game ball through the regular symbol start opening 47, and the main control unit 101 performs a lottery for regular symbol wins. Based on the lottery result of the regular symbol win lottery, the regular symbols are displayed in a variation on the regular symbol display unit 63c, and after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the lottery result is displayed as stopped. In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the regular symbol start opening 47, that is, when a detection signal is input from the regular symbol gate detection sensor 26a, a random number related to the regular symbol variation display game (a random number for determining a regular symbol win) is acquired, and this random number is stored as hold data in the regular symbol hold storage area of ​​the RWM up to the maximum number of hold storage units (for example, up to 4).

[0109] If a regular symbol win is achieved in the regular symbol win lottery and the regular symbol is displayed on the regular symbol indicator 63c in the "regular symbol win" manner, then the regular electric opening game is performed. In the regular electric opening game, the regular electric mechanism solenoid 45b is activated, causing the regular electric mechanism 45 to open, and the special symbol 2 start opening 43 is opened, making it easier for game balls to flow in. In the regular electric opening game, the operation of opening the special symbol 2 start opening 43 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, once) until a predetermined time (for example, 5.7s) has elapsed or the number of game balls that have entered the special symbol 2 start opening 43 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 6 balls).

[0110] [3.5 An example of staging] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a variation effect. The effect control board 120 receives effect control commands from the main control board 100 and controls the execution of the effect by the effect means. For example, in the special symbol variation display game, the variation effect is performed in synchronization with the special symbol variation display game based on the control of the effect control board 120.

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

[0112] Furthermore, the lower part of the LCD unit 57 is provided with a hold display area 205 that displays hold displays 203 (203a to 203d) corresponding to the number of hold data stored for the special symbol variation display game currently in progress, and a display area 209 for displaying the hold display corresponding to the special symbol variation display game currently in progress as the hold display 207.

[0113] Multiple display patterns are provided for the hold display 203 and the hold display 207. When a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start port 41 or the special symbol 2 start port 43, the display pattern to be displayed on the hold display 203 and the hold display 207 is determined by the performance control unit 121 based on the results of the jackpot lottery, symbol lottery, and variation pattern lottery that are performed in advance by the main control unit 101. The hold display area 205 and the hold display area 209 display the hold display 203 and the hold display 207 according to the display pattern determined by the performance control unit 121. The display patterns include, for example, default (white), blue, green, red, and gold, each with a different display color. Multiple display patterns may differ not only in color but also in shape. Furthermore, the display pattern may change from the time it is first displayed in the hold display area 205 until it is hidden in the display area 209. The display pattern of the hold display 207 that is finally displayed in the display area 209 indicates the probability of a big win.

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

[0115] Subsequently, the performance control unit 121 determines the performance scenario and the decorative symbol 201 to be stopped for the next special symbol variation display game. When the special symbol variation display game starts, as shown in Figure 8(b), the variation display of decorative symbols 201a to 201c begins (in the figure, the variation display of decorative symbol 201 is indicated by a white arrow), and the hold display 203 is shifted in the hold display area 205. The hold display 203a that was displayed on the far left in the hold display area 205 is then displayed as the hold display 207 in the display area 209.

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

[0117] Then, as shown in Figure 8(e), the player is notified that they have won a jackpot when, for example, the decorative symbols 201a to 201c stop and display as the same "7" symbol. If the player has not won a jackpot, the decorative symbols 201a to 201c will not stop and display together, and the player is notified that they have lost.

[0118] After the decorative symbols 201a to 201c stop and are displayed as the same symbol, a jackpot animation is executed when a jackpot game begins. As shown in Figure 8(f), the LCD unit 57 displays an image related to the jackpot game (indicated as "jackpot" in the figure), and a right-hand shooting image 210 prompting the player to shoot to the right is displayed in the right-hand shooting display area 211 in the upper right of the LCD unit 57. As a result, the player will shoot to the right.

[0119] <4. Processing on the main control board> Next, the processing performed by the main control unit 101 of this embodiment will be described. The processing performed by the main control unit 101 mainly consists of the main processing (main control side main processing: Figure 9) and the timer interrupt processing (main control side timer interrupt processing: Figure 10) which is started by a scheduled interrupt.

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

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

[0122] In step S104, the main control unit 101 determines whether the input signal (RWM clear signal) from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON. The input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON when the RWM clear switch 112a is pressed, and OFF when the RWM clear switch 112a is not pressed. If the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S104), in step S105 the main control unit 101 determines whether the backup flag is ON. The backup flag is a flag that indicates whether the backup process was performed in the power check / backup process described later in step S201, and is turned ON if the backup process was performed.

[0123] If the backup flag is ON (Yes in step S105), in step S106 the main control unit 101 performs backup recovery processing and moves the process to step S108. Backup recovery processing is a recovery process that allows the game to be resumed after power is turned on, based on the game information backed up to the RWM when the power was cut off. Furthermore, during the backup restoration process, performance control commands corresponding to the backup restoration are sent to the performance control board 120.

[0124] On the other hand, if the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (Yes in step S104), or if the backup flag is not ON (No in step S105), the main control unit 101 executes the RAM clear recovery process in step S107 and moves the process to step S108. This RAM clear recovery process initializes the values ​​in a predetermined area (used area) including the work area in RWM, and sends a performance control command to the performance control board 120 indicating that the RAM clear recovery has been completed.

[0125] In step S108, the main control unit 101 performs startup initialization processing necessary for starting game operation, such as initializing the values ​​of registers in each part, including the main control unit 101. The startup initialization processing includes sending a performance control command to the performance control board 120 to instruct the start of the game, sending a command indicating the number of reserved special symbols 1 and 2, and turning on the launch control signal to the frame control board 110.

[0126] The main control unit 101 sets the system to an interrupt-disabled state in step S109, and then executes a random number update process in the following step S110. In this random number update process, various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game and the normal symbol variation display game are updated, and the system is set to an interrupt-enabled state in step S111 before returning to step S109.

[0127] In this way, the processes in steps S109 to S111 are repeated in an infinite loop. The main control unit 101 repeatedly executes these processes in steps S109 to S111, except when it is performing timer interrupt processing which is executed intermittently.

[0128] [4.2 Main Control Timer Interrupt Processing] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the main control side timer interrupt processing. The main control timer interrupt processing is triggered by an interrupt from the CTC at regular intervals (4ms) and is executed by interrupting the execution of the main control main processing.

[0129] As shown in Figure 10, when a timer interrupt occurs, the main control unit 101 executes the power check and backup process in step S201. In this power check and backup process, the power level supplied from the power supply board 130 is mainly monitored, and if an abnormality such as a power outage occurs, backup processing is performed to store predetermined game information at the time of the power outage in the RWM so that gameplay can be resumed without problems when the power is restored. When the backup process is performed, the main control unit 101 turns on the backup flag.

[0130] In step S202, the main control unit 101 executes a timer management process to manage the timers used for controlling the game operation. Here, the values ​​of various timers used for controlling the game operation of the gaming machine 1 are updated (subtracted).

[0131] In step S203, the main control unit 101 executes input management processing. In the input management processing, input data is created based on input information (ON / OFF signals and rising edge states (ON edge, OFF edge)) output from various sensors and switches, and the value of the prize counter is updated based on the created input data. The input information here includes, for example, ON / OFF information of detection signals (winning detection information) output from detection switches such as the special symbol 1 start switch 41a, special symbol 2 start switch 43a, normal symbol start switch 47a, big prize slot switch 49a, and prize slot switch 53a, as well as ON / OFF information of detection signals output from the magnetic sensor 67, radio wave sensor 69, and vibration sensor 71, and status signals from the frame control board 110 (ON / OFF information of the door open sensor 73, radio wave sensor 75, etc.). This allows monitoring of whether a game ball has been detected at each prize slot with each interrupt. Furthermore, a "prize counter" is a counter installed in conjunction with each prize slot, which counts the number of game balls that have entered the prize slot (number of prize balls).

[0132] In step S204, the main control unit 101 executes timer interrupt-based random number management processing to periodically update the random numbers related to each variable display game. Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, it updates the random numbers (adding +1 with each interrupt) for the random numbers used for special symbol determination and the random numbers used for regular symbol hit determination, and changes the starting value of the random number counter each time the random number counter completes a cycle. Note that the random numbers used for jackpot determination are generated by the random number generation circuit and are therefore not updated here.

[0133] In step S205, the main control unit 101 performs error management processing. In the error management processing, it monitors whether or not an error has occurred based on input data from various sensors and status signals from the frame control board 110. If an error occurs, the main control unit 101 sends an error command corresponding to the type of error that occurred as a performance control command to the performance control board 120 as part of the error processing. When the performance control board 120 receives this error command, it executes an error notification according to the type of error. Furthermore, if the error that was occurring is resolved, the main control unit 101 sends an error clear command to the performance control board 120. When the performance control board 120 receives this error clear command, it terminates the error notification that was being executed.

[0134] In step S206, the main control unit 101 executes the normal symbol management process. The normal symbol management process performs the necessary operations to execute the normal symbol variation display game, such as acquiring and storing data for the normal symbols, conducting a normal symbol lottery in the normal symbol variation display game, and determining the variation time for displaying the normal symbols on the normal symbol display unit 63c based on the lottery results.

[0135] In step S207, the main control unit 101 executes the normal electric mechanism management process. The normal electric mechanism management process performs the necessary processing to execute the normal electric opening game, such as controlling the opening and closing of the normal electric mechanism solenoid 45b.

[0136] In step S208, the main control unit 101 executes special symbol management processing. In special symbol management processing, the main processing performed is necessary to execute the special symbol variation display game, including acquiring and storing the held data for special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, drawing lots for jackpots and symbols in the special symbol variation display game, and drawing lots for special symbol variation patterns based on the results of those draws. The main control unit 101 then transmits the jackpot lottery result, the current game state, and a variation pattern specification command including the variation pattern to the performance control board 120 as a performance control command. Furthermore, the main control unit 101 transmits a decorative symbol specification command to the performance control board 120 as a performance control command, which includes the symbol type (whether it is special symbol 1 or 2) and the stopped symbol (symbol lottery result).

[0137] In step S209, the main control unit 101 executes special electric bonus management processing. In special electric bonus management processing, it performs the processing necessary to execute a jackpot game.

[0138] In step S210, the main control unit 101 performs right-hand shooting notification information management processing. In right-hand shooting notification information management processing, processing is performed to provide a right-hand shooting notification in situations where right-hand shooting is advantageous, such as when the special symbol 2 start opening 43 or the big prize opening 49 is opened.

[0139] In step S211, the main control unit 101 executes LED management processing. In LED management processing, it controls the output of control signals to the main display unit 63. Control signals are generated based on decisions made in normal symbol management processing (step S206), special symbol management processing (step S208), right-hand hit notification information management processing (step S210), etc., and are output to the main display unit 63 in this LED management processing. This enables a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of special symbols and normal symbols on the main display unit 63, as well as the display of the number of reserved symbols.

[0140] In step S212, the main control unit 101 performs solenoid management processing. In solenoid management processing, it checks the control signals for the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 45b generated in the ordinary electric mechanism management processing (step S207), and also checks the control signals for the big prize opening solenoid 51b generated in the special electric mechanism management processing (step S209). Based on these signals, the operation / stopping of the ordinary electric mechanism solenoid 45b and the big prize opening solenoid 51b is controlled, causing the special symbol 2 start opening switch 43a to open or close, or the big prize opening 49 to open or close.

[0141] In step S213, the main control unit 101 determines whether it has reached the communication cycle (for example, an interval of 108 ms) for communicating with the frame control board 110. If it is not the communication cycle for communicating with the frame control board 110 (No in step S213), the main control unit 101 terminates the main control side timer interrupt processing. When it is time for communication with the frame control board 110 (Yes in step S213), in step S214 the main control unit 101 performs a received data acquisition process to receive signals (door open signal, power abnormality signal, etc.) transmitted from the frame control board 110.

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

[0143] Once the timer interrupt processing described above is complete, the main control unit 101 repeats steps S109 to S111 until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0144] <5. Processing of the frame control board> Next, the processing performed by the frame control unit 111 of this embodiment will be described. The processing of the frame control unit 111 mainly consists of a main processing (frame control side main processing: Figure 11) and a timer interrupt processing (frame control side timer interrupt processing: Figure 12) that is started by a scheduled interrupt.

[0145] [5.1 Frame control side main processing] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the frame control side. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the frame control side main processing starts, in step S301 the frame control unit 111 sets the CPU's internal registers.

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

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

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

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

[0150] If the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is ON (Yes in step S307), and if the checksum is not normal (No in step S308), in step S309 the frame control unit 111 performs an RWM clear process to initialize the values ​​in the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM. On the other hand, if the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112a is not ON (No in step S307) and the checksum is normal (Yes in step S308), the frame control unit 111 proceeds to step S310 without performing the RWM clear process.

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

[0152] The frame control unit 111 sets the system to an interrupt-disabled state in step S311 and performs a power outage abnormality check in step S312.

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

[0154] In step S314, the frame control unit 111 receives a control command if there is one to be transmitted from the main control board 100, and performs main control board communication processing to transmit a signal to the main control board 100 if there is one to be transmitted to the main control board 100.

[0155] In step S315, the frame control unit 111 performs game machine information management processing to manage game machine information based on control commands transmitted from the main control board 100. In the game machine information management processing, the frame control unit 111 updates, for example, the number of managed game balls. Here, the frame control unit 111 adds the number of game balls in accordance with the control commands related to the number of prize balls transmitted from the main control board 100, subtracts the number of game balls in accordance with the detection of game balls by the subtraction input switch 31c, and adds the number of game balls in accordance with the detection of game balls by the foul ball switch 33c.

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

[0157] In step S317, the frame control unit 111 performs a game ball count display control process that generates a control signal to illuminate the game ball count indicator 21 to display the managed game ball count updated in steps S315 and S316.

[0158] The frame control unit 111 performs error clearing within the area in step S318, performs game ball circulation management processing to appropriately control the lifting device 33 in step S319, performs error clearing outside the area in step S320, and performs fraud detection processing in step S321.

[0159] In step S322, the frame control unit 111 calculates values ​​for calculating game performance information to be displayed on the performance indicator 113 (such as the number of game balls shot, the total number of prize balls, the number of prize balls awarded for entering the large prize slot 49, the sum of the number of prize balls awarded for entering the special symbol 2 start slot 43 and the number of prize balls awarded for entering the large prize slot 49), and performs performance information management processing to calculate game performance information based on the calculated values.

[0160] In step S323, the frame control unit 111 performs performance indicator control processing to generate a control signal for lighting up the performance indicator 113 to display the game performance information calculated in step S322. In step S324, the frame control unit 111 enables the interrupt and returns processing to step S311.

[0161] Therefore, the frame control unit 111 will repeatedly execute the processes from steps S311 to S324.

[0162] [5.2 Timer interrupt processing on the frame control side] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing on the frame control side. The frame control timer interrupt processing is triggered by an interrupt from the CTC at regular intervals (1ms) and is executed by interrupting the frame control main processing.

[0163] As shown in Figure 12, when a timer interrupt occurs, the frame control unit 111 saves the register in step S401. In step S402, the frame control unit 111 performs counter management processing, incrementing the values ​​of the counters that count the first period (2ms) and the second period (4ms) by 1, and decrementing the timer every 1ms.

[0164] In step S403, the frame control unit 111 performs a lifting motor management process to control the drive of the lifting motor 33a.

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

[0166] In step S406, the frame control unit 111 performs a one-byte timer subtraction process to subtract a timer that consists of one byte.

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

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

[0169] In step S410, the frame control unit 111 detects the state of each switch provided on the lifting device 33 and performs a game ball circulation switch detection process to update various timers related to the circulation of game balls.

[0170] In step S411, the frame control unit 111 executes an out-of-bounds error monitoring and management process to monitor for out-of-bounds errors.

[0171] The processing described in steps S405 to S411 is executed in the first cycle (every 2ms).

[0172] In step S412, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the second period (4ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the second period. If it is not the second cycle (No in step S412), the frame control unit 111 skips steps S413 to S415 and moves on to step S416. If it is the second cycle (Yes in step S412), in step S413 the frame control unit 111 performs a test signal output process to output a test signal. Here, if the value of the number of balls launched counter added in step S354, the value of the number of foul balls counter added in step S357, and the value of the number of prize balls counter added in step S360 are not 0, one pulse signal is output and the corresponding counter is decremented by 1.

[0173] In step S414, the frame control unit 111 performs a two-byte timer subtraction process to subtract from a timer consisting of two bytes.

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

[0175] The processing described in steps S412 to S415 is executed in the second cycle (every 4ms).

[0176] In step S416, the frame control unit 111 outputs data from the output port. In step S417, the frame control unit 111 performs SPI communication. In SPI communication, for example, the control signals set in step S405 (game ball count display segment data and game ball count display common data, described later) are serially output to the game ball count indicator 21. The frame control unit 111 also serially outputs the control signals set in step S409 (performance display segment data and performance display common data, described later) to the performance indicator 113. As a result, the game ball count indicator 21 and the performance indicator 113 light up to display the game ball count and game performance information based on the transmitted control signals.

[0177] In step S418, the frame control unit 111 resets the register and terminates the frame control timer interrupt processing.

[0178] Once the timer interrupt processing described above is complete, the frame control unit 111 repeats steps S311 to S324 (see Figure 11) until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0179] <6. Processing of the performance control board> Next, the processing performed by the performance control board 120 of this embodiment will be described. The processing of the performance control board 120 mainly consists of a main process (performance control side main process: Figure 13) and a timer interrupt process (performance control side timer interrupt process: Figure 14) that is started by a scheduled interrupt.

[0180] [6.1 Main Processing on the Performance Control Side] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the performance control side. First, in step S501, the performance control unit 121 performs the necessary initial setup processing before the start of game operation. Here, the initial setup processing includes, for example, setting command reception interrupts, restoring the starting point of the movable mechanism 61, initial setting of the CTC, enabling timer interrupts, and initial setting of register values ​​inside the CPU, including various parts of the microcomputer.

[0181] Once the above initial setup process is complete, the main loop process from steps S504 to S511 is performed at predetermined intervals (16ms), and otherwise the random number update process for the animation software in step S503 is repeatedly performed.

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

[0183] If the main loop update cycle is reached (Yes in step S502), the performance control unit 121 clears the main loop update counter in step S504 and executes the demo / power saving mode process in step S505. In the demo / power saving mode process, the performance during the demo (waiting for customers) and the setting process necessary for power saving mode are executed.

[0184] In step S506, the performance control unit 121 executes performance switch input processing. In the performance switch input processing, the operation status of the operation button 25 is monitored, and if an operation is detected, performance control processing corresponding to that operation is executed.

[0185] In step S507, the performance control unit 121 performs command analysis. During the command analysis, it monitors whether a performance control command is stored in the command reception buffer. If a performance control command is stored, it reads the command and executes the performance processing corresponding to the read performance control command. When a performance control command is transmitted from the main control board 100, it is stored in the RWM's command reception buffer.

[0186] For example, if a variable pattern specification command and a decorative pattern specification command are received and stored in the receive buffer, the performance control unit 121 determines a performance scenario based on the information contained in the commands during command analysis processing, and stores the data of that performance scenario (performance scenario data) in the scenario setting area of ​​the RWM. The performance scenario specifies a time schedule that determines when and for how long one or more types of performances should appear.

[0187] In step S508, the performance control unit 121 executes a scenario update process. In this scenario update process, the contents of the timers necessary for executing the performance scenario are updated, and the process of advancing the performance scenario is executed based on the timer values. A typical example of the above timer is the performance scenario timer, which manages the time schedule related to the timing of performance occurrences. For example, within the period in which the decorative symbol 201 is displayed in a variable state, which is substantially the same period as the period in which the special symbol is displayed in a variable state, this timer manages the time schedule of what kind of performance to present, for what duration, and by what means to present it, on that time axis. The performance scenario timer is also used in the LED drive data update process (step S510) and the movable mechanism operation update process (not shown), which will be described later.

[0188] In step S509, the performance control unit 121 performs sound output processing. In sound output processing, data such as phrases and volume are output to the audio IC 125 based on the performance scenario data and the performance scenario timer, and sound effects are produced from the speaker 29 through the audio IC 125. This realizes sound effects that conform to the performance scenario.

[0189] In step S510, the performance control unit 121 executes an LED drive data update process. In the LED drive data update process, a control signal (LED data) is created to light up the performance LED 27 based on the performance scenario data and the performance scenario timer. Furthermore, the performance control unit 121 creates control signals (LED data) to light up the fourth symbol display 65 based on performance control commands (commands such as the number of special symbols and regular symbols to be held, and commands for right-hand shooting notification) transmitted from the main control board 100 and the performance scenario timer.

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

[0191] [6.2 Timer interrupt processing on the performance control side] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing on the performance control side. The timer interrupt processing on the performance control side is triggered by an interrupt from the CTC at regular intervals (1ms) and is executed by interrupting the execution of the main processing on the performance control side.

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

[0193] In step S603, the performance control unit 121 executes a movable mechanism operation update process. This movable mechanism operation update process creates motor control data for the movable motor 61a that operates the movable mechanism 61, based on the performance scenario data and the performance scenario timer.

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

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

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

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

[0198] In step S608, the effect control unit 121 restores the content of the register that was saved, ends the timer interrupt processing, and executes the main processing on the effect control side until the next timer interrupt occurs. <00,00905>

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

[0200] Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the main display unit 63. As shown in Figure 15, the main display unit 63 is composed of a main display unit base 301, a main display unit circuit board 302, a main display unit cover 303, and a main display unit seal 304. The main display unit circuit board 302 is located within the internal space formed by the main display unit base 301 and the main display unit cover 303.

[0201] The main display board 302 has a total of 32 single-color (red) LEDs 310 arranged on it, which make up the special symbol 1 display 63a, special symbol 2 display 63b, normal symbol display 63c, special symbol 1 reserve count display 63d, special symbol 2 reserve count display 63e, normal symbol reserve count display 63f, round display 63g, game status display 63h, and right-hand play display 63i. These LEDs 310 are top-view type LEDs, with their light-emitting surface (illumination surface) parallel to the main display board 302 and the optical axis of the emitted light perpendicular to the main display board 302.

[0202] Since the main display unit 63 has 32 LEDs 310, it is possible to treat the 8 LEDs 310a that make up the special symbol 1 display unit 63a as the first digit, the 8 LEDs 310b that make up the special symbol 2 display unit 63b as the second digit, the 8 LEDs 310c (2, 4, 2) that make up the normal symbol display unit 63c, the round display unit 63g, and the right-hand play display unit 63i as the third digit, and the 8 LEDs 310d (2, 2, 2, 2) that make up the special symbol 1 reserve count display unit 63d, the special symbol 2 reserve count display unit 63e, the normal symbol reserve count display unit 63f, and the game status display unit 63h as the fourth digit. In other words, since each digit's LED 310 can be separated into a single group, the main display unit 63 can be dynamically controlled as a 4-digit x 8-segment display. Note that the combination of LED310s included in each digit is just one example, and other combinations may also be used.

[0203] The main display cover 303 has through holes 303a formed in positions opposite to each LED 310 located on the main display board 302.

[0204] The main display sticker 304 is a semi-transparent, milky white sticker material with a lower light transmittance than a colorless, transparent resin, and has the round number printed on it in the lines surrounding the special design 1 display 63a and the special design 2 display 63b, as well as in the position corresponding to the round display 63g.

[0205] Therefore, when any of the LEDs 310 of the main display unit 63 light up, the light emitted from that LED 310 is projected onto the front of the game board 9 via the main display unit sticker 304 located in front of it, thereby informing the player of various game statuses.

[0206] Next, we will explain the transmission path of the control signals transmitted from the main control board 100 to the main display unit 63.

[0207] Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration around the main control unit 101 on the main control board 100. Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration related to the display control of the main display unit 63 on the main control board 100. Figures 16 and 17 describe the configuration for controlling the illumination of the LED 310 of the main display unit 63, and descriptions of other configurations are omitted. Furthermore, in Figures 16 and 17, identifiers (alphabet + number) are also indicated for electronic components placed on the main control board 100 that are not described. For example, "C" indicates a capacitor, "R" indicates a resistor, "CN" indicates a connector, "IC" indicates an integrated circuit, "OSC" indicates an oscillator, "RA" indicates a resistor array, and "FLT" indicates a noise reduction filter. The numbers following these alphabets are unique values ​​for identification. These identifiers are used to identify electronic components on a single board; therefore, the same identifier may appear on different boards, but this does not necessarily mean that they are the same electronic component. The same applies to the circuit configuration described below.

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

[0209] Pin 25 can be selected to perform the chip select function "CS13", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP13", and the SPI communication transmit output function "SPITXA". In this embodiment, the SPI communication transmit output function "SPITXA" is selected for pin 25.

[0210] Pin 27 can be selected to perform the chip select function "CS12", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP12", and the SPI communication clock output function "SPICKA". In this embodiment, the SPI communication clock output function "SPICKA" is selected for pin 27.

[0211] Terminal 29 can be selected for the chip select function "CS11", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP11", and the SPI communication chip selection function "SPISA1". In this embodiment, terminal 29 is selected for the SPI communication chip selection function "SPISA1".

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

[0213] Here, common data (for example, main display common data) is a signal for selecting one group (digit) of LEDs in the display unit to which the drive current will flow, i.e., one group (digit) to light up. Furthermore, segment data (for example, main display segment data) is a signal that turns on or off the LEDs of the group (digit) selected by the common data.

[0214] As shown in Figure 17, the main control board 100 has, in addition to the main control unit 101, LED drivers 100a and 100b, a connector 100c, and multiple resistors 100d.

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

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

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

[0218] LED drivers 100a and 100b include a shift register and a parallel data latch circuit (data register). A shift register consists of multiple D-type flip-flops, and in synchronization with the clock signal (SPICKA), the bit data of one D-type flip-flop moves to the adjacent D-type flip-flop. A parallel data latch circuit, for example, is composed of multiple D-type flip-flops and, at a predetermined latch timing, receives a chip select signal (SPISA1) as a latch signal to latch (hold) and acquire (set) data from a shift register.

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

[0220] The data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 100a is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (main display segment data 1-8) from terminals 13 to 20 (PB0-PB7). Specifically, terminals where the main display segment data is high are connected to ground, and terminals where the main display segment data is low are not connected to ground. Furthermore, the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 100b is simultaneously pushed out as parallel data signals (main display common data 1-4) from terminals 9 to 12 (00-03). Specifically, power supply (DC 5VA) is supplied to terminals where the main display common data is high, and power supply (DC 5VA) is not supplied to terminals where the main display common data is low. Additionally, the LED drivers 100a and 100b are simultaneously reset (initialized) by the reset signal (*IORST), and their internal data is cleared.

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

[0222] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the main display board 302. As shown in Figure 18, the main display board 302 has a connector 302a and 32 LEDs 310. Connector 302a is connected to connector 100c of the main control board 100 via a transmission cable.

[0223] Parallel data signals (main display common data 1-4) are input to terminals 1 through 4 of connector 302a from the main control board 100, respectively. Parallel data signals (main display segment data 1 to 8) are input from the main control board 100 to terminals 5 to 12 of connector 302a, respectively. Furthermore, terminal 1 of connector 302a is connected in parallel to the anodes of the eight LEDs 310a that make up the special pattern 1 display 63a of the main display unit 63 via wiring pattern 302b. Terminal 2 is connected in parallel to the anodes of the eight LEDs 310b that make up the special pattern 2 display 63b of the main display 63 via wiring pattern 302b. Terminal 3 is connected via wiring pattern 302b to the anodes of the eight LEDs 310c that make up the normal pattern indicator 63c, round indicator 63g, and right-hand indicator 63i of the main indicator 63. Terminal 4 is connected in parallel to the anodes of the eight LEDs 310d that make up the special symbol 1 reserve count indicator 63d, special symbol 2 reserve count indicator 63e, normal symbol reserve count indicator 63f, and game status indicator 63h of the main display unit 63 via wiring pattern 302b. Terminals 5 through 12 have the cathodes of one LED310 from LED310a, one LED310b, one LED310c, and one LED310d connected in parallel via wiring pattern 302c, in a manner different from each other.

[0224] Then, the main display unit 63 supplies a drive current through the anode of one of the LEDs 310a to 310d corresponding to the main display common data, and draws the drive current from the cathode of the LED 310 corresponding to the main display segment data 1 to 8 via the resistor 100d, thereby supplying current to the LEDs 310a to 310d that are sequentially selected in a dynamic lighting method and lighting up.

[0225] Here, the main display unit 63 will be controlled to light up in the following order, for example: special symbol 1 display unit 63a → special symbol 2 display unit 63b → normal symbol display unit 63c, round display unit 63g and right-hand play display unit 63i → special symbol 1 reserve count display unit 63d, special symbol 2 reserve count display unit 63e, normal symbol reserve count display unit 63f and game status display unit 63h → special symbol 1 display unit 63a → ...

[0226] Wiring patterns 100e and 302c individually connect multiple LEDs 310, each constituting LEDs 310a to 310d of the main display unit 63, to the LED driver 100a. On the other hand, wiring patterns 100f and 302b commonly connect multiple LEDs 310, each constituting LEDs 310a to 310d of the main display unit 63, to the LED driver 100b. Therefore, in wiring patterns 100f and 302b, the drive current flowing through wiring patterns 100e and 302c converges, resulting in a larger drive current flowing through them than through wiring patterns 100e and 302c. Therefore, wiring patterns 100f and 302b are formed with a wider width than wiring patterns 100e and 302c. For example, the width of wiring patterns 100f and 302b is 0.5 mm, while the width of wiring patterns 100e and 302c is 0.2 mm. This reduces the electrical resistance in wiring patterns 100f and 302b, which carry a large drive current, and suppresses heat generation.

[0227] The resistor 100d, which is mounted between the LED driver 100a and the LED 310 of the main display unit 63, can be mounted on either the main control board 100 or the main display board 302. However, since the main display board 302 is located in a narrow space, such as below the game board 9, mounting the resistor 100d would cause the heat generated by the resistor 100d to accumulate in the space where the main display board 302 is located, increasing the risk of damage to electronic components. Therefore, mounting the resistor 100d on the main control board 100 reduces the risk of damage to the main display board 302. Furthermore, if the main display board 302 were to incorporate the resistor 100d, the size of the board would need to be increased, which could worsen the placement of the main display 63 on the game board 9, for example. Therefore, by mounting the resistor 100d on the main control board 100, the size of the main display board 302 can be reduced, improving the placement of the main display 63.

[0228] <8. LED related to frame control board 110> Next, we will explain the LEDs that are dynamically controlled by the frame control board 110, namely the game ball count indicator 21 and the performance indicator 113.

[0229] Figure 19 is a view of the gaming machine 1 from the rear. Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the frame control board 110. As shown in Figure 19, the rear side of the gaming machine 1 is mostly covered by a colorless, transparent rear cover 81, protecting the various parts located inside the rear cover 81. Furthermore, on the rear side of the gaming machine 1, the frame control board 110 and the power supply board 130 are arranged so as to overlap front to back below the rear cover 81. The frame control board 110 is positioned in front of the power supply board 130 when viewed from the rear side of the gaming machine 1 (towards the rear from the player's perspective).

[0230] As shown in Figure 20(a), the frame control board 110 is located within the space formed by the board case 321 and the board base 322. The frame control board 110 has the RWM clear switch 112a, the game ball count clear switch 112b, the ball removal switch 112c, the error release switch 112d, and several connectors exposed from the board case 321, while other electronic components are covered by the board case 321. This allows the RWM clear switch 112a, the game ball count clear switch 112b, the ball removal switch 112c, and the error release switch 112d to be operated by hall staff, etc., while protecting other electronic components.

[0231] Since the substrate case 321 and the substrate base 322 are made of a colorless, transparent resin material, the electronic components (especially the performance indicator 113) placed on the frame control substrate 110 can be visually inspected from the outside through the substrate case 321, as shown in Figure 20(b). Therefore, when the frame control board 110 is attached to the gaming machine 1, it is impossible or difficult to visually inspect the performance indicator 113 if the inner frame 5 is closed. However, by opening the inner frame 5, it becomes possible to visually inspect the performance indicator 113 through the board case 321.

[0232] The performance indicator 113 has a total of 48 single-color (red) LEDs 320 arranged in a 6-digit x 8-segment (7 segments (a-g) + 1 dot (dp)) configuration. These LEDs 320 are top-view LEDs, with their light-emitting surfaces parallel to the substrate of the performance indicator 113, and the optical axis of the emitted light perpendicular to the substrate of the performance indicator 113. The performance indicator 113 is capable of dynamic lighting control as a 6-digit x 8-segment display.

[0233] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the game ball count indicator 21. As shown in Figure 21, the game ball count indicator 21 is composed of a game ball count indicator base 331, a game ball count indicator circuit board 332, a game ball count indicator panel 333, a game ball count indicator seal 334, and a game ball count indicator cover 335. The game ball count indicator 21 houses the game ball count indicator circuit board 332, the game ball count indicator panel 333, and the game ball count indicator seal 334 within the space formed by the game ball count indicator base 331 and the game ball count indicator cover 335.

[0234] The game ball count display board 332 has a total of 42 single-color (white) LEDs 336 arranged in a 6-digit x 7-segment (a-g) configuration. These LEDs 336 are top-view LEDs, with their light-emitting surfaces parallel to the game ball count display board 332, and the optical axis of the emitted light perpendicular to the game ball count display board 332. The game ball count display 21 is capable of dynamic lighting control as a 6-digit x 7-segment display.

[0235] The game ball count display panel 333 has through holes 333a extending from the front surface 333b to the game ball count display board 332, opposite the LEDs 336 located on the game ball count display board 332. This allows light emitted from the LEDs 336 to pass through the opposing through holes 333a, reducing the likelihood of light leaking from other through holes 333a and becoming difficult to see.

[0236] The game ball count indicator sticker 334 has a 7-segment shape that is semi-transparent milky white, for example, has a lower light transmittance than colorless and transparent in the area opposite the LED 336 located on the game ball count indicator board 332, allowing light emitted from the LED 336 to pass through, while the other parts are opaque black that does not transmit light.

[0237] The game ball count display cover 335 is made of a semi-transparent black panel (resin material) with a lower light transmittance than colorless transparent material, allowing light emitted from the LED 336 to pass through, making it difficult to see the 7-segment shape of the game ball count display sticker 334 when the LED 336 is not emitting light.

[0238] Figure 22 illustrates the circuit configuration around the frame control unit 111 on the frame control board 110. Figure 23 illustrates the circuit configuration related to the display control of the performance indicator 113 on the frame control board 110. Figure 24 illustrates the circuit configuration around a predetermined connector 110f on the frame control board 110. Figure 25 illustrates the circuit configuration of the game ball count indicator board 332.

[0239] As shown in Figure 22, the frame control unit 111 is composed of an integrated circuit having terminals numbered from 1 to 71, as indicated by the numbers "1" to "71". The frame control board 110 operates on a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied via terminals 8 (VDD3), 19 (VDD1), and 52 (VDD2).

[0240] Terminal 2 allows selection of three functions: the chip select function "XCS15", the general-purpose input / output function "PO7", and the SPI communication chip selection function "SS". In this embodiment, the SPI communication chip selection function "SS" is selected for terminal 2.

[0241] Terminal 4 allows selection of three functions: the chip select function "XCS14", the general-purpose input / output function "PO6", and the SPI communication clock output function "SCK". In this embodiment, the SPI communication clock output function "SCK" is selected for terminal 4.

[0242] Terminal 6 allows selection of the chip select function "XCS13", the general-purpose input / output function "PO5", and the SPI communication transmit output function "SDO". In this embodiment, terminal 2 is set to the SPI communication transmit output function "SDO".

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

[0244] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the frame control board 110 includes the frame control unit 111, as well as LED drivers 110a, 110b, 110c, resistors 110d, 110e, and connector 110f.

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

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

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

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

[0249] LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c each have a shift register and a parallel data latch circuit (data register). The shift register is composed of multiple D-type flip-flops, and in synchronization with the clock signal (SCK), the bit data of a 1 D-type flip-flop moves to the adjacent D-type flip-flop. The parallel data latch circuit is composed of, for example, multiple D-type flip-flops, and at a predetermined latch timing when it receives a chip select signal (SS) as a latch signal, it latches (holds) and retrieves (sets) the data from the shift register.

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

[0251] The data acquired by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110a is simultaneously pushed out as parallel data signals (game ball count display common data 1-6) from terminals 9 to 14 (00-05). Specifically, the drive power supply (DC12VA) is supplied to the terminals where the game ball count display common data is high, and the drive power supply (DC12VA) is not supplied to the terminals where the game ball count display common data is low. Furthermore, some of the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110b is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (game ball count display segment data 1-7) from terminals 20 to 14 (PB0-PB6). Specifically, terminals where the game ball count display segment data is high are connected to ground, and terminals where the game ball count display segment data is low are not connected to ground. Furthermore, some of the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110b is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (performance indicator common data 1-6) from terminals 5 to 10 (PA0-PA5). Specifically, terminals with high performance indicator common data are connected to ground, and terminals with low performance indicator common data are not connected to ground. The data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110c is simultaneously pushed out as parallel data signals (performance display segment data 1-8) from terminals 9 to 16 (00-07). Specifically, power supply (DC12VA) is supplied to terminals where the performance display segment data is high, and power supply (DC12VA) is not supplied to terminals where the performance display segment data is low. Furthermore, the LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c are simultaneously reset (initialized) by a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown), and their internal data is cleared.

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

[0253] As described above, the performance indicator 113 is composed of 6 digits x 8 segments (7 segments (a~g) + 1 dot (dp): 8 LEDs 320).

[0254] Terminal 5 (PA0) of the LED driver 110b is connected in parallel to the cathode of the LED 320 that constitutes the first digit 8-segment of the performance indicator 113 via the wiring pattern 110g. Similarly, terminals 6 to 10 (PA1 to PA5) of the LED driver 110b are connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LED 320 that constitute the second to sixth digits 8-segment of the performance indicator 113, respectively, via the wiring pattern 110g.

[0255] Furthermore, terminal 9 (00) of the LED driver 110c is connected in parallel to the anode of each digit LED320(a) of the performance indicator 113 via wiring pattern 110h and resistor 110d. Similarly, terminals 10 to 16 (01-07) of the LED driver 110c are connected in parallel to the anodes of each digit LED320(b-g, dp) of the performance indicator 113 via wiring pattern 110h and resistor 110d.

[0256] Then, the performance indicator 113 supplies a drive current to the anode of the LED 320 corresponding to the performance display segment data via the resistor 110d, and draws the drive current from the cathode of the LED 320 corresponding to the digit of the performance display common data, thereby supplying the drive current to the LED 320 of the digits selected sequentially in a dynamic lighting method and lighting them up.

[0257] In this case, the performance indicator 113 will be controlled to light up in the following order, for example: 1st digit → 2nd digit → 3rd digit → 4th digit → 5th digit → 6th digit → 1st digit → ...

[0258] Wiring pattern 110h connects multiple LEDs 320 for each digit of the performance indicator 113 individually to the LED driver 110c. Wiring pattern 110g connects multiple LEDs 320 for each digit of the performance indicator 113 to the LED driver 110b in common. Therefore, in wiring pattern 110g, the drive current flowing through wiring pattern 110h converges, resulting in a larger drive current flowing through it than through wiring pattern 110h. Therefore, the wiring pattern 110g is formed with a wider width than the wiring pattern 110h. For example, the width of the wiring pattern 110h is 0.15 mm, while the width of the wiring pattern 110g is 0.3 mm. This reduces the electrical resistance in the wiring pattern 110g, where a large drive current flows, and suppresses heat generation.

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

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

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

[0262] Furthermore, terminal 8 of connector 332a is connected in parallel to the anode of LED 336, which constitutes the first digit 7-segment of the game ball count display 21, via wiring pattern 332b. Similarly, terminals 9 to 13 of connector 332a are connected in parallel to the anodes of LED 336, which constitute the second to sixth digits 7-segment of the game ball count display 21, respectively, via wiring pattern 332b.

[0263] Furthermore, terminal 1 of connector 332a is connected in parallel to the cathode of each digit LED 336(a) of the game ball count display 21 via wiring pattern 332c. Similarly, terminals 2 to 7 of connector 332a are connected in parallel to the cathodes of each digit LED (b to g) of the game ball count display 21 via wiring pattern 332c.

[0264] Then, the game ball count display 21 supplies drive current to the anodes of the LEDs 336 corresponding to the game ball count display common data 1 to 6, and draws drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 336 based on the game ball count display segment data 1 to 7, thereby supplying drive current to the LEDs 336 of the sequentially selected digits in a dynamic lighting method and causing them to light up.

[0265] In this case, the game ball count display 21 will be controlled to light up in the following order, for example: 1st digit → 2nd digit → 3rd digit → 4th digit → 5th digit → 6th digit → 1st digit → ...

[0266] Wiring patterns 110i and 332c individually connect multiple LEDs 336 for each digit of the game ball count display 21 to the LED driver 110b. On the other hand, wiring patterns 110j and 332b commonly connect multiple LEDs 336 for each digit of the game ball count display 21 to the LED driver 110a. Therefore, in wiring patterns 110j and 332b, the drive current flowing through wiring patterns 110i and 332c converges, resulting in a larger drive current flowing through them than through wiring patterns 110i and 332c. Therefore, wiring patterns 110j and 332b are formed with a wider width than wiring patterns 110i and 332c. For example, the width of wiring patterns 110i and 332c is 0.15 mm, while the width of wiring patterns 110j and 332b is 0.3 mm. This reduces the electrical resistance in wiring patterns 110j and 332b, which carry a large drive current, and suppresses heat generation.

[0267] <9. LED related to the fourth symbol display unit 65> Next, we will explain the LEDs of the fourth symbol display 65, which are statically controlled by the performance control board 120.

[0268] Figure 26 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the fourth symbol indicator 65. As shown in Figure 26, the fourth symbol indicator 65 consists of a fourth symbol indicator circuit board 341, a fourth symbol indicator case 342, and a fourth symbol indicator seal 343. The fourth symbol indicator circuit board 341 is housed within the fourth symbol indicator case 342.

[0269] The fourth symbol display board 341 has a total of nine LEDs 350 arranged on it, which make up the special symbol 1 display 65a, special symbol 2 display 65b, special symbol 1 reserved number display 65c, special symbol 2 reserved number display 65d, and right-hand play display 65e. These LEDs 350 are single-color (red) LEDs, and are top-view type LEDs with their light-emitting surfaces parallel to the fourth symbol display board 341, and the optical axis of the emitted light perpendicular to the fourth symbol display board 341.

[0270] The fourth pattern display case 342 has through holes 342a formed in positions opposite to each LED 350 located on the fourth pattern display circuit board 341.

[0271] The fourth symbol indicator sticker 343 has a circular shape that is semi-transparent or milky white in the area opposite each LED 350 located on the fourth symbol indicator board 341, with a lower light transmittance than colorless and transparent, allowing light emitted from the LED 350 to pass through, while the rest of the sticker is opaque black that does not transmit light. In addition, the fourth symbol indicator sticker 343 has lines printed around the special symbol 1 indicator 65a, special symbol 2 indicator 65b, special symbol 1 reserved number indicator 65c, special symbol 2 reserved number indicator 65d, and right-hand play indicator 65e, respectively.

[0272] Therefore, when any of the LEDs 350 of the fourth symbol indicator 65 light up, the light emitted from that LED 350 is projected onto the front of the game board 9 via the fourth symbol indicator sticker 343, informing the player of various game states.

[0273] Figure 27 shows a part of the circuit configuration of the decorative relay board 150 to which the performance control board 120 and the fourth symbol display board 341 are connected. As shown in Figure 27, an LED driver 150a is arranged on the decorative relay board 150. The LED driver 150a is an example of the LED driver 27a described above, and has a 48-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 48, as indicated by the numbers "1" to "48".

[0274] Terminal 1 (VREF) is an output terminal where a 5V DC voltage (DC5V) is generated by stepping down the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) input from terminal 48 (SVCC) inside the LED driver 150a, and this 5V DC voltage is output as the reference voltage. Terminal 2 (SCLK) is the input terminal for the clock signal (CLK). Terminal 3 (SDATA) is the input terminal for serial data signals (DATA). Terminal 4 (SDEN) is the input terminal for the enable signal. Terminal 5 (CTLSCT) is a serial bus communication setting terminal, and it is set to a predetermined mode when a reference voltage, i.e., an H level, is input from terminal 1. Terminal 6 (OUTSCT) is an output method control terminal that receives a voltage at one of three levels: H level (e.g., 5V), M level (e.g., 2.5V), or L level (e.g., 0V). The output method for the LED drive current is set according to the voltage level of the input voltage. Details of the output methods set here will be described later. Terminal 7 (RESET) is the input terminal for the reset signal. Terminal 8 (RT1) is a resistor connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for setting the reference current, and resistor 150b is connected to it. The LED driver 150a can change the current value of the drive current flowing to the output terminals (LEDR1~LEDB8) to which the parallel data signal is output by changing the resistance value of resistor 150b connected to terminal 8. With the LED driver 150a, the larger the resistance value of resistor 150b, the smaller the drive current can be. For example, the current values ​​are set to 14mA, 12mA, 10mA, 7mA, and 5.5mA for resistance values ​​of 70kΩ, 80kΩ, 100kΩ, 140kΩ, and 180kΩ, respectively. In this embodiment, the resistance value of resistor 150b is 140kΩ, so the drive current value is 7mA. Terminals 9 and 31 (NC) are dummy terminals. Terminal 10 (SGND) is the ground terminal. Terminals 11 through 15 (A0-A4) are address terminals for setting the slave address, and a 5-bit slave address can be set. When each terminal is connected to ground, its bit is set to "0", and when connected to terminal 1, its bit is set to "1". Terminals 16-18, 20-25, 27-29, 32-34, 36-41, and 43-45 (LEDR1-LEDB8) are designated as output terminals for parallel data signals. Some of these output terminals are not used. These will be referred to as LED output terminals below. Terminals 19, 26, 35, and 42 are designated as ground terminals (PGND1 to PGND4). Terminal 30 (VLED) is a protective terminal for the LED driver output. Terminals 46 and 47 (TEST1 and TEST2) are test terminals and are connected to ground. Terminal 48 (SVCC) is the power supply terminal to which the drive power is input, and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input.

[0275] The LED driver 150a operates in one of three output modes—open-drain mode, constant-current mode, or mixed mode—based on the voltage level (H / L / M) input to terminal 6 (OUTSCT), driving the performance LEDs 27 connected to the LED output terminals (LEDR1-LEDB8). Since the voltage divided across two resistors (R27 and R29 in the diagram) is input to terminal 6, the voltage level of the LED driver 150a becomes M, and it operates in mixed mode.

[0276] Here, open-drain mode is an operating mode in which the drains of the output transistors (FETs) connected internally to the LED output terminals (LEDR1-LEDB8) are open, and the LEDs 27 for special effects are driven by current values ​​corresponding to the resistors and LEDs 27 connected to each LED output terminal (LEDR1-LEDB8). Therefore, in open-drain mode, the forward voltage of the LEDs 27 for special effects affects the current value. In addition, in open-drain mode, it is possible to flow currents of different values ​​by making the voltage values ​​and resistance values ​​different for each LED output terminal (LEDR1-LEDB8). Open-drain mode is suitably used, for example, when it is desired to illuminate only a specific LED 27 for special effects at high brightness. In open-drain mode, the output transistors perform ON / OFF switching operations, so internal power loss is lower than when operating in constant-current mode, and relatively large currents can be flowed. Constant current mode is an operating mode in which the LED 27 for special effects is driven with a constant current corresponding to the resistance value of the resistor connected to terminal 8 (RT1), regardless of the resistors connected to the LED output terminals (LEDR1-LEDB8) or the LED 27 for special effects. In constant current mode, some of the output transistors operate linearly, resulting in slightly higher internal power loss, but it is suitable for use, for example, when you want to make adjacent groups of LEDs emit light at the same brightness. Mixed mode is a mode in which the LED output terminals (LEDR1-LEDB6) function in constant current mode, and the LED output terminals (LEDR7-LEDB8) function in open-drain mode.

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

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

[0279] Here, the parallel data signals are denoted as "03-R1", "03-G1", "03-B1", ... "R" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the red LED of the full-color LED chip. "G" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the green LED of the full-color LED chip. "B" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the blue LED of the full-color LED chip. However, "R," "G," and "B" are not always assigned to the drive current for red, green, and blue LEDs, respectively; for example, they may be assigned to the drive current for single-color LEDs.

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

[0281] Connector 150c is connected to the lower left side decorative board 452 (see Figures 40-42) via a transmission cable. Connector 150d is connected to the fourth graphic display board 341 via a transmission cable.

[0282] Figure 28 is a diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of the fourth pattern display board 341. As shown in Figure 28, a connector 341a is located on the fourth pattern display board 341. Parallel data signals (03-R4 to 03-B6) are input to terminals 2 through 10 of connector 341a via connector 150d of decorative relay board 150. Terminals 2 through 10 of connector 341a are connected to the cathodes of different LEDs 350, respectively.

[0283] Additionally, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to terminal 1 of connector 341a. Terminal 1 of connector 341a is connected to the anode of LED 350 via resistor 341b. Therefore, in response to the parallel data signals (03-R4~03-B6), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through resistor 341b and LED 350, causing LED 350 to light up.

[0284] Note that, since the LED output terminals (LEDR4~~LEDB6) are set to constant current mode, the current value of the drive current supplied to LED350b is determined by the resistance value of resistor 150b connected to terminal 8 of LED driver 150a, and resistor 341b does not affect the current value of the drive current. Resistor 341b is provided to lower the voltage on the cathode side of LED350, that is, the voltage at terminals 27~38 (excluding terminals 30, 31, and 35) of LED driver 150a (for example, to about 0.5V).

[0285] Furthermore, each LED 350 of the fourth symbol display unit 65 is designed so that the user cannot adjust its brightness, and it lights up at a constant brightness via PWM control.

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

[0287] <10. LED 27 for display purposes located on the game board 9> Next, we will describe the performance LEDs 27 that are statically controlled by the performance control unit 121. Here, we will describe the performance LEDs 27 that are located on the game board 9 and the performance panel 26, among the performance LEDs 27 provided on the gaming machine 1.

[0288] As described above, the performance control unit 121 instructs the LED driver 27a to light up the performance LEDs 27 based on the determined performance scenario. Specifically, the ROM of the performance control unit 121 stores a brightness table that defines the reference gradation value of each performance LED 27 along the time axis for each performance scenario. The reference grayscale value defines the reference grayscale value used when the LED driver 27a performs PWM control of the performance LED 27. For example, if the LED driver 27a performs PWM control of the performance LED 27 with 128 grayscale levels (7 bits), the reference grayscale value in the brightness table will be specified as one of the 128 grayscale levels (0 to 127).

[0289] When a performance scenario is determined, the performance control unit 121 reads the brightness table corresponding to that performance scenario from the ROM.

[0290] Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the brightness table. As shown in Figure 29(a), 8 bits (1 byte) of brightness information are used to control the lighting of one LED 27 used for lighting effects. The upper 1 bit of the brightness information is assigned to the alpha value (transparency information), and the lower 7 bits are assigned to the reference grayscale value. The alpha value indicates whether or not to update the reference grayscale value. A value of 1 indicates that the reference grayscale value will be updated, while a value of 0 indicates that the reference grayscale value will not be updated. The performance control unit 121 manages the brightness of the performance LED 27 using multiple layers, and updates the grayscale values ​​sequentially from the brightness value of the lower layer. Therefore, if the alpha value is 0, the brightness value of the layer below it will remain unchanged.

[0291] As shown in Figure 29(a), if the luminance information is "11111111", the reference grayscale value is set to 127 (maximum). If the luminance information is "11000000", the reference grayscale value is set to 64 (intermediate). If the luminance information is "10000000", the reference grayscale value is set to 0 (off). If the luminance information is "00000000", it is set not to update the reference grayscale value.

[0292] As described above, the LED driver 27a has 24 LED output terminals. In this case, the brightness table is configured to list 24 brightness information entries, as it is necessary to specify brightness information for each LED output terminal, as shown in Figures 29(b) to 29(d). The brightness table also contains brightness information for multiple (for example, 4) LED drivers 27a.

[0293] Figures 29(b) to 29(d) show an example of a brightness table when eight full-color LEDs are connected to one LED driver 27a. In Figures 29(b) to 29(d), the brightness information is shown in hexadecimal (00 to FF). Also, the brightness setting values, which will be discussed later, are not considered in this explanation.

[0294] A full-color LED consists of red, green, and blue LEDs. Therefore, it is necessary to control the lighting of each LED individually, requiring three sets of brightness information for each full-color LED. Therefore, one LED driver 27a can control eight full-color LEDs (3 x 8 = 24 output terminals). Here, we assume that the full-color LEDs are connected to the LED output terminals in the order of red, green, and blue, starting with the lowest numbered LEDs, and that each full-color LED is connected sequentially. That is, the red, green, and blue LEDs of the first full-color LED are connected to the LED output terminals in that order, followed by the red, green, and blue LEDs of the second full-color LED, and so on.

[0295] In the example shown in Figure 29(b), the brightness information "FFFFFF···FF" is specified for LED drivers 1 to 4 at a timing of 4000ms, the brightness information "808080···80" is specified at a timing of 2000ms, and "LOOP" is specified at a timing of 0ms. In "FFFFFF····FF", there are 24 sets of "FF". Each "FF" is represented in hexadecimal as brightness information for one LED 27 used for lighting effects. Since "FF" is instructed for all LED 27s used for lighting effects, all full-color LEDs light up in white at maximum brightness. In "808080···80", there are 24 sets of "80". Each "80" is represented in hexadecimal as brightness information for one LED. Since "80" is indicated for all LEDs, all full-color LEDs will turn off. The "LOOP" command instructs the program to repeat the above two lines.

[0296] In the example in Figure 29(c), the brightness information "FF0000···00" is specified for LED drivers 1 to 4 at a timing of 3000ms, the brightness information "00FF00···00" is specified at a timing of 2000ms, the brightness information "0000FF···00" is specified at a timing of 1000ms, and "LOOP" is specified at a timing of 0ms. In the "FF0000···00" setting, only the first color LED (red) is set to "FF," specifying a base gradation value of 127 (maximum), while the other LEDs are set to "00," indicating transparency. As a result, the first color LED lights up red, and the brightness of the other color LEDs remains unchanged. In "00FF00···00", only the first color LED (green) is set to "FF" with a standard grayscale value of 127 (maximum), while the other LEDs are set to "00" and transparent. Therefore, the first color LED lights up green, and the brightness of the other color LEDs remains unchanged. In the "0000FF···00" setting, only the blue LED of the first color LED is set to "FF," which specifies a standard grayscale value of 127 (maximum), while the other LEDs are set to "00," which specifies transparency. Therefore, the first color LED lights up in blue, and the brightness of the other color LEDs remains unchanged. The "LOOP" command instructs the program to repeat the above three lines.

[0297] In the example in Figure 29(d), the brightness information "FF8080···80" is specified for LED drivers 1 to 4 at 3000ms, the brightness information "80FF80···80" is specified at 2000ms, the brightness information "8080FF···80" is specified at 1000ms, and "LOOP" is specified at 0ms. In "FF8080···80", only the first color LED (red) is designated as "FF" with a standard grayscale value of 127 (maximum), while the other LEDs are designated as "80" with a standard grayscale value of 0 (off). Therefore, the first color LED lights up red, and the other color LEDs are off. In the "80FF80···80" setting, only the first color LED (green) is set to "FF" with a standard grayscale value of 127 (maximum), while the other LEDs are set to "80" with a standard grayscale value of 0 (off). Therefore, the first color LED lights up green, and the other color LEDs are off. In "8008FF···80", only the blue LED of the first color LED is designated as "FF" with a standard grayscale value of 127 (maximum), while the other LEDs are designated as "80" with a standard grayscale value of 0 (off). Therefore, the first color LED lights up blue, and the other color LEDs are off. The "LOOP" command instructs the program to repeat the above three lines.

[0298] Furthermore, the performance control unit 121 reads the brightness setting value determined in response to the operation of the brightness change button 25c. Here, the brightness setting values ​​that can be set in response to the operation of the brightness change button 25c are, for example, five levels from 1 to 5. Each time the plus button on the brightness change button 25c is pressed, the brightness setting is increased by 1 until it reaches the maximum value of 5. Each time the minus button on the brightness change button 25c is pressed, the brightness setting is decreased by 1 until it reaches the minimum value of 1. When the brightness change button 25c is pressed, the current brightness setting is displayed on the LCD unit 57.

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

[0300] The performance control unit 121 then calculates and sets the gradation value for when each performance LED 27 is actually PWM controlled by the LED driver 27a by multiplying the reference gradation value for each performance LED 27 shown in the brightness table read from the ROM by the brightness setting value. The performance control unit 121 generates a control signal (LED data) indicating the calculated grayscale value of each performance LED 27, and outputs the control signal (LED data) to the LED driver 27a in step S511 (see Figure 13). As a result, the performance LEDs 27 are PWM controlled by the LED driver 27a with a duty cycle (grayscale value / 256) corresponding to the grayscale value, thereby realizing lighting effects according to the brightness table.

[0301] In addition, there are two types of LEDs 27 for special effects: top-view type and side-view type. However, in the brightness table, the number of steps in the reference grayscale value specified in the brightness table is the same regardless of whether the LED 27 is top-view or side-view type. Furthermore, the number of steps in the brightness setting value set by the brightness change button 25c is also the same. This eliminates the need to change the number of steps in the reference gradation value and brightness setting value depending on whether it is a top-view or side-view type (depending on the type of LED 27 used for lighting effects), thus reducing the design burden during the design phase.

[0302] [10.1 LEDs for decorative lighting on illumination panels] Figure 30 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the decorative substrate 180 around the illumination panel 59. Figure 31 is a magnified view of a portion of the area around the illumination panel 59.

[0303] As shown in Figure 30, the illumination panel 59 is formed as a plate that extends sufficiently in the vertical and horizontal directions and is sufficiently short in the front-to-back direction (the direction facing the player: the thickness direction). The illumination panel 59 is positioned so that its front surface 59a and rear surface 59b, which extend in the vertical and horizontal directions, face the player.

[0304] On the game board 9, four decorative circuit boards 180 are arranged around the illumination panel 59. Hereafter, these four decorative circuit boards 180 will be referred to as illumination circuit boards 401 to 404.

[0305] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the illumination circuit board 401 is positioned to the left of the illumination panel 59. The illumination circuit board 401 is positioned on the game board 9 such that the component side 401a, where the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are placed, faces the left side 59c of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the illumination circuit board 401 is positioned on the game board 9 such that the component side 401a is perpendicular to the front 59a and rear 59b of the illumination panel 59. Note that "perpendicular" does not only mean perfectly perpendicular, but also includes some error (angle error), and the same applies to other descriptions, sometimes it is written as "approximately perpendicular".

[0306] On the component side 401a of the illumination circuit board 401, six performance LEDs 27 are arranged vertically so as to face the left side 59c of the illumination panel 59. Hereafter, the performance LEDs 27 that are positioned facing the left side 59c of the illumination panel 59 will be referred to as illumination LEDs 411.

[0307] The illumination LED 411 is a full-color LED, positioned so that its light-emitting surface is parallel to the illumination substrate 401, and is a top-view type LED in which the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by the arrow in Figure 31) is perpendicular to the illumination substrate 401. Note that "parallel" does not only mean perfectly parallel, but also includes some error (angle error), and the same applies to other descriptions, sometimes referred to as "approximately parallel".

[0308] Thus, since the component side 401a of the illumination board 401 does not face the player (it is perpendicular to the direction the player is facing), and the light-emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 is positioned parallel to the illumination board 401, the light-emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 is positioned on the game board 9 so that it does not face the player (it is perpendicular to the direction the player is facing). Furthermore, since the light axis of the illumination LED 411 does not face the player, the light emitted from the illumination LED 411 hardly reaches the player directly.

[0309] Since the light-emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 and the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59 are positioned with almost no gap, the illumination LED 411 shines light into the interior of the illumination panel 59 through the left side surface 59c. In other words, the illumination LED 411 shines light in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the illumination panel 59.

[0310] In the illumination panel 59, light entering from the left side surface 59c is diffused by the patterned area, causing the patterned area to emit light.

[0311] Illumination boards 402 to 404 are arranged perpendicular to the front 59a and rear 59b of the illumination panel 59, similar to illumination board 401, and are equipped with LEDs 27 for lighting effects that illuminate the sides of the illumination panel 59.

[0312] The illumination boards 402 and 403 are positioned on the upper side of the illumination panel 59. The illumination boards 402 and 403 are positioned on the game board 9 such that the component sides 402a and 403a, on which the electrical components (LEDs 27 for lighting effects) are placed, face the upper side 59d of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the illumination boards 402 and 403 are positioned on the game board 9 such that the component sides 402a and 403a are perpendicular to the front 59a and rear 59b of the illumination panel 59.

[0313] The illumination circuit board 404 is positioned to the right of the illumination panel 59, with a diffuser plate 405 in between. The illumination circuit board 404 is positioned on the game board 9 such that the component side 404a, where the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are placed, faces the right side 59e of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the illumination circuit board 404 is positioned on the game board 9 such that the component side 404a is perpendicular to the front 59a and rear 59b of the illumination panel 59.

[0314] Multiple LEDs 27 for special effects are arranged on the component sides 402a to 404a of the illumination circuit boards 402 to 404, facing the upper side 59d and right side 59e of the illumination panel 59. These LEDs 27 for special effects are full-color LEDs, and are top-view type LEDs whose light-emitting surfaces are parallel to the illumination circuit boards 402 to 404, and whose light-emitting axes are perpendicular to the illumination circuit boards 402 to 404. These LEDs 27 for lighting effects then emit light from the upper side 59d or the right side 59e of the illumination panel 59 towards the inside of the illumination panel 59.

[0315] Figure 32 shows a part of the circuit configuration of illumination board 401. Note that illumination boards 402 to 404 have the same circuit configuration as illumination board 401, so their explanation is omitted. As shown in Figure 32, an LED driver 401b is placed on the illumination board 401. The LED driver 401b is an example of the LED driver 27a described above, and controls the illumination LED 411.

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

[0317] Terminal 8 (Iref-R) corresponds to terminal 8 (RT1) of LED driver 150a. Terminal 8 (Iref-R) is a resistor connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for setting the reference current for LED output terminals (LEDR1~LEDR8), and resistor 401c is connected to it. LED driver 401b can change the current value of the drive current flowing to the LED output terminals (LEDR1~LEDR8) that output parallel data signals by changing the resistance value of resistor 401c connected to terminal 8. As described above, by inputting a reference voltage to terminals 6 (Iref-B) and 7 (Iref-G), the current values ​​of the drive current flowing through the LED output terminals (LEDB1~LEDB8) and LED output terminals (LEDG1~LEDG8) can be set to be the same (common) as the current values ​​of the drive current flowing through the LED output terminals (LEDR1~LEDR8). In the LED driver 401b, the larger the resistance value of resistor 401c, the smaller the drive current can be. For example, if the resistance values ​​are 50kΩ, 60kΩ, 70kΩ, 100kΩ, and 130kΩ, the current values ​​are set to 14mA, 12mA, 10mA, 7mA, and 5.5mA, respectively. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of resistor 401c is 50kΩ, the drive current value is 14mA. Furthermore, resistor 401c is located on the same mounting surface (e.g., component side 401a) as the LED driver 401b on the illumination board 401. This makes it easy to identify that the electronic component connected to terminal 8 of the LED driver 401b is resistor 401c, and to easily confirm the resistance value (code) of resistor 401c.

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

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

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

[0321] As with the LED driver 150a, the parallel data signals are denoted as "04-R1", "04-G1", "04-B1", etc. "R" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the red LED of the full-color LED chip. "G" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the green LED of the full-color LED chip. "B" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the blue LED of the full-color LED chip. However, "R," "G," and "B" are not always assigned to the drive current for red, green, and blue LEDs, respectively; for example, they may be assigned to the drive current for single-color LEDs.

[0322] Terminals 17 through 19 are connected in series with three illumination LEDs 411 and a resistor 401d. Here, since illumination LEDs 411 are full-color LEDs, they consist of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Terminal 17 has three red LEDs (R) from Illumination LED411 connected in series, terminal 18 has three green LEDs (G) from Illumination LED411 connected in series, and terminal 19 has three blue LEDs (B) from Illumination LED411 connected in series.

[0323] Additionally, terminals 21 through 23 are connected in series with three illumination LEDs 411 and resistors 401d. Terminal 21 has three red LEDs (R) of illumination LED 411 connected in series, terminal 22 has three green LEDs (G) of illumination LED 411 connected in series, and terminal 23 has three blue LEDs (B) of illumination LED 411 connected in series. Therefore, on the illumination board 401, in accordance with the parallel data signals (04-R1~04-B2), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to the resistor 401d and the three illumination LEDs 411, causing the illumination LEDs 411 to light up with a brightness corresponding to the duty cycle (gradation value).

[0324] Note that the current value of the drive current supplied to the illumination LED 411 is determined by the resistance value of resistor 401c connected to terminal 8 of the LED driver 401b, and resistor 401d does not affect the current value of the drive current. Resistor 401d is provided to reduce the voltage supplied to terminals 17 to 23 (excluding terminal 20) of the LED driver 401b (for example, to about 0.5V) and suppress the heat generation of the LED driver 401b. Furthermore, since the forward voltage of the red LED is lower than that of the blue and green LEDs (see Figure 61), the resistance value of the resistor 401d connected to the red LED is set to a larger value than that of the resistors 401d connected to the blue and green LEDs in order to minimize the voltage supplied to terminals 17 to 23 of the LED driver 401b. Furthermore, resistor 401d is located on the same mounting surface (e.g., component side 401a) as the illumination LED 411 on the illumination board 401. This makes it easy to confirm that the electronic component connected to the illumination LED 411 is resistor 401d, and to verify the resistance value (code) of resistor 401d. The same applies to resistors 421d, 434d, 435b, and 436b, which will be described later.

[0325] In this way, the performance control unit 121 can control the lighting of the illumination LEDs 411 located on the illumination board 401 by static control (PWM control).

[0326] [10.2 LEDs for effects on movable parts] Figure 33 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the movable mechanism 420. Figure 33(a) is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the movable mechanism 420, and Figure 33(b) is a front view illustrating the movable mechanism circuit board 421. The movable mechanism 420 is an example of the movable mechanism 61.

[0327] As shown in Figure 33(a), the movable mechanism 420 is composed of a movable mechanism substrate 421, a movable mechanism inner lens 422, a movable mechanism case 423, and a movable mechanism seal 424. The movable mechanism 420 houses the movable mechanism substrate 421 and the movable mechanism inner lens 422 within the space formed by the movable mechanism case 423.

[0328] The movable mechanism circuit board 421 is an example of the decorative circuit board 180 described above, and as shown in Figure 33(b), multiple (9) performance LEDs 27 are arranged on the component side 421a. The movable mechanism circuit board 421 is positioned so that the component side 421a on which the electrical components (performance LEDs 27) are arranged faces the player. Hereafter, the performance LEDs 27 arranged on the movable mechanism circuit board 421 will be referred to as the movable mechanism LED 425.

[0329] The movable mechanism LED 425 is a full-color LED, positioned so that its light-emitting surface is perpendicular to the movable mechanism substrate 421, and is a side-view type LED in which the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by the arrow in Figure 33(b)) is parallel to the movable mechanism substrate 421.

[0330] The movable component LEDs 425 are arranged at approximately equal intervals around the periphery of the movable component circuit board 421, with their light-emitting surfaces facing the center.

[0331] Thus, since the component surface 421a of the movable mechanism board 421 faces the player, and the light-emitting surface of the movable mechanism LED 425 is positioned perpendicular to the movable mechanism board 421, the movable mechanism LED 425 is positioned on the game board 9 so that its light-emitting surface does not face the player (it is perpendicular to the direction the player is facing). Furthermore, since the optical axis of the movable mechanism LED 425 does not point towards the player, the light emitted from the movable mechanism LED 425 hardly reaches the player directly.

[0332] The movable mechanism inner lens 422 is positioned in front of the movable mechanism substrate 421 (on the player's side) so as to cover the entire surface of the movable mechanism substrate 421. The movable mechanism inner lens 422 is made of, for example, a colorless and transparent resin material or a resin material with a predetermined transmittance, and a predetermined uneven pattern is formed on its surface. The movable component inner lens 422 diffuses the light emitted from the movable component LED 425, guiding the diffused light forward and also guiding it outward from the sides.

[0333] The movable mechanism case 423 is positioned in front of the movable mechanism inner lens 422 so as to cover the movable mechanism circuit board 421 and the movable mechanism inner lens 422. A movable mechanism sticker 424 is attached to the front of the movable mechanism case 423. The movable mechanism sticker 424 has a picture on it, such as the face of a character.

[0334] Therefore, the movable mechanism 420 illuminates, for example, the character's face drawn on the movable mechanism case 423, with light emitted from the movable mechanism LED 425 and diffused by the movable mechanism inner lens 422, and also emits light from the outer edge of the character's face. This makes the movable mechanism 420 more prominent in the gaming machine 1.

[0335] Figure 34 shows a part of the circuit configuration of the movable mechanism board 421. As shown in Figure 34, an LED driver 421b is located on the movable mechanism board 421. The LED driver 421b is an example of the LED driver 27a described above, and it drives and controls the movable mechanism LED 425.

[0336] Since the LED driver 421b is composed of the same integrated circuit as, for example, the LED driver 401b, its terminal configuration and other features are identical to those of the LED driver 401b, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. Terminal 4 (OUTSCT) is connected to ground, which sets it to an L level and activates the constant current mode. A resistor 421c is connected to terminal 8 (Iref-R), and the current value of the drive current flowing to the output terminals (LEDR1~LEDB8) can be set by changing the resistance value of resistor 421c. In this embodiment, the resistance value of resistor 401c is 50kΩ, so the drive current value is 14mA. Furthermore, resistor 421c is located on the same mounting surface (e.g., component side 421a) as the LED driver 421b on the movable component board 421. This makes it easy to confirm that the electronic component connected to terminal 8 of the LED driver 421b is resistor 421c, and to easily verify the resistance value (code) of resistor 421c.

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

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

[0339] Terminals 17-19, 21-23, and 24-26 are connected in series to three movable LED 425 components and resistors 421d, respectively. Here, since the movable LED 425 components are full-color LEDs, they consist of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Terminals 17, 21, and 24 are connected in series with three red LEDs (R) of the movable LED 425. Terminals 18, 22, and 25 are connected in series with three green LEDs (G) of the movable LED 425. Terminals 19, 23, and 26 are connected in series with three blue LEDs (B) of the movable LED 425. Therefore, in accordance with the parallel data signals (05-R1~05-B3), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to resistor 421d and the three movable LEDs 425, causing the movable LEDs 425 to light up with a brightness corresponding to the duty cycle (gradation value).

[0340] In this way, the performance control unit 121 can control the lighting of the movable mechanism LED 425 located on the movable mechanism board 421 by static control (PWM control).

[0341] [10.3 LED for visual effects on the lower right unit of the game board] Figure 35 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. Figure 36 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. Figure 37 is a side view illustrating the configuration of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. Note that in Figure 37, the prize entry opening decoration board 434, the large prize entry opening decoration board 435, and the special design 2 decoration board 436 are shown separated from the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 towards the rear.

[0342] As shown in Figure 35, a lower right game board unit 430 is located in the lower right of the game board 9. The lower right game board unit 430 forms part of the right game area 37b and is equipped with a special symbol 2 start port 43, a regular electric mechanism 45, a large prize port 49, a special electric mechanism 51, a prize port 53, and the like.

[0343] As shown in Figure 36, the lower right unit 430 of the game board consists of a lower right base plate 431, a lower right cover 432, a lower right seal 433, a prize slot decorative circuit board 434, a large prize slot decorative circuit board 435, and a special design 2 decorative circuit board 436. The lower right base plate 431 is made of a resin material such that its surface has irregularities that cause light to diffuse (scatter) and has through holes formed on it where the special symbol 2 start opening 43, the regular electric mechanism 45, the large prize opening 49, the special electric mechanism 51, the prize opening 53, etc., are arranged.

[0344] The lower right cover 432 is made of a resin material such that its surface has irregularities that diffuse (scatter) light, and has a projection that protrudes to the rear to guide the game ball. The game ball can roll in the space sandwiched between the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432. In other words, the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 form a part of the right game area 37b.

[0345] A lower right sticker 433 is affixed to the front of the lower right cover 432. The lower right sticker 433 is made of a translucent, milky white material, for example, which has a lower light transmittance than colorless, transparent resin, and has a predetermined design printed on it.

[0346] Behind the lower right base plate 431, the following decorative boards, which are examples of the decorative boards 180 described above, are arranged: the prize-winning slot decorative board 434, the large prize-winning slot decorative board 435, and the special illustration 2 decorative board 436.

[0347] The prize slot decoration board 434 has multiple (2) LEDs 27 for displaying effects on its component side 434a. The component side 434a of the prize slot decoration board 434 is positioned to face the player. Hereafter, the LEDs 27 for displaying effects on the prize slot decoration board 434 will be referred to as prize slot LEDs 441.

[0348] The prize entry LED 441 is a full-color LED, positioned so that its light-emitting surface is parallel to the prize entry decorative substrate 434, and is a top-view type LED in which the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by the arrow in Figure 37) is perpendicular to the prize entry decorative substrate 434.

[0349] Thus, since the component side 434a of the prize slot decoration board 434 faces the player, and the light-emitting surface of the prize slot LED 441 is positioned parallel to the prize slot decoration board 434, the prize slot LED 441 is positioned on the game board 9 so that its light-emitting surface faces (directly towards) the player.

[0350] Therefore, the light axis of the prize entry LED 441 is directed towards the player. The light emitted from the prize entry LED 441 is then guided through the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 to the lower right sticker 433, illuminating the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 from behind, and illuminating the image drawn on the lower right sticker 433 from behind.

[0351] The large prize slot decorative circuit board 435 has multiple (3) performance LEDs 27 arranged on its component side 435a. The component side 435a of the large prize slot decorative circuit board 435 is positioned to face the player. Hereafter, the performance LEDs 27 arranged on the large prize slot decorative circuit board 435 will be referred to as the large prize slot LED 442.

[0352] The large prize slot LED 442 is a full-color LED, positioned so that its light-emitting surface is parallel to the large prize slot decorative substrate 435, and is a top-view type LED in which the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by the arrow in Figure 37) is perpendicular to the large prize slot decorative substrate 435.

[0353] Thus, since the component side 435a of the large prize slot decorative circuit board 435 faces the player, and the light-emitting surface of the large prize slot LED 442 is positioned parallel to the large prize slot decorative circuit board 435, the large prize slot LED 442 is positioned on the game board 9 with its light-emitting surface facing the player.

[0354] Therefore, the light axis of the large prize opening LED 442 is directed towards the player. The light emitted from the large prize opening LED 442 is then guided through the large prize opening 49 and the lower right cover 432 to the lower right sticker 433, illuminating the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 from behind, and illuminating the image drawn on the lower right sticker 433 from behind.

[0355] The decorative circuit board 436 in Special Figure 2 has multiple (2) LEDs 27 for performance on its component side 436a. The decorative circuit board 436 in Special Figure 2 is positioned so that the component side 436a on which the electrical components (LEDs 27 for performance) are located does not face the player (it is perpendicular to the direction the player is facing). Hereafter, the LEDs 27 for performance located on the decorative circuit board 436 in Special Figure 2 will be referred to as LED 443 in Special Figure 2.

[0356] Feature 2 LED 443 is a full-color LED, positioned so that its light-emitting surface is perpendicular to Feature 2 decorative substrate 436, and is a side-view type LED in which the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by the arrow in Figure 37) is parallel to Feature 2 decorative substrate 436.

[0357] Thus, since the component side 436a of the decorative substrate 436 in Figure 2 does not face the player, and the light-emitting surface of the LED 443 in Figure 2 is positioned perpendicular to the decorative substrate 436 in Figure 2, the LED 443 in Figure 2 is positioned on the game board 9 with its light-emitting surface facing the player.

[0358] Therefore, the optical axis of the special feature 2 LED 443 is directed towards the player. The light emitted from the special feature 2 LED 443 is then guided through the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 to the lower right sticker 433, illuminating the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 from behind, and illuminating the image drawn on the lower right sticker 433 from behind.

[0359] Figure 38 shows a part of the circuit configuration of the prize winning slot decoration board 434. Figure 39 shows a part of the circuit configuration of the large prize winning slot decoration board 435 and the special design decoration board 436. As shown in Figure 38, an LED driver 434b is placed on the prize entry decoration board 434. The LED driver 434b is an example of the LED driver 27a described above, and drives and controls the prize entry LED 441, the main prize entry LED 442, and the specially designed LED 443.

[0360] Since the LED driver 434b is composed of the same integrated circuit as, for example, the LED drivers 401b and 421b, its terminal configuration and other features are identical to those of the LED drivers 401b and 421b, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. Terminal 4 (OUTSCT) is connected to ground, which sets it to an L level and activates the constant current mode. A resistor 434c is connected to terminal 8 (Iref-R), and the current value of the drive current flowing to the output terminals (LEDR1~LEDB8) can be set by changing the resistance value of resistor 434c. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of resistor 401c is 100kΩ, the drive current value is 7mA. Furthermore, resistor 434c is located on the same mounting surface (e.g., component side 434a) as the LED driver 434b on the prize slot decoration board 434. This makes it easy to confirm that the electronic component connected to terminal 8 of the LED driver 434b is resistor 434c, and to easily verify the resistance value (code) of resistor 434c.

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

[0362] The LED driver 434b has 24 output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from terminal 17 to terminal 44. The LED driver 434b generates parallel data signals (here, 01-R1 ​​to 01-B5) with a duty cycle corresponding to the grayscale value indicated in the serial data signal (DATA) input from the performance control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signals (01-R1 ​​to 01-B5) from the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB6).

[0363] Terminals 17 to 19 are connected in series with two prize-winning LEDs 441 and a resistor 434d. Here, the prize-winning LEDs 441 are full-color LEDs and consist of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Terminal 17 has two red LEDs (R) of the prize entry LED441 connected in series, terminal 18 has two green LEDs (G) of the prize entry LED441 connected in series, and terminal 19 has two blue LEDs (B) of the prize entry LED441 connected in series. Therefore, in accordance with the parallel data signals (01-R1~01-B1), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to resistor 434d and the two prize entry LEDs 441, causing the prize entry LEDs 441 to light up with a brightness corresponding to the duty cycle (gradation value).

[0364] Furthermore, terminals 21 to 23 are connected to terminals 2 to 4 of connector 434e, respectively. Connector 434e is connected to the large prize slot decoration board 435 via a transmission cable. As shown in Figure 39(a), connector 435c is located on the large prize slot decoration board 435. Parallel data signals (01-R2 to 01-B2) are then input to connector 435c via connector 434e on the prize slot decoration board 434.

[0365] A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to terminal 1 of connector 435c. Terminals 2 through 4 of connector 435c are connected in series to three large prize LEDs 442 and resistor 435b. Here, the large prize slot LED442 is a full-color LED, and therefore consists of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Terminal 2 of connector 435c is connected in series with three red LEDs (R) of the large prize LED 442, terminal 3 of connector 435c is connected in series with three green LEDs (G) of the large prize LED 442, and terminal 4 of connector 435c is connected in series with three blue LEDs (B) of the large prize LED 442. Therefore, in accordance with the parallel data signals (01-R2~01-B2), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to resistor 435b and the three large prize LEDs 442, causing the large prize LEDs 442 to light up with a brightness corresponding to the duty cycle (gradation value).

[0366] Furthermore, terminals 24 to 26 of the LED driver 434b are connected to terminals 2 to 4 of connector 434f, respectively. Connector 434f is connected to the decorative board 436 of SPECIFICATIONS 2 via a transmission cable. As shown in Figure 39(b), connector 436c is located on the decorative board 436 of SPECIFICATIONS 2. Parallel data signals (01-R3 to 01-B3) are then input to connector 436c via connector 434f of the prize-winning decorative board 434.

[0367] A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to terminal 1 of connector 436c. Terminals 2 through 4 of connector 436c are connected in series to two LEDs 443 (as shown in Figure 2) and resistor 436b. Here, as shown in Figure 2LED443, it is a full-color LED and therefore consists of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Terminal 2 of connector 436c is connected in series with two red LEDs (R) from LED443 in Illustrated Figure 2, terminal 3 of connector 436c is connected in series with two green LEDs (G) from LED443 in Illustrated Figure 2, and terminal 4 of connector 436c is connected in series with two blue LEDs (B) from LED443 in Illustrated Figure 2. Therefore, in response to the parallel data signals (01-R3~01-B3), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to resistor 436b and the two LEDs 443 in Figure 2, causing the LEDs 443 in Figure 2 to light up with a brightness corresponding to the duty cycle (gradation value).

[0368] In this way, the performance control unit 121 can control the lighting of the prize-winning LED 441 located on the prize-winning decoration board 434, the large prize-winning LED 442 located on the large prize-winning decoration board 435, and the special-illustration 2 LED 443 located on the special-illustration 2 decoration board 436 by static control (PWM control).

[0369] [10.4 LED for visual effects located in the lower left unit of the game board] Figure 40 illustrates the arrangement of the lower left unit 450 of the game board. As shown in Figure 40, the lower left unit 450 of the game board 9 is located in the lower left of the game board 9. The lower left unit 450 of the game board is equipped with a lower left side cover 451, a lower left side decorative circuit board 452, and the like.

[0370] The lower left side cover 451 is positioned along the inner rail 36 from the lower center of the game board 9 toward the upper left and is made of a transparent or translucent resin material. The lower left side cover 451 is thicker than the diameter of the game ball in the front-to-back direction and has one or more prize entry openings 53 and out openings 55 formed therein.

[0371] The lower left side decorative substrate 452 is positioned so as to be sandwiched between the inner rail 36 and the lower left side cover 451. The lower left side decorative substrate 452 is positioned in a curved shape along the inner rail 36. The lower left side decorative substrate 452 is positioned so that the component side 452a, where electrical components (effect LEDs 27, resistors) are placed, faces the lower left side cover 451. As a result, when the effect LEDs 27 placed on the lower left side decorative substrate 452 are illuminated, the lower left side cover 451 can be illuminated in a predetermined light emission pattern and color.

[0372] Figure 41 illustrates the configuration of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Figure 41(a) shows the wiring pattern on the component side 452a of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Figure 41(b) shows electronic components arranged on the component side 452a of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Figure 41(c) shows the wiring pattern on the solder side 452b of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Note that Figure 41(c) is shown as a perspective view, reversed horizontally, to facilitate understanding of its connection to Figures 41(a) and 41(b). Figure 42 shows the circuit configuration of the lower left side decorative substrate 452.

[0373] As shown in Figure 41, on the component surface 452a of the lower left side decorative substrate 452, six performance LEDs 27 are arranged at positions 458 (458a to 458f) at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. Hereafter, the performance LEDs 27 arranged on the lower left side decorative substrate 452 will be referred to as left side LEDs 453 (453a to 453f). Furthermore, "equal spacing" does not necessarily mean perfectly equal spacing, but rather includes some degree of error, and the same applies to other descriptions. In addition, the six LEDs 27 for display may be arranged at intervals other than equal spacing (different intervals) along the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative board 452.

[0374] The left side LED 453 is a full-color LED, positioned so that its light-emitting surface is parallel to the lower left side decorative substrate 452, and is a top-view type LED in which the optical axis of the emitted light is perpendicular to the lower left side decorative substrate 452. The left-side LED453 is a full-color LED, and therefore has red, green, and blue LEDs, with a 6-terminal configuration where each color LED has an anode terminal and a cathode terminal. Furthermore, the left-side LEDs 453 are arranged such that the straight lines connecting the anode and cathode terminals of each color LED are approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 (approximately parallel to the short direction).

[0375] Additionally, on the lower left side decorative substrate 452, six resistors 454 are arranged in groups of three at each end of the substrate 452 in the longitudinal direction, at positions 457 (457a, 457b). Furthermore, a connector 455 is located near the center of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 (between the left side LED 453d and the left side LED 453e).

[0376] On the solder side 452b of the lower left side decorative substrate 452, a wiring pattern 456a is formed along the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. The wiring pattern 456a is connected to terminal 1 of the connector 455 and is formed to be wider than the other wiring patterns. Wiring patterns 456b and 456h, formed on the component side 452a, are connected to both ends of wiring pattern 456a, respectively.

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

[0378] Three resistors 454 are connected to the wiring pattern 456h. These three resistors 454 are arranged such that the straight line connecting their terminals is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. In other words, the resistors 454 are arranged along the short direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. The three resistors 454 are connected to the anode terminals of each color LED of the left side LED 453d via the wiring pattern 456i formed on the solder side 452b. The cathode terminal of the left-side LED 453d is connected to the anode terminals of each color LED of the left-side LED 453e via the wiring pattern 456j formed on the component side 452a and the wiring pattern 456k formed on the solder side 452b. The cathode terminal of the left-side LED 453e is connected to the anode terminals of each color LED of the left-side LED 453f via a wiring pattern 456l formed on the component side 452a. The cathode terminal of the left-side LED 453f is connected to the 5th, 6th, and 7th terminals of the connector 455, respectively, via a wiring pattern 456m formed on the component side 452a. Therefore, on the lower left side decorative board 452, resistor 454 and left side LEDs 453d, 453e, and 453f are connected in series in that order.

[0379] As shown in Figure 42, connector 455 has a 7-terminal configuration. Connector 455 is connected to connector 150c (see Figure 27) via a transmission cable (not shown).

[0380] A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to terminal 1 of connector 455. Terminals 2, 3, and 4 of connector 341a are connected to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of left-side LED453c. Additionally, terminals 5, 6, and 7 of connector 341a are connected to the cathode terminals of the respective color LEDs of left-side LED453f. Therefore, in response to the parallel data signals (03-R1~03-B1), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through resistor 341b and left-side LEDs 453a, 453b, and 453c, causing the left-side LEDs 453a, 453b, and 453c to light up. Furthermore, in response to the parallel data signals (03-R2~03-B2), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through resistor 341b and left-side LEDs 453d, 453e, and 453f, causing the left-side LEDs 453d, 453e, and 453f to light up. At this time, the left-side LED 453 will be controlled to light up by the LED driver 150a located on the decorative relay board 150.

[0381] Thus, the lower left side decorative board 452 does not have an LED driver 27a. On the other hand, the decorative relay board 150 does not have an LED 27 for performance. The left side LED 453 located on the lower left unit 450 of the game board is driven and controlled by the LED driver 150a located on the decorative relay board 150. This means that, for example, even if the type of LED driver 150a is changed during the development stage, there is no need to change the lower left unit 450 of the game board, thus reducing the design burden.

[0382] Furthermore, the decorative relay board 150 is also connected to the fourth pattern display board 341 and other decorative boards 180, which do not have the LED driver 27a installed. In other words, the decorative relay board 150 is connected to multiple boards (decorative boards 180 and the fourth pattern display board 341) that do not have the LED driver 27a installed. This means that, for example, if the type of LED driver 150a needs to be changed during the development phase, only the decorative relay board 150 needs to be changed, without having to change each of the multiple boards on which the LEDs (effect LEDs 27 and 350) are located. Therefore, the development burden during the development phase can be further reduced.

[0383] Additionally, the resistor 454, which is connected in series with the left-side LED 453, is located in the lower left unit 450 of the game board. If the type of LED 453 on the left side is changed, the resistor 454 also needs to be changed. In such cases, only the lower left unit 450 of the game board needs to be changed to modify the left side LED 453 and resistor 454, and the decorative relay board 150 does not need to be changed. Therefore, the development burden during the development stage can be further reduced. On the other hand, if the resistor 454 connected in series with the left-side LED 453 can also be placed on the decorative relay board 150, then in such a case, not only the lower left unit 450 of the game board but also the decorative relay board 150 would need to be redesigned, increasing the development burden.

[0384] Figure 43(a) shows the arrangement of the left-side LED 453 relative to the lower-left side decorative substrate 452. Figure 43(b) shows an example of the arrangement of the left-side LED 453A relative to the lower-left side decorative substrate 452A in a comparative example. Incidentally, the lower left unit 450 of the game board has a thickness of, for example, 0.6 mm and is housed between the inner rail 36 and the lower left side cover 451 by bending it in the direction of its thickness. At this time, as shown in Figure 43(a), the left side LEDs 453 are arranged such that the straight line connecting the anode terminal and cathode terminal of each color LED is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 (approximately parallel to the short direction).

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

[0386] Furthermore, when the lower left side decorative substrate 452 is bent in the thickness direction, the left side LEDs 453 are arranged with the anode terminals and cathode terminals of each color LED closer to the arc direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452, and with a larger number of points (3 points), compared to the comparative example. This reduces the load applied to the left-side LED 453 when the lower left side decorative substrate 452 is bent, and also reduces the likelihood of the left-side LED 453 detaching from the lower left side decorative substrate 452. In other words, the left-side LED 453 has strong resistance to bending of the left-lower side decorative substrate 452.

[0387] Furthermore, the resistor 454 is positioned such that the line connecting both terminals is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 (see Figure 41). When the lower left unit 450 of the game board is bent, the resistor 454 is positioned with both terminals closer together with respect to the arc direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452 compared to the case where both terminals are approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lower left side decorative substrate 452. This reduces the load applied to the resistor 454 when the lower left side decorative substrate 452 is bent, and also reduces the chance of the resistor 454 becoming detached from itself. In other words, resistor 454 has strong resistance to bending of the lower left side decorative substrate 452.

[0388] [10.5 LEDs for effects placed on the 26th stage panel] Figure 44 is a magnified view of the lower part of the front frame 7. Figure 45 is an exploded perspective view of the performance panel 26.

[0389] As shown in Figures 44 and 45, the performance panel 26 is located on the lower side of the front frame 7 and to the left of the handle device 19, with performance buttons 25a, a game ball count indicator 21, a speaker 29, etc., arranged on its upper part.

[0390] The display panel 26 extends from the left edge of the gaming machine 1, past the center, to near the left edge of the handle device 19, and has a length of approximately 3 / 4 of the width of the gaming machine 1. The display panel 26 is curved so that its central portion protrudes slightly forward.

[0391] The display panel 26 is divided into a left display panel 500 and a central display panel 520 in the left-right direction, and the left display panel 500 and the central display panel 520 are designed to light up and display respectively. In the gaming machine 1, the left display panel 500 and the central display panel 520 light up and display in the same manner to create a unified display. However, the left display panel 500 and the central display panel 520 may be configured to light up and display in different ways.

[0392] The central display panel 520 is approximately 1.5 times longer in the left-to-right direction than the left display panel 500. In other words, the display panel 26 has a left-to-right length ratio of 4:6 between the left display panel 500 and the central display panel 520. Thus, in the performance panel 26, the central performance panel 520 is larger than the left performance panel 500.

[0393] As shown in Figure 45, the left performance panel 500 comprises a left front panel 501, a left diffusion lens 502, and a left performance panel substrate 503. The left front panel 501 is made of a thin, transparent or translucent resin material in the front-to-back direction, and has illustrations or text printed on it that are designed for each specific model of gaming machine 1. These illustrations and text on the left front panel 501 are illuminated by light shone from the rear.

[0394] The left diffusion lens 502 is positioned behind the left front panel 501 and is formed in a shape that is wide in the left-right and up-down directions and thin in the front-to-back direction. The left diffusion lens 502 diffuses light incident from the bottom surface internally and emits it from the front as substantially uniform light. Below the left diffusion lens 502, the left performance panel substrate 503 is positioned. The left performance panel substrate 503 is positioned along the left-right and front-back directions such that the vertical direction is the thickness direction of the plate. Eight LEDs 27 for effects are arranged on the component side 503a (see Figure 47) of the left effect panel board 503. Hereafter, the LEDs 27 for effects arranged on the left effect panel board 503 will be referred to as left effect panel LEDs 504 (504a to 504h).

[0395] The left performance panel LED 504 is a full-color LED, positioned so that its light-emitting surface is parallel to the left performance panel substrate 503, and is a top-view type full-color LED whose light axis is perpendicular to the left performance panel substrate 503.

[0396] The left display panel LED 504 is positioned opposite the underside of the left diffusion lens 502, and shines light onto the underside of the left diffusion lens 502. This light illuminates the illustrations and text on the left front panel 501.

[0397] The central performance panel 520 comprises a central front panel 521, a central diffusion lens 522, and a central performance panel substrate 523. The central front panel 521 is made of a thin, transparent or translucent resin material in the front-to-back direction, and has illustrations and text printed on it that are connected to the illustrations and text on the left diffusion lens 502. The central front panel 521 is illuminated by light shining from the rear, which lights up these illustrations and text.

[0398] The central diffusing lens 522 is positioned behind the central front panel 521 and is formed in a shape that is wide in the left-right and up-down directions and thin in the front-to-back direction. The central diffusing lens 522 diffuses light incident from the bottom surface internally and emits it from the front surface as substantially uniform light. A central performance panel substrate 523 is positioned below the central diffusion lens 522. The central performance panel substrate 523 is positioned along the left-right and front-back directions, with the vertical direction being the thickness direction of the plate. Ten performance LEDs 27 are arranged on the component side 523a (see Figure 49) of the central performance panel board 523. Hereafter, the performance LEDs 27 arranged on the central performance panel board 523 will be referred to as central performance panel LEDs 524 (524a to 524j).

[0399] The central display panel LED 524 is a full-color LED, positioned so that its light-emitting surface is parallel to the central display panel substrate 523, and is a top-view type full-color LED in which the optical axis of the emitted light is perpendicular to the central display panel substrate 523.

[0400] The central display panel LED 524 is positioned opposite the underside of the central diffusion lens 522, and shines light onto the underside of the central diffusion lens 522. This light illuminates the illustrations and text on the central front panel 521.

[0401] Figure 46 illustrates the connection relationship between the left performance panel board 503 and the central performance panel board 523. As shown in Figure 46, the left performance panel board 503 and the central performance panel board 523 are connected to the button connection board 541. In addition to the left performance panel board 503 and the center performance panel board 543, the button LED board 542 is connected to the button connection board 541.

[0402] The button LED board 542 is located inside the performance button 25a. The button LED board 542 houses drivers that control the vibration device 77 and movable parts of the performance button 25a, as well as a plurality of performance LEDs 27 and LED drivers 27a that control the lighting of these performance LEDs 27. As will be explained in more detail later, the LED driver 27a located on the button LED board 542 controls the illumination of the performance LEDs 27 located on the button LED board 542, as well as the illumination of the central performance panel LED 524 located on the central performance panel board 523.

[0403] Figure 47 illustrates the configuration of the left performance panel board 503. Figure 47(a) shows the wiring pattern on the component side 503a of the left performance panel board 503. Figure 47(b) shows the electronic components arranged on the component side 503a of the left performance panel board 503. Figure 47(c) shows the wiring pattern on the solder side 503b of the left performance panel board 503. Note that Figure 47(c) is shown as a perspective view, reversed horizontally, to easily understand the connection relationship with Figures 47(a) and 47(b). Also, Figure 47(a) shows some of the electronic components (capacitor 507, resistor 508) arranged on the component side 503a. Figure 47(c) shows the electronic component (resistor 508) arranged on the solder side 503b. Figure 48 shows the circuit configuration of the left display panel board 503.

[0404] As shown in Figure 47, eight left-effect panel LEDs 504 are arranged at approximately equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the left-effect panel substrate 503 at positions 511 (511a to 511h) on the component surface 503a, which is the surface of the left-effect panel substrate 503. The eight left-side display panel LEDs 504 may be arranged so as to be at intervals other than equal intervals (different intervals) along the longitudinal direction of the left-side display panel circuit board 503.

[0405] The left display panel LED504 is a full-color LED, and therefore has red, green, and blue LEDs, with a 6-terminal configuration where each color LED has an anode terminal and a cathode terminal. Furthermore, the left performance panel board 503 is arranged such that the straight lines connecting the anode terminal and cathode terminal of each color LED are approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the left performance panel board 503 (approximately parallel to the short direction).

[0406] In addition, the component side 503a contains the left display panel LED 504, as well as a connector 505, an LED driver 27a, multiple capacitors 507, and a resistor 508. Hereafter, the LED driver 27a located on the component side 503a will be referred to as the LED driver 506. Multiple resistors 508 are located on the solder side 503b.

[0407] The connector 505 is located on the left side of the left performance panel board 503, and the LED driver 506 is located on the right side of the left performance panel board 503.

[0408] On the component surface 503a, a solid ground 509 is formed, along with multiple wiring patterns 510. A solid ground refers to a ground formed by a solid pattern. Here, a solid pattern refers to a wiring pattern having a wider portion than the linear wiring pattern 510. Furthermore, a solid pattern refers to a planar wiring pattern wider than the diameter of a through-hole.

[0409] On the solder side 503b, a solid ground plane 512 is formed, along with multiple wiring patterns 513. The wiring patterns supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) are wider than the other wiring patterns. The solid ground plane 512 is connected to a solid ground plane 509 via multiple through-holes.

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

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

[0412] In other words, on the left display panel board 503, the same number of left display panel LEDs 504 (two at a time) are connected in series. This makes it easy to make the brightness of the left display panel LEDs 504 the same.

[0413] As shown in Figures 47 and 48, terminals 1 and 3 of connector 505 are ground terminals and are connected to solid grounds 509 and 512. Terminal 2 is the input terminal for the clock signal (CLK). Terminal 4 is the input terminal for serial data signals (DATA). Terminal 5 is the input terminal for the reset signal (RSET). Terminal 6 is an input terminal for 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0414] Since the LED driver 506 is composed of the same integrated circuit as, for example, the LED driver 401b, its terminal configuration and other features are identical to those of the LED driver 401b, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. Terminal 4 (OUTSCT) is connected to ground, which sets it to an L level and activates the constant current mode. A resistor R4 is connected to terminal 8 (Iref-R), and the current value of the drive current flowing to the LED output terminals (LEDR1~LEDB8) can be set by changing the resistance value of resistor R4. In this embodiment, the resistance value of resistor R4 is 110kΩ, so the drive current value is 6.33mA.

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

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

[0417] Terminals 17 to 19 are connected to the cathode terminals of each color LED on the left performance panel LED504a, terminals 21 to 23 are connected to the cathode terminals of each color LED on the left performance panel LED504c, terminals 24 to 26 are connected to the cathode terminals of each color LED on the left performance panel LED504e, and terminals 27 to 29 are connected to the cathode terminals of each color LED on the left performance panel LED504e. Therefore, in accordance with the parallel data signals (18-R1~18-B4), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to resistor 508 and the two left display panel LEDs 504, causing the left display panel LEDs 504 to light up with a brightness corresponding to the duty cycle (gradation value).

[0418] Figure 49 illustrates the configuration of the central display panel substrate 523. Figure 49(a) shows the wiring pattern on the component side 523a of the central display panel substrate 523. Figure 49(b) shows the arrangement of electronic components on the component side 523a of the central display panel substrate 523. Figure 49(c) shows the wiring pattern on the solder side 523b of the central display panel substrate 523. Note that Figure 49(c) is shown as a perspective view, reversed horizontally, to facilitate understanding of its connection to Figures 49(a) and 49(b).

[0419] As shown in Figure 49, on the component surface 523a of the central performance panel substrate 523, ten central performance panel LEDs 524 (524a to 524j) are arranged at positions 528 (528a to 528j) such that they are spaced equally apart along the longitudinal direction of the central performance panel LEDs 524. Furthermore, the 10 central display panel LEDs 524 may be arranged at intervals other than equal intervals (different intervals) along the longitudinal direction of the central display panel LEDs 524.

[0420] The central display panel LED524 is a full-color LED, and therefore has red, green, and blue LEDs, with a 6-terminal configuration where each color LED has an anode terminal and a cathode terminal. Furthermore, the central display panel LED524 is arranged such that the lines connecting the anode and cathode terminals of each color LED are approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the central display panel LED524 (and approximately perpendicular to the short direction).

[0421] Additionally, on the solder side 523b, twelve resistors 525 are arranged in groups of three. On the component side 525a, a connector 526 is located near the right edge.

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

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

[0424] The three resistors 525, from the fourth to the sixth from the right, are connected to the anode terminals of each color LED of the central display panel LED 524c via a wiring pattern 527e formed on the solder side 523b. The cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524c are connected to the anode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524d via a wiring pattern 527f formed on the component side 523a. The cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524d are connected to the anode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524e via a wiring pattern 527g formed on the component side 523a. The cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED524e are connected to the first, second, and third terminals of the connector 526, respectively, via wiring patterns 527h and 527d formed on the solder side 523b.

[0425] Therefore, the central display panel LEDs 524a and 524b are connected in series, and the central display panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524b are connected in series. In addition, the central display panel LEDs 524a and 524b are connected in parallel with the central display panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524b.

[0426] The anode terminals of each color LED of the central display panel LED 524f are connected to the three resistors 525, from the 7th to the 9th from the right, via wiring patterns 527i formed on the solder side 523b. The cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524f are connected to the anode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524g via a wiring pattern 527j formed on the component side 523a. The cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524g are connected to the 4th, 5th, and 6th terminals of the connector 526, respectively, via wiring patterns 527k formed on the solder side 523b.

[0427] The anode terminals of each color LED of the central display panel LED 524h are connected to the three resistors 525, from the 10th to the 12th from the right, via wiring patterns 527l formed on the solder side 523b. The cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524h are connected to the anode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED 524i via a wiring pattern 527m formed on the component side 523a. The cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED524i are connected to the anode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED524j via a wiring pattern 527n formed on the component side 523a. The cathode terminals of each color LED on the central display panel LED524e are connected to the 4th, 5th, and 6th terminals of the connector 526, respectively, via wiring patterns 527k formed on the solder side 523b.

[0428] Therefore, the central display panel LEDs 524f and 524g are connected in series, and the central display panel LEDs 524h, 524i, and 524j are connected in series. In addition, the central display panel LEDs 524f and 524g are connected in parallel with the central display panel LEDs 524h, 524i, and 524j.

[0429] Figure 50 shows the circuit configuration of the button LED board 542. Figure 51 shows the circuit configuration of the central display panel board 523.

[0430] As shown in Figure 50, the button LED board 542 has a connector 542a, an LED driver 542b, and multiple LEDs 27 for lighting effects. Note that the LED driver 542b is one of the LED drivers 27a.

[0431] Connector 542a is connected to the button connection board 541 via a transmission cable. Terminals 1 and 4 of connector 542a are ground terminals. Terminal 2 is the input terminal for the clock signal (CLK-1). Terminal 4 is the input terminal for the serial data signal (DATA-1). Terminal 5 is the input terminal for the reset signal (RESET-1). Terminal 6 is an input terminal for 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). Terminals 7 through 12 are output terminals that receive parallel data signals (19-R7 to 19-B8) for the central display panel LED 524, which are output from the LED driver 542b.

[0432] Since the LED driver 542b is composed of the same integrated circuit as, for example, the LED driver 401b, its terminal configuration and other features are identical to those of the LED driver 401b, and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. Terminal 4 is connected to terminal 2 (VFER), and when a 5V DC voltage (DC5V) is input, it is set to a high level and configured in open-drain mode.

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

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

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

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

[0437] Terminals 1, 2, and 3 of connector 526 are connected in parallel to the cathode terminals of the LEDs of each color on the central display panel LED 524e and the cathode terminals of the LEDs of each color on the central display panel LED 524b. Terminals 4, 5, and 6 are connected in parallel to the cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED524j and the cathode terminals of each color LED in the central display panel LED524g. Terminal 7 receives a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0438] As described above, the central display panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524e are connected in series, the central display panel LEDs 524a and 524b are connected in series, and the central display panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524e are connected in parallel with the central display panel LEDs 524a and 524b. Therefore, in response to the parallel data signals (19-R7~19-B7), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to resistor 525 and central display panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524e, and to resistor 525 and central display panel LEDs 524a and 524b, causing resistor 525 and central display panel LEDs 524a~524e to light up.

[0439] Additionally, the central display panel LEDs 524h, 524i, and 524j are connected in series, the central display panel LEDs 524f and 524g are connected in series, and the central display panel LEDs 524h, 524i, and 524j are connected in parallel with the central display panel LEDs 524f and 524g. Therefore, in response to the parallel data signals (19-R8~19-B8), drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to resistor 525 and central display panel LEDs 524h, 524i, 524j, and resistor 525 and central display panel LEDs 524f, 524g, causing resistor 525 and central display panel LEDs 524f~524j to light up.

[0440] In this case, since the number of central display panel LEDs 524 connected in parallel is different (3 and 2), the resistance value of the resistor 525 connected in series with each central display panel LED 524 is determined to match the brightness of the light emitted from each central display panel LED 524.

[0441] Thus, the performance panel 26 is provided with a left performance panel 500 and a central performance panel 520 of different sizes. The left performance panel 500 is illuminated by eight left performance panel LEDs 504 located on the left performance panel substrate 503, and the central performance panel 520 is illuminated by ten central performance panel LEDs 524 located on the central performance panel substrate 523. In this case, the five central performance panel LEDs 524 (e.g., 524a to 524e) connected to one LED output terminal are arranged more widely dispersed than the two left performance panel LEDs 504 (e.g., 504a and 504b) connected to the same LED output terminal.

[0442] Here, due to the forward voltage (for example, 2.2V to 3.3V) of the LED27 used for lighting effects, only three LEDs can be connected in series when driven with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). Therefore, for example, if the central display panel board 523 connects 10 central display panel LEDs 524 in series in groups of 3 or 2, and does not connect any of them in parallel, it is necessary to use at least 4 sets of LED output terminals (four LED output terminals, one for each color LED), which would necessitate increasing the number of LED drivers 27a, resulting in a larger device and an increase in the number of components. Therefore, on the central performance panel board 523, the central performance panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524e and the central performance panel LEDs 524a and 524b are connected in parallel, making it possible to control the lighting of these five central performance panel LEDs 524 with a single system (one LED output terminal for each color LED). Similarly, the five central performance panel LEDs 524f to 524j can also be controlled with a single system. In other words, the central display panel board 523 can control the lighting of the 10 central display panel LEDs 524 using two separate systems.

[0443] On the other hand, if five central display panel LEDs 524 (for example, 524a to 524e) connected in parallel are driven in constant current mode, the current values ​​flowing through central display panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524e will differ from the current values ​​flowing through central display panel LEDs 524a and 524b. In this case, the brightness of central display panel LEDs 524c, 524d, and 524e will differ from that of central display panel LEDs 524a and 524b, making it impossible to light up the central display panel 520 uniformly. This reduces the visual effect and may cause discomfort to the player.

[0444] Therefore, by driving the central performance panel LEDs 524 in open-drain mode on the central performance panel board 523, it is possible to reduce the issue of the brightness of the central performance panel LEDs 524, which are widely dispersed for each system, being different.

[0445] On the other hand, the left performance panel board 503 drives the left performance panel LEDs 504, which are arranged discretely in narrow areas for each system, in constant current mode. Compared to the central performance panel board 523, the left performance panel board 503 has fewer left performance panel LEDs 504, and the area is also narrower, so the number of systems does not increase significantly even without connecting the left performance panel LEDs 504 in parallel, and therefore drives them in constant current mode. As a result, the left performance panel board 503 can light up the left performance panel 500 uniformly.

[0446] [10.6 LEDs for effects on movable parts] Figure 52 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the movable mechanism 550. Figure 52(a) is a front view illustrating the configuration of the movable mechanism 550, and Figure 52(b) is a diagram illustrating the size of each part of the movable mechanism 550. The movable mechanism 550 is an example of a movable mechanism 61.

[0447] As shown in Figure 52(a), the movable mechanism 550 is shaped like a sword, and the blade portion of the mechanism lights up. The movable mechanism 550 consists of a movable mechanism base plate 551 and a movable mechanism decorative part 552 that corresponds to the blade portion of the sword. In the movable mechanism 550, the movable mechanism base plate 551 is housed in the internal space formed by the movable mechanism decorative part 552. In addition, the movable mechanism 550 does not house the movable mechanism circuit board 551 because the handle portion does not emit light. Furthermore, the movable mechanism 550 may be composed of a movable mechanism inner lens, a movable mechanism sticker, etc., in addition to the movable mechanism circuit board 551 and the movable mechanism decorative part 552.

[0448] The movable mechanism circuit board 551 is an example of the decorative circuit board 180, and multiple performance LEDs 27 are arranged (mounted) on the mounting surface (component surface) 551a. In this case, two performance LEDs 27 are provided. The movable mechanism circuit board 551 is positioned so that the mounting surface 551a on which the electronic components (display LEDs 27) are mounted faces the player. Hereafter, the display LEDs 27 mounted on the movable mechanism circuit board 551 will be referred to as movable mechanism LEDs 553 and 554.

[0449] The movable mechanism LEDs 553 and 554 are full-color LEDs, positioned so that their light-emitting surfaces are perpendicular to the movable mechanism substrate 551, and are side-view type LEDs whose light axis (indicated by the arrow in Figure 52(a)) is parallel to the mounting surface 551a of the movable mechanism substrate 551.

[0450] The movable mechanism decoration section 552 is positioned on the mounting surface 551a side of the movable mechanism substrate 551 so as to cover the movable mechanism substrate 551 from the front. The movable mechanism decoration section 552 is made of a transparent or translucent resin material that allows light emitted from the movable mechanism LEDs 553 and 554 to pass through from the front or side.

[0451] The movable decorative part 552 is formed so that the surface facing the player is elongated in a predetermined direction (for example, left to right) and has a sufficiently short thickness. The movable decorative base plate 551, which is provided inside the movable decorative part 552, is formed in a rectangular shape (plate shape) that is shorter than the movable decorative part 552 in the longitudinal direction of the movable decorative part 552.

[0452] As shown in Figure 52(b), the longitudinal length X2 of the movable mechanism board 551 is approximately half the longitudinal length X1 of the movable mechanism decoration section 552. One longitudinal end of the movable mechanism board 551 (hereinafter referred to as the right end; the same applies to the movable mechanism decoration section 552) is roughly aligned with the right end of the movable mechanism decoration section 552. On the other hand, the other longitudinal end of the movable mechanism board 551 (hereinafter referred to as the left end; the same applies to the movable mechanism decoration section 552) is sufficiently separated from the left end of the movable mechanism decoration section 552.

[0453] The movable mechanism LED 553 is located on the right end of the movable mechanism substrate 551, and is positioned so that the direction of light irradiation is from the right end to the left end. In other words, the movable mechanism LED 553 is positioned so that the direction of light irradiation is along the longitudinal direction of the movable mechanism substrate 551.

[0454] The movable mechanism LED 554 is located on the left end of the movable mechanism board 551 and is positioned on the extension of the light irradiation direction of the movable mechanism LED 553. The movable mechanism LED 554 is positioned so that the light irradiation direction is from the left end and away from the right end. In other words, the movable mechanism LED 554 is positioned so that the light irradiation direction is along the longitudinal direction of the movable mechanism board 551 and outward from the left end of the movable mechanism board 551. Therefore, the movable LED 553 and movable LED 554 have the same light emission direction and are arranged in a straight line along the light emission direction.

[0455] The longitudinal distance X3 between the movable mechanism LED 553 and the movable mechanism LED 554 is approximately the same as the longitudinal distance X4 between the movable mechanism LED 554 and the left end of the movable mechanism decorative part 552. Therefore, the movable mechanism decorative part 552 extends from the left end of the movable mechanism substrate 551 in the direction of light irradiation from the movable mechanism LED 554. However, distance X4 may be shorter than distance X3. For example, distance X4 may be more than half the distance X3 and less than or equal to distance X3. This ensures that the light emitted from the movable part LED 554 reaches the left end of the movable part decorative section 552. Furthermore, distance X4 may be set to satisfy either half or less of distance X3, or equal to or less than or equal to distance X3.

[0456] Furthermore, in the movable mechanism 550, the right half of the movable mechanism decoration section 552 lights up due to the light emitted from the movable mechanism LED 553, and the left half of the movable mechanism decoration section 552 lights up due to the light emitted from the movable mechanism LED 554.

[0457] In the movable mechanism circuit board 551, since no electronic components are placed to the left of the movable mechanism decoration section 552 beyond the movable mechanism LED 554, there is no need to extend the left end of the movable mechanism circuit board 551 beyond the movable mechanism LED 554. Therefore, the longitudinal distance X5 between the position where the movable mechanism LED 554 is located on the movable mechanism board 551 and the left edge is sufficiently shorter than the distance X4. The distance X5 only needs to be long enough to create space on the left edge side of the movable mechanism board 551 where the movable mechanism LED 554 can be placed. One example of a distance X5 is that it should be 1 / 3 or less of the distance X4.

[0458] Thus, even if the distance X5 is significantly shorter than the distance X4, because the movable part LED 554 is a side-view type LED, it is possible to ensure that the light reaches the left end of the movable part decorative section 552 sufficiently, thus preventing a decrease in the effect of the performance due to insufficient light.

[0459] Furthermore, the distance X6 between the left end of the movable mechanism board 551 and the left end of the movable mechanism decoration section 552 should be at least half of the distance X3, and at least X3. This ensures that the light emitted from the movable mechanism LED 554 reaches the left end of the movable mechanism decoration section 552 sufficiently.

[0460] Incidentally, one could consider arranging numerous top-view type LEDs on the movable mechanism circuit board to illuminate the movable mechanism case. However, in this case, many LEDs would have to be placed at equal intervals, for example, from near one end to near the other end along the longitudinal direction of the movable mechanism case, and the movable mechanism circuit board would become longer in the longitudinal direction compared to the movable mechanism circuit board 551. This would lead to an increase in the number of LEDs and thus the number of parts, as well as an increase in the weight of the parts and an increase in cost due to the length of the movable mechanism circuit board. This is a particularly important issue in the case of a movable mechanism, as an increase in part weight necessitates a larger drive actuator.

[0461] In contrast, in the movable mechanism 550, the movable mechanism LEDs 553 and 554 are side-view type LEDs and are arranged in a straight line in the direction of light irradiation, allowing the movable mechanism decorative section 552 to be made significantly shorter than the movable mechanism circuit board 551, thereby reducing the number of LEDs, the weight of the parts, and the cost. Thus, in the movable mechanism 550, the movable mechanism decorative section 552 can be illuminated efficiently with fewer LEDs (movable mechanism LEDs 553 and 554).

[0462] Figure 53 shows a modified example of an LED used for effects on a movable mechanism. Note that even in the modified examples described below, all LEDs for movable mechanisms are side-view type LEDs. The direction of light emission is indicated by an arrow.

[0463] In the movable mechanism 550 described above, two LEDs, movable mechanism LED 553 and movable mechanism LED 554, are arranged in line with the direction of light irradiation. However, as shown in Figure 53(a), the movable mechanism 550A comprises a movable mechanism substrate 551A and a movable mechanism decorative part 552A, and the movable mechanism substrate 551A has three side-view type LEDs (movable mechanism LEDs 553A, 553A, and 554A) arranged in line with the direction of light irradiation.

[0464] The three movable LED components 553A, 553A, and 554A are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the movable component substrate 551A, for example, at equal intervals in the direction of light irradiation. The dimensions of each component to the left of movable component LED 554A are the same as those to the left of movable component LED 554 in the movable component 550. Note that the movable LED elements 553A, 553A, and 554A do not need to be arranged at equal intervals. Thus, in the movable parts described here (550, 550A), it is sufficient for multiple side-view type LEDs to be arranged in a line in the direction of light emission.

[0465] In the movable mechanism 550 described above, the movable mechanism decorative part 552 is formed in a straight line in the longitudinal direction (direction of light irradiation). However, as shown in Figure 53(b), the movable mechanism 550B comprises a movable mechanism base plate 551B and a movable mechanism decorative part 552B, and the movable mechanism decorative part 552B may be formed to bend (fold) in the middle. In other words, the movable decorative part 552B is formed by a first case part 552Ba that runs along the longitudinal direction of the movable decorative base plate 551B and a second case part 552Bb that is bent from near the left end of the movable decorative base plate 551B, in a continuous manner.

[0466] The movable component LED 553B is positioned at the right end of the movable component circuit board 551B and illuminates the movable component circuit board 551B and the first case section 552Ba along their longitudinal directions. The movable component LED 554B is located at the left end of the movable component substrate 551B and is positioned on the extension of the light irradiation direction of the movable component LED 553B, irradiating light along the longitudinal direction of the second case portion 552Bb. Therefore, the movable LEDs 553B and 554B are arranged in a straight line (aligned with the direction of light irradiation from the movable LED 553B). On the other hand, the movable LED 553B irradiates light along the longitudinal direction of the movable circuit board 551B, while the movable LED 554B irradiates light in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the movable circuit board 551B, and in the longitudinal direction of the second case section 552Bb.

[0467] In this way, multiple movable LED components may be arranged in sequence along the extension of the direction of light emission from each movable LED component (on a straight line).

[0468] In the movable mechanism 550 described above, the movable mechanism substrate 551 and the movable mechanism decorative part 552 are long and narrow, for example, rectangular in shape, and the movable mechanism LEDs 553 and 554 are arranged in a straight line along their longitudinal direction. However, as shown in Figure 53(c), the movable mechanism substrate 551C is formed in a rectangular shape, and the movable mechanism LEDs 553C and 554C are arranged in a straight line in the direction of light irradiation, in a direction different from the longitudinal direction of the movable mechanism substrate 551C.

[0469] Furthermore, the movable decorative part 552C is formed in a rectangular shape so as to cover the movable decorative substrate 551C, and a protruding part 552Ca is formed which protrudes in the direction of light irradiation from the movable decorative LED 554C.

[0470] Even in such cases, there is no need to extend the movable component substrate 551C to the portion opposite to the protruding portion 552Ca, thus simplifying the components.

[0471] [10.7 LEDs for effects on movable parts] Figure 54 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the movable mechanism 560. Figure 54(a) is a front view illustrating the configuration of the movable mechanism 560, and Figure 54(b) is a diagram illustrating the size of each part of the movable mechanism 560. The movable mechanism 560 is an example of the movable mechanism 61.

[0472] As shown in Figure 54(a), the movable mechanism 560 is supported by an unillustrated support to the right of the dashed line in the figure and is positioned in a location that is not visible to the player. Only the left side of the dashed line appears in front of the player and is visible. The visible portion is the mechanism that emits light. The following will mainly describe the visible portion of the movable mechanism 560.

[0473] The movable mechanism 560 is composed of a movable mechanism base plate 561 and a decorative panel 562. The movable mechanism 560 houses the movable mechanism base plate 561 within the internal space formed by the decorative panel 562.

[0474] The movable mechanism circuit board 561 is an example of the decorative circuit board 180 described above, and multiple performance LEDs 27 are arranged (mounted) on the mounting surface (component surface) 561a. In this case, eleven performance LEDs 27 are provided. The movable mechanism circuit board 561 is positioned so that the mounting surface 561a on which the electronic components (effect LEDs 27) are placed faces the player. In the following, of the effect LEDs 27 mounted on the movable mechanism circuit board 561, the LED located at the far left in the diagram will be referred to as the movable mechanism LED 564, and the other LEDs will be referred to as the movable mechanism LED 563.

[0475] The movable mechanism LEDs 563 and 564 are full-color LEDs, positioned so that their light-emitting surfaces are perpendicular to the movable mechanism substrate 561, and are side-view type LEDs whose light axis (indicated by the arrow in Figure 54(a)) is parallel to the mounting surface 561a of the movable mechanism substrate 561.

[0476] The decorative panel 562 is positioned on the mounting surface 561a side of the movable component board 561 so as to cover the movable component board 561 from the front. The decorative panel 562 is made of a transparent or translucent resin material that allows light emitted from the movable component LEDs 563 and 564 to pass through from the front and sides.

[0477] The decorative panel 562 is roughly rectangular in shape, with the side facing the player being longer in the left-right direction, and is formed to be sufficiently short in the thickness direction. The movable mechanism base plate 561, provided inside the decorative panel 562, is roughly rectangular in shape, with the side facing the player being longer in a predetermined direction (for example, the left-right direction), and is formed to be sufficiently shorter than the decorative panel 562 in the shorter direction (up-down direction). As shown in Figure 54(b), for example, the length X11 in the shorter direction (vertical direction) of the decorative panel 562 is more than twice the length X12 in the shorter direction (vertical direction) of the movable component substrate 561. The right-hand portion of the movable mechanism circuit board 561 (the portion where the movable mechanism LED 563 is not located) is longer vertically than the other portions in order to fix the movable mechanism circuit board 561 to the decorative panel 562. In addition, a connector 565 for electrical connection to other boards and an LED driver 566 for driving the movable mechanism LEDs 563 and 564 are located in this right-hand portion.

[0478] The movable mechanism circuit board 561 is positioned towards one side (for example, the bottom) in the shorter direction of the decorative panel 562. In other words, the movable mechanism circuit board 561 is located near the bottom edge of the decorative panel 562 and is positioned along the bottom edge, and the decorative panel 562 is positioned in a direction from which light is emitted from the movable mechanism LEDs 563 and 564.

[0479] The movable LED 563 and movable LED 564 are arranged at equal intervals in a straight line along the longitudinal direction (predetermined direction) of the movable LED substrate 561. The term "straight line" here refers not only to cases where all movable LEDs 563 and 564 are arranged in a straight line, but also to configurations where, for example, adjacent LEDs are arranged in an alternating vertical offset, resulting in an overall arrangement that can be considered a straight line. Furthermore, the movable LED 563 and movable LED 564 do not need to be arranged at equal intervals.

[0480] The movable mechanism LEDs 563 are arranged in pairs or more such that the direction of light irradiation is upward. Specifically, the movable mechanism LEDs 563 are arranged so that the direction of light irradiation is along the shorter side of the movable mechanism substrate 561 and the decorative panel 562, and is directed toward the part of the decorative panel 562 that is not facing the movable mechanism substrate 561 (the upper part). Therefore, the movable mechanism LEDs 563 irradiate light in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the multiple movable mechanism LEDs 563 are lined up. The light emitted from the movable LED 563 travels along the shorter side of the decorative panel 562 and reaches the opposite (top) side of the decorative panel 562.

[0481] The movable mechanism LED 564 is located at the leftmost end of the performance LEDs 27 arranged on the movable mechanism circuit board 561. Therefore, the movable mechanism LED 564 is located at the furthest distance from the connector 565 and LED driver 566 among all the performance LEDs 27 (movable mechanism LEDs 563 and 564). The movable mechanism LED 564 is located at a distance of X22, the same as the distance X21 between the movable mechanism LEDs 563, from the leftmost movable mechanism LED 563. Note that the distance X22 does not have to be the same as the interval X21.

[0482] The movable component LED 564 is positioned so that the direction of light emission is tilted from the short side of the movable component substrate 561 and decorative panel 562 toward the opposite side (left side) from the side where the movable component LED 563 is installed. For example, the movable LED 564 is positioned so that the direction of light illumination is directed towards the upper left corner of the decorative panel 562.

[0483] The movable LED 564 is positioned at the very end of the row of movable LEDs 563 and 564. As a result, the movable LED 564 is positioned at a slight angle to the left compared to the other movable LEDs 563. This allows the light emitted from the movable LED 564 to reach the upper left side of the decorative panel 562. Therefore, without adding any additional LEDs 27 for special effects to the left of the movable LED 564, the light can be evenly distributed to the left corner of the decorative panel 562, preventing a decrease in the effectiveness of the special effects.

[0484] By the way, in the movable mechanism circuit board 561, since no electronic components are placed to the left of the movable mechanism LED 564, there is no need to extend the left end of the movable mechanism circuit board 561 beyond the movable mechanism LED 564. Therefore, the left end of the movable component board 561 is only provided at a distance of X23 from the left end of the decorative panel 562. Distance X23 is sufficiently longer than distance X24, which is the distance from the movable component LED 564 to the left edge of the movable component circuit board 561. For example, distance X23 should be at least twice the distance X24. In other words, in the direction in which the movable LEDs 563 and 564 are aligned, the decorative panel 562 extends from the left end of the movable LED circuit board 561 on the side of the movable LED 564.

[0485] Furthermore, distance X24 is shorter than the distance X21 between movable LED 563s, and the distance X22 between movable LED 564 and the leftmost movable LED 563. For example, distance X24 should be less than or equal to half of distances X21 and X22.

[0486] Another possibility is to place top-view type LEDs on the movable mechanism's circuit board to illuminate the movable mechanism's case. However, in this case, numerous LEDs would have to be placed, for example, at equal intervals across the entire surface of the movable mechanism's case. This would increase the number of LEDs and thus the number of parts, as well as increase the weight and cost of the components due to the larger size of the movable mechanism's circuit board. This is a particularly important issue for movable mechanisms, as increased component weight necessitates a larger drive actuator.

[0487] In contrast, the movable mechanism 560 uses side-view type LEDs 563 and 564, and the movable mechanism circuit board 561 is made sufficiently shorter in the shorter direction than the decorative panel 562, as well as shorter in the longer direction, thereby reducing the weight of the parts and lowering costs. Thus, the movable mechanism 560 can efficiently illuminate the decorative panel 562 with fewer LEDs (movable mechanism LEDs 563 and 564).

[0488] Furthermore, there may be two or more movable LED 564s whose light irradiation direction is tilted relative to the movable LED 563, rather than just one. Furthermore, although the movable mechanism LED 564 located at the leftmost end of the movable mechanism board 561 is positioned at an angle so that the direction of light irradiation faces outward relative to the other movable mechanism LEDs 563, the performance LEDs 27 located at both ends (movable mechanism LED 564 and the rightmost movable mechanism LED 563) may also be positioned at an angle so that the direction of light irradiation faces outward. Furthermore, although the movable component circuit board 561 and the decorative panel 562 are arranged to overlap in the front-to-back direction, they may also be arranged so that they do not overlap, and the decorative panel 562 is positioned so that light is emitted from the movable component LEDs 563 and 564.

[0489] <11. Variant> [11.1 Variation 1] Figure 55 shows the circuit configuration of the main control board 100A in the modified example 1. Components identical to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0490] In the embodiment described above, the performance indicator 113 is provided on the frame control board 110. However, as shown in Figure 55, the performance indicator 113A may be provided on the main control board 100A.

[0491] The performance indicator 113A is located on the main control board 100A, which is situated on the back of the game board 9, and is therefore normally not visible. However, the main control board 100A is housed in a colorless, transparent resin case, and the performance indicator 113A is visible through the resin case. The performance display unit 113A is a 4-digit x 8-segment display unit equipped with 32 LEDs 320A, which are dynamically controlled by the main control unit 101 and display game performance information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period.

[0492] The main control unit 101 obtains information regarding the number of balls that have been hit, for example, from the frame control unit 111, and calculates game performance information. The main control unit 101 then outputs main display segment data 1 to 8 and performance display segment data 1 to 8 as serial data signals to the LED driver 100a, and outputs main display common data 1 to 4 and performance display common data 1 to 4 to the LED driver 100b. In other words, the serial data signal includes control signals for dynamically illuminating the main display unit 63 and the performance display unit 113A.

[0493] Terminal 13 (04) of LED driver 100b is connected in parallel to the anode of LED320A which constitutes the first digit 8-segment of performance indicator 113A. Similarly, terminals 14 to 16 (05 to 07) of LED driver 100b are connected in parallel to the anodes of LED320A which constitute the second to fourth digits 8-segment of performance indicator 113A, respectively.

[0494] Furthermore, terminal 5 (PA0) of LED driver 100a is connected in parallel to the cathode of each digit LED320A(a) of the performance indicator 113A via resistor 100g (equivalent to resistor 110d). Similarly, terminals 6 to 12 (PA1-PA7) of LED driver 100a are connected in parallel to the cathodes of each digit LED320A(b-g, dp) of the performance indicator 113A via resistor 100g.

[0495] The performance indicator 113A then supplies a drive current to the anode of the LED 320A corresponding to the performance display common data, and withdraws the drive current from the cathode of the LED 320A corresponding to the performance display segment data, thereby supplying drive current to the LED 320A of the sequentially selected digits in a dynamic lighting method and causing them to light up.

[0496] Furthermore, the LED driver that drives the LED 310 of the main display unit 63 and the LED driver that drives the LED 320A of the performance display unit 113A may be provided separately.

[0497] [11.2 Variation 2] Figure 56 is a diagram illustrating the fourth symbol indicator 65A in modified example 2. As described above, the fourth symbol indicator 65 was equipped with a special symbol 1 indicator 65a consisting of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 indicator 65b consisting of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 1 reserved number indicator 65c consisting of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 reserved number indicator 65d consisting of two LEDs 350, and a right-hand play indicator 65e consisting of one LED 350. All of these indicators were formed in a circular shape.

[0498] However, the shape of the fourth symbol indicator 65 and the number of LEDs in each indicator are not limited to these. For example, as shown in Figure 56, the fourth symbol indicator 65A includes a special symbol 1 indicator 65a consisting of one LED 350, a special symbol 2 indicator 65b consisting of one LED 350, a special symbol 1 reserve count indicator 65c consisting of four LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 reserve count indicator 65d consisting of four LEDs 350, and a right-hand play indicator 65e consisting of one LED 350. Furthermore, the special pattern 1 display unit 65a is formed in a rectangular shape, and the special pattern 2 display unit 65b is formed in a triangular shape.

[0499] Thus, the fourth graphic display unit 65 (65A) displays the same information as the main display unit 63, but it may be displayed in a different manner (number, shape, etc.).

[0500] [11.3 Variation 3] Figure 57 illustrates the configuration of the movable component circuit board 600 in modified example 3. Figure 57(a) shows the wiring pattern on the component side 600a. Figure 57(b) shows the wiring pattern on the solder side 600b. Note that Figure 57(b) is shown as a perspective view and is a horizontally flipped image to easily understand the connection relationship with Figure 57(a).

[0501] As described above, the movable mechanism circuit board 421 (see Figure 33) is housed inside the movable mechanism case 423, and the movable mechanism LED 425 illuminates the movable mechanism 420. At this time, the movable mechanism LED 425 was located only on the component side 421a of the movable mechanism circuit board 421. However, in the decorative circuit board 180 (for example, a movable component circuit board), the LEDs 27 for performance may be arranged on both the component side and the solder side.

[0502] As shown in Figure 57, for example, a movable mechanism circuit board 600, which is an example of a decorative circuit board 180 provided inside a movable mechanism 61, is positioned so that the component surface 600a faces forward (towards the player). The movable mechanism circuit board 600 has multiple LEDs 27 for effects arranged on the component side 600a, and also multiple LEDs 27 for effects arranged on the solder side 600b. In the following, the LED 27 for visual effects located on the component side 600a will be referred to as the front LED 601, and the LED 27 for visual effects located on the solder side 600b will be referred to as the back LED 602 ​​(602a~602f).

[0503] The surface LED 601 is a top-view type LED in which the light-emitting surface is arranged parallel to the movable mechanism board 600, and the optical axis of the emitted light is perpendicular to the movable mechanism board 600. The surface LED 601 can illuminate the front of the movable component 61 when lit.

[0504] The rear LED 602 ​​is a side-view type LED in which the light-emitting surface 611 is positioned perpendicular to the movable mechanism board 600, and the optical axis of the emitted light is parallel to the movable mechanism board 600. As shown by the arrow in Figure 57(b), the rear LED 602 ​​is positioned so that its optical axis (light-emitting surface 611) faces outward from the movable mechanism board 600. When the rear LED 602 ​​lights up, it is possible to illuminate the side of the movable mechanism 61 from the back.

[0505] On the component surface 600a, a solid ground 603 is formed over the entire surface, and multiple wiring patterns 604 are formed in areas where the solid ground 603 is not provided. Furthermore, a solid ground plane 605 is formed over the entire surface of the solder side 600b, and multiple wiring patterns 606 are formed in areas where the solid ground plane 605 is not provided. Furthermore, wiring patterns 604 and 606 include power wiring patterns through which the power supply voltage is transmitted and signal wiring patterns through which signals are transmitted.

[0506] BetaGland 603 and BetaGland 605 are electrically connected via multiple through-holes 607. Furthermore, the wiring pattern 604 formed on the component side 600a and the wiring pattern 606 (power wiring pattern, signal wiring pattern) formed on the solder side 600b are electrically connected via through-holes 608. Note that in Figure 57, only a portion of the through-holes 607 and 608 are labeled with reference numerals.

[0507] The resistors 609 connected to the front LED 601 and the back LED 602 ​​are located on the solder side 600b. Note that the resistors 609 may all be located on the solder side 600b. In this case, the resistors 609 are positioned so as not to face the light-emitting surface 611 of the back LED 602. This prevents light emitted from the back LED 602 ​​from hitting the resistors 609. However, the resistors 609 may be located in areas other than the non-placement area AR1, which will be described later.

[0508] Figure 58 illustrates the relationship between the back-side LED 602 ​​and the through-holes 607 and 608. As shown in Figures 57(b) and 58(a), the back-side LED 602 ​​is positioned such that its light-emitting surface 611 faces the nearest end 600c on the movable component substrate 600. If the area enclosed (sandwiched) by the imaginary line IL1 along the light-emitting surface 611 and the end 600c facing the light-emitting surface 611 is defined as the non-placement area AR1, then the through-holes 607 and 608 are not placed in the non-placement area AR1. In other words, on the movable component circuit board 600, through-holes 607 and 608 are not provided near the light-emitting surface 611 (near the front) of the rear LED 602. If through-holes 607 and 608 are provided near the light-emitting surface 611 of the rear LED 602, the light emitted from the rear LED 602 ​​will pass through the through-holes 607 and 608 and reach the component surface 600a. This would cause the front surface of the movable component 61 to light up.

[0509] Furthermore, on the solder side 600b, the wiring pattern 606 may not be provided near the light-emitting surface 611, as is the case with the back-side LED 602c. In this case, the wiring pattern 606 is formed near the rear and / or sides of the light-emitting surface 611, and through-holes 608 are arranged near the rear and / or sides of the light-emitting surface 611. This reduces the amount of light that shines through to the component side 600a from the area between the solid ground 605 and the wiring pattern 606 where no pattern is provided.

[0510] Furthermore, on the solder side 600b, when forming a wiring pattern 606 near the light-emitting surface 611 (near the front) as in the back-side LEDs 602a, 602b, 602d, 602e, and 02f, it is preferable to route the wiring pattern 606 from the back-side LED 602 ​​to the connected electronic component (other back-side LEDs 602 or resistor 609) only on the same side (solder side 600b) without providing through-holes 608.

[0511] Furthermore, in cases where the end 600c of the movable component board 600 and the light-emitting surface 611 are close together (less than a predetermined distance), such as with the back-mounted LED 602e, the ground planes 603 and 605 may not be placed in front of the light-emitting surface 611. On the other hand, in cases where the end 600c and the light-emitting surface 611 are far apart (greater than a predetermined distance), such as with the back-mounted LEDs 602a to 602d and 602f, the ground planes 603 and 605 may be placed in front of the light-emitting surface 611.

[0512] In this case, the movable component circuit board 600 has the front LED 601 and the back LED 602 ​​controlled separately by different circuits. Furthermore, the performance control unit 121 may light up the front LED 601 and the back LED 602 ​​with different light emission patterns and colors. In such cases, if the light emitted from the back-side LED 602 ​​escapes through the through-holes 607 and 608 to the component side 600a, it mixes with the light emitted from the front-side LED 601, making it impossible to illuminate the front of the movable component 61 in the intended way (color and brightness), thus reducing the visual effect.

[0513] Furthermore, the performance control unit 121 may turn off the front LED 601 and light up only the back LED 602. In such cases, even though the intention is not to illuminate the front of the movable component 61, the light emitted from the rear LED 602 ​​passes through the through-holes 607 and 608 to the component side 600a, unintentionally illuminating the front of the movable component 61.

[0514] Furthermore, the performance control unit 121 lights up the front LED 601 when it notifies that a jackpot has been won or that there is a high probability of winning a jackpot, and may also light up the back LED 602 ​​at times other than when it notifies that a jackpot has been won or that there is a high probability of winning a jackpot. In such cases, if the light emitted from the rear LED 602 ​​passes through the through-holes 607 and 608 to the component side 600a, except when an announcement of a jackpot win or the possibility of one, and illuminates the front of the movable mechanism 61, the player may mistakenly believe that they have won a jackpot or that there is a high probability of one.

[0515] Furthermore, the current flowing through the back-side LED 602 ​​may be greater than the current flowing through the front-side LED 601. In such cases, since the rear LED 602 ​​has higher brightness than the front LED 601, if even a small amount of light emitted from the rear LED 602 ​​passes through the through-holes 607 and 608 to the component side 600a, it becomes impossible to illuminate the front of the movable component 61 in the intended lighting pattern (color and brightness), resulting in a decrease in the effect of the performance.

[0516] Therefore, in the movable component board 600 of the modified example 3, by not providing through-holes 607 and 608 near the light-emitting surface of the back-side LED 602, it is possible to reduce the amount of light emitted from the back-side LED 602 ​​that passes through the through-holes 607 and 608 to the component side 600a.

[0517] Furthermore, at least one of the solid grounds 603 and 605 is formed near the light-emitting surface of the back-side LED 602 ​​(in the direction in which the back-side LED 602 ​​emits light). This reduces the likelihood of light emitted from the back-side LED 602 ​​hitting the solid grounds 603 and 605 and passing through the movable mechanism board 600, especially when the movable mechanism board 600 is thin and easily transmits light.

[0518] Furthermore, the wiring patterns 604 and 606 may be omitted near the light-emitting surface of the rear LED 602 ​​(in the direction from which the rear LED 602 ​​emits light). This reduces the likelihood of light emitted from the rear LED 602 ​​passing through the movable mechanism board 600 in areas where the wiring patterns 604 and 606 are not formed, especially when the movable mechanism board 600 is thin and easily transmits light.

[0519] In this example, the non-placement area AR1 is defined as the area sandwiched between the imaginary line IL1 along the light-emitting surface 611 of the back-surface LED 602 ​​and the end portion 600c. However, as shown in Figure 58(b), if the boundary where the back-surface LED 602 ​​emits light is represented by the imaginary line IL2, the area enclosed by the imaginary line IL2 and the end portion 600c may be defined as the non-placement area AR2. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 58(c), the non-placement area AR3 may be defined as the area enclosed by the imaginary lines IL3 drawn from both ends of the light-emitting surface 611 of the back-surface LED 602 ​​in directions perpendicular to the light-emitting surface 611, and the end portion 600c.

[0520] Furthermore, if the surface LED 601 is a side-view type LED, through-holes 607 and 608 may be provided near the light-emitting surface of the surface LED 601. This is because even if the light emitted from the surface LED 601 escapes to the solder side 600b, the impact on the effect is minimal, and it is more important to simplify the design of the wiring patterns 604 and 606 by reducing the constraints on the position of the through-holes.

[0521] <12. Example Configuration> The following describes an example configuration of gaming machine 1.

[0522] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (configuration 1-1A). (Configuration 1-1A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying game performance information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the results of a lottery for granting benefits to players, wherein the current value supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value supplied to the first LED.

[0523] In this configuration (1-1A), the first LED corresponds to LED 320 of the performance indicator 113, and the second LED corresponds to LED 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and special symbol 2 indicator 63b of the main indicator 63.

[0524] Figure 59 shows various values ​​related to the LEDs of the main display unit 63, performance display unit 113, game ball count display unit 21, and fourth symbol display unit 65.

[0525] As shown in Figure 59, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied to the LED320 of the performance indicator 113 as a driving power supply, and the forward voltage of the LED320 is 2V. In addition, the resistor 110d connected to the LED320 (see Figure 23) is set to 3300Ω. Therefore, a current of 3mA flows through the LED320. Furthermore, since the performance indicator 113 has 6 digits and 8 segments that are controlled to light up sequentially (dynamic lighting control with 6 commons), each of the 8 segments is only powered for 1 / 6 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of LED320 is 3mA × 2V × (1 / 6) = 1mW.

[0526] On the other hand, the LED310 of the main display unit 63 is supplied with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) as its driving power supply, and the forward voltage of the LED310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d connected to the LED310 (see Figure 17) is set to 300Ω. Therefore, a current of 10mA flows through the LED310. Furthermore, since the main display unit 63 has 4-digit 8-segment displays that are controlled to light up sequentially (dynamic lighting control with 4 commons), each of the 8 segments is only powered for 1 / 4 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of LED310 is 10mA × 2V × (1 / 4) = 5mW.

[0527] Therefore, the current value (10mA) supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and special symbol 2 display 63b of the main display unit 63 is greater than the current value (3mA) supplied to the LEDs 320 of the performance display unit 113.

[0528] Here, among the main display units 63, the special symbol 1 display unit 63a and the special symbol 2 display unit 63b display the results of the lottery (jackpot lottery) related to the granting of benefits to the player, and therefore need to be clearly visible to the player. On the other hand, the performance display unit 113 displays game performance information calculated based on the game results, and therefore does not need to be clearly visible as long as it can be confirmed by hall staff, etc.

[0529] Therefore, by increasing the current value supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special pattern 1 indicator 63a and special pattern 2 indicator 63b of the main indicator 63, the LEDs 310 of the special pattern 1 indicator 63a and special pattern 2 indicator 63b are made to light up brighter than the LEDs 320 of the performance indicator 113. This allows the results of the lottery (jackpot lottery) related to the awarding of benefits to players to be clearly shown to the players. In addition, power consumption can be reduced by lowering the current value of the LED 320 of the performance indicator 113, which does not need to be visible under normal conditions, so that it does not light up brightly.

[0530] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (1-1A-2) in addition to (configuration 1-1A). (Composition 1-1A-2) The gaming machine 1 includes a drive unit that drives a first LED and a second LED. The drive unit consists of a source-type LED driver and a sink-type LED driver, and the drive unit is driven based on a serial data signal output from the control unit.

[0531] In this configuration (1-1A-2), the drive unit corresponds to LED drivers 100a, 100b, 110b, and 110c. Furthermore, source-type LED drivers correspond to LED drivers 100b and 110c, while sink-type LED drivers correspond to LED drivers 100a and 110b. In addition, the control unit corresponds to the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111.

[0532] In the gaming machine 1, the drive current discharged from the source-type LED driver 100b is supplied to the LED 310 of the main display unit 63, and the drive current is drawn out by the sink-type LED driver 100a, causing the LED 310 of the main display unit 63 to light up in a dynamic lighting manner.

[0533] Similarly, the drive current discharged from the source-type LED driver 110c is supplied to the LED 320 of the performance indicator 113, and the drive current is drawn out by the sink-type LED driver 110b, causing the LED 320 of the performance indicator 113 to light up and display in a dynamic lighting manner.

[0534] This simplifies the circuit configuration when controlling the lighting of LEDs 310 and 320 using a dynamic lighting method.

[0535] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has (configuration 1-1A) and (configuration 1-1A-2) in addition to the following (configuration 1-1A-3). (Composition 1-1A-3) The gaming machine 1 includes a drive unit that drives a first LED and a second LED, and includes a common-side wiring pattern that connects a plurality of first LEDs or a plurality of second LEDs to the drive unit in common, and a data-side wiring pattern that connects a plurality of first LEDs or a plurality of second LEDs to the drive unit individually, wherein the common-side wiring pattern is wider than the data-side wiring pattern.

[0536] In this (configuration 1-1A-3) approach, the common-side wiring patterns correspond to wiring patterns 100f, 302b, and 110g, and the data-side wiring patterns correspond to wiring patterns 100e, 302c, and 110h.

[0537] The common-side wiring patterns 100f and 302b have a width of 0.5 mm, while wiring pattern 110g has a width of 0.3 mm. On the other hand, the data-side wiring patterns 100e and 302c have a width of 0.2 mm, while wiring pattern 110h has a width of 0.15 mm.

[0538] Thus, the common-side wiring pattern is wider than the data-side wiring pattern. This makes it possible to reduce the electrical resistance of the common-side wiring pattern, thereby suppressing heat generation in the common-side wiring pattern where a large drive current flows.

[0539] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has (configuration 1-1A), (configuration 1-1A-2), (configuration 1-1A-3), and the following (configuration 1-1A-4). (Composition 1-1A-4) The gaming machine 1 has a common-side wiring pattern which includes a first common-side wiring pattern that connects a plurality of first LEDs to the drive unit in common, and a second common-side wiring pattern that connects a plurality of second LEDs to the drive unit in common, wherein the second common-side wiring pattern is wider than the first common-side wiring pattern.

[0540] In this (configuration 1-1A-4) approach, the first common-side wiring pattern corresponds to wiring pattern 110g, and the second common-side wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns 100f and 302b.

[0541] The first common-side wiring pattern, wiring pattern 110g, has a width of 0.3 mm and a drive current of 3 mA flows through it. On the other hand, the second common-side wiring patterns, wiring patterns 100f and 302b, have a width of 0.5 mm and a drive current of 10 mA flows through them.

[0542] In this way, by making the second common-side wiring pattern, which carries a large drive current, wider than the first common-side wiring pattern, electrical resistance can be reduced and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0543] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has (configuration 1-1A), (configuration 1-1A-2), (configuration 1-1A-3), (configuration 1-1A-4), and the following (configuration 1-1A-5). (Composition 1-1A-5) In gaming machine 1, the voltage value of the power supply for driving the second LED is lower than the voltage value of the power supply for driving the first LED.

[0544] In this configuration (1-1A-5), the voltage value of the power supply for driving the first LED is 12V (DC12VA), and the voltage value of the power supply for driving the second LED is 5V (DC5VA).

[0545] Therefore, the voltage value of the power supply for driving the second LED (LED310) is smaller than the voltage value of the power supply for driving the first LED (LED320). This allows the resistance value of the resistor (resistor 100d) connected to the second LED (LED310) to be reduced, thereby suppressing heat generation in that resistor. This is particularly effective because resistor 100d is supplied with a large current value for its drive current. Furthermore, since most electronic components on the main control board 100 are supplied with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), supplying a 5V DC voltage to the LED 310 allows for efficient wiring patterns.

[0546] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has (configuration 1-1A), (configuration 1-1A-2), (configuration 1-1A-3), (configuration 1-1A-4), (configuration 1-1A-5) as well as the following (configuration 1-1A-6). (Composition 1-1A-6) The gaming machine 1 includes a drive unit that drives a first LED and a second LED, and the first LED and the second LED are located on different circuit boards. The drive unit drives the first LED and the second LED using the same power supply.

[0547] In this configuration (1-1A-6), the first LED corresponds to LED320A of the performance indicator 113A in Modification Example 1 (see Figure 55), and the second LED corresponds to LED310 of the special pattern 1 indicator 63a and special pattern 2 indicator 63b of the main indicator 63 in Modification Example 1. The drive unit corresponds to the LED drivers 100a and 100b in Modification Example 1. The drive power supply corresponds to a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA).

[0548] Figure 60 shows various values ​​related to the LEDs of the main display unit 63 and the performance display unit 113A in Modified Example 1. As shown in Figure 60, the LED320A of the performance indicator 113A in Modification 1 is supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) as a driving power supply, and the forward voltage of LED320A is 2V. The resistor 100g connected to LED320A (see Figure 55) is set to 2000Ω. Therefore, a current of 5mA flows through LED320A. The power consumption of LED320A is 3mW.

[0549] On the other hand, in the modified example 1, the LED 310 of the main display unit 63 is supplied with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) as the driving power supply, and the forward voltage of the LED 310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d connected to the LED 310 (see Figure 17) is set to 1000Ω. Therefore, a current of 10mA flows through the LED 310. The power consumption of the LED 310 is 5mW.

[0550] Furthermore, the LED 320A of the performance indicator 113A is located on the main control board 100A (see Figure 55), while the LED 310 of the special pattern 1 indicator 63a and the special pattern 2 indicator 63b are located on the main indicator board 302 (see Figure 15). Therefore, it can be said that they are located on different boards. Furthermore, LED drivers 100a and 100b, which control LED 320A of the performance indicator 113A, and LED 310 of the special pattern 1 indicator 63a and special pattern 2 indicator 63b, are located on the main control board 100A. The LED drivers 100a and 100b then use the same power supply, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), to light up LED320A and LED310, respectively.

[0551] This allows LED320A and LED310, which are lit at different brightness levels, to be controlled by the same power supply (DC12VA), thereby simplifying the circuit configuration.

[0552] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (configuration 1-1B). (Configuration 1-1B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying game performance information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the results of a lottery for providing benefits to the player, wherein the power consumption of the second LED is greater than that of the first LED.

[0553] In this (Configuration 1-1B) approach, similar to the (Configuration 1-1A) approach, the first LED corresponds to LED 320 of the performance indicator 113, and the second LED corresponds to LED 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and special symbol 2 indicator 63b of the main indicator 63.

[0554] As described above, the power consumption of the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and special symbol 2 display 63b in the main display unit 63 is 5mW, and the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance display unit 113 is 1mW. In other words, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and special symbol 2 display 63b of the main display unit 63 consume more power than the LEDs 320 of the performance display unit 113.

[0555] Therefore, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b will light up brighter than the LED 320 of the performance indicator 113. This allows the results of the lottery (jackpot lottery) related to the awarding of benefits to the player to be clearly shown to the player. In addition, it reduces the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance indicator 113, which does not need to be viewed under normal conditions.

[0556] The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration (configuration 1-2A). (Configuration 1-2A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED positioned in a location that is not visible to or difficult to see by the player, for displaying game performance information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period, and a second LED positioned in a location visible to the...

Claims

1. Multiple LEDs, A substrate on which the aforementioned multiple LEDs are mounted, Equipped with, The plurality of LEDs are side-view type LEDs arranged so that their light-emitting surfaces are substantially perpendicular to the substrate. The plurality of LEDs are arranged in a straight line along the direction of light irradiation. Gaming machine.

2. The substrate is provided with a decorative member that is positioned on the mounting side of the LED and transmits light emitted from the LED, The substrate is shorter than the decorative member in the direction of light irradiation. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

3. The decorative member extends from the edge of the substrate in the direction of illumination of the LED light. The gaming machine according to claim 2.

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