CN1663649B - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a game machine comprising: a game result display device; a CPU for generating a player's profit state when a predetermined game result is displayed on the game result display device; When an exception occurs, notify that the exception occurred. The sub CPU (73) notifies information about the abnormality that has occurred multiple times.

Description

game console

technical field

The present invention relates to a game machine having a variable display device for variably displaying various symbols required for a game and a control device such as a microcomputer for controlling the variable display, the game machine Including so-called Japanese pachi-slot game machines, slot machines, pachinko game machines such as the first to third generation Japanese pachinko game machines, arrangement ball game machines, and hemp ball games machine or slit-slot game machine, video slot game machine, video poker game machine, etc.

Background technique

For example, a Japanese pachi-slot gaming machine has a mechanically variable display device in which a plurality of reels are provided, each of which variably displays a plurality of symbols in a display window located in front of the gaming machine, The drums are arranged in parallel in rows. According to the activation operation performed by the player, the control device drives and controls the variable display device, and rotates the reels, thereby variably displaying symbols on the reels. The rotation of each reel is automatically stopped, or the rotation of each reel is stopped according to a stop operation performed by the player. At this time, in a case where the symbols on the reels appearing in the display window include a predetermined combination (win mode), game media such as coins or coins are paid out, thereby giving the player a predetermined profit.

In addition, the previously proposed gaming machine has: a plurality of reels; reels each provided on the periphery of each reel and a plurality of symbols drawn in a divided manner on each outer surface of each reel a plurality of light sources, each light source illuminates the symbol area on each reel from the back of each reel, and is arranged in each reel; and a control device for controlling the illumination by the light sources. Here, in the tape, the part of the symbol is translucent, the background of the symbol is transparent or translucent, and the light source is composed of a plurality of light emitting diodes arranged in a dot matrix. The control device controls the light emission of each light emitting diode, thereby controlling the light emission of the light source, so as to display characters or figures through these light emitting diodes.

For example, in the case of occurrence of an abnormal state such as "CR" (reverse movement of an inserted coin), since this state is usually caused by an abnormality in a gaming machine, it is known in advance to notify the gaming machine in which the abnormality occurs .

See, for example, Japanese Unexamined Publication No. 2001-353255.

Contents of the invention

However, in the above abnormality information, the abnormality is continuously notified by only one mode, and thus, the information necessary for notifying the abnormality cannot be properly communicated. Therefore, for example, if the staff of the gaming hall is not familiar with the game machine, the staff will feel embarrassed about restoring the game machine from an abnormal state to a normal state, thereby failing to carry out the restoration of the game machine smoothly. Work. Therefore, there is a possibility that the player's enjoyment of the game may be reduced.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine in which information related to abnormalities occurring in the game machine is displayed multiple times on the game result display device, so that not only the players or the staff of the game hall can quickly find the game The abnormality in the computer can be identified, and the content of the abnormality can be identified, and the abnormal recovery work can be successfully completed by the staff.

The game machine of the present invention includes:

Game result display device: for displaying the game result thereon;

Earning state generating means, for: when displaying predetermined game result on game result display means, generate the player's earning state (for example, main control circuit 41, auxiliary control circuit 71, both are described later); And

Abnormality notification means for: when an abnormality occurs in the game machine, notify the abnormality (for example, an auxiliary control circuit 71 described later); and

Abnormal occurrence history record storage device, used to count the number of abnormal occurrences and store information related to the number of abnormal occurrences;

Wherein, the abnormality notification device notifies the information related to the occurrence of the abnormality multiple times according to multiple stages of recovery from the abnormal state to the normal state;

wherein the number of occurrences of the abnormality is classified into at least a first group corresponding to a first notification mode and a second group corresponding to a second notification mode, and

Based on the information stored in the abnormality occurrence history storage means, when the number of occurrences of the abnormality belongs to the first group, the abnormality notifying means notifies the abnormality through the first notification mode, when the number of occurrences of the abnormality belongs to In the second group, the abnormality notification device notifies the abnormality through the second notification mode.

And in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the abnormality notification device may repeatedly notify information related to the abnormality.

Furthermore, in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the abnormality notifying means may change the information related to the abnormality in response to the progress of restoration work or the elapse of a predetermined time.

And in a specific embodiment of the present invention, the abnormality notification device may notify information related to predetermined abnormalities when performing predetermined operations.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the game result display device is constructed to include a first display device (for example, the reels 3L, 3C, 3R described later) and a second display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device 31 described later). ), the second display means is located on the front side of the display area of the first display means when viewed from the front surface of the gaming machine, wherein the abnormality notifying means can display abnormality-related information on the second display means.

Therefore, not only the player or the staff of the gaming hall can quickly find the abnormality in the game machine and identify the content of the abnormality, but also the staff can determine and successfully complete the restoration of the abnormality.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the slot machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a display panel display section and a liquid crystal display section.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the appearance of a tumbler mechanism in which lamps are provided in each tumbler.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a drum and a circuit board disposed in the drum for accommodating LEDs therein.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view roughly showing the configuration of a liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the liquid crystal display device.

Fig. 7 is an explanatory view for explaining functions of an LED lamp and a fluorescent lamp.

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit in this embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the construction of an auxiliary control circuit.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing an abnormality notification pattern A. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view schematically showing an abnormality notification pattern B. Referring to FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view schematically showing an abnormality notification pattern C. As shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view schematically showing an abnormality notification mode D. Referring to FIG.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, the gaming machine 1 is a so-called Japanese pachi-slot gaming machine. Although in the gaming machine 1, the player plays the game by using a game medium such as coins, coins or tokens, or a card in which information on game points given to the player is stored, hereinafter will be described where coins are used. Game console 1.

At present, the mainstream Japanese pachi-slot game machines have a variety of winning modes. In particular, when accepting a predetermined winning combination, the player can obtain a game state with more profit than a normal game state within a predetermined period of time, instead of ending the game by paying coins only once. As such a winning combination, there is a winning combination in which a game that relatively gives the player a large profit can be completed within a predetermined number of times (this winning combination is called "big bonus" and is hereinafter abbreviated as "BB"), there is another winning combination in which completing the game within a predetermined number of times relatively gives the player a small profit (this winning combination is referred to as "regular bonus" and hereinafter abbreviated as " RB").

And in the mainstream Japanese pachi-slot game machine, in order to realize the winning combination of paying coins or coins when predetermined symbol combinations are arranged side by side along the activated payline (hereinafter simply referred to as "activation line"), it is necessary to pass an internal drawing. (hereinafter simply referred to as "inside lottery") to internally win the winning combination (hereinafter simply referred to as "inside winning"), and need to win the combination of symbols representing the inside winning combination (hereinafter simply referred to as "Internal winning combination") can be stopped along the activation line by the player performing the stop operation of these symbols. That is, even if the winning combination is won internally, when the stop operation by the player is not timely, winning according to the winning combination inside cannot be realized. That is, in this mainstream Japanese pachi-slot game machine, a technique for timely performing stop operations of these symbols is required. The technique is called "observation press", and this technological intervention is highly regarded in this Japanese pachi-slot console.

On the front of the cabinet 2 that completely forms the game machine 1, a panel display unit 2a, a liquid crystal display unit 2b, and a fixed display unit 2c having substantially vertical planes are formed. As for the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c, they will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 . In the cabinet 2 (on the rear side of the liquid crystal display unit 2b), three reels 3L, 3C, 3R (including the first display device of the game result display device) are rotatably arranged along a horizontal line, and at their respective peripheries Symbol columns including various symbols are plotted. The reels 3L, 3C, 3R form the variable display means. A plurality of symbols on each reel (drum type display device) can be seen through symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R (shown in FIG. 2 hereinafter). Each drum was configured to rotate at a constant rotational speed (eg, 80 revolutions per minute).

At the lower portions of the panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c, a front convex portion 4 having a substantially horizontal plane is formed. On the left side of the protruding portion 4, there is provided a bet (BET) switch 5 for betting the reserved coins by a push button operation. On the right side of the protruding portion 4, a coin slot 6 is formed. On the left front side of the protruding portion 4, there is provided a C/P switch 7 for switching deposit/payout of coins obtained by the player in the game according to a button press operation. After being switched by the C/P switch 7 , coins are paid out from the coin return port 8 , and the returned coins are collected in the coin receiving tray 9 .

On the right side of the C/P switch 7, an actuating lever 10 (a game start instruction device that can be operated by a player) is set to be able to rotate within a predetermined angle range, and when operated by a player, the actuating lever 10 causes the drum Start to rotate, and start variable display (start game) of symbols in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R (see FIG. Stop buttons 11L, 11C, 11R (the game result guiding device that can be operated by the player), operate these buttons respectively to stop the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. On the upper left side and right side of the cabinet 2, a speaker 12L is arranged , 12R. Between the speakers 12L, 12R, a payout table panel 13 is provided, which displays a winning combination of symbols and the number of coins paid out as an award.

The panel display unit 2a, the liquid crystal display unit 2b, and the fixed display unit 2c will be described with reference to FIG. 2 .

The panel display unit 2 a includes a bonus game information display section 16 , bet lamps 17 a to 17 c , a payout display section 18 and a credit display section 19 . Here, the bonus display section 16 is composed of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs for displaying game information during the bonus game. The 1-BET lamp 17a, the 2-BET lamp 17b, and the MAX-BET lamp 17c are turned on according to the number of coins bet for the game. When the number of bet coins is "1", the 1-BET lamp 17a is turned on. When the number of bet coins is "2", the 2-BET lamp 17b is turned on. And when the number of bet coins is "3", the MAX-BET lamp 17c is turned on. The payout display section 18 and the credit display section 19 are each composed of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs. When a win is achieved, the payout display section 18 displays the number of coins paid out. The credit display section 19 displays the accumulated (reserved) number of coins.

The liquid crystal display unit 2 b includes symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R, and an effect display area 23 . The display content displayed on the liquid crystal display 2b is variably changed in accordance with a variable symbol display mode of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a stop display mode of symbols, and the operation of the liquid crystal display device 31 described hereinafter.

Symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are respectively provided corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and symbols arranged on the peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and various effects are displayed thereon. Here, in the case where the reels 3L, 3C, 3R corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are rotating, or when the stop buttons 11L, 11C, 11R corresponding to the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R are being turned on. In the case of the operable state of the stop operation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R is transparently displayed so that it can be easily recognized that the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided on the periphery , and does not display effects such as embodied by symbols, letters, graphics, marks, characters through still images or animations.

The window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R are formed to surround the respective symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, and represent frames of symbols provided on the peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The effect display area 23 is formed in areas other than the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, and 21R and the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, and 22R in the liquid crystal display unit 2b. This effect display area 23 displays an image (representing a so-called "WIN LAMP (winning light)") that positively represents that bonus points can be achieved, an effect for enhancing the interest in the game, and the necessary information for playing the game advantageously for the player. information.

The fixed display unit 2c is an area for displaying a predetermined image. Specifically, the fixed display unit 2c displays "a part of a row of houses" drawn on a display panel 33 described later. By combining the image displayed on the fixed display portion 2c and the image displayed on the effect display area 23, a still image or animation can be displayed. In this embodiment, a complete image of the row of houses can be displayed.

In addition, the LED lamps 29 provided in the drums 3L, 3C, 3R will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 . The LED lamps 29 are used as lighting means for illuminating the symbols provided on the peripheries of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and for the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, One of the lighting fixtures for lighting the area of 21R. In this way, the LED lamp 29 is used as a public lighting device for public lighting of the above symbols and areas. And the LED lamp 29 is also used as a rear lighting device for illuminating the first display device from its rear side.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a plurality of LED accommodating circuit boards 24 located behind the symbols of three symbol rows (nine symbols in total) are provided, and when the reels 3L, 3C, 3R When the rotation stops, each symbol column appears in each symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R. Each LED accommodating circuit board 24 has three LED accommodating parts, and a plurality of LED lamps 29 are provided in each LED accommodating part. , among the nine LED housing parts, the LED housing parts are denoted as Z1, Z2, and Z3 sequentially from the left part of the upper horizontal row, and the LED housing parts are denoted as Z4 and Z5 sequentially from the left part of the middle horizontal row , Z6, starting from the left part of the horizontal row below, the LED containing parts are represented as Z7, Z8, Z9 in sequence. , 3R are installed on the drum 3L, 3C, 3R. The drum plate is transparent so that the light emitted from the LED lamp 29 can penetrate to the front of the drum plate.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating drum 3L is constituted by a cylindrical frame structure in which two circular frames 25 and 26 having the same shape are connected by a plurality of connecting members 27 while being spaced at a certain distance therebetween (corresponding to the rotating drum). The width of the barrel), and the transmission member 28 is used to transmit the driving force of the stepping motor 53L (see FIG. 8 ) provided in the center of the frame structure to the circular frames 25 and 26. Here, the drum plate installed on the periphery of the drum 3L is omitted.

The LED accommodating circuit board 24 provided in the drum 3L has three LED accommodating portions Z1 , Z4 and Z7 each accommodating a plurality of LED lamps 29 . The LED accommodating circuit board 24 is arranged so that the LED accommodating portions Z1, Z4, Z7 are respectively located on the rear side of a plurality of symbols (three symbols in total) which the player can see through the symbol display area 21L. Here, although the reels 3C and 3R are not shown, these two reels have the same configuration, and the LED accommodating circuit board 24 is provided in each reel.

Next, the transmission type liquid crystal display device 31 (corresponding to the second display device constituting the game result display device) will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 . FIG. 5 is a perspective view (viewed from the rear side of the cabinet 2 ) showing the schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display device 31 . FIG. 6 is a developed perspective view showing a partial configuration of the liquid crystal display device 31 .

The liquid crystal display device 31 is made up of the following parts: a protective glass 32, a display panel 33, a liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflection film 36, which is used as a so-called white light source (capable of emitting light including all wavelengths of light having a predetermined ratio to make specific colors less conspicuous to human eyes), fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, lamp holders 39a~39h, and a flexible circuit board (not shown) including mounted ICs for driving the liquid crystal panel On-board package (tablecarrier package) (TCP), the TCP is connected to the terminal part of the liquid crystal panel 34. The liquid crystal display device 31 is provided on the front side of the display area of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R (the front side of the display plane of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R) so as to be arranged above the reels 3L, 3C, 3R. And the reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 31 are independently provided with a predetermined distance therebetween.

The protective glass 32 and the display panel 33 are made of light-permeable materials. The cover glass 32 is used to protect the liquid crystal panel 34 . Images are drawn in regions corresponding to the panel display unit 2 a and the fixed display unit 2 c of the display panel 33 . Here, various display areas corresponding to the rear side of the area in the display panel 33 of the panel display unit 2a and circuits for operating the bet lamps 17a to 17c are not shown.

The liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by filling a liquid crystal material in a gap formed between a transparent plate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and an opposing transparent plate. The display mode of the liquid crystal panel 34 is set to a normally white mode. Here, "normally white" refers to a configuration such that when the liquid crystal panel 34 is not driven, the liquid crystal panel 34 becomes a white display state (light can go toward the display plane, that is, transmitted light can be seen from the outside) . By using the liquid crystal panel 34 configured to have a normally white mode, even if there is a failure that the liquid crystal panel cannot be driven, it is possible to see and recognize a plurality of symbols provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R through the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R. Symbols (variable display and static display of the symbol display part). Thus, the player can continue the game. That is, if the above failure occurs, the game can be played based on basic functions such as variable display and static display of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The light guide plate 35 is provided on the rear side of the liquid crystal panel 34 so as to guide the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b to the liquid crystal panel 34 (to illuminate the liquid crystal panel). For example, the light guide plate 35 may be made of (with light-transmitting ability) and consists of light-transmitting parts made of acrylic resin.

For the reflective film 36, for example, it uses a member in which a silver deposition layer is formed on a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film. The reflective film 36 reflects the light guided to the light guide plate 35 to the front side of the light guide plate 35 . This reflective film 36 is composed of a reflective area 36A and non-reflective areas (non-transmittable areas) 36BL, 36BC, 36BR. The non-reflective regions 36BL, 36BC, 36BR are formed as light-transmittable regions (these light-transmittable regions are made of a transparent material and transmit light directed to them without reflection), and they are arranged on the drum 3L. , 3C, 3R in front of each symbol (a total of three symbols) displayed when the rotation stops. In this case, the area corresponding to the drum plate serves as the light permeable area. Specifically, the size and position of the non-reflective regions 36BL, 36BC, 36BR are the same as those of the symbol display regions 21L, 21C, 21R. The reflective area 36A reflects light directed thereto, and serves as one of illumination means for areas mainly corresponding to the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23 within the area of the liquid crystal panel 34 . According to the above construction, since the player can see and recognize the variable display and static display of the symbols in the symbol display area through the light-transmittable area in the reflection device, the player can play the game based on the display mode of the symbol display area and the liquid crystal display device. Enjoy the game.

Fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b are provided along upper and lower edges of the light guide plate 35 , and both ends of the fluorescent lamps 37 a , 37 b are supported by lamp sockets 39 . The fluorescent lamps 37 a , 37 b are used as lighting means mainly corresponding to the window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23 in the area corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 34 . That is, the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b emit light guided to the light guide plate 35 (these lamps independently guide the light to the light guide plate 35).

And the fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b are arranged so as to face the drums 3L, 3C, 3R at the upper and lower parts on the rear side of the reflective film 36 . Light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38 a and 38 b and reflected onto the surfaces of the drums 3L, 3C, 3R further enters the non-reflecting areas 36BL, 36BC, 38BR and illuminates the liquid crystal panel 34 . Therefore, the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are used as lighting means for illuminating the symbols provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and as lighting means for illuminating the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, One of the lighting fixtures for lighting the area of 21R. Fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are used as common lighting for illuminating the above symbols and areas. In addition, the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b also serve as front lighting means for illuminating the first display means from the front side of the first display means.

As mentioned above, the public lighting device performs public lighting on the first display device and the second display device. That is, since the light emitted from the common lighting device illuminates not only the first display device but also the second display device, the cost becomes lower than the case of separately providing lighting devices for each display device. In addition, by controlling the common lighting device, the lighting control can be made simpler, and the same lighting can be realized for both display devices at the same time.

Next, the actions of the LED lamp 29 and the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b will be described with reference to FIG. 7 . In FIG. 7, the direction of movement of the light emitted from the lamp is shown by arrows.

FIG. 7(A) schematically shows when the liquid crystals present at the symbol display regions 21L, 21C, 21R are not driven (the voltage is not applied between the transparent plates corresponding to the parts of the symbol display regions in the liquid crystal panel 34). function of each lamp.

Part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b is reflected on the drum plate. And part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 29 provided on the LED containing circuit board 24 passes through the drum plate. Since the above light passes through the non-reflective regions 36BL, 36BC, 36BR, the light guide plate 35, and the liquid crystal panel 34 (the light guide plate 35 and the liquid crystal panel 34 constitute the liquid crystal display device 31), players can see and recognize the reels installed on these reels. symbol. Therefore, without driving the liquid crystals present at the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, the LED lamps 29 and the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b serve as illumination means for the symbols provided on the reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

On the contrary, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b and introduced into the light guide plate 35 passes through the liquid crystal panel 34, and enters the player's line of sight. That is, the fluorescent lamps 37 a , 37 b are used as illumination means for areas of the liquid crystal display panel 34 corresponding to the above window frame display areas 22L, 22C, 22R and the effect display area 23 .

FIG. 7(B) schematically shows each lamp when the liquid crystal present at the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R is driven (a voltage is applied between the transparent plates corresponding to the part of the symbol display area in the liquid crystal panel 34). role.

Part of the light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b is reflected on the drum plate. A part of the light emitted from the LED lamp 29 passes through the drum plate. Since a part of the above light is reflected on the area where the liquid crystal is driven in the area of the liquid crystal panel 34, or is absorbed in this area, or passes through this area, the player can see and recognize the light in the symbol display area 21L. , 21C, 21R displayed on the effect display and so on. Therefore, in the case of driving the liquid crystals present at the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R, the LED lamp 29 and the fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b are used as illumination of the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R in the area corresponding to the liquid crystal panel 34 device.

Here, in the case of driving a part of the area corresponding to the symbol display area 21L, 21C, 21R within the area of the liquid crystal panel 34, the LED lamp 29 and the fluorescent lamp 38a, 38b serve as and used as illumination means for areas corresponding to the liquid crystals not driven in the symbol display areas 21L, 21C, 21R within the liquid crystal panel 34 .

8 shows a circuit configuration, which includes: a main control circuit 41 for controlling game processing operations in the game machine 1; a plurality of peripheral devices electrically connected to the main control circuit 41; and an auxiliary control circuit 71 for The liquid crystal display device 31 and the speakers 12L, 12R are controlled according to control commands sent from the main control circuit 41 . The main control circuit 41 and the auxiliary control circuit 71 constitute game result display control means. The main control circuit 41 has functions such as internal winning combination determining means, first display control means and profit state generating means. The internal winning combination determining means determines an internal winning combination among the plurality of winning combinations based on the output from the game start instructing means. The first display control means controls the first display means based on the determination result of the internal winning combination determination means and the output of the game result guidance means. When a predetermined game result is displayed on the game result display means, the profit status generating means generates the player's profit status. The auxiliary control circuit 71 controls the second display means based on the determination result of the internal winning combination determination means and the output from the game result guidance means.

The main control circuit 41 is mainly composed of a microcomputer 42 provided on a circuit board except for a circuit for sampling random numbers. The microcomputer 42 includes a CPU 43, a ROM 44 and a RAM 45 for controlling operations according to preset programs.

A clock generator 46 for generating a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider 47, a random number generator 48 for generating a sampled random number and a sampling circuit 49 are connected to the CPU 43 respectively. Here, as means for sampling random numbers, it may be configured to perform random number sampling in accordance with the operating program of the CPU 43 in the microcomputer 42. In such a case, the random number generator 48 and the sampling circuit 49 may be omitted, or these devices may be retained as a backup to the random number sampling operation.

Stored in the ROM 44 of the microcomputer 42 are: a probability lottery table, which is used to judge the random number sampling carried out when each operation (start operation) of the start lever 10; a stop control table, which is used to determine according to the operation of the stop button combination of stopping of the drum; and various control instructions (commands) to be sent to the auxiliary control circuit 71 . Here, the auxiliary control circuit 71 never sends commands, information, etc. to the main control circuit 41 , but only performs one-way transmission from the main control circuit 41 to the auxiliary control circuit 71 .

In the circuit of Fig. 8, as the main actuator controlled according to the control signal from the microcomputer 42, there are the following devices: various lamps (1-BET lamp 17a, 2-BET lamp 17b, MAX-BET lamp 17c) various display parts (additional points game information display part 16, payment display part 18, deposit display part 19); coin storage bin (hopper) 52, as game point value giving device (comprising payment drive part), is used for storing Coins, and pay a predetermined amount of coins according to the instruction of the coin storage bin drive circuit 51; and stepping motors 53L, 53C, 53R, used to drive the drums 3L, 3C, 3R to rotate.

A motor drive circuit 54 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 53L, 53C, 53R, a coin storage bin drive circuit 51 for driving and controlling the coin storage bin 52, a lamp drive circuit 55 for driving and controlling various lamps, And the display driver circuit 56 for driving and controlling a plurality of display parts is connected with the output part of the CPU 43 through the I/O port 57. These drive circuits control operations in the respective actuators when receiving control commands such as drive commands output from the CPU 43.

In addition, for the input signal generating means mainly for generating the input signal required for the microcomputer 42 to generate the control command, there are provided the betting switch 5, the coin sensor 6S for detecting the coins put in, the C/P switch 7, the start A switch 10S, a reel stop signal circuit 58 , a reel position detection circuit 59 and a payment completion signal circuit 60 . These devices are also connected to CPU 43 through I/O port 57.

The coin sensor 6S detects coins inserted into the coin slot 6 . The start switch 10S detects the operation of the start lever 10 . The drum stop signal circuit 58 generates a stop signal corresponding to the operation of the respective stop buttons 11L, 11C, 11R. When receiving the pulse signal from the drum rotation sensor, the drum position detection circuit 59 provides a signal to the CPU 43 to detect the position of each drum 3L, 3C, 3R. When the count of the coin detection unit 52S (corresponding to the number of coins paid out from the hopper 52) reaches a specified number of data, the payment completion signal circuit 60 generates a signal for detecting payment completion.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 8, the random number generator 48 generates random numbers within a predetermined range of values, and the sampling circuit 49 performs sampling of a random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 10 is operated. Based on the random numbers thus drawn and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 44, internal winning combinations of the symbols are determined. After determination, random number extraction is performed again to select the "stop control table".

After the drums 3L, 3C, 3R start to rotate, the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motors 53L, 53C, 53R is calculated, and the calculated number is written into a predetermined area of the RAM 45. Each drum 3L, 3C, 3R generates a reset pulse every time it rotates once, and these reset pulses are input to the CPU 43 through the drum position detection circuit 59. According to the reset pulse thus obtained, the count of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 45 is cleared to "0". Therefore, in the RAM 45, counts corresponding to the rotational positions within one rotation of each of the drums 3L, 3C, 3R are stored.

In order to relate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the symbols drawn on the peripheries of these reels, a symbol table is stored in the ROM 44. In this symbol table, numbers and symbol codes are associated with each other, wherein each predetermined rotation pitch of each drum 3L, 3C, 3R is sequentially given by setting the rotation position at which the reset pulse is generated as a reference rotation position. number, and each symbol code represents the symbol corresponding to each number.

Furthermore, in the ROM 44, a winning symbol combination table is stored. In this winning symbol combination table, winning symbol combinations corresponding to various winnings, payout amounts corresponding to respective winnings, and winning determination codes representing respective winnings correspond to each other. When performing stop control of the left reel 3L, middle reel 3C, and right reel 3R, and when winning is confirmed after all reels 3L, 3C, 3R are stopped, refer to the winning symbol combination table above.

When a winning combination is internally won by the lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the sampling of the above random numbers, the CPU 43 operates according to the operation transmitted from the reel stop signal circuit 58 when the player operates the stop buttons 11L, 11C, 11R. The signal and the selected stop control table transmit a stop signal to the motor drive circuit 54 for performing stop control of the drums 3L, 3C, and 3R.

If these symbols stop with the stop mode that realizes the internal winning combination, the CPU 43 provides a payout command signal to the coin storage bin drive circuit 51, thereby paying out a predetermined amount of coins from the coin storage bin 52. At this time, the coin detection unit 52S The amount of paid coins is calculated, and when the amount of paid coins reaches a predetermined amount, a payment completion signal is input to the CPU 43. Thus, the CPU 43 stops the driving of the coin storage bin 52 through the coin storage bin driving circuit 51, and as a result, terminates the payment processing of the coins.

FIG. 9 shows the configuration of the auxiliary control circuit 71 . Auxiliary control circuit 71 performs on and off processing of LED lamp 29 , display control of liquid crystal display device 31 , and output control of audio output from speakers 12L, 12R in accordance with control commands from main control circuit 41 . The auxiliary control circuit 71 is formed on a circuit board separate from the circuit board on which the main control circuit 41 is formed, and is mainly composed of a microcomputer (hereinafter simply referred to as “auxiliary microcomputer”) 72 . Auxiliary control circuit 71 is made up of following parts: LED driver circuit 77, as display control device, is used for controlling a plurality of decorative lamps, LED lamp 29 and fluorescent lamp 37a, 37b that are arranged on the cabinet of game machine 1; Image control circuit 81, A display control device as the liquid crystal display device 31; a sound source IC 78 for controlling sound output from the speakers 12L, 12R; and a power amplifier 79 serving as an amplifier.

The auxiliary microcomputer 72 includes: an auxiliary CPU 73 for performing control operations in accordance with control commands sent from the main control circuit 41; a program ROM 74 serving as storage means; and a work RAM 75. Although the auxiliary control circuit 71 has no clock pulse generator, frequency divider, random number generator, and sampling circuit, it is constructed to perform random number sampling in the operation program of the auxiliary CPU 73. The program ROM 74 stores control programs executed in the sub CPU 73. In addition, the program ROM 74 also stores image control programs related to display on the liquid crystal display device 31 and various selection tables. The work RAM 75 is configured as a temporary storage device used when the control program is executed by the sub CPU 73.

Image control circuit 81 is made up of image control work RAM 83, image ROM 86, video RAM 87 and image control IC 82. The image control IC 82 determines display contents to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 31 in accordance with a plurality of parameters specified by the sub CPU 73. The image control work RAM 83 is used to temporarily store images when an image is formed by the image control IC 82 and when an image to be displayed next on the liquid crystal display device 31 is assigned to the image control IC 82 by the sub CPU 73. The image control IC 82 forms an image corresponding to the display content determined by the sub CPU 73, and outputs it to the liquid crystal display device 31. The image ROM 86 stores various images to form images to be displayed. The video RAM 87 is configured as a temporary memory device used when forming an image in the image control IC 82.

In the game machine 1 of the present embodiment, the above-mentioned auxiliary CPU 73 has a function as an abnormality notification device which, when an abnormality occurs in the game machine 1, notifies that an abnormality has occurred, and displays the abnormality on the liquid crystal constituting the game result display device. Information related to an abnormality occurring in the game machine 1 is displayed on the effect display area 23 of the display device 31 . The auxiliary CPU 73 controls the liquid crystal display 31 to display the abnormality in the effect display area 23 according to the stage of the abnormal recovery work carried out by the staff of the game hall (specifically, according to the elapse of predetermined time or the recovery process of the abnormality). The information related to the abnormality occurring in the game machine 1 is displayed on the screen, so that the player or staff can easily understand the information related to the abnormality in the gaming machine 1 (the occurrence of the abnormality, the cause of the abnormality, the recovery stage of the abnormality, exception recovery, the time elapsed since the exception occurred, etc.). Thereby, the player or the staff of the gaming hall can easily recognize the information related to the abnormality, and can smoothly restore the abnormality in the game machine 1 .

Here, "notification" means displaying characters, letters, graphics, marks, or a combination thereof, or a combination of them and colors, on the effect display area 23 . Specifically, when the game machine is operating normally, a character "RED DONCHAN (red DONCHAN)" 91 described later is displayed on the effect area 23. On the contrary, when an abnormality occurs in the game machine, the character "GREEN DONCHAN (Green DONCHAN)" described later is displayed 92. And the restoration process of the abnormality is displayed by a plurality of letters on the green display area for displaying the abnormality or the red display area (The elimination process of the cause of the abnormal occurrence), the green display area and the red display area are described later. Thus, the staff of the game hall can be quickly notified that the peripheral equipment of the game machine is in an abnormal state, and the elimination of the abnormality can be effectively completed The recovery work of the cause. Here, depending on the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality, the recovery process displayed on the green display area and the red display area are different from each other. Although most gamers usually focus on the variable display/still on the game result display device display, but since the auxiliary CPU 73 controls the second display device to display information related to the abnormality, the player can recognize the occurrence and content of error messages and abnormalities that appear suddenly (for example, a message of "please call the staff") , without having to frequently move their eyes, players can respond to these errors immediately, thereby reducing unpleasant game interruptions.

Regarding the abnormality in the game machine 1, for example, include: alarm, CE (coin passing time), CJ (coin passing check), CO (full coin state of auxiliary coin storage box), CR (reversal of coin inserted) Movement), HE (coin storage empty), HJ (coin storage blocked), EE (illegal strike), etc. Here, CE, CJ, CO, CR, HE, HJ, and EE represent error codes.

The work RAM 75 described above has a function as an abnormality occurrence history storage means that counts the number of occurrences of an abnormality, and the notification pattern of the abnormality is changed based on the information stored in the work RAM 75. Specifically, there are three notification modes. The first mode is abnormal notification mode A (Fig. 10), where the number of abnormal occurrences is 1-2 times. The second mode is exception notification mode B (FIG. 11), where the number of abnormal occurrences is 3 times. The third mode is exception notification mode C (FIG. 12), in which the number of abnormal occurrences is greater than four. Thereby, the staff of the game hall can easily detect a malfunction in the game machine or an unreasonable behavior of the player.

Hereinafter, abnormality notification modes A, B, and C will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 . Each of these drawings shows the flow from the occurrence of an abnormality during the normal operation of the gaming machine 1 to the elimination of the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality. The content (information related to the abnormality) displayed on the effect display area 23 changes corresponding to the recovery stage of the abnormality or the lapse of a predetermined time. Thereby, occurrence of abnormality, cause of abnormality, recovery stage of abnormality, recovery of abnormality, and time elapsed from occurrence of abnormality can be identified from the change of notification pattern.

Figure 10 shows exception notification pattern A. Here, FIG. 10(1) shows a state in which the game machine 1 is normally operated. In the lower part of the effect display area 23, a character "RED DONCHAN" 91 is displayed. The character "RED DONCHAN (red DONCHAN)" 91 represents a state in which the game machine 1 can be operated normally.

Here, if an abnormality (the above-mentioned CR in this embodiment) has occurred in the game machine 1, a blue abnormality display area 101 is displayed in the lower part of the effect display area 23, in which a message "ERROR OCCURS (abnormal occurrence)" is displayed. , as shown in Figure 10(2). At this time, the character “GREEN DONCHAN” 92 is displayed on the right portion of the effect display area 23 . That is, it is displayed to the player that an abnormality has occurred in the game machine.

Here, when 3 seconds have elapsed, a blue abnormality display area 102 in which a message "PLEASE CALL CLERK (please call the staff) is displayed to be superimposed on the blue abnormality display area 101 is displayed. )", as shown in Figure 10(3). That is, the blue abnormality display area 102 instructs the player to call the staff of the arcade.

Here, when 5 seconds have elapsed thereafter, a blue abnormal display area 103 in which a message "FIRST, PLEASE OPEN COVER ( First, please open the cover)", as shown in Figure 10(4). That is to say, the blue abnormality display area 103 informs the staff of the elimination process, so as to eliminate the cause of the abnormality.

Here, when 3 seconds have elapsed thereafter, a blue abnormality display area 104 in which a message "PLEASE REMOVE MEDALS (please remove coins)", as shown in Figure 10(5). That is, the blue abnormality display area 104 informs the staff of the next elimination process, so as to further eliminate the cause of the abnormality.

As described with reference to Fig. 10 (2) to 10 (5) according to specific examples, the abnormal notification device is repeatedly (four times: "ERROR OCCURS (abnormal occurrence)", "PLEASE CALL CLERK (please call the staff)", " FIRST, OPEN COVER (first, please open the cover)", "PLEASE REMOVEMEDALS (please remove the coins)") Notify the information related to the abnormality (error related to the reverse movement of the inserted coin).

Here, when 10 seconds have elapsed thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10(6), only the blue abnormality display area 101 is displayed, that is, notification of occurrence of abnormality is repeated. Therefore, since workers and the like can confirm the contents notified according to a specific operation, they can surely recover from the abnormality.

As explained based on the specific examples shown in Figures 10(2) to 10(6), the abnormality notification device is repeated (twice: "ERROR OCCURS (abnormal occurrence)" in Figures 10(2) and 10(6) ) notifies information related to anomalies (errors related to the reverse movement of invested coins). Therefore, even if "ERROR OCCURS (an exception occurred)", "PLEASE CALL CLERK (please call the staff)", "FIRST, OPEN COVER (first, please open the cover)" and "PLEASE REMOVEMEDALS (please clear coins)" are repeatedly displayed When the four messages of , the person recovering the exception (e.g. a worker) misses part of the messages, the same message will still be displayed after a few seconds. That way, the person never misses the message, and the exception can be handled reliably.

Here, when the cause of abnormal occurrence is eliminated, as shown in FIG. 10 (7), the character "RED DONCHAN (red DONCHAN)" 91 is displayed in the effect display area 23, thereby notifying that the game machine 1 is in normal operation. state. That is, the notification mode is changed according to the end of the abnormal recovery work. This change of notification mode is displayed by characters, letters, graphics, marks or their combination, or their combination with color. In this embodiment, the notification mode changes from role "GREEN DONCHAN (green DONCHAN)" 91 to role "RED DONCHAN (Red DONCHAN)"92.

As described, in the case of employing a function in which an error is notified by a mode other than the character row information, an effect of effectively preventing the player's fun from being reduced can be achieved. Although many players feel frustrated or irritated when an abnormality occurs in a game machine, it is possible to make the player feel happy and happy by displaying an effect different from the character line information, thereby enabling the player to play with Enjoy the game again with a new feeling.

Figure 11 shows exception notification pattern B. Here, FIG. 11(1) shows a state in which the game machine 1 is normally operated. The character "RED DONCHAN" 91 is displayed in the lower part of the effect display area 23 . Here, if an abnormality has occurred in the game machine 1 (the same as the above example, it is the above-mentioned CR), a red abnormality display area 111 is displayed in the lower part of the effect display area 23, in which the message "ERROR OCCURS (abnormal occurrence) is displayed. ", as shown in Figure 11(2). At this time, the character “GREEN DONCHAN” 92 is displayed on the right portion of the effect display area 23 .

Here, when 3 seconds have elapsed, a red abnormality display area 112 in which a message "PLEASE CALL CLERK (please call a worker)" is displayed to be superimposed on the red abnormality display area 111 is displayed, As shown in Figure 11(3). Here, when 5 seconds have elapsed thereafter, a red abnormality display area 113 in which the message "FIRST, PLEASE OPEN COVER (first, please Open the cover)", as shown in Figure 11(4).

Here, when 3 seconds have elapsed thereafter, a red abnormality display area 114 in which a message "PLEASE REMOVE MEDALS (please clear coins)" is displayed is displayed to be superimposed on the red abnormality display area 113 , as shown in Figure 11(5). Here, when 10 seconds have elapsed thereafter, only the red abnormality display area 111 is displayed as shown in FIG. 11(6). That is, the notification of abnormal occurrence is repeated. Here, when the cause of the abnormality is eliminated, the character "RED DONCHAN" 91 is displayed in the effect display area 23 as shown in FIG. 11(7).

Figure 12 shows exception notification pattern C. Here, FIG. 12(1) shows a state in which the game machine 1 is normally operated. The character "RED DONCHAN (red DONCHAN)" 91 is displayed in the lower part of the effect display area 23. A blue abnormal display area 101 is displayed, in which the message "ERROR OCCURS (abnormal occurrence)" is displayed, as shown in Figure 12(2). At this time, the character “BLUE DONCHAN” 93 is displayed on the right portion of the effect display area 23 .

Here, when 3 seconds have elapsed, a blue abnormality display area 102 in which a message "PLEASE CALL CLERK (please call the staff) is displayed to be superimposed on the blue abnormality display area 101 is displayed. )", as shown in Figure 12(3). Here, when 5 seconds have elapsed thereafter, a blue abnormal display area 103 in which a message "FIRST, PLEASE OPEN COVER ( First, please open the cover)", as shown in Figure 12(4). Here, when 3 seconds have elapsed thereafter, a blue abnormality display area 104 in which a message "PLEASE REMOVEMEDALS (please remove coins) is displayed to be superimposed on the blue abnormality display area 103 is displayed. )", as shown in Figure 12(5).

Here, when 10 seconds have elapsed thereafter, only the blue abnormal display area 101 is displayed as shown in FIG. 12(6). That is, the notification of abnormal occurrence is repeated. Here, when the staff of the game hall eliminates the cause of the abnormality in the game machine 1, as shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, the abnormality notification mode D will be described with reference to FIG. 13 .

FIG. 13 shows the flow sequence from occurrence of an abnormality during normal operation of the gaming machine 1 to elimination of the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality. FIG. 13(1) shows the state in which the game machine 1 is normally operated. The character "RED DONCHAN" 91 is displayed in the lower part of the effect display area 23 . Here, if an abnormality occurs in the game machine 1 (same as the above example, the above-mentioned CR), a blue abnormality display area 101 is displayed in the lower part of the effect display area 23, in which a message "ERROROCCURS (abnormal occurrence)" is displayed. , as shown in Figure 13(2). At this time, the character “GREEN DONCHAN” 92 is displayed on the right portion of the effect display area 23 .

Here, when the display operation of the cause of the abnormality is completed by the staff or the like (including players and business personnel), the cause of the abnormality is displayed in the effect display area 23 as shown in FIG. 13(3). This display operation by the staff can be performed by operating a specific operation device (not shown) for displaying the cause of the occurrence of the abnormality and provided in the game machine 1 . Here, when the staff of the game hall eliminates the cause of the abnormal occurrence, as shown in FIG. 13 (4), the character "RED DONCHAN (red DONCHAN)" 91 is displayed in the effect display area 23.

Although described in terms of these embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above.

Although the above-mentioned abnormality notification means changes the notification mode based on the information stored in the abnormality occurrence history storage means, the present invention is not limited to the above, and may be based on the internal winning combination determining means (for example, the above-mentioned CPU 43 ) to change the above notification mode.

And the notification mode can be changed according to a specific operation. Specifically, although the characters "RED DONCHAN (Red DONCHAN)", "BLUE DONCHAN (Blue DONCHAN)" and "GREEN DONCHAN (Green DONCHAN)" displayed in the above notification mode are predetermined, it is possible to Change the displayed character etc. to another character.

Furthermore, not limited to an abnormal state occurring in the game machine, it is conceivable that the character can be changed to another character by a specific operation when the game machine is normally operated.

It is conceivable that arcade staff can decide whether to inform the above recovery process more accurately or simply.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the above abnormality notification means changes the notification mode according to the recovery phase of the abnormality or the elapsed time of the predetermined time, the present invention is not limited to the above, for example, the next recovery process may be notified according to a specific operation. In this case, the recovery process can be informed in advance according to the stage of the abnormal recovery work carried out by the staff promptly.

And, still images or animations related to abnormal recovery can be displayed. For example, you can animate exceptions to resume work. In this case, even if the worker is a repairman who is not familiar with the recovery work of the abnormality, the worker can recover the abnormality by working according to the animation. Of course, by displaying the process in conjunction with role information, a repair person such as a worker can view a display suitable for him or herself according to his or her skills.

Furthermore, the notification of the abnormality can be done both through images and sounds. If necessary, repair personnel such as workers can determine the content of the restoration process by using images and sounds appropriately. For example, there are cases where the work efficiency of the repairman can be further improved by confirming the recovery process by image when determining the type of abnormality and by sound when performing delicate work when opening the cabinet. In addition, abnormalities can be notified by lights provided on the cabinet. In this case, it is suitable for immediately noticing the abnormality to the staff far from the cabinet.

Error codes such as CR, CE, CJ, etc. can be notified. This kind of notification helps increase the productivity of workers who don't need long messages and who are familiar with recovery efforts.

Furthermore, these error codes may be displayed on a display portion (for example, the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device 31 ) when the above-mentioned abnormality notification modes A to D are notified.

And, if the abnormality is displayed by information other than the character line information, the notification mode can be changed for each type of abnormality. For example, the character "GREEN DONCHAN" may be displayed in the case of an abnormality in which the hopper is empty, while the character "RED DONCHAN" may be displayed in the case of an abnormality in which the hopper is blocked. As for notification modes other than character row information, graphics, characters, marks, or a combination thereof may be used. Therefore, the display of the abnormality can be diversified, and the player's anger caused by the occurrence of the abnormality can be diverted. And if the player rarely sees abnormal displays related to the anomaly, the anomaly is very novel and suitable for the player because it becomes a topic of conversation.

In addition, as any one of the above-mentioned first display means, second display means, and third display means, objects having shapes such as characters, figures, dolls, animals, insects, famous buildings, fish, vehicles, etc. can be used. removable parts.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that the abnormality will be notified by using both of the above-described first display means and second display means. Therefore, this abnormal display causes the player to see overlapping images. This type of display is a novel notification display that has not been done before, and the player can divert attention from unpleasant abnormal occurrences.

And in this embodiment, although the drums 3L, 3C, 3R are used as the first display device and the liquid crystal display device 31 is used as the second display device, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, CRT, LCD, plasma display, 7-segment LED, LED dot matrix, lamp, LED, fluorescent lamp, organic EL display, disc, electronic paper, flexible LED, flexible liquid crystal, liquid crystal projector, FED etc. as the first display device, the second display device or the third display device. In addition, a third display device different from the first display device and the second display device may be provided on the front side of the second display device (when viewed from the game machine when viewed from the front side of the game machine), disposed between the first display device and the second display device, or disposed on the rear side of the first display device (when viewed from the front side of the game machine). In the first display device, the second display device The display results displayed on the second display device or the third display device are composed of still images or animations. It can be integrally formed in which two or more or all of the first display device, the second display device and the third display device are combined. In this case, there is a case where the integrally constructed unit can be replaced as a whole, and since time and labor for its disassembly work and assembly work can be omitted, and maintenance work can be improved, this case is preferable. In addition , if some components and structures can be shared in the unit, it is preferable because the cost can be reduced. Of course, if the common lighting device is included in the unit, the same lighting device as above can be achieved Effect.

In addition, the earning state includes: the state of realizing a predetermined combination (for example, replay, BB, RB, small combination, single bonus, etc.); A state in which the probability of winning inside a combination is high; a state in which winning of a predetermined combination is realized with a high probability; winning of a predetermined combination is allowed to be realized or continued with a high probability; the reels are operated according to the player's operation of the stop button The so-called "challenge time" that is timed and basically stopped; small combinations; medium combinations; large combinations; combinations (opening or expanding the so-called "symbol activation opening" (when the ball enters the symbol activation opening, the activation symbol variable movement) state; the so-called "probability change state"; the so-called "time shortened state"); or a combination of the above states. Here, the small combination, medium combination and large combination are related to a state of opening a so-called "big win slot" in a so-called Japanese Pachinko game machine.

When the internal winning combination determination means determines a predetermined combination (for example, bonus points) as the internal winning combination, one or more or all of the lighting devices included in the common lighting device may be turned off. For example, the LED lights 29 provided for the respective reels 3L, 3C, 3R may be turned off whenever operation buttons corresponding to the reels 3L, 3C, 3R are operated, or whenever operation buttons other than the above operation buttons are operated. According to the above configuration, the fun of the game is increased. And front lighting means (fluorescent lamps 38a, 38b) may be provided for each symbol display portion (reels 3L, 3C, 3R).

Additionally, one or more or all of the lighting fixtures included in the common lighting fixtures may be configured for variable display. For example, a still image or an animation is displayed on the first display means (drum board) by changing the turn-on pattern of the LED lamp 29 or the color of light emitted therefrom, or by continuously changing them. A self-luminous type plasma display, an organic EL display, or the like can be employed as the lighting device (an example of the third lighting device), whereby an image can be displayed on the first display device. With this configuration, the fun of the game is increased.

In the case of displaying a special game result (for example, a combination of symbols indicating that a bonus win has been achieved) on the first or second display device, a special game state generation on which the player's earnings state is displayed may be provided. device. And the special game state generating means and the second display means can be formed on a single control circuit board. The game state may be displayed by superimposing the image displayed on the first display means with the image displayed on the second display means. In addition, according to a trigger that achieves a predetermined state, effect display on the second display means can be performed to prevent specific symbols from being stopped and displayed on the symbol display portion, or to superimpose the specific symbols. If the game state is displayed by a superimposed image, the player's profit state can be generated with a higher probability than in a case where the superimposed image is not displayed. Thus, the effect of increasing the player's expectations beyond the previous situation may be included. In this way, this effect contributes to interest.

In this embodiment, although the activation lever 10 is used as the game start instructing means, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the bet switch 5, the coin slot 6, the coin sensor 6S, or the start switch 10S may be employed.

The display includes: display by vision, display by hearing, notification by smell, turning on of a light, or a combination thereof. The display mode includes: color, pattern, shape (outline shape, inner shape), etc. The game result may be displayed after the operation of the game start instructing means or the game result guiding means.

In this embodiment, although the LED drive circuit described above is used as a display control device for a plurality of decorative lamps, LED lamps, and fluorescent lamps (each of which is provided in a cabinet), the present invention is not limited thereto. A display control device for LED light on control. In this case, for example, in the LED light on control, it is possible to supply power so that the LED light is always on during the period from when the game machine is powered on to when the game machine is powered off. Here, turning on includes a blinking pattern in which the LED lamp is intermittently blinked at short intervals. In this way, since the LED lamp is always on, even if an abnormality occurs in the LED driving circuit, the light emitted from the LED lamp It is also possible to always illuminate each symbol display area. Therefore, the player can always see the symbols provided on each reel through each symbol display area, so the above opening control is preferable.

Furthermore, the above-mentioned turn-on control of the fluorescent lamp may be performed by another display control device. In this case, for example, in the turn-on control of the fluorescent lamp, power may be supplied so that the fluorescent lamp is always on from when the game machine is powered on to when the game machine is powered off. Therefore, similarly to the above, even if an abnormality occurs in the LED drive circuit described above, the light emitted from the fluorescent lamp can always illuminate the respective symbol display areas. Therefore, the player can always see and recognize the symbols provided on the respective reels through the respective symbol display areas.

Also, in the present embodiment, although the aforementioned sub CPU performs display control of a plurality of decorative lights provided in the cabinet, sound output control, and image display control of the liquid crystal display device, the present invention is not limited thereto. Another sub CPU separate from the above sub CPU can perform the above various controls. For example, in the case where another sub CPU separate from the above sub CPU executes the control of a plurality of decorative lights provided in the cabinet, and, for example, in the case where an abnormality occurs in this display control, as long as the abnormality will occur It is sufficient to replace the auxiliary CPU or the circuit structure including the abnormal auxiliary CPU with a normal auxiliary CPU or a circuit structure having a normal auxiliary CPU. Therefore, time and labor for eliminating the cause of occurrence of abnormality can be omitted, and this configuration is highly desirable. And in the case where another sub CPU different from the above sub CPU executes sound output control or image display control, or for example, in the case of an abnormality occurring in the sound output control or image display control, only the auxiliary CPU in which the abnormality occurred is replaced. A CPU or a circuit configuration including the sub-CPU in which the abnormality occurred is sufficient.

Furthermore, the liquid crystal display device described in this embodiment may have image enlarging means for enlarging an input image by a predetermined magnification. For example, the image enlarging device may convert image data of 640x480 dots into image data of 1024x768 dots, and output the converted image data to the display section (the above-mentioned terminal section). Therefore, it is possible to use image data for a small display area, the data amount of which is smaller compared with image data for an actual display area. As a result, the storage amount of the ROM and the image data formation time can be reduced.

And in this embodiment, although the symbol display area is divided corresponding to each of the three reels 3L, 3C, 3R, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the symbol display area may be formed without division. For example, it is conceivable that two or three of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R may be seen and identified through one symbol display area. If the first display device and the third display device are arranged on the back side or the rear side of the second display device, it can be constructed so that the player sees and recognizes part or the whole of the first display device and part of the first display device through one symbol display area. Or the entire third display device. When generating the reflective means, there is a case where the reflective means can be easily generated compared to the case of separately forming a plurality of transparent portions.

Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to Japanese Pachinko game machines, arrangement ball game machines, mahjong ball game machines, video slot game machines, video poker game machines, and other game machines in addition to the slot machine in this embodiment. Even in a game program in a home game machine that simulates the execution of the operation of the slot machine described above, the present invention can be applied and the game executed. In this case, a CD-ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), and the like can be used as a storage medium for storing the game program.

Here, among mainstream Japanese Pachinko game machines recently, a game machine in which an electronic display device such as a liquid crystal display device is provided at the center of the game board has become popular. A plurality of symbols represented by images (hereinafter simply referred to as "special symbols"), thereby simulating and displaying three rows of reels in a slot machine. When the variable display of special symbols stops, and it is a predetermined stop pattern (where When the same special symbols stop, such as 7-7-7, and this stop mode is usually called "big combination"), the game switches to a special game state that makes the player profitable. In ordinary Japanese Pachinko game machines, Under the condition that the ball shot in the game board by operating the shooting handle enters a predetermined winning hole (so-called "variable display start hole"), the variable display of special symbols starts. After a predetermined time elapses, Stop variable display of these special symbols.

In such a Japanese Pachinko game machine, a liquid crystal display device (second display device) and a first display device (for example, a drum-type reel) may be arranged on the further rear side of the display area (display plane) of the liquid crystal display device (when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine). And these special symbols can be variably displayed on one or both of the first display device (for example, the liquid crystal display device) and the second display device (for example, the drum-type reel).

The above game result display means may be configured to include a first display means and a second display means, the second display means being disposed on the front side of the display area of the first display means when viewed from the front surface of the gaming machine. And the game result display device may be configured to include a first display device and a second display device, the second display device being arranged on the front side of the display area of the first display device when viewed from the front side of the gaming machine.

The back lighting device illuminates the second display device from the rear side of the second display device. And the above-mentioned front lighting device illuminates the second display device from the rear side of the second display device. And the front lighting device can illuminate the second display device from the side of the second display device.

The first display device and/or the second display device described above may be formed in a curved shape. As for the range of curvature, the first display device and the second display device may have substantially the same curvature. Therefore, the design of the game machine can be improved and the game machine can be made more attractive. Even if the first display device is curved with a small radius of curvature or with a large radius of curvature, the same effect as above can be obtained.

The reflecting device corresponds to a device having at least a function of refracting part or all of the light guided by the light guiding device toward the liquid crystal panel and illuminating the liquid crystal panel.

The above-mentioned game start instructing means may be a variable symbol display start hole that generates an output signal upon detection of a winning combination or passage of a ball. The game start instruction device in the pinball game machine corresponds to a variable display start hole (or start gate) for special symbols, a variable display start hole for common symbols, and various judgment symbol display start holes (or start gates). ).

In a case where the above-mentioned internal winning combination determination means determines a predetermined combination as an internal winning combination, one or more lighting devices included in the common lighting device are turned off. Or these lights can always be turned off.

One or more lighting devices included in the public lighting device may be turned off substantially at the same time when the above-mentioned internal winning combination determining means determines that the predetermined combination is an internal winning combination. Or these lights can always be turned off.

With regard to variable display by lighting devices included in public lighting devices, various display modes are possible. For example, it may be configured to be able to perform variable display of special symbols. Here, the special symbol variable display can be performed in a mode such as: the brightness in a part or all of the display part in the lighting device is different from that in the non-special symbol variable display; the display is not displayed in the non-special symbol variable display Still images, animations, special letters, numbers, graphics, characters; variable display speeds are different from those in variable display of non-special symbols. Additionally, a spontaneous display mode can be used. And in the case of performing variable display of special symbols, it may be configured so that the player's profit state can appear with a high probability compared with the case of not performing variable display of special symbols. Therefore, the effect of increasing the player's expectations beyond the previous situation may be included. In this way, this effect contributes to interest.

Regarding the means used as the third display means, as described above, a display means usable as the first display means and the second display means can be employed. One or more effect display drums can be used as the third display means, and Both the first display device and the third display device are arranged on the back side or rear side of the second display device. In this case, a symbol display area may be provided in the second display device, through which the player will The display area of the third display means can be seen. Therefore, the player can easily recognize the display content on the display area of the third display means, and like this, this configuration is very desirable.

In addition, control may be performed so that the player can see an image formed by superimposing the image of the second display means and the image of the third display means, and when such control occurs, it is better than the case where such control does not occur. There is a higher probability of income status. Therefore, the effect of increasing the player's expectations beyond the previous situation may be included. In this way, this effect contributes to interest.

Furthermore, any one of the first display means, the second display means, and the third display means may be constituted by a movable structure having a shape such as a figure, a doll, an animal, an insect, a famous structure, a fish, a vehicle. For example, the above structure may rotate, swing, reciprocate, or vibrate under the following conditions: a special combination is won inside; a special combination is realized; the number of combinations that are the same as the special combination won inside but not realized exceeds a predetermined number ;Display a special image on a display device with a structure different from the above. And the above structure may be constituted by a plurality of parts, and a part of these parts may be moved. In this case, more various effects obtained by display other than the image display device can be further expected.

In addition, the front lighting device may be disposed on the front side of the first display device and the second display device. In this case, if the inside of the game hall is dark, the front lighting device may use sufficient light to illuminate the first display device and the second display device. Therefore, the player can clearly recognize the image displayed on the display device, so it can be expected that the player can enjoy more various effects in the game machine.

Although only some exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art can easily understand that these exemplary embodiments can be modified without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present invention. The examples are subject to many modifications. Accordingly, all such modifications are included within the scope of this invention.

Claims (6)

1. game machine, it comprises:

The game result display unit is used for showing game result thereon;

Income state generation device is used for: when showing that on this game result display unit a predetermined games as a result, produce player's income state; And

The abnormity notifying device is used for notifying unusual generation when generation is unusual; With

The unusual historical record storage device that takes place is used for the information relevant with the number of times of described unusual generation is counted, also stored to the number of times of unusual generation;

Wherein, this abnormity notifying device according to a plurality of stages of resuming work from the abnormality to the normal condition, repeatedly notice with should the relevant information of unusual generation,

The number of times of wherein said unusual generation is classified as at least the first group and second group, described first group corresponding to first notification mode, described second group corresponding to second notification mode and

Wherein, based on the information that is stored in the described unusual generation historical record storage device, when the number of times of described unusual generation belongs to first group, described abnormity notifying device is notified unusually by first notification mode, when the number of times of described unusual generation belonged to second group, described abnormity notifying device was notified by second notification mode unusually.

2. game machine according to claim 1, wherein this abnormity notifying device is repeatedly notified this information.

3. game machine according to claim 1, wherein this abnormity notifying device changes and this relevant information unusually according to this unusual progress of resuming work or the passage of the scheduled time.

4. game machine according to claim 1, wherein this abnormity notifying device is notified according to predetermined operation and is somebody's turn to do unusual relevant predetermined information.

5. game machine according to claim 1, wherein this game result display unit is made of first display unit and second display unit, when when the front side of this game machine is watched, this second display unit is positioned at the front side of the viewing area of this first display unit, and

Wherein this abnormity notifying device shows on this second display unit and is somebody's turn to do unusual relevant information.

6. game machine according to claim 1, wherein said with should unusual relevant information comprise error message and recovery process message at least.

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