JP2024020470A - gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suitably increase attention to a game. SOLUTION: This pachinko machine 10 includes a game board in which a game area in which game balls flow down is formed on the front side, and decorative sheets provided at a predetermined interval behind the game board. The game board is formed to be transparent, and the decorations on the decorative sheet are visible from the front of the game machine through the game board. A side LED 510 is provided between the game board and the decorative sheet as a light emitting means capable of illuminating the decorative sheet, and when the decorative sheet is illuminated by the side LED 510, the visibility of the decorative sheet is improved. will improve. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

For example, some gaming machines such as pachinko machines have a gaming board with a gaming area formed on the front, and the game progresses as a gaming ball flows down the gaming area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-81853

Here, it is necessary to increase the degree of attention to the game in the gaming machine, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances exemplified above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can suitably increase attention to the game.

The present invention
A transparent game board with a game area formed in the front where game balls can flow down;
a decorative means arranged at the rear of the game board and visible from the front of the game machine through the game board;
positioning means for positioning the game board and the decoration means so as to form a space between the game board and the decoration means with a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction;
a light-emitting means arranged between the game board and the decoration means when viewed in the front-rear direction, and capable of illuminating the decoration means;
It is characterized by having the following.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably increase the degree of attention to the game.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a pachinko machine developed. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the main configuration of a pachinko machine developed. It is a front view showing the structure of a game board. It is a perspective view of a game board. It is an exploded perspective view of a game board. It is an exploded perspective view of a game board. (a1) and (a2) are cross-sectional views showing the outline of the decorative sheet and the irradiation plate, and (b1) and (b2) are explanatory views showing the outline of each pattern applied to the game board. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a decorative sheet and an irradiation plate. It is a sectional view showing an outline of a game board. It is an explanatory diagram explaining the irradiation direction of light from a game board. It is a sectional view showing an outline of a game board. It is a sectional view showing an outline of a game board. It is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. It is an explanatory view for explaining display contents on a display screen of a pattern display device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used for winning/losing lottery and the like. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a validity table. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a distribution table. 3 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing in the MPU of the main control device. It is a flowchart showing the winning process for the operating port. It is a flowchart which shows information acquisition processing. 3 is a flowchart showing normal processing. It is a flowchart showing game time control processing. 3 is a flowchart showing data setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows fluctuation start processing. It is a flowchart showing gaming state transition processing. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration for performing various effects. It is a flowchart which shows various processing for effects in MPU of an effect control device. It is a flowchart which shows light emission control processing. It is an explanatory view explaining a light emission pattern table. It is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between each light emitting pattern of the game board and the symbols that can be visually recognized. In the second embodiment, (a) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the game board, (b) is a flowchart showing the process for producing an accessory, and (c) is a front view schematically showing the game board. be. It is a sectional view showing an outline of a game board in a first modification of a second embodiment. It is a sectional view showing an outline of a game board in a second modification of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, (a) is a sectional view schematically showing a game board, and (b) is a front view schematically showing the game board. It is a sectional view showing an outline of a game board. (a1) and (a2) are sectional views showing an outline of the game board, and (b1) and (b2) are front views showing an outline of the game board. It is a flowchart which shows confirmation processing for reservation. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a pending command setting process. It is a flowchart which shows processing for hold control. It is a flowchart which shows processing for suspension notice. It is a schematic diagram showing a modification of the third embodiment. It is a sectional view showing an outline of a game board in a 4th embodiment. In the first modification of the fourth embodiment, (a1) and (a2) are front views schematically showing the game board, and (b) is a sectional view schematically showing the game board. It is a front view showing an outline of a game board in a second modification of the fourth embodiment. It is a front view showing an outline of a modified example of the game board. It is an explanatory diagram explaining the performance contents in a modification of the game board.

<First embodiment>
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as a "pachinko machine"), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 developed. In addition, in FIG. 2, the configuration within the gaming area of the pachinko machine 10 is omitted for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 that is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be rotatable forward. . The outer frame 11 is constructed by connecting wooden boards or the like on four sides, and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in a game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to island equipment.

The game machine main body 12 includes an inner frame 13, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13. An inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main body 12 is rotatably supported relative to the outer frame 11. Specifically, when viewed from the front, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side being the rotation base end side and the right side being the rotation tip side.

As shown in FIG. 2, the inner frame 13 rotatably supports a front door frame 14, and can rotate forward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front. It is said that In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the inner frame 13 rotatably supports a back pack unit 15, which rotates rearward with the left side as the rotation base end and the right side as the rotation tip side when viewed from the front. It is said that it is possible to move.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device 16 at its rotating tip, which has a function of locking the gaming machine main body 12 against the outer frame 11 so that it cannot be opened. It also has a function of locking the front door frame 14 with respect to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation using an unlocking key on the cylinder lock 17 provided in an exposed manner on the front surface of the pachinko machine 10.

Next, the configuration of the front side of the gaming machine main body 12 will be explained.

The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 21 whose outer shape is substantially the same as that of the outer frame 11. A substantially elliptical window hole 23 is formed in the center of the resin base 21 . A game board 24 is detachably attached to the resin base 21.

Here, the configuration of the game board 24 will be explained based on FIGS. 4 to 7. In addition, in FIGS. 5 to 7, various accessories that are assembled from the front to the game board 24 are shown in a state in which they are removed.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the game board 24 includes a transparent board 300 made of transparent resin, an irradiation plate 400 that irradiates the transparent board 300 with light for production from behind, and a transparent board 300 that is made of transparent resin. and a decorative sheet 350 arranged between the irradiation plate 400 and decorated with a decorative pattern (picture). Further, at the rear of the irradiation plate 400, a mounting base 450 for attaching the decorative sheet 350 and the irradiation plate 400 to the transparent plate 300 is provided. The transparent disk 300, the decorative sheet 350, the irradiation plate 400, and the mounting base 450 all have a substantially rectangular shape. is assembled.

A game area PE is formed on the front surface of the transparent board 300, and the game area PE is exposed to the front side of the inner frame 13 through the window hole 23 of the resin base 21 (FIGS. 2 and 4). reference).

The configuration of the transparent disc 300 will be described in detail using FIGS. 4 and 5.

An inner rail part 51 and an outer rail part 52 are attached to the front side of the transparent board 300, and the inner rail part 51 and the outer rail part 52 constitute a guide rail, and the game ball launch mechanism 53 launches the ball. The played game ball is guided to the upper part of the game area PE. The game ball firing mechanism 53 is attached below the window hole 23 in the resin base 21, and a game ball firing operation is performed by operating a firing handle 54 provided on the front door frame 14 (Fig. 2 reference).

The transparent disk 300 is router-processed to form a plurality of large and small openings passing through it in the front-rear direction. Furthermore, openings penetrating in the front-rear direction are formed in the decorative sheet 350 at positions corresponding to the openings of the transparent disc 300 by die-cutting or the like. Each of these openings includes a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, an upper operating opening (first starting ball entry part or non-priority starting ball entry part) 33, and a lower operating opening (second starting ball entry part or priority starting entry part). A ball part) 34, a through gate 35, a variable display unit 36, a main display part 43, an accessory display part 44, etc. are provided, respectively.

In detail about each opening, as shown in FIG. A winning opening 32d is formed, an operating opening 33a is formed at a position corresponding to the upper and lower operating ports 33 and 34, and a through opening 35a is formed at a position corresponding to the through gate 35. A display opening 36a is formed at a position corresponding to the variable display unit 36.

When a ball enters the general winning hole 31, the variable winning device 32, the upper operating hole 33, and the lower operating hole 34, a detection sensor installed on the back side of the transparent board 300 (back side of the game board 24) (not shown), and a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out based on the detection result. In this case, when a ball enters the general winning hole 31, 10 game balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the variable winning device 32, 15 game balls are paid out. is executed, and when a ball enters the upper operating port 33, three game balls are put out, and when a ball enters the lower operating port 34, four game balls are put out. is executed.

Note that the number of game balls to be paid out is not limited to the above. However, in order to increase the advantage of the lower operating port 34 over the upper operating port 33, it is preferable to set the number of pieces to be dispensed by the lower operating port 34 to be larger than the number of pieces to be dispensed by the upper operating port 33. Further, in order to increase the advantage of the variable winning device 32 for each operating port 33, 34, it is preferable to set the number of payouts related to the variable winning device 32 to be larger than the number of payouts related to each operating port 33, 34.

In addition, an out port 37 is provided at the lowest part of the transparent board 300, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports are discharged from the gaming area PE through the out port 37. Further, a large number of nails 38 are planted in the transparent board 300 in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game balls, and various members (accessories) such as a windmill are also arranged.

Here, entering the ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and not only the manner in which the game ball is ejected from the game area PE after passing through the opening, but also the manner in which the game ball passes through the game area PE after passing through the opening. It also includes a mode in which it is not discharged. However, in the following explanation, in order to clearly distinguish it from the entry of a game ball into the out port 37, the entry of a game ball into the variable winning device 32, the upper operating port 33, the lower operating port 34, or the through gate 35 will be explained as follows. is also expressed as winning a prize.

The upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are unitized as an operating port device and installed on the transparent panel 300. Both the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are open upward. Further, both the operating ports 33 and 34 are arranged in the vertical direction with the upper operating port 33 facing upward. The lower operating port 34 is provided with an electric accessory 34a as a guide piece consisting of a pair of left and right movable pieces.

The electric accessory 34a will be explained. The electric accessory 34a has a closed state (non-support state or non-guide state) in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the lower operating opening 34, and an open state (support state or guide state) in which it is easier for game balls to enter the lower operating port 34. can be switched to

The operating port case constituting the upper operating port 33 protrudes toward the front side and has a substantially trapezoidal shape when viewed from the front, with the upper side length<lower side length. At this time, the length of the upper side of the operating port case (that is, the width of the left and right sides of the upper operating port 33) is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and the length of the lower side is the length of the left and right sides when the electric accessory 34a is in the closed state. The length is longer than the distance between the electric accessories 34a. In addition, when the electric accessory 34a is in the closed state, the installation interval between the operation ports 33 and 34 is set so that the distance between the operation opening case and the upper end of the electric accessory 34a is slightly shorter than the diameter of the game ball. It has been adjusted.

According to the above configuration, when the electric accessory 34a is closed, the game ball cannot enter the lower operation opening 34, and when the electric accessory 34a is opened, it becomes possible to enter the lower operation opening 34. Particularly at this time, during the movement of the electric accessory 34a from the closed state to the open state, the operation opening case of the upper operation opening 33 has a substantially trapezoidal shape as described above, and this becomes an obstacle. It is not possible to enter the game ball into the lower operation opening 34 until the object 34a is fully opened, and winning is possible only when the electric accessory 34a is almost fully opened. In other words, the game ball falling from above hits the side of the operating port case and is bounced outward, and does not directly enter the lower operating port 34. As a result, if the electric accessory 34a is opened in a very short period of time, it becomes extremely difficult to enter the lower operating port 34, and only if the electric accessory 34a continues to be in the open state, winning to the lower operating port 34 is extremely difficult. Winning a prize becomes easier.

In addition to the configuration in which the operating port case of the upper operating port 33 has a substantially trapezoidal shape as described above, the operating port case of the upper operating port 33 may have a two-stage structure with a narrow upper part and a wider lower part, or Approximately V-shaped guide pieces may be provided on both left and right sides of the actuator, or obstruction nails may be installed diagonally below the actuation port case.

The variable winning device 32 is equipped with a big winning opening 32a that leads to the back side of the transparent board 300 (back side of the game board 24), and an opening/closing door 32b that opens and closes the big winning opening 32a. The opening/closing door 32b is normally in a closed state in which game balls cannot win prizes or are difficult to win prizes, and if the transition to the opening/closing execution mode (opening/closing execution state) is won in the internal lottery, the opening/closing door 32b is in a predetermined state in which game balls are likely to win prizes. It can be switched to the open state. Here, the opening/closing execution mode is a mode to which the player enters in the event of a jackpot winning or a special winning winning. The opening/closing execution mode will be described in detail later. As for the opening mode of the variable winning device 32, the variable winning device 32 repeatedly opens the prize after a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) or a predetermined number of prizes (e.g., 10) has been won as one round, and the upper limit is a plurality of rounds (e.g., 15 rounds). There are ways in which this can be done.

The main display section 43 and the accessory display section 44 are provided on a decorative member 39 disposed along the lower outer edge of the game area PE. The decorative member 39 extends from the board surface of the game board 24 to the front of the pachinko machine 10. More specifically, the front surface of the decorative member 39 faces a window panel 62 provided in the front door frame 14 in order to make the gaming area PE visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and The distance between them is narrower than the distance of one game ball. This prevents the game ball from falling in front of the front surface of the decorative member 39.

A main display section 43 and an accessory display section 44 are provided so as to be exposed from the front surface of the decorative member 39. In other words, the main display section 43 and the accessory display section 44 are visible from the front of the pachinko machine 10 through the window panel 62 of the front door frame 14, and the game balls are visible in front of both display sections 43 and 44. It is prevented from falling. In addition, on the upper surface of the decorative member 39, a part of the plurality of general prize winning holes 31 mentioned above is installed in an upwardly open state.

In the case where the variable winning device 32 enters the opening/closing execution mode due to winning a jackpot (or when the variable winning device 32 enters the opening/closing execution mode), the main display section 43 displays the big winning opening 32a of the variable winning device 32 in the opening/closing execution mode. a round display section RS for clearly indicating the number of times that a will be opened, a first result display section AS for clearly indicating the result of an internal lottery conducted based on winnings in the upper operation port 33, and a lower operation port 34. A second result display section BS is provided to clearly display the results of the internal lottery conducted based on winnings.

In the round display section RS, the display of the number of openings is started at the start of the opening/closing execution mode, and the display is ended at the end of the opening/closing execution mode.

In the first result display section AS, a variable display of symbols is performed using a winning in the upper operating port 33 as a trigger, and as a result of the stoppage of the variable display, an internal lottery conducted based on a winning in the upper operating port 33 is displayed. The results are clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the upper operating port 33 is a winning result that corresponds to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the first result display section AS, and a variable display is performed. After this is stopped, the mode shifts to opening/closing execution mode.

In the second result display section BS, a variable display of symbols is performed using a winning in the lower operating port 34 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, an internal lottery conducted based on a winning in the lower operating port 34 is displayed. The results are clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning entry to the lower operating port 34 is a winning result that corresponds to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the second result display section BS and a variable display is performed. After this is stopped, the mode shifts to opening/closing execution mode.

Here, based on winning to either of the actuating ports 33, 34, a variable display is started on the corresponding result display section AS, BS, a predetermined stop result is displayed, and the above-mentioned variable display is stopped. This corresponds to one game play. However, one game round is not limited to the above contents, for example, a single result display section is provided, and even if a winning occurs in either operating port 33 or 34, that single result display section is provided. In a configuration in which a variable display is performed on the result display section, the game cycle is from the start of the variable display on the single result display section until the variable display is stopped while displaying a predetermined stop result. 1 time.

The accessory display section 44 is a display section for clearly indicating the result of an internal lottery conducted based on winnings in the through gate 35. In this case, in the accessory display section 44, the winning of the through gate 35 is used as a trigger to display the symbols in a changing manner, and as a result of the stoppage of the changing display, an internal lottery is performed based on the winning of the through gate 35. The results are clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning through gate 35 is a winning result that corresponds to the transition to the electric role open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the accessory display section 44 and a variable display is performed. After this is stopped, the state shifts to the open state. In the electric accessory open state, the electric accessory 34a provided in the lower operating port 34 is in the open state in a predetermined manner.

Note that the main display section 43 and the accessory display section 44 are configured by a segment display device having a plurality of segments, but are not limited to this, and may be configured using other display devices such as a liquid crystal display device. Good too.

The variable display unit 36 is provided with a symbol display device 41 that variably displays (or variably displays or switches) symbols. Further, a center frame 42 is disposed in the variable display unit 36 so as to surround the symbol display device 41. The upper part of the center frame 42 extends forward of the pachinko machine 10. This prevents the game balls from falling in front of the display screen of the symbol display device 41, and is configured to prevent problems such as reduced visibility of the display screen due to falling game balls. .

The symbol display device 41 is configured as a liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display, and the display contents are controlled by a display control device to be described later. On the symbol display device 41, symbols are displayed side by side, for example, at the top, middle and bottom, and these symbols are scrolled in the left and right direction and displayed in a variable manner. In this case, the variable display on the symbol display device 41 is started based on the winning in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. That is, when a variable display is performed in the first result display section AS, a variable display is performed in the symbol display device 41 accordingly, and when a variable display is performed in the second result display section BS, a variable display is performed accordingly. At the same time, a variable display is performed on the symbol display device 41. For example, in the game round when the opening/closing execution mode corresponding to 15 rounds is entered, in which the big winning hole 32a of the variable winning a prize device 32 is opened 15 times as the opening/closing execution mode, the pattern display device 41 is set in advance. A predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the activated line.

A first holding light emitting section 45 corresponding to the first result display section AS and the symbol display device 41 is provided at the upper left portion on the front side of the center frame 42. The number of game balls entered into the upper operating port 33 is held up to a maximum of four, and the number of held games is displayed by lighting the first holding light emitting section 45. Further, a second holding light emitting section 46 corresponding to the second result display section BS and the symbol display device 41 is provided at the upper right portion on the front side of the center frame 42. The number of game balls entered into the lower operation opening 34 is held up to a maximum of four, and the number of held games is displayed by lighting up the second holding light emitting section 46. As described above, since the upper part of the center frame 42 extends forward of the pachinko machine 10, the visibility of the first holding light emitting part 45 and the second holding light emitting part 46 is not hindered by falling game balls. ing.

A third holding light emitting section 47 corresponding to the accessory display section 44 is provided at the lower part of the center frame 42. The number of times a game ball passes through the through gate 35 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of held balls is displayed by lighting the third holding light emitting section 47. It should be noted that each of the reserved light emitting sections 45 to 47 may be displayed as a part of the symbol display device 41.

Next, the decorative sheet 350 and the irradiation plate 400 arranged on the rear side of the transparent disc 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 in addition to FIGS. 4 to 7.

As shown in FIG. 8, the decorative sheet 350 is composed of a plurality of sheet materials, and more specifically, a first pattern sheet 351, a shielding sheet 352, and a second pattern sheet 353 are laminated in this order from the front. There is. In addition, in the figure, in order to express each sheet 351 to 353 more clearly, the thickness is shown thicker than the actual thickness (less than 1 mm).

The irradiation plate 400 is arranged behind the decorative sheet 350, and a plurality of LEDs 410 as light emitting means are arranged on the front surface. The LEDs 410 are connected to the production control device 82, and are individually controlled to emit light by the MPU 242 of the production control device 82.

As shown in FIG. 8(b1), the first symbol sheet 351 has, for example, a first symbol P1 representing the game content of the gaming machine substantially over the entire surface. In the following description, a representative pattern (dolphin) among the first patterns P1 will be expressed as a first decorative pattern P1a (in the figure, it is shown above the left and right sides of the center frame 42). In the first pattern sheet 351, the first decorative pattern P1a is colored dark blue with low saturation. ) is also decorated with a dark blue color. Here, a pattern with a low saturation color has a characteristic that it becomes difficult to see (particularly the boundaries between the patterns) when illuminated with light. Therefore, when the first pattern sheet 351 is irradiated with light, the first decorative pattern P1a and its background (first pattern P1) become difficult to see.

The shielding sheet 352 provided at the rear of the first pattern sheet 351 transmits the light emitted from the rear if the intensity of the light is equal to or higher than a predetermined intensity, and if the intensity is less than the predetermined intensity, the emitted light is transmitted. It has optical properties that shield the light. When the LED 410 provided on the irradiation plate 400 is turned ON, the light emitted is irradiated onto the shielding sheet 352 as light having a predetermined intensity or more. Further, the shielding sheet 352 has a property of appearing colorless and transparent when irradiated with light of a predetermined intensity or higher.

A second pattern sheet 353 provided behind the shielding sheet 352 has a plurality of second patterns P2 (P2a, P3, P4) different from the first pattern P1, as shown in FIG. 8(b2). ing. In addition, in the following description, a representative pattern (girl) among the second patterns P2 will be expressed as a second decorative pattern P2a. In addition, the second pattern sheet 353 includes a third pattern P3 (for example, "SUPER LUCKY") that expresses the game content in characters, and these first decorative pattern P1a, second decorative pattern P2a, and third pattern P3. A fourth pattern P4 (for example, a star), which is a different pattern and is applied in a small area, is applied. The second decorative pattern P2a is placed on the upper left of the center frame 42, the third pattern P3 is placed on the upper right of the center frame 42, and the fourth pattern P4 is placed on the sides (left and right) of the center frame 42. . In the second pattern sheet 353, a gray background color with low saturation is applied to a portion different from the second decorative pattern P2a, the third pattern P3, and the fourth pattern P4. Further, the second decorative pattern P2a, the third pattern P3, and the fourth pattern P4 are colored in primary colors with high saturation. Here, a pattern with a highly saturated color has a characteristic that it becomes easier to see (particularly the boundaries between the patterns) when it is irradiated with light. In particular, the difference with low chroma areas becomes clearer and easier to see. Therefore, when the second pattern sheet 353 is irradiated with light, the difference between the second decorative pattern P2a, the third pattern P3, and the fourth pattern P4 and the background becomes clear, and the second decorative pattern P2a, the third pattern P3 and the fourth pattern P4 become easier to see.

The back surface of the first pattern sheet 351 has an uneven shape and has a diffusion surface 351a that diffuses light irradiated from behind. Therefore, when the LED 410 is controlled to emit light, the light from the LED 410 is reflected and diffused by the diffusion surface 351a of the first pattern sheet 351, and the entire sheet becomes brighter, not just the portion of the irradiation plate 400 that corresponds to the front and back of the LED 410. become visible. As described above, since the backgrounds of the first decorative pattern P1a and the first pattern sheet 351 are both colored dark blue with low saturation, when the light from the irradiation plate 400 is irradiated, these first decorative patterns The symbol P1a and the first symbol sheet 351 become difficult to see. Furthermore, when the shielding sheet 352 is irradiated with light from the irradiation plate 400, the shielding sheet 352 becomes colorless and transparent. As described above, when the second pattern sheet 353 is irradiated with light, the second decorative pattern P2a, the third pattern P3, and the fourth pattern P4 become easily visible. As a result, the second pattern sheet 353 behind the shielding sheet 352 becomes visible.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 8(b1) and 8(b2), the first symbol P1 on the first symbol sheet 351 and each symbol P2 to P4 on the second symbol sheet 353 are located in an area that overlaps in the front and back direction. It has been subjected. That is, depending on ON/OFF of the LED 410 of the irradiation plate 400, whether the first pattern P1, the second pattern P2, the third pattern P3, and the fourth pattern P4 are visible differs.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8(a1), in a situation where the LED 410 of the irradiation plate 400 is not controlled to emit light, the intensity of the light irradiated to the shielding sheet 352 is less than the predetermined intensity, and the light from the LED 410 is shielded. It is shielded by a sheet 352. As a result, the symbols P2 to P4 on the second symbol sheet 353 are not visible from the front, and the first symbol P1 on the first symbol sheet 351 is visible from the front (FIG. 8(b1)). In addition, as shown in FIG. 8(a2), in a situation where the LEDs 410 of the irradiation plate 400 are controlled to emit light, the intensity of the light irradiated onto the shielding sheet 352 is equal to or higher than the predetermined intensity, and the light from the LEDs 410 is emitted from the shielding sheet. Transmits 352. As a result, each of the symbols P2 to P4 on the second symbol sheet 353 becomes visible from the front, while the first symbol P1 on the first symbol sheet 351 becomes invisible from the front (FIG. 8(b2)).

The LEDs 410 of the irradiation plate 400 are grouped in correspondence with the respective patterns P2 to P4 placed on the second pattern sheet 353 in front. That is, in the irradiation plate 400, a plurality of second pattern LEDs (LEDs for girls) 411 are arranged behind the second pattern P2, and a plurality of third pattern LEDs (LEDs for characters) are arranged behind the third pattern P3. ) 412 are arranged, and a plurality of fourth symbol LEDs (star LEDs) 413 are arranged behind the fourth symbol P4.

The positional relationship between each of the LEDs 411 to 413, each of the patterns P1 to P4, and each of the decorative patterns P1a and P2a will be explained with reference to FIG. In FIG. 9, the patterns P1 to P4 are displayed with different dot hatch densities. In addition, in FIG. 9, in order to make it easier to understand the positional relationship between each LED 411 to 413 and each pattern P1 to P4 and each decorative pattern P1a, P2a, each pattern P1 to P4 and each decorative pattern P1a, P2a are arranged. The position is shown slightly different from other figures.

A first space E1 is formed between the second pattern sheet 353 and the irradiation plate 400 at a predetermined interval (approximately 1.5 cm in this embodiment). There is no shield between the second pattern LED 411 and the second pattern P2, and the light from the second pattern LED 411 is diffused in the first space E1 and irradiated onto the second pattern P2. Therefore, the light from the second pattern LED 411 is evenly irradiated onto substantially the entire second pattern P2, which is larger than the second pattern LED 411, and the second pattern P2 looks bright as a whole.

A shielding tube 360 that cylindrically surrounds the rear of the third symbol P3 in the first space E1 is fixed at a position on the back surface of the third symbol P3 on the second symbol sheet 353 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). . The shielding cylinder 360 covers the back surface of the outer periphery of the third pattern P3 on the second pattern sheet 353 (more specifically, the outline of the characters of the third pattern P3) and the outer periphery of the third pattern LED 412 on the irradiation plate 400. It is formed so as to extend from the second pattern sheet 353 to the irradiation plate 400. The shielding cylinder 360 is formed of a shielding member and has a function of shielding light. The inside of the shielding tube 360 is hollow, and the inner surface of the shielding tube 360 is mirror-finished. As a result, the third symbol P3 on the second symbol sheet 353 is not directly irradiated with light from the other LEDs 411, 413, and only the light from the third symbol LED 412 is irradiated onto the third symbol P3. Therefore, in a situation where the third symbol LED 412 is not controlled to be ON on the irradiation plate 400, the third symbol P3 cannot be visually recognized from the front, and when the third symbol LED 412 is controlled to be ON, the third symbol P3 cannot be visually recognized. It becomes possible. Moreover, by making the shielding cylinder 360 into a shape that matches the characters of the third pattern P3 as described above, it is possible to display these characters more clearly.

In particular, as will be described later, the third symbol P3 is used as a symbol that suggests the content of the gaming state, and even though the third symbol P3 is in a different gaming state from the one in which the third symbol P3 is desired to be visually recognized, the third symbol P3 is If the symbol P3 becomes visible, the player may become confused. Further, even if the third pattern P3 is visible, it may not be possible to fully exhibit its surprising effect because it is detected in advance that the third pattern P3 is applied. Therefore, by providing the shielding tube 360 as described above, the entry of light is suppressed, and it is possible to suitably avoid the third pattern P3 becoming visible due to the ON control of LEDs other than the third pattern LED 412. becomes possible.

A light guide portion 370 is fixed at a position on the back side of the fourth symbol P4 on the second symbol sheet 353 in the first space E1 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The light guide part 370 is provided to extend to a position adjacent to the fourth pattern LED 413, and the fourth pattern P4 is provided in a wider area than the light guide part 370. The light from the fourth pattern LED 413 is focused at the center by the light guide section 370, so when the fourth pattern LED 413 is irradiated toward the fourth pattern P4, the center of the fourth pattern P4 is the most It is bright and appears to get darker towards the outer periphery.

The light guide section 370 is particularly arranged at the center of the star of the fourth pattern P4, and no member for blocking light is provided on the outer periphery of the light guide section 370. Therefore, when the fourth pattern LED 413 is controlled to be ON, in the fourth pattern P4, the center where the light guide section 370 touches is the brightest, and it appears to become darker toward the outside.

Further, a plurality of types of light guide portions 370 are provided so that their thicknesses differ. The thicker the light guide part 370 is, the wider the light guide part 370 can guide the light from the fourth pattern LED 413, and the thinner the light guide part 370 is, the narrower the light guide part 413 can guide the light from the fourth pattern LED 413. be able to. That is, the thickness of the light guide portion 370 is set according to the area on which the fourth pattern P4 is applied.

As described above, by controlling each of the LEDs 411 to 413 on the irradiation plate 400 to be ON, the first pattern P1 on the first pattern sheet 351 becomes invisible, and the patterns P2 to P4 corresponding to the LEDs that have been controlled to be ON become invisible. It becomes visible. As mentioned above, whether the designs on the first design sheet 351 or the second design sheet 353 are visible is determined by the irradiation of light from the irradiation plate 400, and the decorative sheet 350 having such a function By using this, it is possible to realize an effect in which visually recognizable patterns are made different with a simple configuration such as ON/OFF control of LEDs.

The visibility of each of the patterns P2 to P4 on the second pattern sheet 353 is improved by the arrangement of the LEDs 411 to 413, the first space E1, the shielding tube 360, the light guiding section 370, and the like. Specifically, by irradiating light onto the decorative sheet 350 through the first space E1, the light from the LEDs 410 is diffused, making it possible to irradiate the entire sheet with light using fewer LEDs. . By providing the shielding cylinder 360 for the characters of the third pattern P3, not only can the light from the third pattern LED 412 not leak out and it can be seen clearly, but also when the other LEDs are turned on, the third pattern It is also suppressed that light reaches P3, and a phenomenon in which the third symbol P3 becomes visible even though the third symbol LED 412 is not controlled to be turned on is avoided. The star of the fourth pattern P4 is provided with a light guiding section 370 so as to be in contact with its center position, so that by controlling the fourth pattern LED 413 to turn on, the center appears to be shining brightly. becomes possible.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, measures are taken to improve the visibility of the symbols not only on the second symbol sheet 353 but also on the first symbol sheet 351. Its configuration will be explained using FIGS. 10 to 13. Note that also in FIGS. 10, 12, and 13, the thickness of each sheet 350 is illustrated to be thicker than the actual thickness. 10, 12, and 13 are schematic diagrams of a cross section of the pachinko machine 10 in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) viewed from above, and due to the illustrations, the length in the horizontal direction is longer than the actual one. It is written briefly. Note that the same applies to other cross-sectional views.

As shown in FIG. 10, a front peripheral edge 310 that stands up toward the rear is formed on the peripheral edge of the transparent plate 300, and a front peripheral edge 310 that stands up toward the rear of the irradiation plate 400 is formed on the peripheral edge of the mounting base 450 that extends toward the front. An upright rear peripheral edge 460 is formed. The decorative sheet 350 and the irradiation plate 400 are attached in a housing formed by overlapping these front and rear peripheral parts 310 and 460.

The rear peripheral edge portion 460 is formed to stand up in the front so as to be longer than the combined thickness of the decorative sheet 350 and the irradiation plate 400. The front surface of the decorative sheet 350 is arranged to be flush with the front end of the rear peripheral edge 460, and the rear surface of the irradiation plate 400 is the rear end of the rear peripheral edge 460 (the front end of the mounting surface 451 facing forward on the mounting base 450). It is arranged so that it is flush with the With this arrangement, the first space E1 is provided between the decorative sheet 350 and the irradiation plate 400.

The amount by which the front peripheral edge portion 310 rises rearward is slightly shorter than the thickness of the first space E1. By assembling the transparent plate 300 and the mounting base 450 by bringing the rear end of the front peripheral edge 310 into contact with the front end of the rear peripheral edge 460, the front end of the rear peripheral edge 460 (the decorative sheet 350 A second space E2 is formed at a predetermined interval (approximately 1.0 cm in this embodiment) from the front surface of the transparent disk 300 to the rear surface of the transparent disk 300.

A side board 500 is attached to the inside of the front peripheral portion 310 (on the center frame 42 side), and a side LED 510 is arranged on the side board 500 facing inward. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a pair of side LEDs 510 are provided on the left and right sides, and extend in the vertical direction and are arranged over the entire area except for the ends. The side LED 510 irradiates light into the second space E2, and particularly irradiates light onto the front surface of the first pattern sheet 351. The side board 500 is connected to the production control device 82, and is controlled by the MPU 242 of the production control device 82 to perform ON/OFF control of the side LEDs 510.

In the present embodiment, basically no shielding material for shielding the decorative sheet 350 from the front is provided in the second space E2, and as described above, the transparent plate 300 is formed to be colorless and transparent. The decorative sheet 350 is visible from the front through the transparent disc 300 and the second space E2. However, in the transparent disc 300, the outer portion of the outer rail portion 52 is treated to be opaque so that it cannot be viewed from the front. Therefore, it is difficult or impossible to visually recognize the side LEDs 510 from the front.

By irradiating light onto the front surface of the first pattern sheet 351 by the side LED 510, the visibility of the first pattern P1 is improved. As already explained, in a situation where the light from the rear illumination plate 400 is not irradiated, the first pattern P1 of the first pattern sheet 351 becomes visible instead of each pattern P2 to P4 of the second pattern sheet 353. ing. However, if light is irradiated from behind in an attempt to improve the visibility of the first pattern P1, the visibility of the first pattern P1 will deteriorate on the contrary. However, even if you try to irradiate light onto the first symbol sheet 351 from the front of the transparent board 300 (the front of the game board 24), the guide rails 51, 52, nails 38, etc. Shielding objects such as various accessories 33 to 36 are arranged, and there is a possibility that the light may be blocked by these objects.

In particular, if the light is irradiated in such a shielded state, the shadow of the shield will be directly projected onto the front surface of the first pattern sheet 351, further reducing the visibility of the first pattern sheet 351. This could be a factor in the decline. As described above, since the first pattern sheet 351 has colors with low saturation applied to the first pattern P1 and the background, it can be said that the decrease in visibility due to shadows is more noticeable.

Therefore, by using the second space E2 to irradiate the first pattern sheet 351 with the light from the side LEDs 510, the light is not blocked by the blocking object, and the shadow of the blocking object prevents the first pattern sheet 351 from being blocked. The occurrence of an event that would adversely reduce visibility is avoided.

Furthermore, a configuration in which the decorative sheet 350 is attached to the transparent disc 300 without providing the second space E2 is also considered. In this way, the decoration of the decorative sheet 350 can be seen directly from the transparent disc 300 without going through a space, and it is considered that the visibility of the decoration of the decorative sheet 350 can be improved. However, the decorative sheet 350 is irradiated with light from behind as described above, and there is a concern that heat may be generated. In this case, heat from the decorative sheet 350 may be conducted to the transparent disk 300, and the transparent disk 300 may be thermally deformed. In addition, there is a concern that the adhesion of the decorative sheet 350 and the transparent disc 300 may peel off due to heat, and air bubbles may enter, resulting in a deterioration in design. Therefore, by providing the second space E2 as described above, it is possible to solve these problems as well.

The distance in the front-rear direction of the second space E2 is set shorter than the distance in the front-rear direction of the first space E1. In the first space E1 where the decorative sheet 350 is irradiated with light from behind, it can be said that the longer the distance in the front-rear direction, the more evenly the light is irradiated. On the other hand, since the second space E2 is configured to emit light from the side, the shorter the distance in the front-rear direction, the smaller the angle of incidence of the light on the decorative sheet 350, and the more evenly the light is decorated due to diffraction etc. It is considered that the sheet 350 is reached. From the viewpoint of utilizing the limited space of the gaming machine, it is preferable that the distance between the spaces E1 and E2 in the front and back direction is short. Therefore, in consideration of these circumstances, the distance in the front-rear direction of the first space E1 and the distance in the front-rear direction of the second space E2 are set so that the distance in the front-rear direction is shorter in the second space E2. Thereby, it becomes possible to suitably irradiate light onto the decorative sheet 350 using both spaces E1 and E2 provided in a limited space.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 5, the side LEDs 510 are provided at both left and right ends of the game board 24, and at the upper end of the game board 24. In the following description, these are also referred to as the left LED 520, right LED 530, and upper LED 540, respectively. Each of the LEDs 520 to 540 is separately driven and controlled by the production control device 82.

Here, the transparent disc 300, the decorative sheet 350, and the irradiation plate 400 can be removed or attached separately. More specifically, when the mounting screws (not shown) between the transparent plate 300 and the irradiation plate 400 are removed and the irradiation plate 400 is removed from the transparent plate 300 toward the rear, the decorative sheet 350 is also integrated with the irradiation plate 400. It is removed from the transparent disk 300. Furthermore, by removing the mounting screws (not shown) between the decorative sheet 350 and the irradiation plate 400, it is possible to remove the decorative sheet 350 from the irradiation plate 400 toward the front. Therefore, inspection and replacement work of the transparent disk 300, decorative sheet 350, and irradiation plate 400 is facilitated. In other words, even if some of these parts break down, for example, only the broken part needs to be replaced, and in particular, only the decorative sheet 350 and the irradiation plate 400, which are the design elements of the gaming machine, need to be replaced. By replacing the , it becomes possible to respond to model changes that only change the design.

Furthermore, the side LEDs 510 (left LED 520, right LED 530, and upper LED 540) can also be removed separately from the transparent plate 300, decorative sheet 350, and irradiation plate 400. That is, the side LED 510 is provided in the second space E2, and can be easily accessed by removing the irradiation plate 400 from the transparent plate 300. Therefore, when removing the side LED 510, it is not necessary to replace the transparent plate 300, the decorative sheet 350, and the irradiation plate 400, which facilitates parts replacement and reduces costs.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the left and right LEDs 520, 530 illuminate the first pattern sheet 351, reflected light is reflected on the first pattern sheet 351. As mentioned above, since the left and right LEDs 520 and 530 are provided at both the left and right ends of the game board 24, the incident angle of that light is growing. Therefore, the angle of reflection of the light reflected from the LEDs 520 and 530 also increases, and as a result, direct irradiation of the light onto the players seated in front of the gaming machine is suppressed. This reduces glare caused by the player directly viewing the LEDs 520 and 530. Further, while improving visibility by brightly illuminating the first pattern P1, it is possible to reduce reflection of light by increasing the incident angle. The intensity of the light from the symbol display device 41 disposed approximately in the center of the game board 24 is basically greater than the intensity of the reflected light from these LEDs 520 and 530. Therefore, although the visibility of the first pattern sheet 351 is improved by the side LEDs 510, a phenomenon in which the visibility of the display screen G is adversely reduced is avoided.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the light from the side LED 510 (left LED 520) is irradiated directly onto the first pattern sheet 351 in the decorative sheet 350 (hereinafter referred to as direct light W1), and light is emitted directly onto the first pattern sheet 351 in the decorative sheet 350; The reflected light is roughly divided into two types: reflected light and reflected light that is then irradiated onto the first pattern sheet 351 (hereinafter referred to as reflected light W2). As already explained, the center frame 42 is attached to the approximate center of the game board 24, and the center frame 42 is assembled to the mounting base 450 from the front. The outer circumferential surface (the surface facing the side LEDs 510) 421 of the center frame 42 is mirror-finished, and the light from the side LEDs 510 is reflected by the outer circumferential surface 421 to become the above-mentioned reflected light W2. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 11, the first symbol P1 on the first symbol sheet 351 is irradiated with direct light W1 and reflected light W2 from opposite directions.

Here, in the first pattern sheet 351, the first pattern P1 is applied by printing the pattern from the front side. Therefore, some unevenness may occur on the front surface of the first pattern sheet 351. If such an uneven surface is irradiated with light vertically, no shadow will be generated, but as in this embodiment, the direct light W1 is irradiated obliquely to the first pattern sheet 351. Therefore, it is considered that some shadows may occur depending on the degree of the unevenness. Therefore, by irradiating the reflected light W2 from the outer circumferential surface 421 from the opposite side of the direct light W1, it becomes possible to cancel out the shadow of the light from one side by the light from the other side.

The center frame 42 is fixed (for example, screwed) from the front of the game board 24 via a flange 422. In this embodiment, the back surface of this flange 422 (the surface that comes into contact with the front surface of the game board 24 and the transparent board 300) is also mirror-finished. Therefore, the light from the side LEDs 510 is reflected not only on the outer circumferential surface 421 of the center frame 42 but also on the back surface of the flange 422 and is irradiated onto the first pattern sheet 351. This not only expands the irradiation range of the light from the side LEDs 510, but also makes the angle of incidence on the first pattern sheet 351 larger than the reflected light from the outer circumferential surface 421, making shadows less likely to occur.

The outer peripheral surface 421 of the center frame 42 is formed to extend also into the second space E2. Therefore, it also has the function of reflecting and diffusing the light irradiated in the second space E2 (light from the irradiation plate 400), making it possible to consolidate functions into one member, and reducing the number of parts. Cost reduction can be achieved.

In particular, when using the transparent panel 300 as in this embodiment, if an LED is provided on the peripheral edge of the center frame 42, the wiring will be visible from the front, which may lead to a deterioration in design. On the other hand, if reflected light is used as described above, there is no need to provide an LED on the center frame 42, and no inconvenience occurs due to its wiring.

As described above, by controlling the side LED 510 to be ON, the visibility of the first symbol P1 on the first symbol sheet 351 is improved. Furthermore, the side LED 510 also illuminates the front of the gaming machine through the transparent panel 300.

As shown in FIG. 13, the light emitted forward from the side LED 510 (left LED 520) is divided into two types: one that is emitted directly forward through the transparent plate 300 (hereinafter referred to as front direct light W3), and the other that is emitted directly forward through the transparent plate 300 (hereinafter referred to as front direct light W3). The light is roughly divided into light that is reflected at the site and then irradiated forward (hereinafter referred to as front reflected light W4).

The front direct light W3 is emitted inward from the side LEDs 510 and is emitted forward at an angle. As described above, the side LEDs 510 are arranged on the left, right, and upper sides, respectively. Therefore, the front direct light W3 from the side LEDs 510 is concentrated at the center of the front of the pachinko machine 10. In this case, the side LED 510 is set so that the focus of the front direct light W3 is at a position behind the face of the player seated in front of the gaming machine (approximately midway between the pachinko machine 10 and the player). The irradiation angle is adjusted. Therefore, glare caused by directly viewing the front direct light W3 is reduced.

Furthermore, in the pachinko machine 10, the results of the win/fail determination based on winnings in the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are displayed on the display screen G. As shown in FIG. 4, the display screen G is arranged approximately at the center of the game board 24. As shown in FIG. Therefore, it can be said that the focal point where the front direct light W3 is concentrated exists at a position overlapping the display screen G in the front-back direction. By doing so, the display effect on the display screen G and the light effect using the side LEDs 510 can be visually recognized without moving the line of sight, and the effect of the effect can be enhanced by associating the two.

As already explained, the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34 are attached to the game board 24 as a unit. The outer circumferential surfaces 331 of both operating ports 33 and 34 (the surfaces facing the side LEDs 510) are mirror-finished similarly to those of the center frame 42, and the light from the side LEDs 510 is reflected by the outer circumferential surfaces 331. As a result, the front reflected light W4 is generated. However, the flanges 332 used for attaching the two operating ports 33 and 34 are different from those of the center frame 42 and are made of transparent resin, and the back surface thereof is not mirror-finished. Therefore, the front reflected light W4 reflected on the outer circumferential surface 331 passes through the flange 332 and is irradiated to the front of the gaming machine. By doing so, it is possible to draw attention to the positions of both the operating ports 33 and 34 using the front reflected light W4. In particular, both operating ports 33 and 34 are ball entry parts that trigger a lottery to determine whether or not to shift to the opening/closing execution mode. ) is the heart of the game. In this respect, it can be said that it is of great significance to increase the degree of attention paid to the operating ports 33 and 34.

Here, the operating ports 33 and 34 are arranged at approximately the center position in the horizontal direction on the game board 24, and can be said to be arranged at the farthest distance from the left and right side LEDs 510 (520, 530). (See Figure 4). Therefore, the incident angle with respect to the outer peripheral surface 331 becomes larger than the position closer to the side LED 510 in the lateral direction, and accordingly, the position where the front reflected light W4 is irradiated onto the transparent plate 300 also changes from the operating ports 33 and 34. be in a remote position. Whether or not a game ball flowing down the gaming area PE enters the operating ports 33, 34 may be determined in the vicinity of the operating ports 33, 34 on the downstream path of the gaming ball, or may be determined further. It may also be decided upstream. Specifically, there are cases where the ball is repelled by the entrance of the operating ports 33, 34 and does not enter the ball, or the ball is dropped by the nail 38, etc. before reaching the vicinity of the entrance of the operating ports 33, 34. There are cases where the route is shifted and the route is routed to a route where it is difficult to reach the operating ports 33 and 34. Therefore, if the front reflected light W4 in this embodiment is configured to be irradiated toward a position away from the working ports 33, 34, it is possible to draw attention to the path before reaching the working ports 33, 34 in particular. It becomes possible.

In addition, although it is possible to attach a new light emitting means (LED etc.) to the accessory such as the actuation ports 33 and 34 that are attached to the game board 24 as an accessory, it is not possible to In a downstream path where there is no object, there is no object to attach the light emitting means to, so it is often more difficult to illuminate the downstream path than to illuminate the accessory itself. In a configuration using the transparent disk 300 as in this embodiment, even if the light emitting means is provided on the back surface of the transparent disk 300, it will be completely visible, which is not desirable in terms of design. Therefore, if the configuration uses the front reflected light W4 as described above, even if there is no accessory on the downstream path, it is possible to partially illuminate it and draw attention to it.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, the front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 13. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is formed with a window 61 that allows almost the entire gaming area to be viewed from the front. The window portion 61 has a substantially elliptical shape, and the window panel 62 described above is fitted therein. Although the window panel 62 is made of glass and is colorless and transparent, it is not limited thereto, and may be made of synthetic resin and colorless and transparent.

Light emitting means such as various lamps are provided around the window portion 61. A display light emitting section 63 is provided above the window section 61 as a part of the various light emitting sections. Further, on both the left and right sides of the display light emitting section 63, speaker sections 64 are provided to output sound effects and the like according to the gaming state.

Below the window portion 61 in the front door frame 14, an upper bulge 65 and a lower bulge 66 that bulge toward the front are vertically arranged in parallel. An upper plate 71 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 65, and a lower plate 72 that similarly opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 66. The upper tray 71 has a function of temporarily storing game balls put out from a payout device described later and guiding them to the game ball firing mechanism 53 side while arranging them in a line. Further, the lower tray 72 has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 71. Game balls paid out from the payout device 96 of the back pack unit 15 are discharged to the upper tray 71 and the lower tray 72 through a passage forming unit 73 provided on the back side of the front door frame 14.

Next, the configuration of the back side of the gaming machine main body 12 will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 3, a main control device 81 and a performance control device 82 are mounted on the back side of the inner frame 13 (specifically, the game board 24).

The main control device 81 is equipped with a main control board that has a function of controlling the main control of the game (main control circuit) and a function of monitoring the power supply (power outage monitoring circuit), and the main control board is made of a transparent resin material. It is configured to be housed in a board box 83 consisting of, etc. The board box 83 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box base (front case body) and a box cover (back case body) that covers the opening of the box base. These box base and box cover are connected inseparably by a box connecting portion 85 serving as a separation preventing means (or connecting means), thereby sealing the substrate box 83. Since these boxes are connected inseparably by the box coupling portions 85, the substrate box 83 is required to be destroyed or a portion thereof to be removed in order to open the internal space of the substrate box 83. A plurality of box coupling parts 85 are provided on the long sides of the substrate box 83, and at least one of them is used to perform the coupling process.

Any configuration can be applied to the box connecting portion 85 as long as it connects the box base and the box cover in a non-releasable manner. The box cover is irreleasably coupled to the box cover. The joining process by the box joining unit 85 prevents unauthorized opening after the joining, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, such a situation can be detected early and easily. Even after being released, it is possible to perform the release process again. That is, the joining process is performed by inserting a locking pawl into at least one elongated hole among the plurality of box joining parts 85. When the board box 83 is opened in the event of a malfunction of the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the box joint part 85 into which the locking claw is inserted is connected to the other box joint part 85. Cut the connecting part and the connecting part with the box body. As a result, the box base and box cover of the board box 83 are separated, and the main control board inside can be taken out. Thereafter, when performing the joining process again, a locking claw is inserted into the long hole of the other box joining part 85. If a history indicating that the board box 83 has been opened is left in the board box 83, it can be easily discovered by looking at the board box 83 that the board box 83 has been opened illegally.

A plurality of coupling pieces 86 are provided on one short side of the board box 83 so as to protrude laterally. These coupling pieces 86 have a one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of pieces to be coupled 87 formed on the mounting base of the main controller 81, and the coupling pieces 86 and the pieces to be coupled 87 connect the board box 83 and the mounting base. A join process is performed between the two.

Note that as a trace means for discovering unauthorized opening of the board box 83, a seal may be pasted across the boundary between the box base and the box cover. In this case, when the seal is removed from the place where it is pasted, the adhesive layer of the seal remains on the board box 83 side, leaving traces of it. Furthermore, the seal is provided with an IC tag that transmits a response wave containing identification information in response to a calling wave of a predetermined frequency, and when the seal is peeled off, the antenna of the IC tag is cut off and the above response is received. A configuration may also be adopted in which it is impossible to transmit waves.

The production control device 82 is equipped with a production control board that controls audio, lamp displays, and a display control device (not shown) according to instructions from the main control device 81, and the production control board is a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. 84.

As shown in FIG. 3, the back pack unit 15 includes a back pack 91, and a dispensing mechanism section 92 and a control device assembly unit 93 are attached to the back pack 91. The back pack 91 is made of transparent synthetic resin, and has a protective cover part 94 that protrudes rearward and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape so as to cover the main control device 81, production control device 82, etc. from the rear. ing.

The payout mechanism section 92 is arranged so as to bypass the protective cover section 94, and includes a tank 95 that is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall, and a tank 95 that is sequentially replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall, and a game ball stored in the tank 95. A dispensing device 96 for dispensing balls. The game balls put out by the payout device 96 are discharged onto the upper tray 71 or the lower tray 72 through a payout passage (not shown) provided on the downstream side of the payout device 96. Further, the dispensing mechanism section 92 is supplied with a main power source of, for example, 24 volts AC, and is equipped with a back pack board provided with a power switch for turning the power on and off.

Further, the back pack 91 is provided with an external output terminal 99 on the upper edge side, which is on the rotation axis side of the back pack unit 15. The external output terminal 99 includes an output terminal for outputting a signal when there is a shortage of game balls in the tank 95, etc., an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out, and an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. An output terminal for outputting a signal each time the game machine is lent out, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the gaming machine main body 12 is opened, an output terminal for outputting a signal when the front door frame 14 is opened, and an output terminal for outputting a signal when the front door frame 14 is opened, and when changing states such as opening/closing execution mode. An output terminal is provided for outputting a signal (or while transitioning to a state). Then, through these output terminals, signals regarding the state of the frame side are outputted to the management control device on the gaming hall side. Note that an output terminal for outputting a signal every time a predetermined number of game balls are lent out is not necessary in a so-called cash machine.

The control device assembly unit 93 includes a payout control device 97 and a power supply and firing control device 98. The payout control device 97 and the power supply and firing control device 98 are arranged one on top of the other so that the payout control device 97 is located at the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

The payout control device 97 is configured such that a payout control board for controlling the payout device 96 is accommodated in a board box. In this case, fraud prevention means similar to the board box 83 of the main control device 81 may be applied to the board box of the payout control device 97.

The power supply and launch control device 98 includes a power supply and launch control board housed in a board box, and the board generates and outputs a predetermined amount of power required by various control devices, and furthermore, the power supply and launch control board is housed in a board box. The launch of the game ball is controlled by operating the launch handle 54. In addition, this pachinko machine 10 has a memory retention function for various data, so that even in the event of a power outage, it can maintain the state at the time of the power outage and return to the state at the time of the power outage when recovering from the power outage. It looks like this.

<Electrical configuration>
Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained based on the block diagram of FIG. 14.

A main control board 201 provided in the main control device 81 has an MPU 202 mounted thereon. The MPU 202 includes a ROM 203 that stores various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 202, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 203. It includes a RAM 204, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like.

The MPU 202 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. Connected to the input side of the MPU 202 are a power outage monitoring board 205 provided in the main control device 81, a payout control device 97, various detection sensors 211a to 211e, and the like. In this case, the power supply and launch control device 98 is connected to the power outage monitoring board 205, and power is supplied to the MPU 202 via the power outage monitoring board 205. In addition, as a part of the various detection sensors 211a to 211e, winning-compatible ball entry parts (payout-compatible ball entry parts) such as the general winning opening 31, variable winning device 32, upper operating opening 33, lower operating opening 34, and through gate 35 are included. A plurality of detection sensors provided in the ball are connected to each other, and the MPU 202 of the main control device 81 makes a winning determination (ball entering determination) for each ball entering portion. Furthermore, the MPU 202 executes a jackpot generation lottery based on winnings to the upper operating port 33 and lower operating port 34, and also executes a support generating lottery based on winnings to the through gate 35.

A power outage monitoring board 205, a payout control device 97, and a performance control device 82 are connected to the output side of the MPU 202. For example, a prize ball command is output to the payout control device 97 based on the winning determination result in the winning ball entering section. In this case, the command information storage area 225 of the ROM 203 is referred to when outputting the prize ball command. When a winning to the general winning opening 31 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 10 game balls is output, and when a winning to the variable winning device 32 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of 15 game balls is output. A prize ball command corresponding to the payout of game balls is output, and when a winning to the upper operation port 33 is specified, a prize ball command corresponding to the payout of three game balls is outputted to the lower operation port 34. When a winning prize is 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 to the production control device 82. In this case, the command information storage area 225 of the ROM 203 is referred to when outputting these various commands. Details of these various commands will be explained later. Note that each of the above commands is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

In addition, on the output side of the MPU 202, a variable winning drive unit 32c that opens and closes the opening/closing door 32b of the variable winning device 32, an electric accessory drive unit 34b that opens and closes the electric accessory 34a of the lower operation opening 34, and a main display. section 43 is connected. The main control board 201 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 202 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits.

That is, in the opening/closing execution mode, the MPU 202 performs drive control of the variable winning drive unit 32c so that the big winning opening 32a is opened and closed. Further, when the open state of the electric accessory 34a is won, the MPU 202 executes drive control of the electric accessory drive unit 34b so that the electric accessory 34a is opened and closed. In addition, during each game round, the MPU 202 executes display control of the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS in the main display section 43, and when the variable winning device 32 is in the opening/closing execution mode, the main display section Display control of the round display section RS in step 43 is executed.

Furthermore, an external output terminal 99 is connected to the output side of the MPU 202, and through this external output terminal 99, the management control device (hall computer HC) on the gaming hall side receives information on ball entry into various ball entry sections and jackpots. Information regarding the lottery results, etc., is output. This makes it possible to grasp the status of the pachinko machine 10 on the hall computer HC.

The power outage monitoring board 205 relays between the main control board 201 and the power supply and launch control device 98, and also monitors the stable DC voltage of 24 volts, which is the maximum voltage output from the power supply and launch control device 98. The payout control device 97 controls the payout of prize balls and rental balls by the payout device 96 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 81.

The power supply and firing control device 98 is connected to, for example, a commercial power source (external power source) in a game hall or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power source, necessary operating power is generated for the main control board 201, the payout control device 97, etc., and the generated operating power is supplied. Further, the power supply and firing control device 98 is responsible for controlling the firing of the game ball firing mechanism 53, and the game ball firing mechanism 53 is driven when predetermined firing conditions are met.

Based on various commands input from the main control device 81, the production control device 82 controls each of the holding light emitting sections 45 to 47 provided in the variable display unit 36, the display light emitting section 63 provided in the front door frame 14, and the speaker section. 64 and also controls the display control device 212.

Furthermore, LEDs 410 and 510 are connected to the performance control device 82 as light emitting units for the game board, and ON/OFF control of these LEDs 410 and 510 is executed.

The display control device 212 executes display control of the symbol display device 41 based on commands input from the production control device 82. In this case, in the production control device 82, based on various commands input from the main control device 81, the variable display time of the symbols on the symbol display device 41 and the type of symbol combination to be finally stopped and displayed are determined, A lottery is conducted to determine whether or not a reach event occurs and the content of the reach effect.

Here, the display contents of the symbol display device 41 will be explained based on FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the display screen G of the symbol display device 41.

As shown in FIG. 15(a), three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 are set on the display screen G of the symbol display device 41: an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row. Each of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 is composed of main symbols and sub-symbols arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, in the upper pattern row Z1, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. . In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row Z2, nine types of main symbols "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending order of numbers, and between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1". A main symbol of "4" is additionally arranged on the top, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. That is, only in the middle symbol row Z2, 10 main symbols are arranged and it is composed of 20 symbols. Then, on the display screen G, the symbols of each of these symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a cyclically scrolling manner in a predetermined direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 15(b), on the display screen G, three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of nine symbols (3×3) are stopped and displayed. It is now possible to do so.

Furthermore, five effective lines are set on the display screen G, namely, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a lower right line L4, and an upper right line L5. Then, the variable display stops in the order of upper symbol row Z1 → lower symbol row Z3 → middle symbol row Z2, and with a combination of symbols with the same number attached to any active line formed, all symbol rows Z1 When the fluctuation display of ~Z3 ends, a jackpot video is displayed as the occurrence of a normal jackpot result or a 15R probability variable jackpot result, which will be described later.

In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to "specific symbols", and when a 15R probability variable jackpot result occurs, the same specific symbols The combination is stopped and displayed. In addition, the main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to "non-specific symbols", and when a jackpot result usually occurs, the same combination of non-specific symbols will be stopped and displayed. Ru.

In addition, in the case of an explicit 2R guaranteed variable jackpot result, which will be described later, the variable display of all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 ends with a combination of symbols with different numbers attached, and then the demonstration video is displayed. It is now displayed. In addition, in the case of an unspecified 2R guaranteed variable jackpot result or a special miss result, which will be described later, the variable display of all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 ends with a combination of symbols with different numbers being formed, and then , common videos are now displayed.

Note that the manner in which the symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the symbol display device 41 is not limited to the above-mentioned one, but may be arbitrary, and may include the number of symbol rows, the direction in which the symbols are displayed in a fluctuating manner in the symbol rows, the number of symbols in each symbol row, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

A first hold display area Ga is set on the left side of the bottom of the display screen G, and a second hold display area Gb is set on the right side of the bottom of the display screen G.

The first hold display area (non-priority side hold display area) Ga includes unit hold display areas Ga1 to Ga4 of the same number as the maximum hold number when game balls enter the upper operating port 33, which are arranged side by side in the left and right direction. The area is divided into sections. Specifically, when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33, the maximum number of balls to be held is 4, and correspondingly, the first unit holding display area Ga includes a first unit holding display area Ga1, a second unit holding display area Ga1, a second unit holding display area Ga1, a second unit holding display area Ga1, A unit hold display area Ga2, a third unit hold display area Ga3, and a fourth unit hold display area Ga4 are set.

For example, if the number of reservations is one when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33, a predetermined reservation image is displayed only in the first unit reservation display area Ga1, and the game ball enters the upper operating port 33. If the number of reservations when winning is 4, a predetermined reservation image is displayed in all of the first unit reservation display area Ga1 to fourth unit reservation display area Ga4.

In addition, in the second holding display area (priority side holding display area) Gb, unit holding display areas Gb1 to Gb4 of the same number as the maximum holding number when game balls enter the lower operating port 34 are arranged side by side in the left and right direction. The area is displayed as shown in the section. Specifically, when a game ball enters the lower operation opening 34, the maximum number of balls to be held is four, and correspondingly, the second holding display area Gb has a first unit holding display area Gb1, a second unit holding display area Gb1, a second unit holding display area Gb1, a second unit holding display area Gb1, a second unit holding display area A unit hold display area Gb2, a third unit hold display area Gb3, and a fourth unit hold display area Gb4 are set.

For example, if the number of reserved balls is 1 when a game ball enters the lower operating port 34, the reservation image is displayed only in the first unit pending display area Gb1, and the game ball enters the lower operating port 34. If the number of pending items is four, the pending image is displayed in all of the first unit pending display area Gb1 to fourth unit pending display area Gb4.

<About various counters>
Next, the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above will be explained.

During the game, the MPU 202 uses various counter information to perform jackpot lottery, settings for display on the main display section 43, settings for display on the symbol display device 41, settings for display on the accessory display section 44, etc. , Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, a jackpot random number counter C1 used in the lottery for occurrence of a jackpot, a jackpot type counter C2 used when determining the jackpot type such as a probability variable jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, A reach random number counter C3 used for the reach lottery when the symbol display device 41 is off and fluctuates, a random number initial value counter CINI used for initial value setting of the jackpot random number counter C1, and a first result display section AS of the main display section 43 and a second result display section BS and a variation type counter CS that determines the variation display time of the symbol rows Z1 to Z3 on the symbol display device 41. Furthermore, an electric accessory release counter C4 is used to determine whether or not the electric accessory 34a of the lower operating port 34 should be placed in the electric role release state.

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 the counter is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in the lottery counter buffer 231 set in a predetermined area of the RAM 204. In the lottery counter buffer 231, information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored as an acquired information storage means when a winning occurs in the upper operation opening 33 or the lower operation opening 34. The ball is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of .

The holding ball storage area 232 includes a holding area RE consisting of a holding area Ra for the first result display section and a holding area Rb for the second result display section, and an execution area AE. The holding areas Ra and Rb each include a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, and are filled with lottery counter buffers according to the winning history in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. Each numerical value information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 stored in 231 is stored in any area as pending information. Note that the pending information corresponds to special information.

In this case, in the first area to the fourth area, if winnings to the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 occur multiple times in a row, the first area → second area → third area → fourth area Each piece of numerical information is stored chronologically in order of area. By providing each of the four areas in this manner, the winning history of game balls entered into the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 can be held and stored up to a maximum of four, respectively. In addition, the reserved ball storage area 232 is provided with a storage area for the total number of reserved balls, and the total number of reserved balls storage area specifies the number of the winning history of the upper operation opening 33 or the lower operation opening 34 that is reserved and stored. Information for doing so is stored.

The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first area of the reservation area RE when starting the variable display on the main display section 43, and when starting one game round, the execution area AE Judgments are made based on various numerical information stored in the .

In detail about each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured such that, for example, the jackpot random number counter C1 is sequentially incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 599, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 599). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 completes 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. Note that 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 regularly and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204 at the timing when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. More specifically, when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33, it is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 204, and when a gaming ball enters the lower operating port 34, it is stored in the second result display section of the RAM 204. storage area Rb.

The value of the random number that results in a jackpot is stored as a win/fail table (win/fail information group) in a win/fail table storage area 221 as a win/fail information group storage means in the ROM 203. Here, the contents of the validity table will be explained using FIG. 17. As shown in FIG. 17, the validity tables include the validity table for low probability mode (low probability validity information group) in Figure 17(a), and the validity table for high probability mode (high probability Probability validity information group) is set. That is, in this pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery modes in the win/fail lottery means.

In the gaming state in which the low probability mode win/fail table is referred to during the lottery, the number of random numbers that result in a jackpot is two, as shown in FIG. 17(a). On the other hand, under the gaming state in which the high probability mode win/fail table is referred to in the above-mentioned lottery, the number of random numbers that result in a jackpot is 20, as shown in FIG. 17(b). Note that the number and value of random numbers for winning are arbitrary as long as the winning probability is higher in the high probability mode than in the low probability mode.

In addition, in each lottery mode, the lottery result is a winning result except for the random number value that results in a jackpot win, but in this pachinko machine 10, two types of winning results are set: a special winning result and a normal winning result. has been done. These differences will be explained later.

The jackpot type counter C2 is incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 29, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 29). Here, in this embodiment, a plurality of jackpot results are set. These multiple jackpot results are determined by (1) the opening/closing control mode of the variable prize winning device 32 in the opening/closing execution mode, (2) the lottery mode in the win/fail lottery means after the opening/closing execution mode ends, and (3) the bottom line after the opening/closing execution mode ends. A plurality of jackpot results are set by differentiating three conditions: the support mode in the electric accessory 34a of the operating port 34.

Here, as a mode of opening/closing control of the variable winning device 32 in the opening/closing execution mode, the frequency of occurrence of winnings in the variable winning device 32 from the start to the end of the opening/closing execution mode is relatively high or low. A high-frequency winning mode and a low-frequency winning mode are set. Specifically, in the high-frequency winning mode, the big winning opening 32a is opened and closed 15 times (high-frequency number) from the start to the end of the opening/closing execution mode, and each opening takes 30 seconds (high-frequency time). ) has elapsed or until the number of winnings in the big winning hole 32a reaches 10 (high frequency number). On the other hand, in the low-frequency winning mode, from the start to the end of the opening/closing execution mode, the big winning hole 32a is opened and closed twice (low-frequency number of times), and each opening takes 0.2 seconds (low-frequency time). This continues until the number of winnings in the big winning hole 32a reaches 6 (low frequency number).

In this case, in this pachinko machine 10, when the firing handle 54 is operated by the player, the game ball firing mechanism 53 is configured so that one game ball is fired toward the gaming area every 0.6 seconds. Drive controlled. On the other hand, in the low frequency winning mode, the opening time of the big winning hole 32a for one time is 0.2 seconds as described above. That is, in the low-frequency winning mode, the opening time of the big winning hole 32a is shorter than the firing cycle of the game ball. Therefore, in the opening/closing execution mode related to the low-frequency winning mode, winning of game balls does not substantially occur.

In addition, in the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode, the number of times the big winning opening 32a is opened and closed, the opening limit time for one opening, and the opening limit number for one opening are as follows: The value is not limited to the above value and may be any value as long as the frequency of winnings in the variable winning device 32 from the start to the end of the opening/closing execution mode is higher than that. Specifically, if the number of openings and closings in the high-frequency winning mode is higher than in the low-frequency winning mode, the opening limit time for one opening is longer, or the opening limit number for one opening is set to be larger. good.

However, in order to clarify the difference in benefits between the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode, it is important to note that in the opening/closing execution mode of the low-frequency winning mode, winnings to the variable winning device 32 do not substantially occur. It is good to have a configuration. For example, in the high-frequency winning mode, for one opening, the product of the game ball firing cycle and the maximum number of openings is set to be shorter than the opening limit time, while in the low-frequency winning mode, for one opening, The product of the game ball firing cycle and the release limit number may be set to be longer than the release limit time. In addition, even if the firing interval of the game ball and the opening time of the big prize opening 32a for one time are not as mentioned above, in the low frequency winning mode, by setting the latter to be shorter than the former, It is possible to easily realize a configuration in which winnings to the variable winning device 32 do not substantially occur.

As for the support mode of the electric accessory 34a of the lower operating port 34, when compared with the situation where the game ball continues to be launched in the same manner to the gaming area, the electric accessory 34a of the lower operating port 34 is A low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and a high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state) are set so that the frequency of the open state per unit time is relatively high or low. is set.

Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric role opening state in the electric role-playing object opening lottery using the electric role-playing object opening counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 1/2). However, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 34a is in the open state when the electric role open state is won is set to be greater than in the low-frequency support mode, and The time is set too long. In this case, in the case where the electric utility open state is won in the high frequency support mode and the electric utility object 34a is opened multiple times, the closed state from the end of one open state until the next open state starts. The time is set shorter than the opening time of one time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum secured time between one electric accessory lottery and the next electric accessory lottery is set shorter than the low-frequency support mode. has been done.

As described above, in the high-frequency support mode, the probability that a prize will be won in the lower operating port 34 is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. In other words, in the low-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the upper operating port 33 is higher than that of the lower operating port 34, but in the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the lower operating port 34 is higher than that of the upper operating port 33. The probability of winning a prize increases. When a winning occurs in the lower operation port 34, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so in the high-frequency support mode, the player plays the game while trying not to reduce the number of balls he has too much. be able to.

Note that the configuration for making the high-frequency support mode more frequently open to the electric utility role per unit time than the low-frequency support mode is not limited to the above, and may include, for example, a lottery for opening electric utility objects. It may be configured to increase the probability of winning the electric combination open state in . Furthermore, the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode may be set by differentiating any one condition or any combination of the number of times, opening time, and winning probability.

The jackpot type counter C2 is updated regularly and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204 at the timing when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. More specifically, when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33, it is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 204, and when a gaming ball enters the lower operating port 34, it is stored in the second result display section of the RAM 204. storage area Rb.

The destinations to which game results are distributed to the jackpot type counter C2 are stored as a distribution table (distribution information group) in a distribution table storage area 222 serving as distribution information group storage means in the ROM 203. Here, the contents of the distribution table will be explained using FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 18, the distribution table includes a distribution table (first distribution information group) for the first result display section in FIG. 18(a) and a second result display section in FIG. 18(b). A distribution table (second distribution information group) is set.

In the distribution table for the first result display section, as shown in FIG. Explicit high-probability game results or latent probability variable state results), 2R definite variable jackpot results (explicit high-probability game results or sudden probability variable state results), and 15R probability variable jackpot results (high-probability special game results). has been done.

The normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening/closing execution mode becomes a high-frequency winning mode, and furthermore, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the win/fail lottery mode becomes a low probability mode and the support mode becomes a high-frequency support mode. However, this high-frequency support mode shifts to the low-frequency support mode when the number of games has reached the end standard number of times (specifically, 100 times) after the shift. In other words, the normal jackpot result is a jackpot result that causes the gaming state to shift to the normal jackpot state (low probability special gaming state).

The undisclosed 2R probability variable jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening/closing execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the win/fail lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the low-frequency support mode. be. In other words, the non-explicit 2R definite variable jackpot result is a jackpot result that causes the gaming state to shift to the non-explicit 2R definite variable jackpot state (non-explicit high probability compatible gaming state).

The clear 2R probability variable jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening/closing execution mode becomes the low-frequency winning mode, and furthermore, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, 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 continues until the lottery result in the win/fail lottery becomes a jackpot state win and the state shifts to the jackpot state accordingly. In other words, the explicit 2R definite variable jackpot result is a jackpot result that causes the gaming state to shift to the explicit 2R definite variable jackpot state (the explicit high probability compatible gaming state).

The 15R probability variable jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening/closing execution mode becomes a high-frequency winning mode, and furthermore, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the win/fail lottery mode becomes a high probability mode and the support mode becomes a high-frequency support mode. The high-frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in the win/fail lottery becomes a jackpot state win and the state shifts to the jackpot state accordingly. In other words, the 15R probability variable jackpot result is a jackpot result that causes the gaming state to shift to the 15R probability variable jackpot state (high probability compatible special gaming state).

In relation to each of the above gaming states, the normal gaming state refers to a state where the win/fail lottery mode is a low probability mode and the support mode is a low frequency support mode.

In the distribution table for the first result display section, among the values of jackpot type counter C2 of "0 to 29", "0 to 9" correspond to normal jackpot results, and "10 to 14" are hidden. It corresponds to the 2R definite variable jackpot result, "15 to 19" corresponds to the explicit 2R definite variable jackpot result, and "20 to 29" corresponds to the 15R definite variable jackpot result.

As mentioned above, by setting the non-explicit 2R definite variable jackpot result and the explicit 2R definite variable jackpot result as the definite variable jackpot result, the form of the definite variable jackpot result is diversified. That is, when comparing the three types of variable probability jackpot results, the degree of advantage for the player is the highest for the 15R probability variable jackpot result, which is a high-frequency winning mode in the opening/closing execution mode and a high-frequency support mode in the support mode. In the mode, it becomes a low-frequency winning mode, but in the support mode, it becomes a high-frequency support mode.The explicit 2R definite variable jackpot result is the next highest, and in the open/close execution mode, it becomes a low-frequency winning mode, and in the support mode, it becomes a low-frequency support mode. 2R probability variable jackpot result is the lowest. This prevents the game from becoming monotonous and increases the level of attention to the game.

In particular, in the non-explicit 2R probability variable jackpot result, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the win/fail lottery mode shifts to the high probability mode, but the support mode becomes the low frequency support mode as in the normal gaming state. In this way, it is possible to create a game state in which the win/fail lottery mode is a high probability mode even though the support mode of the electric accessory 34a is commonly the low frequency support mode, and it is possible to create a game state in which the win/fail lottery mode is the high probability mode. It becomes possible to predict whether the win/fail lottery mode will be a high probability mode or a low probability mode, and it becomes possible to increase the degree of attention to the game.

On the other hand, in the distribution table for the second result display section, as shown in FIG. 18(b), only the normal jackpot result and the 15R probability variable jackpot result are set as the destinations to which the game results are distributed. Of the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of "0 to 29", "0 to 9" correspond to the normal jackpot results, and "10 to 29" correspond to the 15R probability variable jackpot results.

As described above, in this pachinko machine 10, the game results are distributed in the case of a jackpot winning based on the jackpot winning based on the winning in the upper operating opening 33, and the case in which the jackpot winning is based on the winning in the lower operating opening 34. It is different from when you win the jackpot based on.

Here, regardless of whether the distribution table is for the first result display section or the distribution table for the second result display section, the probability of a variable jackpot result in the case of a jackpot win is the same. There is. In other words, in the distribution table for the first result display section, the number of values of the jackpot type counter C2 assigned to the implicit 2R probability variable jackpot results, explicit 2R probability variation jackpot results, and 15R probability variation jackpot results is 20. ing. In addition, in the distribution table for the second result display section, the number of values of the jackpot type counter C2 assigned to the 15R probability variable jackpot result is 20. Therefore, the probability that the winning lottery mode becomes the high probability mode after the opening/closing execution mode ends is that the probability of winning the jackpot is based on the winning in the upper operating port 33 and the probability of winning the jackpot based on winning in the lower operating port 34. (Specifically, 2/3).

However, if a jackpot is won based on a winning in the lower operating port 34 and a variable probability jackpot result occurs, the result will always be a 15R variable jackpot, whereas a jackpot is won based on a winning in the upper operating port 33 and In the case of a definite variable jackpot result, there is a probability of 1/4 that it will be an implicit 2R variable jackpot result or an explicit 2R variable jackpot result, and a 1/2 probability that it will be a 15R variable jackpot result. In other words, the probability of occurrence of the 15R variable probability jackpot result, which is the most advantageous for the player among the probability variable jackpot results, is that when the jackpot is won based on winning in the lower operating port 34, the probability of occurrence is higher when the jackpot is won based on winning in the lower operating port 33. It will be higher than if you win the jackpot based on the prize.

In addition, for the unspecified 2R variable jackpot result, as mentioned above, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the winning lottery mode will shift to the high probability mode, but the support mode will shift to the low frequency support mode, so the 15R variable jackpot result When compared with the clear 2R definite variable jackpot result, the electric accessory 34a is less likely to be in the open state, which reduces the chance of receiving a payout of game balls, and furthermore, the chance of receiving a payout of game balls is reduced, and furthermore, the chance of receiving a payout of game balls is reduced. There is a lower possibility that a lottery will take place.

As described above, there is a clear difference in the advantages for the player between the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34. Therefore, the player plays the game while expecting to win a prize in the lower operating port 34 of the upper operating port 33 and the lower operating port 34, and accordingly, the frequency of winnings in the lower operating port 34 increases. Players' attention to the high-frequency support mode increases.

In addition, in this pachinko machine 10, as described above, when a winning result is obtained in the lottery, the result becomes a normal winning result or a special winning result. In this case, in the case of a normal losing result that occurs with a relatively high probability when the winning result is a losing result, there is no transition to the opening/closing execution mode, and furthermore, a change in the win/fail lottery mode and the support mode does not occur.

On the other hand, in the case of a special wrong result that occurs with a relatively low probability when the result is a wrong result, the result becomes a special wrong state. In the special losing state, the opening/closing execution mode is entered in a situation where a winning result is obtained in the lottery. However, the destination opening/closing execution mode is the low-frequency winning mode. Therefore, even if the result is a special loss, the game ball cannot be expected to enter the grand prize opening 32a. Further, after the opening/closing execution mode ends, the transition to the winning lottery mode and the support mode does not occur.

By setting the special winning result as described above, the opening of the big winning hole 32a of the variable winning device 32 can be used as a performance. Here, in addition to the opening/closing execution mode, if the win/fail lottery mode is a low probability mode and the support mode is a low-frequency support mode under normal gaming conditions, and the result is a special loss, the opening/closing is executed as a low-frequency winning mode. After that, the game returns to the normal gaming state. On the other hand, if the above-mentioned non-disclosed 2R probability variable jackpot result occurs, the system shifts to the opening/closing execution mode which is the low-frequency winning mode, and after that, although the support mode is the low-frequency support mode, the winning/failure lottery mode is high. It becomes probability mode. Then, in the event of a special winning result or an undisclosed 2R probability variable jackpot result under normal gaming conditions, the same low-frequency winning mode will be transferred to the opening/closing execution mode, and the support mode will then become low-frequency support. The difference between the two is that in the former, the winning/fail lottery mode is a low probability mode, whereas in the latter, it is a high probability mode. In other words, the occurrence of the special winning result and the non-disclosed 2R probability variable jackpot result under normal gaming conditions are caused by the behavior of each movable object, such as the behavior of the variable winning device 32 and the behavior of the electric accessory 34a of the lower operating port 34. However, only the internal lottery status is different. As a result, when the opening/closing execution mode, which is a low-frequency winning mode, occurs under normal gaming conditions, it is possible to imagine whether the winning/losing lottery mode has shifted to the high probability mode or not, and it is possible to continue playing the game. It becomes possible to increase the attention level of

Note that when the win/fail lottery mode is the low probability mode, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the value of the random number that results in a special losing result is 2, similar to the value of the random number that results in a jackpot win. On the other hand, when the win/fail lottery mode is the high probability mode, as shown in FIG. This is one, which is less than the number of random number values that result in an outlier. In this way, by making the number of random number values that result in a special winning result smaller than the number of random number values that result in a jackpot win under the high probability mode, the probability of winning a jackpot is lower than the probability of a special winning result under the high probability mode. You can increase the probability of winning. In addition, by setting the number of random number values that result in a special outlier result to be smaller under the high probability mode than under the low probability mode, the probability of a special outgoing result under the high probability mode is lower than that under the low probability mode. can also be lowered.

The reach random number counter C3 is configured to increment sequentially by 1 within the range of 0 to 238, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (ie, 238). The reach random number counter C3 is updated regularly and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204 at the timing when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. More specifically, when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33, it is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 204, and when a gaming ball enters the lower operating port 34, it is stored in the second result display section of the RAM 204. storage area Rb. Then, it is decided whether or not to generate a reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 203. However, in the game round that shifts to the opening/closing execution mode, the MPU 202 determines the occurrence of a reach regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3. The number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each gaming state, but may be set individually depending on the gaming state. For example, when the support mode is the high-frequency support mode, the number of reach random number counters C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display may be set to be larger than in the low-frequency support mode.

Here, the ready-to-reach display (ready-to-reach state) is equipped with a symbol display device 41 that can perform variable display (or variable display) of symbols (pictures), and the opening/closing execution mode of the variable winning device 32 is the high-frequency winning mode. In a gaming machine where the stop display result after the variable display is the special display result in the game round, the stop display result is derived and displayed after the start of the variable display (or variable display) of the symbols (pictures) on the symbol display device 41. This refers to a display state that is used to make the player think that this is a variable display state that is likely to result in the special display result.

In other words, by stopping and displaying the symbols for some of the plurality of symbol rows displayed on the display screen of the symbol display device 41, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode is established. This is a display state in which possible combinations of ready-to-win symbols are displayed, and in that state, symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol rows.

More specifically, as a step before ending the fluctuating display of symbols, a combination of jackpot symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode is established on a preset active line on the display screen of the symbol display device 41. A reach line is formed by stopping and displaying combinations of reach symbols that are likely to occur, and symbols are fluctuated and displayed by a final stop symbol sequence under the situation where the reach line is formed.

To specifically explain the display contents in FIG. 15, first, high-speed fluctuation display is started for all symbol rows Z1 to Z3. In this case, it is difficult or impossible to recognize which symbol is displayed. Thereafter, the fluctuating display mode of the upper symbol row Z1 is switched from the high-speed fluctuating display to the low-speed fluctuating display in which the player can easily or easily recognize the displayed symbols. Then, when the fluctuating display of the upper symbol row Z1 ends, the fluctuating display mode of the lower symbol row Z3 is switched from the high-speed fluctuating display to the low-speed fluctuating display. After that, the variable display of the lower symbol row Z3 ends. In this case, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying main symbols with the same number on any of the active lines L1 to L5. Then, when the fluctuating display of the middle symbol row Z2 switches from the high-speed fluctuating display to the low-speed fluctuating display and the opening/closing execution mode occurs, the main symbols with the same numbers as the main symbols forming the reach line are displayed. is stopped and displayed on the reach line, and the fluctuating display of the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 is ended.

In addition, in the reach display, while displaying the combination of the reach symbols as described above, the remaining symbol rows display fluctuating symbols, and the background screen displays a predetermined character etc. as a moving image. These include those that perform a reach effect, and those that perform a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display screen while reducing or not displaying a combination of ready-to-reach symbols. In addition, when the reach display is being performed or before the reach display, it is determined whether or not to display a preview using a predetermined image such as a predetermined character using the reach random number counter C3 or other counters. You can.

The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within the range of 0 to 198, for example, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 198). The variation type counter CS is based on the variation display time in the first result display part AS and the second result display part BS of the main display part 43, the variation display time of the symbol in the symbol display device 41, and the main display area in the symbol display device 41. It is used in determining the variable display time at P in the MPU 202. The variation type counter CS is updated once every time a normal process (described later) is executed once, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time within the normal process. The variable type counter CS is stored in the reserved ball storage area 232 of the RAM 204 at the timing when the game ball enters the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34. More specifically, when a game ball enters the upper operating port 33, it is stored in the first result display holding area Ra of the RAM 204, and when a gaming ball enters the lower operating port 34, it is stored in the second result display section of the RAM 204. storage area Rb.

For example, the electric accessory release counter C4 is configured such that it is sequentially incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 250, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (that is, 250). The electric accessory opening counter C4 is updated regularly and is stored in the electric role holding area 233 of the RAM 204 at the timing when a game ball enters the through gate 35. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to control the electric accessory 34a to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory opening counter C4. For example, if C4=0 to 190, the electric accessory 34a is controlled to be in the open state, and if C4=191 to 250, the electric accessory 34a is not controlled to be in the open state.

As already explained, the MPU 202 determines the variation display time in the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS using the value of the variation type counter CS stored in the execution area AE. In making this determination, the variable display time table storage area 223 of the ROM 203 is used. In addition, in the MPU 202, the stop results in the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS are determined 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. However, the stop result table storage area 224 of the ROM 203 is used for this determination.

<About various processes executed by the main controller 81>
Next, the timer interrupt processing and normal processing executed by the MPU 202 in the main control device 81 to advance the game in each game round will be explained. In addition to the above-mentioned timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 202 executes main processing that is started when the power is turned on, and NMI interrupt processing that is started when a power failure signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). However, a description of these processes will be omitted.

<Timer interrupt processing>
First, timer interrupt processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 19. This process is started by the MPU 202 periodically (eg, every 2 msec).

In step S101, reading processing for various detection sensors is executed. That is, the state of various detection sensors connected to the main control device 81 is read, the state of the detection sensor (detection information from the detection sensor) is determined, and the detection information (winning detection information) is saved. For example, when it is determined that a ball has entered the upper operating port 33, a winning detection flag for the upper operating port is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204, and a ball has entered the lower operating port 34. If it is determined that the winning detection flag for the lower operation opening is stored in the various flag storage area 235. Further, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 35, a winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204.

Thereafter, in step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 204.

In the subsequent step S103, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory release 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 release counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when these counter values reach the maximum value, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values of each counter C1 to C4 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 204.

In the subsequent step S104, a winning process for a through prize is executed in conjunction with a winning in the through gate 35. In the winning process for the through gate, it is determined whether or not the winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204, and if the flag is stored, it is stored in the power holding area. On the condition that the stored accessory storage number is less than 4, the value of the electric accessory opening counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the electric accessory holding area. Further, the production control device 82 executes a process for lighting the pending light emitting section 46 of the variable display unit 36 that corresponds to the number of pending memories. If the winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 235, the winning detection flag is deleted and the winning processing for the through gate ends.

After executing the winning process for the through gate in step S104, the process advances to step S105, in which the winning process for the actuated openings associated with the winning of the operating openings 33 and 34 is executed, and this timer interrupt processing ends. do.

<Winning process for actuation port>
Here, the winning process for the actuation port will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 and 21.

In step S201, it is determined whether the game ball has won a prize (starting prize) in the upper operating port 33 based on the detection state of the detection sensor corresponding to the upper operating port 33. When it is determined that the game ball has entered the upper operating port 33, in step S202, a prize ball command is set for making the payout control device 97 pay out three game balls. In the following step S203, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the management control device on the gaming hall side that the game ball has won in the upper operating port 33. In step S204, the value stored in the pending number storage area of the first result display section holding area Ra is read, and the start pending storage number RaN stored in the first result display section holding area Ra is set. (Hereinafter, also referred to as the first start pending storage number RaN). Thereafter, in step S205, information acquisition processing is performed to store the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the fluctuation type counter CS, and the main prize winning process is ended.

When it is determined in step S201 that the game ball has not entered the upper operating port 33, in step S206, it is determined whether the gaming ball has entered the lower operating port 34 (starting prize) or not. Determination is made based on the detection state of the detection sensor. If it is determined that the game ball has entered the lower operating port 34, a prize ball command is set in the payout control device 97 to pay out four game balls in step S207. In the subsequent step S208, an external signal setting process is performed to output a signal to the management control device on the gaming hall side that the game ball has won in the lower operating port 34. In step S209, the value stored in the pending number storage area of the second result display section holding area Rb is read, and the start pending storage number RbN stored in the second result display section holding area Rb is set. (Hereinafter, also referred to as the second start pending storage number RbN). Thereafter, information acquisition processing is performed in step S205, and the main prize winning processing is ended.

On the other hand, if both Step S201 and Step S206 are NO, that is, if the game ball does not win in either the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34, the main winning process is directly ended.

The prize ball command set in steps S202 and S207 above is transmitted to the payout control device 97 in external output processing S401 of the normal processing described later.

Here, the information acquisition process in step S205 will be explained in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21.

In the information acquisition process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the start hold memory number N (RaN or RbN) set in step S204 or step S209 described above is less than the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment). judge. If the starting pending memory number N is the upper limit value, this information acquisition process is immediately terminated, and if it is less than the upper limit value, the starting pending memory number N in the corresponding result display holding area is set in step S302. At the same time, the value stored in the total reservation number storage area in step S303 (hereinafter referred to as common reservation number CRN) is incremented by 1.

In the following step S304, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and fluctuation type counter CS updated in step S103 are stored in the free storage area of the corresponding result display holding area. It is stored in the first storage area, that is, the storage area corresponding to the number of reserved storages incremented by 1 in step S302.

In other words, when the start pending memory number RaN for the upper operation opening is set, each value of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and fluctuation type counter CS updated in step S103. is stored in the first storage area among the free storage areas of the upper operating port holding area Ra, that is, the holding area Ra corresponding to the upper operating port start pending storage number RaN incremented by 1 in step S302.

In addition, when the start pending storage number RbN for the lower operating port is set, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, and reach random number counter C3 updated in step S103 are set for the lower operating port. The storage area Rb is stored in the first storage area among the empty storage areas of the storage area Rb, that is, the storage area Rb corresponding to the starting storage number RbN for the lower operating opening incremented by 1 in step S302.

In subsequent steps S305 and S306, the production control device 82 and display control device 212, which are sub-side (auxiliary side) control devices, are made to recognize that a winning has occurred in the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34, and will be described later. A confirmation process for a hold and a process for setting a hold command, which are processes for executing a hold notice, are executed. Thereafter, if the entry award detection flag is stored, the flag is deleted and the information acquisition process is ended.

The hold command set in the hold command setting process in step S306 will be sent to the production control device 82 in the external output process (step S401) of the normal process, which will be described later. 33 and the lower operating port 34, the production control device 82 displays the pending display area Ga by receiving the pending command. , Gb in accordance with the increase in the number of pending items.

Specifically, if the command received by the display control device 212 via the production control device 82 corresponds to winning in the upper operation opening 33, the reserved display area for the upper operation opening Processing for displaying the above-mentioned pending image on Ga is executed. In the hold display area Ga, hold images are displayed sequentially from the left side. For example, if the start hold memory number RaN for the upper operating port is 1, the hold image is displayed in the first unit hold display area Ga1 at the left end. If the start pending memory number RaN is 4, the pending image is displayed in all pending display areas Ga1 to Ga4. In addition, if the command received by the display control device 212 via the production control device 82 corresponds to winning to the lower operation opening 34, it is held in the reservation display area Gb for the lower operation opening. Execute processing to display the image. In the hold display area Gb, hold images are displayed sequentially from the left side. For example, if the start hold memory number RbN for the lower operating port is 1, the hold image is displayed in the first unit hold display area Gb1 at the left end. If the starting pending memory number RbN is 4, the pending image is displayed in all pending display areas Gb1 to Gb4.

<Normal processing>
Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started upon power-on is executed, and the main process of the game is executed in the normal process. As an overview, the processing in steps S401 to S406 is executed as a periodic process with a period of 4 msec, and the counter update processing in steps S408 and S409 is executed in the remaining time.

In normal processing, first, in step S401, external signal output processing is executed. 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 sub-side control device. Specifically, the presence or absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is transmitted to the payout control device 97. Further, if a command for effect such as a variation command, a type command, a variation end command, etc. is set, it is transmitted to the effect control device 82.

Next, in step S402, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of the RAM 204.

In the subsequent step S403, a game round control process for controlling the game in each game round is executed. In this game round control process, jackpot determination, setting of variable display of symbols by the symbol display device 41, display control of the main display section 43, etc. are performed.

After executing the game time control process in step S403, the process advances to step S404, and a game state transition process is executed. Although details will be described later, this gaming state transition process causes the gaming state to shift to an opening/closing execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, or the like. The details of the gaming cycle control process in step S403 and the gaming state transition process in step S404 will be described later.

In the subsequent step S405, an electric utility support process for driving and controlling the electric accessory 34a provided at the lower operating port 34 is executed. In this process for electric role support, numerical information acquired from the electric role accessory release counter C4 stored in the electric role holding area 233 of the RAM 204 is used to determine whether or not to open the electric role object 34a. A lottery is held, and if the electric accessory open state is won, opening/closing processing of the electric accessory 34a is executed. In addition, display control of the accessory display section 44 is performed so as to teach the lottery results of the electric prize opening lottery.

Here, as already explained, a low-frequency support mode and a high-frequency support mode are set as modes of support by the electric accessory 34a, and transition to either support mode is performed in the game state transition process. be exposed. After this process, if the high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204, the mode becomes high-frequency support mode, and if the flag is not set, the mode becomes low-frequency support mode.

In the electric support support process, it is determined whether or not the high frequency support mode is set by determining whether the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204. In the case of the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 34a is in the open state is set to be greater than that in the low-frequency support mode, and the number of times the electric accessory 34a is in the open state is set to be greater than that in the low-frequency support mode. Set the opening time to be longer. In addition, in the case of the high-frequency support mode, if the electric role open state is won and the electric role open state occurs multiple times, the next open state will start after one open state ends. The closing time is set to be shorter than the opening time.

Incidentally, when shifting to the opening/closing execution mode, even if the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204, the support mode is forcibly set to the low frequency support mode.

After that, in step S406, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 53 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on the condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply and launch control device 98. . As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

In the following step S407, it is determined whether the execution timing of the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly updated.

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 when the counter value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 204. Furthermore, in step S409, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the change type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter values reach the maximum value, they are cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the variation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding area of the RAM 204.

Here, since the execution time of each process in steps S401 to S406 changes depending on the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly The variation type counter CS can also be updated randomly.

<Game time control processing>
Next, the game time control process in step S403 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 23 to 25.

In the game time control process, first in step S501, it is determined whether or not the opening/closing execution mode is in progress. Specifically, it is determined whether the opening/closing execution mode flag (opening/closing execution state information) is stored (stored) in the opening/closing execution mode flag storage area (opening/closing execution state information storage means) in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204. do. The opening/closing execution mode flag is stored when the gaming state is transferred to the opening/closing execution mode in a gaming state transition process to be described later, and is cleared when the opening/closing execution mode is ended in the same gaming state transition process.

If it is in the opening/closing execution mode, the main game is continued without executing any of the processes after step S502, that is, the process for starting the game round in steps S503 to S505 and the process for advancing the game round in steps S506 to S509. The control process ends. In other words, when the opening/closing execution mode is in effect, the game round will not be started regardless of whether or not a prize has been won through the operating ports 33, 34.

If the opening/closing execution mode is not in progress, it is determined in step S502 whether or not the main display section 43 is in a variable display mode. Specifically, it is determined whether either the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS is displaying a variable display. This determination is made by determining whether or not the variable display flag (variable display information) is stored (stored) in the variable display flag storage area (variable display information storage means) in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204. This is done by making a judgment. The fluctuating display flag is stored when a fluctuating display is started in either the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS, and is cleared when the fluctuating display ends.

If the main display section 43 is not in the fluctuating display mode, the process advances to steps S503 to S505 for starting a game round. In the game round start process, first in step S503, it is determined whether the common reservation number CRN is "0". When the common reservation number CRN is "0", it means that the start reservation storage numbers RaN and RbN are "0" for both the upper operation port 33 and the lower operation port 34. Therefore, the game time control process is immediately ended. If the common reservation number CRN is not "0", in step S504, the data stored in the reservation area Ra for the first result display section or the reservation area Rb for the second result display section is set for variable display. After executing the data setting process and further executing the variation start process for starting the variable display on the main display section 43 and the variable display on the symbol display device 41 in step S505, the present game round control process is ended.

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

First, the data setting process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 24.

In the data setting process, first in step S601, it is determined whether the second start pending storage number RbN stored in the second result display section holding area Rb is "0". If the second start pending memory number RbN is "0", the data setting process for the first result display section in steps S602 to S607 is executed, and if the second start pending memory number RbN is not "0", executes data setting processing for the second result display section in steps S608 to S613.

Here, the case where the data setting process is executed is the case where the common reservation number CRN is 1 or more, as already explained. In this case, in the data setting process, it is determined whether the second start hold memory number RbN is "0" or not, and if it is not "0", that is, the hold information for variable display is If it is stored, the data stored in the second result display holding area Rb is set as a variable display, regardless of whether the first start hold storage number RaN is 1 or more. I made it. As a result, when the reservation information is stored in both the first result display section reservation area Ra and the second result display section reservation area Rb, the second result display section reservation area corresponding to the lower operation port 34 is stored. Priority will be given to the reservation information stored in area Rb.

In the data setting process for the first result display section, first in step S602, the first start pending storage number RaN of the first result display section reservation area Ra is decremented by one. In the following step S603, the common reservation number CRN is decremented by 1. Thereafter, in step S604, the data stored in the first area of the first result display holding area Ra is moved to the execution area AE.

Thereafter, in step S605, a process of shifting the data stored in the storage area of the first result display reservation area Ra is performed. This data shift processing is a process that sequentially shifts the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side, and clears the data in the first area, and also clears the data stored in the second area → first area, The data in each area is shifted in the following order: 3rd area → 2nd area, 4th area → 3rd area, and so on.

In the subsequent step S606, the second result display section flag (second result display section information) is stored in the second result display section flag storage area (second result display section information storage means) provided in the other flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204. If it is stored, it is erased; if it is not stored, that state is maintained. The second result display section flag is information for specifying whether the current variable display is started in the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS.

In the subsequent step S607, a shift command (shift occurrence information) is set, which is information for making the production control device 82, which is a sub-side control device, recognize that the data in the reservation area has been shifted. In this case, from the command information storage area 225 of the ROM 203, information indicating that the holding area to which data has been shifted this time corresponds to the holding area Ra for the first result display section, that is, the upper operating port 33 is stored. A shift command including information that it is compatible is selected, and the selected shift command is set as a command to be transmitted to the production control device 82. After that, this data setting process ends.

The shift command set in step S607 is transmitted to the production control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 22). Based on the received shift command, the performance control device 82 adjusts the display in the first reservation light emitting section 45 of the variable display unit 36 and the display in the first reservation display area Ga of the symbol display device 41 to correspond to the decrease in the number of reservations. and execute the process to change it.

In the data setting process for the second result display section, first in step S608, the second start pending storage number RbN in the second result display section reservation area Rb is decremented by one. In the following step S609, the common reservation number CRN is decremented by 1. Thereafter, in step S610, the data stored in the first area of the second result display holding area Rb is moved to the execution area AE.

Thereafter, in step S611, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the storage area of the second result display section holding area Rb. This data shift processing is a process that sequentially shifts the data stored in the first to fourth areas to the lower area side, and clears the data in the first area, and also clears the data stored in the second area → first area, The data in each area is shifted in the following order: 3rd area → 2nd area, 4th area → 3rd area, and so on.

In the subsequent step S612, the second result display section flag (second result display section information) is stored in the second result display section flag storage area (second result display section information storage means) provided in the other flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204. If it is not stored, the second result display section flag is stored, and if it is stored, that state is maintained.

In the subsequent step S613, a shift command (shift occurrence information) is set, which is information for making the production control device 82, which is a sub-side control device, recognize that the data in the reservation area has been shifted. In this case, information is obtained from the command information storage area 225 of the ROM 203 that the holding area that is the target of the current data shift corresponds to the holding area Rb for the second result display section, that is, it corresponds to the lower operating port 34. A shift command including information on what is being done is selected, and the selected shift command is set as a command to be transmitted to the production control device 82. After that, this data setting process ends.

The shift command set in step S613 is transmitted to the production control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 22). In the production control device 82, based on the received shift command, the display in the second reservation light emitting section 46 of the variable display unit 36 and the display in the second reservation display area Gb of the symbol display device 41 are adjusted to correspond to the decrease in the number of reservations. and execute the process to change it.

Next, the fluctuation start process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 25.

In the variation start process, first in step S701, it is determined whether the win/fail lottery mode is the high probability mode. Specifically, it is determined whether a high probability mode flag (high probability state information) is stored (stored) in a high probability mode flag storage area (high probability state information storage means) provided in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204. Determine whether The high probability mode flag is a flag that is stored at the end of the opening/closing execution mode related to the occurrence of a variable probability jackpot result, and is cleared when a normal jackpot result occurs thereafter.

If it is not the high probability mode, the validity determination is made in step S702 by referring to the validity table for the low probability mode. Specifically, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE matches the value set as a jackpot win in the win/fail table for the low probability mode, as shown in FIG. 17(a). Determine whether or not there is. On the other hand, if it is the high probability mode, the validity determination is made in step S703 by referring to the validity table for the high probability mode. Specifically, the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area AE matches the value set as a jackpot win in the high probability mode win/fail table as shown in FIG. 17(b). Determine whether or not there is.

After the process in step S702 or step S703, in steps S704 to S712, the process for setting the game result of the current game round is executed, and the first result display section AS or the It executes processing for setting a stop result when terminating the variable display executed in either of the two result display units BS. In this case, when setting a stop result, various stop result tables (stop result information group) stored in the stop result table storage area 224 as a stop result information group storage means in the ROM 203 are referred to.

Specifically, first, in step S704, it is determined whether or not the result of the lottery in step S702 or step S703 is a jackpot win. In the case of a jackpot win, in steps S705 to S711, processing for setting a game result and a process for setting a stop result in the case of a jackpot win are executed.

In step S705, it is determined whether the second result display section flag is stored in the RAM 204. If the second result display section flag is not stored, a distribution determination is made in step S706 with reference to the distribution table for the first result display section (see FIG. 18(a)). Specifically, the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE is the numerical range of the normal jackpot result, the numerical range of the non-explicit 2R definite variable jackpot result, the numerical range of the explicit 2R probable variable jackpot result, and the numerical range of the 15R probable variable jackpot result. Determine which of the numerical ranges the result is in.

On the other hand, if the second result display section flag is stored, a distribution determination is made in step S707 with reference to the distribution table for the second result display section (see FIG. 18(b)). Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE is included in the numerical range of the normal jackpot result or the numerical range of the 15R probability variable jackpot result.

After the processing in step S706 or step S707, it is determined in step S708 whether or not the game result distributed in step S706 or step S707 is a probability variable jackpot result. If it is a guaranteed variable jackpot result, in step S709, either the stop result is displayed on the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS in the current game round in which a probability variable jackpot result will occur. Execute the stop result setting process for the probability variable jackpot to set whether to end the variable display. Further, in step S709, information for the MPU 202 to specify which probability variable jackpot result is the result of the judgment of the current game round is stored in the various flag storage areas 235 of the RAM 204. Specifically, in step S709, any one of the explicit 2R probability variation flag (explicit 2R probability variation jackpot flag), the implicit 2R probability variation flag (invisible 2R probability variation jackpot flag), and the 15R probability variation flag (15R probability variation jackpot flag) is stored. . After that, the process advances to step S713.

On the other hand, if the game result distributed in step S706 or step S707 is not a probability variable jackpot result, a negative determination is made in step S708, and the process proceeds to step S710. In step S710, the address information of the stop result data corresponding to the value of the jackpot type counter C2 stored in the execution area AE is obtained by referring to the stop result table for normal jackpots, and the address information is stored in the stop result table of the RAM 204. Store the result in the address storage area. Thereafter, in step S711, the MPU 202 stores information for specifying whether or not the success/failure determination result of the current game round is a normal jackpot result in the various flag storage areas 235 of the RAM 204. Specifically, in step S711, a normal flag (normal jackpot flag) is stored. After that, the process advances to step S713.

Further, if the lottery result in step S702 or step S703 is not a jackpot, a negative determination is made in step S704, and the process proceeds to step S712. In step S712, in the current game round where the result is a loss, which stop result is displayed on the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS is set for ending the variable display. Execute the stop result setting process. Further, in step S712, information for the MPU 202 to specify that the validity determination result of the current game round is a losing result is stored in the various flag storage areas 235 of the RAM 204. Specifically, in step S712, either the normal failure flag or the special failure flag is stored. After that, the process advances to step S713.

After executing any of the processes in step S709, step S711, and step S712, in step S713, the variable display time of the current game round in the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS is set. Executes the process of setting the variable display time.

In the process of setting the variable display time, the corresponding variable display time table is obtained from the ROM 203 depending on the game result of the current game round and the presence or absence of the reach display, and the variable display time is set according to the value of the current variable type counter CS. Set the time. Specifically, in this embodiment, if the result of the winning lottery is a result that shifts to the opening/closing execution mode (either a jackpot result or a special winning result), or if the result of the winning lottery is a normal winning result and the reach is When winning the lottery for generation, a ready-to-reach display is executed, and a variable display time table for generating reach is referred to.

Here, the reach display includes normal reach and super reach, which have different variable display modes. The variable display time information for normal reach and super reach is set in the variable display time table for reach occurrence, and by referring to this table, the variable display time information corresponding to each reach display can be obtained. Ru. Regarding the determination of the type of reach display, there is a table in which the type of reach display corresponds to the value of the variation type counter CS, and by referring to this table, the value of the current variation type counter CS can be determined. A corresponding reach display is determined.

On the other hand, in the variable display time table for non-reach occurrence, the variable display time is set to become shorter as the number N of start pending storage increases.

In addition, in a situation where the support mode is high-frequency support mode, compared to a situation where the support mode is low-frequency support mode, when the number of pending information is the same, a shorter variable display time is selected so that a shorter variable display time is selected. Although a variable display time table for generation is set, the present invention is not limited to this, and the selected variable display times may be the same, or the above relationship may be reversed. Furthermore, the above configuration may be applied to the variable display time when a reach occurs, and the variable display time that is likely to be selected and the variable display time that is difficult to be selected are different depending on when a jackpot is won and when it is a miss. It may also be a configuration. Further, a variable display time table for a variable probability jackpot, a variable display time table for a normal jackpot, a variable display time table for a missed reach, and a variable display time table for a complete miss may be set individually.

As described above, the variable display time of each game round is determined using parameters such as whether or not a reach occurs, the type of reach display, the number of pending information, and the value of the change type counter CS. However, the variable display time of each game is based on the contents of other pending information, specifically, information for jackpot determination, information for type determination, and information for reach determination included in other pending information as parameters. It is decided without doing anything.

Returning to the explanation of the variation start process (FIG. 25), after step S713, a variation command and a type command are set in step S714. The variation command includes information on whether reach has occurred and information on variation display time. Further, the type command includes information on game results. In other words, the type command includes information on game results such as 15R definite variable jackpot result information, regular jackpot result information, explicit 2R probable variable jackpot result information, non-explicit 2R probable variable jackpot result information, special winning result information, etc. included.

The variation command and type command set in step S714 are transmitted to the production control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 22). The performance control device 82 determines the content of the performance in the game round based on the received variation command and type command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the performance is executed. The contents of this production include the variable display mode of the symbols on the symbol display device 41, and the determined variable display mode of the symbols is output from the production control device 82 to the display control device 212 as a display content command. Ru. The display control device 212 controls the display of the symbol display device 41 based on the display content command received from the performance control device 82 so that symbols corresponding to each game round are displayed in a variable manner.

Thereafter, in step S715, variable display of symbols is started in the result display section corresponding to the current game round among the first result display section AS and the second result display section BS. In this case, if the second result display section flag is not stored in the RAM 204, the result display section corresponding to the current game round is specified as the first result display section AS, and the second result display section flag is If it is stored, it is specified that the result display section corresponding to the current game round is the second result display section BS. After that, the main fluctuation start process ends.

Returning to the explanation of the game round control process (FIG. 23), when the main display section 43 is in the variable display mode, the game round progression process of steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game progress processing, first in step S506, it is determined whether or not the variable display time of the current game time has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the variable display time information stored in the variable display time counter area of the RAM 204 has become "0". As described above, the value of the variable display time information is set in the variable display time setting process. Further, the value of the set variable display time information is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 19) is activated.

If the variable display time has not elapsed, a variable display process is executed in step S507. In the variable display processing, display control is performed on the result display section (light emission control of each display segment) so that each display segment is turned on and off in a predetermined order in the result display section for the current game round. , this game round control process ends.

If the fluctuation display time has elapsed, a fluctuation end process is executed in step S508. In the variation end process, the information stored in the RAM 204 in any one of the processes in step S709, step S710, and step S712 is specified, and the image corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the main display section 43. Controls the main display section 43.

In the following step S509, a variation end command is set. After that, the main game round control process is ended. The variation end command set in step S509 is transmitted to the production control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 22). The effect control device 82 transmits the received variation end command to the display control device 212 while maintaining its information form. By receiving the variation end command, the display control device 212 causes the final stop symbol combination in the game round to be displayed as determined (final stop display).

<Game state transition processing>
Next, the gaming state transition process in step S404 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 26.

First, in step S801, it is determined whether the opening/closing execution mode is in progress. If the opening/closing execution mode is not in progress, the process advances to step S802, and it is determined whether or not the timing has come to end the variable display of symbols on the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS for one game round. If it is not the timing at which the variable display ends, the main game state transition process is ended as it is.

If it is the timing at which the variable display ends, it is determined in step S803 whether the game result of the current game round corresponds to the transition to the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether the RAM 204 stores any one of the explicit 2R probability variable flag, the implicit 2R probability variable flag, the 15R probability variable flag, the normal jackpot flag, or the special lose flag. If none of the above-mentioned flags are stored, the main game state transition process is ended as is.

If any of the above flags is stored, in step S804, opening/closing execution mode start processing is executed. In the start processing, an opening standby time (start standby period) is set for waiting without starting opening of the big winning hole 32a of the variable winning device 32 for the opening of the opening/closing execution mode. Specifically, opening standby time information stored in advance in the ROM 203 is set in the standby time counter area provided in the various counter areas 234 of the RAM 204 . In this case, the waiting time information that is set differs depending on whether the opening/closing execution mode is the high-frequency winning mode or not, and the waiting time information is that the waiting time is longer in the low-frequency winning mode than in the high-frequency winning mode. It is set to be short. For example, in the high-frequency winning mode, the count value of the waiting time information is set so that the waiting time is 1 sec, and in the low-frequency winning mode, the count value of the waiting time information is set so that the waiting time is 0.2 sec. is set. The value of the waiting time information set here is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 19) is executed.

In the following step S805, a round display start process is executed to notify the type of the current opening/closing execution mode. In the process of starting the round display, first, address information stored in the stop result address storage area of the RAM 204 is confirmed. Then, the stop result data corresponding to the address information is specified from among the stop result data group stored in the ROM 203, and the content of the number of rounds is confirmed from the specified stop result data. Thereafter, the content of the confirmed number of rounds is output to the round display section RS in the main display section 43. As a result, the round information related to the above output is displayed on the round display section RS.

In the following step S806, it is determined whether the current opening/closing execution mode is a high frequency winning mode. Specifically, it is determined whether the RAM 204 stores either the 15R probability variable flag or the normal jackpot flag. If it is not the high-frequency winning mode, that is, if it is the low-frequency winning mode, "2" is set in the round counter area RC provided in the various counter areas 234 of the RAM 204 in step S807. The round counter area RC is a counter area for counting the number of times the big winning hole 32a is opened. On the other hand, if it is the high frequency winning mode, "15" is set in the round counter area RC in step S808.

After executing the process in step S807 or step S808, an opening command is set in step S809. This set opening command is transmitted to the production control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 22). This opening command includes information as to whether the mode is high-frequency winning mode or low-frequency winning mode. The effect control device 82 determines the content of the effect corresponding to the opening/closing execution mode based on the received opening command, and controls various devices so that the determined content of the effect is executed. The content of this performance includes the display mode on the symbol display device 41, and this determined display mode is outputted from the performance control device 82 to the display control device 212 as a display content command. The display control device 212 controls the display of the symbol display device 41 based on the display content command received from the production control device 82 so that a display (for example, video display) corresponding to the current opening/closing execution mode is performed.

In the following step S810, after executing the external signal setting process, the main game state transition process is ended. In the external signal setting process, it is determined whether the RAM 204 stores any of the explicit 2R probability variation flag, the implicit 2R probability variation flag, the 15R probability variation flag, or the normal jackpot flag, and determines whether any of the flags is stored. In this case, the signal output state of the jackpot signal output terminal provided in the external output terminal 99 is set as the jackpot signal output state. As a result, if the jackpot signal output terminal is connected to the management control device on the gaming hall side, the jackpot signal is output to the management control device, and a jackpot occurs at the pachinko machine 10 in the management control device. I can understand what I did.

In addition, in the external signal setting process, it is determined whether the RAM 204 stores any of the explicit 2R probability variation flag, the implicit 2R probability variation flag, the 15R probability variation flag, the normal jackpot flag, or the special loss flag. When the flag is stored, the signal output state of the output terminal for jackpot and special winning signals provided in the external output terminal 99 is set to the jackpot and special winning signal output state. As a result, when the output terminal for jackpot and special loss signals is connected to the management control device on the gaming hall side, the jackpot and special loss signals are output to the management control device, and the pachinko machine is outputted to the management control device. 10, it can be recognized that the opening/closing execution mode has occurred.

On the other hand, if the opening/closing execution mode is in progress, an affirmative determination is made in step S801, and the process proceeds to step S811. In step S811, it is determined whether the waiting time for opening has elapsed. If the waiting time for opening has not elapsed, the main game state transition process is ended. If the waiting time for the opening has elapsed, the big prize opening opening/closing process is executed in step S812.

In the big winning opening opening/closing process, the variable winning driving part 32c is drive-controlled according to the values of the round counter area RC and the timer area T to switch the big winning opening 32a between an open state and a closed state. In this case, the values of the round counter area RC and timer area T that are set are different between the opening/closing execution mode, which is a high-frequency winning mode, and the opening/closing execution mode, which is a low-frequency winning mode. Switching control of the variable winning a prize driving section 32c is performed so that the number of winnings in the high frequency winning mode is longer (longer) than in the low frequency winning mode.

After executing the big winning opening opening/closing process in step S812, it is determined in step S813 whether the value of the round counter area RC is "0" or not, and in step S814 it is determined whether the waiting time for the ending has elapsed. Determine whether or not. If the value of the round counter area RC is not "0" or if the waiting time for ending has not elapsed, the main game state transition process is ended.

On the other hand, if the value of the round counter area RC is "0" and the waiting time for ending has elapsed, in step S815, transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode is executed.

In the transition processing at the end of the opening/closing execution mode, if the 15R probability variation flag or the explicit 2R probability variation flag is stored in the RAM 204, the winning lottery mode is set to the high probability mode, and the support mode is set to the high frequency support mode. do. Note that these high probability modes and high frequency support modes are maintained at least until the next jackpot win occurs. Further, when the implicit 2R probability variable flag is stored in the RAM 204, the winning/failure lottery mode is set to the high probability mode, and the support mode is set to the low frequency support mode. Note that these high probability modes and low frequency support modes are maintained at least until the next jackpot win occurs. Furthermore, if the normal jackpot flag is stored in the RAM 204, the winning/failure lottery mode is set to a low probability mode, and the support mode is set to a high frequency support mode. However, the high-frequency support mode ends when the game continues 100 times, and then shifts to the normal game state in which the win/fail lottery mode is a low probability mode and the support mode is a low-frequency support mode. If none of the flags are stored, that is, if the current opening/closing execution mode is triggered by a special winning result, the game state of the game that resulted in the special winning result is the end of the opening/closing execution mode. It will be maintained later.

After the transition process at the end of the opening/closing execution mode in step S815 is completed, the round display ending process is executed in step S816. In this process, display control of the round display section RS in the main display section 43 is ended so that the round display section RS is turned off. That is, the round display on the round display section RS is started when the opening/closing execution mode is started, and is ended when the opening/closing execution mode is ended. In this case, when the opening/closing execution mode is the low-frequency winning mode, the number of openings and closings of the big winning opening 32a is smaller than in the high-frequency winning mode, and the opening time and closing time of the big winning opening 32a are set to be short. . Therefore, the period during which the content of the number of rounds is displayed on the round display section RS is shorter than in the high-frequency winning mode. More specifically, the result display that is stopped and displayed on the first result display section AS or the second result display section BS is started when a game round ends, and continues until the next game round is started. Therefore, when transitioning to the opening/closing execution mode, the above result display starts before the content of the number of rounds is displayed on the round display section RS, and continues until after the content of the number of rounds has been displayed. Continued. In other words, the result display is maintained for a longer period of time than the display of the number of rounds.

Thereafter, in step S817, after executing the opening/closing execution mode termination process, the main gaming state transition process is terminated. In the end process of the opening/closing execution mode, if the explicit 2R probability variation flag, the implicit 2R probability variation flag, the 15R probability variation flag, the normal jackpot flag, and the special loss flag are stored, they are erased, and the flags are deleted if they are no longer stored. If so, maintain that state.

Next, the electrical configuration and control processing for executing various effects will be explained.

<About the electrical configuration of the production control device 82 and the display control device 212>
The electrical configuration of the production control device 82 and the display control device 212 will be described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 27.

An MPU 242 is mounted on the performance control board 241 provided in the performance control device 82. The MPU 242 includes a ROM 243 that stores various control programs and fixed value data to be executed by the MPU 242, and a memory that temporarily stores various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 243. It has a built-in RAM 244, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input/output circuit, etc.

The MPU 242 is provided with an input port and an output port, respectively. A main controller 81 is connected to the input side of the MPU 242 . From the main control device 81, hold display control commands (hold display control information) such as shift commands and hold commands to be described later are received. It also receives game time control commands (game time control information) such as variation commands, type commands, and variation end commands. It also receives opening/closing execution mode commands (opening/closing execution mode information) such as opening commands and ending commands.

The MPU 242 performs processing for executing various effects based on various commands received from the main control device 81. The received command is stored in a command storage area 248 provided in the RAM 244 of the MPU 242. Then, processing such as analysis of the stored commands is performed, and various effects are executed.

On the output side of the MPU 242, there are LEDs 410 and 510 provided on the game board 24, each hold light emitting section 45 to 47 provided on the variable display unit 36, and a display light emitting section 63 and a speaker section 64 provided on the front door frame 14. is connected, and a display control device 212 is also connected.

The display control device 212 includes a display control board 251 on which an MPU 252 in which a program ROM 253 and a work RAM 254 are integrated into chips, a video display processor (VDP) 255, a character ROM 256, and a video RAM 257 are respectively mounted. There is.

The MPU 252 receives, from the performance control device 82, a hold display control command (hold display control information) for performing hold display control, a game time control command (game time control information) for performing variable display of symbols, Receives an opening/closing execution mode command (opening/closing execution mode information) for displaying a video during opening/closing execution mode. Then, it analyzes the received commands or performs predetermined arithmetic processing based on the received commands to control the VDP 255 (specifically, generate internal commands for the VDP 255).

The program ROM 253 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 252, and also stores JPEG format image data for a background image.

The work RAM 254 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, etc. used when the MPU 252 executes various programs. These work data, flags, etc. are stored in each area of the work RAM 254.

The VDP 255 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver incorporated in the symbol display device 41. Since the VDP 255 is implemented as an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip," and its actual form is a microcomputer chip containing firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP 255 adjusts the timing of each of the MPU 252, the video RAM 257, etc. and intervenes in reading and writing data, and also reads image data to be stored in the video RAM 257 from the character ROM 256 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the symbol display device 41.

The character ROM 256 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as symbols displayed on the symbol display device 41. This character ROM 256 stores bitmap format image data of various display symbols, a color palette table, etc. that is referred to when determining the expression color of each dot of the bitmap image.

It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs 256 and store image data and the like in each character ROM 256. Further, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 253 is stored in the character ROM 256.

The video RAM 257 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the symbol display device 41, and by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 257, the display contents of the symbol display device 41 are changed.

<Processing related to various performances>
Next, processing related to various effects executed by the MPU 242 of the effect control device 82 will be explained. As this process, various production processes are provided, and the various production processes are periodically activated by the MPU 242 at a predetermined cycle (for example, a 2 msec cycle).

Various effects processing will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 28.

First, in step S901, a hold control process is executed. In this process, processing is performed to set the presentation content (contents of a pending display or pending notice) based on receiving a pending display control command (shift command or pending command) from the main control device 81. In the following step S902, a variable display control process is executed. In this process, processing is performed to set the performance content (game cycle content) based on receiving a game cycle control command (variation command, type command, variation end command, etc.) from the main control device 81.

In the following step S903, light emission control processing is executed. In this process, light emission control of the LEDs 410 and 510, which are connected to the production control device 82 and serve as a light emitting section for the game board, is executed. The light emission control process will be explained in detail later. In the following step S904, demo screen processing is executed. This process is a process for displaying a demo screen on the display screen G of the symbol display device 41 when a game has not been played for a predetermined period of time, or when a game round has not been executed even if a game has been played for a predetermined period of time. Execute.

Then, in step S905, other processing related to presentation is performed, and then various processing for presentation is ended. In the other processing, processing for performing various settings and initialization of the various light emitting units 45 to 47, 63 for presentation, the speaker unit 64, etc. is executed. In addition, in a configuration in which a movable accessory is connected to the production control device 82, processing for setting the initial position of the movable accessory is performed in this process. In addition, these other processes include processing for performing effects based on receiving commands for effects in accordance with the transition of the gaming state (commands for opening/closing execution mode, commands corresponding to transitions to support mode and lottery mode). I do.

<Light emission control processing>
The light emission control process in step S903 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 29.

First, in step S1001, a game situation understanding process is executed. In this process, the presence or absence of execution of the suspension notice set in the immediately preceding suspension control process (step S901) and its type, the performance content of the game round set in the variable display control process (step S902), the game state, Execute processing to understand various game situations such as. For example, regarding whether or not a suspension notice is to be executed, its type, the performance content of the game replay, and the game status, processing is performed to store the contents in the suspension storage area 250 of the RAM 244 in step S901 and step S902. In the game situation grasping process, the contents of the reservation storage area 250 are grasped with reference to this storage area 250.

In the following step S1002, a process is executed to read out the light emission number corresponding to the content grasped in step S1001, and a process is executed to understand the light emission control pattern corresponding to the read light emission number. The light emission number and the light emission control pattern are stored in the various table storage area 245 of the ROM 243 as a light emission pattern table.

In the light emission pattern table, as shown in FIG. 30, groups of LEDs that are controlled to be turned ON/OFF in association with various gaming situations are defined. In addition, in FIG. 30, the fourth pattern LED 413 and the upper LED 540 are omitted.

In the situation where the demo screen is set in step S903 as the current gaming situation, the light emission number is set to "0", and the light emission control pattern corresponding to this "0" is which of the LEDs 411 and 412. , 520, and 530 are also set to be turned off.

In a situation where the firing handle 54 is being operated although a game round is not being executed, the light emission number is set to "1", and the light emission control pattern corresponding to this "1" includes each light emission control pattern on the irradiation plate 400. Although both the LEDs 411 and 412 are controlled to be OFF, the side LEDs 520 and 530 are both set to be controlled to be ON.

After a game round has started and in a situation where no reach occurs, the light emission numbers are set to "2" to "9", and the light emission control patterns corresponding to these light emission numbers are as follows: The LEDs 411 and 412 are both turned off, and the side LEDs 520 and 530 are also set to be turned off.

In a situation where a game round is being executed and a reach is being performed, the light emission numbers are set to "10" to "19", and the light emission control patterns corresponding to these light emission numbers are as follows. Of the irradiation plate 400, the second symbol LED 411 is controlled to be ON, and the third symbol LED 412 is controlled to be OFF. Of the side LEDs 510, the left LED 520 on the second symbol P2 side is set to be OFF-controlled, and the right LED 530 on the opposite side to the second symbol P2 is set to be ON-controlled.

In a situation where a game round is being executed and the symbol corresponding to the jackpot result is confirmed and displayed after reach, the luminous number is set to "20" to "29", and these As a light emission control pattern corresponding to the light emission number, the third pattern LED 412 of the irradiation plate 400 is controlled to be ON, and the second pattern LED 411 is controlled to be OFF. Of the side LEDs 510, the right LED 530 on the third symbol P3 side is set to be OFF-controlled, and the left LED 520 on the opposite side to the third symbol P3 is set to be ON-controlled.

In the opening period at the start of the opening/closing execution mode, the light emission numbers are set to "30" to "39", and the light emission control patterns corresponding to these light emission numbers are as follows: is controlled to be ON, and both side LEDs 520 and 530 are controlled to be OFF.

In the situation where each round game is being played in the opening/closing execution mode, the light emission numbers are set to "40" to "49", and the light emission control patterns corresponding to these light emission numbers are as follows: The LEDs 411 and 412 and the side LEDs 520 and 530 are set to be alternately ON/OFF controlled.

In addition, multiple light-emitting numbers are set according to the gaming situation, and each light-emitting number determines the control pattern (ON/OFF period and each switching timing) of each LED 411, 412 (413), 520, 530 (540). ) are set differently. Regarding these plurality of light emission numbers, it may be configured to decide which number (control pattern) to select based on various commands indicating the gaming situation received from the main control device 81, or for example, from various counter areas 249. A configuration may also be adopted in which a lottery counter for light emitting numbers is acquired and a random determination is made based on the counter. Further, by combining these two, a lottery counter and a lottery table may be set so that, for example, the numbers selected may differ depending on the game result even in the same game situation.

In addition, in the light emission pattern table, test light emission numbers are assigned so that each of the LEDs 411 to 413 and 520 to 540 can be individually controlled to turn on and off. For example, it may be possible to read each test light emission number by performing a specific operation (preferably an operation that cannot be operated in a normal gaming state) of an operation button or the like provided on the gaming machine. By providing the operation button in a position that can be operated by unlocking the locking device, such as on the back side of the gaming machine, it is possible to prevent the player from unnecessarily reading out the test light-emitting number. I can do it.

Returning to the explanation of the light emission control process (FIG. 29), after the light emission number reading process is performed, the light emission control of the corresponding LED is executed in step S1003, and then the main light emission control process is ended.

Here, the relationship between each game situation and the symbols visible from the front of the gaming machine will be explained with reference to FIG. 31 in addition to FIG. 30. 31(a1) to 31(a6) show the ON/OFF control of the side LEDs 520 and 530, and FIGS. 31(b1) to 31(b6) show the display screen G when the game board 24 is viewed from the front. It shows the state of the design.

In the demo screen, as shown in FIGS. 31(a1) and 31(b1), all LEDs 411, 412, 520, and 530 are controlled to be OFF (light emission number "0"), and the game board 24 is The overall display is dark, and since no game is being played, the display screen G is also dark (the brightness is set to be lower, so it is darker than during a game and brighter than when the power is turned off). is set to . In this case, the power consumption of the gaming machine can be reduced, and the player can easily understand that the gaming machine is empty.

When a player starts a game and operates the firing handle 54 to fire a game ball, each of the LEDs 411 and 412 on the irradiation plate 400 is turned off, as shown in FIGS. 31(a2) and 31(b2). However, both side LEDs 520 and 530 are controlled to be ON (light emission number "1"). Since the game round has not yet started, the area of the game board 24 excluding the display screen G is displayed brightly, and the first symbol P1 (P1a) on the first symbol sheet 351 is clearly visible from the front. Furthermore, the display screen G is set to have low brightness, similar to the state of the demo screen, and is darker than during the game.

When the game ball enters the operation port 33, 34 and a game round starts, all LEDs 411, 412, 520, 530 are controlled to be OFF as shown in FIG. 31 (a3) and FIG. 31 (b3). (Emission number "2" to "9"). On the other hand, since the game round has started, the display screen G is displayed brightly. As a result, although the visibility of the first symbol P1 (P1a) is reduced, it is thought that the player's interest shifts to the display screen G.

When a reach occurs in a game round, as shown in FIGS. 31(a4) and 31(b4), the left LED 520 is controlled to be OFF, while the right LED 530 is controlled to be ON. In the irradiation plate 400, the second pattern LED 411 is controlled to be ON, and the third pattern LED 412 is controlled to be OFF. As a result, the second symbol P2 (P2a) becomes visible on the left side of the game board 24, and the first symbol P1 (P1a) becomes visible on the right side.

When a jackpot result is confirmed in a game round, as shown in FIGS. 31(a5) and 31(b5), the left LED 520 is controlled to be ON, while the right LED 530 is controlled to be OFF. In the irradiation plate 400, the second symbol LED 411 is controlled to be OFF, and the third symbol LED 412 is controlled to be ON. As a result, the first symbol P1 (P1a) becomes visible on the left side of the game board 24, and the third symbol P3 becomes visible on the right side.

At the time of opening the opening/closing execution mode, as shown in FIGS. 31(a6) and 31(b6), both the side LEDs 520 and 530 are controlled to be OFF, while each of the LEDs 411 and 412 on the irradiation plate 400 is turned off. is also controlled to be ON. As a result, the second symbol P2 (P2a) becomes visible on the left side of the game board 24, and the third symbol P3 becomes visible on the right side.

According to the present embodiment described in detail above, the following excellent effects are achieved.

A transparent board 300 with a game area PE formed on the front surface is formed of transparent resin, and a decorative sheet 350 is provided at the rear of the transparent board 300. In the decorative sheet 350, a first pattern sheet 351 and a second pattern sheet 353 are arranged before and after a shielding sheet 352 that transmits light with a predetermined intensity or more and blocks light with a predetermined intensity, and An irradiation plate 400 that can irradiate light with a predetermined intensity or higher is provided. As a result, if light with a predetermined intensity or more is irradiated from the irradiation plate 400, the light passes through the shielding sheet 352 and the symbols on the second pattern sheet 353 become visible from the front via the transparent plate 300, and the irradiation plate When the light from 400 is set to less than a predetermined intensity (OFF), the symbols on the first symbol sheet 351 can be seen from the front through the transparent disc 300 with the shielding sheet 352 as a background. By doing so, it becomes possible to separately view a plurality of types of symbols in the same area on the game board 24.

In particular, it is necessary to create a flashy presentation in a gaming machine to attract players' attention, and attempts have been made to increase the size of the display screen and use the presentation on the display screen to attract the attention of the players. On the other hand, the original enjoyment of a gaming machine is to enjoy watching the way the game ball flows down, and it is not desirable that the gaming area be compressed by the enlargement of the display screen. From this point of view, if the game board is made of transparent resin or the like and a game machine is provided with a large display screen on the back, it would be possible to both increase the display screen size and secure the game area. However, if the display screen is made larger, there is also a concern that the manufacturing cost of the gaming machine will increase. Moreover, the game board is provided with a center frame as an enclosing member that surrounds the display screen, and the center frame prevents the game balls from falling in front of the display screen. If the center frame is made of opaque resin or the like, it will be possible to distinguish between the display area and other areas of the display screen, but this will make it difficult to see the movement of the game balls flowing down the wide play area. There may also be problems such as

Therefore, as in the present embodiment, by using the display screen G and the decoration sheet 350 together, leaving the various effects to the display screen G, and using the decoration sheet 350 to change the display symbols, It is possible to secure a wide area for both the performance and the game area, and to diversify the performance while suppressing manufacturing costs. Therefore, the degree of attention to the game can be suitably increased.

A second space E2 is provided between the transparent disc 300 and the decorative sheet 350 at a predetermined distance. In the second space E2, a side LED 510 is provided as a light emitting section that irradiates light onto the decorative sheet 350. As a result, in the decorative sheet 350 that can change the design visible from the front depending on the intensity of light from the rear, the design can be changed when the light from the rear is not irradiated or when the intensity of the light is weak. visibility can be improved. That is, by increasing the intensity of the light from the rear, the visibility of each of the symbols P2 to P4 on the second symbol sheet 353 will improve, and for the visibility of the symbols on the first symbol sheet 351, turning off the light from the rear will improve the visibility of the symbols P2 to P4 on the second symbol sheet 353. At the same time, visibility is improved by suppressing light from going around from the front to the rear. Furthermore, by illuminating the side LEDs 510 from the front as described above, it is possible to improve the visibility of the symbols on the first symbol sheet 351.

In particular, when attempting to irradiate the first symbol sheet 351 with light from the front, a configuration in which the light is irradiated from the front of the game board 24 can also be considered. However, the guide rails 51, 52, nails 38, etc. are arranged on the front side of the game board 24 (transparent board 300), and when the shadow of the relevant object is projected onto the first pattern sheet 351, the pattern is Visibility may deteriorate. Therefore, by providing the side LED 510 in the second space E2 which is behind the guide rails 51, 52 and the nails 38, the reflection of the shadows of the guide rails 51, 52 and the nails 38 can be avoided, and the pattern can be suitably displayed. It is possible to improve the visibility of

The side LED 510 irradiates light from the side of the game board 24 to the first symbol sheet 351, so compared to a structure in which light is irradiated vertically to the first symbol sheet 351, the incidence on the first symbol sheet 351 is lower. The angle becomes smaller. Therefore, the reflection angle of the reflected light from the first symbol sheet 351 also becomes small, making it difficult for the light to be directly irradiated onto the player seated in front of the gaming machine. This reduces the glare caused by the player directly viewing the light from the side LEDs 510, and also suppresses the reflection of the light on the first symbol sheet 351, increasing the visibility of the first symbol P1. .

Furthermore, the light from the side LEDs 510 may be reflected on the outer circumferential surface 421 of the center frame 42 and irradiated onto the first pattern sheet 351. In this way, by irradiating light with a large incident angle from both left and right (up and down) directions, even if the first pattern sheet 351 has irregularities, the irregularities hardly cause shadows. In particular, since the first pattern P1 of the first pattern sheet 351 is colored with a low saturation color mainly consisting of dark blue, the visibility of the first pattern P1 can be extremely reduced if a shadow is formed. I can say that. Therefore, by doing as described above, shadows are less likely to be caused by the light from the side LEDs 510, and it is possible to avoid a phenomenon in which visibility is reduced even if the pattern has a low saturation color.

By mirror-finishing the back surface of the flange 422 used when attaching the center frame 42, the light reflected by the back surface of the flange 422 can further be irradiated onto the first pattern sheet 351. Therefore, it becomes possible to irradiate the first pattern sheet 351 with the light of the side LEDs 510 more efficiently.

The light from the side LEDs 510 is reflected not only on the outer circumferential surface 421 of the center frame 42 but also on the outer circumferential surface 331 of the mounting unit of the actuating ports 33 and 34. The reflected light (front reflected light W4) reflected by the outer circumferential surface 331 is irradiated onto a position slightly away from the operating ports 33 and 34 in the transparent disc 300. As a result, for a player who is paying attention to the ball entering the operating ports 33, 34, it is possible to check not only whether the ball will enter the operating ports 33, 34, but also whether the ball will reach the operating ports 33, 34. It is possible to draw attention to the route up to (the position where the front reflected light W4 is irradiated) as well. By doing so, it becomes possible to further increase interest in the movement of the game ball, and the effect of securing a wide gaming area PE can also be more effectively enhanced.

As described above, in the second space E2, the decorative sheet 350 (first pattern sheet 351) is illuminated by the side LEDs 510, while in the first space E1, the decorative sheet is illuminated from behind by the LEDs 410 of the irradiation plate 400. It was configured to irradiate 350 yen. In this way, since the configuration is such that light is irradiated in separate spaces E1 and E2, the irradiation effects can be clearly differentiated even if the irradiation target is the same decorative sheet 350. That is, in the first space E1, the decorative sheet 350 is illuminated from behind to make the visibility of the first pattern sheet 351 and the second pattern sheet 353 different, and in the second space E2, the decorative sheet 350 is illuminated from the side. The visibility of the patterns on the first pattern sheet 351 is improved by illuminating from above. If one attempts to irradiate each of these in the same space, there is a possibility that the two functions will interfere with each other due to light diffraction, etc., making it difficult to obtain the respective irradiation effects at different timings.

In the first space E1, the longer the distance in the front-rear direction, the more evenly the decorative sheet 350 can be irradiated with light. Moreover, in the second space E2, the shorter the distance in the front-rear direction, the smaller the angle of incidence on the decorative sheet 350 becomes, and it becomes possible to irradiate the entire decorative sheet 350 with light. From the viewpoint of utilizing the limited space of the gaming machine, it is preferable that the distance in the front and rear direction is short in both spaces E1 and E2. Therefore, the distance between the spaces E1 and E2 in the front-rear direction is made so that the first space E1 is shorter than the second space E2. By doing so, it becomes possible to suitably irradiate light in each of the spaces E1 and E2 by utilizing the limited space of the gaming machine.

<Second embodiment>
In this embodiment, a predetermined effect is performed using the second space E2 between the transparent board 300 and the decorative sheet 350.

As shown in FIG. 32(a), in this embodiment, a movable accessory 600 is provided in the second space E2. The movable accessory 600 is formed of an opaque resin material into a substantially disk shape, and has a decoration on the front surface. As shown in FIG. 32(c), the movable accessory 600 is provided at the upper left of the game board 24, and more specifically, is arranged at the upper left of the center frame 42.

A movable accessory driving section 610 is connected to the movable accessory 600. Furthermore, the movable accessory drive section 610 is connected to the production control device 82. The movable accessory drive unit 610 is drive-controlled by the MPU 242 of the production control device 82, so that the movable accessory 600 can be moved between a standby position (first position) located at the upper left of the center frame 42 and a standby position It is possible to move from this position to a production position (second position) that moves downward to the right and overlaps the display screen G of the symbol display device 41 in the front-rear direction. More specifically, in a situation where the movable accessory drive unit 610 is not under drive control, the movable accessory 600 is placed in a standby position, and in a situation where the movable accessory drive unit 610 is under drive control, the movable accessory 600 is placed in the standby position. Placed at the performance position. The area where the movable accessory 600 and the display screen G overlap in the front-rear direction is wider when the movable accessory 600 is placed at the production position than when it is placed at the standby position.

The thickness of the movable accessory 600 is formed to be thinner than the thickness of the second space E2, so that it can move in the second space E2 without rubbing against the transparent disc 300 or the decorative sheet 350. This makes it possible to avoid damage to the transparent disc 300 and the decorative sheet 350.

Furthermore, the movable accessory drive unit 610 is housed inside the center frame 42 (at a position overlapping the center frame 42 in the front-rear direction), and the movable accessory drive unit 610 cannot be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine.

In the second pattern sheet 353 of the decorative sheet 350, a fifth pattern P5 is placed at a position overlapping the movable accessory 600 in the front-rear direction when the movable accessory 600 is placed in the standby position. The fifth symbol P5 is a symbol that teaches the game result of the game round, and specifically, the word "win" is displayed. As described in the first embodiment, when light of a predetermined intensity or higher is irradiated from the irradiation plate 400 arranged behind the second pattern sheet 353, the pattern applied to the second pattern sheet 353 becomes visible from the front. If this becomes possible and the same light is not irradiated, the design applied to the second design sheet 353 will not be visible. In addition, in the state where the design given to the 2nd pattern sheet 353 is not visible, the 1st decorative pattern Pa1 on the said 1st pattern sheet 351 is visible. As described above, since the movable accessory 600 is made of opaque resin, in a situation where the movable accessory 600 is placed in the standby position, if light with a predetermined intensity or more is irradiated from the irradiation plate 400, Even if it is, the fifth symbol P5 cannot be seen from the front.

The MPU 242 of the performance control device 82 executes the accessory performance process shown in FIG. 32(b). The accessory production process is a process that is activated at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 2 msec).

First, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not it is time to move the accessory. Incidentally, the various counter areas 249 of the RAM 244 of the production control device 82 are provided with elapsed counters that count the variable display time of the game round, and at the start of the game round, numerical information corresponding to the variable display time is stored in the elapsed counter. is input. Further, the various table storage area 245 of the ROM 243 is provided with a performance pattern table in which various performance patterns are stored in accordance with the length of the variable display time of each game round. The MPU 242 can grasp the current performance content by referring to the performance pattern table and the current progress counter.

In step S1101, as part of the process of understanding the current performance content, it is determined whether or not it is the timing for the movable accessory 600 to move. If it is the operation timing, the process proceeds to step S1102, where drive control of the movable accessory drive unit 610 is started to move the movable accessory 600 from the standby position to the performance position. Further, in step S1102, the LED corresponding to the fifth symbol P5 on the irradiation plate 400 (located behind the fifth symbol P5) is controlled to be ON. Thereby, the fifth symbol P5 becomes visible from the front.

If a negative determination is made in step S1101, or after executing the process in step S1102, it is determined in step S1103 whether or not it is time to return to the accessory. In this process as well, the effect pattern table and progress counter described above are referred to. If it is the return timing of the movable accessory 600, the drive control of the movable accessory drive unit 610 is ended in step S1104, and the movable accessory 600 is moved to the standby position. Furthermore, in step S1104, the LED corresponding to the fifth symbol P5 on the irradiation plate 400 is controlled to be turned off. As a result, the fifth symbol P5 is no longer visible from the front. If a negative determination is made in step S1103, or after executing the process in step S1104, the accessory production process ends.

Although detailed explanations using figures will be omitted, when the movable accessory 600 moves to the performance position, it is taught on the display screen G that the movable accessory 600 has moved (and the game result will be notified along with it). Effects and other productions are performed.

Although the configuration has been described in which the movable accessory drive unit 610 is drive-controlled and the irradiation plate 400 is controlled to emit light in steps S1102 and S1104, the movable accessory drive unit 610 controls the drive of the irradiation plate 400 while controlling the drive of the irradiation plate 400. There are also patterns in which the light emission control is not performed, and patterns in which the light emission control of the irradiation plate 400 is performed but the drive control of the movable accessory drive unit 610 is not performed. Which pattern is selected is determined based on the game result and the variable display time of the current game round in the variable display control process (step S902) that is activated at the start of the game round.

That is, when the movable accessory 600 exists in the standby position, the symbols on the first symbol sheet 351 and the second symbol sheet 353 cannot be visually recognized from the front regardless of the intensity of the light from the irradiation plate 400. Even when the movable accessory 600 moves from the standby position to the production position, if the intensity of the light from the irradiation plate 400 is less than the predetermined intensity (if controlled to be OFF), the symbols on the first symbol sheet 351 While it is visible, the pattern on the second pattern sheet 353 (fifth pattern P5) is not visible. When the movable accessory 600 moves from the standby position to the production position and the intensity of the light from the irradiation plate 400 is equal to or higher than the predetermined intensity (ON control), the symbols on the first symbol sheet 351 are visible. On the other hand, the symbol on the second symbol sheet 353 (fifth symbol P5) becomes visible.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, by arranging the movable accessory 600 in the second space E2 between the transparent disc 300 and the decorative sheet 350, the patterns on the decorative sheet 350 can be made visible or invisible. It becomes possible to switch between the states. In other words, as described in the first embodiment, the decorative sheet 350 allows the patterns on the first pattern sheet 351 to be visible if the light from the rear is less than a predetermined intensity, and when the light from the rear is greater than or equal to the predetermined intensity. If so, it is possible to create a two-stage state in which the pattern on the second pattern sheet 353 becomes visible. In addition, by switching the movable accessory 600 between a state where the decorative sheet 350 is shielded and a state where it is not shielded, it is possible to change the visibility of the symbols on the first symbol sheet 351 and the second symbol sheet 353. becomes.

By arranging the movable accessory 600 behind the transparent board 300, there is no need to press the game area PE in order to secure the operating area of the movable accessory 600. Thereby, movable accessories can be provided without compressing the limited game area PE. In particular, unlike display effects, the performance of movable accessories involves actual movement, so the performance effect can be tremendous. On the other hand, if the operating range is widened, other components (particularly the gaming area PE) may be overwhelmed in a limited area within the gaming machine. Therefore, as described above, by operating the movable accessory 600 using the second space E2 between the transparent disc 300 and the decorative sheet 350, the range of action of the accessory is limited within a limited area. It is possible to set it to the maximum.

Moreover, by arranging the movable accessory 600 behind the transparent board 300, it is possible to set the operating area of the movable accessory 600 to an area where collision with the game ball does not occur. If a motion part for performance, such as the movable accessory 600, is placed in a position where it can collide with a game ball, the movement of the movable accessory will change the way the game ball flows down, causing intentional flow. There is also a possibility that the player may feel distrustful that the mode has been changed. Therefore, by implementing the above embodiment, it is possible to obtain a production effect using the movable accessory without fear of the game ball intruding into the movement range of the movable accessory 600 and without giving the player a sense of distrust. becomes possible.

A configuration may also be adopted in which ON/OFF control of the side LED 510 is performed according to the operation of the movable accessory 600. Since the movable accessory 600 exists in the second space E2, the light from the side LED 510 can reach the movable accessory 600. Therefore, for example, if the side LED 510 is turned on at the timing when the movable accessory 600 operates or at a timing slightly before the operation, an effect by the movable accessory 600 itself or the display screen G will indicate that the movable accessory 600 is operating. It can be recognized not only by the performance but also by the light from the side LEDs 510, and the degree of attention to the action performance can be more effectively increased. Furthermore, after the movable accessory 600 has moved from the standby position to the production position, if the light from the side LEDs 510 is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 350, when it is desired to make the first pattern P1 visible instead of the fifth pattern P5, etc. The visibility of the first symbol P1 is improved. That is, if the spotlight effect of the side LED 510 is used, the fifth symbol P5 becomes visible and a jackpot result is reported, or the jackpot result is not notified (that is, there is a possibility that it is a missed result). This makes it possible to draw more attention to matters such as whether the situation is high or not.

A configuration may be adopted in which light is irradiated between the movable accessory 600 and the decorative sheet 350. Specifically, for example, an LED as a light emitting means to illuminate the first pattern sheet 351 is provided on the back surface of the movable accessory 600, and, for example, the outer periphery of the center frame 42 is arranged to further enhance the directivity of the light of the side LEDs 510. A light emitting device (LED) may be provided between the movable accessory 600 on the surface 421 side and the decorative sheet 350, or the like. By doing so, in a situation where the movable accessory 600 is placed in the standby position, light leaks forward from the peripheral edge of the movable accessory 600, making it appear as if the light is directed from the irradiation plate 400 to the movable accessory 600. It can be made to look like light is shining on it. As a result, without actually controlling the irradiation plate 400 to turn on, it is possible to make people expect that the fifth symbol P5 will be displayed when the movable accessory 600 moves to the performance position, and attracts attention to the action performance. You can increase the degree.

Note that the side surface of the movable accessory 600 may be mirror-finished like the outer peripheral surface 421 of the center frame 42. In this way, it becomes possible to reflect the light from the side LED 510 by the side surface of the movable accessory 600. Here, while the outer circumferential surface 421 of the center frame 42 is fixed, the movable accessory 600 is movable, so the position where the reflected light reflected from the side surface of the movable accessory 600 is irradiated onto the decorative sheet 350 is also fixed. It changes depending on the position of the movable accessory 600. Therefore, we can expect not only effects such as the reflected light from the outer peripheral surface 421 of the center frame 42, but also effects such as changing the irradiation position by the movement of the movable accessory 600 and changing the visible pattern. I can do it.

<Modified example of arrangement of movable accessories>
A movable accessory may be provided in the first space E1. Hereinafter, a modification example in which a movable accessory is provided in the first space E1 will be described.

As a first modification, as shown in FIG. 33, a movable accessory 600 similar to the above embodiment is provided in the first space E1 between the decorative sheet 350 and the irradiation plate 400. Similarly to the above embodiment, the movable accessory 600 can be moved between a standby position arranged in the first space E1 and a performance position overlapping the display screen G in the front-rear direction by driving and controlling the movable accessory drive unit 610. It is possible to move to.

As a result, for example, (1) the movable accessory 600 is placed in the standby position and the LED 410 of the irradiation plate 400 is turned off (the first pattern P1 is visible), (2) the movable accessory 600 is placed in the production position. (3) Arrange the movable accessory 600 at the production position and control the LED 410 of the irradiation plate 400 to turn on (the fifth pattern P1 is visible). It is possible to realize various performance patterns such as (4) placing the movable accessory 600 in a standby position and controlling the LED 410 of the irradiation plate 400 to turn on (the first pattern P1 is visible). .

In particular, according to this modification, even if the irradiation plate 400 is turned on, if the movable accessory 600 is placed in the standby position, the fifth symbol P5 cannot be seen (pattern (4)), and Even if the movable accessory 600 moves from the standby position to the performance position, the fifth symbol P5 cannot be visually recognized unless the irradiation plate 400 is turned on (pattern (2)). That is, the movable accessory 600 can be moved behind the decorative sheet 350 in a situation where it cannot be seen, and it is possible to further increase the surprise when the irradiation plate 400 is turned on and the fifth pattern P5 becomes visible. becomes.

Furthermore, a light emitting device (LED) that illuminates the decorative sheet 350 may be provided on the front surface of the movable accessory 600. In this way, the visibility of the fifth symbol P5 can be changed by ON/OFF control of the light emitting means on the front surface of the movable accessory 600 without changing the position of the movable accessory 600. Therefore, it is possible to diversify performance patterns.

Furthermore, only the shielding sheet 352 may be provided as the decorative sheet 350. The shielding sheet 352 has a characteristic that it becomes transparent when it is irradiated with light and becomes opaque when it is not irradiated with light, and as mentioned above, the visibility of the fifth pattern P5 in front of the movable accessory 600 is sufficient. Instead, the visibility of the movable accessory 600 itself can be changed by controlling light.

The positional relationship between the movable accessory 600 and the display screen G may be such that it is not interfered with by the display screen G, regardless of whether the movable accessory 600 is placed at the standby position or the production position. More specifically, if the display screen G is located at the rear of the first space E1 or the second space E2, no matter where it is located, movement within the same space is possible. Within this range, the movable accessory 600 can move without being interfered with by the display screen G.

In the configuration in which the movable accessory is provided as described above, the movable accessory may be displaced based on an operation by the player. In this case, for example, an operating section that can be operated by the player is provided at the front of the front door frame 14. Then, the position is changed based on the operation of the operation section. The change in the position of the movable accessory may be caused not only by the operation of the operating section but also by the execution of an operation in accordance with the instructions of the gaming machine, such as a continuous hit operation or a timing operation. If the player can intervene in the displacement of the movable accessory in this way, it will be possible to make the player feel as if the movable accessory has been displaced by his/her own operations, encourage active participation in the game, and increase the attention of the game. It becomes possible to suitably increase the amount.

As a second modification example in which a movable accessory is provided in the first space E1, as shown in FIG. 34, a reflecting plate 700 that reflects light from the irradiation plate 400 is provided as a movable accessory. The reflection plate 700 can be rotated by a rotation shaft 701, and can be rotated between a first angle in FIG. 34(a) and a second angle in FIG. 34(b) by a drive unit (not shown). do. In the irradiation plate 400, a reflection LED 415 is provided behind the reflection plate 700, and the light from the reflection LED 415 is reflected by the reflection plate 700 arranged at either the first angle or the second angle. be done.

The first space E1 is provided with a first fixed reflecting plate 710 that receives reflected light from the reflecting plate 700 arranged at a first angle, and also receives reflected light from the reflecting plate 700 arranged at a second angle. A second fixed reflector 720 is provided to receive the light. Both fixed reflection plates 710 and 720 do not rotate and are fixed to the irradiation plate 400 (or attachment base 450) by attachment parts (not shown). In the second pattern sheet 353, a sixth pattern P6 is applied to the area in front of the first fixed reflector 710, and a seventh pattern P7 is applied to the area in front of the second fixed reflector 720. . In the irradiation plate 400, no corresponding LED is provided behind both the fixed reflection plates 710 and 720.

In the above configuration, when the reflective LED 415 is turned ON in a situation where the reflective plate 700 is arranged at the first angle, the sixth pattern P6 becomes visible on the second pattern sheet 353. On the other hand, when the reflective LED 415 is turned on in a situation where the reflective plate 700 is arranged at the second angle, the seventh symbol P7 becomes visible on the second symbol sheet 353. By doing so, the LEDs can be shared in the irradiation plate 400, and the configuration can be simplified.

The sixth symbol P6 and the seventh symbol P7 may be, for example, a symbol that instructs to change the firing mode. Specifically, the sixth symbol P6 (and the first fixed reflector 710) is placed on the upper left of the center frame 42 on the game board 24, and the seventh symbol P7 (and the second fixed reflector 720) is placed on the game board 24. It is placed on the upper right side of the center frame 42 in . The sixth symbol P6 is, for example, a text display such as "left-handed hit", and the seventh symbol P7 is, for example, a text display such as "right-handed hit". Furthermore, as a game state, there is a state in which it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball so that it flows down the left side of the center frame 42 (that is, it is better to hit the game ball to the left), and a state in which it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball so that it flows down the left side of the center frame 42, and a state where it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball so that it flows down the left side of the center frame 42, and a state where it is more advantageous for the player to shoot the game ball so that it flows down the left side of the center frame 42. A state is set in which it is more advantageous for the player to launch the game ball (that is, to hit it to the right). Then, the angle of the reflector 700 is changed so that symbols on the more advantageous side are displayed depending on the gaming state. In this way, since the firing position and the firing manner are related using the entire left and right direction of the game board 24, the firing manner can be instructed to the player more easily than instructing the firing manner on the display screen G. becomes possible.

<Third embodiment>
In this embodiment, the second space E2 is used as a passage for game balls.

In this embodiment, a special operation port 333 is provided at the position of the upper operation port 33 and the lower operation port 34 in each of the above embodiments (below the center frame 42). The special operation port 333 has a guide path for guiding the game ball entering from the special operation port 333 to the rear of the game board 24, which is different from the guide paths from the operation ports 33 and 34 in each of the above embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 35(a) and 35(b), the guiding path in this embodiment is a first rear path that guides the game ball that enters from the special operation port 333 toward the rear of the game board 24. 334, a horizontal passage 335 that branches the first rear passage 334 laterally (to the left) in the second space E2, and a second passage that guides the game ball that has reached the horizontal end (left end) of the horizontal passage 335 to the rear. and a rear passage 336. The first rear passage 334 and the second rear passage 336 slope downward toward the rear, and the side passage slopes downward from the branching position toward the side end (toward the left). Due to these inclinations, the game balls are discharged to the rear of the game board 24 from the first rear passage 334 or the second rear passage 336. Note that both rear passages 334 and 336 merge at a discharge passage (not shown) behind the game board 24 and are discharged.

A detection sensor 338 that detects the entry of a ball into the special operation port 333 is provided in front of the second space E2 in the special operation port 333. The detection sensor 338 is connected to the main control device 81, and based on the ball entering the special operation port 333, a lottery (shift lottery) is performed to determine whether or not to shift to the opening/closing execution mode. This is similar to the case where the ball enters the upper operating port 33 or the lower operating port 34 in the above embodiment.

In the second space E2, a movable wall portion 337 is provided as part of a wall forming a side wall of the first rear passage 334 at a branching portion from the horizontal passage 335. The movable wall part 337 can be in a non-branched state where it is flush with the other wall part (left wall part) of the first rear passage 334, or in a non-branched state where it is flush with the other wall part (left wall part) of the first rear passage 334, and in a non-branched state where it intersects with the other wall part of the first rear passage 334 and opens to the side passage 335. It is possible to shift to a branch state that causes . The movable wall portion 337 is connected to a drive unit (not shown), and the drive unit is controlled by the effect control device 82 to switch between a non-branching state and a branching state. Switching between the non-branching state and the branching state will be explained in more detail later, but the switching between the non-branching state and the branching state is determined by the result of a lottery based on the game ball entering the special operation port 333. will be held.

In a situation where the movable wall portion 337 is in a non-branching state, as shown in FIG. 36(a), the game ball that enters from the special operation port 333 is discharged directly to the rear of the game board 24 through the first rear passage 334. Ru. On the other hand, in a situation where the movable wall portion 337 is in a branched state, as shown in FIG. It is led out to the side passage 335 at the branching part, and then discharged to the rear of the game board 24 through the second rear passage 336.

That is, in this embodiment, the game ball that enters the special operation port 333 is discharged to the rear of the game board 24 through the first rear passage 334, or is discharged to the rear of the game board 24 through the first rear passage 334, and after branching to the side passage 335, the game ball is discharged to the rear of the game board 24 through the second rear passage 336. There are cases where the player is ejected to the rear of the game board 24.

Here, the horizontal wall portion of the first rear passage 334 is formed higher than the diameter of the game ball, and the outer surface of the passage including the movable wall portion 337 is mirror-finished. On the other hand, the front wall of the horizontal passage 335 and the horizontal wall of the second rear passage 336 are formed at approximately the same height as the radius of the game ball, and are made of transparent resin. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 37(a1), the game ball passing through the first rear passage 334 is not irradiated with light from the side LED 510, but is reflected on the wall of the first rear passage 334. . On the other hand, the game ball guided from the first rear passage 334 to the side passage 335 is irradiated with light from the side LED 510, as shown in FIG. 37(a2), and the light is reflected by the game ball. The light is then irradiated towards the front of the gaming machine. Thereby, the player can understand that the game ball has been led out to the side passage 335.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 35(a), an eighth pattern P8 (for example, character display of "CHANCE", see FIG. 37(b2) ) has been applied. Furthermore, a passing LED 416 is provided at a position behind the eighth symbol P8 on the irradiation plate 400. Similarly to each of the embodiments described above, when the passing LED 416 is controlled to be OFF, the eighth symbol P8 is not visible from the front, and when the passing LED 416 is controlled to be ON, the eighth symbol P8 is visible from the front. When discharged to the rear of the game board 24 through the first rear passage 334, the passing LED 416 is not controlled to be ON (controlled to be OFF), and the eighth symbol P8 cannot be visually recognized. On the other hand, when the game board 24 is discharged to the rear of the game board 24 via the side passage 335 and the second rear passage 336, the passing LED 416 is controlled ON (not OFF controlled), and the eighth symbol P8 becomes visible. Become.

Processing related to these controls will be described below with reference to FIGS. 38 to 41. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the confirmation process for reservation. The hold confirmation process is a process executed as one process (step S305) of the timer interrupt process (FIG. 19) in the main controller 81.

In the holding confirmation process, in step S1201, the starting holding storage numbers RaN and RbN stored in the holding areas Ra and Rb of the holding ball storage area 232 and the total holding number storage area of the holding ball storage area 232 are stored. The stored common reservation number CRN is read out, and information on the number of reservations is stored in the register of the MPU 202. Thereafter, in steps S1202 to S1206, it is checked whether the pending information acquired by the current prize winning includes information about the jackpot winning.

Specifically, first, in step S1202, information for jackpot determination among the pending information obtained in step S304 based on the current winning in the special operating port 333, that is, the value of the obtained jackpot random number counter C1 is grasped. do.

In the following step S1203, it is determined whether the mode is low probability mode. Specifically, by determining whether a high probability mode flag is stored in the various flag storage area 235 of the RAM 204, it is determined whether the current win/fail lottery mode is a low probability mode. If it is the low probability mode, the process advances to step S1204, and the information for jackpot determination (value of jackpot random number counter C1) grasped in step S1202 by referring to the low probability mode win/fail table is information corresponding to jackpot winning. Identify whether it is included in a group. If it is the high probability mode, the process proceeds to step S1205, and the information for jackpot determination grasped in step S302 (jackpot random number counter C1 value) is included in the information set as a jackpot win.

After step S1204 or step S1205, the process proceeds to step S1206, and it is determined whether the information for jackpot determination (value of jackpot random number counter C1) grasped in step S1202 corresponds to a jackpot winning or a special winning result. If it corresponds to a jackpot winning result or a special winning result, the jackpot information or special winning information is stored in the register of the MPU 202 in step S1207, and the confirmation processing for the main hold is ended.

On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S1206, the process advances to step S1208. In step S1208, based on the current winning to the special operating port 333, information for out-of-reach determination among the pending information acquired in step S304, that is, the value of the acquired reach random number counter C3 is grasped.

In subsequent step S1209, the reach determination table (reach determination information group) stored in the reach determination table storage area of the ROM 203 is referred to, and the reach determination information (reach random number counter C3 value) is included in the information set as reach winning.

After executing the process in step S1209, the process advances to step S1210, and it is determined whether the reach determination information (value of the reach random number counter C3) grasped in step S1208 corresponds to the occurrence of a reach. If it corresponds to the occurrence of a reach, in step S1211, the information on the occurrence of a reach is stored in the register of the MPU 202, and then this confirmation process is ended. On the other hand, if it does not correspond to the occurrence of reach, this confirmation process is ended as is.

Next, the pending command setting process in step S306 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 39. The setting process of the hold command is a process for making the effect control device 82 grasp the validity determination result of the hold information and the variable display time (presence or absence of super reach occurrence).

First, in step S1301, it is determined whether or not information corresponding to any jackpot result is stored as the information stored in step S1207. If information corresponding to any of the jackpot results is stored, in step S1302, the jackpot pending command is set as a transmission target to the production control device 82, and the main pending command setting process is ended. If the information corresponding to the jackpot result is not stored in step S1301, it is determined in step S1303 whether or not information corresponding to the super reach occurrence is stored. If information corresponding to the occurrence of super reach is stored, in step S1304, a hold command for a missed super reach is set as a transmission target to the production control device 82, and the setting process for this hold command is ended. do. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in step S1303, the normal off hold command is set as a transmission target to the production control device 82, and the setting process of the main hold command is ended. The hold command set in step S1302, step S1304, or step S1305 is transmitted to the production control device 82 in step S401 in the normal process (FIG. 22). Based on the received hold command, the performance control device 82 executes light emission control of the hold light emitting unit 45, and also controls the display control device 212 to change the hold image in the hold display area Ga of the symbol display device 41. Execute the process to do so.

Next, the suspension control process (step S901) executed by the MPU 242 of the production control device 82 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 40. As already explained, the hold control process is a process that is performed as a part of various effect processes (FIG. 28) that are periodically executed by the effect control device 82, and upon receiving the hold display control command. Based on the information, processing for changing the display of the hold image or giving a hold notice is executed.

Here, the suspension notice specifies information corresponding to the result of the validity judgment when the acquired suspension information is subject to the validity judgment, at a timing before the acquired suspension information becomes the subject of the validity judgment. Based on the specified content, the symbol display device 41, the display light emitting unit 63, etc. perform notification corresponding to the result of the determination. More specifically, for example, as a reservation notice, based on the acquisition of reservation information that will result in a predetermined game result, the suspension result of a game round earlier than the game round regarding the reservation information will be announced with a predetermined symbol. These include effects such as setting a combination (so-called chance), or making a predetermined character appear in a game round earlier than the game time regarding the pending information. In addition, for example, as a pending notice, a pending image is used to display a type of pending image that corresponds to the game result of the corresponding pending information (for example, even if the pending information is a jackpot result, For example, gold or red pending images are more likely to be selected, and green pending images are more likely to be selected for pending results where any reach display will be displayed even if the result is a miss. If so, this also applies to effects such as making white pending images more likely to be selected and predicting the game result of the game round before the start depending on the type of pending image.

In this embodiment, as a type of this reservation notice, game balls that have entered the special operation port 333 are distributed.

In the hold control process, first in step S1401 it is determined whether a hold command has been received. The pending command received from the main control device 81 is stored in a command storage area 248 provided in the RAM 244 of the production control device 82. The command storage area 248 is configured as a ring buffer that can store multiple commands individually and read from the previously stored command. Even when multiple commands are received at the same time, each command is Processes corresponding to commands can be executed well. In the determination in step S1401, it is determined whether a pending command has been received in the current read target area in the command storage area 248.

If a hold command has been received, in step S1402, processing is performed to add 1 to the secondary hold storage number SN provided in the various counter areas 249 of the RAM 244. The sub-side reservation memory number SN corresponds to the common reservation number CRN on the main controller 81 side, and is based on winnings in the special operation port 333 (in the above embodiments, the upper operation port 33 and the lower operation port 34). This reflects the total number of reservations.

In the following step S1403, pending information grasping processing is executed. In the hold information grasping process, information included in the received hold command (game result information, presence or absence of super reach display, etc.) is grasped. Further, in step S1403, the grasped information is stored in the reservation storage area 260.

Then, in the subsequent step S1404, a pending notice process is executed. In the suspension notice processing, for example, it is determined whether or not to execute a suspension notice based on the received suspension command (the suspension information obtained this time), and when executing the suspension notice, the game rotation is determined based on the suspension notice. Processing is executed to change the presentation content and execute a pending notice. Such processing will be explained in detail later.

In the following step S1405, processing for increasing reservation is executed. In this process, the light emission control of the hold light emitting unit 45 is performed in response to the increase in hold information, and a command corresponding to the increase in hold information is output to the display control device 212. This command includes information on the secondary suspension memory number SN and information on the contents of the suspension notice determined in step S1404. Based on the received command, the display control device 212 reads data corresponding to the pending image corresponding to the content of the command from the pending image data storage area stored in the character ROM 256, and sets the number of secondary pending memories SN. The symbol display device 41 is controlled so as to be displayed in the corresponding unit reservation display areas Ga1 to Ga4. For example, in a configuration in which a reservation notice is given by different reservation images, the display control device 212 controls the symbol display device 41 to display a reservation image corresponding to the reservation notice based on the received command. . As a result, the reservation notice using the reservation image is executed at a timing earlier than the game round of the reservation information corresponding to the reservation image. After executing the process in step S1405, the hold control process ends.

On the other hand, if a hold command has not been received in step S1401, it is determined in step S1406 whether a shift command has been received. If the shift command has not been received, the hold control process is immediately ended, and if the shift command has been received, the process of subtracting 1 from the secondary hold memory number SN is executed in step S1407. Then, in step S1408, shift processing is executed. In the shift process, a process of shifting the data in each storage area in the storage area 260 for reservation to a lower reservation area is executed. In addition, in the shift process, the light emitting unit 45 is controlled to emit light in response to the decrease in the pending information, and a command corresponding to the decrease in the pending information is output to the display control device 212. The display control device 212 controls the symbol display device 41 to change the display of the corresponding unit pending display areas Ga1 to Gs4 based on the received command. After executing the process in step S1408, the hold control process ends.

Next, the suspension notice processing in step S1404 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 41.

First, in step S1501, it is determined whether the held command read this time is a held command for jackpot or a held command for missed super reach. If it is any pending command, the process advances to step S1502. In step S1502, branch processing is executed. In the branching process, the movable wall part 337 is displaced to a branched state by driving and controlling the driving part of the movable wall part 337. In the following step S1503, a light emission lottery process is executed. In this lottery process, a lottery table is acquired from the ROM 243, a lottery counter is acquired from the RAM 244, and a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to turn on the passing LED 416. The winning probability of this lottery is arbitrary, but in this embodiment, it is set so that 50% of cases of jackpot result will be won, and 20% of cases of missed super reach result will be won, and jackpot result is higher. It is designed to increase the probability of winning.

After the light emitting lottery process is executed in step S1503, it is determined in step S1504 whether or not the result is a winning result, and if it is a winning result, the light emitting control process is performed to turn on the passing LED 416 in step S1505. Execute.

If a negative determination is made in step S1501 or step S1504, or after executing the process in step S1505, other processes for display are executed in step S1506, and then the present pending notice process is ended. In this process, the type of pending image to be displayed in the pending display area Ga is determined based on information on game results included in the received pending command. For example, if the game result is a jackpot result, a held image with a different color or shape from the normal held image is displayed with a predetermined probability, or even if the game result is a normal winning result, a super reach result is displayed. In this case, a held image having a different color or shape from the above-mentioned normal held image is displayed.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the reservation information acquired based on the winning to the special operation port 333 is a predetermined result (jackpot result or missed super reach), as a type of reservation notice, The game ball that entered the special operation port 333 is led out to the side passage 335. Since the side passageway 335 is visible from the front of the gaming machine, if the player knows that the game ball will pass through the side passageway 335, he or she can expect that the hold information acquired by the game ball that entered this time is a jackpot result. It is possible to understand that the degree of Thereby, it is possible to attract attention to the movement of the game ball even after it has been ejected from the game area PE, and it is possible to improve the degree of attention.

Further, when the game ball is guided to the side passage 335, the light from the side LED 510 is reflected by the game ball and irradiated forward of the game machine. Therefore, the player easily notices that the game ball has been led out to the side passage 335. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being overlooked even though it has been branched.

Further, when the game ball is led out to the side passage 335, if the light emitting lottery in step S1503 is won, the passing LED 416 is controlled to be ON and the eighth symbol P8 becomes visible. This further increases the expectation that the currently acquired reservation information is the result of a jackpot, and it is possible to further improve the attention level.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the branching process of step S1502 and the light emission control process of step S1505, the control state (control to put the movable wall part 337 in the branched state, and ON control of the passage LED 416) until a predetermined period has elapsed. However, based on the reception of the next pending command, these control states are changed to the original control state (control to set the movable wall portion 337 to a non-branching state and control to turn off the passing LED 416). It is also possible to have a configuration in which it is returned. In this way, it is possible to prevent even subsequent game balls from being led out to the horizontal passage 335. However, if the ON control of the passing LED 416 is maintained for a predetermined period (for example, 3 seconds), it is possible to prevent the eighth symbol P8 from being overlooked.

<Modified example of suspension notice using distribution>
A modification of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 42.

In the above embodiment, after branching to the side passage 335, the discharge is directly to the rear of the game board 24 via the second rear passage 336, but in this modification, after branching to the side passage 335, the discharge is continued for a predetermined period of time. , and is configured to hold the branched game ball.

In other words, the shutter 340 is movable back and forth in the middle of the horizontal passageway 335 (at the connection position with the second rear passageway 336 and upstream of the second rear passageway 336) and that blocks the horizontal passageway 335. will be established. The shutter 340 is connected to a shutter drive unit 341, and the shutter drive unit 341 is driven and controlled by the effect control device 82, so that the shutter 340 can be placed in a shielding state in which it is placed in the front and blocks the horizontal passage 335, or in a shielding state in which it is placed in the front and blocks the horizontal passage 335. The transverse passage 335 is shifted to an unshielded state in which it is not shielded.

For example, as shown in FIG. 42(a1), when the game ball is led out to the horizontal passage 335, the shutter driving section 341 is driven and controlled to be in the shielding state. In this case, as in the above embodiment, the eighth symbol P8 is made visible as shown in FIG. 42(b1). Then, as shown in FIG. 42(a2), since the shutter 340 is in the shielding state, the game ball is held at a position in contact with the shutter 340 in the horizontal passage 335. Even in this situation, as shown in FIG. 42(b2), the eighth symbol P8 remains visible. Further, since the movable wall portion 337 returns to the non-branching state, the subsequent game balls are discharged to the rear of the game board 24 via the first rear passage 334.

Then, as a predetermined trigger, for example, at the start of a game round related to the reservation information corresponding to the game ball held by the shutter 340, the shutter 340 is returned from the shielding state to the non-shielding state. As a result, the game balls held in contact with the shutter 340 are discharged to the rear of the game board 24 via the second rear passage 336. In this case, as shown in FIG. 42(b3), it is preferable that the eighth symbol P8 remains visible. In addition, on the display screen G, as shown in FIG. For example, characters such as "super hot" are displayed.

As described above, based on the ball entering the special operation port 333, by giving a notice of reservation using the entered game ball, it is possible to draw attention to the operation of the game ball, and furthermore By holding the game ball in the side passage 335 until the game round that is subject to the reservation notice, it becomes possible to clearly teach the relationship with the game round that is the subject of the reservation notice. . Therefore, it is possible to further increase interest in the operation of the game ball.

In particular, even if a performance using game balls is attempted within the gaming area PE, if the flow pattern of the game ball changes due to the performance, it may give the player a sense of distrust, so the range in which the flow pattern is not changed is limited. It is thought that it is necessary to perform a performance. On the other hand, after the ball enters the special operation port 333, although the game ball is visible through the transparent panel 300, it has already been ejected from the game area PE, so the game ball cannot be used for production. The fairness of the game can be ensured even if the game is used for Therefore, if the above modification is adopted, it becomes possible to create an innovative performance using the game ball itself, and the attention level of the game can be dramatically increased.

<Fourth embodiment>
In the present embodiment, installation locations of detection sensors and the like that detect balls entering various ball entry sections will be explained in detail, taking as an example the detection sensor 35b that detects winning into the through gate 35.

As already explained, the second space E2 is provided between the transparent disc 300 and the decorative sheet 350 arranged behind the transparent disc 300. Therefore, the detection sensor 35b is provided in front of the front surface of the decorative sheet 350 by utilizing the second space E2.

For example, as shown in FIG. 43(a), the detection sensor 35b provided in the through gate 35 is configured so that the opening 35c for detecting the passing of the game ball protrudes into the gaming area PE (forward of the front surface of the transparent board 300). (with the opening facing upward). In this case, even if the rear end of the detection sensor 35b protrudes rearward beyond the rear surface of the transparent plate 300, since the second space E2 is provided as described above, the rear end of the detection sensor 35b is covered with the decorative sheet. Do not interfere with 350.

As shown in FIG. 43(b), the opening 35c of the detection sensor 35b may be installed facing forward to detect a game ball moving from the front to the rear. In such a case, the installation range of the detection sensor 35b in the front-back direction is equal to the thickness of the detection sensor 35b, so that it is possible to further save space in the front-back direction of the installation range.

It should be noted that a configuration may be adopted in which the opening 35c is installed to face in the lateral direction and a game ball moving in the lateral direction is detected. Even in such a case, if the detection sensor 35b is arranged at least in front of the decorative sheet 350, the detection sensor 35b can be provided within a range that does not interfere with the decorative sheet 350. There is no need to provide an opening in 350 or the like.

In the above configuration, it is preferable to provide at least a gap between the detection sensor 35b and the decorative sheet 350, although it depends on the interval of the second space E2, the size of the detection sensor 35b, and the installation direction. In this way, heat conduction between the detection sensor 35b and the decorative sheet 350 can be suppressed. When heat is transferred to the detection sensor 35b, noise may easily occur in the detection results, and when heat is transferred to the decorative sheet 350, erroneous display is likely to occur. Therefore, by providing a gap as described above, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of these noises and erroneous displays.

Furthermore, if a gap is provided as described above, it can also be used as an area for passing the wiring from the detection sensor 35b. That is, as shown in FIGS. 43(a) and 43(b), the wiring from the detection sensor 35b is connected to the adjacent side board 500. In this way, there is no need to provide a dedicated through hole for passing the wiring to the rear of the game board 24, the configuration can be simplified, and the display area of the decorative sheet 350 can be Erosion events can be avoided.

As described above, if the second space E2 is used as the installation area of the detection sensor 35b, the degree of freedom of the ball discharge path is also improved. That is, if a game ball is detected in the front side of the game area PE or the second space E2, the subsequent discharge passage can be used for performance as in the third embodiment. Therefore, while improving the design by installing the detection sensor 35b as described above, it is also possible to use it for effects.

By connecting the wiring from the detection sensor 35b to the adjacent side board 500, the wiring can be made difficult to see from the front. In particular, the through gate 35 is provided on the end side in the left and right direction of the game board 24, so it can be said that it is arranged in an area close to the side board 500. Therefore, by doing as described above, it is possible to connect to the side board 500 with short wiring, and it is possible to avoid a situation where the wiring is completely exposed, which reduces the design of the gaming machine.

In addition, from the viewpoint of shortening the wiring, it is sufficient if it can be connected to a location close to the detection sensor to be installed. For example, a predetermined board (for example, a board for a reserved light emitting unit) is provided in the center frame 42, and the board is connected to the board. A configuration may also be adopted in which wiring from the sensor is connected to the sensor.

Furthermore, from the viewpoint of making the wiring more difficult to see, a hole for wiring is provided in the decorative sheet 350, the wiring is inserted into the hole, and the wiring is connected to the substrate (for example, the irradiation plate 400) behind the decorative sheet 350. It is also possible to have a configuration in which Since the decorative sheet 350 normally cannot be seen from the front (unless the intensity of light from the rear is above a predetermined intensity), the effect of hiding the wiring can also be achieved in the above configuration.

In the above embodiment, the side board 500 was configured to be connected to the production control device 82, but it may also be configured to be connected to the main control device 81. In this way, it becomes possible to output the detection result of the detection sensor 35b to the main control device 81 without going through the production control device 82. Note that the side board 500 may have a configuration in which both a board for the production control device 82 and a board for the main control device 81 are provided, or a single board can be connected to both devices 81 and 82 separately. It may also be a configuration.

In the above embodiment, the installation area of the detection sensor 35b has been described in detail, but the second space E2 may be used as the installation area of other accessories. For example, it may be used as an area where a decorative member 39 having a main display section 43 and an accessory display section 44 is installed. Specifically, in each of the above embodiments, the decorative member 39 having the respective display sections 43 and 44 was installed at the lower right of the game area PE, but as shown in FIGS. 44(a1) and 44(a2), A decorative member 39 may be installed behind the area PE. 44(a1) shows an example in which it is installed behind the transparent disk 300 at the upper right of the center frame 42, and FIG. 44(a2) shows an example in which it is installed behind the transparent disk 300 at the lower left of the center frame 42. (See FIG. 44(b)). As already explained, the decorative member 39 in each of the above embodiments is provided at a position where falling of the game ball is regulated. In other words, it can be said that the gaming area PE has been eroded in order to install both display sections 43 and 44. On the other hand, according to this modification, it is possible to provide the display sections 43 and 44 while ensuring a wide gaming area PE.

In the above modification as well, the wiring from the display sections 43 and 44 may be configured to be connected to an adjacent substrate such as the side substrate 500.

Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides both the display parts 43 and 44 in the 1st space E1 instead of the 2nd space E2. Then, on the second symbol sheet 353, symbols corresponding to both display portions 43 and 44 are provided. In this way, when the display parts 43 and 44 are displayed by emitting light, the pattern of the second pattern sheet 353 on the decorative sheet 350 becomes visible, and when the display parts 43 and 44 are not displayed by emitting light, it becomes invisible. For example, if a configuration is adopted in which the display sections 43 and 44 are not displayed or the luminous intensity is reduced in a situation where a game round is not being played or a demo screen is displayed, the display sections 43 and 44 can be If the light-emitting display is not used, it becomes impossible to grasp the game results of the previous game round, and it is possible to suppress actions such as grasping the previous player's game results (for example, probability change state) and selecting a machine based on that. The fairness of the game can be ensured.

As a modification of the sensor installation area, as shown in FIG. 45, the second space E2 or the first space E1 may be used as the installation area of the fraud detection sensor 200 such as a vibration detection sensor or a magnet detection sensor. In this case, for example, the fraud detection sensor 200 is installed in the first space E1, and text is displayed on the transparent panel 300 or the decorative sheet 350 to call attention to the fact that the fraud detection sensor 200 is installed. As shown in FIG. 45(a), the fraud detection sensor 200 is not visible under normal conditions, but for example, at a predetermined timing (demonstration display, etc.), the LED 410 of the rear illumination plate 400 can be turned on. If the fraud detection sensor 200 is made visible, it will attract attention more easily than if the fraud detection sensor 200 is made visible from the front, rather than simply calling attention by displaying text or making the sensor itself visible from the front. This makes it possible to further enhance the deterrent effect against fraudulent acts.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 45(b), the fraud detection sensor 200 may be installed in the second space E2, and the fraud detection sensor 200 may be illuminated by the side LED 510 at a predetermined timing. It can have the effect of promoting arousal.

In this case, for example, if a configuration is adopted in which the directivity of the light is increased, such as a laser beam, it becomes possible to make the irradiated fraud detection sensor 200 shine more locally, and it is possible to enhance the effect of attracting attention. If a light diffusion section is provided in the area that is irradiated (the area of the fraud detection sensor 200 that is directly irradiated with light or the area that is irradiated with reflected light on the transparent plate 300), even if highly directional light is irradiated, Since the irradiated light is diffused, it becomes easier to see. Even if these configurations are applied to other configurations that emit direct light or reflected light forward, such as the side LED 510, the same effect can be achieved.

Further, the part to be irradiated may be a target such as the variable winning device 32, for example. If applied to a gauge configuration in which the ball entry rate is different for right-handed and left-handed batters, it can also be used as a configuration that suggests the firing mode.

<Other embodiments>
Note that the present invention is not limited to the contents described in each embodiment described above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be applied individually to each of the above embodiments, or a part or all of them may be combined and applied to each of the above embodiments. Further, it is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or part of the various configurations shown in each of the above embodiments. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects exhibited) of each configuration to be combined is ensured. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to a new configuration consisting of a combination of embodiments, or a part or all of them may be applied in combination.

(1) The design applied to the decorative sheet 350 may be associated with the design displayed on the display screen G. For example, as shown in FIG. 46, in the second pattern sheet 353 of the decorative sheet 350, patterns of fish schools (P9, P10) are provided on the left and right sides of the center frame 42, respectively. Then, in the irradiation plate 400, LEDs corresponding to the rear of these patterns P9 and P10 are provided. On the display screen G, a school of fish effect is set in which a school of fish substantially the same as the symbols P9 and P10 crosses in the left and right direction at a predetermined timing of the game round.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 47(b), a fish school effect process is provided as a process of the MPU 242 in the effect control device 82. In the fish school effect processing, it is determined in step S1601 whether or not it is the effect start timing, and if it is the start time, the light emission control of the LED corresponding to the right school of fish P9 is performed in step S1602, and then this process is ended. . In this case, a school of fish P9 is displayed on the right side of the center frame 42, as shown in FIG. 47(a). If a negative determination is made in step S1601, it is determined whether it is the start timing of the fish school effect on the display screen G, and if it is the start timing, the LED corresponding to the right fish school P9 is turned off in step S1604. At the same time, the display control device 212 is controlled to display the fish school effect on the display screen G, and then this process is ended. In this case, a school of fish effect is executed on the display screen G, as shown in FIG. 47(a2). If a negative determination is made in step S1603, it is determined in step S1605 whether or not it is the end timing of the fish school effect on the display screen G. If it is the end timing, the fish school effect on the display screen G is ended in step S1606, and the ON control of the LED corresponding to the left fish school P10 is started, and then this process is ended. Further, if a negative determination is made in step S1605, the process is immediately terminated. In this case, the school of fish P10 is displayed on the left side of the center frame 42, as shown in FIG. 47(a3).

By doing the above, it is possible to create a dynamic effect in which the display of the decorative sheet 350 and the display of the display screen G are linked without increasing the size of the display screen G. Here, since the center frame 42 is interposed at the boundary between the decorative sheet 350 and the display screen G, even if the left and right fish schools P9, P10 and the fish school displayed on the display screen G are slightly different in appearance. , it appears to pass through the center frame 42 (temporarily disappears), making it difficult to give a sense of discomfort due to the difference in appearance.

(2) In the modification of (1) above, an RTC (real-time clock) or the like may be used to perform an effect that is linked to the entire island of the gaming hall or adjacent gaming machines. That is, a more dynamic performance can be achieved by sequentially performing a performance in which schools of fish flow laterally between adjacent game machines and the game machine. As described above, since the decorative sheet 350 extends to both the left and right ends of the game board 24, it can be said that the decorative sheet 350 extends to a position closer to the adjacent game machine than the display screen G. Therefore, if the decorative sheet 350 is used to create a performance that is linked to adjacent gaming machines, it is possible to create a performance that is much more linked than the linked performance that uses a display screen, and the performance effect can be dramatically improved. It becomes possible to increase the

(3) In each of the embodiments described above, either one or both of the first space E1 and the second space E2 may not be provided, and the transparent disc 300, the decorative sheet 350, and the irradiation plate 400 may be brought into contact with each other. However, by providing the second space E2 between the transparent disc 300 and the decorative sheet 350, the visibility of the first pattern sheet 351 can be improved and bubbles due to thermal deformation can be made less likely to occur. By providing the first space E1 between the LED 410 and the irradiation plate 400, it becomes possible to irradiate the decorative sheet 350 with the LED 410 in a somewhat diffused state, suppressing local brightness and It is possible to achieve the effect that it becomes possible to reduce the number of . In order to achieve these effects, a configuration in which spaces E1 and E2 are provided is more preferable.

Further, the front and rear widths of both spaces E1 and E2 are not limited to those described above. The first space E1 only needs to have a light diffusion function. Further, the second space E2 may have a width that allows the side LED 510 to be provided therein. Furthermore, if the directivity of the light from the side LEDs 510 is increased, it is possible to make the width even narrower. However, in a configuration in which a ball passage, accessories, sensors, etc. are provided, it is preferable that the width is wide enough to accommodate them.

(4) The position where the side LED 510 is provided is not limited to the end of the game board 24, and may be provided, for example, on the outer peripheral surface 421 of the center frame 42.

(5) Regarding each pattern applied to the first pattern sheet 351 and the second pattern sheet 353 in the decorative sheet 350, the content and color scheme of the pattern are not limited to those described above.

(6) Each of the sheets 351 to 353 is not limited to the above as long as the visibility of the design (decoration) of the first design sheet 351 and the design (decoration) of the second design sheet 353 can be switched. For example, a structure may be adopted in which the visibility of the patterns on each sheet is changed by changing the directivity by turning on/off a voltage like a liquid crystal element.

(7) In the configuration in which the movable accessory is moved in the first space E1 and the second space E2 as in the second embodiment, the direction of movement is not limited to the above. Specifically, it may be configured to operate not only in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the transparent disc 300 but also in a direction intersecting the surface (front-back direction). In this case, it may be configured to operate within the width range before and after the first space E1 or the second space E2, or may be a movable accessory that can move back and forth between the first space E1 and the second space E2.

(8) In the second embodiment, the movable accessory is normally housed inside the center frame 42, and may be configured to move to the first space E1 or the second space E2 at a predetermined timing. Even in such a case, it is possible to create a variety of effects depending on the linkage between the motion and the decorative sheet 350.

(9) In the second embodiment, a display screen may be provided in front of the movable accessory. In this way, it is possible to make it difficult to distinguish whether it is a pattern created by the decorative sheet 350 or a display screen of a movable accessory, and it is possible to create a novel performance in which the two are linked.

(10) The movable accessory is not limited to a single number, and may be plural. The more there are, the more diversified the performance patterns will be.

(11) In a configuration in which game balls ejected from the game area PE are used for production as in the third embodiment, for example, the lottery itself is performed when the ball enters the operating port (when it passes through the sensor). The game may be configured to pass through a predetermined passage section (for example, V zone) that is different from the normal time when a predetermined result (for example, a jackpot result) is obtained. In this way, it is possible to make the game appear as if it were an accessory that results in a jackpot when it passes through a predetermined passing section, thereby increasing interest.

(12) In the third embodiment, if the game ball is detected by a detection sensor at least when it is ejected from the game area PE, the game ball will be treated as a game ball that has been ejected from the game area PE. Is possible. Therefore, a configuration may be adopted in which distribution is not performed using a movable accessory or the like in a visible area behind the gaming area PE, but is performed in an invisible area.

For example, the game ball corresponding to the jackpot result is stored behind the game board 24, and when the game hall manager counts the number of stored game balls, the number of game balls corresponding to the jackpot result is output from the external output terminal 99. It is possible to match the number of outputs of the jackpot signal with the actual number of jackpots, making it possible to more carefully check whether fraud is occurring.

(13) In the fourth embodiment, the sensor and the like are provided in the first space E1 and the second space E2, but the substrate may also be provided in the first space E1 and the second space E2 together with the sensor.

(14) In a configuration in which light is irradiated to the irradiation target, if the first space E1 and the second space E2 are not sealed spaces but unsealed spaces, the light is diffused by dust etc. in the space and the path of the irradiated light. is also visible from the front. By doing so, it becomes possible to more clearly see that the irradiation target is irradiated with light.

(15) Other types of pachinko machines different from the above embodiments, such as pachinko machines in which an electric accessory is released a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific area of a special device, or a pachinko machine in which a game ball is released in a specific area of a special device. The present invention can also be applied to game machines such as a pachinko machine in which a jackpot is generated when the game is entered, a pachinko machine equipped with other accessories, an arranged ball machine, and a mahjong ball machine.

In addition, non-pinball type game machines, for example, are equipped with multiple reels with multiple types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, and rotation of the reels is started by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and a stop switch is operated. After the reels have stopped after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, if a specific symbol or a specific symbol combination is established on the active line that can be seen from the display window, the player is given benefits such as a payout of medals, etc. The present invention can also be applied to slot machines.

Furthermore, the game machine main body supported by the outer frame in an openable and closable manner is provided with a storage section and a take-in device, and the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage section are taken in by the take-in device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine that is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine, which starts the rotation of the reels by doing so.

<About inventions extracted from the above embodiments>
Hereinafter, the features of the invention group extracted from each of the embodiments described above will be explained, showing effects etc. as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, structures corresponding to each of the above embodiments are indicated in parentheses as appropriate, but the present invention is not limited to the specific structures shown in parentheses.

In addition, the invention described in each feature group below is defined as ``For example, a game machine such as a pachinko game machine has a game board with a game area formed on the front, and a game ball flows down the game area. Regarding the background technology of "There are machines in which the game progresses in the game (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-81853)", "There is a need to increase the attention to the game in gaming machines, and there is still no improvement in this regard. This invention was made with the problem to be solved.

<Characteristics Group A>
Feature A1. A game board (transparent board 300) that has a transparent game board (transparent board 300) formed with a game area (game area PE) on the front surface of which a game ball can flow down;
a decorative means (decorative sheet 350) arranged at a position behind the gaming machine of the gaming board and visible from the front of the gaming machine through the gaming board;
Positioning means (front peripheral edge portion) for positioning the game board and the decoration means so as to form a space (second space E2) with a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction between the game board and the decoration means. 310) and
a light emitting means (side LED 510) that is arranged between the game board and the decoration means when viewed in the front-rear direction and capable of illuminating the decoration means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the above configuration, since the decoration means is arranged behind the game board, the decoration means will not be soiled or damaged by the game balls flowing down the game area. On the other hand, since the decorative means is placed behind the game board, it may be difficult for light from the game hall or the like to reach it. Therefore, by providing a space and irradiating the decorative means with light, it is possible to brighten the decorative means and improve the design while preventing damage to the decorative means. Therefore, it is possible to increase interest in the game and contribute to an increase in attention level.

Feature A2. A nail (nail 38, etc.) that can change the direction of the game ball flowing down the game area is provided on the front surface of the game board,
The gaming machine according to feature A1, wherein the nail is provided so as not to protrude into the space.

According to the above configuration, the light from the light emitting means using the space is not obstructed by accessories or the like. Therefore, it becomes possible to irradiate the decorative means with light more suitably.

In particular, if the decorative means is irradiated with light, the decorative means will become easier to see and the design will be improved.However, if the light is irradiated from the front of the game board, the game board The nails placed on the front may cast a shadow, which may actually make it difficult to see the decorative means. Therefore, as described in feature A1, by providing the light emitting means in the space, it becomes possible to illuminate the decorative means without being obstructed by the nails.

In addition, "the nail which can change the direction of flow of a game ball" can also be rephrased as "a course changing means that can change the direction of flow of a game ball".

Feature A3. The gaming machine according to feature A1 or feature A2, wherein the decoration means is a decorative sheet with a decorative pattern attached.

As in the above configuration, when the decorative means is a decorative sheet, it is possible to facilitate the printing of decorative patterns, etc., and the decorative means itself becomes thinner, thereby preventing the game board components including the game board from becoming thicker. can. On the other hand, since it is sheet-like, it tends to become a flat decoration, which may reduce the design quality. In particular, in a configuration where the sheet is attached to a plate-shaped game board, even if the decorative pattern is printed to appear three-dimensional, the decorative pattern will also be affected by the shape of the plate-shaped game board. It becomes easier to see on a flat surface. In this regard, as described in feature A1, by providing the decorative sheet with a space separating the game board from the space, the decorative pattern can be easily seen regardless of the shape of the game board.

Feature A4. In the space part, a reflecting part (outer peripheral surfaces 421, 331) is provided that receives and reflects light from the light emitting means,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A3, characterized in that the reflected light from the reflecting section is irradiated onto the decorative means.

According to the above configuration, the decoration means is illuminated not only by direct light from the light emitting means but also by reflected light from the reflection section. Therefore, the visibility and design of the decorative means can be further improved.

Feature A5. The game board is provided with a display device (symbol display device 41) having a display screen (display screen G), and a surrounding member (center frame 42) surrounding the display device,
The surrounding member is formed to extend into the space,
The gaming machine according to feature A4, wherein the reflective portion is formed in a portion of the surrounding member that extends into the space.

According to the above configuration, the effect of feature A3 can be achieved using an existing configuration such as an enclosing member that surrounds the display screen.

Although the enclosing member is formed to extend into the space, the same effect can be obtained by forming the enclosing member to extend forward from the space (or from the rear of the space). can be obtained. In short, it is sufficient that the enclosing member is formed such that a part of it exists in the space.

Further, the reflective portion existing in the space may be formed by a part for attaching the surrounding member to the game board. In this way, it is possible to facilitate mirror finishing for reflection.

Feature A6. The enclosing member is attached to the game board by a mounting portion (flange 422) that is superimposed and attached from the front,
The gaming machine according to feature A5, wherein the reflecting portion is also formed on a surface of the mounting portion that overlaps the gaming board.

According to the above configuration, the decoration means can also be irradiated with light reflected via the attachment part. Thereby, the irradiated light can be used without omission, and the effect of light can be more suitably realized.

Feature A7. The light emitting means irradiates light at an obtuse angle of incidence with respect to the decoration means,
Feature A1 characterized in that the light from one light emitting means and the light from another light emitting means or the reflected light from the one light emitting means are illuminated from both ends with the decoration means in between. The gaming machine according to any one of A6.

If the angle of incidence is obtuse as in the above configuration, the distance from the light emitting means to the irradiation target of the decorative means can be ensured longer than when the angle of incidence is acute, and the arrangement of the light emitting means can be made accordingly. Increased freedom of position. On the other hand, when the angle of incidence becomes obtuse, shadows are likely to occur on the decorative means. In this regard, in the above configuration, since the decorative means is irradiated from both directions (for example, both left and right directions), the shadow that may be caused by one light can be drowned out by the other light. Therefore, it becomes possible to make the decorative means more visible.

Feature A8. The light emitting means is arranged at a position corresponding to the peripheral edge of the game board (front peripheral edge 310),
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A7, wherein a shielding part is formed in the peripheral portion to make the light emitting means difficult or impossible to see from the front of the gaming machine.

According to the above configuration, it becomes difficult to see the light emitting means itself from the front of the gaming machine, and only the light emitted to the decoration means can be seen. Therefore, the design of the gaming machine can be further improved.

<Characteristics Group B>
Feature B1. A game board (transparent board 300) that has a transparent game board (transparent board 300) formed with a game area (game area PE) on the front surface of which a game ball can flow down;
A rail (inner rail part 51, outer rail part 52) that is arranged on the front side of the game board and can guide a game ball to the game area;
a plurality of nails (nails 38) protruding from the surface of the game board toward the front of the game machine in the game area;
A pattern forming body (decorative sheet 350, especially the first pattern) which is arranged at the rear of the gaming machine on the gaming board, has a pattern formed thereon, and is made visible from the front of the gaming machine through the gaming board. sheet 351) and
A gaming machine equipped with

According to the above configuration, the object on which the rails and nails are provided (the game board) and the object on which the patterns are applied (the pattern forming body) are separated and placed in front and behind each other. By doing so, it is possible to avoid a phenomenon in which the pattern is crushed and the appearance becomes poor. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the design of the gaming machine component parts and attract interest in the gaming.

Feature B2. The gaming machine according to feature B1, wherein the pattern forming body can be removed from the gaming machine separately from the gaming board.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to easily replace parts in the game hall, and for example, it is also possible to replace only the decorative part (pattern forming body) of the machine, which not only reduces the cost required for changing the model, but also reduces the cost when replacing the machine. It becomes possible to reduce the amount of waste parts generated.

Feature B3. The game board includes an irradiation means (irradiation plate 400, side LED 510) that is disposed at a position behind the game machine and irradiates light onto the pattern forming body,
The gaming machine according to feature B1 or feature B2, wherein the irradiation means is removable separately from the game board and the pattern forming body.

According to the above configuration, since the pattern forming body is irradiated with light, the visibility of the pattern is improved. In such a configuration, if the irradiation means can be removed separately, even if a failure occurs in the illumination of the irradiation means, it is only necessary to replace it, and it becomes necessary to replace the game board and the pattern forming body as well. do not have. Therefore, while improving the visibility of the pattern, it is possible to facilitate maintenance.

Feature B4. a second pattern forming body (a second pattern forming body) disposed at a position behind the gaming machine of the pattern forming body, on which a pattern is formed, and the pattern is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the game board and the pattern forming body; The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B3, further comprising a decorative sheet 350).

According to the above configuration, each of the pattern forming body and the second pattern forming body can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine. In other words, the pattern forming body and the second pattern forming body are stacked, and the respective patterns of the stacked forming bodies are visible through the game board. In this way, the degree of freedom in pattern configuration can be improved by combining the patterns of the respective formation bodies.

Note that the pattern forming body may be expressed as the first pattern forming body in relation to the second pattern forming body.

Feature B5. A positioning means (front peripheral edge portion 310) for positioning the game board and the pattern forming body so as to form a space between the game board and the pattern forming body with a predetermined interval in the front and back direction. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B4.

According to the above configuration, since a space is formed between the game board and the pattern forming body, it is assumed that the rails and nails on the game board and the patterns on the pattern forming body are arranged in positions where they overlap in the front and back direction. Even if the player tilts his/her line of sight (when viewed diagonally), it appears that they do not overlap in the front and back direction. This makes it possible to avoid a phenomenon in which (part of) the pattern on the pattern forming body becomes invisible no matter what.

<Feature C group>
Feature C1. A game board (transparent board 300) that has a transparent game board (transparent board 300) formed with a game area (game area PE) on the front surface of which a game ball can flow down;
A rail (inner rail part 51, outer rail part 52) that is arranged on the front side of the game board and can guide a game ball to the game area;
a decorative means (decorative sheet 350) arranged at a position behind the gaming machine of the gaming board and visible from the front of the gaming machine through the gaming board;
a light-emitting means (side LED 510) that is arranged behind the game board when viewed in the front-rear direction and is capable of illuminating the decoration means;
Equipped with
A gaming machine characterized in that the light emitting means is disposed outside the rail when viewed from the front.

According to the above configuration, since the decoration means is arranged behind the game board, the decoration means will not be soiled or damaged by the game balls flowing down the game area. On the other hand, since the decorative means is placed behind the game board, it may be difficult for light from the game hall or the like to reach it. Therefore, since the light is emitted from the light emitting means arranged at the rear of the game board, the decorative means will not be dimly lit and the decorative means can be easily seen.

Moreover, since the light emitting means is arranged outside the rail, it does not interfere with the decoration means, and as a result, the game area behind the game area can be fully utilized for decoration purposes. Further, since the light emitting means is arranged outside the rail, it is possible to make the light emitting means itself invisible from the front of the gaming machine. Since the light emitting means is located at the rear of the game board, there is no need to form light holes in the rail even if the light emitting means is placed outside the rail.

As a result of the above, the visibility of the decoration means can be suitably improved, and it becomes possible to attract interest in the game.

Feature C2. The light emitting means illuminates the decorative means such that the incident angle is obtuse, and the light emitting means illuminates the decorative means located approximately in the center of the game board when viewed from the front. The gaming machine according to feature C1, characterized in that the gaming machine has a configuration that allows the above.

As in the above configuration, if the configuration is capable of irradiating light from outside the rail provided at the end of the gaming area toward the approximate center, it can be said that the entire gaming area can be irradiated with light. . Therefore, the degree of freedom in arranging the decoration means and the irradiation target can be improved, and the effect of the feature C1 can be more suitably achieved.

Feature C3. The game machine according to feature C1 or feature C2, wherein in the game board, a shielding portion that makes it impossible or difficult to see the rear is formed on the outer side of the rail when viewed from the front.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to make it difficult to visually recognize the light emitting means arranged outside the rail. In particular, even if the visibility of the decorative means is reduced by making it impossible or difficult to see the rear outside the rail, the design is less likely to deteriorate compared to the game area inside the rail. Therefore, by adopting the above configuration, the design of the gaming machine can be improved and interest in gaming can be increased.

Feature C4. It has a peripheral edge portion (front peripheral edge portion 310) formed with the peripheral edge of the game board facing rearward,
The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, wherein the light emitting means is provided in the peripheral portion.

According to the above configuration, if the game board is formed to have a thick wall with the peripheral edge facing rearward, it is possible to install the light emitting means at the corresponding position without preparing a new attachment site. Therefore, the configuration can be simplified. In particular, the peripheral edge of the game board needs to have a certain length in the thickness direction to ensure the strength of the game board. Therefore, the structure for ensuring the strength can be used at the mounting position of the light emitting means, and the number of parts can be reduced by consolidating functions.

Feature C5. The gaming machine according to feature C4, wherein the peripheral portion is formed so as to be able to determine the placement position of gaming machine components placed behind the gaming board.

According to the above configuration, the peripheral portion can serve both the positioning function of the gaming machine components arranged at the rear and the arrangement position of the light emitting means described in feature C5 above.

Note that the gaming machine component may be a decorative means or may be another plate material (the irradiation plate 400).

Feature C6. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C5, characterized in that a transmission space (second space E2) through which light can pass is formed from the light emitting means to the irradiation target in the decoration means.

According to the above configuration, the light from the light emitting means is transmitted and irradiated onto the irradiation target, so there is no obstruction in the path of the light, and the light can be delivered more directly to the irradiation target. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of the irradiation target.

Note that the above configuration can also be rephrased as "the light from the light emitting means reaches the irradiation target in the decoration means without being blocked."

Feature C7. Positioning means (front peripheral edge portion) for positioning the game board and the decoration means so as to form a space (second space E2) with a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction between the game board and the decoration means. 310),
The gaming machine according to feature C6, wherein the transparent space is formed by the space portion.

According to the above configuration, by providing a space with a predetermined distance between the game board and the decoration means, it is possible to secure a path for light from the light emitting means, and it is possible to improve the visibility of the decoration means. . Here, by separating the space, light from the game hall or the like becomes less likely to reach the decoration means, compared to a configuration in which the decoration means directly touches the game board. On the other hand, since it is equipped with a light-emitting means, by providing a space, it is possible to make the decorative means easier to see. By irradiating light for presentation, it becomes possible to realize a light presentation that matches the game situation. Therefore, the degree of attention to the game can be suitably increased.

<Characteristic group D>
Feature D1. A game board (transparent board 300) that has a transparent game board (transparent board 300) formed with a game area (game area PE) on the front surface of which a game ball can flow down;
Decorative means (decorative sheet 350) arranged at a position overlapping the game board when viewed in the front-rear direction and visible from the front of the game machine through the game board;
a light emitting means (illumination plate 400) that is arranged at a position behind the decoration means of the gaming machine and capable of illuminating the decoration means from behind;
Equipped with
The decoration means makes the first decoration (second symbol P2, etc.) visible from the front of the gaming machine when the intensity of light reaching the decoration means from the light emitting means is in a first state, and When the strength of the light is weaker than the first state or the light does not reach the second state, a second decoration (first pattern P1) different from the first decoration is visible from the front of the gaming machine. A gaming machine characterized by having a function that changes as follows.

According to the above configuration, the decoration projected depending on the state of the light reaching the decoration means becomes the first decoration or the second decoration, so by switching the light emitting means (or relative movement of the decoration means), the same decoration can be displayed. Although it is a decorative means, it can impart a plurality of decorative effects. Therefore, it is possible to increase interest in the game and improve the degree of attention.

Feature D2. According to feature D1, the decorative means is configured to have a structure that allows less light to pass through when the intensity of light from the light emitting means is in the second state than when it is in the first state. gaming machines.

According to the above configuration, by using the transmittance of light from the light emitting means, it is possible to change whether the first decoration is displayed or the second decoration is displayed. This makes it possible to display different decorations simply by switching the light emitting means, and it is possible to enhance the decorative effect with a simple configuration.

Feature D3. The decoration means includes a first decoration sheet (first pattern sheet 351) on which the first decoration is applied, and a second decoration sheet (second pattern sheet 353) on which the second decoration is applied, The gaming machine according to feature D1 or feature D2, wherein the second decorative sheet is laminated in front of the first decorative sheet.

According to the above configuration, the first decoration and the second decoration are applied to separate decoration sheets, and the manufacturing method of the decoration means can be simplified. Furthermore, for example, if this configuration is applied to feature D2, it is possible to determine which decoration is made visible by using the light transmittance of the stacked decorative sheets. In other words, since the second decorative sheet with the second decoration is stacked in front of the first decorative sheet with the first decoration, the second decoration is placed at the front and the first decoration is placed at the rear. By doing this, it is possible to use the light transmittance to change the visibility of each decoration depending on whether the light passes through the first decorative sheet or the second decorative sheet. becomes.

Feature D4. Provided between the first decorative sheet and the second decorative sheet, when the intensity of light from the light emitting means is in the first state, the light is transmitted, and when the intensity is in the second state, the light is transmitted. The gaming machine according to feature D3, further comprising a shielding sheet (shielding sheet 352) that does not transmit the light.

With a simple configuration in which the shielding sheet is sandwiched between both decorative sheets as in the above configuration, it is possible to change whether the decoration of the first decorative sheet is shown or the decoration of the second decorative sheet is shown.

Feature D5. The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D4, wherein in the decoration means, the first decoration and the second decoration are arranged at positions overlapping in the front-rear direction.

According to the above configuration, different decorations can be displayed even on the same part depending on the lighting conditions. Therefore, it is possible to provide a plurality of decorative effects using a limited game area.

Feature D6. Any one of the features D1 to D5 is characterized in that the second light emitting means (side LED 510) is provided at a position in front of the decoration means and capable of illuminating the decoration means from the front. 1. The gaming machine described in 1.

According to the above configuration, by combining the switching of the state of the light emitting means that illuminates the decoration means from behind with the light emission control of the second light emitting means, it is possible to change the visibility of the first decoration and the second decoration. For example, when the light is illuminated from the front, not only can the effect of attracting attention to the decorative means be expected, but also the visibility of the surface of the decorative means is thought to be improved. However, in this state, if the surface is strongly illuminated by light from behind, it becomes difficult to see, and if the light from behind is weak, it becomes easier to see. On the other hand, if the light is not shining from the front, the visibility of the surface of the decorative means will be reduced, but depending on the intensity of the light from the rear, the relationship will be the opposite of the above. . In this way, by utilizing the relationship between the intensity of light illuminated from the front and back, it is possible to change the visibility of the decorative means.

Note that the light emitting means may be expressed as the first light emitting means in relation to the second light emitting means.

Feature D7. A positioning means (a rear peripheral edge portion) for positioning the light emitting means and the decoration means so as to form a space (first space E1) with a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction between the light emitting means and the decoration means. 460) The gaming machine according to any one of features D1 to D6.

According to the above configuration, compared to a configuration in which the light emitting means and the decoration means are brought into close contact with each other to illuminate the light, the light from the light emitting means reaches the decoration means in a diffused state. It becomes possible to reduce the size and number.

Feature D8. The gaming machine according to feature D7, further comprising a light guiding section (light guiding section 370) provided in the space and guiding light from the light emitting means to a specific part of the decorative means.

According to the above configuration, by guiding the light from the light emitting means to the specific area, the specific area can be locally illuminated, and the state of light (first state/second state) in the specific area can be changed. It becomes possible. Thereby, it is possible to locally switch the decoration (first decoration/second decoration) in the specific region.

Note that if the specific portion is set as the position where the first decoration or the second decoration is provided, it becomes possible to effectively switch the visibility by switching the light state at the position where the decoration is provided.

Feature D9. A shielding means (shielding tube 360) is provided in the space and blocks light from the light emitting means from being illuminated in a direction intersecting the direction from the light emitting means to the decoration means. The gaming machine according to feature D7 or feature D8.

According to the above configuration, the light from the light emitting means is illuminated only in the direction toward the decoration means. This makes it possible to realize areas illuminated by light from the light emitting means and areas not illuminated, without changing the state of the light emitting means (that is, while the light emitting means continues to emit light). Conversely, by blocking the light with the shielding means, it is possible to provide a portion where the decorative means is affected by a change in the state of the light emitting means and a portion where it is not affected. Therefore, the decorative effect of the decorative means can be enhanced.

In addition, an area surrounded by a shielding means is provided in the space, an object to be illuminated with light from the light emitting means is provided on the decorative means side of the area, and a light emitting means dedicated to the object is provided on the light emitting means side of the area. It is also possible to have a configuration in which In this way, by changing the state of the dedicated light emitting means, it is possible to change the visibility of the area without causing a change in the visibility of other areas.

In addition, when providing an area surrounded by a shielding means as described above, if the inner wall is mirror-finished to have a light-reflecting function, the light diffused from the light-emitting means will be concentrated within the enclosed area. This makes it possible to improve the visibility of the decorative means side of the enclosed area.

Feature D10. As a type of the first decoration of the decoration means, it has a character decoration part (third pattern P3) on which characters are applied,
The gaming machine according to feature D9, wherein the shielding means is provided at the periphery of the characters of the character decoration section.

According to the above configuration, the visibility of the character decoration part can be improved by the shielding means. In particular, characters need to have a certain degree of visibility so that they can be read as well as confirmed, and there is a need to improve visibility as described above.

Feature D11. Feature D1 characterized in that it has a plurality of the light emitting means, and is equipped with a control means (a function of executing light emission control processing in the effect control device 82) that can individually control the light emission of the plurality of light emitting means. The gaming machine according to any one of D10 to D10.

According to the above configuration, by individually controlling each light emitting means, it is possible to control only the part whose visibility is desired to be changed. Therefore, it is possible to diversify decorative patterns.

<Characteristic group E>
Feature E1. A first board (transparent board 300) having transparency and having a playing area (playing area PE) in which a game ball can flow down on the front surface;
a second plate body (decorative sheet 350, irradiation plate 400) arranged at a position behind the first plate body of the gaming machine;
a movable means (movable accessory 600, etc.) disposed between the first plate and the second plate;
a driving means (movable accessory driving unit 610) that moves the movable means within a space (first space E1 or second space E2) between the first plate body and the second plate body;
A game machine characterized by comprising:

According to the above configuration, the movable means can be freely arranged without interfering with the game balls flowing down the game area, and the movable means can be freely moved. In this way, by utilizing the game area three-dimensionally, including the back side, rather than using it two-dimensionally, it is possible to suitably enhance the performance effect in a limited area.

Feature E2. a predetermined presentation means (display screen G) arranged at a position behind the movable means;
A production control means for controlling the production means (a function for executing various production processing by the production control device 82);
Equipped with
The movable means is movable to a first position where it overlaps with the predetermined presentation means in the front-rear direction, and a second position where an area overlapping with the predetermined presentation means in the front-rear direction is smaller than that of the first position or where it does not overlap with the predetermined presentation means. The gaming machine according to feature E1.

According to the above configuration, when the movable means moves from the second position to the first position, the area overlapping with the predetermined presentation means in the front-back direction increases, and it is possible to perform a presentation in which these movable means and the predetermined presentation means are associated. It becomes possible. If such an effect is not performed, if the movable means is placed in the second position, the area overlapping with the predetermined effect means in the front and rear direction will be reduced, so that the game that focuses on the predetermined effect means can be From the observer's perspective, the movable means becomes difficult to see from the front. Therefore, it is possible to improve the effect of surprise when moving to the first position, and to increase the degree of attention to the performance in which the movable means and the predetermined performance means are associated.

Feature E3. Feature E2 is characterized in that the first plate body is provided with a shielding means (decorative sheet 350) that shields the movable means from the front when the movable means is placed in the second position. The game machine described.

According to the above configuration, the movable means arranged at the second position is shielded by the shielding means, and becomes difficult or impossible to see from the front. This makes it possible to further improve the effect of surprise when moving to the first position.

Feature E4. A switching means (decorative sheet 350, the gaming machine according to any one of features E1 to E3, characterized in that it is equipped with a function of executing light emission control processing by the effect control device 82).

According to the above configuration, the visibility of the movable means provided behind the first plate changes depending on the state of the first plate. Thereby, the performance effect of the movable means can be enhanced.

Feature E5. The gaming machine according to feature E4, wherein the switching means is capable of switching between the first state and the second state without changing the position of the movable means.

According to the above configuration, the visibility of the movable means can be changed without operating the movable means by the drive means. As a result, it is possible to perform a performance such as, for example, improving the visibility before the movable means operates (as the first state) to draw attention to the movable means and then operate the movable means, thereby diversifying the performance patterns. becomes possible.

Feature E6. According to feature E5, the driving means is configured to be able to move the movable means in a situation where the first plate body is switched to the second state by the switching means. gaming machines.

According to the above configuration, if the movable means operates in a state where the visibility of the movable means is reduced by the first plate, it becomes difficult for the player to understand this. This makes it possible, for example, to improve the surprise effect caused by the subsequent appearance of the movable means.

Feature E7. The gaming machine according to any one of features E1 to E6, wherein the second plate is visible from the front of the gaming machine through the first plate.

According to the above configuration, the movable means moves in front of the second plate that is visible from the front of the gaming machine. For example, if the second board is decorated by printing or the like, the space between the first board on which the game area is formed and the second board on which the decoration is applied can be moved by the movable means. It is a mobile configuration. Thereby, the functions can be assigned to each component, and the configuration can be simplified. Further, for example, when replacing parts, etc., it is possible to keep the number of replacement parts to the minimum necessary.

Feature E8. comprising a light emitting means (irradiation plate 400) capable of illuminating the movable means with light,
The light from the light emitting means may also illuminate the first plate or the second plate, and the light from the light emitting means may illuminate the first plate or the second plate. The gaming machine according to any one of features E1 to E7, characterized in that the gaming machine is configured such that when the first plate body or the second plate body is illuminated, the visibility of the irradiated part can be changed.

According to the above configuration, the movable means not only moves between the first plate and the second plate but is also illuminated by the light emitting means. This makes it possible to further enhance the performance effect of the movable means. Not only that, the light from the light emitting means may also be irradiated onto the first plate or the second plate, and when irradiated, the visibility of that part changes. That is, by combining the effect of illuminating the movable means with light and the effect of changing the visibility due to light on the first plate or the second plate, the combination pattern of effects can be diversified and the effect on the game can be improved. This can be used to increase attention.

<Characteristic group F>
Feature F1. A first board (transparent board 300) having transparency and having a playing area (playing area PE) in which a game ball can flow down on the front surface;
a second plate (decorative sheet 350) arranged at a position behind the first plate and visible from the front of the game machine through the first plate;
The first plate body and the second plate body are arranged so that a space portion (second space E2) is formed between the first plate body and the second plate body with a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction. positioning means (front peripheral edge portion 310) for positioning the plate body;
a ball entry part (special operation port 333) provided on the first plate body into which a game ball can enter;
a discharge passage (guiding passage in the third embodiment) for discharging the game balls that have entered the ball entry section;
Equipped with
The discharge passage is
a first passage part (lateral passage 335) that guides the game ball in a predetermined direction on the front side of the second plate in the space part;
a second passage part (second rear passage 336) that guides the game ball guided by the first passage part to the rear of the second plate;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

According to the above configuration, since the first plate is transparent, the second plate can exhibit various decorations and presentation effects regardless of the gaming area. Since the discharge passage for the game balls that have entered the ball entry section has a structure that guides the game balls in a predetermined direction in the space, the decoration and production effects of the second plate body and the game balls It is possible to create a novel gaming machine in which the operations of the above are linked.

Feature F2. The gaming machine according to feature F1, wherein the predetermined direction is a direction including a lateral direction when viewed from the front of the gaming machine.

According to the above configuration, the falling speed of the game ball is slower than that in the vertical direction. Therefore, it becomes possible to make it difficult for the player to overlook the fact that the game ball has been guided in a predetermined direction.

Feature F3. A part of the wall on the rear side of the game machine in the first passage is formed by the second plate,
In a portion of the second plate that forms the wall of the first passage, a notification means (eighth pattern P8) is provided to notify that a game ball will be guided to the first passage. The gaming machine according to feature F1 or feature F2.

According to the above configuration, not only can a part of the wall of the first passage section be used also by the second plate body, but if the second plate body is provided with a notification means, it is possible to It becomes possible to understand that the game ball is being guided not only by the movement of the game ball passing through the first passage part but also by the first passage part itself. Therefore, the correlation between the decoration of the second board, the performance effect, and the movement of the game ball can be made closer by the notification means, and the performance effect can be enhanced.

Feature F4. comprising a detection means (detection sensor 338) for detecting that a game ball has entered the ball entry section,
The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F3, wherein the detection means is provided at a position in front of the second plate in the discharge passage.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to quickly detect that the ball has entered the ball entry section. In particular, in the discharge passage, when performing an effect that increases the relationship with the decoration etc. of the second board, at least before the ball is guided to the rear of the second board (where the game ball is visible) situation), this effect should be performed, and it is considered that the above configuration has significance.

Feature F5. According to any one of features F1 to F4, the player is provided with a light emitting means (side LED 510) that is provided in the space and illuminates a game ball passing through the first passage. Game machine.

As in the above configuration, by illuminating the game ball using the space, there is no shielding such as nails or accessories provided in the game area (on the first board side), and the position of the light emitting means and the light The degree of freedom of the route is improved. Light effects are also added to the decorations by the second plate and the movement of the game ball, making the effect more profound.

Feature F6. The first passage and the light emitting means are positioned so that the light from the light emitting means is illuminated by a game ball passing through the first passage and reflected toward the front of the gaming machine. The gaming machine according to feature F5.

According to the above configuration, light is reflected on the game ball and the light is irradiated to the front of the game machine, making it easier to notice that the game ball has been guided to the first passage section.

Feature F7. The discharge passage is
a third passage part (first rear passage 334) capable of guiding the game ball that has entered the ball entry part to the rear of the second plate without passing through the first passage part;
a switching means (movable wall portion 337) for switching whether to guide the game ball that has entered the ball entry portion to the first passage portion side or to the third passage portion side;
The gaming machine according to any one of features F1 to F6, characterized by comprising:

According to the above configuration, the switching means can switch between passing through the space and being discharged to the rear of the second plate, or being discharged as is. Therefore, as in feature F1, it is possible to perform a performance that associates the decoration and performance effect of the second board with the motion of the game ball, or it is also possible not to perform it. In particular, gaming machines are equipped with various presentation structures (display screens, light emitting parts, etc.), and the parts that should be noticed may differ depending on the gaming situation. In this regard, with the above configuration, it is possible to suitably realize an effect that utilizes the motion of the game ball that enters the ball entry section depending on the game situation.

Feature F8. an information acquisition means for acquiring reservation information based on the game ball entering the ball entry section (a function for executing winning processing for the actuation opening by the main controller 81);
information storage means (retention ball storage area 232) for storing the reservation information acquired by the information acquisition means up to a predetermined number, which is a plurality of numbers;
a grant determining means (a function for executing a propriety determination process by the main controller 81) for sequentially determining whether or not to grant a benefit to a player with respect to the reservation information stored in the information storage means;
Regarding the predetermined suspension information stored in the information storage means, when the predetermined suspension information becomes the subject of the grant determination at a timing earlier than the predetermined suspension information becomes the target of the grant determination; a destination specifying means for specifying information corresponding to the result of the provision determination (a function of executing confirmation processing for reservation by the main controller 81);
Equipped with
The game according to feature F7, wherein the switching means is configured to be able to switch the guidance destination of the game ball based on the identification result of the destination identification means being a predetermined result. Machine.

According to the above configuration, the switching of the guide destination of the game ball by the switching means is performed at a timing earlier than the granting determination by the granting determining means. Therefore, the result (identification result by the destination identifying means) can be grasped before the result of the provision determination is notified, that is, at the time when the ball enters the ball entering section. Therefore, in addition to the game where you simply enjoy watching the results of the allocation determination being announced, you can also enjoy the game where you enjoy watching the game ball enter the ball entry section and in which direction it will be distributed. This makes it possible to further increase the attention to the game.

Feature F9. The switching means switches the game ball next to the game ball related to the reservation information that triggered the execution of the switching so that it is guided to the first passage section to be guided to the third passage section. The gaming machine according to feature F8, characterized in that it is possible to switch the guidance destination of the ball.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to more clearly understand the game ball to which the guide destination is to be changed. That is, if the subsequent game ball is also guided to the third passage section side, it becomes difficult to know which game ball has been specified by the first specifying means. Therefore, by doing as described above, such inconvenience does not occur and the degree of attention can be more suitably increased.

Feature F10. It is characterized by comprising a storage means (shutter 340) provided in the first passage section and capable of switching between a storage state in which game balls guided to the first passage part are stored and a non-storage state in which they are not stored. The gaming machine according to feature F8 or feature F9.

According to the above configuration, if the game balls are ejected from the game area, even if they are stored for performance, it is difficult to give a sense of unfairness to the player. By creating such a storage state, it is possible to prevent the game ball from running through the discharge passage and missing it.

<Feature G group>
Feature G1. A firing means (gaming ball firing mechanism 53) that fires the game ball toward the gaming area (gaming area PE);
a game board (transparent board 300) on the front surface of which is formed a game area (game area PE) through which game balls fired by the firing means flow;
a ball entry section (through gate 35) provided on the game board and into which a game ball can enter;
a detection means (detection sensor 35b) provided in the ball entry section to detect a game ball that has entered the ball entry section;
a performance board (decoration sheet 350) for performance provided at a predetermined distance from the game board;
a control device (main control device 81) that grasps the detection results from the detection means;
Equipped with
A gaming machine characterized in that a wiring between the detection means and the control device is arranged in a space (second space E2) formed by the predetermined interval.

According to the above configuration, when the game ball fired from the firing means flows down the game area and enters the ball entry section, the detection result is grasped by the control device. Behind the formed game board, a production board is provided at a predetermined interval, and wiring between the detection means and the control device is arranged in the space formed by the predetermined interval. In this way, there is no need to make a hole in the production board and connect wiring from the back of the production board to the control device, and the configuration (wiring, etc.) behind the game board can be simplified. I can do it. In particular, various control devices and wiring are arranged behind the game board, and even if some kind of operation is performed due to fraudulent activity, it may be difficult to detect if the devices and wiring are mixed together. . Therefore, with the above configuration, wiring can be simplified and fraudulent acts can be prevented.

Feature G2. A production board (side board 500) is disposed in the space, and the detection means and the control device are connected via the board, as described in feature G1. gaming machines.

According to the above configuration, there is no need to lengthen the wiring through the substrate. Therefore, it becomes possible to further organize the wiring relationships.

Feature G3. The game machine according to feature G2, wherein the board is provided at a peripheral portion of the game board.

According to the above configuration, it is necessary to ensure a certain length in the thickness direction at the peripheral edge of the game board in order to ensure the strength of the game board. Therefore, if the substrate is provided at the peripheral edge, there is no need to ensure a wide predetermined interval for providing the substrate, and the effects of features G1 and G2 can be achieved within a limited space.

Feature G4. The gaming machine according to feature G2 or feature G3, wherein the ball entry portion is provided at a peripheral portion of the gaming area.

According to the above configuration, it is possible to further shorten the wiring to the substrate.

Feature G5. A firing means (gaming ball firing mechanism 53) that fires the game ball toward the gaming area (gaming area PE);
a game board (transparent board 300) on the front surface of which is formed a game area (game area PE) through which game balls fired by the firing means flow;
a ball entry section (through gate 35) provided on the game board and into which a game ball can enter;
A grant determining means (a function of executing the propriety determination process by the main controller 81) that executes a grant determination as to whether or not to grant a benefit to the player based on the game ball entering the ball entry section;
Based on the award determination being made by the award determination means, a game reuse operation is executed on the first screen, and the game reuse operation is terminated as a stop result corresponding to the result of the award determination. A first game time control means (a function for executing display control processing by the effect control device 82) that executes display control of the first screen as one game time;
Based on the award determination being made by the award determination means, a game repeat operation is executed on a second screen that is different from the first screen and smaller than the first screen, and the award determination is performed. A second game time control means (game time control processing by the main control device 81 ) and
A production board (decorative sheet 350) for production, which is provided at a predetermined distance from the game board;
The game board is formed to have transparency,
The gaming machine characterized in that the second screen is provided at the predetermined interval.

According to the above configuration, even if the second screen is provided on the back side of the game board, the second screen can be viewed from the front of the game machine because the game board is transparent. Therefore, there is no need to provide the second screen outside the gaming area, for example. By doing so, it becomes possible to provide the first screen and the second screen without compressing the limited gaming area.

<Feature H group>
Feature H1. A performance execution means (a function for executing display control processing by the performance control device 82) that performs a performance on the display screen (display screen G) based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
a specific display section (decorative sheet) provided in an area that does not overlap in the front-rear direction with respect to the display screen so as to be visible from the front of the gaming machine;
Equipped with
The specific display section makes the first decoration visible when the intensity of the irradiated light is in the first state, and makes the second decoration visible when the intensity of the irradiated light is in the second state. It is configured so that
The gaming machine characterized in that the second decoration is used as a part of a predetermined character (a school of fish) used in a specific effect (a school of fish effect) on the display screen.

According to the above configuration, a part of the predetermined character used in the specific effect on the display screen is displayed as the second decoration on the specific display section. For example, if the second decoration is used in the specific performance, it becomes possible to display the predetermined character in the specific performance beyond the size of the display screen, resulting in a more dynamic performance.

Here, increasing the size of the display screen not only increases costs, but also concerns about eye fatigue for players if performances are always performed on a large display screen. Therefore, if the second decoration is not visible during normal times (the first decoration is visible), but the second decoration is made visible during specific effects, the dynamic effects described above can be achieved without making the display screen too large. It becomes possible.

Feature H2. The specific performance is a performance in which the predetermined character moves in a predetermined direction on the display screen,
The gaming machine according to feature H1, wherein the second decoration is arranged in parallel with the display screen in the predetermined direction.

According to the above configuration, an effect in which a predetermined character moves in a predetermined direction during a specific effect can be dynamically realized using the second decoration over a width of the display screen in the predetermined direction.

Feature H3. The gaming machine according to feature H2, wherein the second decorations are arranged in parallel at predetermined locations in both of the predetermined directions on the display screen.

According to the above configuration, the effect of feature H2 can be expanded in both directions.

Feature H4. The gaming machine according to feature H2 or feature H3, wherein a shielding member (center frame 42) that shields the rear is provided at the boundary between the display screen and the specific display section.

According to the above configuration, in the production using the predetermined character on the display screen and the second decoration, the predetermined character is temporarily not visible because the shielding member exists at the boundary between the display screen and the specific display section. It is possible to create a performance that looks like this. Thereby, even if there is a slight difference in appearance between the predetermined character on the display screen and the second decoration, the feeling of discomfort can be reduced by temporarily disappearing from view.

Feature H5. The second decorations are arranged in parallel at predetermined locations in both of the predetermined directions on the display screen,
displaying one of the second decorations in the specific display section, and then controlling the second decoration not to be displayed;
Furthermore, executing the specific effect on the display screen,
The configuration according to any one of features H2 to H4 is characterized in that the configuration is capable of displaying the other second decoration in the specific performance and then controlling the second decoration not to be displayed. Game machine.

According to the above configuration, the specific effect can be suitably executed.

Feature H6. The gaming machine according to any one of features H1 to H5, wherein a gaming area (gaming area PE) in which game balls flow down is formed in front of the specific display section.

According to the above configuration, excellent effects such as feature H1 can be achieved without increasing the size of the display screen and without compressing the gaming area.

Any one of the technical ideas shown in each feature described above 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.

The basic configuration of a gaming machine to which each of the above features can be applied is shown below.

Pachinko game machine: an operating means (launching handle 54) operated by a player, a game ball firing means (game ball firing mechanism 53) that fires a game ball based on the operation of the operating means, and the fired game ball A ball path (rail parts 51, 52) that leads the ball to a predetermined gaming area (gaming area PE), and each gaming component arranged within the gaming area, and a predetermined passing portion (general winning prize) of each gaming component is provided. A gaming machine that provides a bonus to a player when a game ball passes through a slot (31, etc.).

Reel-type gaming machines such as slot machines: Equipped with a variable display means that displays a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displays the symbol row at a final stop, and the symbols begin to fluctuate due to the operation of the starting operation means. A special game that is advantageous to the player, with the necessary condition that the fluctuation of the symbols is stopped due to the operation of the stopping operation means or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, and that the final stopped symbol at the time of the stop is a specific symbol. A gaming machine that generates a state (bonus game, etc.).

Ball-using belt-type gaming machine: Equipped with a variable display means that displays a symbol row consisting of a plurality of symbols in a variable manner and then displays the symbol row as a final stop; A special gaming state (bonus game, etc.), and further includes a throwing device that is provided with a ball tray and performs a throwing process of taking in game balls from the ball tray, and a putting device that puts out game balls to the ball tray. A game machine configured such that the operation of the starting operation means becomes effective when a game ball is thrown into the game machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Pachinko machine, 24... Game board, 33... Upper operating port, 34... Lower operating port, 35... Through gate, 39... Decorative member, 41... Symbol display device, 42... Center frame, 51... Inner rail portion, 52 ... Outer rail part, 54 ... Firing handle, 81 ... Main control device, 82 ... Production control device, 300 ... Transparent plate, 331 ... Outer peripheral surface, 332 ... Flange, 333 ... Special operation port, 334 ... First rear passage, 335 ... Side passage, 336... Second rear passage, 337... Movable wall, 338... Detection sensor, 340... Shutter, 350... Decorative sheet, 351... First pattern sheet, 352... Shielding sheet, 353... Second pattern sheet, 400...Irradiation plate, 410...LED, 520...Left LED, 600...Movable accessory, 700...Reflection plate, G...Display screen, PE...Game area, W1...Direct light, W2...Reflected light, W3...Front direct Light, W4...front reflected light.

Claims (1)

A transparent game board with a game area formed in the front where game balls can flow down;
a decorative means arranged at the rear of the game board and visible from the front of the game machine through the game board;
positioning means for positioning the game board and the decoration means so as to form a space between the game board and the decoration means with a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction;
a light-emitting means arranged between the game board and the decoration means when viewed in the front-rear direction, and capable of illuminating the decoration means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:

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