JP2010284214A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine for resolving or reducing discomfort that a player feels by repetition of error alarm sound, even when a tray full error cannot soon be resolved. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine notifies that a tray full error is caused at least by sound and includes a prescribed operation means operable from the front side of a game machine body. When the operation means is operated (S16: Yes) during the tray full error (S14: Yes), sound output, for example, for stopping the error notification by sound is limited (S17). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine using a game ball as a game medium, such as a pachinko machine.

  A typical game machine that uses a game ball as a game medium is a ball game machine that uses a game ball for launching, for example, a pachinko machine, but other slots that use a game ball for pachinko instead of a medal. There are machines.

  These gaming machines are provided with a one-stage or two-stage upper and lower storage tray for storing the game balls paid out by the payout means. When the storage tray is filled with game balls, for example, The voice output by the voice output means and the display output means such as the liquid crystal display means notify that the dish is full, and the payout by the payout means is temporarily stopped (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-129974 A

  In this type of gaming machine, when a dish full error occurs, an error notification sound such as “please remove the ball” is output from the speaker, and an error notification display of the same content is also output to the liquid crystal display means, etc. However, because the error notification is repeated until the game ball is pulled out of the storage tray and the dish full error is resolved, for example, if the store clerk does not rush to run even if the plate full error occurs, the player In some cases, an unpleasant error notification sound repeatedly felt an uncomfortable feeling.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a gaming machine that can eliminate or reduce discomfort felt by a player by repeating error notification sounds even when a dish full error cannot be resolved immediately. With the goal.

  The present invention includes a storage tray 10 for storing game balls paid out by the payout means 38, a dish full detection means 40 for detecting that the storage tray 10 is full of game balls, and the dish full detection means. 40, an error notification control means 66 for notifying that the dish full error is occurring based on the detection of the fullness of the storage tray 10 by at least the voice output means 58, and a predetermined operation operable from the front side of the gaming machine main body 1. The error notification control means 66 outputs an error notification sound by the sound output means 58 based on the operation of the operation means 12 during the dish full error. The voice output is limited to stop the sound or to lower the volume.

  According to the present invention, even if the dish full error cannot be resolved immediately, the discomfort felt by the player by repeating the error notification sound can be eliminated or reduced.

1 is an overall front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the whole rear view similarly. It is a schematic block diagram of a control system. Similarly, it is a block diagram of an effect control board. It is a flowchart of a dish full error monitoring process similarly. Similarly, it is a flowchart of dish full error notification processing. It is a flowchart of button operation determination processing similarly. It is a figure which similarly shows the example of a display to a design effect image display means and an operation guidance image display means. It is a flowchart of the dish full error alerting | reporting process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the button operation determination process in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the dish full error alerting | reporting process in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of button operation determination processing similarly.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1-8 has illustrated 1st Embodiment which employ | adopted this invention for the pachinko machine. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a gaming machine main body, which includes a rectangular outer frame 2 and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to the front side of the outer frame 2 via a hinge 3 on one end in the left-right direction. Yes.

  A game board 5 is detachably mounted on the front frame 4 from the front side, for example, and a glass door 6 is adjacent to the lower side of the glass door 6 corresponding to the front side of the game board 5. A front opening / closing plate 7 is disposed. The glass door 6 and the front opening / closing plate 7 are pivotally supported by the front frame 4 by a hinge 8 on the same side as the hinge 3 so as to be opened and closed. A front part of the front opening / closing plate 7 has a storage tray 10 for storing game balls to be supplied to the emitting means 9 disposed on the rear side of the front opening / closing plate 7, and a firing handle 11 for operating the firing means 9. Further, for example, a push button type operation operation button (operation means) 12 is provided on the front side of the storage tray 10.

  On the front side of the game board 5, a guide rail 13 for guiding a game ball fired by the launching means 9 is mounted in a substantially annular shape, and an image display means 14 is provided in the game area 5a in the guide rail 13. In addition to the center case 15 provided, various game parts such as a normal symbol starting means 16, a special symbol starting means 17, a big winning means 18, and a normal winning means 19 are mounted.

The center case 15 is provided with a normal symbol display means 20, a special symbol display means 21, a normal reserved number display means 22, a special reserved number display means 23 and the like in addition to the image display means 14 such as a liquid crystal type. The image display means 14 includes an effect symbol display means 24, a symbol effect image display means 25,
Operation guidance image display means 26, error notification image display means (display output means) 27, and the like are configured.

  The normal symbol display means 20 is for variably displaying normal symbols, and is composed of, for example, two light emitters (for example, LEDs) corresponding to two types of normal symbols “O” and “X”. On condition that the normal symbol starting means 16 composed of a gate or the like detects a game ball, the two light emitters blink alternately for a predetermined time, and the hit determination random number value acquired when the normal symbol starting means 16 detects the game ball In the state where the “◯” side illuminant corresponding to the hit mode emits light when it matches the predetermined hit determination value, and the “×” side illuminant corresponding to the off mode otherwise The flashing stops when is emitted.

  In addition, when the normal symbol starting means 16 detects a game ball during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display means 20 or during the normal profit state described later, a hit determination random number value acquired at the time of detection is determined in advance. The upper limit number of reserved numbers, for example, four is stored as a limit, and the number of light emission determination random number values stored in the normal number-of-holds display means 22 made of the same number of light emitters as the upper limit number of reserved numbers (hereinafter referred to as the number of normal reserved numbers). Is displayed, and the player is notified of the number of normally reserved items at that time.

  The special symbol starting means 17 is for starting the symbol change by the special symbol display means 21 and is constituted by an open / close-type winning means having an opening / closing means 28, and the normal symbol display means 20 after the fluctuation is stopped. When the normal profit state occurs in the hit state, the opening / closing means 28 is configured to change from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times.

  The special symbol display means 21 is composed of one or a plurality of display means such as a 7-segment type capable of variably displaying one special symbol, for example, and the special symbol starting means 17 receives a winning game ball. If the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time and the jackpot determination random number value acquired at the time of winning the special symbol starter 17 matches the predetermined jackpot determination value, it is a predetermined jackpot mode, otherwise In the case of, it stops in a disengagement mode.

  The special symbol is provided with, for example, one or more types of jackpots and disengages. Each of these aspects may be assigned a numerical symbol or the like, or a special combination of arbitrary lines and points so that the player cannot easily distinguish the type of the special symbol. You may assign a design that has no meaning.

  In addition, when a game ball wins the special symbol starting means 17 during the special symbol variation display or the special profit state described later, the jackpot determination random number obtained at the time of winning is the predetermined upper limit number of reserves. For example, each of the four reserved numbers is stored as a limit, and the special reserved number display means 23 displays the stored number of the jackpot determination random number value (hereinafter referred to as a special reserved number), and the special reserved number at that time is indicated to the player. To inform you.

  The effect symbol display means 24 displays the effect symbols in a variable manner in parallel with, for example, the special symbol change display by the special symbol display means 21. For example, the effect symbol display means 24 displays one or more, for example, three effect symbols in the left-right direction. The image display means 14 can be displayed in a variable manner together with the effect image, and on the condition that the game ball wins the special symbol start means 17, the change in the effect design is performed according to a predetermined change pattern simultaneously with the start of the special symbol change. At the same time as the start, the effect symbols are stopped in a predetermined order such as left, right, middle, etc. so as to stop at the same time as the special symbols change stop.

  For example, 10 kinds of numerical symbols from “0” to “9” are used for the production symbol, and all three symbols, such as “6, 6, 6” and “7, 7, 7”, are all in the same pattern. Is a big hit mode, and at least one pattern is different.

  The symbol effect image display means 25 displays various images that produce the symbol variation during the symbol variation of the effect symbol by the effect symbol display means 24. For example, a player operation effect as a variation pattern by the effect symbol display means 24 When a specific variation pattern accompanied by is selected, a predetermined player operation effect image is displayed during the variation display of the effect symbol by the specific variation pattern.

  During the player operation effect, an image when the button is not operated, for example, an image of a target to rotate and a bow and arrow aiming at the target is displayed on the symbol effect image display means 25, and the effect is given by the player during a predetermined effect operation effective period. On the condition that the operation button 12 is operated, the image when the button is not operated hits the image when the button is operated, for example, an arrow is shot to rotate, and then the target stops and the hit ( For example, the image can be switched to an image that can be visually recognized.

  The operation guidance image display means 26 notifies that the operation of the effect operation button 12 is in an effective effect operation valid period. For example, the player operates the effect operation button 12 from the start to the end of the effect operation effective period. Is configured to display a predetermined notification image.

  The error notification image display means 27 displays an error notification image indicating the content of the error when various errors occur. For example, when a dish full error occurs, “the dish is full. Please fill up the dish full error notification image consisting of words such as “Please.”

  The big winning means 18 is an open / close winning means provided with an opening / closing plate 29 that can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can be won and a closed state in which a prize cannot be won. The special symbol display means 21 has a special symbol after change. When a big hit state occurs based on the big hit mode, the open / close plate 29 opens to the front side in accordance with a predetermined release pattern, and the game ball dropped thereon is awarded to the inside.

  A back cover 31 that covers game parts such as the center case 15 from the rear side is mounted on the back side of the game board 5, and a main board case in which a main control board 32 a is stored on the back side of the back cover 31. 32, an effect board case 33 storing an effect control board 33a, a liquid crystal board case 34 storing a liquid crystal control board 34a, and the like are detachably mounted.

  On the back side of the front frame 4, an open / close cover 35 that covers the back side of the game board 5 is detachably attached, and a game ball tank 36 and a tank rail 37 are disposed on the upper side of the open side cover 35. For example, a payout means 38 and a payout passage 39 are respectively mounted on the hinge 3 side, and when a game ball wins a winning opening of the big winning means 18 or the like, or a ball lending instruction is issued from an automatic ball lending machine not shown. At this time, the game balls in the game ball tank 36 are paid out by the payout means 38 through the tank rail 37, and the game balls are guided to the storage tray 10 through the payout passage 39.

  In addition, a tray full detection means 40 for detecting that the storage tray 10 is filled with game balls is provided on the upstream side of the storage tray 10, for example, at a predetermined position in the payout passage 39. The dish full detection means 40 is normally OFF, for example, and when the game balls that have gradually accumulated from the storage dish 10 side to the upstream side reach a predetermined position, this is detected and turned ON. It is designed to switch.

  A board mounting base 41 is detachably attached to the lower part of the back side of the front frame 4. On the back side of the board mounting base 41, a power board case 42 in which a power board 42a is stored, and a payout control board 43a. Are respectively detachably mounted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part in the control system of the pachinko machine. The main control board 32a is mainly for performing control related to the game operation on the game board 5 side, and the normal symbol processing means 51, the normal profit state generating means 52, the special symbol processing means 53, and the special profit state generating means 54. , Payout control means 55, error processing means 56, control command transmission means 57, and the like.

  The normal symbol processing means 51 performs processing related to the variation of the normal symbol. Based on the fact that the normal symbol starting means 16 detects the game ball, the normal symbol processing means 51 acquires one hit determination random number value, and the hit determination random number value is obtained in advance. A predetermined upper limit holding number (for example, 4) is stored as a limit, and every time the normal symbol display means 20 is in a state where it can be variably displayed, the stored hit determination random number value is determined to be hit / miss. The normal symbol display means 20 starts to change the normal symbol and stops the normal symbol in the hit mode when the hit determination is made and in the off mode when the hit determination is made.

  The normal profit state generating means 52 generates a normal profit state in which the opening / closing means 28 of the special symbol starting means 17 is changed to an open state for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times, and the determination result by the normal symbol processing means 51 is a hit determination. A normal profit state is generated on the basis that the stop symbol after the variation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display means 20 becomes a hit state.

  The special symbol processing means 53 performs processing related to the variation of the special symbol. Based on the fact that the special symbol starting means 17 detects the game ball, it acquires one jackpot determination random number value, and the jackpot determination random number value is obtained in advance. A predetermined upper limit reserved number (for example, 4) is stored as a limit, and every time the special symbol display means 21 is in a state in which it can be variably displayed, the stored jackpot determination random number value is determined whether or not the jackpot is determined. The special symbol display means 21 starts to change the special symbol, and the special symbol is stopped in the big hit mode when the big hit determination is made and in the off mode when the big hit determination is made.

  The special profit state generating means 54 is for generating a special profit state in which the special winning means 18 is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern. The determination result by the special symbol processing means 53 is a jackpot determination, and the special symbol display means 21 A special profit state is generated based on the fact that the stop symbol after the special symbol changes becomes a jackpot.

  The payout control means 55 pays out a predetermined number of game balls per prize based on the winning of game balls in each winning means such as the big winning means 18, the special symbol starting means 17, and the normal winning means 19. The payout command command is sent to the payout control board 43a via the control command sending means 57.

  The error processing means 56 performs processing related to various errors, and includes a dish full error processing means 56a and the like. The dish full error processing means 56a performs processing related to a dish full error indicating that the storage tray 10 is full of game balls. When the dish full detection means 40 is switched from OFF to ON, a dish full error occurs. In addition, a dish full error command is transmitted to the effect control board 33a via the control command transmitting means 57 and a dispensing stop command is output to the dispensing control means 55, and the dish full detecting means 40 is switched from ON to OFF. When the dish full error is cancelled, the dish full error cancel command is transmitted to the effect control board 33a via the control command transmitting means 57, and a payout start command is output to the payout control means 55. Yes.

  After receiving the payout stop command from the error processing means 56, the payout control means 55 stops sending the payout command command to the payout control board 43a until receiving the payout start command.

  The control command transmission means 57 is for sending a predetermined control command to the sub-control board side such as the effect control board 33a and the payout control board 43a by one-way communication and giving a control command. Based on the special symbol processing, a function for transmitting a special symbol variation command, such as a special symbol variation start / stop command for instructing a special symbol variation start / stop, to the effect control board 33a, and a payout control by the payout control means 55 A function for transmitting a payout command command to the payout control board 43a based on the above, a function for sending various error commands such as a dish full error command and a dish full error release command to the effect control board 33a based on error processing by the error processing means 56, etc. It has.

  There are a plurality of special symbol variation start commands transmitted from the control command transmission means 57 to the effect control board 33a according to the variation time of special symbols, the jackpot determination result, etc. Depending on the type of the symbol variation start command, it is possible to obtain information such as the variation time of the special symbol, whether or not the special symbol becomes a big hit after variation.

  The payout control board 43a controls the payout operation by the payout control means 55, and operates the payout control means 55 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls based on the payout command command received from the main control board 32a. It is configured.

  The effect control board 33a controls various effect means such as a speaker (sound output means) 58 provided in the front frame 4 in addition to the image display means 14, and as shown in FIG. 4, the effect symbol display control means. 61, symbol effect image display control means 62, player operation effect control means 63, error notification image display control means 64, audio output control means 65, error notification control means 66, button operation determination processing means 67, and the like.

  The effect symbol display control means 61 performs display control of the effect symbol display means 24, and when a special symbol change start command is received from the main control board 32a, the change pattern corresponding to the type of the special symbol change start command. And the stop symbol pattern is selected, and the effect symbol display means 24 starts to change the effect symbol based on the change pattern, and when the special symbol change stop command is received, it is stopped at the selected stop symbol. It is configured.

  The symbol effect image display control means 62 performs display control of the symbol effect image display means 25 based on the effect control by the player operation effect control means 63 or the like. For example, during the change of the effect symbol by the effect symbol display means 24 A predetermined effect image is displayed on the symbol effect image display means 25 as an animation.

  The player operation effect control means 63 performs a player operation effect based on the operation of the effect operation button 12 by the player. When the specific change pattern is selected by the effect symbol display control means 61, the specific change pattern is displayed. A predetermined player operation effect image is configured to be displayed on the symbol effect image display means 25 during the display of the effect symbol variation by means of an effect operation valid period processing means 63a, an operation guidance image display control means 63b, and the like. ing.

  The effect operation valid period processing means 63a determines the start and end timings of the effect operation valid period during the variation of the effect symbol by the specific variation pattern. The effect operation valid period is a period in which the operation of the effect operation button 12 is valid with respect to the player operation effect, and is set in advance for each specific variation pattern, for example.

  The operation guidance image display control unit 63b performs notification control of the production operation effective period by the operation guidance image display unit 26, and for example, from the start to the end of the production operation valid period based on the determination of the production operation valid period processing unit 63a. A predetermined notification image that prompts the player to operate the effect operation button 12 is displayed on the operation guide image display means 26.

  When the effect symbol display means 24 starts the change display of the effect symbol based on the specific change pattern, the player operation effect control means 63 causes the symbol effect image display means 25 to display the button non-operating image, for example, the target of rotation. The image of the bow and arrow that defines the image is displayed (FIG. 8 (a)), and when the effect operation valid period is started thereafter, a notification image that prompts the player to operate the effect operation button 12 on the operation guide image display means 26. Is displayed (FIG. 8B). Then, on the condition that the effect operation button 12 is operated by the player during the effect operation valid period, the button non-operation image is hit to rotate when the button operation image, for example, an arrow is shot, Thereafter, the image is switched to an image in which the target stops and the hit location (for example, a number indicating reliability) is visible (FIG. 8C).

  The error notification image display control means 64 performs notification control of the error notification image display means 27. Based on the notification control by the error notification control means 66, an error notification image (error notification display) indicating the content of the error and the like. Is displayed on the error notification image display means 27.

  The sound output control means 65 controls the sound output from the speaker 58. During normal game, the sound output control means 65 outputs various performance sounds according to the change of the game state, and if any error occurs, an error occurs. Based on notification control by the notification control means 66, an error notification sound indicating the content of the error and the like is output.

  The error notification control unit 66 performs notification control related to an error when various errors occur, and includes a dish full error notification control unit 66a and the like. The dish full error notification control means 66a performs notification control regarding a dish full error when the storage tray 10 is full of game balls, and includes an error monitoring processing means 68, an error notification processing means 69, and the like.

  The error monitoring processing means 68 monitors whether or not a dish full error is occurring based on a command from the main control board 32a, and controls the dish full error monitoring process shown in FIG. 5 from, for example, the main control board 32a. It is configured to be executed every time a command is received.

  In this dish full error monitoring process (FIG. 5), it is first determined whether the control command received from the main control board 32a is either a dish full error command or a dish full error cancel command (S1, S4). ). When a control command other than the dish full error command and the dish full error cancel command is received, the dish full error monitoring process is terminated as it is.

  If it is determined that a dish full error command has been received from the main control board 32a (S1: Yes), the voice notification switching flag is turned off (S2), and the dish full error flag is turned on (S3). ) The dish full error monitoring process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the dish full error cancel command has been received from the main control board 32a (S4: Yes), the dish full error flag is turned off (S5), and the dish full error monitoring process ends.

  By this dish full error monitoring process, the dish full error flag is set to ON during the dish full error, and is set to OFF when the dish full error is not present. The voice notification switching flag indicates, for example, whether or not an error notification sound is output from the speaker 58. If the voice notification switching flag is OFF, an error notification sound is output, and if ON, an error is output. Control is made so as not to output the notification sound. In the present embodiment, when the dish full error occurs, the voice notification switching flag is set to OFF (S2), so that an error notification sound is always output when the dish full error occurs.

  The error notification processing means 69 performs a dish full error notification process by the error notification image display control means 64, the audio output control means 65, etc., and executes, for example, the dish full error notification process shown in FIG. 6 at predetermined time intervals. It is configured as follows.

  In the dish full error notification process (FIG. 6), first, the state of change of the dish full error flag is determined (S11, S14, S19). When it is determined that the dish full error flag has changed from OFF to ON (S11: Yes), that is, when a dish full error occurs, the error notification image display means 27 is controlled by the error notification image display control means 64. For example, the display of the dish full error notification image (FIG. 1) including the words “the dish is full. Please pull out the ball” is started (S12), and the audio output control means 65 controls the speaker 58. From, for example, output of a full plate error notification sound such as “the plate is full. Please remove the ball” is started (S13).

  On the other hand, when the dish full error flag remains ON and does not change (S14: Yes), that is, when the dish full error continues, the error notification image display means 27 displays the dish full error notification image. It continues as it is (S15). Further, it is determined whether or not the voice notification switching flag is ON (S16). If the voice notification switching flag is OFF, the output of the dish full error notification sound from the speaker 58 is continued as it is (S18). If the sound notification switching flag is ON, the output of the dish full error notification sound from the speaker 58 is stopped at that time (an example of sound output restriction) (S17).

  Note that the voice notification switching flag is always set to OFF when the dish full error occurs as described above (S2), and then when the presentation operation button 12 is operated under a predetermined condition. The button operation determination processing means 67, which will be described later, can be switched ON.

  If it is determined that the dish full error flag has changed from ON to OFF (S19), that is, if the dish full error has been resolved, the error notification image display means 27 displays the dish full error notification image. When the output of the dish full error notification sound from the speaker 58 is continued (S21: Yes), this is also stopped (S22). If the dish full error flag is kept OFF (S19: No), the dish full error notification process is terminated.

  As described above, when a dish full error occurs, the display of the dish full error notification image and the output of the dish full error notification sound is started, and the display of the dish full error notification image continues until the dish full error is resolved. However, the output of the dish full error notification sound is stopped at that time when the effect operation button 12 is operated under a predetermined condition.

  The button operation determination processing unit 67 determines whether or not the operation of the effect operation button 12 is validated. For example, when the effect operation button 12 is operated, the button operation determination process shown in FIG. 7 is executed. Is configured to do.

  In this button operation determination process (FIG. 7), it is determined whether or not the time point, that is, the time point when the effect operation button 12 is operated is in the effect operation valid period (S31). If it is during the effect operation valid period (S31: Yes), the player operation effect control means 63 is instructed to execute the effect at the time of button operation, that is, switch from the image when the button is not operated to the image when the button is operated. (S32), the button operation determination process ends.

  On the other hand, when the stage operation button 12 is not operated during the stage operation valid period (S31: No), whether the dish full error flag is ON, that is, whether the dish full error is occurring. Is determined (S33). If neither the production operation valid period nor the dish full error is in effect (S33: No), the button operation determination process is terminated as it is, so that the operation of the production operation button 12 is invalid and no process is performed.

  If the dish full error flag is ON, that is, if the dish full error is in progress, the voice notification switching flag is turned ON (S34), and the button operation determination process ends. That is, when the production operation button 12 is operated, if it is during the production operation valid period, the voice notification switching flag is not switched off even if the dish full error is occurring, and the player operation production is not performed. The voice notification switching flag is switched to ON only when the pan operation is not in the stage operation valid period and the plate full error is in progress.

  Thus, for example, if the store clerk does not rush immediately even if a dish full error occurs, the error notification sound output from the speaker 58 is basically stopped if the player operates the effect operation button 12. Therefore, the annoying error notification sound is not repeated endlessly, and the player's discomfort can be reduced. In addition, even if the plate full error is occurring or the production operation is still valid, the player operation production is given priority, and the operation of the production operation button 12 is processed as relating to the player operation production. Can enjoy the player operation effects as usual even during dish full errors.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the audio output restriction for stopping the output of the error notification sound by the speaker 58 is performed based on the operation of the effect operation button 12 during the dish full error. Therefore, even if the dish full error cannot be resolved immediately, the discomfort felt by the player by repeating the error notification sound can be eliminated or reduced.

  Further, the dish full error notification is configured to be performed by the error notification image display means 27 together with the speaker 58, and the error notification image display means even if the effect operation button 12 is operated during the notification of the dish full error. Since the notification by 27 is maintained as it is, the error notification is not completely stopped and the dish full error is not left as it is.

  In addition, a player operation effect control means 63 that performs a predetermined operation-time effect based on the operation of the effect operation button 12 during the effect operation valid period is provided, and the dish full error is occurring and the effect operation valid period is also in effect. In some cases, when the production operation button 12 is operated, the sound output control by the error notification control means 66, that is, the output of the error notification sound is not stopped. User operation effects can be enjoyed as usual.

  FIG. 9 illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention. As an example of changing the audio output restriction executed based on the operation of the effect operation button 12 during the dish full error, the volume of the error notification sound is lowered. An example configured as described above is shown.

  The dish full error notification process by the error notification processing means 69 of this embodiment is partly changed from the dish full error notification process (FIG. 6) in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. The configuration other than the processing content of the dish full error notification processing is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the dish full error notification process (FIG. 9) of the present embodiment, when the dish full error flag remains ON (S14: Yes), that is, when the dish full error continues, voice notification switching is performed. If the flag is OFF, the dish full error notification sound from the speaker 58 is continued without decreasing the volume (S18a), but if the sound notification switch flag is ON, the dish full error notification sound is output from the speaker 58. Is continued (S17a) by lowering the volume (an example of audio output restriction).

  When a dish full error occurs (S11: Yes), the output of the error notification sound starts at the normal volume (S13). When the dish full error is resolved (S19: Yes), an error is generated by the error notification image display means 27. Output of the error notification sound is stopped together with the display of the notification image (S22).

  As a result, for example, if the store clerk does not rush immediately even if a dish full error occurs, the volume of the error notification sound output from the speaker 58 as a general rule can be increased if the player operates the effect operation button 12. Therefore, even if the error notification sound is repeatedly output, the player's discomfort can be reduced. Further, the button operation determination process (FIG. 7) is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the player operation effect is given priority when the plate full error is occurring or during the effect operation valid period. Since the operation No. 12 is processed as related to the player operation effect, the player can enjoy the player operation effect as usual even during the dish full error.

  FIG. 10 illustrates the third embodiment of the present invention. When the stage operation button 12 is operated when the dish is full error and the stage operation is valid, the first and second embodiments are illustrated. The example which comprised so that both the audio | voice output restrictions as shown in (5) and the operation time effect by the player operation effect control means 63 may be performed is shown.

  The button operation determination processing by the button operation determination processing means 67 of this embodiment is partly changed from the button operation determination processing (FIG. 7) in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. Note that the configuration other than the processing content of the button operation determination processing is the same as in the first or second embodiment.

  In the button operation determination process (FIG. 10) of the present embodiment, if the time point when the effect operation button 12 is operated is in the effect operation valid period (S31: Yes), the player operation effect control means 63 is controlled. Execution of the button operation effect, that is, switching from the button non-operation image to the button operation image is instructed (S32). Regardless of whether or not the effect operation is valid (S31), the dish full error If the middle flag is ON (S33: Yes), that is, if the dish is full error, the voice notification switching flag is switched to ON (S34), and the button operation determination process ends.

  That is, when the production operation button 12 is operated during the dish full error, the audio notification switching flag is switched ON regardless of whether or not the production operation is valid, and the audio output restriction, that is, error notification is performed. The sound output is stopped or the volume is lowered.

  As a result, for example, if the store clerk does not rush immediately even if a dish full error occurs, if the player operates the effect operation button 12, the output of the error notification sound is surely stopped or the volume is lowered. Therefore, the discomfort of the player due to the repetition of the error notification sound can be reduced. Further, when the plate full error is in progress and the production operation is still valid, the operation of the production operation button 12 is also processed as relating to the player operation production, so that the player can perform the player operation production even during the plate full error. Can be enjoyed as usual.

  11 and 12 exemplify the fourth embodiment of the present invention, and shows an example in which the audio output restriction is not performed even if the effect operation button 12 is operated for a certain period after the occurrence of the dish full error. ing.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the dish full error notification process of this embodiment is partly changed from the dish full error notification process (FIG. 6) in the first embodiment, and when a dish full error occurs (S11: Yes). ), Time measurement by the dish full error timer is started (S13a).

  Further, the button operation determination process of the present embodiment is also partially changed from the button operation determination process (FIG. 7) in the first embodiment as shown in FIG. 12, and the dish full error flag is ON. (S33: Yes) Further, when the value of the dish full error timer has reached a predetermined value, that is, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the dish full error (S33a: Yes), the voice notification switching flag is turned on. (S34).

  Thus, since the error notification by the speaker 58 is always performed at a normal volume for a certain period after the occurrence of the dish full error, it becomes possible to promptly and reliably notify the player and the store clerk of the occurrence of the dish full error. .

  11 and 12, the changes made to the dish full error notification process (FIG. 6) and the button operation determination process (FIG. 7) of the first embodiment are the same as the dish full error notification of the second embodiment. The same processing can be performed for the processing (FIG. 9) and the button operation determination processing (FIG. 10) of the third embodiment.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, in the embodiment, only the image display unit 14 such as a liquid crystal display unit is illustrated as a display output unit that performs error notification by display, but the error notification may be performed by a light emitting unit such as a lamp together with the image display unit 14. Good.

  When performing audio output restriction by lowering the volume, for example, the volume may be gradually lowered each time the operating means 12 is operated. In the case where the audio output is restricted by stopping the audio output, for example, the volume may be gradually decreased every time the operation means 12 is operated, and the audio output may be finally stopped.

  The type of audio output restriction (whether the volume is reduced or the audio output is stopped) may be switchable. Further, the volume after the audio output restriction may be arbitrarily set. In this case, for example, if the volume can be set to 0, the type of audio output restriction can be substantially switched by operating the volume setting means.

  The audio output restriction may be performed only for a certain period with respect to one operation of the operation means 12. Further, the operation means 12 may be provided exclusively for audio output restriction instead of being used as a production operation button. Further, the type of the operation means 12 is not limited to the push button type but may be any type such as a lever type.

  If a dish full error occurs and the payout by the payout means is stopped, and the number of unpaid out exceeds a predetermined number, it may be configured so that voice output restriction cannot be performed. Further, when the number of unpaid outs exceeds a predetermined number during the audio output limitation, the audio output limitation may be canceled and normal error notification may be resumed. When a predetermined time elapses while the audio output is being restricted, the audio output restriction may be released and normal error notification may be resumed. Further, after canceling the audio output restriction and resuming the normal error notification, the audio output restriction may not be performed even if the operating means is operated during the dish full error.

  Further, the present invention can be similarly implemented in game machines other than ball game machines such as slot machines, in addition to various ball game machines such as arrange ball machines and sparrow ball game machines.

1 gaming machine body 10 storage tray 12 production operation buttons (operation means)
27 Error notification image display means (display output means)
38 Dispensing means 40 Dish full detecting means 58 Speaker (sound output means)
63 Player operation effect control means 66 Error notification control means

Claims (5)

A storage tray (10) for storing game balls paid out by the payout means (38), a dish full detection means (40) for detecting that the storage tray (10) is filled with game balls, An error notification control means (66) for notifying at least the voice output means (58) that a dish full error has occurred based on detection of the fullness of the storage dish (10) by the dish full detection means (40). In the gaming machine comprising a predetermined operating means (12) operable from the front side of the gaming machine main body (1), the error notification control means (66) is configured to operate the operating means (12) during the dish full error. The game machine is characterized in that, based on the operation, the output of the error notification sound by the sound output means (58) is stopped or the sound output restriction is performed to lower the sound volume. The error notification control means (66) is configured to notify the dish full error together with the voice output means (58) by the display output means (27), and during the notification of the dish full error, the operating means ( The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the notification by the display output means (27) is continued as it is even if 12) is operated. A player operation effect control means (63) for performing a predetermined operation time effect based on the operation means (12) being operated during a predetermined effect operation valid period, wherein the dish full error is occurring and The voice output restriction by the error notification control means (66) is not performed when the operation means (12) is operated during the stage operation valid period. Item 3. A gaming machine according to item 1 or 2. A player operation effect control means (63) for performing a predetermined operation time effect based on the operation means (12) being operated during a predetermined effect operation valid period, wherein the dish full error is occurring and When the operation means (12) is operated during the effect operation valid period, the audio output restriction by the error notification control means (66) and the operation time by the player operation effect control means (63) The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is configured to perform the performance together. The error notification control means (66) is configured not to limit the sound output even when the operation means (12) is operated for a certain period after the occurrence of the dish full error. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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