Gaming machine

Abstract

To make an LED favorably emit light.SOLUTION: A game machine including a game board having a game area formed therein, includes a first LED which radiates light from behind an object arranged in the game board, and a second LED which radiates light from a side part of the object arranged in the game board. Electric power consumption of the second LED is larger than electric power consumption of the first LED.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 43

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In gaming machines, LEDs are used in display devices that display information related to the progress of the game, and in measurement display devices that display game history information for a predetermined period.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the brightness optimized for the LED depends on the application and position where it is used, emission of light from an LED suitable for the application and position where it is used is desired.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to cause an LED to emit light preferably.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine including a game board on which a game area is formed, and includes a first LED that irradiates light from behind a first object disposed on the game board, and a second LED that irradiates light from the side of a second object disposed on the game board. The length of the first object in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the second object in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, and the first object is made of a member that transmits light. The first LED and the second LED are LEDs each including a plurality of types of light-emitting elements having different emission colors. The current value of the current supplied to each light-emitting element included in the first LED is a first current value, and the current value of the current supplied to each light-emitting element included in the second LED is a second current value. The second LED each light-emitting element included in has a power consumption the corresponding light-emitting element of the emission color in greater than that of the first LED. respectively

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, an LED can be caused to emit light suitably.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in the following order. [1. Structure of the Gaming Machine] [2. Control Configuration of the Gaming Machine] [2.1 Main Control Board] [2.2 Frame Control Board] [2.3 Power Supply Board] [2.4 Effect Control Board] [3. Outline Explanation of Operations] [3.1 Gaming State] [3.2 Special Symbol Variation Display Game] [3.3 Regarding Jackpots] [3.4 Normal Symbol Variation Display Game] [3.5 Screen Displayed on the LCD Unit] [4. Processing of the Main Control Board] [4.1 Main Control Side Main Processing] [4.2 Main Control Side Timer Interrupt Processing] [5. Processing of the Frame Control Board] [5.1 Frame Control Side Main Processing] [5.2 Frame Control Side Timer Interrupt Processing] <6. Performance control board processing> [6.1 Main processing on the performance control side] [6.2 Timer interrupt processing on the performance control side] <7. LEDs related to the main control board> <8. LEDs related to the payout control board> <9. LEDs related to the fourth symbol display> <10. LEDs for performance arranged on the game board> [10.1 LEDs for performance of the illumination panel] [10.2 LEDs for performance of the movable accessory] [10.3 LEDs for performance of the lower right unit of the game board] <11. Modification example> [11.1 Modification example 1] [11.2 Modification example 2] <12. Configuration example>

[0010] <1. Structure of the gaming machine> Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 as an embodiment according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the front frame 7 is opened in the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called smart pachinko machine that circulates game balls enclosed inside and uses them for the game.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a wooden outer frame 3, an inner frame 5 that is attached to the outer frame 3 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism, and a front frame 7 that is attached to the inner frame 5 so as to be openable and closable by a hinge mechanism. The inner frame 5 is formed in a frame shape and holds a game board 9 inside.

[0012] The front frame 7 holds a transparent glass 11 at the center and is provided with a side unit 13 so as to surround all or part of the periphery of the transparent glass 11. The side unit 13 has a decorative shape that matches the theme of the gaming machine 1, and may be provided with production means such as LEDs and movable object accessories inside, and exhibits a production effect that conveys the atmosphere of the game to the player. The side unit 13 is detachably attached to the front frame 7.

[0013] A key cylinder 15 for unlocking the door is provided on the front side of the front frame 7. If a key is inserted into this key cylinder 15 and operated on one side, the locked state of the front frame 7 with respect to the inner frame 5 is released and the front frame 7 can be opened to the front side. If it is operated on the other side, the locked state of the inner frame 5 with respect to the outer frame 3 is released and the inner frame 5 can be opened to the front side.

[0014] A front operation panel 17 is arranged on the lower side of the front frame 7. On the right end side of the front operation panel 17, a firing operation handle 19 for firing a game ball from the firing device 31 is provided.

[0015] On the left side of the front operation panel 17, a game ball number display 21 and a counting switch 23 are provided. The game ball number display 21 is composed of 6-digit 7-segment LEDs and displays the number of game balls (the number of game balls held by the player) managed by the gaming machine 1. The counting switch 23 receives an operation input from the player to transfer the number of game balls managed by the gaming machine 1 to a valuable value medium (card) of a game ball lending device or the like.

[0016] In addition, the front operation panel 17 is provided with operation buttons 25 configured to be operable by the player. The operation buttons 25 include an effect button 25a, a cross key 25b, a brightness change button 25c, and a volume change button 25d. The effect button 25a can be operated (input can be received) during a predetermined input reception period, and by performing a predetermined operation (pressing, continuous pressing, long pressing, etc.), it is possible to bring about a change in the effect. In addition, the effect button 25a is also an operator for instructing the determination of the item selected by the cross key 25b. The cross key 25b is an operator for a user such as a player or a hall staff to select various items and give direction instructions. The brightness change button 25c is an operator for adjusting the brightness of the effect LED 27 related to the effect, and includes a plus button for increasing the brightness of the effect LED 27 and a minus button for decreasing the brightness of the effect LED 27. The volume change button 25d is an operator for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speaker 29, and includes a plus button for increasing the volume and a minus button for decreasing the volume.

[0017] At appropriate positions on the front frame 7, a plurality of effect LEDs 27 (decorative light emitters) controlled to have various lighting modes and emission colors are provided. A large number of effect LEDs 27 are provided around the gaming machine 1, for example, at the periphery of the front frame 7, inside the side unit 13, and inside the game board 9, and are controlled to light up by the effect control board 120.

[0018] Also, around the gaming machine 1, for example, at the periphery of the front frame 7, a plurality of speakers 29 for outputting sound are provided. With the plurality of speakers 29, so-called stereo sound reproduction and multi-channel sound reproduction can be performed for sounds related to the effect.

[0019] In the inner frame 5, a launching device 31 and a lifting device 33 are provided below the game board 9. The launching device 31 launches a game ball into the game area 37 (game board 9) with an intensity corresponding to the operation of the launching operation handle 19 by the player. The lifting device 33 is provided on the back side of the launching device 31 and conveys the game balls discharged from the game area 37 (game board 9) to the launching device 31. Note that the lifting device 33 incorporates a polishing device for polishing the game balls while lifting them.

[0020] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the configuration of the game board 9 will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 9. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the A-A cross section in FIG. 3.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a ball guide rail 35 for guiding the launched game balls is annularly mounted on the game board 9 as a board surface partitioning member, and a substantially circular region surrounded by the ball guide rail 35 is a game area 37, and the four corners are non-game areas. The game area 37 is a space formed between the game board 9 and the transparent glass 11, and is an area where the game balls can flow down.

[0022] The game area 37 is divided into a left game area 37a and a right game area 37b on the left and right respectively by a center decoration 39 provided in the center. The game balls launched by the launching device 31 with a launching intensity less than a predetermined value flow down the left game area 37a, and the game balls launched with a launching intensity equal to or greater than the predetermined value flow down the right game area 37b.

[0023] Below the center of the game board 9, a special symbol 1 start port 41 is provided. The special symbol 1 start port 41 is a winning port related to the start condition of the variable display operation of the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special symbol 1, and may also be abbreviated as special figure 1) on the main display 63, and is configured as a fixed start port.

[0024] On the right side of the game board 9, a special symbol 2 start port 43 is provided. The special symbol 2 start port 43 is a winning port related to the start condition of the variable display operation of the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special symbol 2, and may also be abbreviated as special figure 2) on the main display 63, and is configured as a variable start port whose opening and closing are controlled by a normal electric accessory 45.

[0025] The normal electric accessory 45 can be switched between an open state that allows game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43 by operating the movable piece 45a and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43.

[0026] Above the special symbol 2 start port 43 in the right game area 37b, a normal symbol start port 47 through which game balls can pass is provided. This normal symbol start port 47 is a gate related to the variable display operation of the normal symbol on the main display 63.

[0027] Below the special symbol 2 start port 43 in the right game area 37b, a big winning port 49 is provided. The big winning port 49 is controlled to open and close by a special electric accessory 51. The special electric accessory 51 can be switched between an open state that enables game balls to enter the big winning port 49 by operating the movable piece 51a and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible for game balls to enter the big winning port 49.

[0028] In addition, a plurality of winning ports 53 are provided in the lower left and right of the game area 37. Also, an out port 55 is provided below the center of the game area 37, and game balls that did not enter any of the winning ports are discharged from the game area 37 through the out port 55.

[0029] Note that only game balls flowing down from the left game area 37a can enter the special symbol 1 start port 41, but game balls flowing down from the right game area 37b may also be able to enter. Also, only game balls flowing down from the right game area 37b can enter the special symbol 2 start port 43, the normal symbol start port 47, and the big winning port 49, but game balls flowing down from the left game area 37a may be able to enter or pass through.

[0030] In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters various winning ports provided in the game area 37, the number of prize balls set for the winning port into which the game ball has entered (for example, 3 for the special symbol 1 start port 41, 1 for the special symbol 2 start port 43, 15 for the big winning port 49, and 5 for the winning port 53) is paid out.

[0031] Also, in the area surrounded by the center decoration 39 at the center of the game board 9, an LCD unit (liquid crystal display device) 57 and an illumination panel 59 are provided. The LCD unit 57 variably displays and stops displaying, for example, three decorative symbols or displays various images for effects (still images and moving images) according to the control of an effect control board 120 described later. Decoration symbols include multiple types containing different numbers, symbols, etc. The combination of three decoration symbols that are stopped and displayed informs the player of the result of the jackpot lottery described later.

[0032] The illumination panel 59 is made of a plate-shaped transparent synthetic resin material and is arranged to face the LCD unit 57 on the player side (front side) with respect to the LCD unit 57. The illumination panel 59 has predetermined patterns such as characters, figures, symbols, and symbols formed by embossing on the front or back surface. When light is not incident from the side, the pattern on the illumination panel 59 is invisible or difficult to view, and when light is incident from the side, the pattern part diffuses and emits light, making the pattern visible to the player.

[0033] Also, in the game board 9, a space is formed between the LCD unit 57 and the illumination panel 59, and a movable object accessory 61 is arranged in this space. The movable object accessory 61 is arranged in front of the LCD unit 57 and is retracted to a position where the player cannot normally view it, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 3. Then, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, during the variable display of the decoration symbol (during the variable display of special symbols 1 and 2), it is driven by the movable object motor 61a (see FIG. 7) and moves to the front of the LCD unit 57, giving the player a sense of expectation of a jackpot.

[0034] A main display 63 composed of a dot display is provided in the non-game area at the lower left of the game board 9. Also, a fourth symbol display 65 composed of a dot display is provided at the lower right of the LCD unit 57 on the game board 9.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the main display 63 and the fourth symbol display 65. The main display 63 is controlled by the main control board 100 and displays (notifies) information related to the progress of the game by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of LEDs. Hereinafter, the lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of the LEDs are collectively referred to as lighting display. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the main display 63 is provided with a special symbol 1 display 63a where the variable display operation (lighting display) of the special symbol 1 is performed, a special symbol 2 display 63b where the variable display operation of the special symbol 2 is performed, and a normal symbol display 63c where the variable display operation of the normal symbol is performed. Further, the main display 63 is provided with a special symbol 1 hold number display 63d for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 hold number display 63e for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 2, a normal symbol hold number display 63f for displaying the hold number of the normal symbol, a round display 63g for displaying the specified round number (maximum round number) related to a big win, a game state display 63h for displaying the game state (time-saving state, high-probability state), and a right-shot display 63i for prompting the player to make a right shot. Note that a right shot means that the player operates the firing operation handle 19 for game operation so as to fire a game ball toward the right game area 37b. The right-shot display 63i is a display for displaying (notifying) that it is more advantageous for the player to fire a game ball toward the right game area 37b than to fire a game ball toward the left game area 37a.

[0036] The fourth symbol display 65 is controlled by the effect control board 120 and notifies information related to the progress of the game by lighting up an LED. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the fourth symbol display 65 is provided with a special symbol 1 display 65a where the variable display operation of the special symbol 1 is performed, and a special symbol 2 display 65b where the variable display operation of the special symbol 2 is performed. Further, the fourth symbol display 65 is provided with a special symbol 1 hold number display 65c for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 1, a special symbol 2 hold number display 65d for displaying the hold number of the special symbol 2, and a right-shot display 65e for prompting the player to make a right shot.

[0037] <2. Control Configuration of the Gaming Machine> FIGS. 6 and 7 are block diagrams showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 1. With reference to the block diagrams of FIGS. 6 and 7, the control configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment mainly includes a main control board 100 that comprehensively controls the control related to the progress of the game (game operation control), a frame control board 110 that comprehensively controls the control related to the management of the number of game balls (bonus balls) and the control related to the management of game balls (launching, circulation), an effect control board 120 that comprehensively controls the execution control of the effects by the effect means upon receiving the effect control commands from the main control board 100, a power supply board 130 that generates and supplies the necessary power supply voltage to the gaming machine 1 from an external power source, a game ball lending device connection terminal board 140 connected to a game ball lending device or the like, a decorative relay board 150 where components related to the effect means are provided or connected, a front frame relay board 160, an upper decorative board 170, and a decorative board 180.

[0038] [2.1 Main Control Board] The main control board 100 includes a main control unit 101 and a system reset circuit 103. The main control unit 101 is a microprocessor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an RWM (Read / Write Memory). The ROM stores various data necessary for game operation control in addition to the control program for performing game operation control. The RWM functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The CPU performs game operation control by executing the control program stored in the ROM.

[0039] The system reset circuit 103 detects power-on, power-off, power abnormalities, etc., outputs a system reset signal, and resets the main control unit 101. Although not shown in the drawings, the main control unit 101 includes a CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) for realizing a periodic interrupt, a pulse output generation function (bit rate generator) with a fixed period, and a time measurement function, an interrupt controller circuit that exhibits an interrupt enable / disable function such as a timer interrupt for applying an interrupt signal, a watchdog timer (WDT) circuit for monitoring the abnormal operation of the control program, a designated area outside running prohibition (IAT) circuit for monitoring whether the program is correctly executed within a preset address range, and a counter circuit (random number generation circuit) for generating a certain range of random numbers in hardware, etc.

[0040] The counter circuit is configured to include a random number generation circuit that generates random numbers and a sampling circuit that samples random number values from the random number generation circuit at a predetermined timing, and operates as a 16-bit counter as a whole. The main control unit 101 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state, thereby obtaining the value indicated by the random number generation circuit as a random number for jackpot determination (0 to 65535), and using the random number for jackpot determination in the jackpot lottery. Note that the random number for jackpot determination is obtained by adding a soft random number value generated by appropriate software processing to prevent acts such as direct aiming for a win and a hard random number value in order to prevent acts such as direct aiming for a win.

[0041] Connected to the main control board 100 are a special symbol 1 start port switch 41a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 1 start port 41, a special symbol 2 start port switch 43a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start port 43, a normal symbol start port switch 47a for detecting the passage of a game ball through the normal symbol start port 47, a winning port switch 53a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the winning port 53, and a big winning port switch 49a for detecting the entry of a game ball into the big winning port 49. The main control board 100 (main control unit 101) is capable of receiving the detection signals output from these. Therefore, the main control board 100 can grasp through which winning port the game ball has entered (passed) based on the detection signals from each switch.

[0042] In addition, the main control board 100 is connected to a special electric device solenoid 51b that operates a special electric device 51 (movable piece 51a) for opening and closing the big winning opening 49, and a normal electric device solenoid 45b that operates a normal electric device 45 (movable piece 45a) for opening and closing the special symbol 2 start opening 43. The main control board 100 is capable of transmitting control signals for controlling these devices.

[0043] Further, on the game board 9, a magnetic sensor 67 for detecting magnetism, a radio wave sensor 69 for detecting radio waves, and a vibration sensor 71 for detecting vibration are provided, and these sensors are connected to the main control board 100. Signals are input to the main control board 100 from these sensors.

[0044] In addition, a main display 63 is connected to the main control board 100. The main control board 100 is capable of transmitting a control signal for lighting and displaying the main display 63.

[0045] The main control board 100 is connected to the frame control board 110 so as to enable mutual communication. The main control board 100 mainly transmits a control command including information related to prize balls and a firing control signal indicating whether a game ball can be fired to the frame control board 110. Also, the main control board 100 receives a door open signal indicating the opening of the front frame 7, an RWM clear signal for clearing the RWM, a power supply abnormality signal indicating an abnormality of the power supply, and a frame communication confirmation signal for confirming communication from the frame control board 110. Furthermore, the main control board 100 receives a driving power supply (DC35VA, DC12VA, DC5VA, backup power supply) from the frame control board 110.

[0046] The main control board 100 is capable of transmitting various effect control commands including information related to the special symbol variable display game and information related to errors to the effect control board 120. However, in order to prevent fraud such as cheating behavior, the main control board 100 is configured for one-way communication in which it only transmits a signal to the effect control board 120 and cannot receive a signal from the effect control board 120.

[0047] [2.2 Frame Control Board] The frame control board 110 includes a frame control unit 111, an RWM clear switch 112, a game ball number clear switch 113, a ball discharge switch 114, an error release switch 115, a performance indicator 116, a system reset circuit 117, a power supply abnormality signal generation circuit 118, and a backup power supply generation circuit 119.

[0048] The frame control unit 111 is a microprocessor including a CPU, a ROM, and an RWM. The ROM stores a control program for managing the number of game balls, controlling the launcher 31 and the lifting device 33, etc., as well as various data necessary for these controls. The RWM functions as a work area and a buffer memory. The CPU manages the number of game balls, controls the launcher 31 and the lifting device 33, etc. by expanding and executing the control program stored in the ROM in the RWM.

[0049] The RWM clear switch 112, the game ball number clear switch 113, the ball discharge switch 114, and the error release switch 115 are push-button type switches. When the RWM clear switch 112 is pressed at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 clears the RWM and transmits an RWM clear signal to the main control board 100. The main control unit 101 that receives the RWM clear signal clears a predetermined area of the RWM.

[0050] When the game ball number clear switch 113 is pressed at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 clears the number of game balls it manages. When the number of game balls is cleared, 0 is displayed on the game ball number display 21.

[0051] When the ball discharge switch 114 is pressed at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 performs a process for discharging the game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 to the outside. Specifically, the frame control unit 111 drives the lifting motor 33a on the condition that the game balls are detected by the lifting inlet switch 33f described later.

[0052] When the error release switch 115 is pressed when a specific error occurs, the frame control unit 111 releases the specific error that has occurred.

[0053] The performance indicator 116 is composed of, for example, a six-digit eight-segment (seven segments + one dot) indicator. The performance indicator 116 is controlled by the frame control unit 111 and displays game achievement information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period (for example, every 6000 games). The game achievement information includes the consecutive accessory ratio, the accessory ratio, the base, etc. The consecutive accessory ratio is the ratio of the number of bonus balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49 to the total number of bonus balls. The accessory ratio is the ratio of the number of bonus balls due to winning in the special symbol start opening 43 and the number of bonus balls due to winning in the big winning opening 49 to the total number of bonus balls. The base is the ratio of the total number of bonus balls to the number of game balls launched. Note that the performance indicator 116 can switch and display game achievement information for each predetermined period (each interval).

[0054] The system reset circuit 117 detects power-on, power-off, power abnormalities, etc., outputs a system reset signal, and resets the frame control unit 111.

[0055] The power abnormality signal generation circuit 118 monitors the voltage drop of the drive power supply (5V DC voltage (DC5VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA)) supplied from the power supply board 130, and outputs a power abnormality signal to the main control unit 101 when the voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. Also, the power abnormality signal generation circuit 118 may monitor the voltage drop of the 24V AC voltage (AC24V).

[0056] The backup power generation circuit 119 generates a backup power supply (VBB) supplied to the RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 when the power is off. The RWMs of the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111 supplied with the backup power supply (VBB) can hold the data stored over a certain period even when a power-off occurs.

[0057] The door opening sensor 73 provided in the inner frame 5 is connected to the frame control board 110. When the door opening sensor 73 detects that the front frame 7 is opened with respect to the inner frame 5 or the inner frame 5 is opened with respect to the outer frame 3, it outputs a door opening signal to the main control board 100 via the frame control board 110.

[0058] The lifting device 33 provided in the inner frame 5 is provided with a lifting motor 33a, an out ball switch 33b, a foul ball switch 33c, an excessive position detection switch 33d, a shortage position detection switch 33e, a lifting entrance switch 33f, a lifting exit switch 33g, and a lifting position detection switch 33h, and these are connected to the frame control board 110.

[0059] The lifting device 33 is formed with a pre-lifting passage through which the game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided, a lifting passage through which the game balls passing through the pre-lifting passage are lifted, and a post-lifting passage through which the game balls lifted in the lifting passage are guided to the launching device 31. In the lifting device 33, the game balls discharged from the game area 37 are guided to the lowermost end of the lifting passage through the pre-lifting passage. The game balls guided to the lowermost end of the lifting passage are lifted upward by the rotation of the spiral member disposed in the lifting passage. Then, the game balls that have reached the uppermost end of the lifting passage are sent to the post-lifting passage and then guided to the launching device 31 through the post-lifting passage.

[0060] The lifting motor 33a is controlled by the frame control unit 111 to rotate the spiral member disposed in the lifting passage. The rotated spiral member guides the game balls that have reached the downstream end of the pre-lifting passage into the lifting passage and lifts the game balls staying in the lifting passage upward. Also, the game balls are sent from the uppermost end of the lifting passage to the post-lifting passage.

[0061] The out ball switch 33b, the foul ball switch 33c, the excessive position detection switch 33d, the shortage position detection switch 33e, the lifting entrance switch 33f, and the lifting exit switch 33g are switches for detecting game balls, and when they detect game balls, they output detection signals to the frame control board 110 (frame control unit 111).

[0062] The out ball switch 33b is arranged on the upstream side of the pre-lift passage, and detects a game ball (out ball) discharged from the game area 37 and guided to the pre-lift passage. The foul ball switch 33c is arranged in a foul ball passage connected between the positions where the out ball switch 33b and the excessive position detection switch 33d are respectively arranged in the pre-lift passage, and among the game balls launched from the launcher 31, it detects a game ball that is not introduced into the game area 37 but returns to the pre-lift passage through the foul ball passage.

[0063] The excessive position detection switch 33d and the insufficient position detection switch 33e are arranged at a predetermined distance apart on the downstream side of the out ball switch 33b on the pre-lift passage, and detect game balls staying in the pre-lift passage. The excessive position detection switch 33d is provided on the upstream side of the pre-lift passage with respect to the insufficient position detection switch 33e. And when the excessive position detection switch 33d does not detect a game ball and the insufficient position detection switch 33e detects a game ball at the time of power-on, that is, when there is a game ball at the position where the insufficient position detection switch 33e is provided and there is no game ball at the position where the excessive position detection switch 33d is provided, it is determined by the frame control unit 111 that the game machine 1 is filled with a normal number of game balls. On the other hand, when the under-detection position switch 33e does not detect a game ball at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are few game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1. When the over-detection position switch 33d detects a game ball at the time of power-on, the frame control unit 111 determines that there are many game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1. That is, in these cases, the frame control unit 111 determines that the number of game balls enclosed in the gaming machine 1 is not normal. In this case, the frame control unit 111 transmits a signal indicating that the number of game balls is not normal to the main control unit 101, and the main control unit 101 transmits an effect control command indicating that the number of game balls is not normal to the effect control unit 121. Then, the effect control unit 121 displays on the LCD unit 57 or the like that the number of game balls is not normal and notifies the hall staff or the like.

[0064] The lifting inlet switch 33f is arranged at the downstream end of the pre-lifting passage and detects the game balls staying at the downstream end of the pre-lifting passage. The lifting outlet switch 33g is arranged in the middle of the post-lifting passage and detects the game balls staying at that position. When the game balls are detected by the lifting inlet switch 33f (game balls are accumulated in the pre-game passage) and the game balls are not detected by the lifting outlet switch 33g (when a predetermined number of game balls do not stay in the post-lifting passage), the frame control unit 111 rotates the lifting motor 33a.

[0065] When the game balls are detected by the lifting outlet switch 33g, that is, when a predetermined number of game balls stay in the post-lifting passage, the frame control unit 111 stops the lifting motor 33a.

[0066] The lifting position detection switch 33h detects the rotation angle of the lifting motor 33a. The frame control unit 111 rotates the lifting motor 33a based on the rotation angle detected by the lifting position detection switch 33h.

[0067] The launching device 31 is provided with a ball feeding solenoid 31a, a launching solenoid 31b, and a subtraction outlet switch 31c. The ball feed solenoid 31a sends out the game balls located at the downstream end of the upward passage to the firing position within the firing device 31 based on the control by the frame control unit 111. The firing solenoid 31b fires the game balls sent to the firing position by the ball feed solenoid 31a toward the game area 37 based on the control by the frame control unit 111. The subtraction exit switch 31c is arranged at the downstream end of the upward passage and detects the game balls sent to the firing position within the firing device 31 by the ball feed solenoid 31a.

[0068] When the game balls are detected by the subtraction exit switch 31c, the frame control unit 111 subtracts 1 from the number of game balls it manages. Also, when the game balls fired from the firing device 31 are detected by the foul ball switch 33c when they reach the upward passage before lifting through the foul ball passage without reaching the game area 37, the frame control unit 111 adds 1 to the number of game balls it manages to return the subtracted value. Further, when the frame control unit 111 receives a control command indicating the number of prize balls from the main control board 100 (main control unit 101), it adds the number of prize balls indicated by the command to the number of game balls it manages.

[0069] Also, when the counting switch 23 provided on the front frame 7 is operated by the player, the frame control unit 111 transfers the number of game balls it manages to the valuable media of the game ball lending device via the game ball lending device connection terminal board 140. Specifically, when the counting switch 23 is operated for a time shorter than a predetermined time, the frame control unit 111 subtracts 1 from the number of game balls it manages and outputs a signal to the game ball lending device to add 1 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable media. As a result, the game ball lending device adds 1 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable media. In addition, when the counting switch 23 is operated for a time longer than a predetermined time, the number of game balls being managed is subtracted by 250 every certain period of time, and a signal for adding 250 to the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium is output to the game ball lending device or the like at any time. As a result, in the game ball lending device or the like, each time the signal is received, the number of game balls recorded on the valuable medium is incremented by 250. Furthermore, when the frame control unit 111 receives a lending notice for lending game balls from the game ball lending device or the like based on the number of game balls or money information stored in the valuable medium, the frame control unit 111 adds the number of game balls corresponding to the lending notice to the number of game balls being managed. In this case, the number of game balls or money information recorded on the valuable medium is decreased by a value corresponding to the number of game balls corresponding to the lending notice.

[0070] A touch sensor 19a, a firing stop switch 19b, and a firing intensity VR 19c are provided on the firing operation handle 19 provided on the front frame 7, and these sensors are connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 can receive detection signals from the touch sensor 19a, the firing stop switch 19b, and the firing intensity VR 19c.

[0071] The touch sensor 19a detects that the player is touching the handle. The firing stop switch 19b is a push-button type switch. The firing intensity VR 19c detects the operation amount (rotation amount) of the firing operation handle 19.

[0072] Based on the fact that a firing control signal for permitting firing is output from the main control board 100, the frame control unit 111 controls the energization of the firing solenoid 31b to fire a game ball from the firing device 31. Specifically, when a firing control signal for permitting firing is output from the frame control unit 111, and it is detected by the touch sensor 19a that the player is touching the handle and the firing stop switch 19b is not operated, the firing operation of the game ball is permitted. Then, the frame control unit 111 controls the firing solenoid 31b so that the game ball is fired with a firing intensity corresponding to the operation amount detected by the firing intensity VR 19c.

[0073] In addition, a game ball number display 21 is connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 is capable of transmitting a control signal for lighting and displaying the number of game balls being managed to the game ball number display 21.

[0074] Also, a radio wave sensor 75 for detecting radio waves is provided at a position on the front frame 7 that faces the foul ball switch 33c, and the radio wave sensor 75 is connected to the frame control board 110. The frame control board 110 receives a signal from the radio wave sensor 75.

[0075] [2.3 Power Supply Board] The power supply board 130 receives an AC input power supply (AC24V) from the outside and generates a DC voltage that serves as the drive power supply for each part based on the input AC input power supply (AC24V). The power supply board 130 generates a 35V DC voltage (DC35VA, DC35VB), a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA, DC12VB), and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) from the AC input power supply.

[0076] The generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), and the AC input power supply (AC24V) input from the outside are supplied to the frame control board 110. In addition, the 35V DC voltage (DC35VA), 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), and 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied to the frame control board 110 are also supplied to the main control board 100 together with the backup power supply generated by the frame control board 110. Also, the generated 35V DC voltage (DC35VB) and 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) are supplied to the effect control board 120. Furthermore, the generated 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is also supplied to the front frame relay board 160.

[0077] [2.4 Effect Control Board, etc.] The performance control board 120 is connected to the decoration relay board 150, the front frame relay board 160, and the LCD unit 57, and the upper decoration board 170 is connected via the front frame relay board 160. Connected to the decoration relay board 150 are a movable object motor 61a for driving the movable object accessory 61, a movable object position detection switch 61b for detecting the position of the movable object accessory 61, a fourth symbol display 65, and a decoration board 180. Also, the decoration relay board 150 is provided with a motor driver 61c for driving the movable object motor 61a and an LED driver 27a for controlling the lighting display of the performance LED 27. Connected to the front frame relay board 160 are a speaker 29, an operation button 25, a vibration device 77 for giving vibration to the player, and a decoration board 180. Also, the front frame relay board 160 is provided with a power generation circuit 151 for generating a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). The 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) generated by the power generation circuit 151 is supplied to the upper decoration board 170 together with the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB). Connected to the upper decoration board 170 are a movable object motor 61a, a movable object position detection switch 61b, a wind device 79, and a decoration board 180. The wind device 79 is driven under the control of the performance control unit 121 to blow wind to the player.

[0078] There are two types of decoration boards 180. One mainly has the performance LED 27 arranged on it, and the other has the performance LED 27 and the LED driver 27a arranged on it. Different decoration boards 180 may be connected continuously. Note that the number and connection relationship of the decoration boards 180 are only examples, and other configurations may be possible.

[0079] The performance control board 120 includes a performance control unit 121, a sound ROM 123, a voice IC 125, a VDP circuit 127, and a power generation circuit 129.

[0080] The performance control unit 121 is a microprocessor equipped with a CPU, ROM, and RWM. The ROM stores the control program for the performance means and various data necessary for performance operation control. The RWM functions as a work area and buffer memory. The CPU controls the performance means by expanding and executing the control program stored in the ROM in the RWM.

[0081] Based on the performance control program and the performance control commands received from the main control board 100, the performance control unit 121 performs arithmetic processing for various performance operations and controls each performance means. The performance means is a device that performs a performance for notifying the possibility of a profit state occurring during the progress of the game, and includes a performance LED 27, a speaker 29, an LCD unit 57, a movable object accessory 61, a vibration device 77, and a wind device 79.

[0082] The performance control unit 121 receives the performance control commands from the main control board 100 and determines a performance pattern based on the performance control commands. Then, the performance control unit 121 controls the performance means to execute the performance of the determined performance pattern.

[0083] For example, the performance control unit 121 issues an instruction to the motor driver 61c to move the movable object accessory 61 based on the performance pattern, or issues an instruction to the LED driver 27a to turn on and display the performance LED 27 based on the performance pattern. Note that the LED driver 27a provided on the decoration relay board 150 issues an instruction to turn on and display the fourth symbol display 65 in addition to the performance LED 27. Also, the performance control unit 121 drives the vibration device 77 to generate vibration based on the performance pattern, or drives the wind device 79 to blow wind based on the performance pattern.

[0084] The sound ROM 123 stores sound data such as BGM and sound effects. The voice IC 125 reads out the sound data corresponding to the determined production pattern from the sound ROM 123 and outputs it to the speaker 29. As a result, the BGM and sound effects corresponding to the determined production pattern are emitted from the speaker 29.

[0085] The VDP circuit 127 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), an image ROM, and a VRAM (Video RAM). The VDP controls all video output processes such as image expansion processing and image drawing. The image ROM stores the image data for which the VDP performs image expansion processing. The VRAM is an image memory area that temporarily stores the image data developed by the VDP. The VDP circuit 127 generates various image data based on the production pattern and outputs it to the LCD unit 57. As a result, various production images are displayed on the LCD unit 57.

[0086] The power generation circuit 129 generates a 5V DC voltage (DC5VB) from a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB).

[0087] <3. Overview of the operation> Next, an overview of the gaming operation of the gaming machine 1 realized by the above control configuration (Figs. 6 and 7) will be described.

[0088] [3.1 Gaming state] In the gaming machine 1, in addition to the big win game which is a special gaming state, a plurality of types of gaming states can be set. To facilitate the understanding of this embodiment, first, various gaming states will be described.

[0089] The gaming machine 1 plays the game in any gaming state in which either the low probability state or the high probability state is combined with either the non-time shortening state or the time shortening state.

[0090] The low-probability state is a state where the winning probability of the big win lottery is relatively low, and the high-probability state is a state where the winning probability of the big win lottery is relatively high. The non-time-shortened state is a state where it is relatively difficult for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43, and the time-shortened state is a state where it is relatively easy for game balls to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43. For example, the opening time of the special symbol 2 start port 43 when winning the general symbol win lottery is set longer in the time-shortened state than in the non-time-shortened state. However, if game balls are more likely to enter the special symbol 2 start port 43 in the time-shortened state than in the non-time-shortened state, then in the time-shortened state, for example, the winning probability of the general symbol win lottery may be increased or the variation time of the normal symbol may be shortened compared to the non-time-shortened state. In the present embodiment, the "normal state" refers to the low-probability state and the non-time-shortened state, and corresponds to the initial state.

[0091] [3.2 Special Symbol Variation Display Game] In the gaming machine 1, a special symbol 1 variation display game is executed based on a game ball entering (winning) the special symbol 1 start port 41. In the special symbol 1 variation display game, random numbers (big win determination random number, special symbol determination random number, variation pattern random number) used in the special symbol 1 variation display game are acquired based on a game ball entering the special symbol 1 start port 41. Based on the acquired random numbers, a big win lottery and a variation pattern lottery are performed by the main control unit 101. After the special symbol 1 is variably displayed on the special symbol 1 display 63a, after the elapse of the variation time based on the lottery result of the variation pattern lottery, the lottery result of the big win lottery is stopped and displayed. In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the special symbol 1 start port 41, that is, when a detection signal is input from the special symbol 1 start port switch 41a, the random numbers used in the special symbol 1 variation display game are acquired, and these random numbers are stored as hold data in the special symbol 1 hold memory area of the RWM up to the maximum hold memory number (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0092] In the gaming machine 1, a special symbol 2 variable display game is executed based on the entry (winning) of a game ball into the special symbol 2 start port 43. Similar to the special symbol 1 variable display game, in the special symbol 2 variable display game, the main control unit 101 conducts a jackpot lottery and a variable pattern lottery based on the obtained random number. After the special symbol 2 is variably displayed on the special symbol 2 display 63b, the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed after the elapse of the variable time based on the lottery result of the variable pattern lottery.

[0093] In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the special symbol 2 start port 43, that is, when a detection signal is input from the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a, a random number related to the special symbol 2 variable display game is obtained, and this random number is stored as hold data in the special symbol 2 hold memory area of the RWM up to the maximum hold memory number (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0094] When explaining without distinguishing between the special symbol 1 variable display game and the special symbol 2 variable display game, it is simply referred to as the special symbol variable display game.

[0095] [3.3 Jackpot Game] When winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the "jackpot" mode on the special symbol 1 display 63a or the special symbol 2 display 63b, thereafter, a jackpot game (special game state: profit state) more advantageous to the player than during the special symbol variable display game is conducted based on the jackpot type. The jackpot type is determined based on the special symbol determination random number, the game state, etc. when winning the jackpot in the jackpot lottery, and a specified number of rounds, etc. are defined.

[0096] In the jackpot game, after a predetermined pre-opening interval time (opening time) has elapsed, when a predetermined time (maximum opening time) has elapsed after the big winning opening 49 is opened, or when the number of game balls that have entered the big winning opening 49 reaches the maximum winning number, the "round game" where the big winning opening 49 is closed is repeated for a predetermined number of specified rounds (the number of rounds based on the jackpot type). Then, after the specified number of rounds has ended, when a predetermined post-opening interval time (ending time) has elapsed, the jackpot game ends.

[0097] When the jackpot game is executed, according to the game state at the time of jackpot winning and the determined jackpot type, the game state, the number of times of probability variation, and the number of times of time shortening after the end of the jackpot game are determined. The number of times of probability variation is the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game in which the high-probability state can continue as the game state after the jackpot game. When the high-probability state is set after the end of the jackpot game, when the special symbol variation display game for the number of times of probability variation ends without winning the jackpot, the game state shifts to the low-probability state. The number of times of time shortening is the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game in which the time-shortening state can continue as the game state after the jackpot game. When the time-shortening state is set after the end of the jackpot game, when the special symbol variation display game for the number of times of time shortening ends without winning the jackpot, the game state shifts to the non-time-shortening state.

[0098] [3.4 Normal Symbol Variation Display Game] In the gaming machine 1, based on the fact that a game ball has passed through the normal symbol start opening 47, a normal symbol variation display game is executed. In the normal symbol variation display game, a normal symbol winning lottery is conducted by the main control unit 101 using a random number (random number for normal symbol winning determination) obtained based on the fact that a game ball has passed through the normal symbol start opening 47. Based on the lottery result of the normal symbol winning lottery, after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 63c, after a predetermined variation time has elapsed, the lottery result is stopped and displayed. In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the normal symbol start port 47, that is, when a detection signal from the normal symbol gate detection sensor 26a is input, a random number (random number for normal symbol winning determination) related to the normal symbol variable display game is acquired, and this random number is stored as hold data in the normal symbol hold memory area of the RWM up to the maximum hold memory number (for example, a maximum of 4).

[0099] When winning in the normal symbol winning lottery and the normal symbol stops and is displayed in the "normal symbol win" mode on the normal symbol display 63c, then, a normal power release game is performed. In the normal power release game, the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b operates to open the normal electric accessory 45, and the special symbol 2 start port 43 is opened to facilitate the inflow of game balls. In the normal power release game, an operation such as the special symbol 2 start port 43 being opened is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 1 time) until a predetermined time (for example, 5.7 s) elapses or the number of game balls entering the special symbol 2 start port 43 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 6).

[0100] [Screen displayed on the 3.5 LCD unit 57] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the screen displayed on the LCD unit 57. In the center of the LCD unit 57, for example, three decorative symbols 201 (left decorative symbol 201a, middle decorative symbol 201b, right decorative symbol 201c) are variably displayed by scrolling or the like in synchronization with the special symbol variable display game based on the control of the effect control board 120. Also, at the lower part of the LCD unit 57, a hold display area 205 for performing a hold display 203 (203a to 203d) according to the number of holds of the hold data stored for the currently executed special symbol variable display game and a display area 209 for displaying the hold display corresponding to the currently executed special symbol variable display game as the hold display 207 are provided.

[0101] The holding displays 203 and the said holding display 207 are provided with a plurality of display patterns. Based on the lottery results of the jackpot lottery and the variable pattern lottery that are performed in advance by the main control unit 101 when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start port 41 or the special symbol 2 start port 43, the display patterns when being displayed on the holding display 203 and the said holding display 207 are determined by the effect control unit 121. On the holding display area 205 and the said display area 209, the holding display 203 and the said holding display 207 are displayed with the display patterns determined by the effect control unit 121. As the display patterns, for example, patterns with different display colors such as default (white), blue, green, red, gold, etc. are provided. Note that the plurality of display patterns may differ not only in display color but also in shape. Also, the display pattern may change from when it is first displayed on the holding display area 205 until it becomes non-displayed on the said display area 209. The expectation level of the jackpot is indicated by the display pattern of the said holding display 207 finally displayed on the said display area 209.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 8(a), assume that the previous special symbol variable display game has ended, and the "1" symbol is stopped and displayed as the left decorative symbol 201a, the "2" symbol is stopped and displayed as the middle decorative symbol 201b, and the "3" symbol is stopped and displayed as the right decorative symbol 201c. Also assume that four holding displays 203a to 203d are being displayed in the holding display area 205.

[0103] After that, for the next special symbol variable display game, the effect pattern and the decorative symbol 201 to be finally stopped are determined by the effect control unit 121. When the special symbol variable display game is started, as shown in Fig. 8(b), the variable display of the decorative symbols 201a to 201c is started (in the figure, the decorative symbol 201 during variable display is indicated by a white arrow), and at the same time, the holding display 203 is shifted and displayed in the holding display area 205, and the holding display 203a that was displayed on the leftmost side in the holding display area 205 is displayed as the said holding display 207 in the said display area 209.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8(c), after the left and right decorative patterns 201a and 201c temporarily stop, for example, with the same "7" pattern (after reaching the so-called reach state), when a predetermined development image (shown as "BATTLE" in the figure) is displayed on the LCD unit 57 as shown in FIG. 8(d), the hold display 203 and the hold display 207 become non-displayed, and the decorative patterns 201a to 201c are displayed small, for example, in the upper right.

[0105] Then, as shown in FIG. 8(e), finally, for example, when the decorative patterns 201a to 201c stop and are displayed with the same "7" pattern, the player is notified that they have won the jackpot. If they have not won the jackpot, the decorative patterns 201a to 201c do not stop and are displayed in unison, and the player is notified that they have lost.

[0106] After the decorative patterns 201a to 201c stop and are displayed with the same pattern, when the jackpot game starts, as shown in FIG. 8(f), an image related to the jackpot game (shown as "jackpot" in the figure) is displayed on the LCD unit 57, and a right strike image 210 that prompts a right strike is displayed in the right strike display area 211 in the upper right of the LCD unit 57. As a result, the player will perform a right strike.

[0107] <4. Processing of the Main Control Board> Subsequently, the processing performed by the main control unit 101 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the main control unit 101 mainly includes a main process (main control side main process: FIG. 9) and a timer interrupt process (main control side timer interrupt process: FIG. 10) that is started by a periodic interrupt.

[0108] [4.1 Main Control Side Main Process] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the main control side main process. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the main control side main process starts, in step S101, the main control unit 101 sets the internal registers of the CPU.

[0109] In step S102, the main control unit 101 determines whether a power supply abnormality signal indicating a power supply abnormality is in an ON state. If it is determined in step S102 that the power supply abnormality signal is in the ON state, the process returns to step S102.

[0110] If it is determined in step S102 that the power supply abnormality signal is not in the ON state (is in the OFF state), in step S103, the main control unit 101 permits access to the RWM.

[0111] In step S104, the main control unit 101 executes startup initialization processing necessary for starting a game operation, such as initializing the values of the registers of each unit including the main control unit 101. The startup initialization processing includes processing for transmitting an effect control command for instructing the start of the game to the effect control board 120, processing for transmitting a command indicating the hold counts of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, processing for setting the firing permission signal to the ON state for the frame control board 110, and the like.

[0112] The main control unit 101 sets to the interrupt prohibition state in step S105, and executes a random number update process in the subsequent step S106. In this random number update process, various random numbers used for a special symbol variable display game and a normal symbol variable display game are updated, and after setting to the interrupt permission state in step S107, it returns to step S105.

[0113] In this way, the processes of steps S105 to S107 are repeatedly executed in an infinite loop. The main control unit 101 repeatedly executes the processes of these steps S105 to S107 except during the execution of the timer interrupt process that is intermittently executed.

[0114] [4.2 Main control side timer interrupt process] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main control side timer interrupt process. The main control side timer interrupt process is started by an interrupt every fixed time (4 ms) from the CTC, and is executed by interrupting during the execution of the main control side main process.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 10, when a timer interrupt occurs, the main control unit 101 executes the power check and backup process in step S201. In this power check and backup process, mainly, the power level supplied from the power supply board 130 is monitored, and when an abnormality such as a power failure occurs, backup processing such as storing predetermined game information at the time of power failure in the RWM is performed so that the game can resume smoothly when the power is restored.

[0116] In step S202, the main control unit 101 executes a timer management process for managing the timer used for game operation control. Here, the values of various timers used for game operation control of the gaming machine 1 are updated (subtraction processing).

[0117] In step S203, the main control unit 101 executes an input management process. In the input management process, input data is created based on input information (ON / OFF signals and rising states (ON edges, OFF edges)) output from various sensors and switches, and based on the created input data, the value of the winning counter is updated. The input information here is, for example, ON / OFF information (winning detection information) of detection signals output from detection switches such as the special symbol 1 start port switch 41a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a, the normal symbol start port switch 47a, the big winning port switch 49a, and the winning port switch 53a, ON / OFF information of detection signals output from the magnetic sensor 67, the radio wave sensor 69, and the vibration sensor 71, and status signals from the frame control board 110 (ON / OFF information of the door open sensor 73, the radio wave sensor 75, etc.). Thereby, whether a game ball is detected at each winning port is monitored for each interrupt. The "winning counter" is a counter provided corresponding to each winning port and for counting the number of game balls that have won (winning ball number).

[0118] In step S204, the main control unit 101 executes a timer interrupt internal random number management process for periodically updating the random numbers related to each variable display game. Here, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, for the special symbol determination random number, the general symbol winning determination random number, etc., a process of updating the random number (adding +1 for each interrupt) and changing the start value of the random number counter every time the random number counter makes a full cycle is performed. Note that since the big win determination random number is generated by the random number generation circuit, it is not updated here.

[0119] In step S205, the main control unit 101 executes an error management process. In the error management process, based on the input data related to various sensors and the status signals from the frame control board 110, the presence or absence of an error occurrence is monitored. When an error occurs, as error processing, the main control unit 101 transmits an error command corresponding to the type of the occurred error to the effect control board 120 as an effect control command. When the effect control board 120 receives this error command, it executes an error notification corresponding to the error type. Also, when the error in progress is resolved, the main control unit 101 transmits an error release command to the effect control board 120. When the effect control board 120 receives this error release command, it ends the error notification being executed.

[0120] In step S206, the main control unit 101 executes a general symbol management process. In the general symbol management process, processes necessary for executing the general symbol variable display game are performed, such as acquiring and storing the hold data of the general symbol, performing a general symbol lottery in the general symbol variable display game, and determining the variable display time for variably displaying the general symbol on the general symbol display 63c based on the lottery result.

[0121] In step S207, the main control unit 101 executes a general electric accessory management process. In the general electric accessory management process, processes necessary for executing the general electric accessory release game are performed, such as opening and closing control of the general electric accessory solenoid 45b.

[0122] In step S208, the main control unit 101 executes special symbol management processing. In the special symbol management processing, mainly, acquisition and storage of hold data of special symbol 1 and special symbol 2, jackpot lottery and symbol lottery in the special symbol variable display game, variable pattern lottery of the special symbol based on the lottery result, etc., processing necessary to execute the special symbol variable display game is performed.

[0123] In step S209, the main control unit 101 executes special electric accessory management processing. In the special electric accessory management processing, processing necessary to execute the jackpot game is performed.

[0124] In step S210, the main control unit 101 performs right-hit notification information management processing. In the right-hit notification information management processing, processing for performing right-hit notification in a situation where right-hit is advantageous, such as when the special symbol 2 start port 43 or the big winning port 49 is opened, is performed.

[0125] In step S211, the main control unit 101 executes LED management processing. In the LED management processing, output control of a control signal to the main display 63 is performed. The control signal is generated based on decisions in the normal symbol management processing (step S206), the special symbol management processing (step S208), the right-hit notification information management processing (step S210), etc., and is output to the main display 63 in this LED management processing. Thereby, a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of the special symbol and the normal symbol, display of the hold number, etc. on the main display 63 are realized.

[0126] In step S212, the main control unit 101 performs solenoid management processing. In the solenoid management processing, a signal related to the control of the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b generated in the normal electric accessory management processing (step S207) is confirmed, and a signal related to the control of the big winning port solenoid 51b generated in the special electric accessory management processing (step S209) is confirmed. Then, based on these signals, the operation / stop of the normal electric accessory solenoid 45b and the big winning port solenoid 51b is controlled, and the special symbol 2 start port switch 43a is opened or closed, or the big winning port 49 is opened or closed.

[0127] In step S213, the main control unit 101 determines whether it has reached the communication cycle (for example, at intervals of 108 ms) for communicating with the frame control board 110. When it is determined that the communication cycle for communicating with the frame control board 110 has been reached, in step S214, the main control unit 101 performs reception data acquisition processing for receiving signals (door release signals, power supply abnormality signals, etc.) transmitted from the frame control board 110.

[0128] In step S215, the main control unit 101 outputs a control command corresponding to the game machine information of the gaming machine 1 to the frame control board 110. The game machine information includes, for example, jackpot game occurrence information, start information for executing a symbol variation display game, information on the number of winnings and the number of prize balls, error information, and the like.

[0129] When the above timer interrupt processing is completed, the main control unit 101 repeats the above steps S105 to S107 until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0130] <5. Processing of the Frame Control Board> Subsequently, the processing performed by the frame control unit 111 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the frame control unit 111 mainly includes a main process (frame control side main process: FIG. 11) and a timer interrupt process (frame control side timer interrupt process: FIG. 12) activated by a periodic interrupt.

[0131] [5.1 Frame Control Side Main Process] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the frame control side main process. When power is supplied from the power supply board 130 and the frame control side main process is started, in step S301, the frame control unit 111 sets the internal registers of the CPU.

[0132] In step S302, the frame control unit 111 determines whether a power supply abnormality signal indicating a power supply abnormality is in the ON state. If it is determined in step S302 that the power supply abnormality signal is in the ON state, the process returns to step S302.

[0133] When it is determined in step S302 that the power failure signal is not in the ON state (is in the OFF state), in step S303, the frame control unit 111 permits access to the RWM.

[0134] In step S304, the frame control unit 111 determines whether the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 113 is in the ON state (the state where the game ball count clear switch 113 is pressed). When it is determined in step S304 that the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 113 is not in the ON state, in step S305, the frame control unit 111 calculates a checksum for the area related to the game ball count in the RWM and determines whether the checksum is normal.

[0135] When it is determined in step S304 that the input signal from the game ball count clear switch 113 is in the ON state, or when it is determined in step S305 that the checksum is not normal, in step S306, the frame control unit 111 executes a game ball count clear process for initializing the value of the area related to the game ball count in the RWM.

[0136] In step S307, the frame control unit 111 determines whether the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112 is in the ON state (the state where the RWM clear switch 112 is pressed). When it is determined in step S307 that the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112 is not in the ON state, in step S308, the frame control unit 111 calculates a checksum for the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM and determines whether the checksum is normal.

[0137] When it is determined in step S307 that the input signal from the RWM clear switch 112 is in the ON state, or when it is determined in step S308 that the checksum is not normal, in step S309, the frame control unit 111 executes an RWM clear process for initializing the value of the area related to the gaming machine information in the RWM.

[0138] In step S310, the frame control unit 111 executes startup initialization processes such as initialization of work areas that do not require backup, setting of the WDT and timer interrupts, and ball removal processing when the ball removal switch 114 is pressed.

[0139] In step S311, the frame control unit 111 sets itself to the interrupt prohibition state, performs a power-off abnormality check in step S312, and enables interrupts in step S313.

[0140] In step S314, based on the firing control signal input from the main control board 100, signals input from the touch sensor 19a of the firing operation handle 19, the firing stop switch 19b, and the firing intensity VR19c, the frame control unit 111 performs a firing stop control process for controlling the ball feed solenoid 31a and the firing solenoid 31b of the firing device 31. That is, the frame control unit 111 controls the firing of the game balls from the firing device 31.

[0141] In step S315, when there is a control command transmitted from the main control board 100, the frame control unit 111 receives the control command and, when there is a signal to be transmitted to the main control board 100, performs a main control board communication process of transmitting that signal to the main control board 100.

[0142] In step S316, based on the control command (game machine information) transmitted from the main control board 100, the frame control unit 111 performs a game machine information management process for managing the game machine information.

[0143] In step S317, the frame control unit 111 performs an SC board communication process for communicating with the SC board of the game ball lending device or the like.

[0144] In step S318, the frame control unit 111 performs a game ball number display control process to update the game ball number managed by itself. Here, the frame control unit 111 adds the game ball number according to a control command (number of prize balls) sent from the main control board 100, adds the game ball number according to a lending notification from the game ball lending device, subtracts the game ball number according to the launch of the game ball, adds the game ball number according to detection by the foul ball switch 33c, and subtracts the game ball number according to the operation of the counting switch 23.

[0145] The frame control unit 111 executes an in-area error removal process in step S319, performs a game ball circulation management process to appropriately control the lifting device 33 in step S320, executes an out-of-area error removal process in step S321, and performs a fraud detection process in step S322.

[0146] In step S323, the frame control unit 111 performs a performance information management process to calculate values ​​for calculating the game performance information to be displayed on the performance display 116 (the number of game balls shot out, the total number of winning balls, the number of winning balls resulting from winning in the large winning port 49, the sum of the number of winning balls resulting from winning in the special pattern 2 starting port 43 and the number of winning balls resulting from winning in the large winning port 49, etc.).

[0147] In step S324, the frame control unit 111 performs a performance indicator control process to calculate game performance information based on the value calculated in step S323, and returns the process to step S311.

[0148] Therefore, the frame control unit 111 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S311 to S324.

[0149] [5.2 Timer interrupt processing on frame control side] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process on the frame control side. The frame control side timer interrupt process is started by an interrupt from the CTC at fixed intervals (1 ms) and is executed while the frame control side main process is being executed.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 12, when a timer interrupt occurs, the frame control unit 111 saves the register in step S401. In step S402, the frame control unit 111 performs counter management processing to increment the values of the counters that count the first period (2 ms) and the second period (4 ms) respectively, and to decrement the timer every 1 ms.

[0151] In step S403, the frame control unit 111 performs hoist motor management processing to control the drive of the hoist motor 33a.

[0152] In step S404, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the first period (2 ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the first period. If it is determined that it is the first period, in step S405, the frame control unit 111 performs game ball number display LED control processing to generate a control signal for lighting and displaying the number of game balls managed by the frame control unit 111, which was calculated in step S318, on the game ball number display 21.

[0153] In step S406, the frame control unit 111 performs switch detection processing to detect the states of the switches connected to the frame control unit 111. In step S407, the frame control unit 111 performs subtraction mechanism control processing to control the ball feed solenoid 31a to guide the game ball to the firing position in the firing device 31.

[0154] In step S408, the frame control unit 111 performs performance display LED control processing to generate a control signal for lighting and displaying the game performance information calculated in step S324 on the performance display 116.

[0155] In step S409, the frame control unit 111 detects the states of the switches provided in the hoist device 33 and performs game ball circulation switch detection processing to update various timers related to the circulation of the game balls.

[0156] In step S410, the frame control unit 111 executes out-of-region error monitoring management processing to monitor out-of-region errors.

[0157] The processing from step S405 to step S410 up to this point is executed in the first cycle (every 2 ms).

[0158] In step S411, the frame control unit 111 determines whether it is the second cycle (4 ms) based on the value of the counter that counts the second cycle. If it is determined that it is the second cycle, in step S412, the frame control unit 111 performs a test signal output process of outputting a test signal.

[0159] In step S413, the frame control unit 111 performs a performance indicator display setting process of switching the section displayed on the performance indicator 116.

[0160] The processing from step S412 to step S413 up to this point is executed in the second cycle (every 4 ms).

[0161] In step S414, the frame control unit 111 outputs the data of the output port. In step S415, the frame control unit 111 performs SPI communication. In SPI communication, for example, the control signals (game ball number display segment data and game ball number display common data described later) generated in step S405 are serially output to the game ball number display 21. Also, the frame control unit 111 serially outputs the control signals (performance display segment data and performance display common data described later) generated in step S408 to the performance indicator 116. As a result, the game ball number display 21 and the performance indicator 116 will turn on and display the game ball number and game result information based on the transmitted control signals.

[0162] In step S416, the frame control unit 111 restores the register.

[0163] When the above timer interrupt process ends, the frame control unit 111 repeats the above steps S311 to S324 until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0164] <6. Processing of the effect control board> Next, the processing performed by the effect control board 120 of the present embodiment will be described. The processing of the effect control board 120 mainly includes a main process (effect control side main process: FIG. 13) and a timer interrupt process (effect control side timer interrupt process: FIG. 14) that is started by a periodic interrupt.

[0165] [6.1 Effect Control Side Main Process] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the effect control side main process. First, in step S501, the effect control unit 121 performs necessary initial setting processes before the start of the gaming operation. Here, as the initial setting processes, for example, command reception interrupt setting, origin return process of the movable accessory 61, initial setting of the CTC, permission of timer interrupt, initial setting of register values inside the CPU including each part of the microcomputer, and the like are performed.

[0166] After finishing the above initial setting processes, the main loop processes of steps S504 to S511 are performed every predetermined time (16 ms), and otherwise, the effect software random number update process of step S503 is repeatedly performed.

[0167] In step S502, the effect control unit 121 refers to the main loop update counter and determines whether the main loop update cycle (counter value > 15), which is the trigger for executing the main loop process, has arrived. The main loop update counter is a counter that is incremented during the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, which is executed every 1 ms. In the present embodiment, the main loop process is performed every 16 ms. In the determination process of step S502, the main loop update counter value is determined. If the value is greater than "15" (Yes in step S502), it is considered that the execution timing of the main loop process has arrived, and the processes of steps S504 to S511 are executed. Otherwise, until the main loop update cycle arrives (No in step S502), in step S1003, various effect lottery random numbers used for lottery to determine the effect scenario are updated.

[0168] When the main loop update period arrives (Yes in step S502), in step S504, the effect control unit 121 clears the main loop update counter, and in step S505, it executes the demo power-saving mode process. In the demo power-saving mode process, it executes the pre-customer waiting effect (demo start waiting display), the customer waiting effect (demo display), and the setting process necessary for the power-saving mode.

[0169] In step S506, the effect control unit 121 executes the effect switch input process. In the effect switch input process, it monitors the operation state of the operation button 25, and when an operation is detected, it executes the effect control process corresponding to that operation.

[0170] In step S507, the effect control unit 121 performs command analysis processing. In the command analysis processing, it monitors whether an effect control command is stored in the command reception buffer. If an effect control command is stored, it reads out this command and executes the effect process corresponding to the read effect control command. When an effect control command is transmitted from the main control board 100, it is stored in the command reception buffer of the RWM.

[0171] For example, when a variable pattern specification command and a decorative pattern specification command are received and stored in the reception buffer, in the command analysis processing, an effect scenario is determined based on the information included in the command, and the data of the effect scenario (effect scenario data) is stored in the scenario setting area of the RWM. Note that in the effect scenario, a time schedule is defined regarding at what timing and with what effect time width one or more types of effects appear.

[0172] In step S508, the effect control unit 121 executes scenario update processing. In this scenario update processing, the content of the timer necessary for executing the effect scenario is updated, and processing for advancing the effect scenario based on the timer value is executed. A typical example of the above timer is an effect scenario timer that manages the time schedule regarding the occurrence timing of effects. For example, within a variation period in which a special symbol is variably displayed and substantially within the same period as the variation period in which the decorative symbol 201 is variably displayed, on the time axis, the timer manages the temporal schedule regarding what kind of effects are to be presented, with what time width, and by what effect means. Note that the effect scenario timer is also used in the LED drive data update processing (step S510) and the movable object accessory operation update processing (not shown) described later.

[0173] In step S509, the effect control unit 121 performs sound output processing. In the sound output processing, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, data such as phrases and volume are output to the voice IC 125, and a sound effect is presented from the speaker 29 through the voice IC 125. Thereby, a sound effect along with the effect scenario is realized.

[0174] In step S510, the effect control unit 121 executes LED drive data update processing. In the LED drive data update processing, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, a control signal (LED data) for lighting the effect LED 27 is created. Further, the effect control unit 121 creates a control signal (LED data) for lighting the fourth symbol display 65 based on an effect control command (commands such as the hold number of the special symbol and the normal symbol, right hit notification, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 100 and the effect scenario timer.

[0175] In step S511, the effect control unit 121 executes LED output processing. In this LED output processing, the control signal (LED data) created in the LED drive data update processing is output to the LED driver 27a, and the fourth symbol display 65 and the effect LEDs 27 are lit and displayed through the LED driver 27a.

[0176] [6.2 Effect Control Side Timer Interrupt Processing] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the effect control side timer interrupt processing. The effect control side timer interrupt processing is activated by an interrupt every fixed time (1 ms) from the CTC, and is executed by interrupting during the execution of the effect control side main processing.

[0177] In step S601, the effect control unit 121 saves the contents of the register in the stack area, and then in step S602, executes button input state update processing. In this button input state update processing, the input state of the operation detection signal from the operation button 25 is monitored, and when it is confirmed that the operation detection signal has been received, the detection information is stored in a predetermined area of the RWM.

[0178] In step S603, the effect control unit 121 executes movable object accessory operation update processing. In this movable object accessory operation update processing, based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, processing is performed to create motor control data for the movable object motor 61a that operates the movable object accessory 61.

[0179] In step S604, the effect control unit 121 performs SOL·MOT output processing. In this SOL·MOT output processing, the motor control data of the movable object motor 61a created in the movable object accessory operation update processing is output to the motor driver 61c. The motor driver 61c outputs a control signal based on the motor control data to the movable object motor 61a of the movable object accessory 61 to be operated, and controls its operation. Thereby, a movable object effect by the movable object accessory 61 along the effect scenario is realized.

[0180] In step S605, the effect control unit 121 performs LCD command transmission processing. In this LCD command transmission processing, if there is an LCD command created in the scenario update processing (step S508), the LCD command is transmitted to the VDP circuit 127 to execute image display control for the LCD unit 57. Thereby, an image along the effect scenario is displayed.

[0181] In step S606, the effect control unit 121 executes RTC information acquisition processing. In this RTC information acquisition processing, date and time information (RTC information) measured by the RTC is acquired. This RTC information is used when presenting an effect based on the RTC information.

[0182] In step S607, the effect control unit 121 increments the main loop update counter. This main loop update counter is reset in step S503 during the above-described main processing on the effect control side and is incremented here.

[0183] In step S608, the effect control unit 121 restores the content of the saved register, ends the timer interrupt processing, and executes the main processing on the effect control side until the next timer interrupt occurs.

[0184] <7. LEDs related to the main control board 100> Next, the LEDs dynamically controlled by lighting by the main control board 100, that is, regarding the main display 63, will be described.

[0185] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the main display 63. As shown in FIG. 15, the main display 63 includes a main display base 301, a main display board 302, a main display cover 303, and a main display seal 304. The main display board 302 is disposed in the internal space formed by the main display base 301 and the main display cover 303.

[0186] On the main display board 302, a total of 32 monochromatic (red) LEDs 310 that constitute the special symbol 1 display 63a, the special symbol 2 display 63b, the normal symbol display 63c, the special symbol 1 hold count display 63d, the special symbol 2 hold count display 63e, the normal symbol hold count display 63f, the round display 63g, the game state display 63h, and the right strike display 63i are arranged. These LEDs 310 are arranged such that the light emitting surface (irradiation surface) of the light is parallel to the main display board 302, and are top view type LEDs whose optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the main display board 302.

[0187] Since the main display 63 has 32 LEDs 310, the 8 LEDs 310a that constitute the special symbol 1 display 63a are regarded as the first digit, the 8 LEDs 310b that constitute the special symbol 2 display 63b are regarded as the second digit, and the 8 (2, 4, 2) LEDs 310c that constitute the normal symbol display 63c, the round display 63g, and the right strike display 63i are regarded as the third digit, and the 8 (2, 2, 2, 2) LEDs 310d that constitute the special symbol 1 hold count display 63d, the special symbol 2 hold count display 63e, the normal symbol hold count display 63f, and the game state display 63h are regarded as the fourth digit. That is, since the LEDs 310 of each digit can be divided into groups of one each, the main display 63 can perform dynamic lighting control as a 4-digit × 8-segment display. Note that the combination of the LEDs 310 included in each digit is an example, and other combinations may be used.

[0188] In the main display cover 303, through holes 303a are respectively formed at positions facing the respective LEDs 310 arranged on the main display board 302.

[0189] The main display seal 304 is a semi-transparent milky white seal member having a lower light transmittance than a colorless transparent resin, and a line surrounding the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, and a round number is printed at a position corresponding to the round display 63g.

[0190] When any one of the LEDs 310 lights up, the light emitted from the LED 310 irradiates from the front surface of the game board 9 through the main display seal 304 arranged in front, and the main display 63 notifies the player of various game states.

[0191] Next, the transmission path of the control signal transmitted from the main control board 100 to the main display 63 will be described.

[0192] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around the main control unit 101 on the main control board 100. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration related to the display control of the main display 63 on the main control board 100. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the configuration for controlling the lighting of the LED 310 of the main display 63 will be described, and the description of other configurations will be omitted. Also, in FIGS. 16 and 17, identifiers (alphabet + number) are noted together for the electronic components arranged on the main control board 100 and whose description is omitted. For example, "C" indicates a capacitor, "R" indicates a resistor, "CN" indicates a connector, "IC" indicates an integrated circuit, "OSC" indicates an oscillator, "RA" indicates a collective resistor, "FLT" indicates a noise removal filter, and the numbers following these alphabets are unique values for identification. Since these identifiers are attached to identify electronic components on one board, the same identifier may be attached to different boards, but it does not mean that they are the same electronic component. The same applies to the circuit configurations described below.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 16, the main control unit 101 is composed of an integrated circuit having terminals numbered from 1 to 64 as if numbered "1" to "64". The main control unit 101 operates with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied through terminals 16, 19, 46, and 62 (VDD).

[0194] Terminal 25 can select the chip select function "CS13", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP13", and the transmission output function "SPITXA" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the transmission output function "SPITXA" for SPI communication is selected for Terminal 25.

[0195] Terminal 27 can select the chip select function "CS12", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP12", and the clock output function "SPICKA" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the clock output function "SPICKA" for SPI communication is selected for Terminal 27.

[0196] Terminal 29 can select the chip select function "CS11", the general-purpose input / output function "IOP11", and the chip select function "SPISA1" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the chip select function "SPISA1" for SPI communication is selected for Terminal 29.

[0197] The main control unit 101 outputs a serial data signal (main display segment data, main display common data: SPITXA) from Terminal 25 as a control signal for dynamically lighting the main display 64, outputs a chip select signal (SPISA1) from Terminal 29, and outputs a clock signal (SPICKA) from Terminal 27.

[0198] Here, the common data (for example, the main display common data) is a signal for selecting a group (digit) through which a drive current flows, that is, one group (digit) to be lit and displayed, among a plurality of groups (digits) of LEDs in the display. Also, the segment data (for example, the main display segment data) is a signal for turning on or off the LEDs in the group (digit) selected by the common data.

[0199] As shown in FIG. 17, on the main control board 100, in addition to the main control unit 101, LED drivers 100a, 100b, a connector 100c, and a plurality of resistors 100d are arranged.

[0200] The LED driver 100a has a 24-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 24, numbered "1" to "24". The LED driver 100a is an LED driver using a sink-type transistor array that draws current from a load (such as an LED). Terminal 1 (VDD) is a power supply terminal for driving, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 2 (RESET) is a reset signal input terminal to which a reset signal is input, and a reset signal (*IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. Terminal 3 (CS) is an input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip select signal (SPISA1) is input as a latch signal from the main control unit 101. Terminal 4 (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a clock signal (SPICKA) is input from the main control unit 101. Terminals 5 to 20 (PA0 to PA7, PB7 to PB0) are pull output terminals of the current-sinking type, and parallel data signals are pull output. In this embodiment, terminals 5 to 12 are not used. Terminal 21 (DIN) is an input terminal to which a serial data signal is input, and a serial data signal (SPITXA) is input from the main control unit 101. Terminal 22 (DOUT) is an output terminal from which a serial data signal is output, and the serial data signal (SPITXA) is output to the LED driver 100b. Terminal 23 (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal and is connected to ground. Terminal 24 (COM) is a terminal connected to an internal clamp diode to discharge the back electromotive force, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), which is the drive power supply for the LED 310, is input.

[0201] The LED driver 100b has a 16-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 16, numbered "1" to "16". The LED driver 100b is an LED driver using a source-type transistor array that discharges current to a load (such as an LED). The first terminal (VCC) is a power supply terminal that supplies the driving power for the load (such as an LED), and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is inputted. The second terminal (VDD) is a power supply terminal for driving, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is inputted. The third terminal (DOUT) is an output terminal from which a serial data signal is outputted, and it is connected to the ground. The fourth terminal (RESET) is an input terminal to which a reset signal is inputted, and a reset signal (*IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is inputted. The fifth terminal (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is inputted, and a clock signal (SPICKA) is inputted from the main control unit 101. The sixth terminal (DIN) is an input terminal to which a serial data signal is inputted, and a serial data signal (SPITXA) is inputted from the LED driver 100a. The seventh terminal (CS) is a latch signal input terminal to which a latch signal is inputted, and a chip select signal (SPISA1) is inputted as a latch signal from the main control unit 101. The eighth terminal (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal, and it is connected to the ground. The ninth terminal to the sixteenth terminal (00~07) are current supply type push output terminals, and a parallel data signal is push outputted. In this embodiment, the thirteenth terminal to the sixteenth terminal (04 - 07) are not used.

[0202] The LED drivers 100a and 100b are serial - parallel conversion circuits that convert the serial data signal (SPITXA) from the main control unit 101 into a parallel data signal. A clock signal (SPICKA), a chip select signal (SPISA1), and a reset signal (*IORST) are inputted in parallel to the respective input terminals (SCK, CS, RESET) of the LED drivers 100a and 100b.

[0203] The LED drivers 100a and 100b have a shift register and a parallel data latch circuit (data register). The shift register is composed of a plurality of D-type flip-flops. Synchronized with the clock signal (SPICKA), the bit data of one D-type flip-flop moves to the adjacent D-type flip-flop. The parallel data latch circuit is composed of, for example, a plurality of D-type flip-flops, and latches (holds) and captures (sets) the data of the shift register at a predetermined latch timing when receiving the chip select signal (SPISA1) as a latch signal.

[0204] LED drivers 100a and 100b are cascade-connected (multi-stage connected), with LED driver 100a forming the first stage and LED driver 100b forming the second stage. The serial data signal (SPITXA) transmitted from the main control unit 101 is input to the 21st terminal (DIN) of LED driver 100a, passes through the shift register of LED driver 100a, and is output from the 22nd terminal (DOUT). The serial data signal (SPITXA) output from the 22nd terminal (DOUT) of LED driver 100a is input to the 6th terminal (DIN) of LED driver 100b and passes through the shift register of LED driver 100b.

[0205] The data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of LED driver 100a is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (main display segment data 1 to 8) from terminals 13 to 20 (PB0 - PB7). Specifically, the terminal where the main display segment data is high is connected to the ground, and the terminal where the main display segment data is low is not connected to the ground. Also, the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of LED driver 100b is simultaneously pushed out as parallel data signals (main display common data 1 to 4) from terminals 9 to 12 (00 - 03). Specifically, the drive power supply (DC5VA) is supplied to the terminal where the main display common data is high, and the drive power supply (DC5VA) is not supplied to the terminal where the main display common data is low. Also, the LED drivers 100a and 100b are simultaneously reset (initialized) by a reset signal (*IORST), and the internal data is cleared.

[0206] The terminals 20 to 13 (PB0 - PB7) of the LED driver 100a are respectively connected to the terminals 5 to 12 of the connector 100c via the wiring pattern 100e and the resistor 100d. Also, the terminals 9 to 12 (00 - 03) of the LED driver 100b are respectively connected to the terminals 1 to 4 of the connector 100c via the wiring pattern 100f.

[0207] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the main display board 302. As shown in FIG. 18, a connector 302a and 32 LEDs 310 are arranged on the main display board 302. The connector 100c of the main control board 100 is connected to the connector 302a via a transmission cable.

[0208] Parallel data signals (main display common data 1 to 4) are respectively input from the main control board 100 to the terminals 1 to 4 of the connector 302a. Parallel data signals (main display segment data 1 to 8) are respectively input from the main control board 100 to the terminals 5 to 12 of the connector 302a. Also, the terminal 1 of the connector 302a is connected in parallel to the anodes of eight LEDs 310a that constitute the special symbol 1 display 63a of the main display 63 via the wiring pattern 302b. The terminal 2 is connected in parallel to the anodes of eight LEDs 310b that constitute the special symbol 2 display 63b of the main display 63 via the wiring pattern 302b. The terminal 3 is connected to the anodes of eight LEDs 310c that constitute the normal symbol display 63c, the round display 63g, and the right - hand display 63i of the main display 63 via the wiring pattern 302b. The No. 4 terminal is connected in parallel to the anodes of eight LEDs 310d that constitute the special symbol 1 remaining number display 63d, the special symbol 2 remaining number display 63e, the normal symbol remaining number display 63f, and the game state display 63h of the main display 63 via the wiring pattern 302b. To the No. 5 terminal to No. 12 terminals, the cathodes of any one of the LEDs 310 of LED 310a, any one of the LEDs 310 of LED 310b, any one of the LEDs 310 of LED 310c, and any one of the LEDs 310 of LED 310d are connected in parallel via the wiring pattern 302c so as to be different from each other.

[0209] Then, the main display 63 allows a drive current to flow through any one of the anodes of LEDs 310a to 310d according to the main display common data, and draws the drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 310 via the resistor 100d according to the main display segment data 1 to 8, so that the current flows through the sequentially selected LEDs 310a to 310d in the dynamic lighting method and lights them up.

[0210] Here, the main display 63 is controlled to light up in the order of, for example, the special symbol 1 display 63a → the special symbol 2 display 63b → the normal symbol display 63c, the round display 63g, and the right hit display 63i → the special symbol 1 remaining number display 63d, the special symbol 2 remaining number display 63e, the normal symbol remaining number display 63f, and the game state display 63h → the special symbol 1 display 63a → ···.

[0211] The wiring patterns 100e and 302c individually connect a plurality of LEDs 310 that constitute each of the LEDs 310a to 310d of the main display 63 to the LED driver 100a. On the other hand, the wiring patterns 100f and 302b commonly connect a plurality of LEDs 310 that constitute each of the LEDs 310a to 310d of the main display 63 to the LED driver 100b. Therefore, in the wiring patterns 100f and 302b, the drive currents flowing through the wiring patterns 100e and 302c gather, so that the drive current flowing through the wiring patterns 100f and 302b is larger than that flowing through the wiring patterns 100e and 302c. Therefore, the wiring patterns 100f and 302b are formed wider than the wiring patterns 100e and 302c. For example, the width of the wiring patterns 100f and 302b is 0.5 mm, and the width of the wiring patterns 100e and 302c is 0.2 mm. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the electrical resistance in the wiring patterns 100f and 302b where the driving current flowing is large and suppress heat generation.

[0212] Note that the resistor 100d mounted between the LED driver 100a and the LED 310 of the main display 63 can be mounted on either the main control board 100 or the main display board 302. However, since the main display board 302 is arranged in a narrow space such as below the game board 9, for example, when the resistor 100d is mounted, the heat generated by the resistor 100d will be trapped in the space where the main display board 302 is arranged, and there is a high risk of damage to electronic components and the like. Therefore, by mounting the resistor 100d on the main control board 100, the risk of damage to the main display board 302 can be reduced. Also, when the resistor 100d is mounted on the main display board 302, it is necessary to increase the board size, and for example, the disposability of the main display 63 on the game board 9 may deteriorate. Therefore, by mounting the resistor 100d on the main control board 100, the board size of the main display board 302 can be reduced, and the disposability of the main display 63 can be improved.

[0213] <8. LEDs related to the frame control board 110> Next, LEDs that are dynamically lit and controlled by the frame control board 110, that is, the game ball number display 21 and the performance display 116 will be described.

[0214] FIG. 19 is a view of the gaming machine 1 seen from the back side. FIG. 20 is a view for explaining the structure of the frame control board 110. As shown in FIG. 19, most of the back side of the gaming machine 1 is covered by a colorless and transparent back cover 81, and each part arranged inside the back cover 81 is protected. On the back side of the gaming machine 1, a frame control board 110 and a power supply board 130 are arranged so as to overlap each other in the front-rear direction below the back cover 81. The frame control board 110 is arranged on the front side (the rear side with respect to the player) of the power supply board 130 when viewed from the back side of the gaming machine 1.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 20(a), the frame control board 110 is arranged in a space formed by a board case 321 and a board base 322. On the frame control board 110, an RWM clear switch 112, a game ball number clear switch 113, a ball discharge switch 114, an error reset switch 115, and a plurality of connectors are exposed from the board case 321, and other electronic components are covered by the board case 321. As a result, the RWM clear switch 112, the game ball number clear switch 113, the ball discharge switch 114, and the error reset switch 115 can be operated by a hall staff or the like, and other electronic components are protected.

[0216] Since the board case 321 and the board base 322 are formed of a colorless and transparent resin material, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the electronic components (particularly the performance indicator 116) arranged on the frame control board 110 are visible from the outside through the board case 321. Therefore, in a state where the frame control board 110 is attached to the gaming machine 1, it is impossible or difficult to visually observe the performance indicator 116 if the inner frame 5 is closed, but it becomes possible to visually observe the performance indicator 116 through the board case 321 by opening the inner frame 5.

[0217] The performance indicator 116 has a total of 48 single-color (red) LEDs 320 arranged in 6 digits × 8 segments (7 segments (a to g) + 1 dot (dp)). These LEDs 320 are arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the board of the performance indicator 116, and are top view LEDs in which the optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the board of the performance indicator 116. The performance indicator 116 can perform dynamic lighting control as a 6-digit × 8-segment display.

[0218] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the game ball number display 21. As shown in FIG. 21, the game ball number display 21 includes a game ball number display base 331, a game ball number display board 332, a game ball number display panel 333, a game ball number display seal 334, and a game ball number display cover 335. The game ball number display 21 has the game ball number display board 332, the game ball number display panel 333, and the game ball number display seal 334 accommodated in a space formed by the game ball number display base 331 and the game ball number display cover 335.

[0219] A total of 42 single-color (white) LEDs 336 of 6 digits × 7 segments (a to g) are arranged on the game ball number display board 332. These LEDs 336 are arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the game ball number display board 332, and are top-view LEDs in which the optical axis of the irradiated light is perpendicular to the game ball number display board 332. The game ball number display 21 can perform dynamic lighting control as a 6-digit × 7-segment display.

[0220] The game ball number display panel 333 has through holes 333a extending from the front surface 333b to the game ball number display board 332 formed at positions facing the LEDs 336 arranged on the game ball number display board 332, respectively. Thereby, the light irradiated from the LED 336 passes through the opposing through hole 333a, and it is possible to reduce the possibility that the light leaks from the other through holes 333a and becomes difficult to visually recognize.

[0221] The game ball number display seal 334 has a 7-segment shape that is, for example, semi-transparent milky white with a light transmittance lower than that of colorless transparency at positions facing the LEDs 336 arranged on the game ball number display board 332, transmits the light irradiated from the LED 336, and is opaque black that does not transmit light in other portions.

[0222] The game ball number display cover 335 is a translucent black panel (resin material) with a lower light transmittance than colorless transparency, which allows the light irradiated from the LED 336 to pass through and makes it difficult to visually recognize the 7-segment shape of the game ball number display seal 334 when the LED 336 is not emitting light.

[0223] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around the frame control unit 111 on the frame control board 110. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration related to the display control of the performance indicator 116 on the frame control board 110. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration around a predetermined connector 110f on the frame control board 110. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the game ball number display board 332.

[0224] As shown in FIG. 22, the frame control board 110 is composed of an integrated circuit having terminals numbered from 1 to 71 as if numbered from "1" to "71". The frame control board 110 operates with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) supplied via the 8th terminal (VDD3), 19th terminal (VDD1), and 52nd terminal (VDD2).

[0225] The 2nd terminal enables selection of the chip select function "XCS15", the general-purpose input / output function "PO7", and the chip select function "SS" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the 2nd terminal has the chip select function "SS" for SPI communication selected.

[0226] The 4th terminal enables selection of the chip select function "XCS14", the general-purpose input / output function "PO6", and the clock output function "SCK" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the 4th terminal has the clock output function "SCK" for SPI communication selected.

[0227] The 6th terminal enables selection of the chip select function "XCS13", the general-purpose input / output function "PO5", and the transmission output function "SDO" for SPI communication. In this embodiment, the 2nd terminal has the transmission output function "SDO" for SPI communication selected.

[0228] The frame control unit 111 outputs a serial data signal (game ball count display segment data, game ball count display common data, performance display segment data, performance display common data: SDO) as a control signal for lighting control of the game ball count display 21 and the performance display 116 from terminal 6, outputs a chip select signal (SS) from terminal 2, and outputs a clock signal (SCK) from terminal 4.

[0229] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in addition to the frame control unit 111, an LED driver 110a, 110b, 110c, resistors 110d, 110e, and a connector 110f are arranged on the frame control board 110.

[0230] The LED driver 110a has a 16-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 16 as if numbered "1" to "16". The LED driver 110a is an LED driver using a source type transistor array that discharges current to a load (such as an LED). Terminal 1 (VCC) is a power supply terminal for supplying a drive power supply for a load (such as an LED), and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is input. Terminal 2 (VDD) is a drive power supply terminal, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 3 (DOUT) is an output terminal from which a serial data signal is output, and a serial data signal (SDO) is output to the LED driver 110b. Terminal 4 (RESET) is an input terminal to which a reset signal is input, and a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. Terminal 5 (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a clock signal (SCK) is input from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 6 (DIN) is an input terminal to which a serial data signal is input, and a serial data signal (SDO) is input from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 7 (CS) is an input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip select signal (SS) is input as a latch signal from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 8 (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal and is connected to ground. Terminals 9 to 16 (00 - 07) are current - supply type push - output terminals, and parallel data signals are push - output. In this embodiment, terminals 15 to 16 are unused.

[0231] The LED driver 110b has a 24 - terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 24 as numbered "1" to "24". The LED driver 110b is an LED driver using a sink - type transistor array that draws current from a load (such as an LED). Terminal 1 (VDD) is a driving power supply terminal, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 2 (RESET) is an input terminal to which a reset signal is input, and a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. Terminal 3 (CS) is an input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip - select signal (SS) is input as a latch signal from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 4 (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a clock signal (SCK) is input from the frame control unit 111. Terminals 5 to 20 (PA0 - PA7, PB7 - PB0) are current - sinking type pull - output terminals, and parallel data signals are pull - output. In this embodiment, terminals 11 to 13 are unused. Terminal 21 (DIN) is an input terminal to which a serial data signal is input, and a serial data signal (SDO) is input from the LED driver 110a. Terminal 22 (DOUT) is an output terminal to which a serial data signal is output, and a serial data signal (SDO) is output to the LED driver 110c. Terminal 23 (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal and is connected to ground. Terminal 24 (COM) is a terminal to which an internal clamp diode is connected to discharge the back - electromotive force, and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA), which is the driving power supply for the LED, is input.

[0232] The LED driver 110c has a 16-terminal configuration from terminal 1 to terminal 16, numbered "1" to "16". The LED driver 110c is an LED driver using a source-type transistor array that discharges current to a load (such as an LED). Terminal 1 (VCC) is a power supply terminal that supplies the driving power for the load (such as an LED), and a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is input. Terminal 2 (VDD) is a power supply terminal for driving, and a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is input. Terminal 3 (DOUT) is an output terminal from which a serial data signal is output, and it is connected to the ground. Terminal 4 (RESET) is an input terminal to which a reset signal is input, and a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown) is input. Terminal 5 (SCK) is an input terminal to which a clock signal is input, and a clock signal (SCK) is input from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 6 (DIN) is an input terminal to which a serial data signal is input, and a serial data signal (SDO) is input from the LED driver 110b. Terminal 7 (CS) is an input terminal to which a latch signal is input, and a chip select signal (SS) is input as a latch signal from the frame control unit 111. Terminal 8 (VSS) is a reference power supply terminal and is connected to the ground. Terminals 9 to 16 (00 - 07) are current supply type push output terminals, and a parallel data signal is output.

[0233] The LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c are serial - parallel conversion circuits that convert the serial data signal (SDO) from the frame control unit 111 into a parallel data signal. A clock signal (SCK), a chip select signal (SS), and a reset signal ( / IORST) are input in parallel to their respective input terminals (SCK, CS, RESET) of the LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c.

[0234] The LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c include a shift register and a parallel data latch circuit (data register). The shift register is composed of a plurality of D flip-flops, and in synchronization with a clock signal (SCK), the bit data of one D flip-flop moves to the adjacent D flip-flop. The parallel data latch circuit is composed of, for example, a plurality of D flip-flops, and latches (holds) and captures (sets) the data of the shift register at a predetermined latch timing when receiving a chip select signal (SS) as a latch signal.

[0235] The LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c are cascade-connected (multi-stage connected), with the LED driver 110a forming the first stage, the LED driver 110b forming the second stage, and the LED driver 110c forming the third stage. The serial data signal (SDO) transmitted from the frame control board 110 is input to the 6th terminal (DIN) of the LED driver 110a, passes through the shift register of the LED driver 110a, and is output from the 3rd terminal (DOUT). The serial data signal (SDO) output from the 3rd terminal (DOUT) of the LED driver 110a is input to the 21st terminal (DIN) of the LED driver 110b, passes through the shift register of the LED driver 110b, and is output from the 22nd terminal (DOUT). The serial data signal (SDO) output from the 22nd terminal (DOUT) of the LED driver 110b is input to the 6th terminal (DIN) of the LED driver 110c and passes through the shift register of the LED driver 110c.

[0236] The data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110a is simultaneously push-output from the 9th to 14th terminals (00 - 05) as parallel data signals (common game ball number display data 1 to 6). Specifically, a drive power supply (DC12VA) is supplied to the terminals where the common game ball number display data is high, and no drive power supply (DC12VA) is supplied to the terminals where the common game ball number display data is low. Also, a part of the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110b is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (game ball number display segment data 1 to 7) from terminals 20 to 14 (PB0 - PB6). Specifically, the terminals where the game ball number display segment data is high are connected to the ground, and the terminals where the game ball number display segment data is low are not connected to the ground. Also, a part of the data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110b is simultaneously pulled out as parallel data signals (performance display common data 1 to 6) from terminals 5 to 10 (PA0 - PA5). Specifically, the terminals where the performance display common data is high are connected to the ground, and the terminals where the performance display common data is low are not connected to the ground. The data captured by the parallel data latch circuit of the LED driver 110c is simultaneously pushed out as parallel data signals (performance display segment data 1 to 8) from terminals 9 to 16 (00 - 07). Specifically, the drive power supply (DC12VA) is supplied to the terminals where the performance display segment data is high, and the drive power supply (DC12VA) is not supplied to the terminals where the performance display segment data is low. Also, the LED drivers 110a, 110b, and 110c are simultaneously reset (initialized) by a reset signal ( / IORST) from an integrated circuit (not shown), and the internal data is cleared.

[0237] Then, terminals 5 to 10 (PA0 - PA5) of the LED driver 110b and terminals 9 to 16 (00 - 07) of the LED driver 110c are connected to the performance display 116.

[0238] Here, as described above, the performance display 116 is composed of 6 digits × 8 segments (7 segments (a to g) + 1 dot (dp): 8 LEDs 320).

[0239] The fifth terminal (PA0) of the LED driver 110b is connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 320 that constitute the first digit of the eight segments of the performance indicator 116 via the wiring pattern 110g. Similarly, the sixth to tenth terminals (PA1 - PA5) of the LED driver 110b are connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 320 that constitute the second to sixth digits of the eight segments of the performance indicator 116 via the wiring pattern 110g, respectively.

[0240] Also, the ninth terminal (00) of the LED driver 110c is connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 320 (a) of each digit of the performance indicator 116 via the wiring pattern 110h and the resistor 110d. Similarly, the tenth to sixteenth terminals (01 - 07) of the LED driver 110c are connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 320 (b - g, dp) of each digit of the performance indicator 116 via the wiring pattern 110h and the resistor 110d, respectively.

[0241] Then, the performance indicator 116 passes a drive current through the anodes of the LEDs 320 according to the performance display segment data via the resistor 110d, and draws out the drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 320 of the digit corresponding to the performance display common data, so that the drive current flows through and lights up the LEDs 320 of the digit sequentially selected in the dynamic lighting method.

[0242] Here, the performance indicator 116 will be controlled to light up in the order of, for example, the first digit → the second digit → the third digit → the fourth digit → the fifth digit → the sixth digit → the first digit → ···.

[0243] Note that the wiring pattern 110h individually connects a plurality of LEDs 320 for each digit of the performance indicator 116 to the LED driver 110c. The wiring pattern 110g commonly connects a plurality of LEDs 320 for each digit of the performance indicator 116 to the LED driver 110b. Therefore, in the wiring pattern 110g, the drive current flowing through the wiring pattern 110h converges, so the drive current flowing through the wiring pattern 110g becomes larger than that of the wiring pattern 110h. Therefore, the wiring pattern 110g is formed wider than the wiring pattern 110h. For example, the width of the wiring pattern 110h is 0.15 mm, and the width of the wiring pattern 110g is 0.3 mm. Thereby, the electric resistance in the wiring pattern 110g where the driving current flowing is large can be reduced, and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0244] Also, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the terminals 20 to 14 (PB0 - PB6) of the LED driver 110b are connected to the terminals 9 to 15 of the connector 110f via the wiring pattern 110i and the resistor 110e, respectively. Further, the terminals 9 to 14 (00 - 05) of the LED driver 110a are connected to the terminals 21 to 26 of the connector 110f via the wiring pattern 110j, respectively.

[0245] The connector 110f of the frame control board 110 is connected to a relay board (not shown) provided on the front frame 7 via a transmission cable. Among the signals transmitted to the relay board via the connector 110f of the frame control board 110, parallel data signals (game ball number display segment data 1 to 7, game ball number display common data 1 to 6) are input to the game ball number display board 332.

[0246] As shown in FIG. 25, via the connector 110f of the frame control board 110 and a relay board (not shown) arranged on the left side (hinge mechanism side) at the lower part of the front frame 7, the game ball number display segment data 1 to 7 are respectively input to the terminals 1 to 7 of the connector 332a arranged on the game ball number display board 332, and the game ball number display common data 1 to 6 are respectively input to the terminals 8 to 13 of the connector 332a.

[0247] And the terminal 8 of the connector 332a is connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 336 constituting the 7 - segment of the first digit of the game ball number display 21 via the wiring pattern 332b. Similarly, the terminals 9 to 13 of the connector 332a are connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 336 constituting the 7 - segments of the second to sixth digits of the game ball number display 21 via the wiring pattern 332b, respectively.

[0248] Also, the first terminal of the connector 332a is connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 336(a) of each digit of the game ball number display 21 via the wiring pattern 332c. Similarly, the second to seventh terminals of the connector 332a are connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs (b to g) of each digit of the game ball number display 21 via the wiring pattern 332c, respectively.

[0249] Then, the game ball number display 21 passes a drive current through the anodes of the LEDs 336 of the digit corresponding to the game ball number display common data 1 to 6, and draws the drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 336 based on the game ball number display segment data 1 to 7, so that the drive current flows through and lights up the LEDs 336 of the digit sequentially selected in the dynamic lighting method.

[0250] Here, the game ball number display 21 is controlled to light up in the order of, for example, the first digit → the second digit → the third digit → the fourth digit → the fifth digit → the sixth digit → the first digit → ···.

[0251] Note that the wiring patterns 110i and 332c individually connect a plurality of LEDs 336 for each digit of the game ball number display 21 to the LED driver 110b. On the other hand, the wiring patterns 110j and 332b commonly connect a plurality of LEDs 336 for each digit of the game ball number display 21 to the LED driver 110a. Therefore, in the wiring patterns 110j and 332b, the drive currents flowing through the wiring patterns 110i and 332c gather, so that the drive current flowing through the wiring patterns 110j and 332b becomes larger than that flowing through the wiring patterns 110i and 332c. Therefore, the wiring patterns 110j and 332b are formed wider than the wiring patterns 110i and 332c. For example, the width of the wiring patterns 110i and 332c is 0.15 mm, and the width of the wiring patterns 110j and 332b is 0.3 mm. Thereby, the electrical resistance in the wiring patterns 110j and 332b where the flowing drive current is large can be reduced and heat generation can be suppressed.

[0252] <9. LEDs related to the fourth symbol display 65> Next, the LEDs of the fourth symbol display 65 that are statically lit and controlled by the effect control board 120 will be described.

[0253] FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the fourth symbol display 65. As shown in FIG. 26, the fourth symbol display 65 includes a fourth symbol display board 341, a fourth symbol display case 342, and a fourth symbol display seal 343. The fourth symbol display board 341 is housed inside the fourth symbol display case 342.

[0254] A total of nine LEDs 350 that constitute the special symbol 1 display 65a, the special symbol 2 display 65b, the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c, the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d, and the right-handed display 65e are arranged on the fourth symbol display board 341. These LEDs 350 are single-color (red) LEDs, arranged such that the light-emitting surfaces are parallel to the fourth symbol display board 341, and are top-view type LEDs in which the optical axes of the irradiated light are perpendicular to the fourth symbol display board 341.

[0255] Through holes 342a are respectively formed in the fourth symbol display case 342 at positions facing the respective LEDs 350 arranged on the fourth symbol display board 341.

[0256] The fourth symbol display seal 343 has a semi-transparent milky white round shape at positions facing the respective LEDs 350 arranged on the fourth symbol display board 341, with a lower light transmittance than colorless transparency, allowing the light irradiated from the LEDs 350 to pass through, and the other parts are opaque black and do not allow light to pass through. Also, on the fourth symbol display seal 343, lines surrounding the special symbol 1 display 65a, the special symbol 2 display 65b, the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c, the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d, and the right-handed display 65e are printed, etc.

[0257] Therefore, when any of the LEDs 350 lights up, the light emitted from the LED 350 is irradiated from the front surface of the game board 9 through the fourth symbol display seal 343, and various game states are notified to the player.

[0258] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the decoration relay board 150 to which the effect control board 120 and the fourth symbol display board 341 are connected. As shown in FIG. 27, an LED driver 150a is arranged on the decoration relay board 150. The LED driver 150a is an example of the above-described LED driver 27a, and has a 48-terminal configuration from the first terminal to the 48th terminal as numbered "1" to "48".

[0259] The first terminal (VREF) is an output terminal of a reference voltage. The second terminal (SCLK) is an input terminal of a clock signal (CLK). The third terminal (SDATA) is an input terminal of a serial data signal (DATA). The fourth terminal (SDEN) is an input terminal of an enable signal. The fifth terminal (CTLSCT) is a serial bus communication setting terminal, but a reference voltage from the first terminal, that is, an H level, is input thereto and set to a predetermined mode. The sixth terminal (OUTSCT) is an output method control terminal of the LED drive current, and is set to an L level by being connected to the ground, and is set to a predetermined mode, for example, constant current output. The seventh terminal (RESET) is an input terminal of a reset signal. Terminal 8 (RT1) is a resistance connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for reference current setting, to which resistor 150b is connected. By changing the resistance value of resistor 150b connected to terminal 8, LED driver 150a can change the current value of the drive current flowing through the output terminals (LEDR1~LEDB8) where parallel data signals are output. In LED driver 150a, the larger the resistance value of resistor 150b, the smaller the current value of the drive current can be made. For example, with resistance values of 70 kΩ, 80 kΩ, 100 kΩ, 140 kΩ, 180 kΩ, the current values are set to 14 mA, 12 mA, 10 mA, 7 mA, 5.5 mA respectively. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of resistor 150b is 140 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 7 mA. Terminal 9 and terminal 31 (NC) are dummy terminals. Terminal 10 (SGND) is a ground terminal. Terminals 11 to 15 (A0 - A4) are address terminals for setting the slave address, and a 5-bit slave address can be set. Each terminal is set to "0" when connected to ground and "1" when connected to terminal 1. Terminals 16 to 18, 20 to 25, 27 to 29, 32 to 34, 36 to 41, 43 to 45 (LEDR1 - LEDB8) are output terminals where parallel data signals are output. Note that some of these output terminals are unused. Terminals 19, 26, 35, 42 are ground terminals (PGND1~PGND4). Terminal 30 (VLED) is a protection terminal for LED drive output. Terminals 46, 47 (TEST1, TEST2) are test terminals and are connected to ground. Terminal 48 (SVCC) is a power supply terminal to which the drive power is input, and a 12V DC voltage (SC12VB) is input.

[0260] The clock signal (CLK) output from the performance control board 120 and the serial data signal (LED data) as a control signal are supplied to the LED driver 150a. The LED driver 150a outputs a drive current according to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0261] The LED driver 150a has 24 output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from terminal 16 to terminal 45. The LED driver 150a generates a parallel data signal (03-R1 to 03-B8) based on the serial data signal (DATA) input from the performance control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (03-R1 to 03-B8) from the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8).

[0262] Here, the parallel data signal is denoted as "03-R1", "03-G1", "03-B1", ···. And "R" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the red LED of the full-color LED chip. "G" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the green LED of the full-color LED chip. "B" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the blue LED of the full-color LED chip. However, "R", "G", and "B" are not necessarily assigned to the drive currents for the red LED, green LED, and blue LED respectively. For example, they may be assigned to the drive current for a single-color LED.

[0263] Terminals 16 to 18 and terminals 20 to 25 are connected to the connector 150c. Also, terminals 27 to 29, terminals 32 to 34, and terminals 36 to 38 are connected to the connector 150d. Also, terminals 44 and 45 are connected to the connector 150e.

[0264] The connectors 150c and 150e are connected to the decorative board 180 via a transmission cable. The connector 150d is connected to the fourth symbol display board 341 via a transmission cable.

[0265] FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the circuit configuration of the fourth symbol display board 341. As shown in FIG. 28, a connector 341a is arranged on the fourth symbol display board 341. Then, parallel data signals (03-R4 to 03-B6) are respectively input from the second terminal to the tenth terminal of the connector 341a via the connector 150d of the decoration relay board 150. The second terminal to the tenth terminal of the connector 341a are respectively connected to the cathodes of different LEDs 350.

[0266] Also, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to the first terminal of the connector 341a. The first terminal of the connector 341a is respectively connected to the anodes of the LEDs 350 via resistors 341b. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (03-R4 to 03-B6), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through the resistors 341b and the LEDs 350, and the LEDs 350 are lit.

[0267] Note that the current value of the drive current supplied to the LED 350b is determined by the resistance value of the resistor 150b connected to the eighth terminal of the LED driver 150a, and the resistor 341b does not affect the current value of the drive current. The resistor 341b is provided to drop the voltage on the cathode side of the LED 350, that is, the voltage of the 27th terminal to the 38th terminal (excluding the 30th, 31st, and 35th terminals) of the LED driver 150a (for example, to about 0.5V).

[0268] Also, each LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65 is made unable to be adjusted in brightness by the user, and will be lit at a constant brightness by PWM control.

[0269] In this way, the effect control unit 121 can control the lighting of each LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65 simultaneously by static control.

[0270] <10. The effect LED 27 arranged on the game board 9> Next, the illumination LED 27 for effects that is statically illuminated by the effect control unit 121 will be described. Here, among the illumination LEDs 27 provided in the gaming machine 1, the illumination LED 27 arranged on the game board 9 will be described.

[0271] As described above, the effect control unit 121 issues an instruction to the LED driver 27a so as to turn on and display the illumination LED 27 based on the determined effect pattern. Specifically, in the ROM of the effect control unit 121, an effect table that defines the reference gradation value of each illumination LED 27 along the time axis is stored for each effect pattern. The reference gradation value defines the gradation value that serves as a reference when the LED driver 27a performs PWM control on the illumination LED 27. For example, when the LED driver 27a performs PWM control on the illumination LED 27 with 256 gradations (8 bits), the reference gradation value in the effect table is specified as any one of 256 gradations (0 to 255).

[0272] When the effect pattern is determined, the effect control unit 121 reads out the effect table corresponding to the effect pattern from the ROM.

[0273] In addition, the effect control unit 121 reads out the luminance setting value determined according to the operation of the luminance change button 25c. Here, the luminance setting values that can be set according to the operation of the luminance change button 25c are provided in, for example, five levels from 1 to 5. Each time the plus button of the luminance change button 25c is operated, the luminance setting value is increased by 1 until it reaches 5, which is the maximum value. Each time the minus button of the luminance change button 25c is operated, the luminance setting value is decreased by 1 until it reaches 1, which is the minimum value. When the luminance change button 25c is operated, the current luminance setting value is displayed on the LCD unit 57.

[0274] The luminance setting value is a coefficient for adjusting the reference gradation value of each illumination LED 27 shown in the effect table. For example, the luminance setting value "5" is set to 100%, the luminance setting value "4" is set to 80%, the luminance setting value "3" is set to 60%, the luminance setting value "2" is set to 40%, and the luminance setting value "1" is set to 20%.

[0275] Then, the effect control unit 121 multiplies the reference gradation value of each effect LED 27 shown in the effect table read from the ROM by the luminance setting value, thereby calculating and setting the gradation value when each effect LED 27 is actually PWM-controlled by the LED driver 27a. The effect control unit 121 generates a control signal (LED data) indicating the calculated gradation value of each effect LED 27, and outputs the control signal (LED data) to the LED driver 27a in step S511 (see FIG. 13). As a result, the effect LED 27 is PWM-controlled by the LED driver 27a at a duty ratio (gradation value / 256) corresponding to the gradation value, and an effect of lighting display according to the effect table is realized.

[0276] [10.1 Effect LEDs for the illumination panel] FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the decorative substrate 180 around the illumination panel 59. FIG. 30 is a partially enlarged view around the illumination panel 59.

[0277] As shown in FIG. 29, the illumination panel 59 is formed in a plate shape that spreads sufficiently in the vertical and horizontal directions and is sufficiently short in the front-rear direction (the direction facing the player: the thickness direction). And the illumination panel 59 is arranged such that the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b that spread in the vertical and horizontal directions face the player.

[0278] On the game board 9, four decorative substrates 180 are arranged around the illumination panel 59. Hereinafter, the four decorative substrates 180 are referred to as illumination substrates 401 to 404.

[0279] As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the illumination substrate 401 is arranged on the left side of the illumination panel 59. The illumination substrate 401 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 401a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged faces the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the illumination substrate 401 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 401a is perpendicular to the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59. Note that the term "perpendicular" includes not only the case of being completely perpendicular but also including some error (angle error), and the same applies to other descriptions.

[0280] On the component surface 401a of the illumination substrate 401, six effect LEDs 27 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction so as to face the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged to face the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59 is denoted as the illumination LED 411.

[0281] The illumination LED 411 is a full-color LED, and is arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the illumination substrate 401, and is a top view type LED in which the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 30) is perpendicular to the illumination substrate 401. Note that the term "parallel" includes not only the case of being completely parallel but also including some error (angle error), and the same applies to other descriptions.

[0282] In this way, since the component surface 401a of the illumination substrate 401 does not face the player (is perpendicular to the player's direct facing direction), and the light emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 is parallel to the illumination substrate 401, the light emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 is arranged on the game board 9 so as not to face the player (to be perpendicular to the player's direct facing direction). And since the optical axis of the illumination LED 411 does not face the player, the light emitted from the illumination LED 411 hardly reaches the player directly.

[0283] Since the light-emitting surface of the Illumi LED 411 and the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59 are arranged with almost no gap therebetween, the Illumi LED 411 irradiates light into the interior of the illumination panel 59 through the left side surface 59c. That is, the Illumi LED 411 irradiates light in the longitudinal direction (left-right direction) of the illumination panel 59.

[0284] In the illumination panel 59, the light incident from the left side surface 59c diffuses in the pattern portion, so that the pattern portion emits light.

[0285] Similar to the Illumi substrate 401, the Illumi substrates 402 to 404 are arranged to be perpendicular to the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59, and effect LEDs 27 for irradiating light to the side surface of the illumination panel 59 are arranged.

[0286] The Illumi substrates 402 and 403 are arranged above the illumination panel 59. The Illumi substrates 402 and 403 are arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surfaces 402a and 403a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged face the upper side surface 59d of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the Illumi substrates 402 and 403 are arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surfaces 402a and 403a are perpendicular to the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59.

[0287] The Illumi substrate 404 is arranged with a diffusion plate 405 interposed therebetween on the right side of the illumination panel 59. The Illumi substrate 404 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 404a on which the electrical component (effect LED 27) is arranged faces the right side surface 59e of the illumination panel 59. Therefore, the Illumi substrate 404 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 404a is perpendicular to the front surface 59a and the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59.

[0288] On the component surfaces 402a to 404a of the illumination substrates 402 to 404, a plurality of effect LEDs 27 are arranged so as to face the upper surface 59d and the right side surface 59e of the illumination panel 59. These effect LEDs 27 are full-color LEDs, and are arranged such that the light-emitting surfaces are parallel to the illumination substrates 402 to 404 respectively, and are top-view type LEDs in which the optical axes of the irradiated light are perpendicular to the illumination substrates 402 to 404 respectively. And these effect LEDs 27 irradiate light from the upper surface 59d or the right side surface 59e of the illumination panel 59 toward the inside of the illumination panel 59.

[0289] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the illumination substrate 401. Since the illumination substrates 402 to 404 have the same circuit configuration as the illumination substrate 401, the description thereof is omitted. As shown in FIG. 31, an LED driver 401b is arranged on the illumination substrate 401. The LED driver 401b is an example of the above-described LED driver 27a, and drives and controls the illumination LED 411.

[0290] The LED driver 401b has a 48-terminal configuration from the first terminal to the 48th terminal as numbered "1" to "48". The first terminal (SVCC) is a power supply terminal to which a drive power supply is input, and a 12V DC voltage (SC12VB) is input. The second terminal (VREF) is an output terminal of a reference voltage. The third terminal (CTLSCT) is a serial bus communication setting terminal, but a reference voltage from the second terminal, that is, an H level, is input and set to a predetermined mode. The fourth terminal (OUTSCT) is an output method control terminal for the LED drive current, and is set to an L level by being connected to the ground, and is set to a predetermined mode, for example, constant current output. The fifth terminal (RESET) is an input terminal for a reset signal. Terminal 6 (Iref-B) is a resistance connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for setting the reference current of output terminals (LEDB1 to LEDB8). By inputting the reference voltage from Terminal 2, the current value set by Terminal 8 (Iref-R) can be commonly used as the current value of the drive current flowing through output terminals (LEDB1 to LEDB8). Terminal 7 (Iref-G) is a resistance connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for setting the reference current for output terminals (LEDG1 to LEDG8). By inputting the reference voltage from Terminal 2, the current value set by Terminal 8 (Iref-R) can be commonly used as the current value of the drive current flowing through output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDR8).

[0291] Terminal 8 (Iref-R) is a resistance connection terminal (reference current setting terminal) for setting the reference current for output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDR8), and resistor 401c is connected. LED driver 401b can change the current value of the drive current flowing through output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDR8) where parallel data signals are output by changing the resistance value of resistor 401c connected to Terminal 8. As described above, by inputting the reference voltage to Terminal 6 (Iref-B) and Terminal 7 (Iref-G), the current values of the drive currents flowing through output terminals (LEDB1 to LEDB8) and output terminals (LEDG1 to LEDG8) can be set to be the same (common) as the current value of the drive current flowing through output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDR8). In LED driver 401b, the larger the resistance value of resistor 401c, the smaller the current value of the drive current can be. For example, when the resistance values are 50 kΩ, 60 kΩ, 70 kΩ, 100 kΩ, and 130 kΩ, the current values are set to 14 mA, 12 mA, 10 mA, 7 mA, and 5.5 mA respectively. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of resistor 401c is 50 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 14 mA. Note that the resistor 401c is arranged on the same mounting surface (for example, the component surface 401a) as the LED driver 401b on the Illumi substrate 401. This makes it possible to easily confirm that the electronic component connected to the 8th terminal of the LED driver 401b is the resistor 401c and the resistance value (code) of the resistor 401c.

[0292] The 9th terminal (SGND) is a ground terminal. The 10th terminal (TEST1) is a test terminal and is connected to the ground. The 11th to 16th terminals (A0 - A5) are address terminals for setting the slave address, and a 6 - bit slave address can be set. Each terminal is set to "0" when connected to the ground and to "1" when connected to the 2nd terminal (reference voltage). The 17th to 19th terminals, 21st to 29th terminals, 31st to 33rd terminals, 35th to 40th terminals, 42nd to 44th terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8) are output terminals for outputting parallel data signals. Some of these output terminals are unused and are connected to the ground. The 20th terminal, 30th terminal, and 41st terminal are ground terminals (PGND1 - PGND3). The 34th terminal (LVCC) is the power supply for the protection circuit for the output terminals (LEDR1 - LEDB8) and is connected to the ground. The 45th terminal (SDO) is a dummy terminal. The 46th terminal (SDEN) is the input terminal for the enable signal. The 47th terminal (SDATA) is the input terminal for the serial data signal (DATA). The 48th terminal (SCLK) is the input terminal for the clock signal (CLK).

[0293] The clock signal (CLK) output from the performance control unit 121 and the serial data signal (DATA) as the control signal (LED data) are supplied to the LED driver 401b via the connector 401e. The LED driver 401b outputs a drive current according to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0294] The LED driver 401b has 24 output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from terminal 17 to terminal 44. The LED driver 401b generates a parallel data signal (here 04-R1 to 04-B5) with a duty ratio corresponding to the gradation value indicated by the serial data signal (DATA) input from the performance control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (04-R1 to 04-B5) from the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB6).

[0295] Similar to the case of the LED driver 150a, the parallel data signal is denoted as "04-R1", "04-G1", "04-B1", ···. And "R" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the red LED of the full-color LED chip. "G" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the green LED of the full-color LED chip. "B" indicates that it is assigned to the drive current for the blue LED of the full-color LED chip. However, "R", "G", and "B" are not necessarily always assigned to the drive currents for the red LED, green LED, and blue LED respectively, and may be assigned to the drive current for a monochromatic LED, for example.

[0296] Terminals 17 to 19 are connected in series with three illumination LEDs 411 and a resistor 401d. Here, since the illumination LED 411 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Terminal 17 has three red LEDs (R) of the Illumi LED 411 connected in series, terminal 18 has three green LEDs (G) of the Illumi LED 411 connected in series, and terminal 19 has three blue LEDs (B) of the Illumi LED 411 connected in series.

[0297] Also, terminals 21 to 23 have three Illumi LEDs 411 and a resistor 401d connected in series. Terminal 21 has three red LEDs (R) of the Illumi LED 411 connected in series, terminal 22 has three green LEDs (G) of the Illumi LED 411 connected in series, and terminal 23 has three blue LEDs (B) of the Illumi LED 411 connected in series. Therefore, on the Illumi substrate 401, according to the parallel data signals (04 - R1 to 04 - B2), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through the resistor 401d and the three Illumi LEDs 411, and the Illumi LED 411 lights up with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gray scale value).

[0298] Note that the current value of the drive current supplied to the Illumi LED 411 is determined by the resistance value of the resistor 401c connected to terminal 8 of the LED driver 401b, and the resistor 401d does not affect the current value of the drive current. The resistor 401d is provided to drop the voltage supplied to terminals 17 to 23 (excluding terminal 20) of the LED driver 401b (for example, to about 0.5V) and suppress the heat generation of the LED driver 401b. Also, since the forward voltage of the red LED is smaller than that of the blue and green LEDs (see Fig. 43), in order to minimize all the voltages supplied to terminals 17 to 23 of the LED driver 401b, the resistance value of the resistor 401d connected to the red LED is set to a value larger than the resistance values of the resistors 401d connected to the blue and green LEDs. Furthermore, the resistor 401d is arranged on the same mounting surface (e.g., the component surface 401a) as the illumination LED 411 on the illumination substrate 401. This makes it possible to easily confirm that the electronic component connected to the illumination LED 411 is the resistor 401d and the resistance value (code) of the resistor 401d. The same applies to the resistors 421d, 434d, 435b, and 436b described later.

[0299] In this way, the effect control unit 121 can control the lighting of the illumination LED 411 arranged on the illumination substrate 401 by static control (PWM control).

[0300] [10.2 Effect LEDs for Moving Object Accessories] FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the moving object accessory 61. FIG. 32(a) is an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of the moving object accessory 61, and FIG. 32(b) is a front view for explaining the moving object accessory substrate 421.

[0301] As shown in FIG. 32(a), the moving object accessory 61 includes a moving object accessory substrate 421, a moving object accessory inner lens 422, a moving object accessory case 423, and a moving object accessory seal 424. The moving object accessory substrate 421 and the moving object accessory inner lens 422 are accommodated in a space formed by the moving object accessory case 423.

[0302] The moving object accessory substrate 421 is an example of the above-described decorative substrate 180. As shown in FIG. 32(b), a plurality (nine) of effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the component surface 421a. The moving object accessory substrate 421 is arranged such that the component surface 421a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged faces the player. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the moving object accessory substrate 421 is denoted as the moving object accessory LED 425.

[0303] The movable object accessory LED 425 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light-emitting surface is perpendicular to the movable object accessory substrate 421, and is a side-view type LED where the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by an arrow in Fig. 32(b)) is parallel to the movable object accessory substrate 421.

[0304] The movable object accessory LEDs 425 are spaced at substantially equal intervals along the peripheral edge of the movable object accessory substrate 421 and arranged such that the light-emitting surfaces face the center.

[0305] In this way, since the component surface 421a of the movable object accessory substrate 421 faces the player and the light-emitting surfaces of the movable object accessory LEDs 425 are arranged perpendicular to the movable object accessory substrate 421, the movable object accessory LEDs 425 are arranged on the game board 9 such that the light-emitting surfaces do not face the player (perpendicular to the player's facing direction). And since the optical axes of the movable object accessory LEDs 425 do not face the player, the light emitted from the movable object accessory LEDs 425 hardly reaches the player directly.

[0306] The movable object accessory inner lens 422 is arranged in front of (on the player side of) the movable object accessory substrate 421 so as to cover the entire surface of the movable object accessory substrate 421. The movable object accessory inner lens 422 is made of, for example, a colorless transparent or resin member with a predetermined transmittance, and a predetermined uneven pattern is formed on its surface. Then, the movable object accessory inner lens 422 diffuses the light emitted from the movable object accessory LEDs 425, guides the diffused light forward, and also guides it from the side to the outer peripheral direction.

[0307] The movable object accessory case 423 is arranged in front of the movable object accessory inner lens 422 so as to cover the movable object accessory substrate 421 and the movable object accessory inner lens 422. A movable object accessory seal 424 is pasted on the front of the movable object accessory case 423. The movable object accessory seal 424 has, for example, a pattern such as a character's face drawn on it.

[0308] Therefore, the movable object accessory 61 lights up, for example, the face of a character drawn on the movable object accessory case 423 by the light irradiated from the movable object accessory LED 425 and diffused by the movable object accessory inner lens 422, and emits light from the outer periphery of the face of the character. Thus, in the gaming machine 1, the movable object accessory 61 can be made prominent.

[0309] FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the movable object accessory substrate 421. As shown in FIG. 33, an LED driver 421b is arranged on the movable object accessory substrate 421. The LED driver 421b is an example of the above-described LED driver 27a and drives and controls the movable object accessory LED 425.

[0310] Since the LED driver 421b is composed of, for example, the same integrated circuit as the LED driver 401b, the terminal configuration and the like are the same as those of the LED driver 401b, and detailed description thereof is omitted. A resistor 421c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref-R), and the current value of the drive current flowing through the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) can be set by changing the resistance value of the resistor 421c. In the present embodiment, since the resistance value of the resistor 401c is 50 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 14 mA. Further, the resistor 421c is arranged on the same mounting surface (for example, the component surface 421a) as the LED driver 421b on the movable object accessory substrate 421. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed that the electronic component connected to the 8th terminal of the LED driver 421b is the resistor 421c and the resistance value (code) of the resistor 421c.

[0311] The clock signal (CLK) output from the effect control unit 121 and the serial data signal (DATA) as the control signal (LED data) are supplied to the LED driver 421b via the connector 421e. The LED driver 421b outputs a drive current according to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0312] The LED driver 421b has 24 output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from terminal 17 to terminal 44. The LED driver 421b generates a parallel data signal (here, 05 - R1 to 05 - B5) with a duty ratio corresponding to the gradation value indicated by the serial data signal (DATA) input from the effect control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (05 - R1 to 05 - B5) from the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB6).

[0313] Terminals 17 to 19, terminals 21 to 23, and terminals 24 to 26 are connected in series with three movable object effect LEDs 425 and resistors 421d respectively. Here, since the movable object effect LED 425 is a full - color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). The red LEDs (R) of the movable object effect LED 425 are connected in series three in number to terminals 17, 21, and 24. The green LEDs (G) of the movable object effect LED 425 are connected in series three in number to terminals 18, 22, and 25. The blue LEDs (B) of the movable object effect LED 425 are connected in series three in number to terminals 19, 23, and 26. Therefore, according to the parallel data signal (05 - R1 to 05 - B3), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through the resistor 421d and the three movable object effect LEDs 425, and the movable object effect LEDs 425 are lit with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gradation value).

[0314] In this way, the effect control unit 121 can control the lighting of the movable object effect LEDs 425 arranged on the movable object substrate 421 by static control (PWM control).

[0315] [10.3 LEDs for effects in the lower - right unit of the game board] FIG. 34 is a view for explaining the arrangement of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view for explaining the configuration of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. FIG. 36 is a side view for explaining the configuration of the lower right unit 430 of the game board. In FIG. 36, the winning port decorative substrate 434, the big winning port decorative substrate 435, and the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 are shown separated from the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 toward the rear side.

[0316] As shown in FIG. 34, a lower right unit 430 of the game board 9 is arranged at the lower right of the game board. The lower right unit 430 of the game board forms a part of the right game area 37b, and is provided with a special figure 2 start port 43, a normal electric accessory 45, a big winning port 49, a special electric accessory 51, a winning port 53, etc.

[0317] As shown in FIG. 35, the lower right unit 430 of the game board includes a lower right base plate 431, a lower right cover 432, a lower right seal 433, a winning port decorative substrate 434, a big winning port decorative substrate 435, and a special figure 2 decorative substrate 436. The lower right base plate 431 is made of, for example, a resin material with irregularities formed on the surface so that light is diffused (diffusely reflected), and through holes are formed in which the special figure 2 start port 43, the normal electric accessory 45, the big winning port 49, the special electric accessory 51, the winning port 53, etc. are arranged.

[0318] The lower right cover 432 is made of, for example, a resin material with irregularities formed on the surface so that light is diffused (diffusely reflected), and a protruding portion protruding toward the rear side for guiding the game ball is formed. And the game ball can roll in the space sandwiched between the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432. That is, a part of the right game area 37b is formed by the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432.

[0319] A lower right seal 433 is attached in front of the lower right cover 432. The lower right seal 433 has, for example, a semi-transparent milky white color with a lower light transmittance than that of a colorless transparent resin, and a predetermined pattern is drawn on it.

[0320] Behind the lower right platen 431, there are arranged a winning opening decorative substrate 434, a large winning opening decorative substrate 435, and a special figure 2 decorative substrate 436, which are examples of the above-described decorative substrate 180.

[0321] On the component surface 434a of the winning opening decorative substrate 434, a plurality (two) of effect LEDs 27 are arranged. The winning opening decorative substrate 434 is arranged such that the component surface 434a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged faces the player. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the winning opening decorative substrate 434 is denoted as a winning opening LED 441.

[0322] The winning opening LED 441 is a full-color LED, and is arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the winning opening decorative substrate 434, and is a top view type LED in which the optical axis of the irradiated light (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 36) is perpendicular to the winning opening decorative substrate 434.

[0323] Thus, since the component surface 434a of the winning opening decorative substrate 434 faces the player and the light emitting surface of the winning opening LED 441 is parallel to the winning opening decorative substrate 434, the winning opening LED 441 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the light emitting surface faces the player (faces directly).

[0324] Therefore, the optical axis of the winning opening LED 441 faces the player. Then, the light irradiated from the winning opening LED 441 is guided to the lower right seal 433 through the lower right platen 431 and the lower right cover 432, causing the lower right platen 431 and the lower right cover 432 to glow from the rear, or causing the pattern drawn on the lower right seal 433 to glow from the rear.

[0325] On the component surface 435a of the large winning opening decorative substrate 435, a plurality (three) of effect LEDs 27 are arranged. The large winning opening decorative substrate 435 is arranged such that the component surface 435a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged faces the player. Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the large winning opening decorative substrate 435 is denoted as a large winning opening LED 442.

[0326] The big winning opening LED 442 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light-emitting surface is parallel to the big winning opening decorative substrate 435, and is a top-view type LED where the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by an arrow in Fig. 36) is perpendicular to the big winning opening decorative substrate 435.

[0327] In this way, since the component surface 435a of the big winning opening decorative substrate 435 faces the player and the light-emitting surface of the big winning opening LED 442 is arranged parallel to the big winning opening decorative substrate 435, the big winning opening LED 442 will be arranged on the game board 9 such that the light-emitting surface faces the player.

[0328] Therefore, the optical axis of the big winning opening LED 442 will face the player. And the light emitted from the big winning opening LED 442 is guided to the lower right seal 433 through the big winning opening 49 and the lower right cover 432, causing the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 to glow from behind, or causing the pattern drawn on the lower right seal 433 to glow from behind.

[0329] On the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436, a plurality (two) of effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the component surface 436a. The special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 is arranged such that the component surface 436a on which the electrical components (effect LEDs 27) are arranged does not face the player (is perpendicular to the player's direct facing direction). Hereinafter, the effect LED 27 arranged on the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 will be denoted as the special figure 2 LED 443.

[0330] The special figure 2 LED 443 is a full-color LED, arranged such that the light-emitting surface is perpendicular to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436, and is a side-view type LED where the optical axis of the emitted light (indicated by an arrow in Fig. 36) is parallel to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436.

[0331] In this way, since the component surface 436a of the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 does not face the player and the light-emitting surface of the special figure 2 LED 443 is arranged perpendicular to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436, the special figure 2 LED 443 will be arranged on the game board 9 such that the light-emitting surface faces the player.

[0332] Therefore, the optical axis of the special figure 2 LED 443 will face the player. Then, the light emitted from the special figure 2 LED 443 is guided to the lower right seal 433 through the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432, causing the lower right base plate 431 and the lower right cover 432 to glow from the back, or causing the pattern drawn on the lower right seal 433 to glow from the back.

[0333] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the winning port decorative substrate 434. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a part of the circuit configuration of the big winning port decorative substrate 435 and the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436. As shown in FIG. 37, an LED driver 434b is arranged on the winning port decorative substrate 434. The LED driver 434b is an example of the above-described LED driver 27a, and drives and controls the winning port LED 441, the big winning port LED 442, and the special figure 2 LED 443.

[0334] Since the LED driver 434b is composed of the same integrated circuit as, for example, the LED drivers 401b and 421b, the terminal configuration and the like are the same as those of the LED drivers 401b and 421b, and detailed description is omitted. A resistor 434c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref-R), and by changing the resistance value of the resistor 434c, the current value of the drive current flowing through the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) can be set. In this embodiment, since the resistance value of the resistor 401c is 100 kΩ, the current value of the drive current is 7 mA. Note that the resistor 434c is arranged on the same mounting surface (for example, the component surface 434a) as the LED driver 434b on the winning port decorative substrate 434. Thereby, it can be easily confirmed that the electronic component connected to the 8th terminal of the LED driver 434b is the resistor 434c, and the resistance value (code) of the resistor 434c.

[0335] The clock signal (CLK) output from the performance control unit 121 and the serial data signal (DATA) as the control signal (LED data) are supplied to the LED driver 434b via the connector 434g. The LED driver 434b outputs a drive current according to the clock signal (CLK) and the serial data signal (DATA).

[0336] The LED driver 434b has 24 output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB8) from terminal 17 to terminal 44. The LED driver 434b generates a parallel data signal (here 01-R1 to 01-B5) with a duty ratio according to the gradation value indicated by the serial data signal (DATA) input from the performance control unit 121, and outputs the generated parallel data signal (01-R1 to 01-B5) from the output terminals (LEDR1 to LEDB6).

[0337] Terminals 17 to 19 are connected in series with two winning port LEDs 441 and a resistor 434d. Here, since the winning port LED 441 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Two red LEDs (R) of the winning port LED 441 are connected in series to terminal 17, two green LEDs (G) of the winning port LED 441 are connected in series to terminal 18, and two blue LEDs (B) of the winning port LED 441 are connected in series to terminal 19. Therefore, according to the parallel data signal (01-R1 to 01-B1), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side through the resistor 434d and the two winning port LEDs 441, and the winning port LEDs 441 are lit with brightness according to the duty ratio (gradation value).

[0338] Also, terminal 21 to terminal 23 are respectively connected to terminal 2 to terminal 4 of connector 434e. Connector 434e is connected to the big winning opening decorative substrate 435 via a transmission cable. As shown in Fig. 38(a), a connector 435c is arranged on the big winning opening decorative substrate 435. Then, parallel data signals (01-R2 to 01-B2) are respectively input to the connector 435c via the connector 434e of the winning opening decorative substrate 434.

[0339] A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to terminal 1 of the connector 435c. Terminal 2 to terminal 4 of the connector 435c are connected in series with three big winning opening LEDs 442 and a resistor 435b. Here, since the big winning opening LED 442 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). Three red LEDs (R) of the big winning opening LED 442 are connected in series to terminal 2 of the connector 435c, three green LEDs (G) of the big winning opening LED 442 are connected in series to terminal 3 of the connector 435c, and three blue LEDs (B) of the big winning opening LED 442 are connected in series to terminal 4 of the connector 435c. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (01-R2 to 01-B2), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to the resistor 435b and the three big winning opening LEDs 442, and the big winning opening LEDs 442 are lit with brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gray scale value).

[0340] Also, terminal 24 to terminal 26 of the LED driver 434b are respectively connected to terminal 2 to terminal 4 of the connector 434f. Connector 434f is connected to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 via a transmission cable. As shown in Fig. 38(b), a connector 436c is arranged on the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436. Then, parallel data signals (01-R3 to 01-B3) are respectively input to the connector 436c via the connector 434f of the winning opening decorative substrate 434.

[0341] A 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is input to the first terminal of the connector 436c. The second to fourth terminals of the connector 436c are connected in series with two special figure 2 LEDs 443 and a resistor 436b. Here, since the special figure 2 LED 443 is a full-color LED, it is composed of three LEDs: a red LED (R), a green LED (G), and a blue LED (B). The second terminal of the connector 436c has two red LEDs (R) of the special figure 2 LED 443 connected in series. The third terminal of the connector 436c has two green LEDs (G) of the special figure 2 LED 443 connected in series. The fourth terminal of the connector 436c has two blue LEDs (B) of the special figure 2 LED 443 connected in series. Therefore, according to the parallel data signals (01 - R3 to 01 - B3), a drive current flows from the 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) side to the resistor 436b and the two special figure 2 LEDs 443, and the special figure 2 LED 443 lights up with a brightness corresponding to the duty ratio (gray scale value).

[0342] In this way, the effect control unit 121 can control the lighting of the winning port LED 441 arranged on the winning port decoration board 434, the big winning port LED 442 arranged on the big winning port decoration board 435, and the special figure 2 LED 443 arranged on the special figure 2 decoration board 436 by static control (PWM control).

[0343] <11. Modification Example> [11.1 Modification Example 1] FIG. 39 is a diagram showing the circuit configuration of the main control board 100A in Modification Example 1. The same components as those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0344] In the above-described embodiment, the performance indicator 116 is provided on the frame control board 110. However, as shown in FIG. 39, the performance indicator 116A may be provided on the main control board 100A.

[0345] Since the performance indicator 116A is arranged on the main control board 100A which is arranged on the back of the game board 9, it is usually impossible to visually recognize it. Note that the main control board 100A is housed in a colorless and transparent resin case, and the performance indicator 116A can be visually recognized through the resin case. The performance indicator 116A is a 4-digit by 8-segment indicator and includes 32 LEDs 320A, and is dynamically lit-controlled by the main control unit 101 to display game achievement information calculated based on the game results over a predetermined period.

[0346] The main control unit 101 obtains information regarding the number of out balls from, for example, the frame control unit 111 and calculates game achievement information. Then, the main control unit 101 outputs main display segment data 1 to 8 and performance display segment data 1 to 8 as serial data signals to the LED driver 100a, and outputs main display common data 1 to 4 and performance display common data 1 to 4 to the LED driver 100b. That is, the serial data signal includes control signals for dynamically lighting the main display 63 and the performance indicator 116A.

[0347] The 13th terminal (04) of the LED driver 100b is connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 320A that constitute the first digit of the 8 segments of the performance indicator 116A. Similarly, the 14th to 16th terminals (05 to 07) of the LED driver 100b are each connected in parallel to the anodes of the LEDs 320A that constitute the second to fourth digits of the 8 segments of the performance indicator 116A.

[0348] Also, the 5th terminal (PA0) of the LED driver 100a is connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 320A (a) of each digit of the performance indicator 116A via a resistor 100g (corresponding to the resistor 110d). Similarly, the 6th to 12th terminals (PA1 - PA7) of the LED driver 100a are each connected in parallel to the cathodes of the LEDs 320A (b to g, dp) of each digit of the performance indicator 116A via the resistor 100g.

[0349] Then, the performance indicator 116A supplies drive current to the anodes of the LEDs 320A of the corresponding digits according to the performance display common data, and draws out drive current from the cathodes of the LEDs 320A according to the performance display segment data, so that drive current flows through the LEDs 320A of the sequentially selected digits in the dynamic lighting method to light them up.

[0350] Note that the LED driver for driving the LEDs 310 of the main indicator 63 and the LED driver for driving the LEDs 320A of the performance indicator 116A may be provided separately.

[0351] [11.2 Modification Example 2] FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining the fourth symbol display 65A in the modification example 2. As described above, the fourth symbol display 65 includes a special symbol 1 display 65a composed of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 display 65b composed of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 1 hold count display 65c composed of two LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 hold count display 65d composed of two LEDs 350, and a right-handed display 65e composed of one LED 350. And all of these displays were formed in a round shape.

[0352] However, the shape of the fourth symbol display 65 and the number of LEDs in each display are not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 40, the fourth symbol display 65A includes a special symbol 1 display 65a composed of one LED 350, a special symbol 2 display 65b composed of one LED 350, a special symbol 1 hold count display 65c composed of four LEDs 350, a special symbol 2 hold count display 65d composed of four LEDs 350, and a right-handed display 65e composed of one LED 350. Also, the special symbol 1 display 65a is formed in a square shape, and the special symbol 2 display 65b is formed in a triangular shape.

[0353] In this way, although the fourth symbol display 65(65A) displays the same information as the main display 63, it may be displayed in different modes (number, shape, etc.).

[0354] <12. Configuration Example> Hereinafter, a configuration example of the gaming machine 1 will be described.

[0355] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A). (Configuration 1-1A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying game performance information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery related to giving benefits to the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0356] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-1A), the first LED corresponds to the LED320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63.

[0357] FIG. 41 is a diagram showing various values related to the LEDs of the main display 63, the performance display 116, the game ball number display 21, and the fourth symbol display 65.

[0358] As shown in FIG. 41, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a drive power source to the LED320 of the performance display 116, and the forward voltage of the LED320 is 2V. Also, the resistor 110d (see FIG. 23) connected to the LED320 is set to 3300Ω. Therefore, a current of 3mA flows through the LED320. In addition, since the performance display 116 has six-digit 8-segment lighting controlled in sequence (the number of commons is six and dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment is energized for only 1 / 6 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED320 is 3mA × 2V × (1 / 6) = 1mW.

[0359] On one hand, a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is applied as a driving power source to the LED 310 of the main display 63, and the forward voltage of the LED 310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d (see FIG. 17) connected to the LED 310 is set to 300Ω. Therefore, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310. Also, since the four-digit 8-segment of the main display 63 is sequentially controlled for lighting (common number is 4 and dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment is energized for only 1 / 4 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 310 is 10 mA × 2V × (1 / 4) = 5 mW.

[0360] Therefore, the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 116.

[0361] Here, among the main display 63, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b need to be clearly visible to the player because they display the result of a lottery (big win lottery) related to giving benefits to the player. On the other hand, since the performance display 116 displays game achievement information calculated based on the game result, it is sufficient for the hall staff, etc. to be able to confirm it and it does not need to be clearly visible.

[0362] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b of the main display 63, the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b is lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance display 116. Thereby, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) related to giving benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, by reducing the current value of the LED 320 of the performance display 116, which does not need to be visually recognized in the normal state, and preventing it from being lit brightly, the power consumption can be suppressed.

[0363] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-2) in addition to (Configuration 1-1A). (Configuration 1-1A-2) The gaming machine 1 includes a driving unit that drives the first LED and the second LED. The driving unit is composed of a source-type LED driver and a sink-type LED driver, and the driving unit is driven based on a serial data signal output from the control unit.

[0364] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-1A-2), the driving unit corresponds to LED drivers 100a, 100b, 110b, and 110c. Also, the source-type LED driver corresponds to LED drivers 100b and 110c, and the sink-type LED driver corresponds to LED drivers 100a and 110b. Furthermore, the control unit corresponds to the main control unit 101 and the frame control unit 111.

[0365] In the gaming machine 1, the drive current discharged from the source-type LED driver 100b is supplied to the LED 310 of the main display 63, and the drive current is drawn out by the sink-type LED driver 100a, so that the LED 310 of the main display 63 is lit and displayed in the dynamic lighting method.

[0366] Similarly, the drive current discharged from the source-type LED driver 110c is supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 116, and the drive current is drawn out by the sink-type LED driver 110b, so that the LED 320 of the performance display 116 is lit and displayed in the dynamic lighting method.

[0367] By doing so, the circuit configuration for lighting control of the LEDs 310 and 320 in the dynamic lighting method can be simplified.

[0368] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-3) in addition to (Configuration 1-1A) and (Configuration 1-1A-2). (Configuration 1-1A-3) The gaming machine 1 includes a driving unit that drives the first LED and the second LED, a common-side wiring pattern that commonly connects a plurality of the first LEDs or a plurality of the second LEDs to the driving unit, and a data-side wiring pattern that individually connects a plurality of the first LEDs or a plurality of the second LEDs to the driving unit. The common-side wiring pattern is wider than the data-side wiring pattern.

[0369] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-1A-3), the common-side wiring pattern corresponds to the wiring patterns 100f, 302b, and 110g, and the data-side wiring pattern corresponds to the wiring patterns 100e, 302c, and 110h.

[0370] The widths of the wiring patterns 100f and 302b, which are the common-side wiring patterns, are 0.5 mm, and the width of the wiring pattern 110g is 0.3 mm. On the other hand, the widths of the wiring patterns 100e and 302c, which are the data-side wiring patterns, are 0.2 mm, and the width of the wiring pattern 110h is 0.15 mm.

[0371] Thus, the common-side wiring pattern is wider than the data-side wiring pattern. This makes it possible to reduce the electrical resistance of the common-side wiring pattern and suppress heat generation in the common-side wiring pattern where the flowing drive current is large.

[0372] In addition to (Configuration 1-1A), (Configuration 1-1A-2), and (Configuration 1-1A-3), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-4). (Configuration 1-1A-4) The gaming machine 1 includes a first common-side wiring pattern that commonly connects a plurality of the first LEDs to the driving unit and a second common-side wiring pattern that commonly connects a plurality of the second LEDs to the driving unit. The second common-side wiring pattern is wider than the first common-side wiring pattern.

[0373] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-1A-4), the first common-side wiring pattern corresponds to wiring pattern 110g, and the second common-side wiring pattern corresponds to wiring patterns 100f and 302b.

[0374] The width of wiring pattern 110g, which is the first common-side wiring pattern, is 0.3 mm, and 3 mA of drive current flows through it. On the other hand, the widths of wiring patterns 100f and 302b, which are the second common-side wiring patterns, are 0.5 mm, and 10 mA of drive current flows through them.

[0375] In this way, the second common-side wiring pattern with a large drive current flowing through it can reduce the electrical resistance and suppress heat generation by making the width wider than that of the first common-side wiring pattern.

[0376] In addition to (Configuration 1-1A), (Configuration 1-1A-2), (Configuration 1-1A-3), and (Configuration 1-1A-4), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-5). (Configuration 1-1A-5) The voltage value of the drive power supply for driving the second LED of the gaming machine 1 is smaller than the voltage value of the drive power supply for driving the first LED.

[0377] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-1A-5), the voltage value of the drive power supply for driving the first LED is 12V (DC12VA), and the voltage value of the drive power supply for driving the second LED is 5V (DC5VA).

[0378] Therefore, the voltage value of the drive power supply for driving the second LED (LED310) is smaller than the voltage value of the drive power supply for driving the first LED (LED320). As a result, the resistance value of the resistor (resistor 100d) connected to the second LED (LED310) can be reduced, and heat generation in that resistor can be suppressed. And resistor 100d is particularly effective because the current value of the supplied drive current is large. In addition, in the main control board 100, since almost all electronic components are supplied with a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA), by supplying a 5V DC voltage to the LED 310, a wiring pattern can be drawn efficiently.

[0379] In addition to (Configuration 1-1A), (Configuration 1-1A-2), (Configuration 1-1A-3), (Configuration 1-1A-4), and (Configuration 1-1A-5), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1A-6). (Configuration 1-1A-6) The gaming machine 1 includes a driving unit that drives a first LED and a second LED. The first LED and the second LED are arranged on different substrates, and the driving unit drives the first LED and the second LED with the same driving power supply.

[0380] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-1A-6), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320A of the performance display 116A in Modification 1 (see FIG. 39), and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63 in Modification 1. Also, the driving unit corresponds to the LED drivers 100a and 100b in Modification 1. Also, the driving power supply corresponds to a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA).

[0381] FIG. 42 is a diagram showing various values related to the LEDs of the main display 63 and the performance display 116A in Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 42, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a driving power supply to the LED 320A of the performance display 116A in Modification 1, and the forward voltage of the LED 320A is 2V. Also, the resistor 100g (see FIG. 39) connected to the LED 320A is set to 2000Ω. Therefore, a current of 5 mA flows through the LED 320A. And the power consumption of the LED 320A is 3 mW.

[0382] On one hand, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a driving power source to the LED 310 of the main display 63 in Modification 1. The forward voltage of the LED 310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d (see FIG. 17) connected to the LED 310 is set to 1000 Ω. Therefore, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310. Further, the power consumption of the LED 310 is 5 mW.

[0383] And since the LED 320A of the performance display 116A is arranged on the main control board 100A (see FIG. 39), and the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b are arranged on the main display board 302 (see FIG. 15), it can be said that they are arranged on different boards. Also, the LED drivers 100a and 100b for controlling the LED 320A of the performance display 116A, the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a, and the LED 310 of the special symbol 2 display 63b are arranged on the main control board 100A. And the LED drivers 100a and 100b light up the LED 320A and the LED 310 with a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) which is the same driving power source.

[0384] Thereby, for the LEDs 320A and 310 that are lit with different brightnesses, lighting control can be performed with the same driving power source (DC12VA), and the circuit configuration can be simplified.

[0385] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-1B). (Configuration 1-1B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying game achievement information calculated based on game results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery related to profit provision to the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0386] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-1B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 1-1A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b among the main indicator 63.

[0387] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b among the main indicator 63 is 5 mW, and the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116 is 1 mW. That is, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b among the main indicator 63 have a larger power consumption than the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116.

[0388] Therefore, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b will be lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116. As a result, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the giving of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116, which does not need to be visually recognized in the normal state, can be suppressed.

[0389] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-2A). (Configuration 1-2A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED that is arranged at a position where the player cannot visually recognize or has difficulty visually recognizing and displays gaming achievement information calculated based on the gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED that is arranged at a position where the player can visually recognize and displays information regarding the result of the lottery regarding the giving of benefits to the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0390] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 1-2A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 indicator 63a and the special symbol 2 indicator 63b among the main indicator 63.

[0391] Since the performance indicator 116 is provided for the hall staff or the like to check the game result information, it is unnecessary information for the player. If it is provided at a position visible to the player while the game is being played, it may reduce the effect of other production means and may also reduce the player's motivation to play the game. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance indicator 116 is arranged is arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1 and is not visible or difficult to view by the player in the normal use state.

[0392] On the other hand, among the main displays 63, in particular, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b are displays for notifying the player of the game result. Therefore, when the game is being played, the player must always be able to view them. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the main display 63 is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine 1 and is always visible to the player.

[0393] As shown in FIG. 41, a current of 3 mA flows through the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116. Also, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310 of the main display 63 (special symbol 1 display 63a, special symbol 2 display 63b). Therefore, the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116.

[0394] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b is lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116. As a result, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the awarding of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, by reducing the current value of the LED 320 of the performance display 116, which does not need to be visually recognized in the normal state, so that it does not light up brightly, the power consumption can be suppressed.

[0395] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-2B). (Configuration 1-2B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED that is arranged at a position where the player cannot or hardly visually recognize it and displays gaming achievement information calculated based on the gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED that is arranged at a position where the player can visually recognize it and displays information regarding the result of the lottery regarding the awarding of benefits to the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0396] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-2B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 1-2A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63.

[0397] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is 5 mW, and the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance display 116 is 1 mW. That is, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 have a greater power consumption than the LED 320 of the performance display 116.

[0398] Therefore, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b will light up more brightly than the LED 320 of the performance display 116. As a result, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the awarding of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance display 116, which does not need to be visually recognized in the normal state, can be suppressed.

[0399] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-3A). (Configuration 1-3A) The gaming machine 1 is disposed within a transparent case and includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED provided in front with a member having a lower transmittance than the transparent case for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery related to giving benefits to the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0400] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-3A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63.

[0401] As shown in FIG. 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance display 116 is disposed is housed within a board case 321 formed of a colorless and transparent resin material. Thereby, the performance display 116 can be visually recognized through the board case 321. At this time, since the board case 321 is colorless and transparent, it has a transmittance of approximately 100%, and the light emitted from the LED 320 of the performance display 116 is hardly attenuated by the board case 321. That is, the performance display 116 can be visually recognized without being affected by the board case 321.

[0402] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the main display 63 is provided in front (the side irradiated with light) with, for example, a translucent milky white main display seal 304 having a lower light transmittance than the colorless and transparent resin. Thereby, the light emitted from the LED 310 of the main display 63 reaches the player after being attenuated by the main display seal 304.

[0403] Then, as shown in FIG. 41, a current of 3 mA flows through the LED 320 of the performance display 116. Also, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310 of the main display 63 (special symbol 1 display 63a, special symbol 2 display 63b). Therefore, the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 116. For example, when the light transmittance of the main display seal 304 is 50% of the light transmittance of the substrate case 321, it is conceivable to double the current value of the current supplied to the LED 310 compared to the current value of the current supplied to the LED 320. Thereby, it becomes possible to make the player visually recognize with the same brightness.

[0404] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, the LED 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b is lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance display 116. Thereby, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, which are viewed through the main display seal 304 having a lower light transmittance than the colorless and transparent resin, that is, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the giving of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, the power consumption can be suppressed by lowering the current value of the LED 320 of the performance display 116 viewed through the colorless and transparent substrate case 321 so as not to light brightly.

[0405] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-3B). (Configuration 1-3B) The gaming machine 1 is disposed within a transparent case, and includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED provided in front with a member having a lower transmittance than the transparent case for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery related to granting benefits to the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than that of the first LED.

[0406] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-3B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 1-3A), the first LED corresponds to the LED320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63.

[0407] And as described above, the power consumption of the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63 is 5 mW, and the power consumption of the LED320 of the performance display 116 is 1 mW. That is, the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63 has a greater power consumption than the LED320 of the performance display 116.

[0408] Therefore, the LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b emits light more brightly than the LED320 of the performance display 116. As a result, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, which are visible through the main display seal 304 having a lower light transmittance than the colorless transparent resin, that is, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) related to granting benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player.

[0409] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-4A). (Configuration 1-4A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming performance information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, where no decorative light emitters are arranged around it, and a second LED with decorative light emitters arranged around it for displaying information regarding the result of a lottery related to giving benefits to the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0410] In the case of this (Configuration 1-3A) concept, the first LED corresponds to LED320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main displays 63. Also, the decorative light emitter corresponds to the effect LED 27.

[0411] As shown in FIG. 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance display 116 is arranged is arranged on the back surface of the gaming machine 1, and no effect LEDs 27 are arranged around it. Therefore, the performance display 116 can be visually recognized without being affected by the surrounding light.

[0412] On the other hand, the main display 63 is arranged on the front surface of the gaming machine 1, and various effect LEDs 27 are arranged around it (for example, the side unit 13 and the game board 9). Therefore, the main display 63 will be visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LEDs 27 arranged around it.

[0413] And as shown in FIG. 41, a current of 3 mA flows through LED320 of the performance display 116. Also, a current of 10 mA flows through LED310 of the main display 63 (special symbol 1 display 63a, special symbol 2 display 63b). Therefore, the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to LED310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is greater than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to LED320 of the performance display 116.

[0414] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b are lit brighter than the LEDs 320 of the performance display 116. As a result, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, which will be visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LEDs 27 arranged around, that is, the result of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the giving of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, by reducing the current value of the LEDs 320 of the performance display 116 that is not affected by the surrounding light so as not to light brightly, power consumption can be suppressed.

[0415] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 1-4B). (Configuration 1-4B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on the gaming result over a predetermined period, where no decorative light emitter is arranged around, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the result of the lottery regarding the giving of benefits to the player, where a decorative light emitter is arranged around, and the power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0416] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 1-4B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 1-4A), the first LED corresponds to the LEDs 320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63. Also, the decorative light emitter corresponds to the effect LEDs 27.

[0417] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 is 5 mW, and the power consumption of the LEDs 320 of the performance display 116 is 1 mW. That is, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b among the main display 63 have a greater power consumption than the LEDs 320 of the performance display 116.

[0418] Therefore, the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b emit light brighter than the LEDs 320 of the performance display 116. As a result, the special symbol 1 display 63a and the special symbol 2 display 63b, which will be visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LEDs 27 arranged around, that is, the results of the lottery (big win lottery) regarding the giving of benefits to the player can be clearly shown to the player. Also, by lowering the current value of the LEDs 320 of the performance display 116 that is not affected by the surrounding light so as not to emit light brightly, power consumption can be suppressed.

[0419] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-1A). (Configuration 2-1A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming performance information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding valuable values held by the player, and the current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0420] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 2-1A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21.

[0421] As shown in FIG. 41, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied to the LED 320 of the performance display 116 as a drive power source, and the forward voltage of the LED 320 is 2V. Also, the resistor 110d (see FIG. 23) connected to the LED 320 is set to 3300Ω. Therefore, a current of 3 mA flows through the LED 320. Further, since the performance display 116 has the 6-digit 8-segment sequentially controlled to light (the common number is 6 and the dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment is energized for only 1 / 6 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 320 is 3 mA × 2 V × (1 / 6) = 1 mW.

[0422] On the other hand, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VA) is applied as a driving power source to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21, and the forward voltage of the LED 336 is 3V. Also, the resistor 110e (see FIG. 23) connected to the LED 336 is set to 1300 Ω. Therefore, a current of 7 mA flows through the LED 310. In addition, since the game ball number display 21 is controlled to light up by a dynamic method in which six 7-segment digits light up in order (common is 6), each 7-segment is energized for only 1 / 6 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 336 is 7 mA × 3V × (1 / 6) = 3 mW.

[0423] Therefore, the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance display 116.

[0424] Here, the game ball number display 21 displays the number of game balls (valuable items) managed by the gaming machine 1. In other words, the game ball number display 21 displays the number of game balls held by the player. Therefore, the game ball number display 21 must be clearly visible to the player. On the other hand, since the performance display 116 displays game performance information calculated based on the game result, it suffices for it to be viewable by the hall staff or the like, and it does not need to be clearly visible.

[0425] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21, the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 is lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance display 116. Thereby, the valuable item can be clearly shown to the player.

[0426] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-1B). (Configuration 2-1B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED for displaying information regarding the valuable assets held by the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than that of the first LED.

[0427] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 2-1B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 2-1A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21.

[0428] And as described above, the power consumption of the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 is 3 mW, and the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance display 116 is 1 mW. That is, the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 has a greater power consumption than the LED 320 of the performance display 116.

[0429] Therefore, the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 will be lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance display 116. Thereby, the valuable assets can be clearly shown to the player.

[0430] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-2A). (Configuration 2-2A) The gaming machine 1 is arranged at a position where the player cannot visually recognize or has difficulty visually recognizing, and includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED arranged at a position where the player can visually recognize and for displaying information regarding the valuable assets held by the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0431] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 2-2A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21.

[0432] Since the performance indicator 116 is provided for hall staff and the like to check the game results information, it is unnecessary information for the player. If it is provided at a position where the player can visually recognize it while the game is being played, it will not only reduce the effect of the production means by other means, but also may reduce the player's enthusiasm for the game. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance indicator 116 is arranged is arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1, and is not visible or difficult to visually recognize by the player in the normal use state.

[0433] On the other hand, since the game ball number indicator 21 is a display for notifying the player of the number of game balls managed by the gaming machine 1, that is, the number of game balls (valuable value) held by the player, it must always be visible to the player. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the game ball number indicator 21 is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine 1 and is always visible to the player.

[0434] And, as shown in FIG. 41, a current of 3 mA flows through the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116. Also, a current of 7 mA flows through the LED 336 of the game ball number indicator 21. Therefore, the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 336 of the game ball number indicator 21 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116.

[0435] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LED 336 of the game ball number indicator 21, the LED 336 of the game ball number indicator 21 is lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116. Thereby, the valuable value can be clearly shown to the player. Also, the power consumption can be suppressed by reducing the current value of the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116 that does not need to be visually recognized in the normal state so that it does not emit light brightly.

[0436] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-2B). (Configuration 2-2B) The gaming machine 1 is arranged at a position where it is invisible or difficult for the player to view, and includes a first LED for displaying gaming performance information calculated based on the gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED arranged at a position where the player can view it and for displaying information on valuable value. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than that of the first LED.

[0437] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 2-2B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 2-2A), the first LED corresponds to the LED320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LED336 of the game ball number display 21.

[0438] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LED336 of the game ball number display 21 is 3 mW, and the power consumption of the LED320 of the performance display 116 is 1 mW. That is, the LED336 of the game ball number display 21 has a greater power consumption than the LED320 of the performance display 116.

[0439] Therefore, the LED336 of the game ball number display 21 will be lit brighter than the LED320 of the performance display 116. As a result, the valuable value can be clearly shown to the player. Also, the power consumption of the LED320 of the performance display 116, which does not need to be viewed in the normal state, can be suppressed.

[0440] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-3A). (Configuration 2-3A) The gaming machine 1 is arranged in a transparent case, and includes a first LED for displaying gaming performance information calculated based on the gaming results over a predetermined period, and a second LED provided in front of a member having a lower transmittance than the transparent case and for displaying information on valuable value held by the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0441] In the case of this concept (Configuration 2-3A), the first LED corresponds to LED 320 of the performance indicator 116, and the second LED corresponds to LED 336 of the game ball number indicator 21.

[0442] As shown in FIG. 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance indicator 116 is disposed is housed in a board case 321 formed of a colorless and transparent resin material. Thereby, the performance indicator 116 can be visually recognized through the board case 321. At this time, since the board case 321 is colorless and transparent, it has a transmittance of about 100%, and the light emitted from the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116 is hardly attenuated by the board case 321. That is, the performance indicator 116 can be visually recognized without being affected by the board case 321.

[0443] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21, the game ball number indicator 21 is provided with, for example, a translucent milky white game ball number indicator seal 334 having a lower light transmittance than that of a colorless and transparent resin, and a translucent black game ball number indicator cover 335 having a lower light transmittance than that of a colorless and transparent resin on the front side (the side irradiated with light). Thereby, the light emitted from the LED 336 of the game ball number indicator 21 reaches the player after being attenuated and diffused by the game ball number indicator seal 334 and the game ball number indicator cover 335.

[0444] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the LED 336 of the game ball number indicator 21, the LED 336 of the game ball number indicator 21 is lit brighter than the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116. Thereby, the game ball number indicator 21 that is visually recognized through the game ball number indicator seal 334 and the game ball number indicator cover 335 having a lower light transmittance than that of a colorless and transparent resin, that is, the game ball number (valuable value) can be clearly shown to the player. Further, the power consumption can be suppressed by reducing the current value of the LED 320 of the performance indicator 116 that does not need to be visually recognized in the normal state so as not to be lit brightly.

[0445] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-3B). (Configuration 2-3B) The gaming machine 1 is disposed within a transparent case and includes a first LED for displaying gaming performance information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, and a member having a lower transmittance than the transparent case is provided in the front, and a second LED for displaying information on valuable assets held by the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0446] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 2-3B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 2-3A), the first LED corresponds to the LED 320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21.

[0447] And, as described above, the power consumption of the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 is 3 mW, and the power consumption of the LED 320 of the performance display 116 is 1 mW. That is, the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 has a greater power consumption than the LED 320 of the performance display 116.

[0448] Therefore, the LED 336 of the game ball number display 21 emits light more brightly than the LED 320 of the performance display 116. Thereby, the valuable assets can be clearly shown to the player.

[0449] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-4A). (Configuration 2-4A) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming performance information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, with no decorative light emitters arranged around it, and a second LED for displaying information on valuable assets held by the player, with the decorative light emitters arranged around it. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0450] In the case of this concept (Configuration 2-4A), the first LED corresponds to LED320 of the performance indicator 116, and the second LED corresponds to LED336 of the game ball number indicator 21. Also, the decorative light emitter corresponds to the effect LED 27.

[0451] As shown in FIG. 20, the frame control board 110 on which the performance indicator 116 is arranged is arranged on the back surface of the gaming machine 1, and no effect LED 27 is arranged around it. Therefore, the performance indicator 116 can be visually recognized without being affected by the surrounding light.

[0452] On the other hand, the game ball number indicator 21 is arranged on the front surface of the gaming machine 1, and various effect LEDs 27 are arranged around it (for example, the side unit 13 and the game board 9). Therefore, the game ball number indicator 21 will be visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LEDs 27 arranged around it.

[0453] And, as shown in FIG. 41, a current of 3 mA flows through LED320 of the performance indicator 116. Also, a current of 7 mA flows through LED336 of the game ball number indicator 21. Therefore, the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to LED336 of the game ball number indicator 21 is larger than the current value (3 mA) of the current supplied to LED320 of the performance indicator 116.

[0454] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to LED336 of the game ball number indicator 21, LED336 of the game ball number indicator 21 is lit brighter than LED320 of the performance indicator 116. Thereby, the game ball number indicator 21, which is visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LEDs 27 arranged around it, that is, the number of game balls (valuable) managed by the gaming machine 1 can be clearly shown to the player. Also, power consumption can be suppressed by reducing the current value of LED320 of the performance indicator 116 that is not affected by the surrounding light so that it is not lit brightly.

[0455] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 2-4B). (Configuration 2-4B) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED for displaying gaming achievement information calculated based on gaming results over a predetermined period, where no decorative light emitters are arranged around it, and a second LED for displaying information on valuable assets held by the player, with the decorative light emitters arranged around it. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than that of the first LED.

[0456] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 2-4B), similar to the concept of (Configuration 2-4A), the first LED corresponds to the LED320 of the performance display 116, and the second LED corresponds to the LED336 of the game ball number display 21. Also, the decorative light emitter corresponds to the effect LED 27.

[0457] And as described above, the power consumption of the LED336 of the game ball number display 21 is 3 mW, and the power consumption of the LED320 of the performance display 116 is 1 mW. That is, the LED336 of the game ball number display 21 has a greater power consumption than the LED320 of the performance display 116.

[0458] Therefore, the LED336 of the game ball number display 21 will be lit brighter than the LED320 of the performance display 116. As a result, the game ball number display 21, which is visually recognized under the influence of the light emitted from the effect LED 27 arranged around it, that is, the number of game balls (valuable assets) managed by the gaming machine 1 can be clearly shown to the player.

[0459] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 3-1). (Configuration 3-1) The gaming machine 1 includes an acquisition means for acquiring determination information based on a game ball entering the start port, a lottery means for conducting a lottery based on the determination information, a holding memory means capable of storing the determination information as holding memory, an image display means capable of performing a holding display corresponding to the holding memory at a predetermined position together with an image based on the lottery result by the lottery means, a first LED arranged at a position relatively far from the predetermined position and displaying information regarding the holding memory, and a second LED arranged at a position relatively close to the predetermined position and displaying information regarding the holding memory. The image display means may turn off the holding display when displaying a specific image based on the lottery result, and the power consumption of the second LED is greater than that of the first LED.

[0460] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 3-1), the acquisition means, the lottery means, and the holding memory means correspond to the main control unit 101. Also, the image display means corresponds to the LCD unit 57. Also, the first LED corresponds to the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 holding number display 63d and the special symbol 2 holding number display 63e of the main display 63. Also, the second LED corresponds to the LEDs 350 of the special symbol 1 holding number display 65c and the special symbol 2 holding number display 65d of the fourth symbol display 65. Also, the predetermined position corresponds to the holding display area 205. Also, the determination information corresponds to random numbers (big win determination random number, special symbol determination random number) used in the special symbol variation display game. Also, the holding memory corresponds to holding data. Also, the specific image corresponds to the development image.

[0461] As shown in FIG. 41, a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is applied as a drive power source to the LEDs 310 of the main display 63 (the special symbol 1 holding number display 63d and the special symbol 2 holding number display 63e), and the forward voltage of the LED 310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d (see FIG. 17) connected to the LED 310 is set to 300Ω. Therefore, a current of 10mA flows through the LED 310. In addition, since the main display 63 controls the lighting of four-digit 8-segment displays in sequence (with a common number of 4 and dynamic lighting control), each 8-segment display is energized for only 1 / 4 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 310 is 10 mA × 2 V × (1 / 4) = 5 mW.

[0462] On the other hand, a DC 12 V voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power source to the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65, and the forward voltage of the LED 350 is 2 V. Also, a 140 kΩ resistor 150b is connected to the 8th terminal (RT1) of the LED driver 150a, and the driving current becomes 7 mA. Therefore, a current of 7 mA flows through the LED 350. In addition, since the fourth symbol display 65 is statically lit-controlled by the effect control unit 121, it can be energized at all times. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 350 is 7 mA × 2 V = 14 mW.

[0463] Therefore, the power consumption (14 mW) of the LEDs 350 of the special symbol 1 hold number display 65c and the special symbol 2 hold number display 65d of the fourth symbol display 65 is greater than the power consumption (5 mW) of the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 hold number display 65c and the special symbol 2 hold number display 65d in the main display 63.

[0464] Here, as described above, during the execution of the special symbol variation display game, the decorative symbols 201a, 201b, and 201c are variably displayed on the LCD unit 57. At this time, hold displays 203a to 203d are made in the hold display area 205 based on, for example, the hold data (hold information) stored in the special symbol 1 hold memory area. And when a predetermined development image is displayed on the LCD unit 57, the hold displays 203a to 203d displayed in the hold display area 205 become non-displayed. Therefore, when the development image is being displayed on the LCD unit 57, the player will check the hold counts by visually observing the special symbol 1 hold count display 63d and the special symbol 2 hold count display 63e of the main display 63, or the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c and the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d of the fourth symbol display 65.

[0465] At this time, it is considered that the player who was looking at the LCD unit 57 will check the hold counts using the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c and the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d of the fourth symbol display 65, which are closer to the hold display area 205.

[0466] Therefore, by increasing the power consumption of the LEDs 350 of the fourth symbol display 65, the LEDs 350 of the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c and the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d of the fourth symbol display 65 are lit brighter than the LEDs 310 of the special symbol 1 hold count display 63d and the special symbol 2 hold count display 63e of the main display 63. As a result, even when the hold displays 203a to 203d being displayed on the LCD unit 57 become non-displayed, the number of hold information can be easily and clearly confirmed by the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c and the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d of the fourth symbol display 65.

[0467] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 3-2). (Configuration 3-2) The gaming machine 1 includes image display means for displaying a production image based on a lottery result, operation information display means for displaying operation information regarding a gaming operation advantageous to the player at a predetermined position of the image display means, a first LED arranged at a position relatively far from the predetermined position for displaying the operation information, and a second LED arranged at a position relatively close to the predetermined position for displaying the operation information, and the power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0468] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 3-2), the image display means corresponds to the LCD unit 57. Also, the operation information corresponds to the right-handed notification. The operation information display means corresponds to the effect control unit 121. Also, the predetermined position corresponds to the right-handed display area 211. Also, the first LED corresponds to the LED 310 of the right-handed display 63i of the main display 63. Also, the second LED corresponds to the LED 350 of the right-handed display 65e of the fourth symbol display 65.

[0469] As shown in FIG. 41, a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is applied as a drive power source to the LED 310 of the main display 63, and the forward voltage of the LED 310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d (see FIG. 17) connected to the LED 310 is set to 300Ω. Therefore, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310. Also, since the main display 63 is controlled such that four-digit 8-segment elements are sequentially lit (common number is 4 and dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment element is energized for only 1 / 4 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 310 is 10 mA × 2V × (1 / 4) = 5 mW.

[0470] On the other hand, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as a drive power source to the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65, and the forward voltage of the LED 350 is 2V. Also, a 140kΩ resistor 150b is connected to the 8th terminal (RT1) of the LED driver 150a, and the drive current is 7 mA. Therefore, a current of 7 mA flows through the LED 350. Also, since the fourth symbol display 65 is statically lit-controlled by the effect control unit 121, it can be energized at all times. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 350 is 7 mA × 2V = 14 mW.

[0471] Therefore, the power consumption (14 mW) of the LED 350 of the right-handed display 65e of the fourth symbol display 65 is greater than the power consumption (5 mW) of the LED 310 of the right-handed display 63i of the main display 63.

[0472] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, when it is advantageous to launch the game ball into the right game area 37b, the right hit image 210 is displayed in the right hit display area 211 of the LCD unit 57. The display position, size, etc. of this right hit image 210 are different from those of other effect images displayed on the LCD unit 57. And when mainly wanting to show the effect image to the player, as shown in FIG. 8(f), for example, it will be displayed small in the upper right of the LCD unit 57. In such a case, even if the player loses sight of the right hit image 210 displayed on the LCD unit 57, the right hit notification can be made by lighting the right hit display 65e of the fourth symbol display 65 provided near the LCD unit 57.

[0473] Therefore, by increasing the power consumption of the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65, the LED 350 of the right hit display 65e of the fourth symbol display 65 is lit brighter than the LED 310 of the right hit display 63i of the main display 63. Thereby, even if the player loses sight of or has difficulty seeing the right hit image 210 displayed on the LCD unit 57, the right hit notification can be easily and clearly confirmed by the right hit display 65e of the fourth symbol display 65.

[0474] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 3-3). (Configuration 3-3) The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED that is dynamically lit and displays information regarding the progress of the game, and a second LED that is statically controlled and displays information regarding the progress of the game. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is smaller than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED, and the power consumption of the second LED is larger than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0475] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 3-3), the first LED corresponds to the LED 310 of the main display 63. Also, the second LED corresponds to the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65.

[0476] As shown in FIG. 41, a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is applied as a driving power source to the LED 310 of the main display 63, and the forward voltage of the LED 310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d (see FIG. 17) connected to the LED 310 is set to 300Ω. Therefore, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310. In addition, since the main display 63 controls the lighting of the four-digit 8-segment in sequence (the common number is 4 and dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment is energized for only 1 / 4 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 310 is 10 mA × 2V × (1 / 4) = 5 mW.

[0477] On the other hand, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as a driving power source to the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65, and the forward voltage of the LED 350 is 2V. Also, a 140 kΩ resistor 150b is connected to the 8th terminal (RT1) of the LED driver 150a, and the driving current becomes 7 mA. Therefore, a current of 7 mA flows through the LED 350. In addition, since the fourth symbol display 65 is statically lit-controlled by the effect control unit 121, it can be energized at all times. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 350 is 7 mA × 2V = 14 mW.

[0478] Therefore, the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65 is smaller than the current value (10 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 310 of the main display 63. On the other hand, the power consumption (14 mW) of the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65 is larger than the power consumption (5 mW) of the LED 310 of the main display 63. Thus, by lighting the fourth symbol display 65 brightly, the progress of the game can be clearly shown to the player.

[0479] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 3-3-2) in addition to (Configuration 3-3). (Configuration 3-3-2) In the gaming machine 1, the first LED and the second LED display the same information regarding the progress of the game in different manners.

[0480] As described above, all of the displays 65a to 65i provided on the main display 63 are formed in a round shape. On the other hand, as described in Modification 4, the fourth symbol display 65 may be formed not only in a round shape but also in a triangular or square shape (see FIG. 40). Also, the special symbol 1 hold count display 63d and the special symbol 2 hold count display 63e of the main display 63 are constituted by two LEDs 310, but the special symbol 1 hold count display 65c and the special symbol 2 hold count display 65d of the fourth symbol display 65 may be constituted by two or four LEDs 350 (see FIG. 40).

[0481] By displaying the same information in different ways like this, the player can judge various information by looking at the easier-to-see one, so it is possible to make it easier to confirm the information.

[0482] In addition to (Configuration 3-3) and (Configuration 3-3-2), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 3-3-3). (Configuration 3-3-3) In the gaming machine 1, the first LED is controlled by the main control unit that performs control regarding the progress of the game, and the second LED is controlled by the sub-control unit that performs control regarding the effect.

[0483] The main display 63 that is controlled to be lit by the main control unit 101 needs to accurately and calmly display the progress of the game. On the other hand, the fourth symbol display 65 that is controlled to be lit by the effect control unit 121 has a large (effect-related) role as an auxiliary to the main display 63.

[0484] Therefore, by brightly lighting and displaying the fourth symbol display 65 that assists the main display 63, it is possible to make the player more clearly understand various information.

[0485] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 3-3-4) in addition to (Configuration 3-3), (Configuration 3-3-2), and (Configuration 3-3-3). (Configuration 3-3-4) In the gaming machine 1, the second LED is arranged closer to the center of the gaming area than the first LED.

[0486] As a result, by brightly lighting the fourth symbol display 65 arranged on the center side of the gaming area 37, various information can be made more clearly understood by the player.

[0487] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 3-4). (Configuration 3-4) The gaming machine 1 includes a plurality of first LEDs that display information regarding the progress of the game, and a plurality of second LEDs that are arranged at an interval farther than the interval between the first LEDs and display information regarding the progress of the game. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0488] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 3-4), the first LED corresponds to the LED 310 of the main display 63. Also, the second LED corresponds to the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65.

[0489] As shown in FIG. 41, a 5V DC voltage (DC5VA) is applied to the LED 310 of the main display 63 as a driving power source, and the forward voltage of the LED 310 is 2V. Also, the resistor 100d (see FIG. 17) connected to the LED 310 is set to 300Ω. Therefore, a current of 10 mA flows through the LED 310. Further, since the main display 63 controls the lighting of four-digit 8-segment displays in sequence (the number of commons is 4 and dynamic lighting control is performed), each 8-segment display is energized for only 1 / 4 of the time. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 310 is 10 mA × 2V × (1 / 4) = 5 mW.

[0490] On one hand, for the LED 350 of the fourth symbol display 65, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, and the forward voltage of the LED 350 is 2V. Also, an LED driver 150a has a 140kΩ resistor 150b connected to its terminal 8 (RT1), and the driving current is 7mA. Therefore, a current of 7mA flows through the LED 350. Also, since the fourth symbol display 65 is statically lit and controlled by the effect control unit 121, it can be energized at all times. Therefore, the power consumption of the LED 350 is 7mA × 2V = 14mW.

[0491] The LEDs 310 of the main display 63 are arranged, for example, at intervals of 3mm, while the LEDs 305 of the fourth symbol display 65 are arranged, for example, at intervals of 8mm. Therefore, the LEDs 305 of the fourth symbol display 65 are arranged at a greater interval than the LEDs 310 of the main display 63.

[0492] Since the LEDs 310 of the main display 63 are arranged at a closer interval than the LEDs 305 of the fourth symbol display 65, there is a risk that the amount of heat generated in the dense area will increase. Therefore, the LEDs 310 of the main display 63 have a lower power consumption than the LEDs 305 of the fourth symbol display 65, making it difficult to generate heat even when they are dense.

[0493] Thereby, damage to components due to heat generation can be suppressed.

[0494] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4 - 1A). (Configuration 4 - 1A) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine provided with a game board on which a game area is formed, and includes a first LED arranged on the game board such that its light - emitting surface faces the player, and a second LED arranged on the game board such that its light - emitting surface does not face the player, and the current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0495] In the case of this concept (Configuration 4-1A), the first LED corresponds to the winning port LED 441 (see FIGS. 35 and 36), and the second LED corresponds to the illumination LED 411 (see FIGS. 29 and 30).

[0496] FIG. 43 is a diagram showing various information and various values regarding the illumination LED 411, the movable object device LED 425, the winning port LED 441, the big winning port LED 442, and the special drawing 2 LED 443. In FIG. 43, the case where the duty ratio is 1 (the case of the gradation value 255) is illustrated for the power consumption.

[0497] As shown in FIG. 43, the winning port LED 441 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the light emitting surface faces the player. Further, for the LED driver 434b that drives and controls the winning port LED 441, a 100 kΩ resistor 434c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R), and the driving current becomes 7 mA. Then, for the red LED of the winning port LED 441, a 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 2 V, and a driving current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the red LED of the winning port LED 441 is 7 mA × 2 V = 14 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the green LED of the winning port LED 441, a 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 3 V, and a driving current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the green LED of the winning port LED 441 is 7 mA × 3 V = 21 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the blue LED of the winning port LED 441, a 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 3 V, and a driving current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the blue LED of the winning port LED 441 is 7 mA × 3 V = 21 mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the maximum power consumption of the winning port LED 441 is 56 mW (14 mW + 21 mW + 21 mW).

[0498] The illumination LED 411 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the light emitting surface does not face the player. In addition, for the LED driver 401b that drives and controls the illumination LED 411, a 50 kΩ resistor 401c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R), and the drive current is 14 mA. For the red LED of the illumination LED 411, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply. The forward voltage is 2V, and a drive current of 14 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the red LED of the illumination LED 411 is 14 mA × 2V = 28 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the green LED of the illumination LED 411, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply. The forward voltage is 3V, and a drive current of 14 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the green LED of the illumination LED 411 is 14 mA × 3V = 42 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the blue LED of the illumination LED 411, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply. The forward voltage is 3V, and a drive current of 14 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the blue LED of the illumination LED 411 is 14 mA × 3V = 42 mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the maximum power consumption of the illumination LED 411 is 112 mW (28 mW + 42 mW + 42 mW).

[0499] In this way, the current value (14 mA) of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411 arranged on the game board 9 so that the light emitting surface does not face the player is larger than the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the winning port LED 441 arranged on the game board 9 so that the light emitting surface faces the player.

[0500] Here, since the light emitting surface of the winning port LED 441 is arranged facing the player, there is a possibility that the light irradiated from the winning port LED 441 may be directly visible to the player. Therefore, the player may feel that the light irradiated from the winning port LED 441 is dazzling.

[0501] On the one hand, the light emitted from the illumination LED 411 enters the inside from the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59, and causes the pattern formed on the front surface 59a or the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59 to emit light. And in order for the player to appropriately visually recognize the pattern of the illumination panel 59, a certain amount of light (brightness) is required. Also, since the light emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 is arranged so as not to face the player, the player hardly directly visually observes the light emitting surface, and the player hardly feels that the illumination LED 411 is dazzling.

[0502] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411, the illumination LED 411 is lit brighter than the winning port LED 441. Thereby, the lighting effect can be sufficiently shown to the player by the bright light irradiated from the illumination LED 411 whose light emitting surface is not arranged facing the player, and the lighting effect can be improved. Also, it is possible to reduce the player's feeling of glare due to the light irradiated from the winning port LED 441 whose light emitting surface is arranged facing the player.

[0503] Note that the LEDs arranged so that the light emitting surface does not face the player may include LEDs whose light emitting surfaces are arranged obliquely rearward or rearward. In such LEDs, since the object to be irradiated with light is on the rear side of the LED, it is desirable to light up brightly in order to light up the object. The same applies hereinafter.

[0504] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1A-2) in addition to (Configuration 4-1A). (Configuration 4-1A-2) In the gaming machine 1, the first LED and the second LED are driven and controlled by different drivers, and the current value of the current supplied to each of the first LED and the second LED can be set for each driver.

[0505] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 4-1A-2), the driver that drives the first LED (the winning port LED 441) corresponds to the LED driver 434b. The driver that drives the second LED (the illumination LED 411) corresponds to the LED driver 401b.

[0506] The LED driver 434b (see FIG. 37) and the LED driver 401b (see FIG. 31) can set the current value of the current supplied to the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 according to the resistance values of the resistors 434c and 401c connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R).

[0507] By connecting the effect LEDs 27 that supply currents of the same current value to the same driver, it becomes possible to easily supply currents of the same current value to these effect LEDs 27, and the number of components can be reduced. Also, by connecting the effect LEDs 27 that supply currents of different current values to different drivers, it becomes possible to supply currents of the optimal current value for each effect LED 27, and the effect LEDs 27 can be lit at the optimal brightness.

[0508] In addition to (Configuration 4-1A) and (Configuration 4-1A-2), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1A-3). (Configuration 4-1A-3) The gaming machine 1 includes a first driver that drives and controls a first LED, a second driver that drives and controls a second LED, a first resistor connected to a reference current setting terminal for setting the current value of the current supplied to the first LED in the first driver, and a second resistor connected to a reference current setting terminal for setting the current value of the current supplied to the second LED in the second driver, and the resistance value of the first resistor is larger than the resistance value of the second resistor.

[0509] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 4-1A-3), the first driver corresponds to the LED driver 434b, and the second driver corresponds to the LED driver 401b. Also, the reference current setting terminal corresponds to the terminal No. 8 (Iref_R). Further, the first resistor corresponds to the resistor 434c, and the second resistor corresponds to the resistor 401c.

[0510] Since the resistance value of the resistor 434c is 100 kΩ and the resistance value of the resistor 401c is 50 kΩ, the resistance value of the resistor 434c is larger than the resistance value of the resistor 401c. Thereby, the current value (14 mA) of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411 can be made larger than the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the winning port LED 441.

[0511] That is, by simply making the resistance value of the resistor 434c larger than the resistance value of the resistor 401c, the illumination LED 411 can be made to light brighter than the winning port LED 441. Also, by simply changing the resistance values of the resistors 434c and 401c, the current values of the currents supplied to the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 can be easily changed.

[0512] In addition to (Configuration 4-1A), (Configuration 4-1A-2), and (Configuration 4-1A-3), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1A-4). (Configuration 4-1A-4) When the gaming machine 1 controls the light emission of the first LED and the second LED, the gaming machine 1 includes light emission control means capable of setting the gradation values of the first LED and the second LED to any of a plurality of gradations, and regardless of the gradation value in terms of control, the current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0513] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 4-1A-4), the light emission control means corresponds to the effect control unit 121.

[0514] The performance control unit 121 determines the gradation values of the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 based on the reference gradation value shown in the performance table corresponding to each performance pattern and the luminance setting value determined according to the operation of the luminance change button 25c. Also, the LED drivers 434b and 401b perform PWM control of the duty ratio based on the gradation value instructed by the performance control unit 121.

[0515] Therefore, even if the gradation values (duty ratios) determined by the performance control unit 121 are the same, the current values of the currents supplied to the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 can be made different from each other because they are set by the resistance values of the resistors 434c and 401c connected to the 8th terminals of the LED drivers 434b and 401b.

[0516] Accordingly, even with the same gradation value, the brightness of the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 can be changed by the current value, so it is not necessary to change the gradation value to change the brightness of the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411, and the labor involved in adjusting the brightness can be reduced.

[0517] In addition to (Configuration 4-1A), (Configuration 4-1A-2), (Configuration 4-1A-3), and (Configuration 4-1A-4), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1A-5). (Configuration 4-1A-5) For the gaming machine 1, the number of the second LEDs is smaller than that of the first LEDs.

[0518] Here, there are a total of 211 performance LEDs 27 arranged on the game board 9. Among them, 150 first LEDs (performance LEDs 27) are arranged on the game board 9 so that the light-emitting surface faces the player, and 61 second LEDs (performance LEDs 27) are arranged on the game board 9 so that the light-emitting surface does not face the player.

[0519] Therefore, the number of the second LEDs arranged on the game board 9 so that the light emitting surface does not face the player is smaller than the number of the first LEDs arranged on the game board 9 so that the light emitting surface faces the player.

[0520] In this way, by increasing the number of the effect LEDs 27 with a small current value of the supplied current and decreasing the number of the effect LEDs 27 with a large current value of the supplied current, the amount of current used for the entire gaming machine 1 can be reduced. That is, the power consumption of the entire gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

[0521] Note that there are 356 effect LEDs 27 in total for the entire gaming machine 1. Among them, 241 effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the gaming machine 1 so that the light emitting surface faces the player, and 115 effect LEDs 27 are arranged on the game board 9 so that the light emitting surface does not face the player.

[0522] Therefore, the number of the effect LEDs 27 arranged on the gaming machine 1 so that the light emitting surface does not face the player is smaller than the number of the effect LEDs 27 arranged on the gaming machine 1 so that the light emitting surface faces the player.

[0523] In this way, even when considering the entire gaming machine 1, by increasing the number of the effect LEDs 27 with a small current value of the supplied current and decreasing the number of the effect LEDs 27 with a large current value of the supplied current, the amount of current used for the entire gaming machine 1 can be reduced. That is, the power consumption of the entire gaming machine 1 can be reduced.

[0524] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1A-6). (Configuration 4-1A-6) The gaming machine 1 that generates a profit state due to the lottery result includes a first LED arranged so that the light emitting surface faces the player and a second LED arranged so that the light emitting surface does not face the player, and the current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0525] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 4-1A-6), the first LED corresponds to the winning port LED 441, and the second LED corresponds to the illumination LED 411.

[0526] And as described above, the current value of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411 is 14 mA, and the current value of the current supplied to the winning port LED 441 is (7 mA). That is, the current value (14 mA) of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411 is larger than the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the winning port LED 441.

[0527] In this way, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411, the illumination LED 411 is made to light up brighter than the winning port LED 441. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently show the light effect to the player by the bright light irradiated from the illumination LED 411 whose light emitting surface is not arranged facing the player, and the production effect can be improved. In addition, it is possible to reduce the player's feeling of glare caused by the light irradiated from the winning port LED 441 whose light emitting surface is arranged facing the player.

[0528] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1B). (Configuration 4-1B) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine including a game board on which a game area is formed, and includes a first LED arranged on the game board so that the light emitting surface faces the player, and a second LED arranged on the game board so that the light emitting surface does not face the player, and the power consumption of the second LED is larger than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0529] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 4-1B), the first LED corresponds to the winning port LED 441, and the second LED corresponds to the illumination LED 411.

[0530] As described above, the maximum power consumption of the winning port LED 441 is 56 mW, and the maximum power consumption of the illumination LED 411 is 112 mW. That is, the power consumption of the illumination LED 411 (112 mW) is greater than the power consumption of the winning port LED 441 (56 mW).

[0531] Therefore, the illumination LED 411 will be lit brighter than the winning port LED 441. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently show the light effects to the player by the bright light irradiated from the illumination LED 411 whose light emitting surface is not arranged facing the player, and the production effect can be improved. In addition, it is possible to reduce the player's feeling of glare caused by the light irradiated from the winning port LED 441 whose light emitting surface is arranged facing the player.

[0532] In addition to (Configuration 4-1B), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1B-2). (Configuration 4-1B-2) In the gaming machine 1, the first LED and the second LED are driven and controlled by different drivers, and the current value of the current supplied to each of the first LED and the second LED can be set for each driver.

[0533] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 4-1B-2), the driver that drives the first LED (winning port LED 441) corresponds to the LED driver 434b. The driver that drives the second LED (illumination LED 411) corresponds to the LED driver 401b.

[0534] The LED driver 434b and the LED driver 401b can set the current value of the current supplied to the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 according to the resistance values of the resistors 434c and 401c connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R).

[0535] By connecting the effect LEDs 27 that supply currents of the same current value to the same driver, it becomes possible to easily supply currents of the same current value to these effect LEDs 27, and the number of components can be reduced. Also, by connecting the effect LEDs 27 that supply currents of different current values to different drivers, it becomes possible to supply currents of an optimal current value for each effect LED 27, and the effect LEDs 27 can be lit at an optimal brightness.

[0536] In addition to (Configuration 4-1B) and (Configuration 4-1B-2), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1B-3). (Configuration 4-1B-3) The gaming machine 1 includes a first driver that drives and controls a first LED, a second driver that drives and controls a second LED, a first resistor connected to a reference current setting terminal for setting the current value of the current supplied to the first LED in the first driver, and a second resistor connected to a reference current setting terminal for setting the current value of the current supplied to the second LED in the second driver, and the resistance value of the first resistor is larger than the resistance value of the second resistor.

[0537] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 4-1B-3), the first driver corresponds to the LED driver 434b, and the second driver corresponds to the LED driver 401b. Also, the reference current setting terminal corresponds to the terminal 8 (Iref_R). Further, the first resistor corresponds to the resistor 434c, and the second resistor corresponds to the resistor 401c.

[0538] Since the resistance value of the resistor 434c is 100 kΩ and the resistance value of the resistor 401c is 50 kΩ, the resistance value of the resistor 434c is larger than the resistance value of the resistor 401c. Thereby, the current value (14 mA) of the current supplied to the prize-winning opening LED 441 can be made larger than the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411.

[0539] That is, by simply making the resistance value of the resistor 434c larger than the resistance value of the resistor 401c, the illumination LED 411 can be made to light brighter than the winning port LED 441.

[0540] In addition to (Configuration 4-1B), (Configuration 4-1B-2), and (Configuration 4-1B-3), the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1B-4). (Configuration 4-1B-4) When controlling the light emission of the first LED and the second LED, the gaming machine 1 is provided with light emission control means capable of setting the gradation values of the first LED and the second LED to any of a plurality of levels. Regardless of the control gradation value, the current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0541] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 4-1B-4), the light emission control means corresponds to the effect control unit 121.

[0542] The effect control unit 121 determines the gradation values of the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 based on the reference gradation value shown in the effect table corresponding to each effect pattern and the luminance setting value determined according to the operation of the luminance change button 25c. Further, the LED drivers 434b and 401b perform PWM control of the duty ratio based on the gradation value instructed by the effect control unit 121.

[0543] Therefore, even if the gradation values (duty ratios) determined by the effect control unit 121 are the same, the current values of the currents supplied to the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 are different because they are set by the resistance values of the resistors 434c and 401c connected to the 8th terminals of the LED drivers 434b and 401b.

[0544] Therefore, even with the same gradation value, the brightness of the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411 can be changed by the current value. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the gradation value to change the brightness of the winning port LED 441 and the illumination LED 411, and the labor involved in adjusting the brightness can be reduced.

[0545] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-1B-5). (Configuration 4-1B-5) The gaming machine 1 that generates a profit state due to the lottery result includes a first LED arranged such that the light emitting surface faces the player, and a second LED arranged such that the light emitting surface does not face the player, and the power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0546] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 4-1B-5), the first LED corresponds to the winning port LED 441, and the second LED corresponds to the illumination LED 411.

[0547] And, as described above, the power consumption of the winning port LED 441 is 7 mA × 2 V = 14 mW when the duty ratio is 1, and the power consumption of the illumination LED 411 is 14 mA × 2 V = 28 mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the power consumption (28 mW) of the illumination LED 411 is greater than the power consumption (14 mW) of the winning port LED 441.

[0548] Therefore, the illumination LED 411 will be lit brighter than the winning port LED 441 on the winning port decoration board 434. As a result, a sufficient light effect can be shown to the player by the bright light emitted from the illumination LED 411 whose light emitting surface is not arranged facing the player, and the production effect can be improved. Also, it is possible to reduce the player feeling dazzled by the light emitted from the winning port LED 441 whose light emitting surface is arranged facing the player.

[0549] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-2A). (Configuration 4-2A) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine equipped with a game board on which a game area is formed. The first LED is arranged such that the light emitting surface is parallel to the substrate arranged on the game board so that the component surface faces the player, and the second LED is arranged such that the light emitting surface is perpendicular to the substrate arranged on the game board so that the component surface faces the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0550] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 4-2A), the first LED corresponds to the winning port LED 441 (see FIGS. 35 and 36), and the second LED corresponds to the movable object accessory LED 425 (see FIG. 32).

[0551] As shown in FIG. 43, the winning port decorative substrate 434 is arranged on the game board 9 so that the component surface 434a faces the player, and the winning port LED 441 is arranged on the winning port decorative substrate 434 so that the light emitting surface is parallel to the winning port decorative substrate 434. That is, the winning port LED 441 is arranged so that the light emitting surface faces the player.

[0552] Also, for the LED driver 434b that drives and controls the winning port LED 441, a 100 kΩ resistor 434c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R), and the drive current is 7 mA. For the red LED of the winning port LED 441, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply, the forward voltage is 2V, and a current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the red LED of the winning port LED 441 is 7 mA × 2V = 14 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the green LED of the winning port LED 441, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply, the forward voltage is 3V, and a drive current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the green LED of the winning port LED 441 is 7 mA × 3V = 21 mW when the duty ratio is 1. The blue LED of the winning port LED 441 has a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) applied as the driving power supply, a forward voltage of 3V, and a driving current of 7mA flowing through it. Therefore, the power consumption of the blue LED of the winning port LED 441 is 7mA × 3V = 21mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the maximum power consumption of the winning port LED 441 is 56mW (14mW + 21mW + 21mW).

[0553] The movable object accessory substrate 421 is arranged on the game board 9 such that the component surface 421a faces the player, and the movable object accessory LED 425 is arranged on the movable object accessory substrate 421 such that the light emitting surface is perpendicular to the movable object accessory substrate 421. That is, the movable object accessory LED 425 is arranged such that the light emitting surface does not face the player.

[0554] Also, a 50kΩ resistor 401c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R) of the LED driver 421b that drives and controls the movable object accessory LED 425, and the driving current becomes 14mA. Therefore, a current of 14mA flows through the movable object accessory LED 425. The red LED of the movable object accessory LED 425 has a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) applied as the driving power supply, a forward voltage of 2V, and a driving current of 14mA flowing through it. Therefore, the power consumption of the red LED of the movable object accessory LED 425 is 14mA × 2V = 28mW when the duty ratio is 1. The green LED of the movable object accessory LED 425 has a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) applied as the driving power supply, a forward voltage of 3V, and a driving current of 14mA flowing through it. Therefore, the power consumption of the green LED of the movable object accessory LED 425 is 14mA × 3V = 42mW when the duty ratio is 1. The blue LED of the movable object accessory LED 425 has a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) applied as the driving power supply, a forward voltage of 3V, and a driving current of 14mA flowing through it. Therefore, the power consumption of the blue LED of the movable object accessory LED 425 is 14mA × 3V = 42mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the maximum power consumption of the movable object accessory LED 425 is 112mW (28mW + 42mW + 42mW).

[0555] Thus, the current value (14 mA) of the current supplied to the movable member LED 425 is larger than the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the winning port LED 441.

[0556] Here, since the light emitting surface of the winning port LED 441 is arranged to face the player, there is a possibility that the light irradiated from the winning port LED 441 may be directly seen by the player. Therefore, the player may feel that the light irradiated from the winning port LED 441 is dazzling.

[0557] On the other hand, the light irradiated from the movable member LED 425 travels toward the center of the movable member inner lens 422, is diffused by the movable member inner lens 422, and lights up the entire movable member 61. And in order to allow the player to appropriately visually recognize the movable member 61, a certain amount of light (brightness) is required. In addition, since the light emitting surface of the movable member LED 425 is arranged so as not to face the player, the player hardly directly sees the light emitting surface. Therefore, the player hardly feels that the movable member LED 425 is dazzling.

[0558] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the movable member LED 425, the movable member LED 425 is lit brighter than the winning port LED 441. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently show the light effect to the player by the bright light irradiated from the movable member LED 425 whose light emitting surface is not arranged to face the player, and the production effect can be improved. In addition, it is possible to reduce the player's feeling of glare caused by the light emitted from the winning port LED 441 whose light emitting surface is arranged to face the player.

[0559] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-2A-2). (Configuration 4-2A-2) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine including a game board on which a game area is formed. The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED arranged such that its light-emitting surface is perpendicular to a substrate arranged on the game board so that the component surface does not face the player, and a second LED arranged such that its light-emitting surface is parallel to the substrate arranged on the game board so that the component surface does not face the player. The current value of the current supplied to the second LED is greater than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0560] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 4-2A-2), the first LED corresponds to the special figure 2 LED443 (see FIGS. 35 and 36), and the second LED corresponds to the Illumi LED411 (see FIGS. 29 and 30).

[0561] As shown in FIG. 43, the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 is arranged on the game board 9 so that the component surface 436a does not face the player, and the special figure 2 LED443 is arranged on the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436 so that the light-emitting surface is perpendicular to the special figure 2 decorative substrate 436. That is, the light-emitting surface of the special figure 2 LED443 is arranged to face the player.

[0562] Further, a 100 kΩ resistor 436b is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R) of the LED driver 434b that drives and controls the special figure 2 LED443, and the drive current is 7 mA. A 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as a drive power source to the red LED of the special figure 2 LED443, the forward voltage is 2 V, and a drive current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the red LED of the special figure 2 LED443 is 7 mA × 2 V = 14 mW when the duty ratio is 1. A 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as a drive power source to the green LED of the special figure 2 LED443, the forward voltage is 3 V, and a drive current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the green LED of the special figure 2 LED443 is 7 mA × 3 V = 21 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the blue LED of the special figure 2 LED443, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 3V, and a driving current of 7mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the blue LED of the special figure 2 LED443 is 7mA × 3V = 21mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the maximum power consumption of the special figure 2 LED443 is 56mW (14mW + 21mW + 21mW).

[0563] The illumination substrate 401 is arranged on the game board 9 so that the component surface 401a does not face the player, and the illumination LED 411 is arranged on the illumination substrate 401 so that the light emitting surface is parallel to the illumination substrate 401. That is, the illumination LED 411 is arranged so that the light emitting surface does not face the player.

[0564] Also, for the LED driver 401b that drives and controls the illumination LED 411, a 50kΩ resistor 401c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R), and the driving current becomes 14mA. For the red LED of the illumination LED 411, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 2V, and a driving current of 14mA will flow. Therefore, the power consumption of the illumination LED 411 is 14mA × 2V = 28mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the green LED of the illumination LED 411, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 3V, and a driving current of 14mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the green LED of the illumination LED 411 is 14mA × 3V = 42mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the blue LED of the illumination LED 411, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 3V, and a driving current of 14mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the blue LED of the illumination LED 411 is 14mA × 3V = 42mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the maximum power consumption of the illumination LED 411 is 112mW (28mW + 42mW + 42mW).

[0565] Thus, the current value (14 mA) of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411 is greater than the current value (7 mA) of the current supplied to the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2.

[0566] Here, since the light emitting surface of the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2 is arranged facing the player, there is a possibility that the light irradiated from the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2 may be directly seen by the player. Therefore, the player may feel that the light irradiated from the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2 is dazzling.

[0567] On the other hand, the light emitted from the illumination LED 411 enters the inside from the left side surface 59c of the illumination panel 59 and causes the pattern formed on the front surface 59a or the rear surface 59b of the illumination panel 59 to emit light. And in order for the player to appropriately visually recognize the pattern of the illumination panel 59, a certain amount of light quantity (brightness) is required. Also, since the light emitting surface of the illumination LED 411 is arranged so as not to face the player, the player hardly directly sees the light emitting surface. Therefore, the player hardly feels that the illumination LED 411 is dazzling.

[0568] Therefore, by increasing the current value of the current supplied to the illumination LED 411, the illumination LED 411 is lit brighter than the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2. Thereby, it is possible to sufficiently show the light effect to the player by the bright light irradiated from the illumination LED 411 whose light emitting surface is not arranged facing the player, and the production effect can be improved. Also, it is possible to reduce the player's feeling of glare caused by the light irradiated from the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2 whose light emitting surface is arranged facing the player.

[0569] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4 - 2B). (Configuration 4 - 2B) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine including a game board on which a game area is formed. The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED arranged such that its light emitting surface is parallel to a substrate arranged on the game board so that the component surface faces the player, and a second LED arranged such that its light emitting surface is perpendicular to the substrate arranged on the game board so that the component surface faces the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0570] In the case of the concept of this (Configuration 4-2B), the first LED corresponds to the winning port LED 441, and the second LED corresponds to the movable object accessory LED 425.

[0571] As described above, the maximum power consumption of the winning port LED 441 is 56 mW, and the maximum power consumption of the movable object accessory LED 425 is 112 mW. That is, the power consumption of the movable object accessory LED 425 is greater than the power consumption of the winning port LED 441.

[0572] Therefore, the movable object accessory LED 425 will be lit brighter than the winning port LED 441. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently show a light effect to the player with the bright light irradiated from the movable object accessory LED 425 whose light emitting surface is not arranged facing the player, and the production effect can be improved. In addition, it is possible to reduce the player's feeling of glare caused by the light emitted from the winning port LED 441 whose light emitting surface is arranged facing the player.

[0573] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-2B-2). (Configuration 4-2B-2) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine including a game board on which a game area is formed. The gaming machine 1 includes a first LED arranged such that its light emitting surface is perpendicular to a substrate arranged on the game board so that the component surface does not face the player, and a second LED arranged such that its light emitting surface is parallel to the substrate arranged on the game board so that the component surface does not face the player. The power consumption of the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the first LED.

[0574] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 4-2B-2), the first LED corresponds to the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2, and the second LED corresponds to the illumination LED 411.

[0575] And, as described above, the maximum power consumption of the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2 is 56 mW, and the maximum power consumption of the illumination LED 411 is 112 mW.

[0576] That is, the power consumption of the illumination LED 411 is larger than the power consumption of the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2.

[0577] Therefore, the illumination LED 411 will be lit brighter than the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2. As a result, it is possible to sufficiently show the light effect to the player by the bright light irradiated from the illumination LED 411 whose light emitting surface is not arranged facing the player, and the effect can be improved. Also, it is possible to reduce the player feeling dazzled by the light irradiated from the LED 443 in the specific drawing 2 whose light emitting surface is arranged facing the player.

[0578] The gaming machine 1 of the embodiment has the following (Configuration 4-3A). (Configuration 4-3A) The gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine including a game board on which a game area is formed, and includes a first LED that irradiates light in the thickness direction of an object arranged on the game board, and a second LED that irradiates light in the longitudinal direction of the object arranged on the game board, and the current value of the current supplied to the second LED is larger than the current value of the current supplied to the first LED.

[0579] In the case of this concept of (Configuration 4-3A), the first LED corresponds to the winning port LED 441 (see FIGS. 35 and 36), and the second LED corresponds to the illumination LED 411 (see FIGS. 29 and 30).

[0580] The winning port LED 441 irradiates light in the thickness direction of the lower right base plate 431, the lower right cover 432, and the lower right seal 433, which are arranged on the game board 9, with the lower right base plate 431, the lower right cover 432, and the lower right seal 433 being the target objects. Also, for the LED driver 434b that drives and controls the winning port LED 441, a 100 kΩ resistor 436b is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R), and the drive current is 7 mA. For the red LED of the winning port LED 441, a 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply, the forward voltage is 2 V, and a drive current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the red LED of the special figure 2 LED 443 is 7 mA × 2 V = 14 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the green LED of the winning port LED 441, a 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply, the forward voltage is 3 V, and a drive current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the green LED of the winning port LED 441 is 7 mA × 3 V = 21 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the blue LED of the winning port LED 441, a 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply, the forward voltage is 3 V, and a drive current of 7 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the blue LED of the winning port LED 441 is 7 mA × 3 V = 21 mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the maximum power consumption of the winning port LED 441 is 56 mW (14 mW + 21 mW + 21 mW).

[0581] The illumination LED 411 irradiates light in the longitudinal direction (left - right direction) of the illumination panel 59, with the illumination panel 59 arranged on the game board 9 being the target object. Also, for the LED driver 401b that drives and controls the illumination LED 411, a 50 kΩ resistor 401c is connected to the 8th terminal (Iref_R), and the drive current is 14 mA. For the red LED of the illumination LED 411, a 12 V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the drive power supply, the forward voltage is 2 V, and a drive current of 14 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the red LED of the illumination LED 411 is 14 mA × 2 V = 28 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the green LED of the Illumi LED 411, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 3V, and a driving current of 14 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the green LED of the Illumi LED 411 is 14 mA × 3V = 42 mW when the duty ratio is 1. For the blue LED of the Illumi LED 411, a 12V DC voltage (DC12VB) is applied as the driving power supply, the forward voltage is 3V, and a driving current of 14 mA flows. Therefore, the power consumption of the blue LED of the Illumi LED 411 is 14 mA × 3V = 42 mW when the duty ratio is 1. That is, the maximum power consumption of the Illumi LED 411 is 112 mW (28 mW + 42 mW + 42 mW).

[0582] Thus, the current value (14 mA) of the current supplied to the Illumi LED 411 is larger than the current value (7 mW) of the current supplied to the winning port LED 441.

[0583] Here, the target object is short in the thickness direction and long in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, for the Illumi LED 411 that irradiates light in the longitudinal direction of the illumination panel 59 which is the target object, in order to make the light reach the inside throughout the longitudinal direction of the illumination panel 59, the current value of the current supplied is increased to light it brightly.

[0584] On the other hand, for the...

Claims

【Claim 1】 In a gaming machine including a game board on which a game area is formed, a first LED that irradiates light from behind a first target object disposed on the game board, a second LED that irradiates light from the side of a second target object disposed on the game board, comprising: the length of the first target object in the front-rear direction is shorter than the length of the second target object in the direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, the first target object is made of a member that transmits light, the first LED and the second LED are LEDs each including a plurality of types of light-emitting elements having different emission colors, the current value of the current supplied to each light-emitting element included in the first LED is a first current value, the current value of the current supplied to each light-emitting element included in the second LED is a second current value, the power consumption of each light-emitting element included in the second LED is greater than the power consumption of the light-emitting element of the corresponding emission color in the first LED, respectively A gaming machine.

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