Game information display device

Abstract

To provide a game information display device that can appropriately showcase the unique gameplay features. [Solution] In a game information display device, a decorative device having decorative properties is controlled in a special light emission pattern when the game machine is controlled to a special game state. This allows the occurrence of a special game state to be notified to players in the game hall, and the special game features can be appropriately promoted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming information display device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a gaming machine island (gaming island) where a plurality of gaming machines are arranged, a display device for gaming machines is installed above each gaming machine to display information related to the gaming machines. Among this type of display device, there is a plate type that protrudes from the installation surface side of the gaming machines in the gaming island (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to this, for example, by displaying the number of balls discharged from each gaming machine, an effect of appealing to other game players can be expected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in recent years, various gaming machines with different gaming properties have emerged for enhancing the gaming experience. On the other hand, even in a gaming arcade, in order to cope with such diversification of gaming properties, how to appeal the special gaming properties to players has become an issue.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a gaming information display device capable of appropriately appealing special gaming properties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention relates to a game information display device provided for a game machine (e.g., a pachinko machine or a slot machine) that can be controlled between a normal state and a special game state (e.g., a high probability state or a high AT state), and comprises an upper display device provided above a call display device that displays predetermined game information (e.g., maximum payout or single payout), and a decorative device connectable to the upper display device, wherein the game information display device comprises these, The decorative device is equipped with control means (for example, control units 60, 91, etc. in Figure 9) for controlling the light emission mode of the decorative device. The decorative device comprises a first housing unit (for example, the first housing unit 71 in Figure 5(a)) capable of housing a medium that displays predetermined game information (for example, a POP medium that indicates a special game state or its trigger, such as "Lucky Trigger" or "Activation" in Figure 5(a)) as a light-emitting housing unit, and a light-emitting decorative unit (for example, the light-emitting decorative unit 75 in Figure 5(a)) that emits light when a specific light-emitting condition is met (for example, when a special game state is specified). When the gaming machine is controlled to a normal state, the control means controls the first housing unit (for example, the light-emitting area 71a of "Lucky Trigger") to light up as a predetermined first light-emitting mode, and the light-emitting decorative unit to not light up. On the other hand, when the gaming machine is controlled to a special game state, the control means controls the first housing unit and the light-emitting decorative unit to a special light-emitting mode different from the first light-emitting mode (for example, keeping the light-emitting area 71a corresponding to "Lucky Trigger" in Figure 7(b) lit while flashing the light-emitting area 71b corresponding to "Activation," and illuminating the light-emitting decorative unit 75 in a manner that imitates a so-called police light).

[0007] According to the present invention, a decorative device having decorative properties is controlled in a special light emission pattern when the gaming machine is controlled to a special game state. This allows the occurrence of a special game state to be notified to players in the gaming hall, and the special gameplay can be appropriately promoted. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the amusement park system in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Electrical block diagram of the card unit [Figure 3] Electrical block diagram of the call display device and upper display device [Figure 4] (a) and (b) are external views of the upper display device and the first extended display device. [Figure 5] (a) and (b) are external views of the first and second decorative devices. [Figure 6] Exploded perspective view showing the luminous decorative section of the first decorative device in disassembled form. [Figure 7] External view of the game information display device with the first decorative device and the first extended display device connected to the upper display device. [Figure 8] External view of the game information display device with the second decorative device and the first extended display device connected to the upper display device. [Figure 9] Electrical block diagram when the first decorative device and the first extended display device are connected to the upper display device. [Figure 10] Electrical block diagram when the second decorative device and the first extended display device are connected to the upper display device. [Figure 11] Diagram illustrating the light emission mode in the upper display device and the second decorative device (Part 1) [Figure 12] Diagram illustrating the light emission mode in the upper display device and the second decorative device (Part 2) [Figure 13] Diagram illustrating the light emission mode in the upper display device and the second decorative device (Part 3) [Figure 14] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams of the settings related to the extended display device and decorative display device by the management device. [Figure 15] This shows a second embodiment, where (a) to (d) are external views of the game information display device with the second extended display device (or second decorative device) connected to the first and second positions. [Figure 16] (a) to (c) are external views showing the first and second extended display devices. [Figure 17] A schematic perspective view showing the game information display device and its surroundings in the third embodiment. [Figure 18](a) and (b) are side views and perspective views schematically showing an extension member, and (c) is a schematic diagram of the entire game information display device shown with the extension member interposed therebetween.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments embodying the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In each embodiment, substantially the same constituent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. <First Embodiment> The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. In the gaming hall system shown in FIG. 1, a large number of gaming machines 1 such as pachinko machines and slot machines are installed in the gaming hall, and card units 2 are attached in one-to-one correspondence with these gaming machines 1. The gaming machine 1 is connected to the corresponding card unit 2, and the card units 2 are connected to the relay device 4 in pairs. The relay device 4 is connected to the management device 6 via the LAN 5.

[0010] A call display device 3 is attached above each gaming machine 1, and an upper display device 7 is further attached above the call display device 3. It is assumed that both display devices 3 and 7 are provided for each gaming machine 1. Among these, the call display device 3 receives various game signals (game information) output from the gaming machine 1 via the card unit 2 and the relay device 4, creates various display information, and displays it.

[0011] The upper display device 7 receives, from the call display device 3, information regarding the game medium given to the player as a result of the game among the display information created by the call display device 3 and displays it. In addition, the upper display device 7 of the present embodiment constitutes a game information display device 10 together with first and second extended display devices 81 and 82 (the general term for these is "extended display device 8") and first and second decorative devices 91 and 92 (the general term for these is "decorative device 9") that can be connected thereto, which will be described in detail later. The game information display device 10 is connected to the relay device 4 via the call display device 3, and the relay device 4 collects information from the display devices 3 and 10, or from the game machine 1 and card unit 2.

[0012] Although not shown in the diagram, the gaming area is also equipped with a point-of-sale (POS) terminal and a payment machine, and these POS terminals and payment machines are also connected to the management device 6 via LAN 5. The POS system accepts IC cards 11 issued by the card unit 2 (member cards 11a and general cards 11b shown in Figure 2) and performs prize exchange processing to exchange them for prizes within the range of game value such as points held or deposited points (so-called stored tokens) that are identified. The settlement machine also has a card slot into which the IC card 11 is inserted, and reads the deposit balance (monetary value, hereinafter sometimes referred to as balance) recorded on the IC card 11 inserted through the card slot using a card RW, and returns banknotes or coins corresponding to the read balance from the return slot.

[0013] The management device 6 is installed in the gaming hall, for example, in an office, and comprises a control unit (not shown) and an I / F unit as a transmitting and receiving unit. The control unit of the management device 6 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU and memory units such as ROM and RAM, and a keyboard 6b, monitor 6a, printer (not shown), etc., operated by the gaming hall manager (simply referred to as "manager") are connected to this control unit.

[0014] The control unit of the management device 6 (hereinafter referred to as "management device 6") manages game information for each game machine 1 by receiving game signals output from the game machine 1 side via the card unit 2 and relay device 4 in sequence at the I / F unit. Furthermore, the management device 6 manages information on all equipment within the gaming arcade, including the operating status of the gaming machine 1, as well as the card unit 2, call display device 3, game information display device 10, POS, and payment machines. As will be described in more detail later, the management device 6 manages the game information display device 10 and transmits setting information related to the connection of the expansion display device 8 and decorative device 9.

[0015] Although not shown in Figure 1, in reality, for example, several hundred gaming machines 1 are managed by the management device 6. Also, for the sake of explanation, the figure shows a gap between the gaming machines 1 on the left and right, but in reality, multiple gaming machines 1 are arranged adjacent to each other on a gaming island, a well-known configuration, with a card unit 2 in between. The gaming information display device 10 (upper display device 7) is installed at the top of the gaming island, corresponding to the arrangement of the gaming machines 1 (see gaming island 100 in Figure 17, which will be described later).

[0016] The gaming machine 1 shown in Figure 1 consists of, for example, a so-called sealed-type pachinko gaming machine or a coinless slot machine that manages the value of the game solely through information. Specifically, the pachinko machine shown on the left side of Figure 1 is a sealed-type pachinko game machine that uses circulating pachinko balls that are pre-sealed inside the machine. The game value used in game machine 1 is virtual pachinko balls, but it is a game value stored in the machine's memory unit. Unlike conventional payout-type game machines, the balls launched onto the playfield 1a circulate and are not dispensed outside the machine even if a winning combination is achieved. The game value (game points) in the memory unit increases or decreases according to the game.

[0017] When the pachinko machine receives game points from card unit 2, it becomes capable of firing pachinko balls equal to those game points, and becomes unable to fire pachinko balls when the game points reach "0". The pachinko machine transmits the game points to card unit 2 in response to counting operations (for example, touch operations on the touch panel described below) and subtracts the game points. The game machine 1 displays various game data (number of jackpots, number of special symbol draws, etc.) on the information display unit 13 in response to information display operations (operations on the same touch panel).

[0018] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine has a playfield 1a from which pachinko balls are launched, a launching handle 12 that constitutes the launching device, and a touch panel type information display unit 13 having a touch panel on its surface. The playfield 1a is provided with a liquid crystal display unit 14 and a pattern display unit (special pattern display unit and general pattern display unit) on the display unit 14, a special pattern 1 start opening 15, a special pattern 2 start opening 16, and a big prize opening 17. In a pachinko machine, a jackpot draw is held for Special Symbol 1 (or Special Symbol 2 if the ball enters the electric tuner) by entering the so-called center hole (Special Symbol 1 start hole 15). One jackpot draw is also called a start. If a jackpot is won in the jackpot draw, the jackpot game begins (the game transitions to a jackpot state), and the large prize hole 17 is opened for a number of rounds (R) corresponding to the type of Special Symbol. In this case, for example, the maximum number of balls that can enter in 1R is 10, and if a ball enters the large prize hole 17, 15 points of game points are added.

[0019] Pachinko machines can be controlled to either a normal state or a special game state. Specifically, the game states of a pachinko machine include a normal state and a probability variation state (also simply called "probability variation") that occurs after a big win. Probability variation is further divided into, for example, lower probability variation and upper probability variation (special game state). Compared to the lower probability variation, the upper probability variation is a state in which the player has a more favorable expectation of winning a big win, and this is referred to as the special game state. For example, in an ST-type pachinko machine where the number of draws for the probability variation state is fixed, the number of draws is set to be higher in the higher probability variation state than in the lower probability variation state. Alternatively, in a loop-type pachinko machine where the probability variation state continues until the next big win state, the continuation rate of the probability variation state is set to be higher in the higher probability variation state than in the lower probability variation state. Furthermore, in the higher probability variation state, the distribution rate of R during a big win and the expected value of acquiring points per big win may be set to be higher than in the lower probability variation state. Thus, the special game state in this embodiment corresponds to the respective special game state in various types and gameplay styles of the game machine 1.

[0020] The slot machine shown on the right side of Figure 1 is a coinless slot machine that allows gameplay without using actual tokens. The slot machine stores and manages game value (game points) stored in its internal memory unit. A game can be started only if there is a predetermined number of game points (for example, 3 points) necessary to play at least one game. When a player earns points according to the type of winning combination, the machine primarily manages the increase or decrease of game points by adding them to the game points data without dispensing tokens.

[0021] When the slot machine receives game points from card unit 2, it becomes possible to bet points equal to those game points. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the slot machine includes a display window 18, a start lever 19, stop buttons 20 (left stop button, middle stop button, and right stop button), a touch panel information display unit 21, a BET button 22, etc. The player can see the symbols drawn on the reels inside through the display window 18. When the player operates the BET button 22, a predetermined number of credited (stored) game points are bet (the aforementioned 3 points are bet). When the start lever 19 is operated in this state, an internal lottery is executed and the symbols begin to change (the game begins), and when the stop button 20 is operated, the reel changes are stopped by so-called pull-in control.

[0022] As is well known, slot machines have various symbols, including small wins, replays, and bonus wins (BB and RB). When the player operates stop button 20 while an internal win has been internally determined during the internal lottery, a win occurs if the symbol corresponding to that internal win stops on one of the pre-set active lines. When a win occurs, points are awarded according to the type of win. For example, there are 3-point wins, 5-point wins, 10-point wins, and 15-point wins. If the win is a 15-point win, 15 points are awarded. If the win is a bonus win (BB or RB), the game transitions to a bonus state (BB state or RB state). The BB and RB states are more advantageous game states (jackpot states) for the player than the normal state, as the points awarded for small wins or the probability of winning increases, allowing the player to quickly accumulate points. Furthermore, the information display unit 21 of the slot machine, like the information display unit 13 of the pachinko machine, can display not only the counting button for the aforementioned counting operation, but also game points and various operational data (number of games played, number of bonus occurrences, etc.).

[0023] The gameplay states of a slot machine include the normal state and the AT state (also simply referred to as "AT") that occurs after a big win. The AT is further divided into lower-level AT and higher-level AT (special gameplay state). For example, in a higher-level AT (Automatic Trigger) game, the net increase in points (points earned per game), which indicates the rate of gain during the AT, is set higher than in a lower-level AT. Furthermore, the number of AT continuations may be set higher, or the AT continuation rate may be set higher.

[0024] From the amusement machine 1, such as the pachinko machine or slot machine, various game signals, including the following game signals, are transmitted (output) to the card unit 2. • Out signal: A signal indicating the number of points used in the game. • Safe signal: A signal indicating the score obtained as a result of the game. • Jackpot signal: A signal output when a jackpot state occurs. • Special game state signals: These are signals output during high-probability states or high-AT states, and also include signals output during jackpot states that occur within those states. By identifying these signals, the occurrence of special game states can be detected. In addition, special game states may be identified depending on the output patterns and timing of the above-mentioned signals, or by combining the signals. As described above, the game value acquired by the player through gameplay, the score primarily managed by the game machine 1, is also referred to as the "game score," and the score primarily managed by the card unit 2 is also referred to as the "points held."

[0025] The above game signals may be a single data item (for example, "Out" = a data item indicating the value (out) consumed (used, inserted) since the last data transmission, in units of one ball), or they may be data signals that combine multiple game information in a message. In this case, data can be aggregated in units of a predetermined period (for example, 200ms), and the aggregated data and the data signal in the form of a message that can identify the state at that time can be used as the transmission target (output target). Of course, game signals may include pulse signals, status signals, etc., in addition to the above data signals. Furthermore, the game machine 1 transmits various game information to the card unit 2 (relay device 4) side as signal output in accordance with the execution of a game using game points, and various signals are output depending on the model, not limited to the above game signals.

[0026] Card Unit 2 includes two types: one for pachinko machines, positioned on the left side of the pachinko machine as shown in Figure 1, and another for slot machines, positioned on the right side of the slot machine. For the sake of explanation, common components of both types will be given the same reference numerals and described collectively. Card Unit 2 is a gaming device provided for each gaming machine 1, such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine, which enables the player to play the gaming machine 1 by assigning gaming value to the player based on the deposit balance.

[0027] The card unit 2 shown in Figure 1 includes a status lamp 2L that indicates the game status of the corresponding gaming machine 1 and the status of the card unit 2 (error status, etc.), a banknote slot 23 into which banknotes are inserted, a touch panel type liquid crystal display 24 that accepts operation input from the player and displays predetermined game data, a loan button 25 for loaning operations, a return button 26 for returning operations, a replay button 27 for replay operations, and a card insertion / extraction slot 28 for inserting and ejecting IC cards 11.

[0028] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram centered on the card unit 2. As shown in the figure, the card unit 2 has a control unit 29 and an I / F unit 29e which acts as a transmitting and receiving unit. The control unit 29 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 29a, ROM 29b, RAM 29c, I / O 29d, etc. The I / F unit 29e receives various game information (receives signal outputs, etc.) in response to the execution of a game using game points on the corresponding game machine 1, and also receives setting information, etc. through communication with the management device 6, etc.

[0029] Peripheral parts connected to the control unit 29 include the LEDs that constitute the status lamp 2L described above, a banknote processing unit (not shown) that determines the authenticity of banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 23, a liquid crystal display unit 24 and the touch panel provided on the display unit 24, a loan button 25, a replay button 27, and a return button 26, as well as an I / F unit 29e that sends and receives various signals and information to and from the gaming machine 1 and the management device 6, a card R / W unit 28a that reads and writes various information recorded on the IC card 11 inserted into the card insertion / discharge slot 28, a card stock unit 28b that can stock up to 10 general cards 11b, and a short-range communication unit 2C that has a short-range communication function that can read various information recorded on the IC card 11 and a mobile terminal (not shown) without contact.

[0030] Card unit 2 operates as follows: (1) The system receives, aggregates, and stores the various game signals from the gaming machine 1, and transmits them to the management device 6 and the call display device 3 via the relay device 4. The system also transmits the player's deposit balance and game points to the management device 6. The system receives and stores various setting information (gaming machine number, model name, point unit price, etc.) from the management device 6. (2) When banknotes are inserted into the banknote slot 23, the deposit information is added to the deposit balance and recorded.

[0031] (3) When the IC card 11 is inserted into the card insertion / ejection slot 28, the deposit balance and points associated with the card ID of the card 11 are read and displayed on the display unit 24. For example, in the card unit 2 for a pachinko machine, when the dispensing button 25 is operated, the points corresponding to a certain amount (for example, 1,000 yen) are converted into game points in increments of 250 and sent to the game machine 1. When the replay button 27 is operated, the points held are converted into game points in increments of 250 and sent to the game machine 1. The points held, game points, and total points (sum of points held and game points) are stored and displayed. Score addition information and score subtraction information are received from the game machine 1, the stored score is updated according to the received score addition information and score subtraction information, and the score information is transmitted to the relay device 4 according to the score update.

[0032] (4) When a player operates the return button 26 (return operation) while at least one of the deposit balance and the number of points held exists, the deposit balance and the number of points held are recorded on the IC card 11 and issued. In other words, deposit information etc. is recorded in association with the IC card 11, and the card 11 is dispensed from the insertion / discharge slot 28. When recording the number of points held, the type information corresponding to the gaming machine 1 that acquired it (for example, lending rate information) is also recorded in association. The game points are not recorded on the IC card 11, but remain on the gaming machine 1 side.

[0033] (5) A maximum of 10 general cards 11b are stored in the card stock section 28b. The card unit 2, through serial communication with the relay device 4, enables the management device 6 to identify various information such as currency acceptance processing, payment processing, balance, points held, loaned points (points at the time of loan), converted points, deposit amount, counted points, loaned points, sales amount which is the consideration for loaned points, and IC card 11 acceptance and issuance processing.

[0034] The call display device 3 shown in Figure 1 is capable of displaying game data corresponding to the type of gaming machine 1, and one device is attached to the upper side of each gaming machine 1. The call display device 3 includes a liquid crystal display unit 31, a lamp unit 32, a group of operation buttons including a call button 33 and menu buttons, and a remote control receiver unit 34. When the call button 33 is pressed by a player, the liquid crystal display unit 31 and the lamp unit 32 display a call notification to summon an employee. The remote control receiver unit 34 receives remote control signals transmitted from a remote control (not shown) carried by an employee.

[0035] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display devices 3 and 7, including the call display device 3 (excluding the extended display device 8 and decorative device 9). The control unit 30 of the call display device 3 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 30a, memory units such as ROM 30b and RAM 30c, and I / O 30d. The control unit 30 is connected to an I / F unit 30e that sends and receives various signals and information with the management device 6 and the gaming machine 1, as well as the aforementioned liquid crystal display unit 31, lamp unit 32, a group of operation buttons including the call button 33, and a remote control receiver unit 34.

[0036] In addition to the call display, the call display device 3 divides the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display unit 31 into multiple display areas to display the number of jackpots and the number of initial jackpots that occurred in normal conditions in the corresponding period units (for example, the current business day, one day ago, two days ago), as well as displaying the start (number of symbol changes) after the initialization conditions are met (such as the start of business or the end of a special state), and a history graph that graphs the start of each jackpot unit.

[0037] The game information display device 10 shown in Figure 1 is installed above the call display device 3, for example, so that one device corresponds to each game machine 1. For the sake of explanation, Figure 1 shows the game information display device 10 in a schematic perspective view, but as shown in Figure 17, it is mounted in a direction that extends from the installation surface 100b on the game island 100. The configuration of the game information display device 10 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings from Figure 4 onward.

[0038] Here, Figures 4 and 5 are external views showing the individual devices 7, 81, 91, and 92 that constitute the game information display device 10. Of these, Figures 4(a) and (b) show the upper display device 7 and the first extended display device 81, and Figures 5(a) and (b) show the first decorative device 91 and the second decorative device 92. Furthermore, Figures 4 and 5 are front views of each device 7, 81, 91, and 92 as seen from their respective main surfaces, with the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper being considered the front and back directions. In these figures, the longitudinal direction of the upper display device 7 in (a) is considered the left-right direction, and the base end (mounting side) of the upper display device 7 is considered to be to the right.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4(a), the upper display device 7 integrally comprises a relatively horizontally elongated plate-shaped (thin box-shaped) device body 7a and a base portion 7b connected to the lower base end 44a (lower right side in the figure) of the device body 7a. The base portion 7b has a flange-shaped mounting portion 7c located on its lower right side, which is its base end. For example, a screw hole is formed in the mounting portion 7c, and by inserting a screw (not shown) through it and screwing it into the mounting seat 100a (see Figure 17) of the game island 100, the base portion 7b and, consequently, the main body of the device 7a are attached and fixed.

[0040] In this case, the base portion 7b holds the device body 7a by extending diagonally upward from the mounting seat 100a side of the gaming island 100 shown in Figure 17 towards the aisle side (left side) (see Figure 4(a)). As a result, the upper display device 7 is positioned so that the main surface of the device body 7a is perpendicular (or intersecting) with the installation surface 100b of the gaming island 100, that is, it is positioned so that it is easily visible not only to players playing on the gaming island 100, but also to other players watching the game from the edge of the gaming island 100.

[0041] In the gaming island 100 shown in Figure 17, the installation surface 100b is a substantially vertical surface, and the mounting base 100a corresponds to a mounting portion formed on the upper part of the stepped installation surface 100b (above the call display device 3). Furthermore, the mounting portion 7c of the base portion 7b only needs to be configured to be attachable directly to the mounting portion or indirectly via the extension member 110 described later, and may be attached using mounting means other than screws.

[0042] The main body 7a of the upper display device 7 is a housing formed in a relatively horizontally elongated honeycomb shape in the front view shown in Figure 4(a). Its outer periphery 41 to 44b has an upper edge 41 and a lower edge 43 that extend horizontally, and left edge 42a and 42b and right edge 44a and 44b that are inclined at, for example, 60 degrees relative to these, forming a roughly hexagonal shape. In other words, the outer periphery 41-44b of the device body 7a has a roughly hexagonal shape, with the angle between the upper inclined portions 42a and 44b, which slope downward in a V-shape from both ends of the upper edge 41, and the lower inclined portions 42b and 44a, which slope upward in an inverted V-shape from both ends of the lower edge 43, being slightly higher. As a result, the upper half (upper section) of the device body 7a has a wider display area than the lower half (lower section).

[0043] The upper display device 7 includes a first display unit 51 and a second display unit 52 provided in the upper and lower sections of the device body 7a, legend display units 53 and 54 provided above and below the display units 51 and 52, and lamp units 41L to 44Lb provided in the outer periphery 41 to 44b.

[0044] Of these, the first and second display units 51 and 52 each display predetermined game information that can be arbitrarily selected and set by the administrator using the management device 6 (game information setting means). This game information includes multiple types of game information, such as the highest record for the current day or past business days. The type of game information selected and set by the management device 6 is transmitted to the upper display device 7 via the call display device 3 (see Figure 3), allowing the displayed game information to be changed.

[0045] In this case, the first display unit 51 is composed of a group of LEDs including, for example, LEDs for a multi-digit 7-segment display (7-segment display unit), and the content displayed by its illumination (changeable game information) is as follows. • Maximum Payout: Indicates the maximum number of game points awarded to a player in the corresponding gaming machine 1. • Single-Shot Payout: This indicates the maximum number of game points awarded to a player during the special prize period (the period from the initial win, such as a big win or bonus, occurring from the normal state until returning to the normal state) in the corresponding gaming machine 1. • BB / RB: When the corresponding gaming machine 1 is a slot machine, this indicates the number of Big Bonuses / Regular Bonuses. For example, in the 5-digit 7-segment display shown in Figure 4(a), the left two digits display the number of BBs, and the right two digits display the number of RBs. • AT / RB: When the corresponding gaming machine is a slot machine, this indicates AT equivalent to BB or AT equivalent to RB. Similar to BB / RB, the left two digits indicate the number of ATs, and the right two digits indicate the number of RBs.

[0046] The second display unit 52 is composed of a multi-digit 7-segment display unit similar to (or slightly smaller than) the first display unit 51, and its display contents are as follows: • Player's holdings: Indicates the number of game points a player possesses. • Maximum Payout: Indicates the maximum number of game points awarded to a player in the corresponding gaming machine 1. • Single-Shot Payout: Indicates the maximum number of game points awarded to a player during a special prize period in the corresponding gaming machine 1. • Start: Indicates the number of starts since the last big win. • Combined probability: When the corresponding gaming machine 1 is a slot machine, this represents (total number of BB and RB) / (cumulative number of starts).

[0047] Both the upper and lower legend display sections 53 and 54 are constructed with a transparent POP cover on the front (surface), and can accommodate (insert) a display medium that has game information names (for example, names of game information such as the above-mentioned maximum payout, single-shot payout, ...combined probability) displayed on it, like a POP medium. Multiple types of POP media are available for each piece of game information displayed in the legend display sections 53 and 54, and they are configured to be interchangeable as appropriate depending on the type of game information (game information name). As a result, the upper legend display section 53 displays the game information name displayed in the first display section 51, while the lower legend display section 54 displays the game information name displayed in the second display section 52.

[0048] Furthermore, the legend display unit 53 is located on the front side of the lamp unit 41L on the upper edge 41, and the legend display unit 54 is located on the front side of the lamp unit 43L on the lower edge 43. By illuminating the respective lamp units 41L and 43L, the names of the game information can be displayed (illuminated). This makes it possible to quickly understand (using the legend display units 53 and 54) which game information is currently displayed on the first and second display units 51 and 52, and to provide suitable information to players who are considering (selecting) which game machine 1 to play.

[0049] The lamp sections 41L to 44Lb are located around the outer periphery of the first and second display sections 51 and 52 shown in Figure 4(a), and form an annular light-emitting region on the outer periphery 41 to 44b of the device body 7a (upper display device 7). Specifically, the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb are groups of LEDs mounted on a substrate (not shown), for example, and have groups of LEDs arranged along the upper edge 41, left edge 42a, 42b, lower edge 43, and right edge 44a, 44b, respectively, forming a ring with the lamp section 41L on the upper edge 41, the lamp sections 42La, 42Lb on the left edge 42a, 42b, the lamp section 43L on the lower edge 43, and the lamp sections 44La, 44Lb on the right edge 44a, 44b.

[0050] Furthermore, the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb are prisms that disperse and reflect the light of the LED group, and have a prism section 56 that matches the arrangement of the LED group, and are configured in combination with the substrate of the LED group. As a result, the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb (first light-emitting means) form a light-emitting region, so to speak, as an illumination section, with the LED group acting as a light-emitting body and the prism section 56.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 50 of the upper display device 7 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 50a, memory units such as ROM 50b and RAM 50c, and I / O 50d. The control unit 50 is connected to the I / F unit 30e of the call display device 3 via the I / F unit 50e and connecting cable C1, which serve as receiving means as shown in the figure. This allows the control unit 50 to receive game signals output from the game machine 1 via the call display device 3 (after the device 3 has created display information such as the number of points held), and to display the received information on the first and second display units 51 and 52. It also enables the transmission and reception of information with the management device 6 (for example, the reception of the type of game information (setting information)).

[0052] In addition to the I / F unit 50e, the control unit 50 is connected to the first display unit 51, the second display unit 52, and the LED group of lamp units 41L to 44Lb, and for detection purposes, three sensors 550, 551, and 552 are connected. Sensors 550 to 552 are, for example, proximity sensors used to detect whether an extended display device 8 or a decorative device 9 is connected to the upper display device 7.

[0053] Specifically, the sensor 550 is provided, for example, near the upper tip of the upper display device 7 (the upper inclined portion 42a in the device body 7a in Figure 4(a)), and when the first extended display device 81 is connected to the upper inclined portion 42a as shown in Figure 7(a), the sensor 550 detects this. In contrast, sensors 551 and 552 are provided separately in positions adjacent to the connection position of the first extended display device 81 on the upper display device 7, for example, near the left-leaning position of the upper edge portion 41 (first position) and the upper-leaning position of the lower inclined portion 42b (second position) on the device body 7a in Figure 4(a). This allows, for example, if another extended display device 82 or decorative devices 91, 92 are connected to the first position, this is detected by sensor 551 (see Figures 15(a), 7, and 8), and if an extended display device 82 or decorative device 92 is connected to the second position, this is detected by sensor 552 (see Figures 15(c), 17, etc.).

[0054] The detection means is not limited to sensors 550-552, but may also be composed of a well-known detection device having an operating part and a switch part that are pushed in the direction of attachment when the extended display device 8 or decorative device 9 is connected (attached). In this way, the control unit 50 compares the detection results (detection signals) from sensors 550 to 552 with the connection information (setting information described later) for the extended display device 8 and decorative device 9 received from the management device 6, and transmits control signals (signals related to extended game information, decorative game information, and optical flow, etc., described later) to the extended display device 8 and decorative device 9. Furthermore, the control unit 50 controls the lamps 41L to 44Lb, etc., to achieve a predetermined light emission pattern according to the game status of the game machine 1 and the connection status of the first and second extended display devices 81 and 82, based on information from the corresponding gaming machine 1 (information received via the call display device 3) and detection signals from sensors 550 to 552.

[0055] Next, the configuration of the first extended display device 81 and the first and second decorative devices 91 and 92 will be described. Here, the first extended display device 81 in Figure 4(b), the second decorative device 92 in Figure 5(b), and the second extended display device 82 in Figures 16(b) and 16(c), which will be described later, have the same dimensions and shape of the outer casings. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail later, the second extended display device 82 can also serve as the second decorative device 92. Therefore, in these devices 82 and 92, components that are substantially the same as those in the first extended display device 81 are denoted with the same reference numeral followed by an apostrophe (´) to distinguish them from the first extended display device 81 and to simplify the explanation. Specifically, the first extended display device 81 in Figure 4(b) is a housing formed in the shape of a relatively thin plate that forms a honeycomb shape when viewed from the front, and has a regular hexagonal shape on its outer periphery, with each of its sides 45, 46a, 46b, 47, 48a, and 48b having the same length L1.

[0056] The first extended display device 81 is set such that the length L1 of one side of its outer periphery 45-48b is the same length as the upper inclined portion 42a of the upper display device 7 (see L0 in Figure 4(a)). Of the outer peripheral portions 45 to 48b, for example, the lower inclined portion 48a is designated as the mounting portion, and is detachably attached to and connected to the mounting portion (connection position) of the upper inclined portion 42a of the upper display device 7 (see Figure 7(a)). In other words, both inclined portions 48a and 42a are the parts (connectable portions) where the first extended display device 81 and the upper display device 7 are connected to each other, and when the first extended display device 81 is connected to the upper display device 7, the inclined portions 48a and 42a align perfectly in terms of dimensions and mounting surface, allowing the sensor 550 to more reliably detect the presence or absence of the connection, and also resulting in a superior appearance and design.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4(b), the first extended display device 81 has an extended display section 61 provided on its main surface and extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb provided on its outer periphery 45 to 48b. The first extended display device 81 receives the control signal from the upper display device 7 and displays extended game information on the extended display unit 61 or performs a light flow-related display on the extended lamp units 45L to 48Lb. Here, extended game information refers to specific game information that is different from the game information displayed on the upper display device 7.

[0058] For example, the extended display unit 61 is composed of a group of LEDs including a multi-digit 7-segment LED (7-segment display unit), and the content displayed by its illumination (extended game information) is as follows. • Jackpot: Indicates the total number of jackpots on the corresponding gaming machine 1 for that day. • Ranking: The rankings for the number of jackpots and highest payouts within the same model as the corresponding gaming machine 1 are displayed as "NO1" to "NO3". The number of ranks displayed can be set separately by the management device 6 (see Figure 14(a) below). Also, as explained in Figure 14(a), the extended display unit 61 can selectively display "number of jackpots" and "ranking". Note that the extended display unit 61 is not limited to a 7-segment display unit, but may also be composed of an LCD display unit.

[0059] The extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb shown in Figure 4(b) are located around the outer periphery of the extended display section 61 and form an annular light-emitting region on the outer periphery 45 to 48b of the extended display device 81. Specifically, the extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb are groups of LEDs mounted on a substrate (not shown), for example, and have groups of LEDs arranged along the upper edge 45, left edge 46a, 46b, lower edge 47, and right edge 48a, 48b, respectively, forming a ring with the lamp section 45L on the upper edge 45, the lamp sections 46La, 46Lb on the left edge 46a, 46b, the lamp section 47L on the lower edge 47, and the lamp sections 48La, 48Lb on the right edge 48a, 48b.

[0060] Furthermore, the extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb are prisms that disperse and reflect the light of the LED group, and have a prism section 62 that matches the arrangement of the LED group, and are configured to be combined with the substrate of the LED group. As a result, the extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb (second light-emitting means) form a light-emitting region as an illumination section with the LED group as a light-emitting body and the prism section 62.

[0061] Thus, the light-emitting regions of the extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb, which are set in an annular (for example, honeycomb) shape on the outer periphery of the first extended display device 81, and the light-emitting regions of the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb, which are set in an annular (for example, horizontally elongated, roughly honeycomb) shape on the outer periphery of the upper display device 7, are connected at the connection points (connection positions at the inclined sections 48a and 42a), forming a figure-eight shape (see Figure 7(a)).

[0062] On the other hand, the second decorative device 92 shown in Figure 5(b) is also formed as a relatively thin plate that forms a honeycomb shape when viewed from the front, and is composed of a housing in which the length L2 of each side 45' to 48b' on its outer periphery is the same. Furthermore, the length L2 of one side of the outer periphery 45'~48b' of the second decorative device 92 is set to be the same as the length L1 of one side of the outer periphery 45~48b of the first extended display device 81 (L2=L1).

[0063] For example, the lower edge portion 47' and the upper inclined portion 48b' of the outer periphery portion 45'~48b' of the second decorative device 92 are designated as mounting portions, and are detachably attached to and connected to the mounting portion of the upper display device 7 at the first or second position (upper edge portion 41 or lower inclined portion 42b in Figure 4(a)) (see Figures 8 and 17).

[0064] Specifically, the first position is set to a position slightly to the left of the upper edge 41 of the device body 7a such that the second decorative device 92 is adjacent to and relatively above the first extended display device 81 in the upper display device 7 shown in Figure 8 (see Figure 15(a)). The second position is set to a position slightly to the upper of the lower inclined portion 42b of the device body 7a such that the second decorative device 92 is adjacent to and relatively below the first extended display device 81 in the upper display device 7, as shown in Figure 15(c). Thus, the second decorative device 92 is dimensionally aligned with the adjacent first extended display device 81 at either the first or second connection position (it is connected so as to fit into the extended display device 81), and the presence or absence of installation at each connection position can be more reliably detected by sensors 551 and 552, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5(b), the main surface of the second decorative device 92 is provided with a second storage section 72 capable of accommodating a medium 73 that displays predetermined game information. The second housing section 72 has a transparent POP cover on its front (surface) and houses the POP medium 73 shown in Figure (b) by inserting it into the POP cover. The POP medium 73 is a display medium that indicates the special game state or trigger for the corresponding game machine 1, and for example, it displays the content of "Lucky Trigger" and the content of "Activation" in two rows, one above the other.

[0066] The second decorative device 92 is provided with a second luminescent housing 72, which includes a luminescent area 72a corresponding to "lucky trigger" and a luminescent area 72b corresponding to "activation," and decorative lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb' are provided on its outer periphery 45' to 48b'. The light-emitting regions 72a and 72b in the second housing section 72 are mounted on the back side of the POP cover, and consist of two rows of LEDs, one above the other, each mounted on a substrate (not shown), and an illuminated cover that covers their surface, so that the light-emitting patterns of the "lucky trigger" section and the "activation" section are controlled individually.

[0067] The decorative lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb' of the second decorative device 92 are arranged in a ring shape as an illumination section, combining a prism section 62' with a substrate of LEDs, similar to the extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb of the first extended display device 81. As a result, the second decorative device 92, like the first extended display device 81, is shaped like an eight by connecting the light-emitting areas of the decorative lamp section 45L'~48Lb' and the light-emitting areas of the lamp section 41L~44Lb of the upper display device 7 at the point where they are connected (the point where they are connected at the first or second position) (see Figure 8). Thus, the second decorative device 92 receives the control signal from the upper display device 7 and displays special game state effects and light flow effects in the light-emitting areas 72a, 72b and decorative lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb' of the second housing section 72, while not having the light-emitting decorative section 75 described below.

[0068] In other words, the first decorative device 91 shown in Figure 5(a) integrally comprises a first housing section 71 capable of housing the POP medium 73, a light-emitting decorative section 75 shaped like a police light, and a base section 750. The first decorative device 91 has a somewhat elongated shape, with the base portion 750 on the lower side and the first housing portion 71 and the luminous decorative portion 75 connected vertically.

[0069] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 7(a), the base portion 750 is formed as a relatively thin plate that is roughly parallelogram-shaped when viewed from the front, and holds the entire device 91 below the light-emitting decorative portion 75. The base portion 750 is detachably attached and connected to the upper portion 41 of the upper display device 7, which is the first position, or to the right portion 48b of the extended display device 81, with its lower or left side serving as the mounting portion. As a result, the upper display device 7 of this embodiment is configured to allow selective connection of the first decorative device 91 and the second decorative device 92, as shown in Figures 7(a) and 8.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5(a), the first housing section 71 of the first decorative device 91 is made of a relatively thin housing, similar to the second housing section 72 of the second decorative device 92, and allows the POP medium 73 to be housed inside the POP cover. Furthermore, the first housing section 71, as a light-emitting housing section, is positioned on the back side of the POP medium 73, similar to the second housing section 72, and is provided with two upper and lower light-emitting areas 71a and 71b, so that the light-emitting patterns of the "lucky trigger" section and the "activation" section in Figure 5(a) are controlled individually. The outer periphery 45'~48b' of the first housing section 71 is provided with a decorative section 71c, replacing the decorative lamp section 45L'~48Lb' of the second housing section 72. The decorative section 71c is made of, for example, a light guide plate and is formed to protrude outward in a manner corresponding to the light-emitting regions 71a, 71b (POP medium 73), and provides light decoration.

[0071] As shown in Figure 5(a), the luminous decorative unit 75 is shaped like a rotating light, or police light, and is installed on the lower side of the first housing unit 71 facing downwards (from the ceiling towards the floor). As shown in the exploded perspective view of Figure 6, the light-emitting decorative unit 75 includes a disc-shaped illuminated circuit board 751 on which, for example, a group of LEDs (not shown) are arranged concentrically (multiple light-emitting elements in a ring) and facing downwards, a base member 752 provided on the upper surface of the illuminated circuit board 751, and a circuit board cover 753 provided so as to cover the outer circumference and lower surface of the base member 752 together with the illuminated circuit board 751. These illuminated circuit boards 751, base members 752, and circuit board covers 753 are all positioned inside an annular base cover member 754 and are attached to the lower side of the first housing 71 via the base cover member 754.

[0072] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, below the base cover member 754, a light guide rib lens 755 for guiding the light of the LED group of the illuminated circuit board 751, a reflector 756 for reflecting the light guided by the rib lens, and a roughly hemispherical illuminated cover 757 covering these members 755 and 756 are arranged. These members 755 to 757 are formed from synthetic resin materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic, and the reflector 756 is further provided with a reflective film such as an aluminum vapor-deposited film.

[0073] The light guide rib lens 755 integrally has a through hole 75b that is inserted into the reflector 756 and a plurality of light guide ribs 75a that protrude radially around the through hole 75b, and these light guide ribs 75a are inserted into the slit 75c of the substrate cover 753. As a result, the light guide rib lens 755 is configured as a light guide member that guides the light emitted from each of the LED groups of the illuminated circuit board 751 downwards to where the reflector 756 is located, and then emits and diffuses the light outwards from the outer peripheral end of the light guide rib 75a. The reflector 756 has a star-shaped cross-section and a mountain-like shape with its base widening downwards, and reflects the light guided or diffused by the insertion hole 75b of the light guide rib lens 755 and the light guide rib 75a outwards. In this way, the light-emitting decorative unit 75 functions as a rotating light by sequentially emitting light in the circumferential direction from the group of LEDs on the illuminated circuit board 751, thereby guiding the light through the light-guiding rib lens 755 and causing the emitted light to rotate.

[0074] Figures 9 and 10 show electrical block diagrams when either the first or second decorative devices 91 and 92 described above are selectively connected to the upper display device 7 or the first extended display device 81. As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 60 of the first extended display device 81 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 60a, storage units such as ROM 60b and RAM 60c, and I / O 60d. The control unit 60 is connected to the I / F unit 50e of the upper display device 7 via the I / F unit 60e and connecting cable C2 shown in the figure, and receives control signals from the upper display device 7. The portion of the connecting cable C2 shown in the figure is an electrical connection structure that electrically connects the first extended display device 81 and the upper display device 7, but it may also be configured to include an electrical connector or the like, corresponding to the mechanical connection position (the inclined portion 48a, 42a in Figure 7(a)) that detachably connects the two devices 81 and 7.

[0075] The control unit 60 is connected to the I / F unit 60e, as well as the extended display unit 61 and the LED group of the extended lamp unit 45L~48Lb. Based on the control signal received from the call display device 3 via the upper display device 7, the control unit controls the extended lamp unit 45L~48Lb, etc., to achieve a predetermined illumination pattern according to the game status of the corresponding gaming machine 1.

[0076] The control unit 910 of the first decorative device 91 shown in Figure 9 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 91a, ROM 91b, RAM 91c, I / O 91d, etc. The control unit 910 is connected to the I / F unit 60e of the first extended display device 81 via the I / F unit 91e and connecting cable C3 shown in the figure, and receives control signals from the call display device 3 via the upper display device 7 and the first extended display device 81. The portion of the connecting cable C3 shown in the figure is an electrical connection structure that electrically connects the first decorative device 91 and the first extended display device 81, but it may also be configured to include an electrical connector or the like, corresponding to the mechanical connection position of both devices 91 and 81 (the first position in Figure 7(a)).

[0077] The control unit 910 is connected to the I / F unit 91e, as well as the light-emitting regions 71a and 71b of the first housing unit 71 and the LED group of the light-emitting decorative unit 75. Based on control signals received via the first extended display device 81, the control unit controls each LED group (light-emitting regions 71a and 71b and the light-emitting decorative unit 75) to achieve a predetermined first light-emitting mode or special light-emitting mode according to the game status of the corresponding gaming machine 1.

[0078] In contrast, the control unit 920 of the second decorative device 92 shown in Figure 10 is mainly composed of a microcomputer having a CPU 92a, ROM 92b, RAM 92c, I / O 92d, etc. The control unit 920 is connected to the I / F unit 60e of the first extended display device 81 via the I / F unit 92e and connecting cable C4 shown in the figure, and receives control signals from the call display device 3 via the upper display device 7 and the first extended display device 81. The portion of the connecting cable C4 shown in the figure is an electrical connection structure that electrically connects the second decorative device 92 and the first extended display device 81, but it may also be configured to include an electrical connector or the like, corresponding to the mechanical connection positions of both devices 92 and 81 (such as the first position in Figure 8 or the second position in Figure 15(c)).

[0079] The control unit 920 is connected to the I / F unit 92e, as well as the LED groups of the light-emitting regions 72a and 72b of the second housing unit 72 and the decorative lamp section 45L' to 48Lb'. Based on the control signals received via the first extended display device 81, the control unit 920 controls each LED group (light-emitting regions 72a and 72b and decorative lamp section 45L' to 48Lb') to achieve a predetermined second light-emitting pattern or a different light-emitting pattern depending on the game status of the corresponding gaming machine 1. Furthermore, the control signals received by the control units 910 and 920 of each decorative device 91 and 92 include information regarding the control of each light emission mode and information regarding the game state of the game machine 1 (these information are referred to as decorative game information).

[0080] Thus, the game information display device 10 controls the light emission patterns of the upper display device 7, the extended display device 81, and the decorative device 91 or 92, respectively, using control units 50, 60, 910, or 920 as control means. More specifically, for example, the various controls of the first decorative device 91 are performed in cooperation with the control unit 910 of the device 91 and the control unit 60 of the first extended display device 81, but the configuration may also be such that the controls are performed by the former control unit 910 alone or by the latter control unit 60 alone. Similarly, the various controls of the second decorative device 92 are performed in cooperation with the control unit 920 of the device 92 and the control unit 60 of the first extended display device 81, but the configuration may also be such that the controls are performed by the former control unit 920 alone or by the latter control unit 60 alone.

[0081] In the following, the operation of the above configuration will be explained in three parts: "1. First light emission mode and special light emission mode in the first decorative device," "2. Second light emission mode and other light emission modes in the second decorative device," and "3. Light emission mode in the annular lamp section (including the extended lamp section and decorative lamp section)." Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity in the following explanation, the control units for each device 7, 81, 91, and 92 in the game information display device 10 will be the corresponding control units 50, 60, 910, and 920, but these may be changed as appropriate as described above.

[0082] (1. First light emission mode and special light emission mode in the first decorative device) As shown in Figure 7(a), the game information display device 10 consists of an upper display device 7 and a first extended display device 81 and a first decorative device 91 connected thereto.

[0083] In this case, when the gaming machine 1 is controlled to a normal state, the control unit 910 of the first decorative device 91 controls the first housing unit 71 to emit light as a predetermined first light emission mode, and the light-emitting decorative unit 75 to not emit light. In other words, when the first decorative device 91 determines that the game state of the game machine 1 is in a normal state, it controls the first lighting mode such that a part of the first housing section 71, for example the upper half of the light-emitting area 71a (lucky trigger), lights up and the light-emitting decorative section 75 turns off. In this way, the light-emitting decorative section 75 does not light up when the game machine 1 is in a normal state, but lights up when a specific lighting condition is met (for example, when a special game state is identified).

[0084] When the gaming machine 1 is controlled to a special game state, the first housing section 71 and the light-emitting decorative section 75 are controlled to a special light-emitting mode different from the first light-emitting mode. For example, when the first decorative device 91 determines that the game state of the game machine 1 is a high-probability state, it lights up the upper half of the first housing unit 71a (lucky trigger) while flashing the lower half of the light-emitting unit 71b (activation), and also lights up the light-emitting decorative unit 75 in a manner that imitates a so-called police light, as shown in Figure 7(b), to notify the player with a special light emission pattern. In this case, the lower half of the light-emitting area 71b may be lit and the upper half of the light-emitting area 71a may be blinked. Alternatively, the entire first decorative device 91 (including the light-emitting areas 71a, 71b and the light-emitting decorative part 75) may be lit and blinked, or it may be made to emit light in a different display color than the first light-emitting mode, or the respective light-emitting points (light-emitting positions) in the light-emitting areas 71a, 71b and the light-emitting decorative part 75 may be moved, and the speed of movement or the lighting speed may be different from that of the first light-emitting mode. Furthermore, the decorative section 71c surrounding the first housing section 71 can also be made to light up in accordance with the light-emitting sections 71a and 71b by forming it using a light guide plate or the like. In any case, the way the first decorative device 91 lights up allows the special gameplay of the gaming machine 1 to be highlighted by the light-emitting sections 71a and 71b corresponding to the higher probability states of the "lucky trigger" and "activation," as well as the light-emitting decorative section 75 that mimics a police light.

[0085] (2. Second light emission mode and other light emission modes in the second decorative device) As shown in Figure 8, the game information display device 10 consists of an upper display device 7 and a first extended display device 81 and a second decorative device 92 connected thereto.

[0086] When the gaming machine 1 is controlled to its normal state, the control unit 910 of the second decorative device 92 controls the second housing unit 72 to emit light in a predetermined second light emission mode. In other words, when the second decorative device 92 determines that the game state of the game machine 1 is in the normal state, it is controlled to a second light emission mode in which, for example, all of the light emission areas 72a and 72b of the second housing unit 72 (lucky trigger activation) are lit up.

[0087] On the other hand, when the gaming machine 1 is controlled to enter a special game state, the second housing unit 72 is controlled to emit light in a different light emission mode than the second light emission mode. For example, in the second decorative device 92, when it is determined that the game state of the game machine 1 is a higher probability state, all of the light-emitting areas 72a and 72b of the second housing section are flashed, or they are illuminated in a different display color than the light-emitting pattern in the normal state to provide notification. Alternatively, the light-emitting positions of each of the decorative lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb' described below may be moved, and their movement speed and illumination speed may be made different from the second light-emitting pattern. Furthermore, in the decorative devices 91 and 92, the lighting pattern when a higher probability state is identified only needs to be controlled to include the period during which the player is controlled to that higher probability state. For example, the lighting pattern can be controlled to the point when the player is controlled to the higher probability state or for the entire period during which the player is controlled to the higher probability state. In any case, the lighting patterns of the decorative devices 91 and 92 can be used to appeal to the special gameplay by displaying the words "Lucky Trigger" and "Activate" or the illuminated decorative section 75, etc., corresponding to the higher probability state.

[0088] (3. Light emission patterns in the annular lamp section (including the extended lamp section and decorative lamp section)) As shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8, the game information display device 10 includes the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb of the upper display device 7, as well as the extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb of the first extended display device 81, or the decorative lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb' of the second decorative device 92.

[0089] The light emission patterns of the lamp section 41L~44Lb, the extended lamp section 45L~48Lb, and the decorative lamp section 45L'~48Lb' in the game information display device 10 will also be explained. Furthermore, the extended lamp sections 45L~48Lb and decorative lamp sections 45L'~48Lb' shown in Figures 7 and 8 form an annular shape as a whole, similar to the lamp sections 41L~44Lb, and are also simply referred to as "lamp sections 45L~48Lb, 45L'~48Lb'".

[0090] First, as shown in Figure 4(a), if neither the extended display device 8 nor the decorative device 9 is provided on the upper display device 7, the control unit 50 controls the lamp units 41L to 44Lb to the following individual light emission modes. In other words, when the upper display device 7 is installed alone, there are two modes of illumination: one in which all of the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb are constantly illuminated, and another in which the unlit areas (or specific display colors) in the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb are illuminated in a flowing manner around the light-emitting region 41L to 44Lb indicated by the symbol. The display of the light flow is performed by using the areas of the lamp section 41L to 44Lb other than the off areas (or specific display colors) as light-emitting areas (or other display colors), and by turning off (or emitting with a specific display color) a part of the light-emitting area indicated by the reference numerals 41L to 44Lb so that the off areas (or specific display colors) move around the light-emitting area.

[0091] In contrast, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when the upper display device 7 is equipped with a first extended display device 81 and a second decorative device 92, the control units 50, 60, and 920 control the respective lamp sections 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, and 45L'~48Lb' to synchronized light emission modes that differ from the individual light emission modes.

[0092] As for the synchronized light emission modes, for example, there is a mode in which all of the lamp sections 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb or 45L'~48Lb' are always illuminated, and a light flow mode in which each of the off-zone areas (or specific display colors) in the lamp sections 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb or 45L'~48Lb' are illuminated in a flowing manner around their respective light-emitting areas. When a pair of lamp sections at the connection point (in Figure 8, the lamp sections 48La, 42La, 47L', 41L or 48Lb, 46Lb' that form a pair at the connection point indicated by the labels "48a, 42a", "47', 41", or "48b, 46b'") are illuminated, one or both of the pair are illuminated. In this synchronized light emission mode, the lamp sections 41L~44Lb and 45L~48Lb shown in Figure 7, or the lamp sections 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, and 45L'~48Lb' shown in Figure 8, are controlled to emit light in a synchronized manner.

[0093] As described above, the linked illumination mode differs from the single illumination mode in that it illuminates not only the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb but also the extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb and the decorative lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb', which are extended or decorated. Furthermore, the linked light emission mode is the normal light emission mode (corresponding to the first and second light emission modes) when either the first extended display device 81 or the second decorative device 92 is connected to the upper display device 7. When the specific light emission conditions or predetermined game conditions are met, the lamp units 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, and 45L'~48Lb' are controlled to a special light emission mode.

[0094] Here, as predetermined game conditions, for example, conditions that are met by game information that can be identified by game signals, or conditions that are met by game environments other than game signals, may be set. Conditions that are met by game information include, for example, when a special prize is awarded on the corresponding game machine 1, or when a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the corresponding game machine 1 entered a non-operational state. Conditions that are met by the game environment other than game signals include, for example, when a predetermined time set by the administrator (management device 6) is reached, or when the administrator instructs the machine to enter a special lighting mode. In any case, the predetermined game conditions may include specific lighting conditions that are met when the corresponding game machine 1 is controlled to a special game state.

[0095] Thus, the special light emission mode is a special light emission mode that is different from the linked light emission mode in at least one of the first extended display device 81 and the second decorative device 92 and the upper display device 7, and the lamp sections 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, 45L'~48Lb' can be controlled to accommodate the special light emission mode in the light-emitting decorative section 75, etc. For example, in the game information display device 10 shown in Figure 7(b), the extended lamp section 45L~48Lb of the first extended display device 81 and the lamp section 41L~44Lb of the upper display device 7 are illuminated in a figure-eight pattern (see Figure 11). It is also possible to illuminate the decorative lamp section 45L'~48Lb' of the second decorative device 92, shown by the dashed line in Figure 11, and the lamp section 41L~44Lb of the upper display device 7 (or the extended lamp section 45L~48Lb of the first extended display device 81) in a figure-eight pattern.

[0096] In this case, the control unit 50 of the upper display device 7 communicates with the control unit 60 of the first extended display device 81 or the control unit 920 of the second decorative device 92, and controls the lamp units 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb or 45L'~48Lb' in cooperation with the control unit 60 or 920. Next, an example of a special light emission pattern between the lamp section 45L~48Lb of the first extended display device 81 and the lamp section 41L~44Lb of the upper display device 7, which can also be used for the special light emission patterns of the game information display device 10 shown in Figure 7(b), will be explained with reference to Figure 11.

[0097] As indicated by the arrows in Figure 11(a), in the lamp section 41L of the upper display device 7, a portion of the light-emitting area is sequentially illuminated so that the light-emitting location (position) moves from the right end to the left end of the LED group. Next, in the lamp section 42La connected to the lamp section 41L, a portion of the light-emitting area is sequentially illuminated so that the light-emitting position moves from the upper right end to the lower left end of the LED group. Furthermore, in the lamp section 47L of the first extended display device 81 connected to the lamp section 42La of the upper display device 7, a portion of the light-emitting area is sequentially illuminated so that the light-emitting position moves from the right end to the left end of the group of LEDs. The light emission in these lamp sections 41L, 42La, and 47L is achieved by sequentially lighting up some of the LEDs in order to move the light emission position according to the arrangement of the respective LED groups, and a portion of the light emission area is sequentially illuminated in the direction of the arrows that follow the order of the reference numerals 41L, 42La, and 47L.

[0098] Next, similarly in Figure 11(b), in the lamp sections 46Lb, 46La, and 45L of the first extended display device 81, some of the LEDs are sequentially lit so that the light-emitting position moves in the order of the arrangement of each LED group. In this case, a portion of the light-emitting area is sequentially illuminated in the direction of the arrows that follow the order of the reference numerals 46Lb, 46La, and 45L.

[0099] Furthermore, in Figure 11(c), in the lamp sections 48Lb and 48La of the first extended display device 81 and the lamp section 42Lb of the upper display device 7, some LEDs are sequentially lit so that the light-emitting position moves according to the arrangement of the respective LED groups. In this case, a portion of the light-emitting area is sequentially illuminated in the direction of the arrows that propagate in the order of reference numerals 48Lb, 48La, and 42Lb.

[0100] Furthermore, in Figure 11(d), in the lamp sections 43L, 44La, and 44Lb of the upper display device 7, some LEDs are sequentially lit so that the light-emitting position moves in the order of the arrangement of each LED group. In this case, a portion of the light-emitting area lights up sequentially in the direction of the arrows that follow the order of the reference numerals 43L, 44La, and 44Lb, and when it completes a full circle (when the light-emitting position moves to the upper end of the lamp section 44Lb), it moves again from the right end to the left end of the lamp section 41L (returning to Figure 11(a)).

[0101] Thus, the special light emission mode is a visual display using the movement of the light emission position (light flow) indicated by the arrows in Figures 11(a) to (d). The light emission area of ​​the annular lamp section 41L to 44Lb on the upper display device 7 and the light emission area of ​​the annular lamp section 45L to 48Lb on the first extended display device 81 are connected at the aforementioned connection point. The light emission position in these light emission areas moves to sequentially illuminate parts of the light emission area in a figure-eight shape, and the light flow shown in Figures 11(a) to (d) is repeated when predetermined game conditions are met. Therefore, the display of the light flow involves repeatedly moving the light emission position in the order of 41L→42La→47L→46Lb→46La→45L→48Lb→48La→42Lb→43L→44La→44Lb in the same figure.

[0102] Instead of the special light emission mode shown in Figure 11 above, the special light emission mode shown in Figure 12 or Figure 13 may be used. In both Figures 12 and 13, the special light emission modes are configured such that the light emission areas of lamp sections 41L to 44Lb in the upper display device 7 and the light emission areas of lamp sections 45L to 48Lb in the first extended display device 81 are connected at the aforementioned connection point. The modes are configured to sequentially emit light from a portion of the light emission area so that the light emission position moves from the light emission area of ​​lamp sections 41L to 44Lb towards the light emission area of ​​lamp sections 45L to 48Lb, or from the light emission area of ​​lamp sections 45L to 48Lb towards the light emission area of ​​lamp sections 41L to 44Lb.

[0103] In detail, as shown by the thick lines in Figure 12(a), the lamp section 41L to 44Lb of the upper display device 7 illuminates all of its surrounding LED group (light-emitting area), while the lamp section 45L to 48Lb of the first extended display device 81 turns off all of its surrounding LED group (light-emitting area). Subsequently, as shown by the thick line in Figure 12(b), all of the LEDs in the lamp section 41L to 44Lb of the upper display device 7 are turned off, while all of the LEDs in the lamp section 45L to 48Lb of the first extended display device 81 are made to light up. As described above, the special illumination mode in Figure 12 causes the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb of the upper display device 7 and the lamp sections 45L to 48Lb of the first extended display device 81 to light up alternately at relatively short time intervals (repeating the illumination states of Figures (a) and (b)), thereby sequentially illuminating the respective light-emitting regions between the two devices 7 and 81 when predetermined game conditions are met.

[0104] On the other hand, in the special light emission mode shown in Figure 13, a portion of the light emission area is sequentially illuminated, starting from one end of either the lamp section 41L~44Lb of the upper display device 7 or the lamp section 45L~48Lb of the first extended display device 81, so that the light propagates to the other end. That is, for example, as shown by the arrow in Figure 13(a), in the first extended display device 81, starting from the left end of the lamp section 45L or the upper right end of the lamp section 46La which is the leading edge, the light-emitting position moves from the left end to the right end of the lamp section 45L, and also moves from the upper right end to the lower left end of the lamp section 46La, so that a portion of each light-emitting area (a portion of the LEDs in each lamp section 45L, 46La) is sequentially illuminated.

[0105] Next, in the lamp section 48Lb connected to lamp section 45L, the light-emitting position moves from its upper left end to its lower right end, and in the lamp section 46Lb connected to lamp section 46La, a portion of the respective light-emitting area (a portion of the LEDs in each lamp section 48Lb, 46Lb) is sequentially illuminated so that the light-emitting position moves from its upper left end to its lower right end.

[0106] Next, similarly in Figure 13(b), the light-emitting position moves in the direction of the arrows that propagate from the lamp sections 41L, 44Lb, and 44La of the upper display device 7, and also moves in the direction of the arrows that propagate from the lamp section 47L of the first extended display device 81 and the lamp sections 42Lb and 43L of the upper display device 7, by sequentially illuminating a portion of each light-emitting area (each LED in lamp sections 41L, 44Lb, 44La and 47L, 42Lb, and 43L). As described above, the special light emission mode in Figure 13 sequentially emits light in a portion of each light emission area so that the light emission position moves from the starting point of the arrows of the lamp sections 45L to 48Lb of the first extended display device 81 shown in (a) toward the ending point of the arrows of the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb of the upper display device 7 shown in (b) when predetermined game conditions are met (the series of light flows in Figures (a) and (b) are repeated).

[0107] The special light emission patterns shown in Figures 11 to 13 above are not limited to the lamp sections 45L to 48Lb of the first extended display device 81 and the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb of the upper display device 7, but can also be performed similarly between the lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb' of the second decorative device 92, indicated by the dashed line in the same figure, and the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb of the upper display device 7 (or the extended lamp sections 45L to 48Lb of the first extended display device 81).

[0108] The control device 6 sets whether or not the first extended display device 81 (or the second extended display device 82 shown in Figures 16(b) and 16(c) described later) is connected to the upper display device 7, and the control unit 50 of the upper display device 7 receives the set information (connection setting information) to control the light emission pattern as described above. Here, for example, if the setting information indicates that the first and second extended display devices 81 and 82 are connected, but the first and second extended display devices 81 and 82 are not actually connected, there is a risk that the lights cannot be controlled to a normal emission mode. Therefore, the lights are controlled to an individual emission mode rather than an interlocked emission mode. Also, in this case, even if the control unit 50 of the upper display device 7 controls the lamp units 41L to 44Lb to an individual emission mode, if the first and second extended display devices 81 and 82 are actually connected afterward, the lamp units 41L to 44Lb, 45L to 48Lb, and 45L' to 48Lb' are controlled to an interlocked emission mode.

[0109] This means that, in the case where the upper display device 7 receives setting information from the control unit 50 and the I / F unit 50e (receiving means) indicating that the first extended display device 81 and the second extended display device 82 are connected, but the sensors 550~552 do not detect either the first or second extended display devices 81 or 82 (see Figures 3 and 4(a)), the device is controlled to a single-light emission mode instead of being controlled to an interlocked light emission mode.

[0110] Figure 14(a) shows the display screen that is shown on the monitor 6a of the management device 6 when setting the configuration information related to the connection and the configuration information related to extended game information. As shown in the figure, the setting information display screen is provided with a selection button to indicate whether the "extended display device" 8 is connected to the upper display device 7, and also with selection buttons for the "number of jackpots" and the "ranking" as "display information" (extended game information) of the extended display unit 61.

[0111] As a result, on the display screen, when input operations are performed on the management device 6, if the connection of the "extended display device" 8 is selected as "yes", the content displayed on the extended display unit 61 will be set to either "number of big wins" or "ranking". Furthermore, the "number of big wins" can be arbitrarily set using the "BB" and "AT" buttons, and the "ranking" can be arbitrarily set using the button for setting the rank.

[0112] Furthermore, the display of any extended game information can be arbitrarily set, including whether the "extended display device" 8 is connected ("none" or "enabled"), by rental price, by gaming island, by machine type, etc. (In the item fields not shown, the target of the settings for the gaming facility can be set to any range, such as by machine type). Thus, the various setting information set in the management device 6, in the example shown in the figure, includes information that the "extension display device" 8 is connected and that the extended game information is "ranking," and is transmitted to each upper display device 7 (game information display device 10). In the example shown in the figure, the connection status of the first and second extension display devices 81 and 82 is set collectively as the "extension display device" 8, but it is also possible to configure it so that the connection status of these devices is set individually.

[0113] In any case, if the first and second extended display devices 81 and 82 are not connected despite being set to be controlled to the aforementioned linked light emission mode, it becomes impossible to display the effects in an appropriate light emission mode. Therefore, when the upper display device 7 receives such setting information (setting information indicating that each extended display device 81 and 82 is connected) and does not detect the connection of either of the extended display devices 81 and 82 by sensors 550 to 552, for example, it can control to a single light emission mode to suitably display light flow effects and the like.

[0114] Figure 14(b) shows the display screen that is shown on the monitor 6a of the management device 6 when setting the setting information related to decorative game information for the decorative device 9. As shown in the figure, the display screen for setting information is provided with selection buttons for "none" and "yes" for "high-level probability variation" related to the upper display device 7, as well as detailed setting items such as selection buttons for "first" and "second" decorative devices 91 and 92.

[0115] As a result, when the control device 6 performs an input operation on the display screen, if "None" is selected for higher probability mode, the system will be set to be unable to support special game states such as higher probability mode, and subsequent setting items will be deactivated, making it impossible to set them. In contrast, if the option "Yes" for higher probability mode is selected, the system is set to support special game states, and the subsequent setting items are activated, allowing for further settings. For detailed setting items, it is possible to selectively set whether to connect the "first" or "second" decorative device 91 or 92 to the upper display device 7. Although not shown in the diagram, special light emission patterns may also be set separately for the decorative devices 91 and 92. For example, regarding the control of the light emission patterns of the housing sections 71 and 72, the light-emitting decorative section 75, and the decorative lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb' of the decorative devices 91 and 92 (regarding decorative game information), each light emission pattern may be set individually.

[0116] Furthermore, since the decorative devices 91 and 92 are detected by sensors 551 and 552 when connected to the upper display device 7, they can, like the extended display device 8, be controlled to achieve the desired illumination pattern according to the detection results of sensors 551 and 552 and the settings of the decorative game information. Also, the decorative game information in Figure 14(b) can be set arbitrarily for each game island, each machine, etc., similar to the extended game information in (a).

[0117] As described above, the game information display device 10 of this embodiment controls the decorative device 9, which has decorative properties, in a special light emission pattern when the game machine 1 is controlled to a special game state. This allows the occurrence of a special game state to be notified to players in the game hall, and the special gameplay can be appropriately promoted. For example, even in a decorative device 92 that does not have a light-emitting decorative part 75 and is not expected to have high decorative appeal, the light emission pattern is controlled to differ depending on whether or not a special game state is in progress. This allows the occurrence of a special game state to be notified to players in the game hall, and the special gameplay can be appropriately promoted.

[0118] The luminous decorative unit 75 does not use any components that constitute a rotating mechanism such as a motor, but instead uses a light guide member such as a light guide rib lens 755 to guide and emit light, which is controlled to rotate. As a result, the upper display device 7, which is located above the call display device 3, is made lighter and space-saving, and the unusual luminous pattern can notify players in the game hall of the occurrence of a special game state, thereby appropriately appealing to the special gameplay.

[0119] The control unit 910 illuminates at least one portion of the multiple light-emitting regions 71a, 71b in the first housing unit 71 (for example, the upper half of the light-emitting region 71a), blinks the other portion (for example, the lower half of the light-emitting region 71b), and also illuminates the light-emitting decorative unit 75. This allows for individual control of the light-emitting patterns in accordance with the medium 73 housed in the first housing unit 71 (for example, a display medium indicating a special game state or its trigger, as shown in Figure 5(a)), and in combination with the light-emitting patterns of the light-emitting decorative unit 75, it is possible to effectively appeal to the special game state or gameplay.

[0120] The first decorative device 91 has a light-emitting decorative section 75, which makes it more decorative than the second decorative device 92. Since the second decorative device 92, which does not offer such decorative appeal, and the first decorative device 91, which offers high decorative appeal, can be selectively connected to the upper display device 7, the choice of which to connect can be made according to the needs of the corresponding gaming machine 1 or the cost consciousness of the gaming hall, thereby providing operation that conforms to the policies of the gaming hall. The method for connecting the decorative device 9 and the extended display device 8 to the upper display device 7 will be explained in detail in the following second embodiment.

[0121] <Other Embodiments> Figures 15 to 18 show the second and third embodiments of the present invention. The following sections will focus on supplementing the embodiments described above, or on points that substantially differ from the embodiments described above.

[0122] Figures 15(a)(b) and (c)(d) show the second extended display device 82 (or second decorative device 92) of this second embodiment connected to the first and second positions, respectively, indicated by dashed lines. Figures 16(a) and (b)(c) show the first extended display device 81 and the second extended display device 82 of this second embodiment.

[0123] As shown in Figure 16(a), the extended display unit 61 of the first extended display device 81 is provided with a lower display unit 61a and an upper display unit 61b, which are located below and above the 7-segment display unit and have LEDs that illuminate to display the words "Ranking" and "Big Win," respectively. As a result, the extended display unit 61 can display the type of extended game information on the lower display unit 61a and the upper display unit 61b, depending on whether it is the "ranking" or the "number of big wins" (see Figure 14(a)) set in the management device 6. Furthermore, when the extended display unit 61 uses a liquid crystal display unit instead of the 7-segment display unit or the upper and lower display units 61a and 61b, it is configured to reproduce a display similar to the display including those upper and lower display units 61a and 61b, so that "Ranking No. 1" and "Big Win 128" as shown in Figure (a) can be switched as liquid crystal displays according to the settings.

[0124] The second extended display device 82 shown in Figure 16(b) is formed in the same way as the first extended display device 81 in Figure 16(a) or the second decorative device 92 in Figure 5(b), being a relatively thin plate that forms a honeycomb shape when viewed from the front, with the lengths L2 of each side 45' to 48b' on its outer periphery being the same. The second extended display device 82 has a housing section 63 on its main surface, and extended lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb' are provided on its outer periphery 45' to 48b'. The storage unit 63 is capable of accommodating a medium 64 that displays predetermined game information as extended game information. The storage unit 63 has a transparent POP cover on its surface, and as shown in Figure 16(b), it accommodates a POP medium 64 that, for example, represents the type of the corresponding game machine 1, "Pachinko," or the rental rate, "4 yen," by inserting it into the POP cover. This POP medium 64 displays extended game information that is different from the content displayed on the display units 51 and 52 of the upper display device 7. Instead of POP media 64, a POP medium 65 may be used, for example, as shown in Figure 16(c), to indicate that the amusement arcade has grand opened, or to display other announcements from the amusement arcade.

[0125] As shown in Figures 16(b) and 16(c), the extended lamp section 45L' to 48Lb' of the second extended display device 82 is configured as an illumination section combining a prism section 62' and an LED group substrate, similar to the decorative lamp section 45L' to 48Lb' of the second decorative device 92. The control unit (not shown) of the second extended display device 82 receives the control signal from the upper display device 7, and in the extended lamp section 45L'~48Lb', it can perform a light flow-related display similar to that of the decorative lamp section 45L'~48Lb'.

[0126] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15(a) to (d) and Figure 16(b), for example, the outer periphery 45', 46b', 47', 48b' of the second extended display device 82 is designated as a mounting portion, and is detachably attached to and connected to the mounting portion of the upper display device 7 or the first extended display device 81 at the first or second position.

[0127] That is, as shown in Figures 15(a) and (b), the first position of this second embodiment is located in a position that includes the upper edge 41 and the right edge 44b of the upper display device 7, and is set in an upper position that extends clockwise from the first extended display device 81 to the base 7b. In this case, the second extended display device 82 has the portion indicated by reference numerals 46b' and 47' in Figures 15(a) and (b) as the mounting portion, and is mounted on the outer periphery (mounting portion) of the upper display device 7 or the first extended display device 81. As shown in Figures 15(c) and (d), the second position in this second embodiment is located in a position that includes the lower edge 43 and the left edge 42b of the upper display device 7, and is set in a lower position that extends counterclockwise from the first extended display device 81 to the base 7b. In this case, the second extended display device 82 has the parts indicated by reference numerals 45' and 48b' in Figures 15(c) and (d) as the mounting parts, and is mounted on the outer periphery of the upper display device 7 or the first extended display device 81. The sensors 551 and 552 are positioned to detect the second extended display device 82 as shown in Figures 15(a) to (d). Thus, even if the second extended display device 82 is not adjacent to the first extended display device 81 on the upper display device 7, by setting the first and second positions to have relatively different vertical heights (see Figures 11(b) and 11(d)), it can be connected to any of these positions and display extended game information with good visibility.

[0128] The connection method for the first and second extended display devices 81 and 82 described above in the upper display device 7 will be explained using Figures 15(a) to (d) as an example. First, as shown in Figure 15(a), the first extended display device 81 is mounted on the upper display device 7. In this case, the first extended display device 81 is mounted and connected such that its outer periphery 48a is aligned with the outer periphery 42a of the upper display device 7. At this connection position, a mechanical connection is ensured between the upper display device 7 and the first extended display device 81 at the outer peripheries 42a and 48a (by the mounting portion and the mounted portion), and an electrical connection is made by the connection cable C2 (see Figure 10). Furthermore, the mounting of the first extended display device 81 is detected by the sensor 550 on the upper display device 7.

[0129] Furthermore, the second extended display device 82, like the second decorative device 92 (see Figures 8 and 15(a)), can be selectively connected to either the first position in Figures 15(a) and 15(b) or the second position in Figures 15(c) and 15(d), which are different from the connection position of the first extended display device 81, and which result in a different relative positional relationship between the two extended display devices 81 and 82 on the upper display device 7.

[0130] For example, the first position shown in Figure 15(a) is located slightly to the left of the upper edge 41 of the upper display device 7, and the second extended display device 82 is mounted and connected to it by aligning its outer periphery 47' with the outer periphery 47' of the second extended display device 82 (or by aligning the outer periphery 46b' of the second extended display device 82 with the outer periphery 48b of the first extended display device 81). In this first position, a mechanical connection (between the mounting portion and the mounted portion) is ensured between the upper display device 7 and the second extended display device 82 at the outer periphery portions 41 and 47'. In this case, since the outer periphery portion 46b' of the second extended display device 82 is adjacent to and relatively above the outer periphery portion 48b of the first extended display device 81, a mechanical connection (as mounting portion and mounted portion) is possible at these outer periphery portions 46b' and 48b. The mounting of the second extended display device 82 is detected by the sensor 551 in the upper display device 7. Although not shown in the diagram, the electrical connection between the upper display device 7 and the second extended display device 82 may be made directly by the connecting cable that connects the devices 7 and 82, or it may be made indirectly via the first extended display device 81.

[0131] In contrast, the second position shown in Figure 15(c), for example, is located near the upper part of the lower inclined portion 42b of the upper display device 7, and the second extended display device 82 is mounted and connected to it by aligning its outer periphery 48b' with the outer periphery 48b' of the second extended display device 82 (or by aligning its outer periphery 45' with the outer periphery 47 of the first extended display device 81). In this second position, a mechanical connection (between the mounting portion and the mounted portion) is ensured between the upper display device 7 and the second extended display device 82 at the outer periphery portions 42b and 48b', and an electrical connection is made by the connecting cable. In this case, since the outer periphery portion 45' of the second extended display device 82 is adjacent to and relatively lower than the outer periphery portion 47 of the first extended display device 81, mechanical and electrical connections (as mounting portion and mounted portion) are possible at these outer periphery portions 45' and 47. The mounting of the second extended display device 82 is detected by the sensor 552 in the upper display device 7.

[0132] Furthermore, the first and second extended display devices 81 and 82 described above only need to have the function of displaying extended game information on the 7-segment display unit, liquid crystal display unit, and storage unit 63, and the respective casings may be shared in whole or in part, or different casings may be used. As described above, the game information display device 10 of this second embodiment can connect a first extended display device 81 equipped with at least one of a liquid crystal display unit and a 7-segment display unit, and a second extended display device 82 equipped with a storage unit 63 capable of accommodating POP media 64, 65 to the upper display device 7. The second extended display device 82 is connected to a first or second position different from the connection position of the first extended display device 81 (see Figures 15(a) to (d)). As a result, not only extended game information from the first extended display device 81 but also extended game information such as announcements from the game hall from the second extended display device 82 can be displayed at different positions (arbitrary positions such as the first or second position). This makes all game information easy for players to see, and provides a highly visible information display device 10.

[0133] The second extended display device 82 can be connected to both devices 7 and 81 by having a different vertical position: a first position adjacent to and relatively above the first extended display device 81 on the upper display device 7, and a second position adjacent to and relatively below the first extended display device 81.

[0134] Furthermore, as indicated by the reference numeral "82 (or 92)" in Figures 15(a) to (d), it is of course possible to connect the second decorative device 92 to the first or second position in the same figure instead of the second extended display device 82, and the second extended display device 82 or the second decorative device 92 may be controlled to emit light in a manner corresponding to the special light emission mode described in Figures 11 to 13 or the second light emission mode described in Figure 8. In any case, the presence or absence of the first extended display device 81 and the second extended display device 81 or the second decorative device 92 allows for control to different light emission patterns, and even when the display area for game information is increased, it becomes possible to display effects with unprecedented light emission patterns (for example, light flow effects) depending on the configuration of the display devices 7, 81, 82, or 92. Furthermore, when predetermined game conditions or specific light emission conditions are met, the light emission means of those display devices 7, 81, 82, or 92 (for example, the lamp parts 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, 45L'~48Lb' on the outer periphery of each) are controlled to a special light emission pattern, so that effects with a special feeling due to the increased display area for game information can be displayed, and unprecedented light effect patterns can be realized depending on the configuration of the display devices 7, 81, 82, or 92.

[0135] Furthermore, as a special light emission mode (or depending on the special light emission mode), the light emission position is moved so that the light flows in a figure-eight shape between the three display devices 7, 81, 82, or 92. This allows for unprecedented light flow effects depending on the configuration of the display devices 7, 81, 82, or 92, such as displaying a figure-eight light flow effect across the two display devices 7, 81, or 92 shown in Figure 11.

[0136] Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view showing the game information display device 10 and its surroundings in the third embodiment, and assumes that the extension member 110 shown in Figure 18 is used. Figures 18(a) and (b) are schematic side view and perspective view showing the extension member 110, and (c) is a front view of the entire game information display device 10 with the extension member 110 interposed.

[0137] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the game information display device 10 can have an extension member 110 detachably interposed between the mounting portion 7c of its upper display device 7 and the mounting base 100a of the game island 100. Specifically, the extension member 110 is, for example, a plate-shaped structure that extends vertically as a whole, and has a flange-shaped mounting member 111 positioned at its lower end (see Figures 18(a) and 18(b)). Furthermore, for example, a screw hole is formed in the mounting member 111, and the extension member 110 is attached and fixed by inserting a screw (not shown) through it and screwing it into the mounting seat 100a of the game island 100 (see Figure 17).

[0138] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 18(a) to (c), the upper end of the extension member 110 is a mounting portion 112, and the upper display device 7 is attached and fixed to the extension member 110 by screwing a screw (not shown) inserted through the mounting portion 7c of the upper display device 7 into the mounting portion 112. Thus, when installing the upper display device 7, if an extension member 110 is interposed between its mounting portion 7c and the mounting base 100a of the game island 100, the extension member 110 extends in a substantially vertical direction, allowing the upper display device 7 to be installed in such a manner that it extends the height of the mounting portion 7c and, consequently, the height of the entire game information display device 10 (see Figures 17 and 18(c)). In this way, by installing the upper display device 7 with the extension member 110 interposed, it can be installed at a higher position compared to other upper display devices 7.

[0139] In this case, examples of installation patterns for the game information display device 10 include a first pattern in which the upper display device 7 is attached via an extension member 110 and the second decorative device 92 (or second extended display device 82) is connected to the first position, as shown in Figure 18(c), and a second pattern in which the upper display device 7 is attached without an extension member 110 and the second decorative device 92 (or second extended display device 82) is connected to the second position, as shown in Figure 15(c).

[0140] As shown in Figure 17, in the game island 100, one adjacent game information display device 10 and the other adjacent game information display device 10 are installed with an extension member 110 interposed between them in the vertical direction (for example, as shown in the back of the figure in the first pattern), while the other is installed without an extension member 110 interposed between them (for example, as shown in the front of the figure in the second pattern). This arrangement pattern allows for the expansion of the display area of ​​each adjacent game information display device 10 using the extension display devices 81 and 82, without hindering the visibility of each display area.

[0141] As described above, the game information display device 10 of this third embodiment has an extension member 110, which acts as an extension part, that allows the upper display device 7 to be positioned higher. Therefore, even in a game hall where multiple upper display devices 7 are provided, each upper display device 7 can be arranged in a higher position that is relatively easy to see, thus providing a highly visible information display device 10.

[0142] The installation pattern is such that when the upper display device 7 is positioned at the top by connecting the extension part, the second decorative device 92 (or the second extended display device 82 that houses the POP media 64, 65) that houses the POP media 73 is connected to the first position, and when the extension part is not connected, the second decorative device 92 (or the second extended display device 82) is connected to the second position. This allows for a height difference between the upper display device 7 with the extension part connected and the upper display device 7 without the extension part connected, reducing the overlapping area of ​​the two 7, 7, and in particular improving the visibility of the second decorative device 92 (or the second extended display device 82).

[0143] Furthermore, by differentiating the presence or absence of extension parts for adjacent gaming machines 1, the visibility of adjacent upper display devices 7 can be improved. In other words, even if the gaming machines 1 and upper display devices 7 correspond one-to-one on the gaming island 100, and are arranged on the lower and upper sides of the installation surface 100b, an extension member 110 is interposed on one of the adjacent upper display devices 7 (see, for example, the back side in Figure 17), while the other is installed without an extension member 110 (see, for example, the front side in the same figure), thus providing optimal visibility.

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be modified or expanded as follows, or each modification may be combined with the above embodiments, or each modification may be combined. The target gaming machine 1 is assumed to be a sealed-type pachinko gaming machine or a coinless slot machine, but it may also be a pachinko gaming machine or slot machine that uses pachinko balls or tokens.

[0145] The decorative device 9 may be configured to be changeable depending on the special game state. For example, the POP media 73 used in the decorative devices 91 and 92 may contain different display content (display content other than "Lucky Trigger") depending on the special game state, and either the first or second decorative device 91 or 92 can be selectively used, including the display content.

[0146] The extended display device 8 may also serve as the second decorative device 92. For example, since the second extended display device 82 has an external shape including lamp sections 45L'~48Lb' similar to the second decorative device 92, it can be replaced by the second decorative device 92 by making the housing section 63 emitting light. In that case, the extended display device 82 is controlled to a special light emission mode at the location where it can be connected (see the location of reference numeral 82 (or 92) in Figure 15).

[0147] The first and second decorative devices 91 and 92 may be connected simultaneously. In that case, the positions of each decorative device 91 and 92 on the upper display device 7 can be determined as appropriate, and they can be connected indirectly via the extended display device 81 (or directly without going through the first extended display device 81). Furthermore, when connected simultaneously, considering the overall power consumption including the upper display device 7, either the first or second decorative device 91 or 92 may be kept off at all times (turned off by switching to sleep mode during the normal state), or its brightness and light emission pattern may be adjusted or controlled as appropriate according to the game state, including the normal state. As described above, the decorative devices 91 and 92 are controlled via the extended display device 8, but they may also be directly connected to the upper display device 7 and controlled from the upper display device 7. Furthermore, the housings and design parts of the upper display device 7, the extended display device 8, and the decorative devices 9 may be shared and configured as a single unit.

[0148] Figures 4 and 5 show the front view of the game information display device 10, focusing on the front configuration. However, it is also possible to provide the same display configuration on the back side as on the front side by including the display units 51, 52, 61 and the storage units 71, 72, etc. The lamp sections 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, and 45L'~48Lb' are provided on the outer periphery 41~44b, 45~48b, and 45'~48b' of each display device 7, 81, 82, and 92, and the light-emitting decorative section 75 is arranged to emit light around a vertical axis, so that all of them can be seen from both the front and the back.

[0149] Therefore, if the first position as viewed from the front is defined as the upper position on the upper display device 7, extending clockwise from the first extended display device 81 to the base portion 7b (see Figures 15(a) and 15(b)), and the second position is defined as the lower position extending counterclockwise from the first extended display device 81 to the base portion 7b (see Figures 15(c) and 15(d)), then the first and second positions as viewed from the rear are understood as having a positional relationship where the clockwise and counterclockwise directions of those positions are swapped. In any case, the first position and the second position are separate positions that result in different relative positional relationships between the first extended display device 81 and the second extended display device 82 (or the second decorative device 92), and can be set at any position around the upper display device 7.

[0150] Alternatively, for example, the connection position of the second extended display device 82 in Figure 15(a) may be set as the first position, and the connection position of the second extended display device 82 in Figure 15(b) may be set as the second position, or the connection position of the second extended display device 82 in Figure 15(c) may be set as the first position, and the connection position of the second extended display device 82 in Figure 15(d) may be set as the second position. Similarly, when the first and second decorative devices 91 and 92 are connected simultaneously as described above, the respective connection positions may be set appropriately in conjunction with the arrangement of the mounting portion (the base portion 750 in Figure 5(a)) of the first decorative device 91.

[0151] That is, the first and second positions may be set in positions where the second extended display device 82 and the first extended display device 81 (or the second decorative device 91 and the first decorative device 91) are symmetrically positioned on the upper display device 7 in the horizontal or vertical direction (see Figure 15(b) or (c)), and the position of the reference axis of symmetry can be set as appropriate. Furthermore, the first extended display device 81 and the first decorative device 91 shown in Figure 7 can also be configured to be connected (attached) to any location (any location on the outer periphery 41-44b) on the upper display device 7.

[0152] The second extended display device 82 and the second decorative device 92 may omit the lamp sections 45L' to 48Lb', and even in this case, they can still be considered as design elements with aesthetic appeal and decorative qualities, including the POP media 64, 73, etc. If omitted, they may be configured to guide the light from the lamp sections 41L to 44Lb and 45L to 48Lb of the connected upper display device 7 and first extended display device 82. Furthermore, the second extended display device 82 and the second decorative device 92 may be configured to be connectable only to the first extended display device 81. For example, the outer periphery 46b' (mounting portion) of the second extended display device 82 in Figure 15(a) may be configured to be attachable only to the outer periphery 48b (mounting portion) of the first extended display device 81. Even in this case, the connection position (mounting position of the outer periphery 46b', 48b) can be understood as a first position that changes the relative positional relationship between the first extended display device 81 and the second extended display device 82 on the upper display device 7. The second extended display device 82 and the second decorative device 92 may be configured to be indirectly connected to the upper display device 7 via the first extended display device 81, or they may be configured to be directly connected without going through the first extended display device 81.

[0153] For example, Figure 15 shows a configuration in which the first and second extended display devices 81 and 82 can be connected, but it is also possible to connect multiple units of either one. Furthermore, the number of such extended display devices 8 (the number that can be connected) can also be changed as appropriate, for example, to three or more. Similarly, the number of decorative devices 9 can also be changed as appropriate. Regarding the configuration that allows the extended display device 8 and the decorative device 9 to be mechanically connected, it has been explained that the mounting portion is attached to the mounting portion and connected, but various connection methods can be employed. For example, the first decorative device 91 in Figure 7(a) may be connected to the upper portion 41 of the upper display device 7 or the right portion 48b of the first extended display device 81 as an engaging portion by connecting the lower or left side of the base portion 750 of the first decorative device 91 as an engaging portion, or it may be fixed using screws (not shown).

[0154] The extension member 110 only needs to be used to position the upper display device 7 relatively higher when it is interposed during the installation of the upper display device 7, and the dimensions and shape of the extension member 110, the structure of the member to be attached 111, the mounting part 112, etc., may be changed as appropriate. Although not shown in the diagram, multiple types of extension members 110 with different extension lengths may be prepared, and extension members 110 of different lengths may be interposed when installing them on the game island 100 so that one game information display device 10 and the other game information display device 10 adjacent to each other are staggered in the vertical direction.

[0155] As a special light emission mode, the devices 7, 81, and 92 may be illuminated in a figure-eight pattern between them (between the upper display device 7 and the first extended display device 81 in Figures 11 to 13), or the light emission position may be made to move from one display device to the other, or from one display device to the other. However, as another light flow display, the light emission position may be made to flow along the outer perimeter of each device 7, 81, and 92.

[0156] For example, between the upper display device 7 and the first extended display device 81, the light emission position may be made to move in the opposite direction to the arrow direction in Figure 13(b)(a), with the endpoint of the arrow in Figure 13(b) as the starting point and the starting point of the arrow in Figure 13(a) as the ending point. Alternatively, the process of moving the light emission position in the order of reference numerals 41L→48Lb→45L→46La→46Lb→47L→42Lb→43L→44La→44Lb may be repeatedly executed so that the light emission position circles the outer circumference of both devices 7 and 81.

[0157] Furthermore, the display color, brightness, lighting speed (speed of movement of the light-emitting position), and on / off settings may be appropriately designed depending on the light emission mode. For example, in the lamp sections 41L to 48Lb in Figures 11 to 13, the display color of the moving light-emitting position may be set to a specific display color, and the display color of positions other than the said light-emitting position may be set to another display color, so that the specific display color flows in the direction of the arrows in Figures 11 to 13. Furthermore, the lamp sections 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, and 45L'~48Lb' may be configured to display different colors for individual illumination, linked illumination, and special illumination modes. Alternatively, depending on the special illumination mode of the housing sections 71, 72 and the illuminated decorative section 75 of the decorative device 9, they may be illuminated in an illumination mode different from the special illumination mode.

[0158] In the game information display device 10, when the game information to be displayed satisfies predetermined conditions, the lamps 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, 45L'~48Lb', etc. may be illuminated as a special illumination mode that allows recognition of this condition. For example, if the highest payout exceeds the highest record set on the current day or on past business days, the corresponding display units 51 and 52 will flash the game information, or the upper display device 7 itself (including the lamp units 41L to 44Lb) will flash. With this configuration, it is possible to inform other players who are not playing the corresponding gaming machine 1 that the machine 1 is currently setting a new personal best, thereby creating motivation for them to play.

[0159] Furthermore, for example, if the payout during a special prize period exceeds the highest record for that day or a past business day, the corresponding display units 51 and 52 will flash the game information, or the upper display device 7 itself will flash. This configuration also makes it possible to inform other players who are not playing the corresponding gaming machine 1 that the highest record on that gaming machine 1 is currently being broken, thereby creating a motivation to play. In addition, as described above, the display units 51 and 52 may also be included in the first light-emitting means, and the above configuration (light-emitting mode) may be included in the special light-emitting mode or special light-emitting mode, or it may be performed simultaneously with the special light-emitting mode or special light-emitting mode.

[0160] In the game information display device 10, when displaying two-digit game information using the 7-segment display unit, if the amount of game information exceeds 99, the device will be able to display this information in a manner that makes it recognizable. For example, the game information may be flashed on the corresponding display units 51, 52, and 61, or the devices 7, 81, 82, and 92 themselves (including the lamp units 41L~44Lb, 45L~48Lb, and 45L'~48Lb') may be flashed.

[0161] With this configuration, it is possible to inform other players who are not playing the corresponding gaming machine 1 that there is a gaming machine 1 that has a high payout rate, which indicates the advantage of the gaming machine, and thus create a motivation to play. In addition, as described above, the display units 51, 52 and 61 may also be included in the first and second light-emitting means, and the above configuration (light-emitting mode) may be included in the special light-emitting mode or special light-emitting mode, or it may be performed simultaneously with the special light-emitting mode or special light-emitting mode. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] In the drawing, 1 is a gaming machine, 3 is a call display device, 7 is an upper display device, 9, 91 and 92 are decorative devices (first and second decorative devices), 10 is a gaming information display device, 50, 60, 910 and 920 are control units (control means), 71 is a first housing unit, 72 is a second housing unit, 73 is a POP medium (medium), 75 is a light-emitting decorative unit, 751 is an illuminated circuit board (including a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a ring), and 755 is a light-guiding rib lens (light-guiding member).

Claims

1. A game information display device provided for a game machine that can be controlled between a normal state and a special game state, comprising an upper display device provided above a call display device and displaying predetermined game information, and a decorative device connectable to the upper display device, The decorative device is equipped with control means for controlling the light emission mode of the decorative device, The decorative device comprises a first storage unit capable of accommodating a medium indicating predetermined game information as a light-emitting storage unit, and a light-emitting decorative unit that emits light when specific light-emitting conditions are met. The control means controls the first housing unit to emit light and the light-emitting decorative unit to not emit light when the gaming machine is controlled to a normal state, while controlling the first housing unit and the light-emitting decorative unit to emit light when the gaming machine is controlled to a special gaming state.

2. The decorative device includes a second decorative device separate from the first decorative device. The second decorative device has a second storage section that can accommodate a medium showing predetermined game information as a light-emitting storage section, but does not have the light-emitting decorative section. The game information display device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the second housing of the second decorative device to emit light in a predetermined second light emission mode when the game machine is controlled to a normal state, and controls the second housing to emit light in a light emission mode different from the second light emission mode when the game machine is controlled to a special game state.

3. The aforementioned light-emitting decorative part comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in an annular shape, and a light-guiding member that guides the light emitted from each of these multiple light-emitting elements and emits it into the surroundings. The game information display device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the plurality of light-emitting elements so that the special light emission mode of the light-emitting decorative part is such that the plurality of light-emitting elements sequentially emit light in the circumferential direction, and the light guided and emitted by the light guide member rotates.

4. The first housing unit has a plurality of light-emitting regions, each of which is individually controlled in terms of its light-emitting mode. The game information display device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the control means causes at least one portion of the plurality of light-emitting regions in the first housing to light up, the other portions to blink, and the light-emitting decorative portion to light up as the special light-emitting mode.

5. The game information display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper display device is configured to allow selective connection of the first decorative device and the second decorative device which has a second housing section capable of housing a medium indicating predetermined game information, while the second decorative device does not have the light-emitting decorative section.

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