JP2020005790A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of appropriately increasing the degree of attention to a game.SOLUTION: When a game ball enters the operation port provided in the game area, a variable display of the symbol is executed in a variable display unit 500, and the symbol combination corresponding to the result of the lottery based on the ball entry to the operation port is stopped and displayed in the variable display unit 500. The variable display unit 500 includes a rotating body 525M attached to a base body 524M via a motor. The rotating body 525M includes an annular frame and a light guide section 532 composed of a plurality of light guide panels disposed so as to surround the frame. A side light for irradiating the end face of a light guide section 532M with light is provided on the base body 524M. The light supplied from the side light to the light guide section 532M is emitted from a light emitting section formed on the light guide section 532M, thereby displaying the symbol. At the time of the special change of the symbol, the light guide section 532M is rotated in a state where the light supply is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, include a pattern display device that displays a pattern on a display screen. In this type of gaming machine, for example, when a game ball passes through an operating port provided in a gaming area, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a specific gaming state advantageous to a player such as a hit state. At the same time, the variable display of the picture is started. When a lottery is won, a specific pattern combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the gaming state shifts to the specific gaming state (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-074175 A

  In recent years, various devices have been devised to increase the degree of interest in games. However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of the gaming machine in order to increase the degree of attention to the game.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately improving the degree of attention to a game.

The present invention
A gaming machine including a pattern display means for variably displaying a pattern with a game progress,
The picture display means,
A first state in which a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit are formed, and the first light emitting unit is located at a predetermined display position and the second light emitting unit is in the predetermined state; A light guide unit that can be switched to a second state located at the display position;
A driving unit that drives the light guide unit;
A drive control unit that switches the light guide unit to the first state and the second state by performing drive control of the drive unit;
A light emitting unit that supplies light to an end surface of the light guide unit,
Light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit,
As the picture, a first picture displayed by the light supplied from the light emitting section in the first state being emitted from the first light emitting section, and a picture supplied from the light emitting section in the second state. And a second picture displayed by emitting the emitted light from the second light emitting unit,
The light emission control unit includes a supply stop unit that stops supply of light by the light emitting unit when switching from the first state to the second state,
The drive control unit uses at least a part of a period during which the supply of light is stopped by the supply stop unit as a drive period for driving the drive unit when switching from the first state to the second state. It is characterized by being constituted.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the attention degree to a game can be improved suitably.

It is a front view showing the pachinko machine in a 1st embodiment. It is a perspective view showing the composition of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structure of a pachinko machine. It is a perspective view which expands and shows the main structure of a pachinko machine. It is a front view which shows the structure of an inner frame. It is a front view showing the composition of a game board unit. It is the perspective view which looked at the game board unit from the back side. It is a rear view showing the composition of an inner frame. It is a rear view showing the composition of the pachinko machine. It is a front view showing the composition of a back pack unit. 3A is a front view of the variable display unit, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the variable display unit. It is an exploded perspective view of a variable display unit. It is a longitudinal section of a variable display unit. It is a cross-sectional view of a variable display unit. It is the schematic which shows the mode of light emission. It is the schematic which shows the attachment structure of a light guide plate. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between a light emitting part and a light guide plate. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. It is a schematic diagram showing various counters. It is the schematic which shows the structure which concerns on a symbol display. It is the schematic which shows the symbol displayed on a variable display unit. It is the schematic which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol displayed on a variable display unit. It is the schematic which shows the outline | summary of a display in a variable display unit. It is the schematic which shows arrangement | positioning of a side LED. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process executed by the MPU of the main control device. It is a flow chart which shows winning processing for an operation mouth. It is a flowchart which shows an information acquisition process. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a normal process executed by the MPU of the main control device. It is a flow chart which shows a game times control processing. It is a flowchart which shows a change start process. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation | variation display control processing performed by the MPU of a notification / production control device. It is a flowchart which shows a change start process. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between a variable display mode and a jackpot expectation degree. It is the schematic which shows the flow of the production in the normal reach which does not correspond to special change. It is the schematic which shows the flow of the production in the normal reach corresponding to special change. It is a flowchart which shows a process during a change. 5 is a flowchart illustrating light emission and drive control processing. It is a flowchart which shows the process for special fluctuation | variation display. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of the production in the normal reach which does not correspond to the special change. It is a timing chart which shows the flow of the production in the normal reach corresponding to the special change. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between a visible range and a boundary part. 6A is a flowchart illustrating a light emission control process, and FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram illustrating a positional relationship between a side LED to be controlled and a boundary portion. It is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit according to the second embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between each light guide plate and a background, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a game state and a background. It is the schematic which shows the modification of a variable display unit. It is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit according to the third embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol etc. displayed on an inner reel. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between the symbol combination displayed on an inner reel, and a big hit type. It is a flowchart which shows the game time control processing performed by MPU of a main control device. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing for upper working ports. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation | variation start process for upper working ports. It is a flowchart which shows the control processing for lower working ports. It is a flowchart which shows the change start process for lower working ports. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a gaming state and types of a lottery mode and a support mode, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between a gaming state and a variable display time. It is the schematic which shows the relationship between a game state and lighting / extinguishing of each display unit. (A) is a schematic diagram showing a display mainly on an outer reel, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing a display mainly on an inner reel. It is a flowchart which shows the display process for upper operating ports performed by the MPU of the notification / production control device. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing for upper working ports. It is a flowchart which shows the special control processing for upper working ports. It is a flowchart which shows the display processing for lower operating ports. It is a flowchart which shows the main control processing for lower working ports. It is a flowchart which shows the special control processing for lower working ports. It is a schematic diagram showing a game device in a fourth embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the distribution destination of the game ball which reached the distribution mechanism. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a distribution mechanism in a non-regulated state, and FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a distribution device in a restricted state. (A) is a perspective view of the ball receiving mechanism as viewed from above, and (b) is a longitudinal sectional view of the ball receiving mechanism. It is the schematic of the game device in a non-assisted state. It is a schematic diagram of a game device in an auxiliary state. It is the schematic which shows the modification of a game device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of a game device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of a game device. It is the schematic which shows the modification of a game device.

<First embodiment>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as a “pachinko machine”) that is a type of gaming machine will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 as viewed from the front side, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are exploded perspective views showing main components of the pachinko machine 10. In FIG. 3, the configuration in the game area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a game machine main unit 12 attached to the outer frame 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the outer frame 11 is formed by connecting a long frame material to four sides, and is formed so as to form a rectangular frame as a whole. By attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island facility, the pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall. In the pachinko machine 10, the outer frame 11 is not an essential configuration, but may be a configuration in which the outer frame 11 is provided on an island facility of a game hall or the like.

  The gaming machine main part 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in a state capable of opening and closing. More specifically, an upper support bracket 17 is fixed to a connection portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11, and a lower portion is further connected to a connection portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion in the outer frame 11. A side support bracket 18 is provided. The upper support bracket 17 and the lower support bracket 18 constitute a support mechanism. The main mechanism 12 rotates the left side of the pachinko machine 10 with respect to the outer frame 11 from the front of the pachinko machine 10 by the support mechanism. The right side of the pachinko machine 10 is rotatable with the right end as the rotation tip side (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the gaming machine main portion 12 is provided with an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame 13, and arranged behind the inner frame 13. And a back pack unit 15. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main unit 12 is rotatably supported with respect to the outer frame 11. More specifically, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side being a rotation base end side and the right side being a rotation tip side in a game machine front view.

  A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable forward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation front end side in a game machine front view. A back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and is rotatable rearward with the left side as a rotation base end side and the right side as a rotation tip side in a game machine front view. I have.

(Front door frame 14)
Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 mainly includes a synthetic resin frame 20 having an outer shape substantially the same as the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. I have. A substantially elliptical window 21 is formed at the center of the frame 20 so that substantially the entire area of a game area PE described later can be visually recognized from the front. The window 21 is formed by a glass unit 22. The front door frame 14 is closed from the rear side.

  The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of glass panels 23 having transparency, and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition for partitioning the holding area of the glass panel 23 back and forth, and the two glass panels 23 face each other across the partition. That is, by securing a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the game area PE is doubly covered by the glass panels 23 from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 while avoiding interference between the glass panels 23. It is in a state.

  It is not always necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and security, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and face each of the glass panels back and forth with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to adopt a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of the glass panel.

  Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window 21). For example, along the periphery of the window 21, there is provided an annular illuminated portion 26 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED. In the annular illumination part 26, lighting or blinking is performed according to a change in the game state at the time of a big hit, a predetermined reach, or the like. An error display lamp 27 is provided at the center of the ring-shaped illumination unit 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10 to turn on when an error or the like has occurred. A prize ball lamp section 28 that lights up is provided. Further, at a position close to the right and left prize ball lamps 28, there is provided a speaker 29 for outputting sound effects, BGM, and the like according to the game state (see FIG. 3).

  Below the window 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulging portion 31 and a lower bulging portion 32 bulging toward the near side are vertically arranged side by side. An upper plate 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 31, and a lower plate 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 32 (see FIG. 2). The upper plate 33 has a function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later, and guiding the game balls to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning the balls in a line. The lower plate 34 has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper plate 33 and a game that has not reached the game area PE (see FIG. 3) among the game balls fired by the game ball firing mechanism. When the ball is returned to the player, it has a function as a tray for storing the discharged game ball.

  A game ball firing handle 41 is provided on the right side of the lower bulging portion 32 so as to protrude toward the near side. By operating the game ball firing handle 41, a game ball is fired from a game ball firing mechanism described later. The firing speed of the game ball increases as the operation amount (rotation amount) of the game ball firing handle 41 increases, and when the operation amount is adjusted by the player to a predetermined amount, the game ball is played. It will reach area PE. In addition, by adjusting the operation amount by the player, it is possible to separate game balls into a right route and a left route, which will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is formed of a synthetic resin, and has a front door-side upper plate passage leading to the upper plate 33 and a front door-side lower plate passage leading to the lower plate 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that projects rearward and is opened upward is formed at an upper corner portion thereof, and the receiving portion is divided into right and left by a partition wall, so that an entrance of the front plate side upper plate passage is formed. A portion and an inlet portion of the lower door passage on the front door side are defined. The upstream side of the front door side upper plate passage and the front door side lower plate passage are connected to a game ball distributing section described later, and the game balls entering the front door side upper plate passage are guided to the upper plate 33, and the front door side lower portion. The game ball that has entered the dish passage is guided to the lower dish 34.

  On the rotation base end side on the back surface of the front door frame 14, a projection shaft is provided at an upper end and a lower end thereof. These projection shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13.

  Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view of the inner frame 13. In FIG. 5, the configuration of the pachinko machine 10 in the game area PE is omitted for convenience similarly to FIG.

(Inner frame 13)
The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of an inner frame base body 50 whose outer shape is substantially rectangular like the outer frame 11. The height of the inner frame base body 50 is set slightly smaller than the height of the outer frame 11. Further, the inner frame base body 50 is arranged close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the inner frame base body 50. A curtain plate is mounted on the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The curtain plate is arranged below the inner frame base body 50 (specifically, the lower end portion). When the inner frame 13 is closed with respect to the outer frame 11, the inner frame base body 50 is placed on the curtain plate. Will be listed. Note that a slight clearance may be provided between the curtain plate and the inner frame base body 50 for the purpose of preventing mutual interference and the like.

  Supporting brackets 71 and 72 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the inner frame base body 50 on the rotation base end side (left side in FIG. 5) on the front surface. Although not shown, the support fittings 71 and 72 have shaft portions, and the bearing portions provided on the front door frame 14 are inserted into the shaft portions, so that the front door frame is 14 is rotatably supported.

  A locking device 75 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is provided on the rotation tip side (the right side in FIG. 5) of the inner frame base body 50. The locking device 75 extends vertically along the right end (a vertical frame member to be described later) of the inner frame base body 50, and the front door hook members 76 are scattered in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). have. The inner frame base body 50 has a hook receiving member 49 (see FIG. 3) provided on the back surface of the front door frame 14 and a slit for projecting to the front side of the inner frame 13 corresponds to each front door hook member 76. It is formed as described above. The front door hook members 76 protruding through the slits are engaged with the front door hook members 76 provided on the front door frame 14 so as to correspond to the front door hook members 76 on a one-to-one basis. The front door frame 14 is locked to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. Further, the locking device 75 has an inner frame hook member 77 extending to the rear side of the inner frame 13. When the hook members 77 for the inner frame are hooked on the hook receiving members 19 fixed to the outer frame 11, the game machine main unit 12 is locked with the outer frame 11 closed.

  On the inner frame base body 50 (locking device 75), a cylinder lock 78 for performing an unlocking operation of the locking device 75 is installed. The cylinder lock 78 is provided separately from the locking units (the hook members 76 and 77 and the interlocking rods and the like) constituting the main part of the locking device 75, and is arranged adjacent to the locking unit. When the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the right (clockwise), the locking of the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 is released, and the key inserted to the keyhole of the cylinder lock 78 is turned to the left (counterclockwise). The lock of the inner frame 13 with the outer frame 11 is released.

  An accommodation recess 51 for accommodating the game board unit 80 is formed in a central portion of the inner frame base body 50. The accommodation recess 51 is recessed rearward of the gaming machine in accordance with the outer shape of the game board unit 80, and the game board unit 80 is fixed to the accommodation recess 51 by a manual lock mechanism while being fitted from the front of the game machine. . A substantially rectangular window hole 52 is formed at the bottom of the accommodation recess 51, and a rear configuration (a rear block 80 b described later) of the game board unit 80 protrudes rearward of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52. . It should be noted that the entire area of the window 52 is covered by the game board unit 80 mounted on the inner frame base body 50 from the front of the game machine.

(Game board unit 80)
The game board unit 80 is provided on the front side of the front block 80a formed mainly of a plate material made of a synthetic resin material and on the back side of the front block 80a, and includes various game components (variable display device, control device, movable effect, etc.) to be described later. (A mechanism, etc.) is integrated with the rear block 80b mounted on the base body 251.

  The front block 80a has a game area forming body 310 formed of a transparent resin, and the above-described game area PE in which a game ball flows down is formed on the front surface of the game area forming body 310. As already described, the game area PE is covered by the glass unit 22 (specifically, the rear glass panel 23). The glass unit 22 is arranged such that the gap between the rear glass panel 23 and the front surface of the game area forming body 310 is slightly larger than the diameter of the game area, that is, the game area flowing down the game area PE has the game area PE. Are arranged so that they do not line up at the same location. Thereby, ball clogging in the game area PE is suppressed. The game area forming body 310 is not limited to a synthetic resin, but may be made of wood.

  Hereinafter, the game board unit 80 (particularly, various components arranged in the game area PE of the game area forming body 310) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is a front view of the game board unit 80, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the game board unit 80 as viewed from the rear.

  A plurality of large and small openings are formed in the game area forming body 310 so as to penetrate the game area forming body 310 in its thickness direction (front-back direction). As shown in FIG. 6, a general winning opening 81, a variable winning device 82, an operating port unit 83 (operating ports 83a and 83b), a through gate 84, and the like are provided in each opening. When game balls enter the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b, the game balls are detected by detection sensors (not shown) provided corresponding to the respective ball portions, and the detection results are provided. A bonus such as a predetermined number of prize balls (payout of game balls) is given to the player based on the. In addition, an out port 89 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game area forming body 310, and game balls that have not entered various ball entry sections or the like are discharged from the game area PE through the out port 89. In the following description, in order to clearly distinguish a game ball from entering the out port 89, a game ball entering the general winning port 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b is also referred to as "winning". Express.

  In the game area forming body 310, various game components such as a large number of game nails 93 and windmills 94 are provided in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game balls. The flow paths of the game balls are differentiated by various configurations such as the game nails 93 and the windmills 94, so that the above-mentioned general prize port 81 and the like are adjusted so that a prize is generated with an appropriate probability.

  A central opening 85 is formed in the center of the front block 80a (game area forming body 310), and a transparent opening cover 86 is attached so as to cover the central opening. Behind the central opening 85, the variable display unit 500 and the like belonging to the back block 80b are located, and the variable display unit 500 and the like can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine through the central opening (opening cover 86). . In FIG. 6, for convenience of explanation, the opening cover 86 is indicated by a two-dot chain line, and the variable display unit 500 is visible.

  An operation port unit 83, a through gate 84, and the like are provided around the central opening 85. The operation port unit 83 is provided with an upper operation port 83a disposed below the variable display unit 500 and a lower operation port 83b disposed below the upper operation port 83a. The lower operating port 83b of these two operating ports 83a and 83b is provided with an electric accessory 91 as an openable / closable ball entry assisting device (ball entry assisting means) or an opening / closing member (opening / closing means). The electric accessory 91 has a movable piece and a solenoid-type driving section that drives the movable piece, and is in an open state (auxiliary state) in which it is possible or easy to enter the lower working port 83b. It is possible to switch to a closed state (non-auxiliary state) where entry is impossible or difficult.

  The through gate 84 is disposed upstream of the lower operating port 83b (specifically, on the side of the variable display unit 500: right route), and is won by a lottery triggered by the passage of the game ball through the through gate 84. In this case, the electric accessory 91 is switched from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time.

  It should be noted that, when a ball enters the upper working port 83a, payout of three game balls is executed, and when a ball enters the lower working port 83b, payout of four game balls is executed. However, the number of game balls to be paid out is not limited to the above.

  The variable winning device (special ball-entering device or special ball-entering device) 82 has a large winning port through which a game ball can pass, and an opening / closing member (opening / closing means) for opening and closing the large winning port. Body is provided. The opening / closing body can be switched between an open state (allowing state) in which game balls can be or easily entered, and a closed state (blocking state) in which entering the balls is impossible or difficult. In addition, the opening and closing body is connected to a variable winning drive unit (specifically, a solenoid or the like) provided on the back side of the game board unit 80, and the opening and closing door is normally kept in a closed state, and the internal lottery is performed. In the case of winning in the opening / closing execution mode (opening / closing execution state), the switch to the open state can be made (small jackpot: in the case of winning in the transition to the special game state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state). Has become.

  Here, the open / close execution mode is a mode to which a shift is made when a big hit is won. As an opening mode of the variable winning device 82 in the opening / closing execution mode, for example, a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapse or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winnings is set as one round, and a plurality of rounds (for example, 16 rounds) are set as an upper limit. The opening of the door is set to be repeated.

  Here, the variable display unit 500 will be supplementarily described. The variable display unit 500 constitutes a symbol display device for variably displaying (variable display) symbols in response to a winning in the operating ports 83a and 83b, and the display content is provided by a notification / effect control device or a display control device described later. Is controlled. In the variable display unit 500, for example, symbols are displayed side by side on the left, center, and right, and these symbols are displayed in a variable manner, for example, by scrolling in the vertical direction. Then, when the jackpot is won, a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the preset pay line, and the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode (special game state or jackpot).

  In the game area forming body 310, a center frame 95 is provided so as to surround the center opening 85. The center frame 95 is fixed to the game area forming body 310 from the front side thereof. In such a fixed state, the center frame 95 stands up from the front face of the game area forming body 310, and The gap between the glass unit 22 and the glass unit 22 is configured to be smaller than the diameter of the game ball. Thereby, it is avoided that the game ball flowing down the game area PE collides with the variable display unit 500, and the flow path of the game ball flowing down the game area PE is set on the right side of the variable display unit 500 (specifically, the center frame 95). The route is roughly divided into the right route detouring from the left and the left route detouring from the left.

  The variable winning device 82 and the through gate 84 described above are arranged on the right route, so that game balls flowing down the left route are prevented from winning on the variable winning device 82 and the through gate. On the other hand, a game ball flowing down the right route is prevented from winning in the upper operating port 83a. Therefore, when the electric accessory 91 of the lower working port 83b is in the high-frequency support mode or in the open / close execution mode, the game is advantageously advanced by firing the game ball to the right route. In the low frequency support mode, the game can be advantageously advanced by firing the game ball to the left route. That is, the player can advantageously proceed with the game by selecting the flow path of the game ball from the right route / left route according to the game situation.

  A stage portion 96 on which a game ball can roll left and right is formed on an upper surface of a frame portion that forms a lower portion of the center frame 95. The game balls flowing from the inflow port formed in the left frame portion of the center frame 95 are discharged onto the stage section 96 through the warp passage 97 formed in the center frame 95. The stage section 96 is compared with a game ball that does not pass through the stage section 96 so that the game ball that has reached the stage section 96 relatively easily flows into the upper operation port 83a. The configuration is such that it is easy to flow into the stage 83a, thereby contributing to an increase in the player's attention to the movement of the game ball on the stage section 96.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the central opening 85 is covered by the transparent opening cover 86 as described above, and the game ball reaching the stage portion 96 does not move to the back block 80b (variable display unit 500) side. Is regulated as follows.

  In addition, a first holding ramp 98a and a second holding ramp 98b are provided on the front surface of the frame constituting the lower portion of the center frame 95. The first holding lamp portion 98a on the left side corresponds to the upper working port 83a, and the number of times that the game ball passes through the upper working port 83a is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is turned on by the lighting of the first holding lamp portion 98a. It is displayed. The second holding lamp portion 98b on the right side corresponds to the lower operating port 83b, and the number of times that the game ball passes through the lower operating port 83b is held up to four times, and the number of holdings is determined by the lighting of the second holding lamp portion 98b. Is displayed.

  The operating ports 83a and 83b are arranged at positions near the central opening 85 (variable display unit 500). Since a transition to the special game state can be made with the winning of the operating ports 83a and 83b as a trigger, the player pays attention to whether or not to win the operating ports 83a and 83b and grasps whether or not to shift to the special gaming state. Therefore, it is considered that attention is paid to the variable display unit 500. The provision of the operation ports 83a and 83b near the variable display unit 500 is a device for concentrating a portion that the player wants to pay attention to around the variable display unit 500.

  At the right end of the game area formation body 310, a game area partition member 99 for forming a game area PE together with a guide rail 100 described later is provided. The game area partition member 99 is provided with a stopper member and a main display unit 87 against which a game ball flying along the guide rail 100 collides. The stopper member is a buffer member arranged near the tip of the guide rail 100, and the game ball that collides with the stopper member flows down the game area PE after its momentum is weakened. That is, the stopper member is provided with a deceleration function for weakening the momentum of the hitting game ball.

  Here, the main display unit 87 will be supplementarily described. The main display unit 87 is embedded in the game area partition member 99, and is arranged so that a part thereof faces the glass unit 22. A main display portion on which a predetermined pattern or the like is displayed is provided in the facing portion. The main display unit 87 is electrically connected to a main control device described later, and the display content of the main display unit is controlled by the main control device.

  The main display unit has a lower operating port display unit that displays a lottery result based on a winning in the upper operating port 83a, and a lower operating port that displays a lottery result performed based on a winning in the lower operating port 83b. And a display unit. In the display for the lower working port 83, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the upper working port 83a as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the display of the variation, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the upper working port 83a is performed. The result is specified. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the upper operating port 83a is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the variable display is stopped on the lower operating port display section, and a predetermined stop result is obtained. After the pattern is displayed, the mode is shifted to the open / close execution mode.

  In the display for the lower operating port 83, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the lower operating port 83b as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the display of the variation, the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the lower operating port 83b is performed. The result is specified. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the lower operating port 83b is a winning result corresponding to the jackpot, the variable display is stopped on the lower operating port display section, and a predetermined pattern is displayed as a stop result. After that, the mode is shifted to the open / close execution mode according to the result.

  Here, based on the winning of one of the operating ports 83a and 83b, the variable display is started on the corresponding operating port display section, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the game is stopped until the variable display is stopped. This corresponds to one time. However, one game time is not limited to the above-described contents. For example, a single display area is provided, and no matter which of the operating ports 83a and 83b wins, the single display area is provided. In the configuration in which the variable display is performed in the display area, the variable display is started in the single display area, and the variable display is stopped once in a state where a predetermined stop result is displayed. It is also possible to use

  In addition to the above-mentioned display portions, the main display portion of the main display unit 87 is provided with a through-gate display portion for displaying a lottery result based on a winning in the through-gate 84. In the display unit for the through gate, the fluctuation display of the pattern is performed with the winning of the through gate 84 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the fluctuation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning on the through gate 84 is clearly shown. Is done. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the through gate 84 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the electric open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the display unit for the through gate, and the fluctuation display is displayed. After being stopped, the state shifts to the electric utility open state. In the electric-combination open state, the electric combination 91 provided in the lower working port 83b is opened in a predetermined manner.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the number of game balls passing through the through gate 84 is held up to a maximum of four times, but the number of the held balls is displayed on the main display section of the main display unit 87. A display unit for the number of reservations is provided.

  The main display unit described in detail above is visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14, and a game ball is prevented from moving in front of these various display units. Therefore, its visibility is secured.

  The structure of the inner frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 again. A game ball is fired below the game board unit 80 in the inner frame base body 50 to the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball firing handle 41. Game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided.

(Game launching mechanism 110)
The game ball launching mechanism 110 includes a solenoid 111 that launches a game ball disposed at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines a launch direction of the game ball launched by the solenoid 111, and a game at the launch standby position. A ball feeding device 113 for supplying a ball, and a base plate 114 on which the various components 111 to 113 are mounted are provided as main components. The base plate 114 is fixed to the inner frame base body 50, and It is integrated with the inner frame base body 50.

  The firing rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an inclined state so as to be inclined upward toward the game board unit 80 side. The firing rail 112 is formed with a groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section, and the front and rear positions of the game ball are defined by fitting the game ball into the groove.

  At a position near the downstream end (that is, the lower end) of the firing rail 112, a ball stopper for keeping the game ball supplied from the ball feeding device 113 at the above-described firing standby position is provided. The solenoid 111 is disposed at a position further downstream than the ball stopper.

  The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply / emission control device described later. When the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the expansion and contraction direction based on the output of the electric signal from the power supply / launch control device, the game ball placed at the launch standby position causes the gaming ball unit 80 side, specifically It is launched toward the guide rail 100 mounted on the game board unit 80.

  The guide rail 100 defines the game area PE together with the game area partition member 99 fixed to the game board unit 80 (specifically, the front surface of the plate) so that the outer shape of the game area PE is substantially circular. . In addition, the guide rail 100 includes an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are arranged to face each other with a gap larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a single guide path 103 is defined by the two rails 101 and 102. Have been. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion 104 opened to the tip side (obliquely downward) of the firing rail 112 and an exit portion 105 located above the game area PE. The game ball fired based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of the firing rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (the entrance portion 104 → the exit portion 105). Note that, in the game board unit 80, on the front side of the exit portion 105, specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, there is provided a return preventing member 106 for preventing a game ball reaching the game area PE from returning to the guide path 103. It is attached, and it is suppressed that the launch of the subsequent game ball is prevented by the game ball that has reached the game area PE first.

  Each of the rails 101 and 102 constituting the guide rail 100 has an arc shape centered on a substantially central portion of the game area PE. Therefore, the game ball passing through the guide passage 103 is easily moved (slid or rolled) along the outer rail 102, that is, while being in contact with the outer rail 102, due to the centrifugal force generated therein. That is, when the game ball is fired so as to reach the game area PE, the area along the outer rail 102 in the guide path 103 substantially constitutes a pass area (pass path) through which the game ball passes. The area along the inner rail 101 is an area where the game ball does not substantially pass.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the tip end of the launch rail 112 face diagonally across the lower edge of the game board unit 80. Are located. That is, the two rails 100 and 112 are arranged such that the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the distal end portion of the firing rail 112 are shifted left and right near the lower end edge of the game board unit 80. As a result, a predetermined gap is formed between the entrance portion 104 of the guide rail 100 and the firing rail 112 while bringing the two rails 100 and 112 closer to the lower end edge of the game board unit 80.

  A foul ball passage is provided below the gap formed in this manner. The foul ball passage is formed integrally with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If the game ball fired from the game ball firing mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns in the guide path 103 as a foul ball, the foul ball enters the foul ball path via the gap. Become. The foul ball passage communicates with the front door-side lower plate passage, and the game balls that have entered the foul ball passage are discharged to the lower plate 34 shown in FIG. As a result, interference between the foul ball and the game ball to be fired next is suppressed.

  A rail cover 107 is provided at the left end of the game area forming body 310 so as to cover the outer rail 102 from the side. The game board unit 80 is often handled alone at the time of manufacture or maintenance work, and at this time, the outer rail 102 may collide with a game table or the like. The rail cover 107 is a member mounted in view of such circumstances, and is provided with a protection function for preventing the outer rail 102 from being deformed due to the above-described factors.

  In the inner frame base body 50, a through-hole is formed on the left side of the firing rail 112 (specifically, on the side supporting the front door frame 14) so as to penetrate the inner frame base body 50 in the front-rear direction. The passage forming member 121 is disposed at the center. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the inner frame base body 50 and has a main body side upper plate passage 122 and a main body side lower plate passage 123. The upstream sides of the main body-side upper plate passage 122 and the main body-side lower plate passage 123 communicate with a game ball distribution unit described later. Further, below the passage forming member 121, a receiving portion of the passage forming unit attached to the front door frame 14 enters, and below the main body side upper plate passage 122, the front door side upper plate passage is arranged, A front door side upper plate passage is arranged below the main body side lower plate passage 123.

  Below the passage forming member 121 in the inner frame base body 50, an opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123 is attached. The opening / closing member 124 is biased to a front position to close the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the main body side lower plate passage 123. When the front door frame 14 is opened, each of the opening / closing members 124 is biased by this biasing force. By being in the closed state, falling of the game ball from each of the passages 122 and 123 is avoided. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open by a receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14 against the urging force. In this state, the main body side upper plate passage 122 and the front door side upper plate passage communicate with each other, and further, the main body side lower plate passage 123 and the front door side lower plate passage communicate with each other.

  Next, the rear configuration of the inner frame 13 (the inner frame base body 50 and the game board unit 80) will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a rear view of the inner frame 13.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a bearing bracket 132 is attached to the rotation base end side (the right side in FIG. 8) on the back surface of the inner frame base body 50. Bearing portions 133 are formed on the bearing bracket 132 so as to be vertically separated from each other, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by the bearing portions 133. A plurality of fixing levers 134 are provided on the rear surface of the inner frame base body 50 for fixing the back pack unit 15 to the inner frame base body 50 in a closed state.

  As described above, the bottom portion of the accommodation recess (game board accommodating portion) 51 in the inner frame base body 50 penetrates in the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50 and is opened to the back side of the inner frame base body 50. A window hole 52 is formed, and the window hole 52 is covered from the front side of the inner frame 13 by the game board unit 80 housed in the housing recess 51. Various components such as a control device are mounted on the back surface of the game board unit 80 (the rear block 80b), and the various components are exposed to the back side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 52. Here, the configuration of the back surface of the game board unit 80 will be described.

  As described above, the back block 80b is attached to the back of the game board unit 80. The rear block 80b has a substantially box-shaped base body 251 opened to the front block 80a side, and this base body 251 is fixed to the back of the game board unit 80, so that the front block 80a and the rear block are formed. 80b are integrated.

  The front side of the base body 251 is an arrangement area for a movable effect mechanism and the like, and the rear side is an arrangement area for a control device for controlling these various components and the variable display unit 500.

  More specifically, a part of the base body 251 protrudes from the rear side of the inner frame base body 50, and the protruding portion is provided with the above-described variable display unit 500 (see FIG. 6) and the variable display unit 500 An information and effect control device 140 for driving the motor 500 is attached. The variable display unit 500 and the notification / production control device 140 are arranged in the front-rear direction (the thickness direction of the inner frame base body 50) so that the variable display unit 500 is on the front side and the notification / production control device 140 is on the rear side. Have been.

  The notification / production control device 140 includes a notification / production control board that controls sound output, lamp display, and control of the variable display unit 500 in accordance with an instruction from a main control device described later. It is housed in a substrate box 141 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

  A main control unit 160 is provided below the notification / production control device 140 so as to cover the base body 251 from behind. The main control unit 160 includes a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin fixed to the back of the game board unit 80 (specifically, the back block 80b), and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. I have. The main control device 162 includes a main control board having a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power failure monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is housed in a substrate box 163 made of the same.

  The board box 163 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers an opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are non-openably connected by a box sealing portion 164 as sealing means, whereby the substrate box 163 is sealed. A plurality of box sealing portions 164 are provided on the short side of the substrate box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform a sealing process.

  Any configuration can be applied to the box sealing portion 164 as long as the box base and the box cover are connected so that the box base and the box cover cannot be opened. By inserting a locking pin into a locking hole of the box sealing portion 164, the box sealing portion 164 can be formed. The base and the box cover are connected so as not to be opened. The sealing process by the box sealing section 164 prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and enables such a situation to be detected early and easily even if the unauthorized opening is performed. Even after opening, it is possible to perform the sealing process again. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking pin into at least one locking hole of the plurality of box sealing portions 164. When the board box 163 is opened, for example, when a problem occurs in the accommodated main control board or when the main control board is inspected, a connecting portion between the box sealing portion into which the locking pin is inserted and the main body of the board box 163 is used. Disconnect. Thereby, the box base and the box cover of the board box 163 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. Thereafter, when the sealing process is performed again, a locking pin is inserted into another locking hole. If a history indicating that the board box 163 has been opened is left in the board box 163, it can be easily found by looking at the board box 163 that unauthorized opening has been performed.

  The board box 163 and the mounting table 161 are unsealed by a pedestal seal 165. More specifically, the pedestal sealing portion 165 has a locking hole and a locking pin similarly to the box sealing portion 164, and the locking pin is inserted into the locking hole to connect the board box 163 to the board box 163. The mounting base 161 is inseparably coupled. This makes it easier to grasp the fact that the board box 163 has been illegally removed.

  A portion of the front surface of the base body 251 that faces the lower rear portion of the game board unit 80 corresponds to the game board opening of the general winning opening 81, the variable winning device 82, and the operating ports 83a and 83b, and is located on the downstream side. , A collecting passage (not shown) is formed to be gathered at one place. As a result, all the game balls that have won the general winning opening 81 and the like are arranged below the game board unit 80 via the collection passage. That is, the base body 251 is provided with a function of collecting game balls that have won various winning ports.

  A discharge passage, which will be described later, is arranged below the game board unit 80, and the game balls gathered below the game board unit 80 by the collection passage are led out into the discharge passage. In addition, the out port 89 also communicates with the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won any of the winning ports are led out into the discharge passage via the out port 89.

  In addition, the base body 251 constituting the back block 80b has a general winning opening detection sensor for detecting a game ball that has won the general winning opening 81, and a working opening 83a as detection sensors for each of the above-mentioned entrance portions. , 83b, and an operating port detection sensor for detecting a game ball that has entered the game ball, and the various detection sensors constitute a winning detection mechanism. These various detection sensors are electrically connected to the main control device 162, and the detection information (detection signal) is output from each detection sensor to the main control device 162.

  Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and FIG. 10 is a front view of the back pack unit 15.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the inner frame 13 is covered from behind by a back pack unit 15. The back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 201 as a main body of the back pack unit 15, and a dispensing mechanism unit 202, a discharge passage board, and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the back pack 201. .

  The back pack 201 is formed of a transparent synthetic resin, and as shown in FIG. 9, a base portion 211 to which the dispensing mechanism 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover portion projecting rearward of the pachinko machine 10 and having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. 212. The protective cover 212 has a shape in which the left and right side surfaces and the upper surface are closed and only the lower surface is open, and has a size sufficient to surround at least the variable display unit 500 (see FIG. 10).

  The base unit 211 is provided with an external terminal plate. Various output terminals are provided on the external terminal board, and various signals are output to the management control device (hall computer) on the game hall side through these output terminals. As shown in FIG. 10, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower locking pins 214 at the right end when viewed from the back of the pachinko machine 10, and the bearing provided with the locking pins 214 on the inner frame 13. The back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13 by being inserted through the portion 133. The base portion 211 is formed with a plurality of insertion portions through which the fixing lever 134 provided in the inner frame 13 is inserted. The fixing portion 134 is inserted into the insertion portion so that the fixing lever 134 is inserted into the insertion portion from behind. The back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by being in contact therewith.

  The dispensing mechanism 202 is provided on the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 disposed at the top of the back pack 201 and opening upward, and game balls supplied from island facilities in the game hall are sequentially supplied to the tank 221. You. A tank rail 222 gently inclined toward the downstream side is connected to the side of the tank 221, and a case rail 223 extending in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail 222. A payout device 224 is provided at the most downstream portion of the case rail 223. The game balls paid out from the payout device 224 are supplied to a game ball distribution unit 225 provided in the base unit 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage (not shown) provided downstream of the payout device 224.

  The game ball distributing section 225 has a function of distributing the game balls paid out from the payout device 224 to the upper plate 33, the lower plate 34, or any of the discharge passages described below, and the inner opening is the main body described above. The upper plate 33 is communicated with the upper plate 33 via the upper plate passage 122 and the upper plate passage on the front door side, and the outer opening is formed to communicate with the lower plate 34 via the lower plate passage 123 on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the front door side. Have been.

  At the lower end of the base portion 211, a discharge passage board and a control device assembling unit 204 are attached so as to sandwich the lower end forward and backward. The discharge passage panel has a discharge passage that is opened rearward on the surface facing the control device aggregation unit 204, and the opening of the discharge passage is closed by the control device aggregation unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge the game balls to the island facilities and the like of the game hall, and the game balls led out to the discharge passage from the above-described collection passage and the like pass through the discharge passage to the outside of the pachinko machine 10. Is discharged.

  The control device assembling unit 204 includes a horizontally long mounting base 241, and the dispensing control device 242 and the power supply / emission control device 243 are mounted on the mounting base 241. The payout control device 242 and the power supply / firing control device 243 are arranged one on the other so that the payout control device 242 is located behind the pachinko machine 10.

  In the dispensing control device 242, a dispensing control board for controlling the dispensing device 224 is accommodated in a substrate box 244, and a state return switch 245 provided on the dispensing control substrate protrudes out of the substrate box 244. For example, when the state return switch 245 is pressed at the time of a payout error such as a clogged ball in the payout device 224, the clogged ball is eliminated.

  The power supply / emission control device 243 has a power supply / emission control board housed in a board box 246. A predetermined power supply required by various control devices and the like is generated and output by the power supply / launch control board, and further, control of launching of a game ball accompanying operation of the game ball firing handle 41 by the player is performed. Specifically, drive control of the solenoid 111 constituting the game ball launching mechanism 110 and drive control of the ball feeding device 113 are executed.

  The power supply / emission control device 243 is provided with a power switch 247. By operating the power switch 247, the power of the pachinko machine 10 can be switched between an on state (on state) and a cutoff state (off state).

  Here, the pachinko machine 10 has a function of storing and holding various data, and retains the state at the time of power failure even if a power failure occurs, and returns to the state at the time of power failure when returning from the power failure. I can do it. For example, when the power is turned off in a normal procedure, such as when the game hall is closed, the state before the power shut down is stored and held. On the other hand, when the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch 166 provided in the main controller 162, the RAM data is initialized.

  These various switches can be operated from the front side of the gaming machine by opening the gaming machine main portion 12 (inner frame 13) and exposing the rear portion of the inner frame 13. On the other hand, in a state where the opening of the gaming machine main part 12 is restricted by the locking device 75, the various switches cannot be operated from the gaming machine front side. That is, the various switches are difficult to operate when the gaming machine main unit 12 is closed, and are operated from the front side of the gaming machine by a person who does not have a key for the locking device 75 (for example, a wrongdoer). Is difficult.

(Variable display unit 500)
As described above, in the present embodiment, the result of the lottery based on the ball entering the operating port unit 83 is notified by the variable display unit 500 mounted on the game board unit 80. The configuration relating to the variable display unit 500 is characteristic. Hereinafter, the variable display unit 500 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11A is a front view of the variable display unit 500, FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the variable display unit 500, FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the variable display unit 500, and FIG. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit. In FIG. 12, some of the drum units are shown in a state where a light guide unit to be described later is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the variable display unit 500 includes a substantially box-shaped housing 521 opened to the front of the gaming machine, and a plurality (three in detail) of drum units 523 housed in the housing 521 so as to be arranged side by side. The housing 521 is fixed to the game area forming body 310 from the back side thereof, thereby being integrated with the game area forming body 310. Note that the housing 521 is colored and opaque, and shields light from the outside of the housing 521 so that light from the outside of the housing 521 is not irradiated to the inside of the housing 521 through the flesh portion.

  A part of the drum unit 523 projects forward through the opening 522 of the housing 521. A part of this protruding portion is visible from the front of the gaming machine through a central opening 85 formed in the gaming board unit (see a two-dot chain line in FIG. 11A). That is, the central opening 85 functions as a defining portion or a window that defines an area that can be visually recognized on the variable display unit 500.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the drum unit 523 includes a plate-like base body 524 constituting a mounting portion to the housing 521, and a rotating body (drum) 525 held by the base body 524. When the base body 524 is fixed to the housing 521, the base body 524 divides the internal region of the housing 521 into three equal parts on the left and right sides in accordance with the respective drum units 523.

  The rotating body 525 is mounted on the base body 524 via a motor 526. Specifically, a motor 526 is fixed to the base body 524, and a rotating body 525 is fixed to an output shaft of the motor 526. The output shaft of the motor 526 extends in the direction in which the drum unit 523 is juxtaposed (horizontal direction), and the rotating body 525 rotates around the axis of the output shaft (rotation center axis CL). The motor 526 is connected to the notification / production control device 140, and has a configuration in which the drive control is performed by the notification / production control device 140. The motor 526 is a stepping motor, and the rotation position of the rotating body 525 can be adjusted by the number of pulses of the output drive signal.

  Note that a position detection sensor 527 for detecting the rotational position of the rotating body 525 is mounted on the base body 524. The position detection sensor 527 is connected to the notification / production control device 140, and the notification / production control device 140 grasps the rotation position of the rotating body 525 based on detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor 527. If the rotational position of the rotating body 525 is deviated due to the influence of an external force or the occurrence of a malfunction, the rotational position of the rotating body 525 is corrected (corrected) based on the grasped position information.

  The rotator 525 includes a circular frame 531 that forms a skeleton of the rotator 525 and a light guide 532 having a substantially cylindrical shape and a constant thickness that covers an outer peripheral portion of the frame 531. As shown in FIG. 12, the frame 531 includes a hub 535 as a central portion to which the output shaft of the motor 526 is fixed, an annular rim 536 as the outer peripheral portion to which the light guide 532 is fixed, a hub 535 and The spoke 537 connects the rim 536.

  Specifically, the rim 536 includes a pair of left and right annular portions 541 centered on the rotation center axis CL, and an elongated connecting portion 542 that connects the annular portions 541. The light guide section 532 is fixed to the connecting section 542 using fixing means in a state where the light guide section 532 is superimposed on the connecting section 542 from outside the frame 531. The frame 531 shown in this embodiment is made of a colorless and transparent synthetic resin, and uses a colorless and transparent adhesive as the fixing means. This is a contrivance for making the frame 531 and a portion (fixing means) fixed to the frame 531 less noticeable when the light guide 532 is viewed.

  As shown in FIG. 13, a background display device 529 is provided inside the light guide 532. The background display device 529 includes a decorative sheet 581 provided with a pattern imitating a seaside, a backlight 582 located behind the decorative sheet 581 and irradiating the decorative sheet 581 with light, and a decorative sheet 581 and a backlight 582. And a holder 583 mounted thereon. The holder 583 is integrated with the base body 524 by being fixed to the base body 524. The decorative sheet 581 is disposed such that the sheet surface on which the picture is provided faces the front of the gaming machine (toward the center opening 85), and is spaced from the inside of the frame 531 on the inner surface 552 of the light guide 532. Are facing each other. As a result, the background drawn on the decorative sheet 581 through the light guide 532 can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine. Note that the decorative sheet 581 has a light-transmitting property but is colored and opaque, and is configured such that the backlight 582 and the like located on the back side thereof cannot be visually recognized through the decorative sheet 581.

  The backlight 582 is connected to the notification / production control device 140, and is switched on / off by the notification / production control device 140. When the backlight 582 is turned on, light from the backlight 582 passes through the decoration sheet 581, and the decoration sheet 581 emits bright light.

  Next, a configuration related to light emission of the light guide 532 will be described with reference to FIG. The rim 536 of the frame 531 is formed with a contact portion 543 that contacts the light guide 532 from the side opposite to the base body 524 side. The right and left positions of the light guide 532 are defined by the abutting portions 543. An end of the light guide 532 opposite to the contact portion 543 (on the side of the base 524) extends laterally from the rim 536. An insertion portion 561 into which the extending portion (end) is inserted is formed in the base body 524.

  The insertion portion 561 has a groove shape opened toward the light guide portion 532, and an end of the light guide portion 532 is inserted into the insertion portion 561 through this open portion (hereinafter, referred to as a first open portion 564). I have. A light-emitting board 571 on which a plurality of light-emitting bodies 572 (specifically, LEDs) are mounted is disposed on the opposite side of the light guide part 532 across the bottom part 562 of the insertion part 561. The light-emitting substrate 571 is connected to the notification / effect control device 140, and the notification / effect control device 140 controls the light emission of the light-emitting substrate 571.

  A plurality of through holes 563 are formed in the bottom portion 562 of the insertion portion 561 in accordance with each light emitting body 572, and the light emitting body 572 mounted on the light emitting board 571 is connected to the end face 554 of the light guide section 532 through the through hole 563. Confronted. The optical axis of each light emitting body 572 is oriented in the same direction as the rotation center axis CL of the rotating body 525, and light from these light emitting bodies 572 irradiates the end surface 554 of the light guide 532. The base body 524 (including the insertion portion 561) is made of a colored and opaque synthetic resin material, and has a function of absorbing light. Thereby, light leakage from the insertion portion 561 is suppressed. In the present embodiment, the end surface 554 of the light guide 532 is located on a virtual plane orthogonal to the rotation center axis CL, and the distance between the light emitting body 572 and the end surface 554 depends on the rotation position. Is configured to be constant.

  As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 15, the light from the light emitting body 572 repeatedly reflects on the outer surface portion 551 and the inner surface portion 552 of the light guide 532, and goes to the opposite end surface of the light guide 532. Here, on the outer surface 551 of the light guide 532, a light emitting portion 553 made of fine irregularities is formed. The light supplied to the light guide section 532 reaches the light emitting section 553 and is emitted to the front of the gaming machine. The light emitting portion 553 corresponds to various designs described later, and the light emitting portion 553 emits light so that the symbols are displayed on the outer surface portion 551 of the light guide 532. In other words, when the light emitting unit 553 does not emit light, the symbol is not displayed. In addition, since the light emitting portion 553 is formed by minute unevenness, the ambient light such as the illumination of the game hall is transferred to the light guide portion 532, so that the light emitting portion 553 is substantially invisible or extremely difficult under normal circumstances. It may be possible to visually observe a certain light emitting portion 553. Although details will be described later, the variable display unit 500 shown in the present embodiment is devised to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience.

  Regarding the rotating body 525 described in this embodiment, a light guide section 532 having a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole is constructed by combining a plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557 provided separately in the rotation direction. Hereinafter, the specific configuration of the light guide 532 will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG.

  The light guide panels 555 to 557 are made of a transparent synthetic resin, and each has a plate shape having a constant thickness and a constant curvature. Further, the length in the rotation direction of the rotating body 525 and the width in the direction of the rotation center axis CL are also the same, and the appearance is the same except for the light emitting portion 553 (design to be displayed). It is formed as follows. The light guide panels 555 to 557 are fixed to the rims 536 (specifically, the connecting portions 542) of the frame 531 using a transparent adhesive as the fixing means, but the light guide panels 555 to 557 are mutually fixed. It is not fixed.

  As described above, in a configuration in which one end of the light guide section 532 is inserted into the insertion section 561, the inner surface of the insertion section 561 and the light guide section 532 are minimized in order to improve the light supply efficiency and the like. It is preferable to make them close to each other. However, in order to adopt such a structure, it is necessary to add a certain margin to the gap between the light guide panels 555 to 557 in consideration of the fact that the light guide panels 555 to 557 are distorted due to manufacturing errors and aging. Here, in the present embodiment, since the light guide panels 555 to 557 are not fixed to each other, it is possible to avoid distortion that may occur when the light guide panels 555 to 557 are fixed. This makes it possible to minimize the margin.

  When the rotating body 525 is constructed using the light guide 532, the expressive power of the variable display unit 500 can be improved, but the weight of the rotating body 525 tends to increase. This may cause a reduction in responsiveness when rotating / stopping the rotating body 525. In this regard, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16B, the light guide panels 555 to 557 are prevented from overlapping in the thickness direction. Thus, an increase in the weight of the light guide 532 is suppressed, and a decrease in responsiveness is suppressed.

  In the boundary portion BP1 between the light guide panels 555 to 557, the adjacent light guide panels 555 to 557 face each other with a gap. This is a device for avoiding strong interference between the light guide panels 555 to 557 at the boundary portion BP1 when the size of the light guide panels 555 to 557 varies due to a manufacturing error or the like. By avoiding strong interference between the light guide panels 555 to 557, it is possible to prevent the light guide panels 555 to 557 from being deformed such as the above-described distortion.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 16B, the boundary portion BP1 is displaced in the rotation direction with respect to the connecting portion 542 of the frame 531. Each of the light guide panels 555 to 557 has both ends in the rotation direction. Non-fixed (free end). This is a measure to separate the fixed portion by the adhesive from the boundary portion BP1.

  Next, the insertion section 561 will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. The insertion portion 561 extends along a portion of the light guide 532 that protrudes forward from the opening 522 in the gaming machine. The upper and lower open portions (hereinafter, referred to as second open portions 565) of the insertion portion 561 are expanded such that the width gradually increases toward the end. Thereby, the catch when the boundary part BP1 passes through the second opening 565 is suppressed.

  When the second opening 565 is expanded, light leakage from the sidelight 528 is likely to occur. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the second opening portion 565 is formed so as to face both backwards, and more specifically, to face obliquely rearward. Thereby, when light leaks from the second opening 565, the light is hardly perceived by the player.

The bottom 562 of the insertion portion 561 can also be formed such that the distance from the light guide 532 increases toward the upper and lower ends of the insertion portion 561. With such a configuration, it is possible to more suitably suppress the boundary portion BP1 from being caught when passing through the insertion portion 561.
(Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10)
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

  The MPU 602 is mounted on a main control board 601 provided in the main control device 162. The MPU 602 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 602 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 603. This is an element in which a RAM 604, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like are built. Note that a configuration may be adopted in which some of the functions of the MPU 602, such as the function of the ROM 603 and the function of the RAM 604, are provided as separate elements.

  The MPU 602 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 602 is connected to a power failure monitoring board 605 provided in the main controller 162, a payout controller 242, various detection sensors 611a to 611e, and the like. In this case, a power supply / emission control device 243 is connected to the power failure monitoring board 605, and power is supplied to the MPU 602 via the power failure monitoring board 605. In addition, as a part of the various detection sensors 611a to 611e, various winning corresponding ball entry units such as a general winning opening 81, a variable winning device 82, an operating opening unit 83 (an upper operating opening 83a, a lower operating opening 83b) and a through gate 84. The detection sensors provided at the (payout corresponding ball entry unit) are connected to each other, and based on the detection information (detection signal) from these detection sensors, the MPU 602 of the main controller 162 determines the winning of each ball entry unit ( Ball entry judgment) is performed. In addition, the MPU 602 executes a jackpot generation lottery based on winning in the upper operating port 83a and the lower operating port 83b, and executes a support generation lottery based on a winning in the through gate 84.

  To the output side of the MPU 602, a power failure monitoring board 605, a payout control device 242, and a notification / effect control device 140 are connected. For example, a prize ball command is output to the payout control device 242 based on a result of a prize determination on a prize-winning ball portion such as the above-described operating ports 83a and 83b. In this case, when outputting the prize ball command, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referred to. Then, when the winning in the general winning opening 81 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when the winning in the variable winning device 82 is specified, 15 game balls are specified. The prize ball command corresponding to the payout is output, and when the winning in the upper operating port 83a is specified, the prize ball command corresponding to the payout of three game balls is output, and the winning in the lower operating port 83b is performed. If specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of four game balls is output.

  Various commands such as a variation command, a type command, a variation end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output from the main control device 162 to the notification / effect control device 140. When outputting these various commands, the command information storage area 625 of the ROM 603 is referred to. Details of these various commands will be described later. Each of the commands is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and includes various types of information as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

  On the output side of the MPU 602, a variable winning driving unit 82c for opening and closing the opening and closing door of the variable winning device 82, an electric accessory driving unit 91c for opening and closing the electric accessory 91 of the lower operating port 83b, and a main display unit 87 is connected. The main control board 601 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 602 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

  That is, in the open / close execution mode, the MPU 602 controls the driving of the variable winning drive unit 82c so that the special winning opening is opened and closed. In addition, when the support lottery of the electric accessory 91 is won, the drive control of the electric accessory driving unit 91c is executed in the MPU 602 so that the electric accessory 91 is opened and closed. Further, the display control of the main display unit 87 is executed by the MPU 602.

  Further, an external output terminal plate 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU 602, and through this external output terminal plate 213, information on entering the ball into various ball entry units is transmitted to the management control device (hall computer HC) on the game hall side. Information about lottery results, such as a jackpot and a jackpot, is output. This allows the hall computer HC to grasp the state of the pachinko machine 10 and the like.

  The power failure monitoring board 605 relays between the main control board 601 and the power supply / launch control device 243, and the power failure monitoring board 605 has a DC stable 24 volt voltage which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply / launch control device 243. Monitoring function. The payout control device 242 controls the payout of the prize ball and the loaned ball by the payout device 224 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162.

  The power supply / emission control device 243 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game arcade or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the operating power required for each of the main control board 601 and the payout control device 242 is generated, and the generated operating power is supplied through a predetermined power path. I do. The power supply / launch control device 243 is responsible for controlling the launch of the game ball launching mechanism 110, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

  Based on various commands input from the main control device 162, the notification / production control device 140 controls the display lamps 26 to 28 and the speaker 29 provided on the front door frame 14 and the variable display provided on the game board unit 80. The unit 500 is controlled. In particular, the notification / effect control device 140 provides an overview of the effect mode in each game time, for example, the symbol change display mode in the variable display unit 500 based on various commands input from the main control device 162 (for example, whether or not reach occurs and It has a function to determine the content of the reach effect, etc.) and the symbol stop display mode (the type of symbol combination to be finally stopped (fixed) with the end of the variable display).

(About various counters)
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be described.

  The MPU 602 uses a variety of counter information during the game to perform a jackpot occurrence lottery, set the display of the main display unit 87, set the symbol display of the variable display unit 500, and the like. Specifically, the MPU 602 is a schematic diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a lottery of a jackpot occurrence, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining a jackpot type such as a probability change jackpot result and a normal jackpot result, Is performed, the reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the variable display time in the main display unit 87 and the variable display unit 500 are determined. The variation type counter CS is used. Further, an electric accessory opening counter C4, which is used for a lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 91 of the lower working port 83b is to be in the electric opening state, is used.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 631 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 604. In the lottery counter buffer 631, the information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is used as an acquired information storage means when a prize occurs in the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b. Is stored in the reserved sphere storage area 632 of FIG.

  The reserved ball storage area 632 includes a reserved area RE including a reserved area Ra for the upper working port and a reserved area Rb for the lower working port, and an execution area AE. The holding areas Ra and Rb include a first area Ra1 and Rb1, a second area Ra2 and Rb2, a third area Ra3 and Rb3, and a fourth area Ra4 and Rb4. In accordance with the winning history, each numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 stored in the lottery counter buffer 631 is used as hold information as any of the areas Ra1 to Ra4, Rb1 to Rb4. Is stored in The suspension information corresponds to special information.

  In this case, in the first areas Ra1, Rb1 to the fourth areas Ra4, Rb4, when a winning to the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b occurs continuously plural times, the first areas Ra1, Rb1 → Numerical information is stored in chronological order in the order of two areas Ra2, Rb2 → third areas Ra3, Rb3 → fourth areas Ra4, Rb4. Since the four areas Ra1 to Ra4 and Rb1 to Rb4 are provided in this manner, up to four winning histories of game balls to the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b are respectively held and stored. Has become. In addition, the reserved ball storage area 632 is provided with a total reserved number storage area, and the total reserved number storage area specifies the number of the retained prize histories for the upper working port 83a or the lower working port 83b. Is stored.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first areas Ra1 and Rb1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display of the main display unit 87. Based on various types of numerical information stored in the execution area AE, a determination as to whether or not a hit is made is made.

  More specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1 has a configuration in which, for example, the jackpot random number counter C1 is sequentially incremented by 1 in the range of 0 to 299, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 299). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operating port 83a or the lower operating port 83b.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot is stored as a hit / fail table (hit / hit information group) in a hit / hit table storage area 621 as a hit / hit information group storage means in the ROM 603. Here, the contents of the success / failure table will be described.

  In the success / failure table, address information composed of binary information and jackpot numerical information similarly composed of binary information are set in one-to-one correspondence. More specifically, ten types of address information are represented by decimal numbers “1” to “10”, and the jackpot numerical information is represented by decimal numbers “7”, “36”, “67”. , "100", "131", "164", "195", "223", "241", and "272" are set, and these address information and jackpot numerical information are one-to-one. Are associated. The numerical value of each of the jackpot numerical information is included in the numerical range of the random number information that can be updated in the jackpot random number counter C1 from “0” to “299”.

  Here, in this pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as lottery modes in the winning / failing lottery means. The number of the jackpot numerical information referred in the low probability mode is different from the number of the jackpot numerical information referred in the high probability mode, and the former has a smaller number than the latter. Specifically, in the low probability mode, only the jackpot numerical information whose address information is "1" is referred to at the time of the lottery selection, and in the high probability mode, at the time of the lottery, the jackpot numerical information corresponding to all the address information is displayed. Referenced. That is, in the low-probability mode, there is one piece of numerical information to be a big hit, and in the high-probability mode, there are ten pieces of information, which are more than in the low-probability mode. As a result, the probability of winning a jackpot in the low-probability mode is 1/300, whereas the probability of winning a jackpot in the high-probability mode is 1/30. The probability of winning is increased. If the winning probability is higher in the high-probability mode than in the low-probability mode, the number and value of the random numbers to be won are arbitrary.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by one in order within the range of 0 to 29, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working port 83a or the lower working port 83b.

  Here, in the pachinko machine 10, there are two modes: (1) a success / failure lottery mode by the success / failure lottery means after completion of the opening / closing execution mode; and (2) a support mode of the lower operating port 83b of the electric accessory 91 after the completion of the opening / closing execution mode. By providing a difference between the two conditions, a plurality of types of jackpot results are set. The low probability mode and the high probability mode are set as the success / failure lottery mode as described above.

  As the support mode, the frequency at which the electric accessory 91 of the lower working port 83b is opened per unit time when compared in a state where the launch of the game ball is continued in the same manner with respect to the game area PE. The low frequency support mode (the low frequency support state or the low frequency guide state) and the high frequency support mode (the high frequency support state or the high frequency guide state) are set such that is relatively high and low.

  More specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric-power-opening state in the electric-power-operated-object opening lottery using the electric-powered-object opening counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 4/5). However, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 91 is opened when the electric-power-released state is won is set more than in the low-frequency support mode. The time is set long. In this case, in the high frequency support mode, in the case where the open state of the electric accessory is elected in the high frequency support mode and the open state of the electric accessory 91 occurs a plurality of times, the closing from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state is performed. The time is set shorter than one open time. Furthermore, in the high frequency support mode, a shorter time is selected than the low frequency support mode as a securing time secured after one electric accessory opening lottery is performed and then the next electric accessory opening lottery is performed. It is set to be.

  As described above, in the high frequency support mode, there is a higher probability that a winning in the lower operating port 83b will occur than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, there is a higher probability that a prize will occur in the upper working port 83a than in the lower working port 83b, but in the high frequency support mode, the winning to the lower working port 83b is higher than in the upper working port 83a. The probability of winning is increased. When a prize is generated in the lower operating port 83b, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. In the high-frequency support mode, the player plays a game while not reducing the number of balls held. be able to.

  The configuration for increasing the frequency of the electric utility opening state per unit time in the high frequency support mode as compared with the low frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described configuration. It is good also as a structure which makes the probability of electrification open state winning high in. Also, a securing time secured after one electric-power-operated-object opening lottery is performed and then the next electric-operated-object opening lottery is performed (for example, in the accessory-effect result display unit based on a prize in the through gate 84). In the configuration in which a plurality of types of variable display time are executed, a setting is made such that a shorter securing time is more easily selected or the average securing time is shorter in the high frequency support mode than in the low frequency support mode. It may be. Further, increasing the number of times of opening and lengthening the opening time, shortening the securing time secured after one electric accessory opening lottery is performed after one electric accessory opening lottery is performed (ie, , One of the conditions for changing the display time for the accessory result display unit), shortening the average time of the securing time, and increasing the winning probability are applied. This may increase the advantage of the high frequency support mode over the low frequency support mode.

  The distribution destination of the game result to the jackpot type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area in the ROM 603 as distribution information group storage means. Then, as the distribution destination, a normal jackpot result (low-probability-compatible special game result) and a probable-change jackpot result (high-probability-specific special game result) are set.

  The normal jackpot result is that after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the winning / rejecting lottery mode becomes the low probability mode, and after the support mode shifts, the high frequency support is performed until the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times). It is a jackpot result that becomes a mode. After the end reference number has elapsed, the mode is shifted to the low frequency support mode.

  The probability change jackpot result is a jackpot result in which after the end of the opening / closing execution mode, the win / fail lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. The high-frequency support mode is continued until the lottery result in the winning / failing lottery becomes a jackpot state win and the mode shifts to the opening / closing execution mode.

  In the distribution table, “0 to 19” usually corresponds to the jackpot result, and “20 to 29” corresponds to the probable variable jackpot result, but the distribution of this numerical value is arbitrary. The distribution destination of the jackpot result is not limited to the above two types. For example, in the open / close execution mode, a plurality of modes are set so that the expected value of the game ball becomes high or low, and the open / close execution is performed. The type of the jackpot result may be increased from the above two types by providing a difference in the mode to which the mode is shifted.

  The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by one in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 632 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper working port 83a or the lower working port 83b. More specifically, the game ball is stored in the holding area RE of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the upper operation port 83a or the lower operation port 83b. Then, it is determined whether or not to generate reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 603. However, in the game time to shift to the open / close execution mode, the MPU 602 determines the occurrence of the reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each game state, but may be individually set according to the game state. For example, a configuration in which the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is set to be greater when the support mode is the high-frequency support mode than when the support mode is the low-frequency support mode.

  Here, the reach display (reach state) is provided with a variable display unit 500 capable of performing a variable display (or variable display) of a symbol (a pattern), and stopping after the variable display in a game time in the open / close execution mode. In a gaming machine in which the display result is a special display result, the special display result is obtained before the stop display result is derived and displayed after the variable display unit 500 starts the variable display (or variable display) of the symbol (picture). This is a display state for causing the player to think that the display state is a fluctuating display state that is likely to occur.

  In other words, there is a possibility that a combination of the big hit symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode is established by stopping and displaying the symbols in some of the symbol columns displayed on the variable display unit 500. This is a display state in which a certain combination of reach symbols is displayed, and in that state, the symbols are changed and displayed in the remaining symbol rows.

  More specifically, as a pre-stage for terminating the variable display of symbols, a reach symbol combination that is likely to be a jackpot symbol combination corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode is set on a preset effective line. The stop display is performed to form a reach line, and the symbol is displayed in a variable manner using the final stop symbol sequence in a state where the reach line is formed.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 20, a configuration relating to the variable display of the symbol of each game and the outline of the variable display will be described. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an outline of display on the variable display unit 500. In the following description, the configuration relating to the left drum is denoted by “L” at the end of the identification code, the configuration relating to the middle drum is denoted by “M” at the end of the identification code, and the configuration relating to the right drum. Are distinguished as appropriate by adding “R” to the end of the identification code.

  In the variable display unit 500, three symbol rows of left, middle, and right are set, and a left variation display area DL, a middle variation display area DM, and a right variation display area DR are provided corresponding to these symbol rows. Have been. In the variable display unit 500, the symbols in each symbol row are variably displayed so as to scroll in a predetermined direction (for example, from top to bottom) with a periodicity. In each of the variable display areas DL, DM, DR, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of 9 symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. ing.

  As shown in (a) to (j) of FIG. 21, the symbol is composed of nine types of main symbols, which are numbers “1” to “9”, and a sub symbol, which is a pictorial symbol imitating a shell. Have been. The main symbols with odd numbers (1,3,5,7,9) correspond to "high-probability symbols", and when the high-probability symbols are aligned, the game enters the special jackpot state, which is a special gaming state. Move to the state of high probability. The main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to “low-probability symbols”, and when the low-probability symbols are aligned, the state shifts to the jackpot state. Does not transition to the state of time.

  As shown in FIG. 22 (schematic diagram showing the light guide portion 532 of each drum in a plan view), in the left symbol row and the middle symbol row, nine main symbols are arranged in descending order with the sub symbol interposed therebetween. . On the other hand, in the right symbol column, nine main symbols are arranged in ascending order with the sub symbol interposed therebetween. Note that FIG. 22 shows a state in which the light emitting unit 553 provided in the light guide unit 532 emits light for convenience of description.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 20, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a rising line L4, and a rising line L5 are set in the variable display unit 500. Then, at the time of each game, the variation display of the symbols is stopped in the order of the left symbol row → the right symbol row → the middle symbol row, and a predetermined symbol combination (for example, the same numeral is attached to any of the activated lines L1 to L5). When the change display of all the symbol columns is completed in a state where the combination of the symbols thus formed is formed, the big hit movie is displayed as the occurrence of the normal jackpot result or the probable change jackpot result.

  When the above-described reach display is performed, in a state where the symbol variation display is first ended in the left variation display region DL and further the symbol variation display is terminated in the right variation display region DR, the active lines L1 to L5 are displayed. The reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the symbol having the same number attached to at least one of the symbols, and the symbol is variably displayed in the medium variation display area DM under the state where the reach line is formed. By doing so, it becomes reach display. Then, when the open / close execution mode occurs, the same symbol as the symbol forming the reach line is stopped and displayed on the reach line, and the variable display of symbols in the middle symbol row is ended.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 19, the variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by one in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The change type counter CS is used in the MPU 602 to determine the change display time in the main display unit 87 and the change display time of the symbol in the variable display unit 500. The fluctuation type counter CS is updated once each time a normal process described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. The buffer value of the variation type counter CS is obtained when the variable display unit 500 determines the variation pattern at the time of starting the variation of the symbol.

  The electric accessory opening counter C4 is configured to be incremented by one, for example, in the range of 0 to 249, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 249). The electric accessory open counter C4 is updated periodically, and is stored in the electric utility holding area 633 of the RAM 604 at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 84. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to control the electric accessory 91 to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory release counter C4. For example, if C4 = 0 to 199, the electric accessory 91 is controlled to be in an open state, and if C4 = 200 to 249, the electric accessory 91 is not controlled to be in an open state.

  As described above, the MPU 602 determines the variable display time in the variable display unit 500 using at least the buffer value of the variable type counter CS. In the determination, the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603 is used. Can be The MPU 602 determines the stop result in the main display unit 87 using the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE. The stop result table stored in the result table storage area 624 is referred to.

  Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 23, the symbol display in the variable display unit 500 will be supplementarily described. As described above, the rotating body 525 according to the present embodiment has the light guide portion 532, and the light is supplied from the side light 528 to the light guide portion 532, so that a symbol is displayed. The light guide 532 is transparent, and the background display device 529 can be visually recognized through the light guide 532. Therefore, when the variable display unit 500 is viewed from the front of the gaming machine, it looks as if the symbol is floating in front of the background. In the present embodiment, in particular, the background display device and the outer surface portion 551 that is the display surface of the light guide 532 are separated, and the separation between the design and the background is coordinated.

  Next, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 24, the relationship between the light-emitting body 572 constituting the sidelight 528 and the symbol display position will be described. In the present embodiment, light-emitting bodies 572 are arranged in a line along the end of light guide 532 (see FIG. 17). Regarding these luminous bodies 572, among the respective light emitting units 553 formed in the light guide unit 532, an upper stage luminous body 572a for supplying light to the light emitting unit 553 located on the effective line L1 (upper stage), and an effective line A middle-stage luminous body 572b that supplies light to the light-emitting unit located at L2 (middle), a lower-stage luminous body 572c that supplies light to the light-emitting unit located at the effective line L3 (lower), and an upper-stage luminous body The upper limit luminous body 572d in the central opening 85 disposed above the luminous body 572a, and the intermediate luminous body 572e disposed between the upper luminous body 572a and the middle luminous body 572b. An intermediate light-emitting body 572f disposed between the middle light-emitting body 572b and the lower light-emitting body 572c, and a lower light-emitting element in a central opening 85 provided below the lower light-emitting body 572c. Luminous body 57 It is roughly divided into g.

  When the upper-stage light-emitting body 572a is turned on, light is emitted from the light-emitting portion 553 located at the upper stage, and a symbol appears on the upper stage (it is displayed). When the light emitter 572b for the middle stage is turned on, light is emitted from the light emitting portion 553 located at the middle stage, and a symbol appears on the middle stage (that is, the symbol is displayed). When the lower-stage light-emitting body 572c is turned on, light is emitted from the light-emitting portion 553 located in the lower stage, and a symbol appears in the lower stage.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation of the rotating body 525 may cause the light emitting unit 553 to move across the light supply range for the upper stage and the light supply range for the middle stage. These light supply ranges are connected via the light supply range of the intermediate light emitting body 572e. The supply of light from the intermediate luminous body 572e prevents the design from being difficult to see when moving from the upper stage to the middle stage. Further, the rotation of the rotating body 525 may cause the light emitting unit 553 to move across the light supply range for the middle stage and the light supply range for the lower stage. These light supply ranges are connected via the light supply range of the intermediate light emitting body 572f. The supply of light from the intermediate luminous body 572f prevents the design from being difficult to see when moving from the middle stage to the lower stage.

  When the light emitting portion 553 moves from outside the central opening 85 onto the effective line L1, the light emitting portion 553 passes through the supply range of the light from the upper limit light emitting body 572d, so that the light emitting portion 553 is moved to the effective line L1. The display of the symbol is started before the arrival. When the light emitting unit 553 moves from the effective line L3 to the outside of the central opening 85, the light emitting unit 553 passes through the supply range of the light from the lower limit light emitting body 572g, so that the light emitting unit 553 moves from the effective line L3. The display of the symbol is continued even after it comes off.

(Regarding various processes executed by main controller 162)
Next, a timer interrupt process and a normal process executed when the MPU 602 in the main control device 162 advances a game in each game round will be described. Note that, in addition to the timer interrupt process and the normal process, the MPU 602 executes a main process started upon power-on and an NMI interrupt process started by input of a power failure signal to an NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). The description of these various processes will be omitted.

(Timer interrupt processing)
First, the timer interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. This processing is started periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec) by the MPU 602.

  In step S101, reading processing of various winning detection sensors is executed. That is, the state of the various prize detection sensors connected to the main controller 162 is read, the state of the prize detection sensor is determined, and the detection information (prize detection information) is stored.

  Then, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by one, and is cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in a corresponding buffer area of the RAM 604.

  In the following step S103, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are each incremented by one, and are cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum value. Then, the updated values of the counters C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 604.

  In a succeeding step S104, a prize-for-through process associated with a prize to the through gate 84 is executed. In the prize winning process for the through, it is determined whether or not a prize detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. If the flag is stored, the flag is stored in the power holding area. Under the condition that the stored number of stored bonuses is less than 4, the value of the motorized accessory opening counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electrical reserve area. In addition, the control unit 140 performs a process for turning on the hold lamp unit 98 corresponding to the number of storages to be held, for the notification / production control device 140. When the winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 635, the winning detection flag is erased and the winning processing for the through gate ends.

  After executing the prize processing for the through gate in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105, in which the prize processing for the operating port accompanying the prize to the operating ports 83a and 83b is executed, and the timer interrupt processing ends. I do.

(Winning process for working port)
Here, the winning processing for the operating port will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 26 and 27.

  In step S201, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the upper working port 83a (winning). When it is determined that the game ball has entered the upper operating port 83a, the process proceeds to step S202, and the payout control device 242 sets a prize ball command for paying out three game balls.

  In the following step S203, an external signal setting process is performed to output information indicating that a game ball has entered the upper operating port 83a to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. Thus, the fact that a ball has entered the upper working port 83a is grasped by the hall computer HC. Thereafter, in step S204, an information acquisition process for storing each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the like is performed, and the main prize process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S201 that the gaming ball has not won the upper working port 83a, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered (wins) the lower operating port 83b. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the lower operating port 83b, the process proceeds to step S206, and the payout control device 242 sets a prize ball command for paying out four game balls. The prize ball command set in steps S202 and S206 is transmitted to the payout control device 242 in an external output process S701 of a normal process described later.

  In the following step S207, an external signal setting process is performed to output information indicating that a game ball has entered the lower operating port 83b to the hall computer HC on the game hall side. As a result, the fact that the ball has entered the lower working port 83b is recognized by the hall computer HC. Thereafter, information acquisition processing is performed in step S204, and the main prize processing ends.

  If a negative determination is made in each of the processes of steps S201 and S205, that is, if there is no ball in either the upper working port 83a or the lower working port 83b, the main prize processing ends as it is.

  Here, the information acquisition processing in step S204 will be described with reference to FIG.

(Information acquisition processing)
In the information acquisition process, first, in step S301, the number N of reserved balls stored in the reserved number storage area FE of the reserved ball storage area 632, specifically, of the upper operation port 83a and the lower operation port 83b, It is determined whether or not the number N of the pending start-up balls related to the entering ball portion that is the trigger is less than the upper limit value (“4” in the present embodiment). If the number N of start-reserved storages is at the upper limit, the information acquisition process is terminated as it is. If the number N is less than the upper limit, the number N of start-reserved storages of the corresponding entry section is incremented by one at step S302. At the same time, the total reserved number (hereinafter referred to as the common reserved number CRN) stored in the reserved number storage area FE in step S303 is incremented by one.

  In subsequent step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variation type counter CS updated in step S103 are stored in the first storage area of the free storage area area of the reservation area RE. That is, it is stored in the storage area corresponding to the common reserved number CRN incremented by 1 in step S302.

  In a succeeding step S305, a holding command setting process is executed so that the notification / effect control device 140, which is a sub-side (sub-side) control device, recognizes that a winning in the operating ports 83a and 83b has occurred. The acquisition processing ends. The hold command set in the hold command setting process in step S305 is transmitted to the notification / effect control device 140 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process described later.

(Normal processing)
Next, the flow of the normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The normal process is a process that is started after a main process started upon power-on is executed. In the normal process, main processes of a game are executed. As an outline, the processing in steps S401 to S406 is executed as a periodic processing with a period of 4 msec, and the counter updating processing in steps S408 and S409 is executed in the remaining time.

  In the normal processing, first, an external signal output processing is executed in step S401. In the external signal output process of step S401, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. More specifically, the presence / absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, the command is transmitted to the payout control device 242. In addition, when various commands such as a command for change, a type command, a command for change, a command for suspension, and a command at the time of shift, which will be described later, are set, the command is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 140. I do.

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

  In a succeeding step S403, a game time control process for controlling a game in each game time is executed. In this game round control processing, a jackpot determination, setting of variable display of symbols by the variable display unit 500, display control of the operating port display unit of the main display unit 87, and the like are performed.

  After executing the game times control process in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404, in which a game state transition process is executed. By this game state shift processing, the game state shifts to the open / close execution mode, the high probability mode, the high frequency support mode, and the like.

  In the following step S405, a process for supporting the electric combination for driving and controlling the electric accessory 91 provided in the working port unit 83 is executed. In this electric role support processing, the electronic part opening whether the electric part 91 is opened or not is determined using the numerical information acquired from the electric part opening counter C4 stored in the electric part holding area 633 of the RAM 604. In addition to performing the lottery, when the winning combination is in the open state, the opening and closing process of the electrical accessory 91 is executed. The display control of the display unit for the through gate and the like are performed so as to teach the lottery result of the election opening lottery.

  As described above, the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode are set as modes of support by the electric accessory 91, and a transition to any one of the support modes is performed in the game state transition process. If the high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604 after this process, the high-frequency support mode is set. If the flag is not set, the low-frequency support mode is set.

  In the power support process, it is determined whether the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Then, in the case of the high frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 91 is in the open state when the electrification is in the open state is set more than in the case of the low frequency support mode, and one time Set a longer open time. Further, in the case of the high frequency support mode, when the electric utility release state is won and the open state of the electric accessory 91 occurs plural times, the next open state is started after one open state ends. Is set so that the closing time until is shorter than one opening time.

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

  Thereafter, in step S406, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid 111 of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that the launch permission signal is input from the power supply / launch control device 243. I do. Thereby, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

  In the following step S407, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal process has been reached, that is, whether or not a predetermined time (4 msec in the present embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the previous normal process. Then, the update of the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly executed within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing.

  That is, in step S408, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1 and cleared to 0 when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in a corresponding area of the RAM 604. In step S409, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by one, and is cleared to zero when the counter value reaches the maximum value. Then, the updated value of the variation type counter CS is stored in a corresponding area of the RAM 604.

  The execution time of each process of steps S401 to S406 changes according to the state of the game. For this reason, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but varies. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be updated at random, and similarly, The fluctuation type counter CS can also be updated at random.

(Game round control process)
Next, the game round control processing in step S501 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

  In the game round control process, first, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 29, it is determined in step S501 whether or not the vehicle is in the open / close execution mode. If the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, the processing of step S502 and the subsequent steps, that is, the processing of starting the game round in steps S503 to S505 and the processing of proceeding the game round in steps S506 to S508 are not performed, and the main game round is executed. The control processing ends.

  If it is not in the opening / closing execution mode, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the operation port display unit of the main display unit 87 is performing variable display. If the display unit for the operating port is not performing the variable display, the process proceeds to the game times start processing of steps S503 to S505. In the game start process, first, in step S503, it is determined whether or not the total number of starting reserved balls (common reserved number CRN) is “0”. The case where the common reserved number CRN is “0” means that the reserved information is not stored in the reserved ball storage area 632. Therefore, the present game time control process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the common reserved number CRN is not “0”, a data setting process for setting the data stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved ball storage area 632 for the variable display is executed in step S504. Further, in step S505, after performing the fluctuation start processing for starting the fluctuation display on the main display unit 87 and the fluctuation display on the variable display unit 500, the game round control processing ends.

  Here, the data setting process of step S504 and the variation start process of step S505 will be described in detail.

(Data setting processing)
In the data setting process, first, of the number N of starting reserved balls stored in the reserved number storage area FE, the number of balls reserved for the current setting process and the common reserved number CRN are decremented by one. Subsequently, when the target of the current setting process is based on the ball entering the upper working port 83a, the data stored in the first area Ra1 of the holding area RE is moved to the execution area AE. Thereafter, a process of shifting the data (that is, the hold information) stored in each of the areas Ra1 to Ra4 of the hold area RE is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the first area Ra1 to the fourth area Ra4 to the lower area side, and clears the data of the first area Ra1 while simultaneously shifting the data of the second area Ra2 → The data in each area is shifted in the order of the first area Ra1, the third area Ra3 → the second area Ra2, the fourth area Ra4 → the third area Ra3, and so on.

  If the target of the current setting process is based on a ball entering the lower working port 83b, the data stored in the first area Rb1 of the holding area RE is moved to the execution area AE. Thereafter, a process of shifting the data (that is, the hold information) stored in each of the areas Rb1 to Rb4 of the hold area RE is executed. This data shift process is a process of sequentially shifting the data stored in the first area Rb1 to the fourth area Rb4 to the lower area side, and clears the data of the first area Rb1 and the second area Rb2 → The data in each area is shifted such as the first area Rb1, the third area Rb3 → the second area Rb2, the fourth area Rb4 → the third area Rb3, and so on.

  Subsequently, a shift command is set, which is information for causing the notification / production control device 140 to recognize that the data in the holding area has been shifted. Thereafter, the data setting process ends. The set shift command is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 28). By receiving the shift command, the notification / production control device 140 grasps that the shift of the hold information has occurred.

(Change start processing)
Next, the change start processing in step S505 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In the fluctuation start processing, first, in step S601, a win / fail determination processing for determining whether or not the hold information referred to in the current fluctuation start processing corresponds to a jackpot win is executed. Specifically, it acquires the information for the jackpot determination from the information stored in the execution area AE, that is, the information obtained from the information updated by the jackpot random number counter C1. When the winning / rejecting lottery mode is the low-probability mode, the information grasped above is referred to as information corresponding to the jackpot winning by referring to the low-probability mode winning / rejecting table stored in the winning / rejecting table storage area 621 of the ROM 603. If it is determined that the information is included, and if the winning / rejecting lottery mode is the high-probability mode, the information obtained as described above is referred to by referring to the winning / rejecting table for the high-probability mode stored in the winning / rejection table storage area 621 of the ROM 603. Specify whether it is included in the information corresponding to the winning.

  In a succeeding step S602, it is determined whether or not the result of the success / failure determination processing in the step S601 is a result corresponding to the jackpot winning. If the result corresponds to the jackpot winning, the type determination processing is executed in step S603.

  In the type determination processing, information for type determination, that is, information acquired from information updated by the jackpot type counter C2 among information stored in the execution area AE is grasped. In addition, by referring to the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of the ROM 603, it is specified whether or not the information for the type determination that has been grasped is included in the information corresponding to the result of the probability change jackpot. Specifically, when the suspension information corresponds to the ball entering the upper working port 83a, the distribution table for the upper working port 83a is referred to, and the suspension information corresponds to the ball entering the lower working port 83b. If so, the type is determined with reference to the distribution table for the lower working port 83b.

  In a succeeding step S604, it is determined whether or not the type of the current jackpot winning is a probability-changing jackpot result based on the information specified in the type determining process in the step S603. If it is a probability variable jackpot result, a stop result setting process for a probability variable jackpot is executed in step S605, and if it is not a probability jackpot result, a stop result setting process for a normal jackpot is executed in step S606. If it is determined in step S602 that the jackpot has not been won, in step S607, a stop result setting process for a miss is executed.

  In each of the stop result setting processes in steps S605 to S607, the information on the mode of the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 87 is referred to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area of the ROM 603. The specified information is stored in the RAM 604. In step S605 and step S606, the MPU 602 stores, in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, information for specifying whether the result of the current game round is a probability-change jackpot result or a normal jackpot result. Specifically, in step S605, a probability variable jackpot flag is stored, and in step S606, a normal jackpot flag is stored.

  After executing any one of steps S605 to S607, a variable display time setting process is executed in step S608. In the setting process of the variable display time, first, it is determined whether or not the winning / non-winning lottery has been won. Specifically, it is determined whether any of the variable jackpot flag and the normal jackpot flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. In the case where the result of the winning / rejecting lottery is a departure result, it is determined whether or not reach display is generated on the variable display unit 500W in the current game round. Specifically, when the value of the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is a value corresponding to the occurrence of reach, it is determined that reach display has occurred. When specifying the presence or absence of the reach using the value of the reach random number counter C3, the reach determination table stored in the reach determination table storage area of the ROM 603 is referred to.

  In the case of the jackpot result or in the case where the result corresponds to the occurrence of the reach even if the result is out of order, the current time is displayed by referring to the reach display variable display time table stored in the variable display time table storage area 623 of the ROM 603. The variable display time information corresponding to the value of the variable type counter CS is acquired, and the variable display time information is set in a variable display time counter area (variable display time measuring means) provided in the various counter areas 634 of the RAM 604. Thereafter, the setting process ends.

  In other words, in the present embodiment, the reach display is executed when the result of the winning / rejecting lottery is a jackpot winning result or when the result of the winning / rejecting lottery is out of order and the lottery for reach is won. ing.

  Although details will be described later, the reach display is provided with a normal reach display and a super reach display in which the variable display modes are different from each other. In the reach display variable display time table, the variable display time information corresponding to each of the normal reach display and the super reach display is set, and by referring to the table, the variable display time information corresponding to each reach display is obtained. Is obtained. For determining the type of the reach display, a table is provided in which the type of the reach display corresponds to the value of the variation type counter CS, and by referring to the table, the value of the current variation type counter CS is determined. The corresponding reach display is determined.

  On the other hand, if it is not a jackpot result and it is a departure result and does not correspond to the occurrence of the reach, the fluctuation display time table for reach non-occurrence stored in the fluctuation display time table storage area 623 is referred to. The variable display time corresponding to the value of the type counter CS is acquired, and the variable display time information is set in the variable display time counter area. Thereafter, the setting process ends.

  The variable display time information when no reach occurs is set such that the larger the number of common hold numbers CRN, the shorter the variable display time. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration that does not depend on the number of the common reservation numbers CRN may be adopted, and the variable display time may be set to be shorter as the number of the common reservation numbers CRN is smaller. . In addition, in the situation where the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the reach time is set so that a shorter variable display time is selected compared to the case where the number of hold information is the same as in the case where the support mode is the low frequency support mode. Although the variable display time table for generation is set, the present invention is not limited to this. The variable display time to be selected may be the same, or the above relationship may be reversed. Further, the above-described configuration may be applied to the variable display time when a reach occurs, and the variable display time that is easy to be selected and the variable display time that is difficult to be selected are different between the jackpot winning and the off-reach. It may be configured. Further, the variable display time table for the probability change jackpot, the variable display time table for the normal jackpot, the variable display time table for the off-reach, and the variable display time table for the complete departure may be individually set.

  As described above, the variable display time of each game time is determined using the presence / absence of reach, the type of reach display, the number of hold information, the value of the variable type counter, and the like as parameters. However, the variable display time of each game time is a parameter of the content of the other hold information, specifically, the information for the jackpot determination, the information for the type determination, and the information for the reach determination included in the other hold information as parameters. Is determined without having to do so.

  Returning to the description of the fluctuation start processing, after executing the fluctuation display time setting processing in step S608, a fluctuation command and a type command are set in step S609. The fluctuation command includes information on whether or not a reach has occurred and information on the fluctuation display time. The type command includes information on the game result. That is, the type command includes, as the game result information, information on the probability change jackpot result, information on the normal jackpot result, information on the off result, and the like.

  The change command and the type command set in step S609 are transmitted to the notification and effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal processing (FIG. 28). The notification / production control device 140 determines the light emission pattern of the display lamp unit 26 and the output pattern of the sound from the speaker unit 29 in the game time based on the received fluctuation command and type command, and determines the determined production The display lamp unit 26 and the speaker unit 29 are controlled so that the contents are executed. In addition, based on the received variation command and type command, the notification / production control device 140 determines a variation display pattern in the variable display unit 500 in the game time, and the determined variation display pattern is executed. To control the variable display unit 500. After that, in step S610, the variation display of the picture is started on the display for the working port of the main display unit 87, and then the variation start processing is ended.

  Returning to the description of the game turn control processing (FIG. 29), when the main display unit 87 is performing variable display, the game turn progress processing of steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game time progress processing, first, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 604 has become “0”. The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process as described above. The value of the set variable display time information is decremented (subtracted) by one each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 25) is started.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed, a variable display process is executed in step S507. In the variable display processing, the display mode on the main display unit 87 is changed. Thereafter, the game round control process ends.

  If the fluctuation display time has elapsed, a fluctuation end process is executed in step S508. In the fluctuation end processing, the information stored in the RAM 604 in any one of the above-described steps S505 to S507 is specified, and the main display unit 87 stops and displays the picture corresponding to the information. 87 is controlled.

  In a succeeding step S509, a fluctuation end command is set. Thereafter, the game round control process ends. The change end command set in step S509 is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal processing (FIG. 28). By receiving the fluctuation end command, the notification / production control device 140 determines and displays the final stop symbol combination in the game time (final stop display).

  As already described, in the present embodiment, the outline of the symbol change display mode in the variable display unit 500 is specified by the notification / production control device 140 with reference to the command from the main control device 162, and based on the specification result. Thus, the details of the variable display mode are determined by the notification / production control device 140. Specifically, in the MPU 652 of the notification / production control device 140, a variable display control process is executed as part of a periodic process started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec), and the symbol variable display is performed in the variable display control process. An outline of the mode and the like are specified. Here, the variable display control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

(Variable display control processing)
In the variable display control process, first, it is determined in step S701 whether or not a game is being played, that is, whether or not the variable display unit 500 is performing variable display of a symbol for one game. If it is determined that the game is not being played, the process proceeds to step S702, and it is determined whether the variation command transmitted from the main control device 162 is received. If a negative determination is made in step S702, the present variable display control process ends. On the other hand, when an affirmative determination is made in step S702, after performing the fluctuation start processing in step S703, the fluctuation display control processing ends.

  Returning to the description of step S701, if an affirmative determination is made in step S701, that is, if it is determined that the game is being played, the process proceeds to step S704. In step S704, it is determined whether the fluctuation end command transmitted from main controller 162 has been received. If a negative determination is made in step S704, the process for changing is executed in step S705, and then the change display control process ends. The during-variation process is a process of performing various effects and changing the determined effect in the game times started by the fluctuation start process.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S704, the process proceeds to step S706, in which the fluctuation end control processing is executed in step S706, and then the fluctuation display control processing ends. In the variation end processing, the variation display of the symbol and the effect that is being executed are ended (determined and stopped) so as to correspond to the lottery result of the game. Specifically, the variable display unit 500 controls the symbols to be fixed and stopped. In this processing, an effect corresponding to the fixed stop is performed by controlling the driving of the speaker unit 29 and the lamp unit 26. Thereafter, the process for ending the change is ended.

(Change start process)
Here, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 32, the variation start processing in step S703 will be supplementarily described. The change start process is a process for starting an effect for a game round based on receiving a change command transmitted from the main control device 162. In the variation start processing, a variation display mode such as reach display or a symbol combination to be definitely displayed is determined as an effect for the game round.

  In the fluctuation start processing, first, in step S801, the fluctuation command received this time is read, and information on whether or not reach has occurred and information on the fluctuation display time are specified from the command. As described above, when the fluctuation command is transmitted from the main control device 162, the type command is also transmitted. In step S1201, the type command received together with the variation command received this time is read out, and game result information such as information on the probability variable jackpot result, information on the normal jackpot result, or information on the missed result is identified from the command. Then, in step S2101, from the specified information, information on whether or not a jackpot has been won, information on the jackpot type if the jackpot has been won, information on whether or not reach has occurred if the jackpot has not been won, and the variable display time And stores the obtained information in a register of the MPU 652.

  In a succeeding step S802, it is determined based on the information grasped in the step S801 whether or not the game result of the game to be started this time is a game result corresponding to the jackpot result. If it is a jackpot result, that is, if it is a probable variable jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, in a succeeding step S803, a jackpot effect setting process is executed.

  In the jackpot effect setting process, the stop result of the symbol for the jackpot is determined (stop result determination process is performed). In the stop result determination process, in the case of a probability change jackpot result, a stop result in which a combination of the same specific symbol (a main symbol with an odd number) is established on one of the activated lines L1 to L5 is determined in the present game round. Determined as a stop result. In the case of a normal jackpot result, a stop result in which a combination of the same non-specific symbol (a main symbol with an even number) is established on one activated line L1 to L5 is defined as a stop result of the game. decide.

  The type of the main symbol and the activated lines L1 to L5 that are stopped and displayed when the jackpot results are determined randomly by lottery or the like. The final stop line table stored in the various table areas of the ROM 653 stores the effective lines L1 to L5 and address information, and the final stop line determined in the above processing is the final stop line provided in the RAM 654. It is stored as address information in a line address storage area. At this time, a process of storing information on the determined stop result in the stop result address storage area is executed. In the following description, the address information of the stop result determined in the various stop result determination processes is stored in the stop result address storage area of the RAM 654.

  In addition, in the effect setting processing for the big hit, the variable display mode of the symbol for the big hit is determined (the variable display mode determining process (the effect pattern determining process) is performed). As described above, when a jackpot result is obtained, the result is notified via a reach display. In the variable display mode determination process for reach display, a variable display pattern table for reach display stored in various table areas of the ROM 653 is obtained, and the variable display time and type command of the variable command received this time are acquired. The effect pattern of the normal reach display or the super reach display corresponding to the result is determined. Further, a process of storing the address information of the determined variable display mode in the pattern address storage area of the RAM 654 is executed. In the variable display mode determination processing described below, a corresponding variable display pattern table is obtained from the variable display pattern table storage area of the ROM 653, and an effect pattern corresponding to the variable display time and the game result is determined. Then, the address information of the effect pattern determined in the effect pattern determination process is stored in the pattern address storage area of the RAM 654.

  If it is determined in step S802 that the result is not a jackpot result, the process proceeds to step S804. In step S804, it is determined whether or not reach occurs in the current game round. If a reach occurs, the process advances to step S805 to execute an effect setting process for generating a reach. In the effect setting process for reach generation, a combination of an effect outline and a symbol to be finally stopped is determined. The former is the same as the processing in step S803 described above, and thus the description is cited. Since this processing corresponds to the out-of-reach, a stop symbol is determined so as not to be a symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result. That is, the stop result in which the combination of the off-reach symbols is established on one of the activated lines L1 to L5 is determined as the current stop result. In this case, the combination type of the out-of-reach reach symbols and the effective lines L1 to L5 are randomly determined by lottery or the like. In this determination, the same symbol combination is not established on any of the activated lines L1 to L5, and the symbol in the middle symbol row that is the same as the symbol forming the reach line is placed before the reach line. Alternatively, the stop result on the active line is determined so as to make the final stop at the later shifted stop position. Thereafter, a process of storing the information of the determined stop result in the stop result address storage area is executed.

  If it is determined in step S804 that no reach has occurred, the process proceeds to step S806. In step S806, the combination of the effect for the normal departure, the symbol to be finally stopped, and the like are determined. Since this processing corresponds to complete departure, a stop symbol is determined so that a symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is not formed.

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

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 33 to FIG. 35, a supplementary description will be given of the symbol variable display mode in the variable display unit 500. FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the fluctuation display mode and the jackpot expectation degree, FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a normal reach that does not correspond to a special change described later, and FIG. 35 shows the flow of a normal reach corresponding to the special change described later. It is a schematic diagram.

  As shown in FIG. 33, the variation display mode of the symbol according to the present embodiment is roughly classified into three types: complete departure, normal reach, and super reach. For the normal reach and the super reach, the variation display mode of the symbols until the transition to the reach display is shared, and at least until the transition to the reach display, the symbol variation display mode from the previous pattern to any of the normal reach and the super reach. It is unspecified whether to migrate.

  When comparing the normal reach and the super reach, there is a difference in the scroll speed of the middle symbol after the shift to the reach display. Specifically, in the case of the normal reach, the scroll speed of the middle symbol is set to be lower than that in the case of the super reach. Super reach is more likely to shift to the special gaming state as a result of a big hit than normal reach. For this reason, it is assumed that the player expecting the transition to the special game state will pay attention to the change display of the symbols in expectation of the transition to the super reach.

(Normal reach without special change)
FIG. 34 illustrates the flow of the normal reach corresponding to the departure result. As shown in FIG. 34 (a), when a game is started based on a ball entering the operating port 83a, 83b, a symbol variation display is performed in each of the variation display areas DL, DM, DR. Scroll display in which the display areas DL, DM, DR are vertically traversed from the upper side to the lower side is started.

  Thereafter, the symbols are stopped and displayed in the order of the left symbol column → the right symbol column. In the example shown in FIG. 34B, the symbol “7” stopped and displayed on the activated line L4 and the “stop” is displayed on the activated line L5. 6 "Two reach lines are formed by the symbol.

  At a predetermined timing immediately after the reach line is formed, as shown in FIG. 34 (c), the scroll speed of the middle symbol row becomes the first steady speed (low speed), and the left symbol row and the right symbol row coincide with this. The other symbols that do not form the reach line are hidden. Specifically, by turning off the middle light emitter 572bL of the left fluctuation display area DL and the middle light emitter 572bR of the right fluctuation display area DR, the sub symbol displayed in the middle is not displayed. .

  In the variable display unit 500 according to the present embodiment, the light guide 532 and the sidelight 528 are used in combination for displaying a symbol, and the supply of light from the sidelight 528 is stopped, so that the symbol is not displayed. Becomes With regard to the light emitting portion 553 formed in the light guide portion 532, it is not impossible to identify the pattern of the pattern if one looks closely, but it is difficult to identify the pattern in combination with the fact that other symbols and the like emit light around. Become.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 34 (d) → FIG. 34 (e), scroll display of the middle symbol row is continued in the middle variation display area DM, and finally “4” symbols are displayed in the middle stage of the middle variation display area DM. Is stopped and displayed, so that the player is clearly informed of the result.

  In the present embodiment, after the middle symbol row is stopped in a part of the game times related to the normal reach and the super reach, the middle symbol is displayed again and changed, and the middle symbol may be replaced (hereinafter, referred to as special change). When such a special change occurs, the jackpot expectation increases in both the normal reach and the super reach. Here, the flow of the special change will be described with reference to FIG.

(Normal reach for special changes)
When the game is started based on the ball entry into the operating ports 83a, 83b, the symbols are displayed in the variable display areas DL, DM, DR, and more specifically, the variable display areas DL, DM, DR are displayed from above. A scroll display is started to make a vertical cut. Thereafter, the symbols are stopped and displayed in the order of the left symbol row → the right symbol row. In the example shown in FIG. 35A, one reach line is formed by the symbol “7” stopped and displayed on the activated line L2.

  At a predetermined timing immediately after the reach line is formed, as shown in FIG. 35 (b), the scroll speed of the middle symbol row becomes the first steady speed (low speed), and the left symbol row and the right symbol row coincide with this. The other symbols that do not form the reach line are hidden. Specifically, the upper light emitter 572aL and lower light emitter 572cL of the left fluctuation display area DL, and the upper light emitter 572aR and lower light emitter 572cR of the right fluctuation display area DR are turned off. Thus, the sub-designs displayed in the upper and middle rows are not displayed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 35 (c), the middle symbol row continues scroll display, and symbols other than the symbol "7" are temporarily stopped and displayed on the activated line L2 as shown in FIG. 35 (d). At a timing when a predetermined standby period has elapsed since the middle symbol row was temporarily stopped and displayed, the middle symbol row is not displayed as shown in FIG. Specifically, when all the light emitters 572 for the middle fluctuation display area DM are turned off, the middle symbol row is not displayed.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 35 (f), when the middle symbol row is displayed again, the symbol located on the activated line L2 is replaced with the symbol "8" from the sub symbol, and the game time is lost. Is clearly specified. After that, when the fixed display period elapses, the other non-displayed symbols are displayed again, and a total of nine 3 × 3 symbols are displayed.

  Here, the processing during fluctuation in the fluctuation display control processing (FIG. 31) will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

(Processing during fluctuation)
As shown in FIG. 36, in the changing process, in step S901, it is determined whether to turn on / off the sidelight 528 and the backlight 582, and in step S902, the target for forcibly restricting light emission is determined. In step S903, light emission control of the sidelight 528 and the backlight 582 and drive control of the motor 526 are performed based on the settings in steps S901 and S902.

(Light emission / drive setting processing)
As shown in FIG. 37, in the light emission / drive setting processing, first, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the special variable display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 654. The special change display transition flag is a flag that is stored when the above-described special change of the symbol is performed, and is deleted when the corresponding game round ends. If a negative determination is made in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002.

  In step S1002, it is determined whether the reach display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 654. The reach display transition flag is a flag that is stored when the reach display is parallel, and is deleted when the process proceeds to the special change or when the game round ends. If a negative determination is made in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  In step S1003, it is determined whether it is time to stop and display the left symbol row in the left fluctuation display area DL. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1003, the flow advances to step S1004 to execute a process for stopping the left drum (the rotator 525L). Specifically, a flag for stopping the output of the drive signal to the left drum motor 526L is set. In the light emission / drive control process in step S903, stop control is performed based on this flag and the stop symbol determined at the start of the change so that the symbol is stopped and displayed in the left change display area DL. Become.

  If a negative determination is made in step S1003, the process proceeds to step S1005. In step S1005, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the right symbol row in the right fluctuation display area DR. If a negative determination is made in step S1005, the main light emission / drive control processing ends.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1005, the process advances to step S1006 to execute a process for stopping the right drum (the rotator 525R). Specifically, a flag for stopping the output of the drive signal to the right drum motor 526R is set. In the light emission / drive control process in step S903, stop control is performed based on this flag and the stop symbol determined at the start of the change so that the symbol is stopped and displayed in the right change display area DR. Become.

  After executing the stop processing in step S1006, the process proceeds to step S1007, and it is determined whether or not the current game time corresponds to the reach display. If a negative determination is made in step S1007, the main light emission / drive setting process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1007, the process proceeds to step S1008.

  In step S1008, a process for partially turning off the side light is executed. In the process for partially turning off the light, the left light side light 528L and the right drum side light 528R are used to turn off some of the light emitters 572 in order to hide the symbols that do not form the reach line. Set a flag. In the light emission / drive control processing in step S903, light emission control is performed to turn off some light emitters 572 based on this flag and the symbol stop position (effective line) determined at the start of the change. .

  In a succeeding step S1009, a lighting process of the backlight 582 of the background display device 529 is performed. Specifically, a flag for turning on backlight 582 is set. In the light emission / drive control processing in step S903, light emission control is performed based on this flag so as to turn on the backlight 582.

  In the present embodiment, the background is illuminated and displayed in accordance with the shift to the reach display, which indicates that a big hit may occur. As will be described in detail later, by turning on the backlight 582, the light emitting portion 553 corresponding to the non-displayed pattern is made inconspicuous.

  After that, in step S1010, the reach display transition flag is set in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 654, and the main light emission / drive setting processing ends.

  Returning to the description of step S1002, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1002, that is, if the reach display shift flag is set in the various flag storage area of the RAM 654, the process proceeds to step S1011. In step S1101, it is determined whether it is time to shift to the special fluctuation display. That is, it is determined whether or not it is time to execute the special change as shown in FIG. If a negative determination is made in step S1011, the process proceeds to step S1012. In step S1012, it is determined whether or not it is time to change the variable display speed (scroll speed) of the middle symbol row. If a negative determination is made in step S1012, the main light emission / drive setting processing ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1021, a variable display speed changing process is performed in step S1013, and then the main light emission / drive setting process ends.

  In the variable display speed change processing, a flag for changing the variable display speed of the middle symbol is set. In the light emission / drive control processing in step S903, the drive control of the motor 526 of the middle drum is performed based on this flag so that the variable display speed of the middle symbol row becomes a predetermined speed. Specifically, when the current reach display is the normal reach, the rotational speed of the rotating body 525M is controlled so that the fluctuation display speed of the middle symbol row becomes the first predetermined speed (low speed), and the super reach is achieved. In this case, the rotation speed of the rotating body 525M is controlled so that the variable display speed becomes the second predetermined speed (high speed).

  Returning to the description of step S1011, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1011, that is, when it is time to shift to the special variation display, the process proceeds to step S1014. In step S1014, a process for temporarily stopping the middle drum (the rotator 525M) is executed. Specifically, a flag for temporarily stopping the middle drum is set. In the light emission / drive control processing in step S903, the output of the drive signal to the motor 526M for the middle drum is stopped based on this flag. Thus, the three symbols set at the start of the change are stopped and displayed in the medium change display area DM. At this point, the middle symbol that is temporarily stopped on the reach line is set so that the symbol combination on the reach line becomes a symbol combination corresponding to the departure result.

  Subsequently, in step S1015, the reach display shift flag stored in the various flag storage area of the RAM 654 is deleted, and in step S1016, the special variable display shift flag is set in the various flag storage area of the RAM 654. The drive setting process ends.

  Returning to the description of step S1001, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1001, that is, if a special variable display transition flag is stored in the various flag storage area of the RAM 654, the special variable display processing is performed in step S1016. Is performed, the main light emission / drive setting process ends. Hereinafter, the special variable display processing will be described with reference to FIG.

(Process for special fluctuation display)
In the special variation display processing, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not it is time to start the above-described special change, that is, the display of symbol replacement. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1101, the process proceeds to step S1102.

  In step S1102, a process for turning off the side light for the middle drum is executed. Specifically, a flag for turning off the side light is set. In the light emission / drive control processing in step S903, processing for turning off the side light for the middle drum is performed based on this flag. Thereby, each symbol constituting the middle symbol row is hidden, and each symbol that has been paused and displayed in the middle variation display area DM is hidden.

  In a succeeding step S1103, a process for driving the middle drum is executed. Specifically, a flag for re-driving the middle drum is set. In the light emission / drive control processing in step S903, the middle drum is rotated based on this flag. That is, the middle drum rotates in a state where the light from the side light 528M is not supplied. With regard to the middle drum, the light emitting unit 553 corresponding to the symbol (final stop symbol) constituting the symbol combination (final stop symbol combination) corresponding to the current game result is positioned on the reach line. Rotate.

  The rotation direction of the middle drum at the time of the special change is as follows: (1) the number of times that the boundary portion BP1 passes through the middle fluctuation display area DM is minimized; and (2) the rotation amount is minimized. It is stipulated based on two conditions. For example, when the middle drum is rotated in the forward direction, one boundary part BP1 passes through the middle fluctuation display area DM, and when the middle drum is rotated in the reverse direction, two boundary parts BP1 are the middle part. When passing through the variable display area DM, a forward direction is set as the rotation direction. In addition, regarding each of these conditions (1) and (2), (1) has priority over (2), and the boundary portion BP1 connects the medium-variation display area DM with the pattern being hidden. The movement makes it difficult for the player to realize that the middle drum is rotating.

  Returning to the description of step S1101, if a negative determination is made in step S1101, it is determined in step S1104 whether or not it is the symbol replacement (special change) end timing. If a negative determination is made in step S1104, the special fluctuation display process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1104, the process proceeds to step S1105. In step S1105, a process for partially lighting the side light for the middle drum is executed. Specifically, a flag for partial lighting is set.

  In the light emission / drive control process in step S903, a partial lighting process of the middle drum side light is executed based on this flag. Specifically, the supply of light is started to the portion located on the reach line among the upper, middle, and lower stages in the middle fluctuation display region DM, and the supply of light to other portions is stopped. I do. For example, when the reach line formed this time straddles the middle stage, the light emitter 572b corresponding to the middle stage is turned on, and the other light emitters 572a, 572c to 572g remain off. As a result, the middle symbols are suddenly switched, and the impact on the display of the game result can be enhanced.

  Hereinafter, the flow of the reach display will be supplementarily described with reference to the timing charts of FIGS. 39 and 40. FIG. 39 is a timing chart showing the flow of reach display not supporting special change, and FIG. 40 is a timing chart showing the flow of reach display corresponding to special change.

(Reach display not compatible with special changes)
As shown in FIG. 39, at the timing of ta1 at which the game turn related to the reach display not supporting the special change starts, the side lights 528L, 528M, and 528R of each drum are all turned on, and the background display device 529 is turned on. The light 582 is off. In this state, a drive signal is output to each of the motors 526L, 526M, and 526R, so that scroll display of the symbol row is started in each of the variable display areas DL, DM, and DR.

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

  In the example shown in FIG. 39, a reach line is formed by stopping the same symbol on a preset effective line, and the display shifts to a reach display. At the timing of ta3, the backlight 582 of the background display device 529 is turned on, and the shift to the reach display is emphasized. Further, at the timing of ta3, a part of the light-emitting bodies 572L constituting the sidelight 528L is so displayed that the symbols which are not displayed in the left fluctuation display area DL and which do not form the reach line are not displayed. It is turned off. In addition, a part of the illuminant 572R forming the sidelight 528R is turned off so that among the symbols stopped and displayed in the right fluctuation display area DR, those that do not form a reach line are also not displayed. Note that, even in this situation, all of the light emitters 572M that constitute the side light 528M for the middle drum are maintained in a lit state.

  At the timing of ta4 after the shift to the reach display, the symbols are stopped and displayed in the medium fluctuation display area DM, and a symbol combination corresponding to the game result is formed. Thereby, the game result is clearly indicated to the player. Thereafter, at timing ta5 after the symbol display period has elapsed, the light emitters 572 constituting each sidelight 528 are fully lit, and the backlight 582 is extinguished.

(Reach display for special changes)
As shown in FIG. 40, at the timing of tb1 at which the game time related to the reach display corresponding to the special change starts, the side lights 528L, 528M, and 528R of each drum are all turned on, and the backlight of the background display device 529 is turned on. 582 is off. In this state, a drive signal is output to each of the motors 526L, 526M, and 526R, so that scroll display of the symbol row is started in each of the variable display areas DL, DM, and DR.

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

  In the example shown in FIG. 40, a reach line is formed by stopping the same symbol on a preset active line, and the display shifts to a reach display. At the timing of this tb3, the backlight 582 of the background display device 529 is turned on, and the shift to the reach display is emphasized. Further, at the timing of tb3, a part of the light-emitting body 572L constituting the sidelight 528L is set so that the symbols which are not displayed in the left fluctuation display area DL and which do not form the reach line are not displayed. It is turned off. In addition, a part of the illuminant 572R forming the sidelight 528R is turned off so that among the symbols stopped and displayed in the right fluctuation display area DR, those that do not form a reach line are also not displayed. Note that, even in this situation, all of the light emitters 572M that constitute the side light 528M for the middle drum are maintained in a lit state.

  At the timing of tb4 after the shift to the reach display, the symbols are temporarily stopped and displayed in the medium fluctuation display area DM, and a symbol combination corresponding to the departure result is formed. After the timing of tb4, the special change (special change display) is performed. Note that a series of flows up to the timing tb4 is the same as the flow up to the timing ta4 in the reach display without special change shown in FIG.

  At a timing tb5 when a predetermined waiting period (a period slightly shorter than the fixed display period) has elapsed from the timing tb4 at which the symbol combination corresponding to the departure result is paused, the side light 528M for the middle drum is formed. All the light-emitting bodies 572M are turned off, and the symbols stopped and displayed in the middle fluctuation display area DM are temporarily hidden. The exchange of the symbols due to the special change may be repeated up to three times, but the example shown in FIG. 40 illustrates the case where the exchange occurs twice.

  Immediately after the light emitting body 572M is turned off at the timing of tb5, a drive signal is output to the motor 526M for the middle drum, and the light emitting unit 553M located on the reach line is replaced. At the timing of tb6 after the completion of the replacement, among the light emitters 572M, the one corresponding to the reach line is turned on, and the other light emitters 572M are kept off. Thus, it is possible to make it appear as if the middle symbol on the reach line is suddenly replaced by another symbol.

  The symbol combination displayed at the timing of tb6 also corresponds to the departure result, and then the second special change is started. Specifically, at the timing tb7 when a predetermined standby period (a period slightly shorter than the final display period) has elapsed from the timing tb6 when the symbol combination is displayed, the light-emitting element constituting the side light 528M for the middle drum is used. 572M are all turned off, and the symbols stopped and displayed in the middle fluctuation display area DM are temporarily hidden.

  Immediately after the light emitter 572M is turned off at the timing of tb7, a drive signal is output to the motor 526M for the middle drum, and the light emitting unit 553M located on the reach line is replaced. At the timing of tb8 after the replacement is completed, the light emitters 572M corresponding to the reach line are turned on, and the other light emitters are kept off. Thus, it is possible to make it appear as if the middle symbol on the reach line is suddenly replaced by another symbol. Since the game times shown in FIG. 40 correspond to the missed result, the symbol combination finally stopped and displayed (fixed display) also corresponds to the missed result.

  While the special change described above is performed, the backlight 582 is kept turned on, and light from the backlight 582 is emitted toward the front of the gaming machine through each drum (light guide 532). This is a device for suppressing the emergence of the pattern of the light emitting portion 553 when the ambient light from the lighting of the game hall or the like enters the light guide portion 532.

  Each of the drums (specifically, the light guide section 532) of the variable display unit 500 described above is formed by combining a plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557 divided in the rotation direction. At the boundary portion BP1. Increasing the chance that these boundary parts BP1 are located in the variable display area is a hindrance to reducing the appearance of the variable display unit 500 and increasing the level of attention to the game by performing the various display effects. Is concerned. In the present embodiment, in order to suppress the occurrence of such inconvenience, the relationship between the arrangement of the light emitting portions 553 formed in the light guide portion 532, the position of the boundary portion BP1, and the variable display region is devised. Is one of the features. Hereinafter, the contrivance will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 41 illustrates the left drum, but the same applies to the middle drum and the right drum with respect to the relationship between the boundary portion BP1 and the variable display area. FIG. 41 shows a state in which the light emitting unit 553 emits light for the sake of convenience of description.

  As shown in FIG. 22, a plurality of light emitting units 553 arranged in the rotation direction are provided in the light guide unit 532 of each drum. The light emitting portions 553 correspond to the main symbol and the sub symbol, and the light supplied from the side light 528 is emitted from the light emitting portion 553, so that each of the main symbols “1” to “9” and “ A sub-pattern imitating "shell" is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 41A, the size of the main symbol in the rotation direction is larger than the size of the sub symbol. After arranging the boundary portion BP1 between the main symbol and the sub symbol, a blank portion formed between the boundary portion BP1 and the main symbol is formed between the boundary portion BP1 and the sub symbol. It is biased toward the main design so that it is smaller than the blank part.

  In the example shown in FIG. 41, a boundary portion BP1 is provided between the "6" symbol (specifically, the light emitting portion 553 for the "6" symbol) and the sub symbol (specifically, the light emitting portion 553 for the sub symbol). ing. When the symbol “6” is stopped at the upper stage in the variable display area, the boundary portion BP1 is located above the upper limit position of the variable display area, that is, in a range in which it is invisible from the front of the gaming machine (FIG. 41 (b)). )reference). On the other hand, in a state where the symbol “6” is stopped immediately below (outside the frame) the variable display area, the boundary portion BP1 is located below the lower limit position of the variable display area, that is, in a range where the visual recognition is not possible from the front of the gaming machine. (See FIG. 41 (c)).

  Generally, in facilitating manufacturing, etc., it is assumed that the boundary portion is set such that the distance from the light emitting portion for the sub-design and the distance from the light emitting portion for the main design are the same. You. However, with such a configuration, there is a concern that it becomes difficult to increase the chance of stopping the boundary portion at a position outside the variable display region. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, even when the symbol closest to the boundary part is stopped at the upper or lower part of the variable display area, the boundary part BP1 is seen by the player. By reducing the chance, the occurrence of the above-described inconvenience can be suppressed. As described above, the position of the boundary portion BP1 shown in the present embodiment has a clear technical significance of making the boundary portion BP1 less noticeable.

  In addition, one of the features of the present embodiment is that a device is devised to prevent the boundary portion BP1 from being noticeable during the scroll display of the symbols by rotating each drum. Hereinafter, the contrivance will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a light emission control process, and FIG. 42 (b) is a schematic diagram showing a state of a shift of a regulation target.

  As described with reference to FIG. 36, the during-variation process executed by the MPU 652 of the notification / production control device 140 includes the above-described emission / drive setting process, emission control process, and emission / drive control process. As shown in FIG. 42A, in the light emission control process, first, in step S1201, the position of the boundary part BP1 is specified. Next, among the light-emitting bodies 572 constituting the sidelight 528, those to be regulated are specified in step S1202. Specifically, the light emitter located on the side of the boundary part BP1 specified in step S1201 is specified. In the following step S1203, the light emitter specified in step S1202 is set as a target of light emission regulation. In the light emission / drive control process, a process of turning off the target set in step S1203 is performed regardless of the content set in the light emission / drive setting process.

  As shown in FIG. 42 (b), when the boundary portion BP1 moves with the rotation of the symbol row, the luminous body 572 located on the side of the boundary portion BP1 is switched to the light-off state so as to follow the movement. . That is, supply of light to the boundary portion BP1 is suppressed. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the boundary portion BP1 from being conspicuous by emitting light or the like.

  According to the first embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

  In the variable display unit 500, a symbol is displayed by emitting light from the sidelight 528 from the light emitting portion 553 formed in the light guide portion 532. The pattern can be switched between display and non-display by turning on / off the sidelight 528, and the color of the picture can be changed by changing the emission color. As described above, constructing the variable display unit (corresponding to “picture display means”) by using the light guide section 532 and the sidelight 528 in combination diversifies the display mode of the symbols and improves the degree of attention to the game. Is preferred.

  When the light from the sidelight 528 is supplied to the non-supply state from the supply state, the symbol becomes invisible or difficult to recognize (non-display). As described above, by enabling the display to be switched between the display and the non-display, the information provided to the player by the variable display unit 500 can be limited according to the game situation. In addition, it is possible to contribute to diversification of the display mode in the case of performing the variable display of the symbol.

  By adopting a configuration in which light from the side light 528 is applied to the end surface 554 of the light guide 532, the light source can be prevented from being noticeable when the symbol is visually checked.

  When changing the symbol displayed in the variable display area, the rotating body 525 (the light guide 532) rotates in the supply state, so that the symbol appears to move in the direction of the operation. Can be. In this way, if the light guide 532 is moved instead of the light source, it is possible to preferably prevent the pattern change mode from being limited by the length of the wiring. In addition, since the position of the light source can be fixed, the symbols displayed at the same position can be exchanged, and even when the symbols are displayed in a fluctuating manner, a portion to which the player should pay attention is unified. be able to. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing oversight of the symbol display and reducing the fatigue of the player.

  The operation direction of the light guide section 532 is set to be a direction orthogonal to the light irradiation direction of the side light 528 (specifically, the light emitting body 572). With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress a change in the distance between the light irradiation target (the end surface 554) and the light emitting body 572 in the light guide unit 532 due to the operation of the light guide unit 532. This is preferable in order to prevent the light from being emitted from the light emitter 572 from being diffused by the time the light is emitted to the end face 554, thereby suppressing the shortage of the light supply to the light emitting portion 553.

  The light emitting portions 553 are provided side by side in the operation direction of the light guide section 532, and the luminous bodies 572 constituting the side light 528 are also provided side by side in the operation direction of the light guide section 532. By individually controlling the light emission of these light emitters 572, the number of pictures displayed in the variable display area can be changed. As described above, the number of symbols displayed by using a plurality of light-emitting members 572 that can be individually controlled for light emission can be increased or decreased in accordance with the game situation or the like, thereby increasing the expressive power of the variable display unit 500. It can be dramatically improved.

  In the case where the light emitting portion 553 is formed by minute irregularities, environmental light such as illumination of a game hall is diffused by the light emitting portion, so that the position and shape of the light emitting portion 553 can be completely specified by visual observation. It is difficult to make it impossible. In other words, there is a possibility that the shape and the position of the light emitting portion 553 can be grasped by carefully focusing. Thus, as shown in this embodiment mode, if light is emitted from the backlight 582 to the light guide portion 532, light from the backlight 582 disperses ambient light and the like, and the shape of the light emission portion 553 is reduced. And it can be difficult to grasp the position. This is preferable in order to enhance the impact when the symbol suddenly appears by switching the supply state / non-supply state of the side light 528.

  In the case of operating the light guide 532, it is not possible to deny the possibility that it is specified that the light guide 532 is in operation by using the light emitting unit 553 as a mark by paying close attention. This is a factor that reduces the impact when the light guide unit 532 is operated while the side light 528 is not supplied and the symbols are suddenly changed. Therefore, when the symbols are exchanged, the supply of light to the light guide 532 by the sidelight 528 is stopped and the light is irradiated to the light guide 532 by the backlight 582 as described in the above embodiment. If the light guide section 532 is configured to operate in a certain situation, ambient light and the like can be scattered by light from the backlight 582. Accordingly, it is difficult to recognize that the light guide unit 532 is operating, and it is possible to suppress occurrence of the above-described inconvenience. In addition, since the light from the backlight 582 is applied to the entire variable display region, an effect of making it difficult to identify the shape of the light emitting portion 553 and the operation state of the light guide can be suitably exerted.

  By rotating the substantially annular light guide 532, the light supply location on the light guide 532 (end surface 554) is changed. As a result, the symbols are variably displayed on the light guide section 532. Since the light guide 532 is formed in a substantially annular shape, it is possible to continue changing the design of the symbol without reversing the rotation direction of the light guide 532. That is, in order to perform dynamic display using the light guide 532 and enhance expressive power, it is possible to suppress the light guide 532 from being excessively large. This is a preferable configuration for improving the degree of attention of the player.

  The distance from the sidelight 528 to the end surface 554 of the light guide 532 is constant at any rotational position. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the position and the direction of the sidelight 528 according to the change of the light supply location (for example, to secure an operation gap). Therefore, the configuration related to the light supply in the variable display unit 500 can be simplified.

  The side light 528 is configured such that the light irradiation direction of the light emitting body 572 (LED) is the same as the rotation center axis CL, and the light irradiation direction and the arrangement direction of the light emitting portion 553 (rotation direction). ) Intersect. That is, when the plurality of light emitting units 553 are used in combination, it is possible to prevent the light emitting units 553 from being arranged in the light irradiation direction. Therefore, when switching the symbols to be displayed according to the rotation position, it is possible to suppress the supply of light to the symbols that are not to be displayed, and to cause the symbols that should not be displayed to emit light even slightly. Inconvenience can be suitably avoided.

  In the configuration in which the light guide portion 532 has a substantially annular shape, an insertion portion 561 into which a portion (end) of the light guide portion 532 extending from the frame 531 (rim 536) is inserted is provided. By arranging the sidelight 528 in the portion 561, the following effects can be expected. That is, even when the movement of the light guide 532 becomes unstable, the displacement of the light guide 532 can be suppressed at a position (insertion portion) close to the light irradiation position. Thereby, the light supply function can be stably exhibited.

  Further, since the insertion portion 561 is provided on the base body 524 holding the rotating body 525, the gap between the light guide 532 and the light guide 532 can be minimized. This is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing strong interference between the insertion section 561 and the light guide section 532 and suppressing light leakage from the insertion section 561.

  In the configuration in which the light guide section 532 is movable, when the light guide section 532 and the insertion section 561 are in contact with each other and the light guide section 532 is damaged, light leakage or the like is likely to occur at that portion. I am concerned. This causes a reduction in the efficiency of supplying light to the light emitting unit 553. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, a gap is formed between the insertion portion 561 and the outer surface portion 551 and the inner surface portion 552 of the light guide 532 to avoid contact between the insertion portion 561 and the light guide 532. By doing so, the occurrence of such inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  The light guide section 532 described above can be divided into a plurality of pieces (light guide panels 555 to 557) in the rotation direction, which can contribute to facilitation of manufacturing and reduction of manufacturing cost. However, in such a configuration, it is assumed that the behavior of the light guide portion 532 is disturbed if a portion serving as a boundary (edge) of each piece is caught on an open portion (entrance portion) of the insertion portion. Therefore, as described in the present embodiment, the gap is formed so as to increase toward the open portion, and the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by suppressing the edge and the insertion portion 561 from being caught. In a configuration in which an open portion (entrance portion) is expanded, light leaks easily from this portion. Therefore, by directing the open portion to the rear side of the gaming machine, even if light leaks, it can be made less noticeable.

  As described in the above embodiment, by forming the light guide portion 532 by the plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557 arranged in the rotation direction, the shape of the light guide portion 532 can be made substantially annular. it can. With such a configuration, it is possible to contribute to facilitation of the production of the drum unit 523 and a reduction in the production cost as compared with, for example, a case where one light guide plate is formed in a ring shape. Here, in the case where the plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557 arranged in parallel are mutually connected or the like, distortion due to manufacturing variation or the like may occur. In the configuration in which light is supplied to the end surface 554 of the light guide 532, there is a concern that the positional relationship between the side light 528 and the end surface 554 varies due to the influence of such distortion, and the symbol display function may not be sufficiently performed. . In this regard, as described in the present embodiment, by attaching the light guide panels 555 to 557 to the frame 531 in a state where they are not fixed to each other, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience. This is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in appearance in the case of performing the symbol variation display using the light guide section 532 and improving the degree of attention of the player.

  As described above, when one light guide portion 532 is configured by combining a plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557, the boundary portion BP1 between the light guide panels 555 to 557 is conspicuous, so that the light guide portion 532 looks good. Decrease. This is not preferable in improving the degree of attention of the player. Further, in the configuration in which the light guide 532 is fixed to the frame 531, the location where the light guide 532 is fixed to the frame 531 may be different in appearance from the non-fixed location. Here, in the present embodiment, the ends on both sides in the rotation direction of each of the light guide panels 555 to 557 are free ends, and the fixed portion is separated from the boundary portion BP1 between the light guide panels 555 to 557. I have. This suppresses the line of sight from being guided to the boundary portion BP1 when a fixed portion enters the field of view of the player, and one light guide portion 532 is configured by a combination of the plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557. This can prevent the appearance from deteriorating.

  When the light guide portion 532 is configured by the plurality of light guide panels 555 to 557, it is preferable to make the boundary portion BP1 between the light guide panels 555 to 557 as inconspicuous as possible. Here, the light-emitting body 572 (LED) constituting the side light 528 is configured to irradiate light in a predetermined direction, and the end faces on both sides in the rotation direction of the light guide panels 555 to 557 extend in the predetermined direction. In other words, the configuration in which the light irradiation direction matches the direction in which the boundary portion BP1 extends can suppress light emission from the boundary portion BP1. This is preferable for improving the appearance. Note that the boundary part BP1 is located in the non-arranged area (blank area) of the symbol, but since this boundary part BP1 extends in the direction of the rotation center axis CL, the symbol BP1 is considered in consideration of the boundary part BP1. It is possible to prevent the non-arranged area from becoming excessively large.

  If the number of light guide panels (the number of divisions) is excessively increased, the chance of stopping the boundary portion between the light guide panels in the variable display area (effective line) increases. It is feared that this may cause the appearance of the variable display unit to deteriorate. Therefore, as shown in the present embodiment, the number of divisions is defined such that the number of symbols arranged on each of the light guide panels 555 to 557 is larger than the upper limit number of symbols that can be stopped in the variable display area. Then, the chance that the boundary part BP1 stops in the variable display area can be reduced. This can mitigate the adverse effects of using a plurality of light guide panels in combination.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment, the side light 528 as the “light emitting unit” is disposed on the base body 524 that rotatably holds the rotating body 525 (drum). However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. It is also possible to mount a structure equivalent to the sidelight 528 on the rotating body 525. However, in the case of such a configuration, it is assumed that the weight of the drum is further increased, and the responsiveness at the time of rotation / stop is reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to arrange the side light 528 on the base body 524 as described in the first embodiment to reduce the weight of the rotating body 525.

<Modification 2>
In the first embodiment, a part of the luminous body 572 (a source of light to the boundary portion BP1) is turned off in accordance with the rotational position of the boundary portion BP1, so that the boundary portion BP1 is turned off. The light supply is regulated. The specific configuration for restricting the supply of light to the boundary part BP1 is arbitrary, and for example, a shielding means such as a sealing material that covers the boundary part BP1 from the side may be provided.

  However, in view of the fact that the end of the light guide portion 532 is inserted into the insertion portion 561, the possibility that the shielding means contacts the wall surface of the insertion portion 561 is denied due to the influence of manufacturing variations and deterioration over time. Can not. If the operation of the gaming machine continues in such a situation where there is a possibility of contact, the shielding means may be worn and the shielding function may be reduced. As a countermeasure, for example, by increasing the gap between the light guide section 532 and the insertion section 561, such an inconvenience can be suppressed. However, the increase in the gap reduces the function of suppressing light leakage from the insertion section 561. It is not preferable in improving the light supply efficiency. In consideration of such circumstances, as described in the first embodiment, it is necessary to appropriately improve the durability of the gaming machine in order to regulate the supply of light to the boundary portion BP1 by the emission control. There is a technical significance that it can be done.

<Modification 3>
In the first embodiment, the light guide panels 555 to 557 constituting the light guide unit 532 are not coupled to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the light guide panels 555 to 557 are coupled to each other. Is also good. However, in view of the fact that deformation such as distortion may occur in the light guide panels 555 to 557 during or after manufacturing, the light guide panels 555 to 557 are uncoupled from each other to allow such deformation and the like (boundary portion BP1). Is preferably adopted.

<Modification 4>
In the first embodiment, a gap is provided at the boundary portion BP1 between the light guide panels 555 to 557, but this does not deny a configuration in which the light guide panels 555 to 557 contact each other at the boundary portion BP1.

<Modification 5>
In the first embodiment, the inner surface of the insertion portion 561 is not in contact with the light guide 532, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a guide roller for guiding the light guide section 532 may be provided on the insertion section 561 side. However, with respect to the light guide 532, if the surface of the light guide 532 is damaged, the optical path may be changed and the supply efficiency to the light emitting unit 553 may be reduced. In view of such circumstances, it is preferable to dispose a protection member or the like at a portion of the light guide 532 that contacts the guide roller.

<Modification 6>
In the first embodiment, the rotating body 525 is attached to the base body 524 via the motor 526. However, in view of the fact that the rotating body 525 has the light guide portion 532, the weight increases. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the rotating body 525 is rotatably held by 524 and the rotating body 525 is operated by the motor 526.

<Variation 7>
In the first embodiment, the light guide section 532 is configured by a combination of three light guide panels 555 to 557, but the light guide section 532 may be configured by any number of light guide panels. However, even in such a case, it is preferable that the number of light emitting portions (that is, the number of symbols) formed on one light guide panel is larger than the upper limit number of symbols that can be stopped in the variable display area. .

<Modification 8>
In the first embodiment, the light guide 532 is rotatably held. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the design that can be visually recognized from the central opening 85 can be changed by moving the light guide unit. For example, the light guide unit may be configured to be slidably held.

<Modification 9>
In the first embodiment, the light guide 532 is formed in a cylindrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light guide section 532 may be formed in a disk shape and disposed so that the plate surface faces the front of the gaming machine. In this case, the direction of the rotation center axis of the rotating body may be changed in the front-back direction.

<Variation 10>
In the first embodiment, the backlight 582 is turned on when the display shifts to the reach display. However, the backlight 582 is turned on at least when a special change (special change display) is performed. Is sufficient, and whether or not to turn on the backlight 582 in other periods is optional.

<Modification 11>
In the first embodiment, when the special change (special variation) is performed, after the operation of the rotating body 525 is stopped, the side light 528 is turned off, and the re-operation of the rotating body 525 is completed. Later, the sidelight 528 is turned on, but the specific structure for operating the rotating body 525 using the off period of the sidelight 528 is not limited to this. For example, instead of or in addition to the above configuration, it is also possible to turn off the side light 528 during the operation of the rotating body 525, and then turn on the side light 528 after the operation of the rotating body 525 is completed. is there.

  In addition, when a symbol is inserted or displayed by a special change, the rotation speed of the rotating body 525M of the middle drum is changed relatively slowly (for example, normal reach) and changed relatively quickly (for example, super reach). ) Is set, it is also possible to change the light supply / stop timing according to the rotation speed. For example, when a symbol is temporarily stopped on the reach line, by increasing the pause period, a margin for checking the symbol increases. However, if the suspension period is simply lengthened, the restriction on the number of re-fluctuations at the time of a special change may become stronger. Therefore, if the supply of light is resumed immediately before the temporary stop, it is possible to increase the margin for checking the symbols. However, in such a configuration, the allowance substantially changes depending on the rotation speed of the rotating body. Therefore, when the rotation speed is relatively high, the light supply start timing is configured to be earlier than when the rotation speed is relatively low, or the light supply range is set for a part of the upstream side of the reach line. Or better.

<Modification 12>
In the first embodiment, the side light 528 as the “light emitting unit” is fixed and the light guide 532 as the “light guide” is movable, but the relationship may be reversed. It is. That is, it is also possible to change and display the symbol by moving the light emitting unit with respect to the fixed light guide unit. Even in this case, it is preferable that the arrangement direction of the light emitting units formed in the light guide unit and the moving direction of the light emitting unit are aligned.

<Modification 13>
In the first embodiment, the light guide portion 532 is formed in a substantially annular shape. However, it is sufficient if the symbol displayed in the variable display area can be changed by the operation in one direction. The portion 532 is not limited to an annular shape (for example, it does not deny that a dent or the like is partially formed).

<Modification 14>
In a conventional gaming machine, for example, it is possible to make a symbol substantially unidentifiable by displaying a symbol at a high speed. However, such movement hinders the improvement of the durability of the symbol display means. In particular, as shown in the present embodiment, in the configuration in which the rotating body includes the light guide section, for example, since the weight increases in comparison with the case where the rotating body includes paper or the like, there is a concern that such an inconvenience becomes remarkable. You.

  Therefore, by stopping the supply of the light from the side light 528 during the rotation of the rotating body 525, the symbol displayed on the light guide 532 can be suddenly erased. With such a configuration in which the appearance is largely changed by changing the light emission control of the sidelight 528 (identification is changed), it is possible to appropriately suppress a decrease in durability due to diversification of display modes.

  For example, a display mode in which the process of changing the symbol is specified and a display mode in which the process of changing the symbol is not specified may be used together. With such a configuration, it is possible to suitably diversify the modes of variable dynamic display of symbols.

<Modification 15>
In order to make the movement of the light guide 532 difficult to understand at the time of the special change of the pattern, the operation of the light guide 532 may be started simultaneously with turning off the side light 528, or the light guide 532 may be turned off after the side light 528 is turned off. The operation may be started. Further, the side light 528 may be turned on after the operation of the light guide 532 is completed, or the side light 528 may be turned on at the same time as the operation of the light guide 532 is completed.

<Modification 16>
The stop display period (temporary stop period) of the medium symbol in the case of performing the special change may or may not match the final display period (final stop period). For example, the suspension period may be changed according to the number of times of changing the pattern in the special change. Specifically, it is also possible to provide a difference so that each temporary stop period becomes longer in the order of the case where the replacement occurs three times <the case where the replacement occurs twice <the case where the replacement occurs once. In this case, if the suspension period is short, it is preferable to secure the period in which the pattern can be visually recognized by increasing the timing of starting the supply of the spectrum. Specifically, the suspension period when the pattern is replaced once is equal to the final suspension period, and the suspension period when the pattern is replaced twice is shorter than the final suspension period by 0.2 sec. If the suspension period in the case of three times is shorter than the final suspension period by 0.4 sec, the supply of light is restarted by the shortened period (the supply is resumed during the operation of the light guide unit 532). Configuration).

<Modification 17>
A configuration in which light is supplied to the light emitting unit 553 only during a period in which the light emitting unit 553 is located on the effective line, and when the light emitting unit 553 deviates from the effective line, the supply of light is stopped to perform frame-by-frame display of a picture ( (Second special change). In this case, when comparing the normal reach corresponding to the low-speed fluctuation display and the super reach corresponding to the high-speed fluctuation display, the visibility of the pattern may be lower in the latter than in the former. It is preferable to ensure the visibility by supplying the light even if it is slightly off. For example, the timing of stopping the light supply may be delayed from the former, or the timing of restarting the light supply may be earlier than the former.

<Modification 18>
In the first embodiment, when the special change is performed, the light guide unit 532 is not stopped (the operation is continued) in the process, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the light guide 532 is temporarily stopped during the special change process.

<Modification 19>
In order to suppress that the symbol to be replaced at the time of the special change is specified in advance by the player, the ratio of the former in the operation period of the light guide unit 532 and the standby period from the stop of the operation to the restart of the light supply is increased. It is preferable to reduce the ratio of the latter.

<Variation 20>
In the first embodiment, the frame 531 is made of a synthetic resin. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The frame 531 can be made of metal.

<Modification 21>
The frame 531 shown in the first embodiment and the light guide panels 555 to 557 can be integrally formed. With such a configuration, a fixing means for fixing the frame and the light guide panel and a configuration (for example, a portion corresponding to the rim 536) associated therewith are not required. This is preferable for improving the appearance of the variable display unit.

  In addition, each frame portion obtained by dividing the frame 531 into three in the rotation direction in correspondence with each of the light guide panels 555 to 557 is integrally molded with the corresponding light guide panels 555 to 557, and these three pieces are fixed by fixing means or the like. It is also possible to construct a rotating body by using and fixing to each other. With such a divided structure, it is possible to suppress the difficulty in molding.

<Second embodiment>
The variable display unit 500X shown in the present embodiment is the same as the variable display unit 500 shown in the first embodiment in the main configuration for changing and displaying symbols, but is displayed by the background display device 529X. The configuration differs from that of the variable display unit 500 in that the background can be switched according to the game situation. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 43, the variable display unit 500X in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit 500X. Note that, for the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, “X” is added to the end of the reference numeral while diverting the reference numeral. This is the same as the various configurations shown in the embodiments.

  As shown in FIG. 43, although the background display device 529X shown in this embodiment has a difference in size and the like, the basic configuration is the same as the drum unit 523 shown in the first embodiment, specifically the base body 524, It is the same as the body 525, the motor 526, the position detection sensor 527, and the side light 528. Specifically, the background display device 529X includes a plate-shaped base member 724X constituting a mounting portion to the housing 521, and a rotating member 725X held by the base member 724X.

  The rotating body 725X is mounted on a base body 724X via a motor 726X. Specifically, a motor 726X is fixed to a base body 724X, and a rotating body 725X is fixed to an output shaft of the motor 726X. The output shaft of the motor 726X extends in the direction in which the drum units 723X are arranged (left and right directions), and the rotating body 725X rotates about the axis of the output shaft. The rotation center axis of the rotating body 725X shown in the present embodiment matches (is coaxial with) the rotation center axis CL of the rotating body 525X. In this way, by aligning the rotation center axes, the operating gaps of the rotating bodies 525X and 725X are reduced. In the following description, the rotation center axis of the rotating body 725X is also referred to as “rotation center axis CL”.

  The motor 526 is connected to the notification / production control device 140, and has a configuration in which the drive control is performed by the notification / production control device 140. The motor 726X is a stepping motor, and the rotation position of the rotating body 725X can be adjusted by the number of pulses of the output drive signal.

  Note that a position detection sensor that detects the rotational position of the rotating body 725X is mounted on the base body 724X. The position detection sensor is connected to the notification / production control device 140, and the notification / production control device 140 grasps the rotation position of the rotating body 725X based on detection information (detection signal) from the position detection sensor. When the rotational position of the rotating body 725X is shifted due to the influence of an external force or occurrence of a malfunction, the rotational position of the rotating body 725X is corrected (corrected) based on the grasped position information.

  The rotator 725X includes a circular frame 731X that forms a skeleton of the rotator 725X, a substantially cylindrical light guide 732X (light guide panels 755X to 757X) that covers an outer peripheral portion of the frame 731X, and a light guide 732X. It is composed of decorative sheets 781X to 783X attached to the outer surface. The frame 731X includes a hub 735X as a center to which the output shaft of the motor 726X is fixed, an annular rim 736X as the outer peripheral portion to which the light guide 732X is fixed, and spokes 737X connecting the hub 735X and the rim 736X. It consists of.

  Specifically, the rim 736X has a pair of left and right annular portions centered on the rotation center axis line CL, and a long connecting portion connecting the annular portions. The light guide portion 732X is fixed to the connection portion using a fixing unit (adhesive) in a state where the light guide portion 732X is overlapped with the connection portion from outside the frame 731X.

  On the rim 736X of the frame 731X, a contact portion 743X that contacts the light guide 532 from the side opposite to the base body 524 side is formed. The left and right positions of the light guide 732X are defined by the contact portions 743X. The end of the light guide 732X on the side opposite to the contact part 743X (the base 724X side) extends laterally from the rim 736X. An insertion portion 761X into which the extended portion (end) is inserted is formed in the base body 724X.

  The insertion portion 761X has a groove shape opened toward the light guide portion 732X, and the end of the light guide portion 732X is inserted into the insertion portion 761X through this open portion. A light emitting board 771X on which a plurality of light emitters 772X (specifically, LEDs) are mounted is disposed on the opposite side of the light guide part 732X across the bottom part 762X of the insertion part 761X. The light emitting substrate 771X is connected to the notification / effect control device 140, and the notification / effect control device 140 controls the light emission of the light emitting substrate 771X.

  A plurality of through holes are formed at the bottom of the insertion portion 761X so as to correspond to the respective light emitters 772X, and the light emitter 772X mounted on the light emitting substrate 771X faces the end face 754X of the light guide 732X through the through holes. I have. The optical axis of each light-emitting body 772X is oriented in the same direction as the rotation center axis CL of the rotating body 725X, and light from these light-emitting bodies 772X irradiates the end surface 754X of the light guide 732X. The base body 724X (including the insertion portion 761X) is made of a colored and opaque synthetic resin material, and has a function of absorbing light. Thereby, light leakage from the insertion portion 761X is suppressed.

  Light from the light emitting body 772X is repeatedly reflected on the outer surface and the inner surface of the light guide 732X, and travels to the opposite end surface of the light guide 732X. Here, a light emitting portion composed of fine irregularities is formed in almost the entire outer surface of the light guide portion 732X. In the light guide 532X for design display, the formation range of the light emission portion is limited to a part, whereas the formation range of the light emission portion in the light guide 732X is not limited as such. . That is, the light guide portion 732X in the present embodiment has a function as the lighting means (backlight 582) described in the first embodiment.

  The light supplied to the light guide unit 732X reaches the light emitting unit of the light guide unit 732X, and is emitted to the front of the gaming machine. The light passes through any of the decorative sheets 781X to 783X, and The decorative sheets 781X to 783X emit light brightly.

  In the present embodiment, the rotating body 525X forming the drum and the rotating body 725X forming the background display device 529 are opposed to each other, and the rotating body 525X is slightly larger than the rotating body 725X. Most are housed. Since the rotating body 525X and the rotating body 725X are both movable objects, a corresponding operation gap is required between them. However, if such an operation gap becomes too large, there is a concern that background display will not be performed well. One of the features of the present embodiment is that, in consideration of such circumstances, a device for reducing the operation gap is made.

  As shown in FIG. 43, the base body 524X is formed with an engagement recess 591X that engages with the hub 535X of the frame 531X. When the hub 535X engages with the engagement recess 591X, the base body 524X rotates. It is movably attached to the frame 531X. The motor 526X is provided on the opposite side (outside the drum unit) of the frame 531X with the base body 524X interposed therebetween, and is fixed to the frame 531X. With such a configuration, the weight burden applied to the output shaft of the motor 526X is reduced, and the swing when the rotating body 525X is rotated is suppressed.

  On the other hand, the base body 724X has an engagement recess 791X that is engaged with the hub 735X of the frame 731X, and the base body 724X is rotatable when the hub 735X is engaged with the engagement recess 791X. At the frame 731X. The motor 726X is provided on the opposite side (outside of the drum unit) of the frame 731X with the base body 724X interposed therebetween, and is fixed to the frame 731X. With such a configuration, the weight burden applied to the output shaft of the motor 726X is reduced, and the swing when rotating the rotating body 725X is suppressed.

  With such a configuration, by suppressing the run-out of the rotating bodies 525X and 725X, when the rotating bodies 525X and 725X are arranged inside and outside, the operating gap between the rotating bodies 525X and 725X can be reduced. .

  As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 44 (a), a plurality of light guide panels 755X to 757X provided separately in the rotation direction are combined with the rotating body 725X according to the present embodiment, similarly to the rotating body 525X. Thus, the light guide portion 732X having a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole is constructed. Each of the light guide panels 755X to 757X is made of a transparent synthetic resin, and has a plate shape having a constant thickness and a constant curvature. The length of the rotating body 725X in the rotation direction and the width in the direction of the rotation center axis CL are also the same, and the appearance is the same. The light guide panels 755X to 757X are fixed to the rims 736X (specifically, connecting portions) of the frame 731X using a transparent adhesive as fixing means, but the light guide panels 755X to 757X are not fixed to each other. It has become.

  As described above, in the configuration in which one end of the light guide portion 732X is inserted into the insertion portion 761X, the inner surface of the insertion portion 761X and the light guide portion 732X are made as small as possible in order to improve the light supply efficiency and the like. It is preferable to make them close to each other. However, in order to adopt such a structure, it is necessary to add a certain margin to the gap between the light guide panels 755X to 757X in consideration of the fact that the light guide panels 755X to 757X may be distorted due to manufacturing errors or changes over time. Here, in the present embodiment, since the light guide panels 755X to 757X are not fixed to each other, it is possible to avoid distortion that may occur when the light guide panels 755X to 757X are fixed. This makes it possible to minimize the margin.

  When the rotating body 725X is constructed using the light guide 732X, the expressive power of the variable display unit can be improved, but the weight of the rotating body 725X tends to increase. This may cause a reduction in responsiveness when rotating / stopping the rotating body 725X. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the light guide panels 755X to 757X are prevented from overlapping in the thickness direction. Thus, an increase in the weight of the light guide portion 732X is suppressed, and a decrease in responsiveness is suppressed.

  In the boundary portion BP2 between the light guide panels 755X to 757X, the adjacent light guide panels 755X to 757X face each other with a gap. This is a device for avoiding strong interference between the light guide panels 755X to 757X at the boundary portion BP2 when the sizes of the light guide panels 755X to 757X vary due to a manufacturing error or the like. By avoiding strong interference between the light guide panels 755X to 757X, it is possible to prevent the light guide panels 755X to 757X from being deformed such as the above-described distortion.

  Note that the insertion portion 761X described in the present embodiment also extends along a portion of the light guide portion 732X that protrudes forward from the opening 522 of the housing 521 (see FIG. 13) in the gaming machine. The upper and lower open portions of the insertion portion 761X are expanded such that the width gradually increases toward the end. This suppresses catching when the boundary portion BP2 passes through the opening. Incidentally, when the above-mentioned opening is expanded, light leakage from the sidelight 728X is likely to occur. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the open portions are formed so as to face rearward, and more specifically, to face obliquely rearward. This is a device that makes it difficult for the player to see the light when the light leaks from the opening.

  Decorative sheets 781X to 783X are attached to the light guide panels 755X to 757X, respectively. The decorative sheets 781X to 783X have the same size as the outer surfaces of the light guide panels 755X to 757X and are common in that they have light transmittance, but are different in the drawn picture. Specifically, the decorative sheet 781X attached to the light guide panel 755X is provided with a pattern imitating a daytime sand beach, and the decorative sheet 782X attached to the light guide panel 756X imitates an evening sand beach. A pattern is provided, and a pattern imitating a sandy beach at night is provided on the decorative sheet 783X attached to the light guide panel 757X.

  By rotating the rotating body 725X, the background that can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine is switched. Here, with reference to FIG. 44 (b), the relationship between the game state and the background will be supplementarily described. In the first normal gaming state in which the support mode is the low frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low probability mode, a daytime beach is displayed as the background. In the second normal game state in which the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low probability mode, and in the third normal game state in which the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the high probability mode, the background in the evening is The beach is displayed. In the special game state (opening / closing execution mode) to be shifted to when the jackpot results, a sandy beach at night is displayed as the background. In this way, by switching the display of the background according to the game state, the player is suggested to the game state.

  In the present embodiment, the background and the design are displayed using the inner and outer double rotating bodies. In such a configuration, it is difficult to incorporate the illumination means for the inner rotating body in securing a power supply path to the illumination means. In this regard, by constructing the rotating body 725X using the light guide portion 732X functioning as illumination means, the above problem is suitably solved.

<Modification 1>
In the second embodiment, the motor 526X for the rotating body 525X and the motor 726X for the rotating body 725X protrude outside the drum unit. In the case of such a configuration, the gap between the drum units arranged side by side on the left and right becomes large, and the separation of each symbol row becomes large. Hereinafter, a modified example that takes such circumstances into consideration will be described.

  As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 45, the hubs 535Y and 735Y of the frames 531Y and 731Y are formed so as to protrude inward of the drum unit, and the base 524Y with respect to the hubs 535Y and 735Y from the rotation center axis CL side. , 724Y are engaged with the engaging projections 591Y, 791Y. By making the engaging projections 591Y and 791Y hollow and disposing (accommodating) the motors 526Y and 726Y in these hollow portions, the overhang of the motors 526Y and 726Y can be reduced. Thereby, the gap can be reduced, and separation of each symbol row can be suppressed.

<Modification 2>
In the second embodiment, the light guide 732X is an illumination unit for the decorative sheets 781X to 783X. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The light guide 732X may be configured to display a predetermined pattern in the same manner as the light guide 532X. For example, the light emitting section of the light guide section 732X may be formed so that a pattern similar to the patterns described on the decorative sheets 781X to 783X can be displayed. In the case of such a configuration, it is not preferable that the back side can be visually recognized through the light guide 732X. Therefore, a plain sheet material or the like may be provided on the inner surface side of the light guide portion 732X, and the back side may be regulated so as to be invisible.

<Modification 3>
In the second embodiment, the decorative sheets 781X to 783X are individually attached to the respective light guide panels 755X to 757X. However, one decorative sheet is provided so as to straddle the three light guide panels 755X to 757X. It is also possible to adopt a configuration for mounting. With such a configuration, the boundary portion BP2 between the light guide panels 755X to 757X can be made less noticeable by covering the boundary portion BP2.

<Modification 4>
In the second embodiment, the three backgrounds indicate four game states, but the number of backgrounds may be equal to the number of game states.

<Modification 5>
The configuration shown in each modification of the first embodiment can be applied to the variable display unit shown in the present embodiment.

<Third embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the basic structure of the variable display unit is the same as that of the second embodiment, but a different display effect is executed for each game state using the variable display unit. The configuration is different from that of the second embodiment. Hereinafter, the variable display unit according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the variable display unit.

  Each of the drum units 723Z constituting the variable display unit includes a first display unit including a base body 524Z, a rotating body 525Z, a motor 526Z, a side light 528Z, and the like, and a base body 724Z, a rotating body 725Z, a motor 726Z, a side light 728Z, and the like. And the second display unit. The first display unit has a function of notifying the result of the lottery based on the ball entering the upper operating port 83a (see FIG. 6). A symbol combination corresponding to the probability change jackpot result is stopped and displayed on at least one of L1 to L5, and if a normal jackpot result is obtained in the lottery, the normal jackpot result corresponds to at least one of the activated lines L1 to L5. It is configured to stop and display the symbol combination. Note that the base body 524Z, the rotating body 525Z, the motor 526Z, and the sidelight 528Z are the same as the base body 524Y, the rotating body 525Y, the motor 526Y, and the sidelight 528Y described in the second embodiment, so that they are described in detail. Description is omitted.

  The rotator 725Z has a light guide 732Z and a frame 731Z on which the light guide 732Z is mounted, and the light guide 732Z is a combination of a plurality of light guide panels 755Z to 758Z. The configuration is the same as that of the light guide 732Y shown in the second embodiment. However, in the light guide portion 732Y, the decorative sheets 781Y to 783Y are attached to the outer surface thereof, whereas in the light guide portion 732Z shown in this embodiment, the sheet members 781Z to 783Z are provided on the inner surface of the light guide portion 732Z. Is different from the second embodiment in that the second embodiment is attached.

  Since the sheet members 781Z to 783Z are not provided with light transmittance, the back side thereof is not visible through the sheet members 781Z to 783Z. The sheet materials 781Z to 783Z are all plain and have no information such as a pattern such as a background, that is, a foothold for specifying the rotational position of the rotating body 725Z. On the other hand, as for the light emitting portion 753Z (see FIG. 47) formed on the outer surface portion 751Z of the light guiding portion 732Z, the light is emitted from the light emitting portion 753Z similarly to the light guiding portion 532Z, so that the predetermined Are displayed. That is, the light guide 732Y described in the second embodiment functions as a lighting unit, whereas the light guide 732Z described in the present embodiment functions as a picture display. Note that, in a situation where light is not emitted from the light emitting portion 753Z, the above-mentioned symbols and the like are not displayed, and it is substantially impossible or difficult to visually identify the light emitting portion 753Z.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 47, a light emitting portion 753Z formed in the light guide portion 732Z, that is, a symbol displayed by the light emitting portion 753Z will be described. FIG. 47 shows a state in which each light emitting portion 753Z emits light and a symbol or the like is displayed for convenience of explanation.

  On the light guide panel 755Z constituting the light guide portion 732Z, one pattern is described so as to straddle the three left and right light guide panels 755Z. Specifically, a picture indicating a sandy beach is described. When the light is supplied from the side light 728Z while the light guide panel 755Z faces the front of the gaming machine, the background of the sandy beach is displayed.

  On the light guide panels 756Z to 757Z, a "boy" symbol, a "bell" symbol, a "replay" symbol, a "7" symbol, and a "BAR" symbol are arranged in a predetermined order. Although illustration is omitted, as with the first display unit, a plurality of effective lines are also set for the second display unit, and when the result of the 16R-compatible large jackpot is obtained, at least one of the effective lines is set. When the symbol combination of "7", "7", and "7" is stopped and displayed, and the normal jackpot result corresponding to 4R is obtained, the symbol combination of "7", "7", and "BAR" is stopped and displayed, resulting in a missed result. In this case, a symbol combination other than these symbol combinations is stopped and displayed (see FIG. 48).

  In the present embodiment, it is possible to switch between the case where the background of the sandy beach is displayed by the light guide panel 755Z and the case where the symbols are displayed by the light guide panels 756Z to 757Z according to the game situation. The background and the symbol are not simultaneously stopped and displayed in the variable display area.

  The effective lines in the second display unit are configured to coincide with the effective lines L1 to L5 (effective lines of the first display unit) shown in FIG. 20 when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Are overlapped in front and back to facilitate the player's understanding. Hereinafter, the valid lines of the second display unit are also referred to as valid lines L1 to L5.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the game times related to the upper working port 83a and the game times related to the lower working port 83b are executed in a predetermined order, and the game times related to each other do not overlap. However, the present embodiment is different in that the game operation related to the upper operation port 83a and the game operation related to the lower operation port 83b are performed in parallel. Hereinafter, various processes executed by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 and the MPU 652 of the notification / production control device 140 in order to realize such a game flow will be described, focusing on differences from the second embodiment. I do. First, with reference to FIG. 49 to FIG. 53, a description will be given of a game turn control process executed by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162 in the present embodiment.

(Game round control process)
In the game control process according to the present embodiment, first, it is determined in step S1301 whether or not a special game state (opening / closing execution mode) is being performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode flag (open / close execution state information) is stored (stored) in the open / close execution mode flag storage area (open / close execution state information storage unit) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. I do. The open / close execution mode flag is stored when the game state is shifted to the open / close execution mode in the later-described game state shift processing, and is cleared when the open / close execution mode is ended in the same game state shift processing.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1301, the present game round control process ends. If a negative determination is made in step S1301, in step S1302 a game time control process for a game time related to winning in the upper operation port 83a (a game time control process for the upper operation port, a control process for the upper operation port). Is executed, and in step S1303, the game time control process for the game time related to winning in the lower operation port 83b (the game time control process for the lower operation port, the control process for the lower operation port) is executed, and then the main game time is executed. The control processing ends. The basic flow of these two control processes is common. Hereinafter, the control process for the upper working port will be described first with reference to FIGS. 50 and 51, and thereafter, the differences from the control process for the lower working port will be mainly described with reference to FIGS. 52 and 53. The control process will be described.

(Control process for upper working port)
As shown in FIG. 50, in the upper working port control processing, first, in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the game related to the upper working port 83a is being played. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the upper operating port display section of the main display unit 87 is performing the variable display to the fixed display, that is, whether or not one game is being played. In this determination, the game in-flight flag for the upper working port (game in-flight information) is stored (stored) in the game in-flight flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. It is performed by determining whether or not there is. The game in-operation flag for the upper operation port is stored when the variable display is started on the display section for the upper operation port, and is deleted when the picture is stopped and the fixed display ends.

  If the game is not being performed, a negative determination is made in step S1401, and the process proceeds to step S1402. In step S1402, it is determined whether or not the game related to the lower operation port 83b is being played. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the lower operating port display section of the main display unit 87 is performing the variable display to the fixed display, that is, whether or not one game is being played. In this determination, the game in-flight flag for the lower working port (variable display information) is stored (stored) in the game in-flag flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. It is performed by determining whether or not there is. The lower game opening flag is stored when the variable display is started on the lower operation port display unit, the pattern corresponding to the lottery result (game result) is stopped and the finalized display ends. If erased.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1402, the flow advances to step S1403. In step S1403, it is determined whether or not the game times related to the lower operation port 83b correspond to the jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1403, the control process for the upper working port is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S1403 or step S1402, the process proceeds to step S1404.

  In step S1404, the total reserved number storage area of the reserved ball storage area 632 is referred to, and the upper working port reserved storage number CRN, which is the number of pending information stored and reserved (specifically, the upper working port Number) is “0”. If the upper working port reserved storage number CRN is “0”, the game control process is terminated. On the other hand, if the upper working port reserved storage number CRN is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S1405. In step S1405, a data setting process is performed.

  In the data setting process of the upper working port 83a, the upper working port reserved storage number CRN is decremented by one. Thereafter, the data stored in the first area of the upper working port holding area Ra is moved to the first execution area AE1, and a process of shifting the data stored in the storage area of the upper working port holding area Ra is executed. .

  This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side. The data in the first area is cleared and the second area → the first area. The data in each area is shifted such as a third area → a second area, a fourth area → a third area, and so on. Then, one lit LED is turned off in the reserved number display section for the upper working port. In this light-off processing, the LEDs of the upper-operation-port reserved-number display section are turned off in order from the right, contrary to the lighting processing performed when the hold information is added.

  After performing the data setting process described in detail above, in step S1406, a variation start process for the upper operation port for starting the variable display of the pattern on the display unit for the upper operation port and the variable display of the symbol on the variable display unit. After executing (upper opening variation start processing), the present game round control processing ends. Here, with reference to FIG. 51, the variation starting process for the upper working port in step S1406 will be described.

(Change start process for upper working port)
In the upper working port change start process, first, a hit / fail determination process is executed in step S1501. In the success / failure determination process, referring to the success / failure table for the upper working port, the information for the success / failure determination of the information stored in the first execution area, that is, the numerical information obtained from the big hit random number counter C1 is used as the above-described big hit numerical information. It is determined whether or not they match. If the determination result in step S1501 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S1502, and the flow advances to step S1503.

  In step S1503, a type determination process is performed. In the type determination process, the information for type determination, that is, the numerical information acquired from the jackpot type counter C2 is grasped from the information stored in the first execution area. Also, with reference to the distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of the ROM 603, the information for the type determination that has been grasped is the information group corresponding to the normal jackpot result and the information group corresponding to the probable variable jackpot result. Specify which one is included.

  In step S1504, a stop result setting process for the jackpot result is executed. Specifically, the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit D (display unit for the upper working port) of the main display unit 87 in the game time is obtained from the stop result table for the jackpot result stored in the ROM 603 in advance. The specified information is stored in the RAM 604. In the stop result table for the jackpot result, a plurality of pictures stopped and displayed on the main display unit D are set, and in step S1504, information indicating the picture corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. In step S1504, the MPU 602 stores, in the various flag storage areas 635 of the RAM 604, information for specifying whether the current game result is the normal jackpot result or the probable change jackpot result. Specifically, when the result is the normal jackpot result, the normal jackpot flag is stored, and when the result is the probability variable jackpot, the probability variable jackpot flag is stored.

  After executing the setting process of step S1504, the process proceeds to step S1505. In step S1505, it is determined whether or not the game times related to the lower operation port 83b are being executed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1505, the flow advances to step S1506. In step S1506, the forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. When the game time (variable display of the pattern) related to the lower operation port 83b is being executed, the game time (variable display of the pattern) related to the lower operation port 83b is forcibly performed in the middle based on the forced end flag. Will be terminated. More specifically, when the game times related to the upper operation port 83a correspond to the jackpot result, the game times related to the lower operation port 83b can be executed beyond the timing at which the final display in the game time is performed. In this case, the game times related to the lower operation port 83b are shortened, and the game times related to the lower operation port 83b are ended together with the end of the game times related to the upper operation port 83a. In such a case, the pattern stopped and displayed in the game times related to the lower operation port 83b corresponds to the result of the departure.

  Returning to the description of step S1502, if the determination result in step S1501 is a departure result, a negative determination is made in step S1502, and the process proceeds to step S1507. In step S1507, a stop result setting process for a departure result is executed.

  Specifically, in the game time related to the start of the fluctuation, a pattern finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit D (display unit for the upper working port) of the main display unit 87 is a deviation result stored in the ROM 603 in advance. From the stop result table for use, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604.

  After executing the processing of steps S1506 and S1507, or if a negative determination is made in step S1505, the process advances to step S1508. In step S1508, a variable display time (display continuation time) setting process is executed.

  After the execution of the variable display time setting process in step S1508, a variable start command and a type command are set in step S1509. The change start command includes information on the change display time. Here, as described above, the variable display time acquired with reference to the reach non-occurrence variable display time table is different from the variable display time acquired with reference to the reach occurrence variable display time table. Even if the start command does not include information on whether or not reach has occurred, the notification / effect control device 140 as the sub-side control device can specify whether or not reach has occurred from the information on the variable display time. . In this regard, it can be said that the fluctuation start command includes information indicating whether or not the reach has occurred. Note that the fluctuation start command may include information directly indicating whether or not the reach has occurred.

  After executing the setting process in step S1509, the process proceeds to step S1510, in which the variation display of the upper operating port display unit in the main display unit 87 is started, and then the actual upper operating port variation start process is ended. In the process of step S1510, the in-game flag for the upper working port is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Thus, in the subsequent processing, it is possible to specify that the game times (for example, fluctuation display) related to the upper operation port 83a are being executed.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 50 again, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1401, that is, if it is determined that the game related to the upper operating port 83a is being performed, the process proceeds to step S1407. In step S1407, it is determined whether or not it is the game time related to the lower operating port 83b and the start time of the game time corresponding to the jackpot result. If a negative determination is made in step S1407, the flow advances to step S1408.

  In step S1408, it is determined whether or not it is time to elapse the variable display time set in step S1508. If a negative determination is made in step S1408, the variable display process is performed in step S1409, and then the upper working port control process ends. In the variable display process of step S1409, the pattern is displayed in a variable manner by performing a process of turning on / off various LEDs constituting the upper operating port display unit.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1408, the flow advances to step S1411. In step S1411, a fluctuation end process is executed. In the fluctuation end processing, the display of the main display unit 87 is controlled so that the pattern is stopped and displayed on the display for the upper working port in a manner determined in advance. That is, for example, a fixed display of a pattern corresponding to the lottery result (game result) is executed. It should be noted that the game in progress flag for the upper operating port stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604 is deleted when the finalized display is completed.

  After setting the fluctuation end command in the subsequent step S1412, the game time control process ends. The change end command set in step S1412 is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal processing (FIG. 28). The notification and effect control device 140 executes processing for terminating the effect in the game round based on the reception of the fluctuation end command. Specifically, by receiving the fluctuation end command, a combination of symbols corresponding to the game result of the game times and the like is fixedly displayed (final stop display) on the first display unit of the variable display unit. In addition, it is good also as a structure which ends the effect for game times independently by the information and effect control device 140, without transmitting the fluctuation end command.

  After executing the process of step S1412, the process proceeds to step S1413, where the process of updating the number-of-games counter is executed. The game number counter is a counter for specifying the number of games in which the high frequency support mode is continued in the second normal game state, and is decremented by "1" each time the game number is executed. When the number-of-games counter has become “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S1414 to step S1415. In step S1415, the high frequency support mode flag stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604 is deleted. After setting the high frequency support mode end command in the subsequent step S1416, the control process for the upper working port ends. The high frequency support mode end command is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 140 in step S401 of the normal processing (FIG. 28). The notification / effect control device 140 switches the display effect mode based on the reception of this command.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1407, a rewriting process of the stop pattern is executed in step S1410, and after the processes in steps S1411 to S1416 are executed, the control process for the upper working port ends. In the stop result rewriting process, the stop result is rewritten so as to stop and display the picture corresponding to the departure result.

  Next, the lower working port control processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 52 and 53. FIG.

(Control processing for lower working port)
As shown in FIG. 19, in the lower working port control process, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether or not the game related to the lower working port 83b is being played. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the lower operating port display section of the main display unit 87 is performing the variable display to the fixed display, that is, whether or not one game is being played. In this determination, the game in-flight flag for the lower working port (variable display information) is stored (stored) in the game in-flag flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. It is performed by determining whether or not there is. The lower game opening flag is stored when the variable display is started on the display for the lower operation port, and is deleted when the picture is stopped and the final display is completed.

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

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1602, the flow advances to step S1603. In step S1603, it is determined whether or not the game times related to the upper operation port 83a correspond to the jackpot result. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1603, the control process for the lower operating port is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S1603, or if a negative determination is made in step S1602, the process proceeds to step S1604. In step S1604, the total number of reserved numbers storage area in the reserved ball storage area 632 is referred to, and the lower working port reserved storage number CRN, which is the number of pending information stored and stored (specifically, the lower working port Number) is “0”. If the lower working port reserved storage number CRN is “0”, the game times control processing is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the lower working port reserved storage number CRN is not “0”, the process proceeds to step S1605. In step S1605, a data setting process is performed.

  In the data setting process of the lower operation port 83b, first, the number CRN of reserved storage for the lower operation port is decremented by one. Thereafter, a process of moving the data stored in the first area of the lower working port holding area Rb to the second execution area and shifting the data stored in the storage area of the lower working port holding area Rb is executed.

  This data shift process is a process for sequentially shifting data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side. The data in the first area is cleared and the second area → the first area. The data in each area is shifted such as a third area → a second area, a fourth area → a third area, and so on. Then, one lit LED is turned off in the reserved number display section for the lower working port. In the light-off processing, the LEDs of the hold lamp unit for the lower working port are sequentially turned off from the right side, contrary to the lighting processing performed when the hold information is added.

  After performing the data setting process described in detail above, in step S1606, the variable display of the pattern on the main display unit 87 (main display unit D) and the variable display of the symbol on the variable display unit (specifically, the second display unit) are displayed. After executing the lower operation port change start process (lower operation port change start process) for starting the game, the game round control process ends.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 53, the variation starting process for the lower working port in step S1606 will be described.

(Change start process for lower working port)
In the lower operation port change start process, first, a hit / failure determination process is executed in step S1701. In the success / failure determination process, referring to the success / failure table for the lower working port, the information for the success / failure determination among the various information stored in the second execution area, that is, the numerical information related to the big hit random number counter C1 is replaced with the above-described big hit numerical information. It is determined whether or not they match. If the determination result in step S1701 is a jackpot result, an affirmative determination is made in step S1702, and the flow advances to step S1703.

  In step S1703, a type determination process is performed. In the type determination processing, information for type determination among various information stored in the second execution area, that is, numerical information obtained from the jackpot type counter C2 and a distribution table stored in the distribution table storage area 622 of the ROM 603. With reference to the above, it is specified which of the information group corresponding to the normal jackpot result and the information group corresponding to the probability change jackpot result that the grasped type determination information is included.

  In step S1704, a stop result setting process for the big hit result is executed. Specifically, a pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display portion D (display portion for the lower working port) of the main display unit 87 in the game time is obtained from the stop result table for the jackpot result stored in the ROM 603 in advance. The specified information is stored in the RAM 604. In the stop result table for the jackpot result, a plurality of pictures stopped and displayed on the main display unit D are set. In step S1704, information indicating the picture corresponding to the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 604. In step S1704, the MPU 602 stores, in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604, information for specifying whether the current game result is the normal jackpot result or the probable change jackpot result. Specifically, when the result is the normal jackpot result, the normal jackpot flag is stored, and when the result is the probability variable jackpot, the probability variable jackpot flag is stored.

  After executing the setting process of step S1704, the process proceeds to step S1705. In step S1705, it is determined whether or not the game times related to the upper operation port 83a are being executed. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1705, the flow advances to step S1706. In step S1706, the forced termination flag is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. When the game time (variable display of the pattern) related to the upper operation port 83a is being executed, the game time (variable display of the pattern) related to the upper operation port 83a is forcibly performed in the middle based on the forced end flag. Will be terminated. More specifically, when the game time related to the lower operation port 83b corresponds to the jackpot result, and the game time related to the upper operation port 83a (corresponding to the departure result) exceeds the timing at which the final display in the game time is performed. ) Can be executed, the game times related to the upper operation port 83a are shortened, and the game times related to the upper operation port 83a are ended together with the end of the game times related to the lower operation port 83b. In such a case, the pattern stopped and displayed in the game times related to the upper operation port 83a corresponds to the result of the departure.

  Returning to the description of step S1702, if the determination result in step S1701 is a departure result, a negative determination is made in step S702 and the process proceeds to step S1707.

  In step S1707, a stop result setting process for a departure result is executed. More specifically, a pattern that is finally stopped and displayed on the main display portion D (display portion for the lower operating port) of the main display unit 87 in the game time related to the start of the fluctuation is a result of the deviation stored in the ROM 603 in advance. From the stop result table for use, and the specified information is stored in the RAM 604.

  After executing the processing of step S1706 or step S1707, or when a negative determination is made in step S1705, the process proceeds to step S1708. In step S1708, a variable display time (display continuation time) setting process is executed.

  After the execution of the variable display time setting process in step S1708, a variable start command and a type command are set in step S1709. The change start command includes information on the change display time. Here, as described above, the variable display time acquired with reference to the reach non-occurrence variable display time table is different from the variable display time acquired with reference to the reach occurrence variable display time table. Even if the start command does not include information on whether or not reach has occurred, the notification / effect control device 140 as the sub-side control device can specify whether or not reach has occurred from the information on the variable display time. . In this regard, it can be said that the fluctuation start command includes information indicating whether or not the reach has occurred. Note that the fluctuation start command may include information directly indicating whether or not the reach has occurred.

  After executing the setting process in step S1709, the process proceeds to step S1710, in which the variation display of the lower operating port display unit in the main display unit 87 is started, and then the lower operating port variation start process ends. In the process of step S1710, a game rotation flag for the lower working port is stored in the various flag storage area 635 of the RAM 604. Thus, in the subsequent processing, it is possible to specify that the game times (for example, the fluctuation display) relating to the lower operation port 83b are being executed.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 52 again, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1601, that is, when it is determined that the game related to the lower operation port 83b is being performed, the process proceeds to step S1608. In step S1608, it is determined whether or not it is the game time related to the upper operating port 83a and it is the start time of the game time corresponding to the jackpot result. If a negative determination is made in step S1608, the process proceeds to step S1609.

  In step S1609, it is determined whether or not it is time to elapse the variable display time. If a negative determination is made in step S1609, the process for variable display is performed in step S1610, and then the control process for the lower working port is terminated. In the variable display processing of step S1610, the pattern is displayed in a variable manner by performing processing for turning on / off various LEDs constituting the lower operating port display unit.

  If the affirmative stability is obtained in step S1609, the process advances to step S1612. In step S1612, a fluctuation end process is performed. In the fluctuation end processing, the display control of the main display unit 87 is performed so that the pattern is stopped and displayed on the display for the lower working port in a manner determined in advance.

  In a succeeding step S1613, a fluctuation end command is set. The change end command set in step S1613 is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 140 in step S401 in the normal processing (FIG. 28). The notification and effect control device 140 executes processing for terminating the effect in the game round based on the reception of the fluctuation end command. In addition, by receiving the change end command, the notification and effect control device 140 confirms the combination of symbols corresponding to the game results of the game times and the like on the second display unit of the variable display unit 500Z (final stop display). Let it. In addition, it is good also as a structure which ends the effect for game times independently by the information and effect control device 140, without transmitting the fluctuation end command.

  After executing the process of step S1613, the process proceeds to step S1614, and the process of updating the number-of-games counter is executed. The game number counter is a counter for specifying the number of games in which the high frequency support mode is continued in the second normal game state, and is decremented by "1" each time the game number is executed. If the number-of-games counter has become “0”, an affirmative determination is made in step S1615, and the flow proceeds to step S1616. In step S1616, the high frequency support mode flag stored in the various flag storage areas of the RAM 604 is deleted. After setting the high frequency support mode end command in the subsequent step S1617, the control process for the lower working port ends. The high frequency support mode end command is transmitted to the notification and effect control device 140 in step S401 of the normal processing (FIG. 28). The notification / effect control device 140 switches the display effect mode based on the reception of this command.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S1608, a rewriting process of the stop pattern is executed in step S1611, and after executing the processes of steps S1612 to S1617, the control process for the upper working port ends. In the stop result rewriting process, the stop result is rewritten so as to stop and display the picture corresponding to the departure result.

  As described in detail above, in the present embodiment, the game times related to the upper working port 83a and the game times related to the lower working port 83b are configured to proceed simultaneously. However, there is a difference in the variable display time set at each game time depending on the game state, and the main target of the game progress is switched according to the game state. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 54, the relationship between the gaming state and the variable display time will be supplementarily described.

  In the first normal game state in which the support mode is the low-frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low probability mode, the variable display time set for the game times executed based on the ball entering the upper operating port 83a is 1 to 1. 20 seconds. In particular, for the game times corresponding to the departure result, the difference is provided so that the fluctuation display time becomes shorter as the number of holdings related to the upper operation port 83a increases, and the game proceeds promptly to the upper operation port 83a. It is possible to reduce the chance that the hold information is not acquired despite the occurrence of a ball entry. On the other hand, the variable display time set in the game times executed based on the ball entering the lower working port 83b is uniformly 600 seconds. In other words, the variable display time is 600 seconds regardless of whether the lottery result is the jackpot result or the loss result. As described above, in the first normal gaming state, the game times related to the upper operating port 83a progress with priority.

  On the other hand, in the second normal game state where the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the high probability mode, and in the third normal game state where the support mode is the high frequency support mode and the lottery mode is the low probability mode , The relationship of the set variable display time is opposite to that of the first normal gaming state. That is, the variable display time set for the game times executed based on the ball entering the upper operating port 83a is uniformly 600 seconds. In other words, the variable display time is 600 seconds regardless of whether the lottery result is the jackpot result or the loss result. On the other hand, the variable display time set in the game time executed based on the ball entering the lower operating port 83b is 1 to 10 seconds. In particular, for the game times corresponding to the departure result, the difference is provided so that the fluctuation display time becomes shorter as the number of holdings related to the lower operation port 83b increases, and the game proceeds promptly to the lower operation port 83b. It is possible to reduce the chance that the hold information is not acquired despite the occurrence of a ball entry. As described above, in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the number of games related to the lower operating port 83b proceeds with priority.

  In the present embodiment, the lottery result is notified by the symbol displayed by the first display unit, and the lottery result is notified by the symbol displayed by the second display unit. In accordance with the switching of the main game progress target, the side light of each display unit is switched on / off. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 55 and FIG. 56, the relationship between the gaming state and the light emitting mode will be described.

  In the first normal game state in which the game proceeds mainly based on the ball entering the upper operation port 83a, the sidelight 528Z of the first display unit and the sidelight 728Z of the second display unit are basically kept in the lighting state. (See FIG. 55). In the first normal gaming state, the rotator 725Z of the second display unit is maintained in a state in which the background of the sandy beach faces the front of the gaming machine, and a symbol corresponding to the upper operating port 83a is in front of the background of the sandy beach. Variable display. That is, as shown in FIG. 56A, the symbol of the first display unit and the background of the second display unit can be visually recognized.

  On the other hand, in the second normal game state and the third normal game state in which the game proceeds mainly based on the ball entering the lower operation port 83b, the sidelight 528Z of the first display unit is basically turned off. The side light 728Z of the second display unit is maintained in the lighting state (see FIG. 55). In these gaming states, with some exceptions, the symbols on the first display unit are not displayed, so that the symbols displayed by the second display unit are not obstructed. That is, basically, only the symbol of the second display unit can be visually recognized, as shown in FIG.

  In the special game state, the display of the symbol combination that triggered the transition to the special game state is continued. In other words, when the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed on the first display unit, the background is not displayed and the display of the symbol combination is continued, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is displayed on the second display unit. When the symbol combination is stopped and displayed, the display of the symbol combination is continued.

  Here, in the MPU 652 of the notification / effect control device 140, a control process for playing a game is executed as part of the regular process. The control process for the game operation is a display process for the upper operation port corresponding to the game time based on the ball entering the upper operation port 83a, and a display process for the lower operation port corresponding to the game time based on the ball entry to the lower operation port 83b. And display processing. Hereinafter, the display process for the upper working port will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the first normal game state, basically, the side light 528Z for the first display unit is maintained in the lighted state and the side light 728Z for the second display unit is maintained in the lighted state, and the second normal game state and the third normal state are maintained. In the gaming state, basically, the side light 528Z for the first display unit is kept off and the side light 728Z for the second display unit is kept on.

(Display process for upper working port)
As shown in FIG. 57, in the upper working port control process, first, in step S1801, it is determined whether or not the game is in the first normal gaming state. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1801, an upper operating port main control process is executed in step S1802, and if a negative determination is made in step S1801, an upper operating port special control process is executed in step S1803. I do.

(Main control processing for upper working port)
As shown in FIG. 58, in the upper operation port main control processing, first, in step S1901, the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game times related to the lower operation port 83b is determined and displayed (final stop display). It is determined whether or not there is. If a negative determination is made in step S1901, the process advances to step S1902.

  In step S1902, it is determined whether or not the game related to the upper operation port 83a is being performed. If a negative determination is made in step S1902, the flow advances to step S1903. In step S1903, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the game round related to the upper operation port 83a. If a negative determination is made in step S1903, the main processing for the upper working port ends as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1903, the flow advances to step S1904.

  In step S1904, drive control start processing for the first display unit is executed. As a result, a drive signal is output to each motor 526Z constituting the first display unit, and each rotating body 525Z starts operating. In a succeeding step S1905, a light emission control process of the side light 528 of the first display unit is executed. Accordingly, when the power supply to the side lights 528 is already performed, the power supply is continued, and when part or all of the power supply to the side lights 528 is not performed, the power supply to the side lights 528 is performed. Power supply to is started.

  Returning to the description of step S1902, when an affirmative determination is made in step S1902, that is, when the game related to the upper operating port 83a is being played, the process proceeds to step S1906. In step S1906, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination in the game times related to the upper operation port 83a. If an affirmative determination is made in step S1906, the flow advances to step S1907.

  In step S1907, a stop control process of the first display unit is executed. Thereby, all the rotating bodies 525Z constituting the first display unit are stopped, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1906, the flow advances to step S1908 to execute light emission / drive control processing for the first display unit during fluctuation. As a result, the left symbol row and the right symbol row are stopped and displayed to shift to the reach display, or the middle symbol row is specially changed. In this case, the specific flow of the display effect is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Returning to the description of step S1901, if an affirmative determination is made in step S1901, that is, if it is the timing to finalize and display the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game times related to the lower operating port 83b, the process returns to step S1909. move on. In step S1909, a turn-off control process is performed to turn off all the side lights 528Z for the first display unit. In other words, when the game cycle related to the lower operating port 83b progresses during the first normal game state and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed on the second display unit, the symbol on the first display unit is displayed. Are not displayed, and the visual recognition of the symbol combination displayed by the second display unit at the back is not hindered.

  After that, in step S1910, forcible stop control processing is performed to stop and display each rotating body 525Z of the first display unit. When the rotating bodies 525Z are forcibly stopped, the combination of the light emitting units 553Z corresponding to the departure result is stopped in the variable display area, but the supply of the light from the sidelight 528Z is stopped in step S1909. Therefore, these light emitting portions 553Z do not emit light.

(Special control processing for upper working port)
Next, an upper working port special control process that is executed when the game is in the second normal gaming state and the third normal gaming state in which the game proceeds based on a ball entering the lower working port 83b will be described. As shown in FIG. 59, in the upper operation port special control process, first, at step S2001, a symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game times related to the lower operation port 83b is determined and displayed (final stop display). It is determined whether or not there is. If a negative determination is made in step S2001, the process proceeds to step S2002.

  In the step S2002, it is determined whether or not the game related to the upper operation port 83a is being played. If a negative determination is made in step S2002, the process proceeds to step S2003. In step S2003, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the game round related to the upper operating port 83a. If a negative determination is made in step S2003, the main control for the upper working port is terminated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2003, drive control start processing for the first display unit is executed in step S2004, and then the upper working port special control processing ends. By the drive control start processing of the first display unit, the output of the drive signal to each motor 526Z for the first display unit is started, and each rotating body 525Z starts operating. However, since the side light 528 for the first display unit is maintained in the light-off state, the symbols in the first display unit remain undisplayed. That is, each rotating body 525Z idles.

  Returning to the description of step S2002, when an affirmative determination is made in step S2002, the process proceeds to step S2005. In step S2005, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination finalization display is being performed in the game times related to the upper operation port 83a. If a negative determination is made in step S2005, the process proceeds to step S2006.

  In step S2006, it is determined whether or not it is time to finalize and display the symbol combination (final stop display) in the game times related to the upper operating port 83a. If a negative determination is made in step S2006, a drive control process for changing the first display unit is performed in step S2010. Thus, rotation / stop of each rotating body 525 is controlled. However, also in this case, since the side light 528 for the first display unit is turned off, no symbol is displayed.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2006, the process proceeds to step S2007. In step S2007, stop control processing of the first display unit is executed. If the current game round corresponds to the jackpot result, the light emitting unit 553Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped at any of the active lines L1 to L5, and the current game round becomes a miss result. If it corresponds, the light emitting unit 553Z for symbol combination corresponding to the departure result is stopped at the effective lines L1 to L5.

  In a succeeding step S2008, it is determined whether or not the current game result corresponds to the big hit result. When a negative determination is made in step S2008, the special control process for the upper working port is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2008, the process advances to step S2009 to execute a light emission control process of the side light 528Z for the first display unit. As a result, light is supplied from the sidelight 528Z only to the light emitting portion 553Z on the line where the big hit symbol combination is formed, and a symbol combination corresponding to the big hit result suddenly appears on the first display unit.

  Returning to the description of step S2005, when an affirmative determination is made in step S2005, that is, when the final display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S2011. In step S2011, it is determined whether the final display period has elapsed and it is time to end the final display. If a negative determination is made in step S2011, the special control for the upper working port is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2011, the process proceeds to step S2012. In step S2012, it is determined whether or not the current game result is a big hit result. If it is a jackpot result, the process advances to step S2013 to execute a light emission extension control process to extend the light emission of the sidelight 528 of the first display unit until the special game state ends.

  As described in detail above, when a jackpot result is obtained in the game times related to the upper operation port 83a during the second normal game state and the third normal game state, only the result is displayed on the first display unit. The display is continued until the end of the special game state. On the other hand, when a result of the game related to the upper operating port 83a is lost during the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the rotator 525Z is stopped in accordance with the result. However, the symbol combination corresponding to the departure result remains hidden.

(Display processing for lower working port)
Next, the lower working port control processing will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 60, in the lower working port control process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the second normal game state or the third normal game state. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2101, the lower operation port main control process is executed in step S2102. If a negative determination is made in step S2101, the lower operation port special control process is executed in step S2103. I do.

(Main control processing for lower working port)
As shown in FIG. 61, in the lower operation port main control process, first, at step S2201, a symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game times related to the upper operation port 83a is determined and displayed (final stop display). It is determined whether or not there is. If a negative determination is made in step S2201, the process proceeds to step S2202.

  In step S2202, it is determined whether or not the game related to the lower operation port 83b is being performed. If a negative determination is made in step S2202, the process proceeds to step S2203. In step S2203, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the game round related to the lower operation port 83b. If a negative determination is made in step S2203, the main process for the lower working port is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2203, the process advances to step S2204.

  In step S2204, drive control start processing for the second display unit is executed. As a result, a drive signal is output to each motor 726Z constituting the second display unit, and each rotating body 725Z starts operating. As described above, in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, basically, the side light 728Z of the second display unit is maintained in the lighting state, and thus, the rotation of the rotating body 725Z starts the operation. The variable display of the symbol is started on the two display units.

  Returning to the description of step S2202, when an affirmative determination is made in step S2202, that is, when the game related to the lower operation port 83b is being played, the process proceeds to step S2205. In step S2205, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination (final stop display) in the game times related to the lower operation port 83b. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2205, the process advances to step S2206.

  In step S2206, stop control processing of the second display unit is executed. As a result, all the rotating bodies 725Z constituting the second display unit are stopped, and the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S2205, the flow advances to step S2207 to execute light emission / drive control processing for the second display unit during fluctuation. As a result, the left symbol row and the right symbol row are stopped and displayed to shift to the reach display, or the middle symbol row is specially changed. In this case, the specific flow of the display effect is the same as in the first embodiment.

  Returning to the description of step S2201, if an affirmative determination is made in step S2201, that is, if it is the timing to confirm and display the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game times related to the upper operating port 83a, the process returns to step S2208. move on. In step S2208, a turn-off control process is performed to turn off all the side lights 728Z for the second display unit. That is, when the game times related to the upper operating port 83a progress during the second normal game state or the third normal game state, and the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped and displayed on the first display unit, The symbols on the second display unit are not displayed, and it is possible to prevent the information provided to the player from becoming excessive and causing the player to be confused.

  Then, in step S2209, a forced stop control process is performed to stop and display each rotating body 725Z of the second display unit. When the rotating bodies 725Z are forcibly stopped, the combination of the light emitting units 753Z corresponding to the departure result is stopped in the variable display area, but the supply of the light from the sidelight 728Z is stopped in step S2208. Therefore, these light emitting portions 753Z do not emit light.

(Special control processing for lower working port)
Next, the lower working port special control process executed when the game is in the first normal gaming state in which the game proceeds based on a ball entering the upper working port 83a will be described. As shown in FIG. 62, in the lower operation port special control process, first, at step S2301, the timing at which the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result in the game times related to the upper operation port 83a is definitely displayed (final stop display). It is determined whether or not there is. If a negative determination is made in step S2301, the process proceeds to step S2302.

  In the step S2302, it is determined whether or not the game related to the lower operation port 83b is being performed. If a negative determination is made in step S2302, the flow advances to step S2303. In step S2303, it is determined whether or not it is the start timing of the game round related to the lower operation port 83b. If a negative determination is made in step S2303, the special control process for the lower working port is terminated.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2303, the flow advances to step S2304. In step S2304, a special control process for the side light of the second display unit is performed, and in subsequent step S2305, a drive control process for the second display unit is performed. Thus, the output of the drive signal to each motor 726Z for the second display unit is started, and each rotating body 725Z starts operating. In this case, the light emitting portion 753Z for the background and the light emitting portion 753Z for the symbol pass through the variable display region at a predetermined cycle, but the period in which the light emitting portion 753Z for the symbol passes through the variable display region. , The supply of light from the sidelight 728Z is temporarily stopped. This makes it appear as if the background is blinking as viewed from the player.

  Returning to the description of step S2302, when an affirmative determination is made in step S2302, the flow proceeds to step S2306. In step S2306, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination finalization display is being performed in the game times related to the lower operation port 83b. If a negative determination is made in step S2306, the flow advances to step S2307.

  In step S2307, it is determined whether or not it is time to confirm and display the symbol combination (final stop display) in the game times related to the lower operation port 83b. If a negative determination is made in step S2307, light emission / drive control processing for changing the second display unit is performed in step S2311. Thereby, the side light 728Z is switched on / off in accordance with the rotation position of each rotating body 725Z, and the background is displayed blinking, while the symbols on the second display unit are not displayed. In addition, when the game operation related to the lower operation port 83b is executed in the first normal game state, each of the rotating bodies 725Z stops when the timing of the final display is reached without going through the reach display described above. It will be.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S2307, the flow advances to step S2308. In step S2308, stop control processing of the second display unit is executed. When the current game round corresponds to the jackpot result, the light emitting unit 753Z for the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result is stopped at any of the active lines L1 to L5, and the current game round becomes a miss result. If it corresponds, the light emitting unit 753Z for symbol combination corresponding to the departure result is stopped at the effective lines L1 to L5.

  In a succeeding step S2309, it is determined whether or not the current game result corresponds to the big hit result. If a negative determination is made in step S2309, the special control process for the lower working port is terminated. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2309, the flow advances to step S2310 to execute a light emission control process of the side light 728Z for the second display unit. As a result, light is supplied from the sidelight 728Z only to the light emitting portion 753Z on the line where the big hit symbol combination is formed, and a symbol combination corresponding to the big hit result suddenly appears on the second display unit.

  Returning to the description of step S2306, when an affirmative determination is made in step S2306, that is, when the final display is being performed, the process proceeds to step S2312. In step S2312, it is determined whether the final display period has elapsed and it is time to end the final display. If a negative determination is made in step S2312, the upper-side working-port special control process ends. If an affirmative determination is made in step S2011, the process advances to step S2313. In step S2313, it is determined whether or not the current game result is a big hit result. If it is a jackpot result, the flow advances to step S2313 to execute a light emission extension control process to extend the light emission of the sidelight 728Z of the second display unit until the special game state ends.

  Returning to the description of step S2301, if a positive determination is made in step S2301, the process proceeds to step S2315. In step S2315, a forced stop control process of the second display unit is executed. That is, in the case where the symbol combination that results in the big hit is stopped and displayed in the game times related to the upper operation port 83a in the first normal gaming state, the rotating bodies 725Z are forcibly stopped also in the second display unit. . In this case, the second display unit is adjusted so that the combination of the light emitting units 753Z corresponding to the jackpot results does not stop on any of the activated lines L1 to L5.

  As described in detail above, when a jackpot result is obtained in the game times related to the lower operation port 83b during the first normal game state, only the result is displayed on the second display unit, and the display is special. It will be continued until the end of the gaming state. On the other hand, if the result of the game related to the lower operation port 83b during the first normal game state is a disengagement result, the rotator 525Z is also stopped according to the result, but the disengagement result corresponds to the result. The displayed symbol combination remains hidden.

  When comparing the first normal game state corresponding to the low-frequency support mode with the second normal game state and the third normal game state corresponding to the high-frequency support mode, the latter has a higher frequency of entering the operating port than the former. Will be higher. In consideration of such circumstances, the variable display time set in the second normal game state and the third normal game state is shortened, and the progress of the game is facilitated. When the arrangement of the light emitting portions 553Z (symbols) in the first display unit is compared with the arrangement of the light emitting portions 753Z (symbols) in the second display unit, in the former, one symbol is arranged in one symbol row. On the other hand, in the latter case, a plurality of symbols are arranged in one symbol row. This is a device for shortening the required time until the set symbol is stopped and displayed as much as possible, thereby improving the responsiveness of the symbol display during the progress of the game.

  The result of the lottery based on the ball entering the upper operating port 83a is displayed on the first display unit, and the result of the lottery based on the ball entering the lower operating port 83b is displayed on the second display unit. As described above, by separately providing the display section for the upper operation port 83a and the display section for the lower operation port 83b, the player can determine which of the operation ports is used to advance the game. It can be grasped quickly. However, in the case where the display unit is provided for each operating port in this way, there is a concern that the load on the player is increased and the result of the lottery is overlooked due to the scattered portions to be noted. In this regard, as described in this embodiment, since the other display portion is configured to be visible through one display portion, the amount of movement of the line of sight between the display portions can be reduced. . Therefore, it is possible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of the various inconveniences caused by the provision of the individual display unit for each operation port to enhance the originality. Thereby, the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game can be appropriately enhanced.

  The display unit of the first display unit and the display unit of the second display unit are parallel. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a large difference in visibility between the symbol display on the first display unit and the symbol display on the second display unit.

  The symbol variable display area on the first display unit and the symbol variable display area on the second display unit overlap each other. With such a configuration, when the player is paying attention to one of the display units and performing a variable display of the symbol on the other display unit, the effect may be made fancy or uselessly accented. It is possible to preferably reduce the chances of the variable display being overlooked without the need to perform the operation. Regardless of the configuration in which a large number of symbols are stopped and displayed, the positions (effective lines) where the symbol combinations corresponding to the lottery result are stopped and displayed are overlapped on the first display unit and the second display unit. It is possible to easily identify whether the symbol combination corresponds to the current lottery result.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the stop display position (effective line) and the variable display area are superimposed one on the other, the symbol group displayed on each display unit is made different in appearance, so that the symbol is displayed on any display unit. It is possible to improve the discriminating power as to whether or not the information is displayed. In particular, in a configuration in which the activated lines are aligned before and after, the symbols in the first display unit and the symbols in the second display unit are mixed, so that, for example, the symbol combination corresponding to the departure result is stopped and displayed on each display unit. Despite this, it is possible to preferably prevent the symbol combination corresponding to the jackpot result from appearing to be displayed as stopped.

  In the variable display mode in the first normal game state, the symbols in the second display section are basically not displayed, and in the variable display mode in the second normal game state and the third normal game state, the symbols are basically displayed in the first display section. The symbol is hidden. With such a configuration, confusion between the display on the first display unit and the display on the second display unit can be suitably suppressed.

  In the configuration in which the lottery by each lottery means is performed in parallel, a jackpot result may be obtained by a lottery based on winning in the lower operating port 83b during the first normal game state, or the second normal game state and the third normal game state There is a possibility that a jackpot may be obtained during a lottery based on winning in the upper operating port 83a. In such a case, it is possible to notify the winning result by using a display unit other than the display unit on the winning side, but this may be a factor of confusion for the player. On the other hand, if the symbols are fluctuated in the course of displaying the lottery results, the fluctuating displays of the symbols will be duplicated on both display portions, and the information provided to the player will be excessive. In this regard, as shown in the present embodiment, if a lottery result is obtained in the second normal gaming state and the third normal gaming state based on the winning in the upper operating port 83a, the first display is performed. When the symbol corresponding to the winning result is stopped in the section and displayed in a stopped state, and in the first normal gaming state, if the lottery based on winning in the lower operating port 83b results in a jackpot, the second display section With the configuration in which the symbol corresponding to the winning result is displayed in a stopped state, the occurrence of the various inconveniences can be suitably suppressed.

<Modification 1>
In the third embodiment, the second display unit is provided with the background display function. However, it is sufficient if the second display unit has at least the function of executing the symbol display for the game operation related to the lower operation port 83b. The display function can be omitted.

<Modification 2>
In the third embodiment, the side light 728 of the second display unit is turned on during the first normal game state. However, the side light 728 is turned off during the first normal game state. It may be.

<Modification 3>
In the third embodiment, when one of the first display unit and the second display unit is performing the variable display of the symbol, the other is not performing the variable display of the symbol. The light supply is not performed even if is rotated), but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which symbol display in each display unit is performed in parallel.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the first embodiment, whether or not to shift to the high-probability mode is determined by a lottery based on a ball entering the operating ports 83a and 83b. However, in the present embodiment, the operation is performed. A configuration in which the mode shifts to the high probability mode when a ball enters the advantageous ball section provided in the variable prize device 82 during the special game state shifted to the lottery based on the ball entry into the mouths 83a and 83b. The first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the right route of the game area PE is partially devised in accordance with such a difference in playability. One. More specifically, the distribution unit 810 built in the variable winning device 82 disposed on the right route, and the stage unit 830 disposed upstream (diagonally above) the variable winning device 82 on the right route. The configuration is different from that of the first embodiment in that a game mechanism 800 is provided. Hereinafter, the gaming mechanism 800 will be described with reference to FIGS. 63 is a schematic diagram showing the gaming mechanism 800, FIG. 64 is a schematic diagram of the stage unit of the distribution unit 810 viewed from above, FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram showing various states of the distribution unit, and FIG. 66 is a stage unit 830. It is a schematic diagram. In FIG. 63, for convenience of explanation, the distribution unit 810 and the stage unit 830 are described as being arranged side by side.

(Distribution unit 810)
First, the distribution unit 810 described on the right side of FIG. 63 will be described. The distribution unit has a stage section 811 formed such that a game ball can roll. The stage 811 has a first entrance 812, a second entrance 813, and a third entrance 814 as entrances through which game balls can pass (see FIG. 64). Each of the entrances 812 to 814 is open upward, and is slightly larger than a game ball. The first entrance 812 is connected to a first branch passage 818 which is a disadvantageous passage through the first communication passage 815, and the second entrance 813 is also connected to the first branch passage 818 through the second communication passage 816. Is connected to. On the other hand, the third entrance 814 is connected to the second branch passage 819 (the above-mentioned advantageous entrance) which is an advantageous passage through the third communication passage 817.

  When a game ball enters the first branch passage 818 during the special game state, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player. On the other hand, when a ball enters the second branch passage portion 819 during the special game state, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the player, and the normal game state shifts after the end of the special game state. Changes the lottery mode to the high probability mode. As described above, since the second branch passage portion 819 is preferentially treated to be more advantageous to the player than the first branch passage portion 818, the game ball that has flowed into the variable prize device 82 has the third branch passage portion 819. It is assumed that the player plays a game in expectation of entering the ball entrance 814.

  The stage portion 811 is inclined downward toward each of the entrances 812 to 814, and enters the ball entrance 812 to 814 while rolling on the stage 811 along the inclination. . The stage section 811 is surrounded by the wall surface of the housing of the variable winning device 82. This prevents the game ball that has reached the stage section 811 from leaving the stage section 811 except through the entrances 812 to 814.

  The distributing unit 810 is provided with a movable body 821 as a restricting means for restricting a ball from entering the first entrance 812 and the second entrance 813. The movable body 821 has a base portion 822 located below the stage portion 811, and a first columnar portion 823 and a second columnar portion 824 that rise upward from the base portion 822.

  The first columnar portion 823 has its tip inserted into the first communication passage 815 from below, and the upper surface 823a of the first columnar portion 823 forms a part of the bottom surface of the first communication passage 815. Also, the tip of the second columnar portion 824 is inserted into the second communication passage 816 from below, and the upper surface 824a of the second columnar portion 824 forms a part of the bottom surface of the second communication passage 816. ing.

  The movable body 821 is held by the housing of the variable winning device 82 so as to be able to move up and down. In a state where the movable body 821 is on standby at the lower limit position shown in FIG. 65 (a), it is possible for game balls to enter the first entrance 812 and the second entrance 813, and the stage section is provided. The probability that a game ball that has reached 811 enters the third entrance 814 on the advantageous side is about 1/3.

  On the other hand, in a state where the movable body 821 is on standby at the upper limit position shown in FIG. 65 (b), the entry into the first entrance 812 and the second entrance 813 is restricted. Specifically, the rolling surfaces of the stage portion 811 are complemented by the upper surfaces 823a and 824a of the columnar portions 823 and 824, and the game balls rolling toward the first ball entrance 812 and the second ball entrance 813 are: The first ball entrance 812 and the second ball entrance 813 pass through. As a result, the probability that the game ball that has reached the stage portion 811 enters the third entrance 814 on the advantageous side is approximately 1/1.

  One of the features of the present embodiment is that the standby period in which the movable body 821 waits at the upper limit position when the movable body 821 moves to the upper limit position is diversified using the stage unit 830. Hereinafter, the stage unit 830 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 63, the stage unit 830 has a stage section 831 on which the game ball rolls in the same manner as the distribution unit 810, and a part of the game ball flowing down the right route, specifically, the right route. The game balls that have flowed into the special ball entrance 88 provided are guided to the stage 831.

  The stage section 831 is formed in a mortar shape that gradually slopes down toward the center thereof, and has a central opening 832 that is open upward at the center (see FIG. 56B). . The game ball guided to the stage portion 831 approaches the central opening 832 while rotating around the central opening 832, and flows into the central opening 832.

  The central opening 832 forms an entrance portion of the discharge passage 833 of the game ball in the stage portion 831. The discharge passage 833 extends in the vertical direction, and the game ball that has passed through the discharge passage 833 flows into a guide passage 836 provided below the discharge passage 833, and the variable prize device passes through the guide passage 836. Guided to a position directly above 82. That is, among the game balls fired to the right route, those that have passed through the stage unit 830 also have room for entering the variable winning device 82.

  The stage unit 830 is held so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction similarly to the movable body 821, and the upper limit position and the lower limit position are defined by a stopper 834 provided in the stage unit 830. Although not shown, the stage unit 830 is urged to an upper limit position by an urging means (more specifically, a spring member), and stands by at the upper limit position in a state where no game ball is placed on the stage portion 831. It has a configuration. However, when at least one game ball is placed on the stage section 831, the stage unit 830 descends against the urging force of the urging means due to the weight of the game ball. The movement exceeding the lower limit position is blocked by the stopper 834.

  The movable body 821 of the distribution unit 810 shown in this embodiment and the stage unit 830 are connected via a link member 840. The link member 840 is rotatably supported at an intermediate position between the movable body 821 and the stage unit 830, and rotates around this shaft support point (center axis CL2). It should be noted that the shaft support portion is set so as to be biased toward the movable body 821. This is a measure to reduce the force required to move the movable body 821 up and down.

  When the stage unit 830 located at one end of the link member 840 descends, the movable body 821 located at the other end of the link member 840 rises in conjunction therewith. On the other hand, when the stage unit 830 rises, the movable body 821 descends in conjunction therewith. Here, with reference to FIG. 67 and FIG. 68, a flow of the game in the special game state will be exemplified.

  When shifting to the special game state, the variable winning device 82 is opened, and the game ball flowing down the right route flows into the special winning opening. The game balls flowing into the special winning opening are guided to the stage section 811 of the distribution unit 810.

  As shown in FIG. 67, in a situation where the game ball is not placed on the stage portion 831 of the stage unit 830 (a situation where the game ball is not stopped), the first entrance 812 and the second entrance 813 of the sorting unit 810. Is opened, and the probability of entering the third entrance 814 on the advantageous side is about 1/3.

  When a game ball is placed on the stage section 831 of the stage unit 830, the stage unit 830 is pushed down by the game ball and descends to the lower limit position, and the movable body 821 of the distribution unit 810 moves to the upper limit position in conjunction therewith. Moving. In this state, as shown in FIG. 68, it is impossible to enter the first entrance 812 and the second entrance 813, and the destination is substantially narrowed to the third entrance 814. Become. In other words, the probability of entering the third entrance 814, which is the advantageous side, is temporarily but 1/1.

  As shown in FIG. 68 → FIG. 67, when the game ball located on the stage portion 831 separates from the stage unit 830 through the central opening 832, the stage unit 830 returns to the upper limit position by the urging force. In conjunction with this, the movable body 821 returns to the lower limit position, and the support for entering the third entrance 814 by the movable body 821 ends.

  Here, the game balls rolling to the stage 831 of the stage unit 830 are finally discharged from the stage 831 through the central opening 832, but the stay period in the stage 831 varies. That is, the length of the stay period differs depending on the subtle differences in the moving speed and the landing position when reaching the stage portion 831. For this reason, the period during which the movable body 821 supports the ball to enter the third ball entrance 814 differs in length.

  The stage unit 831 of the stage unit 830 shown in this embodiment is configured so that a plurality of game balls can roll (stay) at the same time, and the center opening 832 allows a plurality of game balls to pass at the same time. It is a size that is impossible. As a result, a plurality of game balls are placed on the stage section 831 so that the period of the above-mentioned ball entry support becomes longer. Therefore, in the special game state, the game is performed in the expectation that a little more game balls will be guided to the stage portion 831.

  In the distribution unit 810 described in this embodiment, when a game ball is placed on the upper surfaces 823a and 824a, the movable body 821 tends to descend due to the weight of the game ball, so that the support period is limited. May be shortened. However, the area of the stage portion 831 is larger than the total area of the upper surfaces 823a and 824a of the columnar portions 823 and 824 of the movable body 821. As a result, the occurrence of the above-mentioned event is suppressed.

  When the game ball is placed on the stage 831 of the stage unit 830, the movable body 821 of the distribution unit 810 is displaced from the lower limit position to the upper limit position, and when the game ball separates from the stage 831, the movable body 821 is moved from the upper limit position. Return to lower limit position. Here, there is a difference in the stay period of staying at the stage unit 831 according to the rolling mode of the game ball in the stage unit 831 (for example, the rolling direction and the rolling speed of the game ball). That is, the period during which the movable body 821 is located at the upper limit position depends on the stay period. By suppressing the movement of the game mechanism 800 from becoming monotonous in this way, it is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

  The movable body 821 is displaced to the lower limit position / upper limit position in conjunction with the elevating operation of the stage unit 831 of the stage unit 830. Here, by setting the operation direction of the stage section 831 to be up and down, it is possible to suppress a change in the behavior of the game ball due to the movement of the stage section 831. This is preferable in order to alleviate the bias in the waiting period in which the game balls wait on the stage section 831.

  In a configuration in which the stage unit 830 is raised and lowered using the weight of a game ball, the driving force depends on the weight of the game ball. As shown in the present embodiment, a stage unit 830 is provided at one end of a link member 840 that is rotatably held, and a movable body 821 is provided at the other end. By forming the movement of the body 821 so as to be staggered up and down, output transmission loss can be reduced. This is preferable in order to increase the reliability of the operation of the gaming mechanism 800 on the assumption that the driving force is small.

  The stage section 831 is formed so that a plurality of game balls can roll at the same time. As described above, in the configuration in which the weight of the game ball is used as the power for displacing the movable body 821, the displacement speed (responsiveness) can be changed depending on the number of the game balls that can be located on the stage portion 831. With such a configuration in which the responsiveness changes in accordance with the number of game balls, it is possible to contribute to further diversification of a period in which the movable body 821 is maintained at the upper limit position.

  The discharge passage 833 formed in the stage unit 830 extends vertically from the central opening 832 and is a vertical passage. With such a configuration, it is possible to avoid delay in returning the stage unit 830 to the standby position due to, for example, being pushed by a game ball passing through the discharge passage 833. This can contribute to an improvement in responsiveness when the movable body 821 is displaced to the lower limit position / the upper limit position.

  The central opening 832 has such a size that a plurality of game balls cannot pass at the same time. For this reason, when a plurality of game balls roll on the stage section 831, the game balls are sequentially separated from the stage section 831 and are prevented from being separated at once. Therefore, the period during which the movable body 821 waits at the upper limit position (for example, the operation period) can be diversified according to the number of game balls located on the stage portion 831.

<Modification 1>
In the fourth embodiment, when the movable body 821 is arranged at the upper limit position, the upper surfaces 823a and 824a of the columnar portions 823 and 824 complement the rolling surface of the game ball on the stage portion 811. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 69, when the movable body 821A is disposed at the upper limit position, the columnar portions 823A and 824A protrude above the rolling surface of the game ball on the stage portion 811. It is also possible. This can reduce the chances of a game ball being placed on the upper surfaces 823aA and 824aA of the columnar portions 823A and 824A while restricting the ball from entering the ball entrances 812A and 813A.

<Modification 2>
In the fourth embodiment, the moving direction (vertical direction) of the movable body 821 of the distribution unit 810 is aligned with the moving direction (vertical direction) of the stage unit 830. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 70, a shutter 825B for opening and closing the entrance 812B and an urging means for urging the shutter 825B to the closed position are added, and the shutter 825B raises the movable body 821B. Accordingly, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the slider is slid from the closed position to the open position against the urging force of the urging means. With such a configuration, even if a game ball is placed on the shutter 825B, it is possible to prevent the movable body 821B from being pushed down by its weight.

<Modification 3>
In the fourth embodiment, the game ball that has entered the special entrance 88 provided on the right route is guided to the stage unit 830 (stage section 831). In order to increase the variation in the moving speed of the game ball guided to the stage portion 831, it is preferable to incline the communication passage 88 bC connecting the special entrance port 88 C and the stage portion 831 as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. . There is a difference in behavior between a case where a game ball flows into the opening 88aC of the special ball entrance 88C from the same side as the inclined direction and a case where a game ball flows from the side opposite to the inclined direction. The former is less likely to lose the momentum of the inflow of the game ball than the latter, so that the difference in the moving speed when reaching the stage 831 can be remarkable. This is preferable in increasing the width of the support period by the movable body 821.

  In order to provide a difference in the moving speed, the communication passage 88bC can be changed as follows. That is, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 72A, the communication passage 88bD is branched into a first branch passage 88cD and a second branch passage 88dD at an intermediate position, and the game ball is placed at the branch position in the first branch passage. Distributing means 88gD for distributing to 88cD and the second branch passage 88dD is provided. And deceleration portions 88eD and 88fD for decelerating the game ball are respectively provided in the first branch passage 88cD and the second branch passage 88dD, and a difference between the moving speeds of the game balls at the time of passing through the respective branch passages 88cD and 88dD. It should be caused.

  It should be noted that this concept may be applied to the stage section 831 to cause a difference depending on the flow path in the stay period of the game ball in the stage section 831.

<Modification 4>
In the fourth embodiment, the stage unit 831 of the stage unit 830 has a mortar shape to diversify the stay period of the game ball, but a specific configuration for providing a difference in the stay period is arbitrary. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 72 (b1), the stage unit 830E is provided with a first flow path 88cE having a relatively short required passage time and a second flow path 88dE having a relatively long required time. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the length of stay varies depending on the road. In this case, by allowing the movement of the game ball from one of the first flow path 88cE / the second flow path 88dE to the other, it is possible to contribute to further diversification of the stay period. For example, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 72 (b2), after the first flow path 88cE is offset above the second flow path 88dE, the rolling surface of the game ball in the first flow path 88cE is shifted to the second flow path. It is preferable to incline downward toward the flow path 88dE.

<Modification 5>
In the fourth embodiment, the stage unit 830 is configured to start descending by placing one game ball on the stage section 831 of the stage unit 830. However, the number is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the descent is started when two game balls are mounted, or the configuration is such that the descent is started when three or more game balls are mounted.

<Modification 6>
In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the mode is shifted to the high-probability mode based on the ball entering the third entrance 814 is illustrated. However, at least the entrances 812 to 814 are provided with a difference in the degree of advantage. If so, the round game in the special game state can be continued by entering the third entrance 814. In addition, the distribution unit does not need to be applied to the variable winning device 82, and may be provided separately from the variable winning device 82. In this case, when the ball enters the first entrance 812 and the second entrance 813, a jackpot lottery is executed, and when the ball enters the third entrance 814, the jackpot is determined. It is also possible.

<Variation 7>
In the fourth embodiment, a difference in the degree of advantage is provided so that the third entrance 814 is more advantageous to the player than the first entrance 812 and the second entrance 813. Can be reversed. That is, a difference in the degree of advantage may be provided so that the third entrance 814 is more disadvantageous to the player than the first entrance 812 and the second entrance 813.

<Modification 8>
It suffices if the movable body is configured to be in the operating state over the period in which the game ball stays on the stage unit 830, and its operation is necessarily "distribution of the game ball". There is no. For example, a configuration corresponding to the stage unit 830 for operating a movable decorative body for performance may be applied.

<Other embodiments>
Note that the present invention is not limited to the content described in each of the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be individually applied to each of the above embodiments, or some or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments. Further, all or some of the various configurations described in the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effect to be exhibited) of each component to be combined is ensured. The following configurations may be individually applied to a new configuration formed by a combination of the embodiments, or some or all of them may be applied in combination.

  (1) In each of the above embodiments, the light guides 532 and 732 are of a rotary type, but the present invention is not limited to this. The operation mode of the light guide unit is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a slide type. The sliding direction in the case of the sliding type is also preferably the same direction as the arrangement direction of the light emitting portions 553 and 753 (the arrangement direction of the symbols).

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the scroll direction (vertical direction) of the symbols in the first display unit is aligned with the scroll direction (vertical direction) of the symbols in the second display unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Not something. For example, the configuration may be such that the scroll direction of the symbol on the first display unit and the scroll direction of the symbol on the second display unit intersect.

  (3) The processing direction of the light emitting portions 553 and 753 shown in each of the above embodiments is arbitrary. For example, unevenness as a “light emitting portion” may be formed by edging, formed by laser processing or molding, or formed by printing.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, the light emitting portions 553 and 753 are formed by forming fine irregularities on the surfaces of the light guiding portions 532 and 732, but a specific configuration for emitting light in the light guiding portion is provided. Is optional. For example, the light guide may include a medium having a different refractive index from that of the base of the light guide, and light reaching the medium may be emitted from the light guide.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, the display surface of the first display unit and the display surface of the second display unit are parallel, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is sufficient that an operation gap is ensured for the operation of each display unit, and the display surface of the first display unit and the display surface of the second display unit may be configured to face different directions.

  (6) In each of the above embodiments, the operation of the light guide 532 is performed by operating the light guide 532 in a state where the supply of light from the sidelight 528 to the light guide 532 is stopped. However, in order to embody such a technical idea, at least a part of the period during which the supply of light is stopped is used as the operation period of the light guide unit 532. It is not necessary to use the entire period in which the supply is stopped as the operation period.

  (7) In the above embodiments, the boundary portion BP1 between the light guide panels 555 to 557 is configured to extend in the same direction as the rotation center axis CL of the rotating body 525. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to adopt a configuration extending in a direction crossing the direction of the rotation center axis CL.

  (8) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the symbol combination corresponding to the lottery result is displayed using three drums is illustrated, but the number of drums is arbitrary. For example, the number may be one, two, or four or more.

  (9) In each of the above embodiments, when performing a lottery based on the hold information in the main controller 162, a change in the picture on the operating port display unit of the main display unit is performed simultaneously with the lottery (specifically, immediately after the lottery). The display and the variable display of the symbol in the variable display area of the variable display unit 500 are configured to start, but the present invention is not limited to this. Prior to the lottery, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the variable display of the pattern on the display unit for the working port or the variable display of the symbol in the variable display area of the variable display unit 500 is started.

  (10) In each of the above-described embodiments, the difference in the degree of advantage is not provided between the lottery related to the upper working port 83a and the lottery related to the lower working port 83b. You may. For example, you may comprise so that the lottery concerning the lower working opening 83b may be more advantageous to a player than the lottery concerning the upper working opening 83a.

  (11) Other types of pachinko machines, such as pachinko machines, which are different from the above embodiments, such as a pachinko machine in which an electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific region of a special device, or a game in a specific region of a special device The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that becomes a jackpot when a ball enters and a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball and the like provided with other accessories.

  In addition, a game machine that is not a ball-and-ball type, for example, includes a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are provided in a circumferential direction, starts rotation of the reels by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. Therefore, the present invention is also applied to a slot machine that provides a player with a privilege such as payout of medals when a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line visible from the display window after the reel stops. Can be applied.

  Furthermore, the game machine main body supported to be openable and closable on the outer frame includes a storage unit and a capture device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capture device. Accordingly, the present invention can be applied to a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, in which the rotation of a reel is started.

<About the inventions extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, features of the invention group extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses or the like.

<Feature A group>
The following feature A group includes a game machine such as a pachinko machine that includes a picture display device that displays a picture on a display screen in a fluctuating manner. When the game ball passes through the operating port, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a specific game state advantageous to the player such as a hit state, and a variation display of a picture is started. In the case of winning, a specific pattern combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the gaming state shifts to the specific gaming state (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-074175). "In recent years, various ideas have been devised to increase the level of attention to games. However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the level of interest in games. That. In which the invention has been made with the problem to be solved that. "

Feature A1. The variable display of the picture is started based on the establishment of the predetermined start condition (winning to the operating ports 83a and 83b), and the picture corresponding to the lottery result by the lottery means (the lottery function in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) is displayed. A game machine provided with a pattern display means (variable display unit 500 and a notification / production control device 140) for stopping and displaying,
The picture display means includes a light guide (light guide 532) on which a plurality of light emission portions (light emission portions 553) are formed, and a light emitting portion (side) for supplying light to an end surface (end surface 554) of the light guide. Light 528), and when the light is supplied from the light emitting section to the light guide, the light is emitted from the light emitting section so that the picture is displayed. A gaming machine characterized by the following.

  In the picture display means shown in the feature A1, the picture is displayed by emitting the light from the light emitting section from the light emitting section formed in the light guide. The pattern can be switched between display and non-display by turning on / off the light emitting unit, and the color of the pattern can be changed by changing the emission color. As described above, it is preferable to construct the picture display means by using the light guide and the light emitting unit in combination, in order to diversify the display mode of the picture and to improve the degree of attention to the game.

  In addition, each technical idea shown in the following features A2 to A14 can be applied to the present feature.

Feature A2. The variable display of the picture is started based on the establishment of the predetermined start condition (winning to the operating ports 83a and 83b), and the picture corresponding to the lottery result by the lottery means (the lottery function in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) is displayed. A game machine provided with a pattern display means (variable display unit 500 and a notification / production control device 140) for stopping and displaying,
The picture display means,
A light emitting unit (side light 528),
A light guide (light guide) is formed in which a light emitting unit (light emitting unit 553) is formed, and the pattern is displayed by emitting light supplied from the light emitting unit from the light emitting unit. 532)
Changing means for changing the picture displayed on the light guide by operating at least one of the light guide and the light emitting unit to change an irradiation position of light from the light emitting unit to the light guide; (Information and effect control device 140).

  In the picture display means shown in the feature A2, the picture is displayed by emitting the light from the light emitting section from the light emitting section formed in the light guide. Then, a pattern displayed on the light guide is changed by operating at least one of the light guide and the light emitting unit to change a light irradiation location on the light guide. With such a configuration, it is possible to make the display of the pattern novel, and to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

Feature A3. The light emitting unit is disposed so as to face an end surface (end surface 554) of the light guide,
The gaming machine according to Feature A2, wherein the changing unit is configured to change a location where the light from the light emitting unit irradiates the end face.

  By adopting a configuration in which the light from the light emitting section is applied to the end face of the light guide, it is possible to prevent the light source from being noticeable when the picture is visually checked.

  Feature A4. When the pattern displayed on the light guide is in a non-supply state (light-off state) in which light is not supplied from the light emitting unit to the light guide, the pattern is not visible or the light from the light emitting unit. The gaming machine according to feature A2 or feature A3, characterized in that it is difficult to recognize the light as compared to a supply state (lighting state) in which light is supplied to the light guide.

  According to the feature A4, when the supply state is changed from the supply state to the non-supply state, the pattern becomes invisible or difficult to recognize (hereinafter, also referred to as non-display). As described above, by enabling the pattern to be switched between display and non-display, the information provided to the player by the pattern display means can be limited according to the game situation. In addition, it is possible to contribute to diversification of display modes when performing variable display of a picture.

  Feature A5. The change unit is configured to operate at least one of the light guide and the light emitting unit in the supply state to change an irradiation position of the light in the light guide. A gaming machine according to A4.

  When the design is changed, if at least one of the light guide and the light emitting unit is operated in a supply state of supplying light, the design can be seen to be moving in the direction of the operation.

Feature A6. The picture display means has a holding unit (base body 524) for operably holding the light guide,
The game according to any one of features A2 to A5, wherein the changing unit is configured to operate the light guide to change a light irradiation location on the light guide. Machine.

  With a configuration in which the light guide itself is moved instead of the light emitting unit (light source), it is possible to suitably prevent the pattern changing mode from being limited by the length of the wiring and the like. In addition, since the position of the light emitting unit can be fixed, it is possible to replace the pattern displayed at the same position, and even when displaying the pattern variably, unify the portions that the player should pay attention to. be able to. This is a preferable configuration for suppressing oversight of the pattern display and reducing fatigue of the player.

  Feature A7. The gaming machine according to Feature A6, wherein an operation direction of the light guide is set to be a direction that intersects with a direction of light irradiation of the light emitting unit.

  With the operation of the light guide, it is possible to suppress a change in the distance between the light irradiation target (end face) and the light emitting unit in the light guide. This is preferable in order to prevent the light from being emitted from the light emitting unit from being diffused before the light is irradiated to the end face, thereby suppressing the shortage of the light supply to the light emitting unit.

Feature A8. The light emitting unit is provided side by side in the operation direction of the light guide,
The light emitting unit includes a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit provided side by side in the operation direction of the light guide,
The feature A6 or the feature A7, wherein the picture display means is capable of changing the number of pictures to be displayed by individually controlling light emission of the first light emitting section and the second light emitting section. The gaming machine described.

  The number of pictures displayed by using the first and second light-emitting sections, which can be individually controlled, can be increased or decreased according to the game situation, etc., thereby increasing the expressive power of the picture display means. Can be improved.

  Note that the configuration described in this feature is described as “the light emitting units are arranged in the operating direction of the light guide, and the first light emitting unit and the light emitting unit are provided side by side in the operating direction of the light guide. A second light emitting section, wherein the picture display means controls the light emission of the first light emitting section and the second light emitting section individually, so that the number of pictures displayed at the predetermined display position in the operation direction is increased. Can be changed. The gaming machine according to feature A6 or feature A7. "

  Feature A9. The game according to any one of features A4 to A8, wherein the picture display means includes means for stopping supply of light from the light emitting unit during operation of the light guide. Machine.

  In a conventional gaming machine, for example, it is possible to make a pattern substantially indistinguishable by variably displaying a pattern at a high speed. However, such movement hinders improvement in durability of the picture display means. In particular, since the light guide is heavier than paper or the like, it is feared that such inconvenience becomes remarkable.

  Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, the picture displayed on the light guide can be suddenly erased by stopping the supply of light from the light emitting section. By adopting a configuration in which the appearance is largely changed by changing the light emission control of the light emitting unit (changing the discriminability) as described above, it is possible to diversify the display mode and appropriately suppress a decrease in durability due to the diversification.

  For example, a display mode in which the process of changing the pattern is specified and a display mode in which the process of changing the pattern is not specified may be used together. With such a configuration, it is possible to suitably diversify the modes of variable display of the picture.

Feature A10. The light-emitting unit is a first light-emitting unit, and the pattern is displayed at the predetermined display position by emitting light from the first light-emitting unit from the light-emitting unit located at a predetermined display position. It has a configuration,
The light emitting portion has an uneven shape,
The picture display means includes a second light emitting unit (backlight 582 of the background display device 529) that can irradiate light from behind the gaming machine to a portion of the light guide that is located at the predetermined display position. The gaming machine according to any one of features A6 to A8, characterized in that:

  In the case where the light emitting portion is formed by minute unevenness, environmental light such as illumination of a game hall is diffused by the light emitting portion, so that the position and shape of the light emitting portion cannot be completely visually identified. It is difficult to make it possible. In other words, there is a possibility that the shape and position of the light emitting portion can be grasped by squinting well. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, if a configuration is adopted in which light is emitted from the second light emitting unit to the light guide, environmental light and the like are scattered by light from the second light emitting unit, and the shape and position of the light emitting unit are changed. It can be difficult to grasp. This is preferable in order to enhance the impact when the pattern suddenly appears by switching the supply state / non-supply state of the first light emitting unit.

  Feature A11. The changing unit may change the light guide under a situation where the supply of light to the light guide by the first light emitting unit is stopped and the light guide is irradiated with light by the second light emitting unit. The gaming machine according to feature A10, further comprising a unit that operates.

  When operating the light guide, it is not possible to deny the possibility that it is specified that the light guide is in operation using the light emitting portion as a mark by squinting well. This is a factor that reduces the impact when the light guide is operated while the first light emitting unit is not supplied and the picture is suddenly replaced. Therefore, when the picture is replaced, as shown in the present feature, the situation in which the supply of light to the light guide by the first light emitting unit is stopped and the light is irradiated to the light guide by the second light emitting unit. If the light guide is operated below, ambient light and the like can be scattered by the light from the second light emitting unit. This makes it difficult to recognize that the light guide is in operation, and suppresses the occurrence of the inconvenience.

  Feature A12. The second light emitting unit is configured such that when the light emitting unit is located at the predetermined display position, a portion of the light guide where the light emitting unit is formed and the light emitting unit are formed. The gaming machine according to feature A10 or feature A11, wherein the gaming machine is configured to be able to irradiate light to both of the non-existing portions.

  According to the feature A12, since the light from the second light emitting unit is applied to the light emitting unit located at the predetermined display position and the surrounding area, the shape of the light emitting unit and the operation state of the light guide are specified. Can be suitably exhibited.

Feature A13. The light guide has transparency, and is configured such that a game device (background display device 529) located on the back side thereof can be visually recognized from the front of the game machine through a portion where the picture is displayed,
When the pattern is in a non-supply state (light-off state) in which light is not supplied from the light-emitting unit to the light guide (light-off state), or in a supply state (light-up state) in which light is supplied from the light-emitting unit. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A12, wherein the gaming machine is configured to be harder to recognize as compared to (state).

  According to the feature A13, when the supply state is changed from the supply state to the non-supply state, the pattern becomes invisible or difficult to recognize. This makes it possible to change the visibility of the gaming device located on the back side through the light guide. For example, in the case where a game is to be performed mainly with an effect on a gaming device, by switching to a non-supplying state and making the pattern invisible or difficult, it is possible to preferably prevent the pattern from interfering with the visual recognition of the gaming device. it can.

Feature A14. The picture display means,
A display device (second display unit) visible from the front of the gaming machine through the light guide,
Display control means for performing variable display of the picture on the display device (a function of performing light emission / drive control of the second display unit by the MPU 652 of the notification / effect control device 140),
As the picture, a first picture displayed on the light guide and a second picture displayed on the display device are provided,
When the first pattern displayed on the light guide is in a non-supply state (light-off state) in which light is not supplied from the light emitting section to the light guide, the first pattern is not visible or is not visible from the light emitting section. It becomes difficult to recognize the light as compared with a supply state (lighting state) in which light is supplied to the light guide,
The display control means is configured to execute the variable display of the second pattern on the display device in the non-supply state, but not to perform the variable display of the second pattern on the display device in the supply state. The gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A13.

  According to the feature A14, it is possible to suppress a situation in which one of the variable display of the picture by the light guide and the variable display of the picture by the display device is a factor of lowering the visibility in a situation where attention is paid to the other.

<Characteristic B group>
The following feature group B includes a game machine such as a pachinko machine that includes a picture display device that displays a picture on a display screen in a fluctuating manner. In this kind of game machine, for example, the game machine is provided in a game area. When the game ball passes through the operating port, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a specific game state advantageous to the player such as a hit state, and a variation display of a picture is started. In the case of winning, a specific pattern combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the gaming state shifts to the specific gaming state (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-074175). "In recent years, various ideas have been devised to increase the level of attention to games. However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the level of interest in games. That. In which the invention has been made with the problem to be solved that. "

Feature B1. A game machine provided with a picture display means (variable display unit 500 and a notification / effect control device 140) for variably displaying a picture as the game progresses,
The picture display means,
It has an annular shape or a substantially annular shape around a predetermined center axis (rotation center axis CL), is provided rotatably about the predetermined center axis, and a part of the outer peripheral surface (outer surface portion 551) is a gaming machine. A light guide section (light guide section 532) arranged so as to face forward;
A light-emitting unit (side light 528) for supplying light to an end surface (end surface 554) facing the same direction as the predetermined center axis in the light guide unit;
A plurality of light emitting portions (light emitting portions 553) are provided on the outer peripheral surface side by side in the rotation direction of the light guide portion,
The light guide unit is configured to display the picture by emitting light supplied from the light emitting unit to the outside of the light guide unit from the light emitting unit,
A gaming machine, wherein the light guide section is rotated about the predetermined central axis to change a supply location where light is supplied from the light emitting section on the end face of the light guide section.

  According to the feature B1, the light supply portion on the light guide portion (end face) is changed by rotating the annular or substantially annular light guide portion. As a result, the picture is variably displayed on the light guide section. Since the light guide is annular or substantially annular, the variable display of the picture can be continued without reversing the rotation direction of the light guide. That is, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the size of the light guide unit when performing dynamic display using the light guide unit and enhancing expressive power and the like. This is a preferable configuration for improving the degree of attention of the player.

  It should be noted that the configuration shown in this feature is described as “an information acquisition unit (MPU 602 of main controller 162) that acquires special information (suspension information) when predetermined acquisition conditions (winning to operating ports 83a and 83) are satisfied. Information obtaining function), a lottery means for performing a lottery based on the information obtained by the information obtaining means (a lottery function in the MPU 602 of the main control device 162), and a notifying means for notifying the result of the lottery by the lottery means ( A main display unit 87) and a picture display means (variable display unit 500 and a notification / effect control device 140) for variably displaying pictures according to the progress of the game, wherein the picture display means is A circular or substantially annular shape centered on a predetermined central axis (rotational center axis CL), and provided so as to be rotatable about the predetermined central axis, and an outer peripheral surface (outer surface portion 55). ) Is arranged so that a part of the light guide faces forward of the gaming machine (light guide 532), and the light guide supplies light to an end face (end face 554) facing the central axis direction. And a plurality of light emitting portions (light emitting portions 553) are provided on the outer peripheral surface side by side in the rotation direction of the light guide portion, and the light guide portion includes: The light supplied from the light emitting unit is configured to display the pattern by being emitted from the light emitting unit, and the light guide unit is rotated about the predetermined central axis, thereby A gaming machine characterized in that a supply location where light is supplied from the light emitting unit is changed on the end face of the light guide unit. "

  Feature B2. The gaming machine according to Feature B1, wherein the light emitting unit to which light is to be emitted among the plurality of light emitting units is switched by changing the supply location.

  As shown in the present feature, if the light emitting portion to be emitted light is switched, a picture displayed at a predetermined display position can be changed (replaced). In this way, if the displayed patterns are exchanged, the appearance of the display by the pattern display means can be greatly changed.

  Feature B3. The gaming machine according to Feature B1 or B2, wherein the light guide section has an annular shape, and the end face is located on a plane orthogonal to the predetermined center axis.

  According to the feature B3, the distance from the light emitting unit to the end surface of the light guide unit is constant at any rotation position. For this reason, it is not necessary to change the position and the direction of the light emitting unit according to the change of the light supply location. Therefore, the configuration relating to the light supply in the picture display means can be simplified.

  Feature B4. The gaming machine according to Feature B3, wherein the light emitting unit is configured such that a light irradiation direction is the same as the predetermined central axis.

  In the configuration shown in the feature B4, the light irradiation direction and the arrangement direction of the light emitting portions intersect. That is, when a plurality of light emitting units are used in combination, the light emitting units are prevented from being arranged in the light irradiation direction. Therefore, when switching the picture to be displayed according to the rotation position, it is possible to suppress the supply of light to the picture which is not to be displayed, and to cause the picture which should not be displayed to emit light faintly. Inconvenience can be suitably avoided.

Feature B5. The light guide section is formed such that the arrangement area and the non-arrangement area of the light emission section are alternately arranged in the rotation direction of the light guide section,
The gaming machine according to Feature B4, wherein a restriction portion for restricting passage of light is provided at a portion of the end surface of the light guide portion corresponding to the non-arranged region.

  As shown in the feature B5, the arrangement area and the non-arrangement area are alternately arranged, and the restricting portion is provided in a portion corresponding to the non-arrangement area, so that the light supply path is the non-arrangement area. Straddling can be suppressed. Thereby, the effect shown in the feature B4 can be more suitably exerted.

Feature B6. A rotating body (rotating body 525) is constituted by the light guiding section and a frame (frame 531) to which the light guiding section is fixed.
The end on the side where the end face is formed in the light guide section extends laterally from the frame,
An insertion portion (insertion portion 561) through which the end portion of the light guide portion is inserted;
The gaming machine according to any one of Features B3 to B5, wherein the light-emitting portion is provided at a portion of the insertion portion facing the end face.

  As shown in the feature B3 and the like, in a configuration in which the light guide portion is formed in an annular shape, an insertion portion through which a portion (end) of the light guide portion extending from the frame is inserted is provided. The following effects can be expected by disposing the light emitting section in the section. That is, even when the movement of the light guide unit becomes unstable, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the light guide unit at a position (insertion portion) close to the light irradiation position. Thereby, the light supply function can be stably exhibited.

  The appearance of the picture display means can be suitably improved by concealing the light emitting section by making the insertion section colored and opaque.

  Feature B7. The game according to Feature B6, wherein the picture display means has a base body (base body 524) that rotatably holds the rotating body, and the insertion portion is provided in the base body. Machine.

  According to the configuration shown in this feature, by providing the insertion portion in the base body holding the rotating body, the gap with the light guide unit can be made as small as possible. This is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing strong interference between the insertion section and the light guide section and suppressing light leakage from the insertion section.

  Feature B8. The gaming machine according to Feature B6 or B7, wherein the insertion portion faces the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the light guide portion with a gap therebetween.

  In a configuration in which the positional relationship between the light emitting unit and the light guide unit is changed, if the light guide unit and the insertion unit come into contact with each other and the light guide unit is damaged, there is a concern that light leakage or the like is likely to occur at that portion. Is done. This causes a reduction in the efficiency of supplying light to the light emitting unit. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, by forming a gap between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the light guide portion to avoid contact between the insertion portion and the light guide portion, occurrence of such inconvenience is prevented. It can be suppressed suitably.

  Feature B9. The game according to Feature B8, wherein the insertion portion is open to the original side in the rotation direction of the light guide portion, and is expanded so as to increase the gap toward the open portion. Machine.

  The above-described light guide section can be divided into a plurality of pieces in the rotation direction, for example, which can contribute to facilitation of manufacturing and reduction of manufacturing cost. However, in such a configuration, it is assumed that the behavior of the light guide portion is disturbed if a portion serving as a boundary (edge) of each piece is caught by an open portion (entrance portion) of the insertion portion. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, by forming the gap so as to increase toward the open portion and suppressing the edge from being caught by the insertion portion, the occurrence of the inconvenience can be suitably suppressed.

  Feature B10. The gaming machine according to Feature B9, wherein the open portion of the insertion portion has a component facing the rear of the gaming machine.

  In the configuration in which the open portion (entrance portion) is expanded as shown in the feature B9, light leaks easily from this portion. Therefore, by directing the open portion to the rear side of the gaming machine, even if light leaks, it can be made less noticeable.

  It is also possible to apply each technical idea shown in the feature A group to the features B1 to B10 described in detail above.

<Characteristic C group>
The following feature C group includes a game machine such as a pachinko machine that includes a picture display device that displays a picture on a display screen in a fluctuating manner. When the game ball passes through the operating port, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a specific game state advantageous to the player such as a hit state, and a variation display of a picture is started. In the case of winning, a specific pattern combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the gaming state shifts to the specific gaming state (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-074175). "In recent years, various ideas have been devised to increase the level of attention to games. However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the level of interest in games. That. In which the invention has been made with the problem to be solved that. "

Feature C1. A game machine including a picture display means (variable display unit 500) for variably displaying a picture as the game progresses,
The picture display means,
The first light emitting portion (for example, the light emitting portion 553 corresponding to the “6” design) and the second light emitting portion (for example, the light emitting portion 553 corresponding to the “7” design) having light transmissivity are formed. A light guide unit (light guide unit) that can switch between a first state in which one light emitting unit is located at a predetermined display position (effective line) and a second state in which the second light emitting unit is located at the predetermined display position. 532)
A drive unit (motor 525) for driving the light guide unit;
A drive control unit (a drive control function in the MPU 652 of the notification and presentation control device 140) that switches the light guide unit between the first state and the second state by performing drive control of the drive unit;
A light emitting unit (side light 528) for supplying light to an end face of the light guide unit;
Light emission control means (light emission control function in the MPU 652 of the notification / effect control device 140) for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit;
A first pattern (for example, a “6” pattern) displayed by emitting the light supplied from the light emitting unit in the first state from the first light emitting unit in the first state, and the second state; A second pattern (for example, a “7” design) displayed by emitting the light supplied from the light emitting unit from the second light emitting unit.
The light emission control unit includes a supply stop unit that stops supply of light by the light emitting unit when switching from the first state to the second state,
The drive control unit uses at least a part of a period during which the supply of light is stopped by the supply stop unit when switching from the first state to the second state, as a drive period for driving the drive unit. A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured to:

  According to the feature C1, at the time of switching from the first state to the second state, the light guide unit operates using a period in which light supply by the light emitting unit is stopped (extinguished period). With such a configuration, it is difficult for the player to recognize the movement of the drive unit, and it is possible to make it appear as if the patterns displayed at the predetermined display positions are suddenly replaced. According to such a novel display, it is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

  Feature C2. The supply stop unit stops the light supply by the light emitting unit before the light guide unit starts operating or simultaneously with the start of the light guide operation when switching from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to Feature C1, further comprising means for causing the game machine to perform a game.

  According to the feature C2, the movement of the light guide unit becomes less noticeable when the picture displayed at the predetermined display position is replaced. Thereby, the effect shown in the feature C1 can be suitably exerted.

  In addition, the configuration shown in this feature may be referred to as “the drive control unit controls the drive unit of the drive unit after the supply of the light is stopped by the supply stop unit when switching from the first state to the second state. A gaming machine according to feature C1, characterized by having means for starting the game machine. "

  Feature C3. The supply stopping unit includes a unit that stops the supply of light by the light emitting unit after the light guide unit starts operating when switching from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to Feature C1.

  According to the feature C3, the moving picture disappears suddenly, and when the display of the picture is resumed, it can be seen that the picture is replaced with another picture. By providing such a change for the eyes, it is possible to appropriately suppress the monotonization of the picture display.

  Feature C4. The feature C1 is characterized in that the light emission control means has means for restarting the supply of the light after the operation of the light guide unit is stopped when switching from the first state to the second state. A gaming machine according to any one of features C3.

  When the supply of the light is started after the replacement of the light emitting unit is completed, the impact that is seen can be enhanced by a sudden appearance of a different pattern (replaced pattern) at a predetermined display position.

  Feature C5. The standby period from when the operation of the light guide unit is stopped to when the supply of the light is restarted is shorter than the operation period when the light guide unit operates when switching from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to feature C4, wherein the gaming machine is configured to:

  As shown in the feature C4, in the configuration in which the supply of light is restarted after the operation of the light guide unit is stopped, the symbol to be displayed next is visually identified by the player by increasing the waiting period until the restart. The possibilities increase. This is because the outer shape and the like of the light emitting unit can be specified when the light emitting unit is illuminated with the environment light or the like of the game hall or the like and the eyes are well squinted. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, the occurrence of such an inconvenience can be suppressed by shortening the standby period when changing the picture.

  Feature C6. The light emission control means includes means for starting supply of the light prior to switching to the second state when switching the light guide unit from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, characterized in that:

  For example, when performing frame-by-frame display of a picture at a predetermined display position, if the operation speed (for example, scrolling speed or fluctuation speed) of the light guide unit increases, the display period of the picture at the predetermined display position shortens. . It is feared that this makes it difficult to identify the pattern visually. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, such a disadvantage can be suppressed by adopting a configuration in which the supply of light precedes. This is preferable from the viewpoint of increasing the operation speed of the light guide unit and improving the responsiveness of switching of a picture or the like.

Feature C7. The drive control means includes:
First control means for operating the light guide unit at a first speed to switch from the first state to the second state;
Second control means for operating the light guide unit at a second speed higher than the first speed to switch from the first state to the second state,
The light emission control means includes means for, when the second control means switches from the first state to the second state, starting supply of the light prior to switching to the second state. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, wherein the gaming machine has:

  For example, when performing frame-by-frame display of a picture at a predetermined display position, if the operation speed (for example, scrolling speed or fluctuation speed) of the light guide unit increases, the display period of the picture at the predetermined display position shortens. . It is feared that this makes it difficult to identify the pattern visually. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, if the light guide unit operates at the latter of the first speed which is relatively slow and the second speed which is relatively fast, the restart of the light supply may be performed in advance. This inconvenience can be suppressed.

Feature C8. A first period and a second period shorter than the first period are provided as a stop display period for stopping and displaying the picture at the predetermined display position,
The light emission control means switches to the second state when the second state is set as a stop display period of the picture in the second state when the first state is switched to the second state. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, further comprising: means for starting supply of the light prior to the operation.

  When the stop display period of a picture at a predetermined display position is shortened, it becomes difficult to visually identify the picture. Therefore, in such a case (when a relatively short second period is set), the occurrence of the above-described inconvenience is prevented by restarting the light supply prior to the switching to the second state. It can be suppressed suitably.

  Feature C9. The drive control unit is configured to switch from the first state to the second state, and when the supply of light by the light emission control unit is stopped, the light guide unit is switched in the process of the switch. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C8, wherein the game machine is not stopped halfway.

  In the case of replacing the picture shown in the feature C1 or the like, there is a concern that the impact can be reduced because the process can be visually identified. In particular, even when the light emitting portion is made difficult to see by making the light guiding portion transparent or the like, the light emitting portion can be specified when the light guiding portion is stopped. Therefore, when switching from the first state to the second state, the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suitably suppressed by not making the light guide unit stop halfway in the process.

  Feature C10. The light emission control unit includes a supply continuation unit that continues supply of light from the light emitting unit when switching from the first state to the second state, any of the features C1 to C9. The gaming machine according to any one of the above.

  By combining the configuration shown in the feature C10 with the configuration shown in the feature C1 and the like, that is, by using a configuration showing the process of switching the pattern and a configuration not showing the process, the impact when the displayed pattern is suddenly replaced is reduced. Can be strengthened.

  It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the features A and B to the features C1 to C10 described in detail above.

<Feature D group>
The following feature D group includes a game machine such as a pachinko machine, which has a picture display device for changing and displaying a picture on a display screen. In this kind of game machine, for example, the game machine is provided in a game area. When the game ball passes through the operating port, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a specific game state advantageous to the player such as a hit state, and a variation display of a picture is started. In the case of winning, a specific pattern combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the gaming state shifts to the specific gaming state (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-074175). "In recent years, various ideas have been devised to increase the level of attention to games. However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the level of interest in games. That. In which the invention has been made with the problem to be solved that. "

Feature D1. A game machine including a picture display means (variable display unit 500) for variably displaying a picture based on a predetermined start condition (winning to the operating ports 83a and 83b) being established,
The picture display means,
A base body (base body 524) rotatably held;
A plurality of light guide plates (light guide panels 555 to 557) having transparency and juxtaposed in the rotation direction of the base body;
A light emitting section (side light 528) for supplying light to an end face of the light guide plate, the end face being oriented in a direction intersecting the rotation direction;
The gaming machine, wherein the light guide plates are mounted on the base body in a state where the light guide plates are not fixed to each other.

  By configuring the picture display means (specifically, the light guide unit) with a plurality of light guide plates arranged in the rotation direction as shown in the feature D1, the shape of the picture display means can be made substantially annular, for example. . With such a configuration, it is possible to contribute to facilitation of production of the picture display means and reduction of the production cost as compared with the case where one light guide plate is formed in a ring shape, for example. Here, in the case where a plurality of light guide plates arranged in parallel are mutually connected or the like, distortion due to manufacturing variations or the like may occur. In a configuration in which light is supplied to the end face of the light guide plate, there is a concern that the picture display function may not be sufficiently exhibited due to the variation in the positional relationship between the light emitting portion and the end face due to the influence of such distortion. In this regard, as shown in this feature, by mounting a plurality of light guides to the base body in a state where they are not fixed to each other, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the inconvenience. This is preferable from the viewpoint of suppressing a decrease in appearance when performing variable display of a picture using a light guide plate and improving the degree of attention of the player.

  Feature D2. The light guide plate is fixed to the base body at an intermediate portion of the light guide plate in the rotation direction, and both ends in the rotation direction are free ends. A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  When one light guide unit is configured by combining a plurality of light guide plates as shown in the feature D1, the appearance of the light guide unit is reduced because the boundary between the light guide plates is conspicuous. This is not preferable in improving the degree of attention of the player. In addition, in the configuration in which the light guide plate is fixed to the base body as shown in the feature D1, the portion of the light guide plate fixed to the base body may be different in appearance from the non-fixed portion. Here, in the configuration shown in this feature, the ends on both sides in the rotation direction of each light guide are free ends, and the fixed portion is kept away from the boundary between the light guides. This suppresses the line of sight from being guided to the above-described boundary portion when the fixed portion enters the field of view of the player, and the appearance is reduced by configuring one light guide unit by combining a plurality of light guides. Can be suppressed.

  Feature D3. The plurality of light guide plates adjacent to each other in the rotation direction are arranged such that end faces of the light guide plates facing the rotation direction face each other with a gap therebetween, or the feature D1 or D1. The gaming machine according to feature D2.

  As shown in the feature D3, by arranging the adjacent light guide plates so that the end faces in the rotation direction face each other with a gap therebetween, it is possible to suppress the light guide plates from contacting each other due to a manufacturing error of the light guide plate or the like. . This is preferable in suppressing the occurrence of distortion or the like shown in the feature D1.

  In addition, arranging the light guide plates so as not to be double inside and outside is advantageous in suppressing an increase in the weight of the unit and suppressing a decrease in responsiveness when operating the picture display means.

Feature D4. The light emitting unit is configured to emit light in a predetermined direction,
The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D3, wherein end faces on both sides in the rotation direction of the light guide plate extend in the predetermined direction.

  When the light guide unit is constituted by a plurality of light guide plates as shown in the feature D1 and the like, it is preferable to make the boundary between the light guides as inconspicuous as possible. Here, as shown in this feature, by aligning the direction of light irradiation with the direction in which the boundary portion (end face) extends, it is possible to suppress light emission at the boundary portion. This is preferable in improving the appearance of the picture display means.

Feature D5. The picture display means displays the picture by emitting light from the light emitting section from a light emitting section formed on the light guide plate, and emits the light in a rotating direction of the base body. The arrangement area of the part and the non-arrangement area are configured to be alternated,
A boundary portion between the light guide plates is located in the non-arranged area,
The light emitting unit is configured to irradiate light in a rotation center axis direction of the base body,
The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D4, wherein end faces on both sides in the rotation direction of the light guide plate extend in the rotation center axis direction.

  When the light guide unit is constituted by a plurality of light guide plates as shown in the feature D1 and the like, it is preferable to make the boundary between the light guides as inconspicuous as possible. Here, as shown in this feature, by aligning the direction of light irradiation with the direction in which the boundary portion (end face) extends, it is possible to suppress light emission at the boundary portion. This is preferable in improving the appearance of the picture display means.

  In addition, the boundary portion is located in the non-arranged area of the pattern (blank area). However, since this boundary portion extends in the direction of the rotation center axis, the non-arranged area of the pattern is considered in consideration of the boundary portion. Excessive increase can be suppressed.

Feature D6. The picture display means displays the picture by emitting light from the light emitting section from a light emitting section formed on the light guide plate, and emits the light in a rotating direction of the base body. The arrangement area of the part and the non-arrangement area are configured to be alternated,
The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D5, wherein a boundary portion between the light guide plates is located in the non-arranged area.

  As shown in the feature D6, if the boundary between the light guide plates is located in the non-arranged area (blank area) of the pattern, light leaks from the boundary and the boundary becomes conspicuous, A decrease in supply efficiency can be suppressed.

  Feature D7. Each of the light guide plates is formed so as to have a curved surface shape having the same thickness, and the outer surface of each of the light guides has one annular virtual surface centered on the rotation center axis of the base body. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D6, wherein

  According to the feature D7, the light guide to which light is supplied can be switched according to the rotational position of the light guide unit, and the structure of the picture display means can be prevented from becoming complicated.

  Feature D8. The end faces facing the rotation center direction of the base body in the light guide plate, and the end faces to which the light from the light emitting section is supplied are located on the same plane. The gaming machine according to any one of features D7.

  According to the feature D8, it is possible to suppress a difference in the distance relationship between the light emitting portion and the end face (light irradiation location) for each light guide, and to contribute to an improvement in light supply efficiency.

Feature D9. The picture display means stops the picture at a predetermined display position (effective lines L1 to L5) based on the lottery result by the lottery means (lottery function in the MPU 602 of the main controller 162),
The feature D1 is characterized in that the number of light emitting portions formed on each of the plurality of light guide plates is larger than the upper limit of the number of pictures displayed at the predetermined display position. -A gaming machine according to any one of features D8.

  If the number of light guides (the number of divisions) is excessively increased, the chance of stopping the boundary portions of the light guides at the predetermined display position increases. It is feared that this may be a factor that degrades the appearance of the picture display means. Therefore, as shown in this feature, if the number of patterns arranged on each light guide is greater than the upper limit number of the patterns stopped at the predetermined display position, and the number of divisions is specified, the boundary portion is The opportunity to stop at the predetermined display position can be reduced. This can mitigate the adverse effects of using a plurality of light guides together.

  It is also possible to apply the respective technical ideas shown in the features A to C to the features D1 to D9 described in detail above.

<Feature E group>
The following feature group E includes: "Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines include a pattern display device that displays a pattern on a display screen in a variable manner. In this type of gaming machine, for example, the game machine is provided in a game area. When the game ball passes through the operating port, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to generate a specific game state advantageous to the player such as a hit state, and a variation display of a picture is started. In the case of winning, a specific pattern combination or the like is finally stopped and displayed on the display screen, and the gaming state shifts to the specific gaming state (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-074175). "In recent years, various ideas have been devised to increase the level of attention to games. However, there is still room for improvement in the configuration of gaming machines in order to increase the level of interest in games. That. In which the invention has been made with the problem to be solved that. "

Feature E1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
First special information for acquiring first special information (for example, hold information relating to the upper working port 83a) when a ball has entered the first starting ball entry section (for example, the upper working port 83a) provided in the game area. Information acquisition means (a function of executing information acquisition processing based on a ball entering the upper working port 83a by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162);
A first acquisition information storage unit (upper working area holding area Ra in the RAM 604) capable of storing the first special information acquired by the first special information acquisition unit;
A first lottery means (a MPU 602 of the main control unit 162 which sequentially performs a first lottery process (lottery such as a jackpot) based on the first special information stored in the first acquisition information storage means. Function to execute the lottery process based on the entry of the ball),
Second special information for acquiring second special information (reservation information related to the lower working port 83b) when a ball has entered a second starting ball input unit (for example, the lower working port 83b) provided in the game area. Acquisition means (a function of executing information acquisition processing based on a ball entering the lower working port 83b by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162);
A second acquired information storage means (lower working port holding area Rb of the RAM 604) capable of storing the second special information acquired by the second special information acquisition means;
A second lottery means (a MPU 602 of the main control unit 162 which sequentially performs a second lottery process (lottery such as a jackpot) based on the second special information stored in the second acquisition information storage means; Function to execute the lottery process based on the entry of the ball),
It has a first display unit (for example, a rotator 525Z of the first display unit) and a second display unit (for example, a rotator 725Z of the second display unit), and each of the first display unit and the second display unit has a pattern. Image display means (variable display unit 500Z) capable of variably displaying
When the first lottery process is performed by the first lottery device, a first display control unit (for example, a main control device 162) that displays a picture corresponding to the result of the first lottery process on the first display unit. A function of executing a game round control process related to the upper operation port 83a in the MPU 602),
When the second lottery process is performed by the second lottery device, a second display control device (for example, a main control device 162) that displays a picture corresponding to the result of the second lottery process on the second display unit. MPU 602 to execute a game round control process related to the lower operating port 83b).
The gaming machine, wherein the first display unit has transparency, and the second display unit is visible through the first display unit.

  According to the feature E1, the result of the lottery based on the ball entry into the first starting ball entry unit is displayed on the first display unit, and the result of the lottery based on the ball entry into the second starting ball entry unit is the first. 2 Displayed on the display unit. As described above, by separately providing the first display section for the first ball entry section and the second display section for the second ball entry section, the player can enter any one of the ball sections. , It is possible to quickly grasp whether the game is progressing. However, in the case where the display unit is provided for each starting ball entry unit in this way, there is a concern that the load on the player is increased and that the result of the lottery is overlooked due to the scattered portions to be noted. In this regard, as shown in this feature, since the second display unit is configured to be visible through the first display unit, there are two cases, one focusing on the first display unit and the other focusing on the second display unit. Thus, the amount of movement of the line of sight can be reduced. Therefore, while providing an individual display for each starting ball entry section to enhance uniqueness, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the various inconveniences caused by the display. Thereby, the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game can be appropriately enhanced.

  Feature E2. The first display unit and the second display unit are arranged so that a display surface (outer surface) of the first display unit and a display surface (outer surface) of the second display unit are parallel to each other. The gaming machine according to Feature E1, which is characterized in that:

  According to the feature E2, it is possible to suppress a large difference in visibility between the picture display on the first display unit and the picture display on the second display unit.

Feature E3. The first display control means has means for variably displaying a picture on the first display unit and then stopping and displaying a picture combination corresponding to a lottery result by the first lottery means,
The second display control means has means for variably displaying a picture on the second display unit and then stopping and displaying a picture combination corresponding to a lottery result by the second lottery means,
A variable display area when a picture is variably displayed on the first display unit and a variable display area when a picture is variably displayed on the second display unit overlap in front and back in a gaming machine front view. The gaming machine according to feature E1 or feature E2, wherein

  As shown in this feature, if the variable display area of the pattern on the first display unit and the variable display area of the pattern on the second display unit overlap each other, the player pays attention to one display unit. In the case where the pattern is variably displayed on the other display unit under the circumstance, it is possible to preferably reduce the chance of the variable display being overlooked without making the effect flashy or giving unnecessary accent.

Feature E4. The first display control means has means for variably displaying a pattern on the first display unit and then stopping and displaying a pattern combination corresponding to a lottery result by the first lottery means on a first activated line,
The second display control means includes means for variably displaying a pattern on the second display unit and then stopping and displaying a pattern combination corresponding to a lottery result by the second lottery means on a second effective line,
A stop display area when the pattern combination is stopped and displayed on the first activated line and a stop display area when the pattern combination is stopped and displayed on the second activated line are overlapped in front and rear in the front view of the gaming machine. The gaming machine according to any one of features E1 to E3.

  As shown in this feature, which pattern combination corresponds to the current lottery result by overlapping the stop display area where the pattern combination corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed on the first display unit and the second display unit. It is possible to easily identify whether or not they are doing.

  In the configuration in which the lottery result is notified by the pattern combination stopped and displayed on the activated line, the activated line in the first display unit and the activated line in the second display unit are overlapped in front and back in a front view of the gaming machine. It is also possible.

  Feature E5. The gaming machine according to Feature E3 or E4, wherein a pattern group displayed on said first display unit and a pattern group displayed on said second display unit are different in appearance.

  As shown in the features E3 and E4, in the configuration in which the stop display area and the variable display area are superimposed one on the other, the pattern groups displayed on the respective display sections are different in appearance, so It is possible to improve the discriminating power as to whether the picture is displayed.

  In particular, as shown in the feature E4, in the configuration in which the effective lines are aligned before and after, the pattern in the first display unit and the pattern in the second display unit coexist, for example, each display unit responds to the departure result. It is possible to preferably prevent the appearance of a pattern combination corresponding to the jackpot result from appearing to be stopped and displayed even though the displayed pattern combination is stopped and displayed.

Feature E6. As a display control mode of the first display unit and the second display unit by the first display control unit and the second display control unit, a pattern is variably displayed on the first display unit while the second display unit is displayed. And a second control mode for restricting the variable display of the pattern on the first display unit while variably displaying the pattern on the second display unit.
In the first control mode and the second control mode, during the period in which the variable display is restricted, the pattern on the display unit that is subject to the restriction is not displayed. The gaming machine according to any one of features E1 to E5.

  According to the feature E6, in the first control mode, the picture on the second display section is not displayed, and in the second control mode, the picture on the first display section is not displayed. Confusion with the display on the second display unit can be suitably suppressed.

Feature E7. When the first display control means wins the lottery by the first lottery means during the second control mode, the pattern corresponding to the result of the winning is stopped on the first display section. It has a first special display means for displaying,
When the second display control means wins the lottery by the second lottery means during the first control mode, the pattern corresponding to the result of the winning is stopped in the second display section. The gaming machine according to Feature E6, further comprising second special display means for displaying.

  In a configuration in which the lottery by each lottery means is performed in parallel, there is a possibility that the lottery by the second lottery means will be won during the first control mode, or the lottery by the first lottery means will be won during the second control mode. There is. In such a case, it is possible to notify the winning result by using a display unit other than the display unit on the winning side, but this may be a factor of confusion for the player. On the other hand, if the variable display of the pattern is performed in the process until the lottery result is displayed, the variable display of the pattern is duplicated on both display portions, and the information to be provided to the player is excessive. In this regard, as shown in the present feature, when the lottery by the first lottery means is won during the second control mode, a pattern corresponding to the winning result is displayed on the first display unit in a stopped state, When the lottery by the second lottery means is won during the first control mode, the pattern corresponding to the winning result is displayed in a stopped state on the second display unit, thereby causing the above various inconveniences. Can be suitably suppressed.

Feature E8. The first display unit includes a first light guide unit (light guide unit 532Z) in which a plurality of light emission units are formed so as to be transparent and arranged in a predetermined direction, and transmits light to the first light guide unit. A first light-emitting unit (side light 528Z) for supplying the light; and a first drive unit (motor 526Z) for operating the first light-guiding unit in the predetermined direction. Light from the first light-emitting unit is transmitted to the first light-emitting unit. 1 is configured to display the pattern by being emitted from a light emitting portion formed in the light guide portion,
The first display control means includes a drive control means (drive control function in the MPU 652 of the notification / effect control device 140) for driving and controlling the drive section, and operates the first light guide section by the drive control means. The gaming machine according to any one of features E1 to E7, wherein the game is configured to perform variable display of a pattern.

  As shown in this feature, if the first display section is configured by a movable first light guide section, light emitting section, and drive section, the picture on the first display section can be switched between display / non-display as necessary. it can. Thereby, coexistence with the second display unit located behind can be suitably realized.

Feature E9. The first light emitting unit is configured to irradiate light in a direction that intersects a direction in which the first display unit and the second display unit are arranged side by side,
The gaming machine according to Feature E8, wherein the light from the first light emitting unit is configured to be supplied to an end face of the first light guiding unit.

  According to the feature E9, the light from the first light emitting unit is irradiated with light in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first display unit and the second display unit are arranged side by side, and is supplied to the end face of the first light guide unit. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the pattern display from being difficult to understand due to, for example, irradiating the second display unit with light from the first light emitting unit.

Feature E10. The first display control unit includes a light emission control unit (light emission control function in the MPU 652 of the notification / effect control device 140) that controls light emission of the first light emitting unit,
The light emission control unit and the drive control unit may be configured to perform the first light guide while the first light emission unit is turned off when the second display control unit displays a picture on the second display unit. The gaming machine according to Feature E8 or Feature E9, further comprising special control means for operating the unit.

  According to the configuration described in this feature, even when the first light guide is operated while the picture is displayed on the second display, the picture on the first display remains undisplayed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being puzzled by the operation of the first light guide unit.

  Feature E11. The gaming machine according to Feature E10, wherein said special control means is configured to turn on said first light emitting unit after the operation of said first light guiding unit is stopped.

  According to the configuration described in this feature, even when a picture is displayed on the second display unit, the first light emitting unit is turned on after the first light guide unit is operated in the unlit state. Thereby, the result of the lottery relating to the first starting ball entry section can be notified. With such a configuration, it is possible to preferably prevent the pattern display on the second display unit from being difficult to understand in the process of notifying the lottery result.

Feature E12. The first light guide section has an annular shape or a substantially annular shape, and is held rotatably about a central axis of the first light guide section,
The gaming machine according to any one of features E8 to E11, wherein the second display unit is provided inside the first light guide unit.

  As shown in this feature, if the first light guide section is formed in an annular or annular shape and is rotated around its central axis, the variable display function of the pattern in the first display section is ensured. The distance between the first display unit and the second display unit can be reduced.

Feature E13. The second display unit includes a second light guide unit (light guide unit 732 </ b> Z) having a plurality of light emission units formed to be transparent and arranged in the predetermined direction, and to transmit light to the second light guide unit. And a second drive unit (motor 726Z) for operating the second light guide unit in the predetermined direction, and the light from the second light emitting unit emits the light from the second light guide unit. The pattern is displayed by being emitted from the light emitting portion formed in the second light guide portion,
The second light guide section has an annular shape or a substantially annular shape, and is held rotatably about a central axis of the first light guide section.
The second display control means includes a drive control means (drive control function in the MPU 652 of the notification / effect control device 140) for controlling the drive of the drive section, and operates the second light guide section by the drive control means. By doing so, it is configured to perform variable display of pictures,
The first light emitting unit may emit light in a central axis direction of the first light guide unit, and the second light emitting unit may emit light in a central axis direction of the second light guide unit. The gaming machine according to any one of features E8 to E12.

  According to the configuration described in this feature, the light from the first light emitting unit is brought into the second light guide while bringing the first display unit (first light guide unit) and the second display unit (second light guide unit) close to each other. It can be suppressed that the light is supplied to the first light-guiding unit or the light from the second light-emitting unit is supplied to the first light-guiding unit.

Feature E14. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
First special information for acquiring first special information (for example, hold information relating to the upper working port 83a) when a ball has entered the first starting ball entry section (for example, the upper working port 83a) provided in the game area. Information acquisition means (a function of executing information acquisition processing based on a ball entering the upper working port 83a by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162);
A first acquisition information storage unit (upper working area holding area Ra in the RAM 604) capable of storing the first special information acquired by the first special information acquisition unit;
A first lottery means (a MPU 602 of the main control unit 162 which sequentially performs a first lottery process (lottery such as a jackpot) based on the first special information stored in the first acquisition information storage means. Function to execute the lottery process based on the entry of the ball),
Second special information for acquiring second special information (reservation information related to the lower working port 83b) when a ball has entered a second starting ball input unit (for example, the lower working port 83b) provided in the game area. Acquisition means (a function of executing information acquisition processing based on a ball entering the lower working port 83b by the MPU 602 of the main control device 162);
A second acquired information storage means (lower working port holding area Rb of the RAM 604) capable of storing the second special information acquired by the second special information acquisition means;
A second lottery means (a MPU 602 of the main control unit 162 which sequentially performs a second lottery process (lottery such as a jackpot) based on the second special information stored in the second acquisition information storage means; Function to execute the lottery process based on the entry of the ball),
A picture display having a first display section (for example, a first display unit) and a second display section (for example, a second display unit), wherein a picture pattern can be variably displayed on each of the first display section and the second display section. Means (for example, a variable display unit 500Z);
A variable display of a picture is started on the first display unit before the first lottery process is performed by the first lottery unit or based on the first lottery process performed by the first lottery unit. A stop result corresponding to the result of the first lottery process is displayed, and the end of the variable display of the pattern is regarded as one of the game times, and the first special information stored in the first acquisition information storage means is set as one of the game times. First game turn control means capable of controlling the picture display means so that the picture of each game time is variably displayed in accordance with the information (for example, the game time control relating to the upper operating port 83a by the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) Function to perform processing),
A variable display of a picture is started on the second display unit prior to the second lottery processing being performed by the second lottery means or based on the second lottery processing being performed by the second lottery means. The stop result corresponding to the result of the second lottery process is displayed, and the end of the variable display of the pattern is regarded as one of the game times, and the second special information stored in the second acquisition information storage means is set as one of the game times. Second game turn control means capable of controlling the picture display means so that the picture of each game time is variably displayed in accordance with the information (for example, the game time control relating to the lower operating port 83b by the MPU 602 of the main controller 162) Function to execute processing)
The first display unit and the second display unit are arranged side by side so that the first display unit is on the near side and the second display unit is on the back side, and the second display unit is the second display unit. A gaming machine characterized by being visible from the front of the gaming machine through a display unit.

  According to the feature E14, the result of the lottery based on the ball entry into the first starting ball entry unit is displayed on the first display unit, and the result of the lottery based on the ball entry into the second starting ball entry unit is the first. 2 Displayed on the display unit. As described above, by separately providing the first display section for the first ball entry section and the second display section for the second ball entry section, the player can enter any one of the ball sections. , It is possible to quickly grasp whether the game is progressing. However, in the case where the display unit is provided for each starting ball entry unit in this way, there is a concern that the load on the player is increased and that the result of the lottery is overlooked due to the scattered portions to be noted. In this regard, as shown in this feature, since the second display unit is configured to be visible through the first display unit, there are two cases, one focusing on the first display unit and the other focusing on the second display unit. Thus, the amount of movement of the line of sight can be reduced. Therefore, while providing an individual display for each starting ball entry section to enhance uniqueness, it is possible to preferably suppress the occurrence of the various inconveniences caused by the display. Thereby, the effect of increasing the degree of attention to the game can be appropriately enhanced.

  In addition, it is also possible to apply each technical idea shown in the above-mentioned features E2 to E13 to the feature E14.

  Further, it is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the features A to D to the features E1 to E14 described in detail above.

<Characteristic F group>
The following feature group F is described as follows: "Some game machines such as pachinko machines have a game board in which a game area in which a game ball flows down is formed. When the shot game ball is fired toward the game area and the shot game ball enters the ball entry area provided in the game area, a privilege such as payout of the game ball is given to the player based on the game ball. In gaming machines, where the award of benefits depends on the movement of the game ball, by distributing the flow path of the game ball by arranging game parts such as nails and windmills in the game area, diversifying the movement of the game ball There is a technology that raises the degree of attention to the movement of the same game ball and thus the degree of interest in the game (for example, see Patent Document 1). In order to increase the attention of, There is still room for improvement in the configuration of. One in which the invention has been made with the problem to be solved that. "

Feature F1. A game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed;
A game machine (game mechanism 800) provided at a position visible from the front of the game machine,
The gaming machine has a rolling surface (stage section 831) on which a game ball flowing down the gaming area can roll, and a movable section (movable body 821) displaceable to a first position and a second position. The movable portion is displaced from the first position to the second position by a game ball being placed on the rolling surface, and the movable portion is moved to the second position when the game ball separates from the rolling surface. From the first position to the first position,
A gaming machine, wherein a period in which the game ball stays on the rolling surface is configured to be different depending on a rolling mode of the game ball.

  According to the feature F1, the movable portion is displaced from the first position to the second position by placing the game ball on the rolling surface, and the movable portion is displaced from the second position to the first position by separating the game ball from the rolling surface. Return to position. Here, there is a difference in the stay period of staying on the rolling surface according to the rolling mode of the game ball on the rolling surface (for example, the rolling direction and the rolling speed of the game ball). In other words, the period during which the movable part is located at the second position depends on the stay period. In this way, by suppressing the movement of the gaming device from becoming monotonous, it is possible to contribute to an increase in the degree of attention to the game.

  In addition, the configuration shown in this feature is described as “a game board (game board unit 80) in which a game area (game area PE) is formed”, and a game device (game mechanism 800) provided at a position visible from the front of the game machine. A game machine comprising: a rolling surface (stage section 831) on which a game ball flowing down the game area can roll; and a movable surface capable of being displaced to a first position and a second position. (Movable body 821), and when the game ball is placed on the rolling surface, the movable portion is displaced from the first position to the second position, and the game ball is separated from the rolling surface. In this case, the movable section is configured to be displaced from the second position to the first position. "

Feature F2. The stage on which the rolling surface is formed is held so as to be able to move up and down,
The movable portion is displaced from the first position to the second position by the stage portion descending from the standby position to the descending position against the urging force, and the stage portion is moved from the descending position to the standby position by the urging force. The gaming machine according to Feature F1, wherein the movable portion is displaced from the second position to the first position by returning to the first position.

  According to the feature F2, the movable portion is displaced to the first position / the second position in conjunction with the elevating operation of the stage on which the rolling surface is formed. Here, by changing the operation direction of the stage unit up and down, it is possible to suppress the behavior of the game ball from changing due to the movement of the stage unit. This is preferable in order to alleviate the bias of the waiting period in which the game ball waits on the rolling surface.

  Feature F3. The gaming machine according to Feature F2, wherein the stage section is configured to move from the standby position to the descending position by the weight of the game ball placed on the rolling surface.

  If the configuration is such that the weight of the game ball located on the rolling surface is used as shown in this feature, for example, a sensor that detects the game ball on the rolling surface or a movable portion based on the detection result of the sensor is used. No electrical configuration such as an actuator for displacement is required. Therefore, it is possible to improve the degree of attention to the game and suppress the complication of the configuration due to the improvement. This is preferable for promoting the use of the configuration shown in the feature F1 or the like.

  Feature F4. The gaming machine has a link portion (link member 840) that connects the stage portion and the movable portion and that is rotatably held at an intermediate position between the stage portion and the movable portion. The gaming machine according to Feature F3, wherein the stage unit and the movable unit are configured to be alternately displaced.

  In the configuration in which the stage is moved up and down using the weight of the game ball as shown in the feature F3, the driving force depends on the weight of the game ball. As shown in this feature, a stage is provided at one end of the rotatably held link portion, and a movable portion is provided at the other end, and the movement of the stage and the movable portion is staggered up and down. The transmission loss of the output can be reduced. This is preferable on the assumption that the driving force is small, and on the reliability of the operation of the gaming device being enhanced.

  Feature F5. The gaming machine according to Feature F4, wherein the rotation center portion of the link portion is disposed so as to be biased toward the movable portion side of the stage portion and the movable portion.

  As shown in this feature, if the rotation center portion is closer to the movable portion, the weight of the movable portion allowed to displace the movable portion using the weight of the game ball can be increased. This is preferable in increasing the degree of freedom in designing the gaming machine.

  Feature F6. The gaming machine according to any one of features F3 to F5, wherein the stage portion is formed such that a plurality of game balls can roll on the rolling surface simultaneously.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the weight of the game ball is used as power for displacing the movable portion, the displacement speed (responsiveness) can be changed depending on the number of game balls that can be located on the rolling surface. With such a configuration in which the responsiveness changes in accordance with the number of game balls, it is possible to contribute to further diversification of a period in which the movable portion is maintained at the second position.

Feature F7. An exit portion (central opening 832), which is open upward and through which a game ball can pass, is formed on the rolling surface,
A discharge passage (discharge passage 833) through which a game ball passing through the exit portion passes is formed in the stage portion.
The gaming machine according to any one of features F3 to F6, wherein the discharge passage is a vertical passage extending in a vertical direction from the outlet portion.

  In the configuration in which the discharge passage is formed in the stage portion, as shown in this feature, by setting the discharge passage to a vertical passage, the standby position of the stage portion is pushed by a game ball passing through the discharge passage and the like. It is possible to avoid a delay in returning to the state. This can contribute to an improvement in responsiveness when the movable part is displaced between the first position and the second position.

Feature F8. An exit portion (central opening 832), which is open upward and through which a game ball can pass, is formed on the rolling surface,
The gaming machine according to any one of Features F3 to F7, wherein the exit portion has a size that does not allow a plurality of game balls to pass at the same time.

  According to the feature F8, when a plurality of game balls roll on the rolling surface, the game balls are sequentially released from the rolling surface, so that it is possible to avoid a sudden release. For this reason, the period (for example, the operation period) during which the movable unit waits at the second position can be diversified according to the number of game balls located on the rolling surface.

  Feature F9. Any one of the features F1 to F8, wherein the moving path of the game ball on the rolling surface includes a plurality of moving routes having different lengths of stay of the game ball on the rolling surface. The gaming machine described in one.

  According to the configuration shown in this feature, a difference occurs in the stay period of the game ball on the rolling surface depending on which movement path the game ball that has reached the rolling surface passes. With such a configuration, the player can estimate the stay period to some extent by paying attention to the movement path of the game ball. As described above, it is preferable to allow the player to guess a little, in order to improve the degree of attention to the game.

  Feature F10. The gaming machine according to Feature F9, wherein the rolling surface is formed so that a game ball can move from one of the plurality of moving paths to another moving path. .

  By permitting the movement of the game ball between the movement routes, further diversification of the stay period can be easily realized.

  Feature F11. A guide portion (communication passage 88bD) for guiding the game ball to the rolling surface is provided, and the guide portion has a plurality of flow paths having different moving speeds of the game ball moving to the rolling surface. The gaming machine according to any one of features F2 to F10.

  As shown in this feature, if the moving speed of the game ball at the time of moving to the rolling surface is made different, the difference in the stay period of the game ball on the rolling surface can be increased.

  Note that the technical idea shown in the present feature can be applied to the feature F1.

Feature F12. The stage on which the rolling surface is formed is a first stage,
The gaming machine has a second stage section (stage section 811) provided with a plurality of ball entry sections including predetermined ball entry sections (ball entry ports 812, 813), and the movable section is in the second position. Is arranged so that it is more difficult to enter the predetermined ball entry part in the state where it is arranged in the first position than in the state where it is arranged in the first position. A gaming machine according to any one of the preceding claims.

  According to the feature F12, it is difficult for the movable part to be located at the second position to enter the predetermined entering part, but this period depends on the period during which the game ball stays on the rolling surface. Will be done. By thus diversifying the period during which it is difficult to enter the predetermined ball entry section, it is possible to appropriately pay attention to the movement of the game ball on the first stage section and the second stage section to the player. Can be encouraged.

Feature F13. The first stage section is configured to move from the standby position to the descent position by the weight of the game ball placed on the rolling surface,
The gaming machine has a link portion (link member 840) that connects the first stage portion and the movable portion and is rotatably held at an intermediate position between the first stage portion and the movable portion. The first stage portion and the movable portion are configured to be alternately displaced in a direction,
The movable portion has a stage surface forming portion (upper surfaces 823a and 824a of the columnar portions 823 and 824) that forms a part of the stage surface of the second stage portion in a state where the movable portion is disposed at the second position.
The gaming machine according to Feature F12, wherein the stage surface forming portion is formed such that an area of the stage surface forming portion is smaller than an area of the rolling surface in the first stage portion.

  In a configuration in which the first stage portion is lowered using the weight of the game ball and the movable portion is raised in conjunction with the first stage portion, the game ball is placed on the movable portion (stage surface forming portion), and the movable portion is moved. Will sink downward. This is preferable in diversifying the movement of the gaming device, but in such a configuration in which such movements occur frequently and the state changes minutely, there is a concern that fatigue of the player who is paying attention to the gaming device will increase. You. Therefore, as shown in the present feature, the area of the stage surface forming portion is made smaller than the area of the rolling surface of the first stage portion, and the number of game balls on the stage surface forming portion is increased. By reducing the chances of exceeding the number, the above-mentioned fine state change can be suppressed, and a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

Feature F14. The first stage section is configured to move from the standby position to the descent position by the weight of the game ball placed on the rolling surface,
The gaming machine has a link portion (link member 840) that connects the first stage portion and the movable portion and is rotatably held at an intermediate position between the first stage portion and the movable portion. The first stage portion and the movable portion are configured to be alternately displaced in a direction,
The movable portion is a passage forming portion (a top surface 823a, 824a of the columnar portions 823, 824) that forms a bottom of a passage through which a game ball that has flowed into the predetermined entering ball portion passes while being placed at the first position. ), Wherein the movable portion is arranged at the second position, whereby the passage forming portion is configured to be in a state of protruding upward from the predetermined ball entry portion. The gaming machine according to F12 or Feature F13.

  As shown in this feature, a passage (bottom) for discharge in the second stage portion is formed by the passage forming portion of the movable portion, and the passage forming portion projects upward from a predetermined ball entry portion. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a game ball heading for a predetermined ball entry part from being placed on the movable part. Thereby, it is possible to preferably avoid shortening the period in which it is difficult for the game ball that has reached the second stage to enter the predetermined entry section.

  It is also possible to apply the technical ideas shown in the features A to E to the features F1 to F14 described in detail above.

  Any one of the technical ideas shown in the above-described features may be applied to other features, or the technical ideas shown in a plurality of features may be combined and applied to other features. It is also possible to extract a part of the configuration shown in each feature and apply it to other features.

  Hereinafter, a basic configuration of a gaming machine to which the above features can be applied will be described.

  Pachinko machine: Operation means (game ball launch handle 41) operated by the player, game ball launch means (game ball launch mechanism 110) for launching a game ball based on the operation of the operation means, and the fired ball A ball passage (guiding rail 100) for guiding a game ball to a predetermined game area, and game parts (nails, etc.) arranged in the game area are provided, and a predetermined passage portion (general winning opening) among the game parts is provided. 81) when a game ball passes through the game machine.

  Spinning-type gaming machines such as slot machines: provided with variable display means for variably displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols and then finally displaying the symbol row, and starting to change the symbol due to the operation of the starting operation means. The variation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the stopping operation means or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and a special game advantageous to the player on condition that the final stopped symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol is required. A gaming machine that generates a state (such as a bonus game).

  Ball-based belt-type gaming machine: equipped with variable display means for displaying a symbol row composed of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displaying the symbol row as a final stop. The fluctuation of the symbol is stopped due to the operation of the operating means or after a lapse of a predetermined time, and a special game state (bonus) advantageous to the player is required on condition that the final stop symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. And a payout device for paying out game balls to the ball tray, and a payout device for providing a ball tray and taking in game balls from the ball tray. A game machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means is enabled by throwing in a game ball.

  Reference numeral 10: a pachinko machine as a gaming machine, 80: a gaming board unit, 80a: a gaming board, 83a: an upper working port, 83b: a lower working port, 85: a central opening, 140: a notification / performance control device, 162: a main control device , 500: Variable display unit, 523: Drum unit, 524: Base body, 525: Rotating body, 526: Motor, 528: Side light, 529: Background display device, 531: Frame, 532: Light guide section, 535: Hub, 536 rim, 542 connecting portion, 551 outer surface portion, 552 inner surface portion, 553 light emitting portion, 554 end surface, 555 557 light guide panel, 561 insertion portion, 571 light emitting substrate, 572 light emission Body, 582: backlight, 800: gaming mechanism, 810: distribution unit, 811: stage unit, 812: first entrance, 813: second entrance, 814: first Entrance entrance, 821: movable body, 823 to 824: columnar part, 830: stage unit, 831: stage part, 834: stopper, 840: link, BP1: boundary part, CL: rotation center axis, PE: game area .

Claims (7)

A gaming machine including a pattern display means for variably displaying a pattern with a game progress,
The picture display means,
A first state in which a first light emitting unit and a second light emitting unit are formed, and the first light emitting unit is located at a predetermined display position and the second light emitting unit is in the predetermined state; A light guide unit that can be switched to a second state located at the display position;
A driving unit that drives the light guide unit;
A drive control unit that switches the light guide unit to the first state and the second state by performing drive control of the drive unit;
A light emitting unit that supplies light to an end surface of the light guide unit,
Light emission control means for performing light emission control of the light emitting unit,
As the picture, a first picture displayed by the light supplied from the light emitting section in the first state being emitted from the first light emitting section, and a picture supplied from the light emitting section in the second state. And a second picture displayed by emitting the emitted light from the second light emitting unit,
The light emission control unit includes a supply stop unit that stops supply of light by the light emitting unit when switching from the first state to the second state,
The drive control unit uses at least a part of a period during which the supply of light is stopped by the supply stop unit when switching from the first state to the second state, as a drive period for driving the drive unit. A gaming machine characterized in that it is configured to:   The supply stop unit stops the light supply by the light emitting unit before the light guide unit starts operating or simultaneously with the start of the light guide operation when switching from the first state to the second state. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising means for causing the game machine to perform a game.   The supply stopping unit includes a unit that stops the supply of light by the light emitting unit after the light guide unit starts operating when switching from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to claim 1.   The light emission control unit includes a unit that restarts the supply of the light after the operation of the light guide unit is stopped when switching from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The standby period from when the operation of the light guide unit is stopped to when the supply of the light is restarted is shorter than the operation period during which the light guide unit operates when switching from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein:   The light emission control means includes means for starting the supply of the light prior to switching to the second state when switching the light guide unit from the first state to the second state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The drive control means includes:
First control means for operating the light guide unit at a first speed to switch from the first state to the second state;
Second control means for operating the light guide unit at a second speed higher than the first speed to switch from the first state to the second state,
The light emission control means includes means for, when the second control means switches from the first state to the second state, starting supply of the light prior to switching to the second state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:

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