JP2012040144A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of easily changing a setting.SOLUTION: This game machine includes a game mode selection unit, a setting unit, and an operation unit. The game mode selection unit selects one game mode out of a plurality of game modes previously prepared and indicating setting types of a game machine main unit when the game machine main unit executes a presentation. The setting unit adapts the setting of the game machine main unit to a plurality of set contents which the game mode selected by the game mode selection unit indicates. The operation unit operates the game machine main unit with the setting adapted by the setting unit.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine that can arbitrarily change the setting of a device is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the pachinko gaming machine disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, jackpot probabilities, probability ratios, probability variation forms, limiters, maximum number of rounds, and time reduction can be arbitrarily set by game shop staff and players.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-57583

  However, since the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be set individually for each item, the setting work for each item becomes troublesome, and the troublesomeness becomes remarkable as the number of setting items increases. Therefore, as a result, the player or the store clerk often does not use the setting change of the gaming machine. In addition, since it is not known what setting is suitable for the player itself for the gaming machine, the setting change is often not available especially for beginners.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that allows easy setting change.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. Note that the reference numerals in parentheses, step numbers, and the like indicate correspondence with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

  The gaming machine (1) of the present invention includes a game mode selection means (effect control unit 400 that executes steps 966 to 969; hereinafter, only step numbers are described), setting means (D41, S971), and operation means ( 400, 500, 600). The game mode selection means selects one game mode from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance indicating the setting type of the game machine body when the game machine body (1) performs the production. The setting means adapts the setting of the gaming machine main body to a plurality of setting contents indicated by the game mode selected by the game mode selection means. The operating means operates the gaming machine main body with settings adapted by the setting means.

  In addition, the plurality of setting contents indicated by the gaming mode are the size of the image (MS) displayed on the display device (21) provided in the gaming machine body, and the lamps (23, 56) provided in the gaming machine body. Brightness (BC, FC), speed (R) for operating a predetermined member (22) provided in the gaming machine body, volume (V) output from a speaker (55) provided in the gaming machine body, gaming machine It may include at least two selected from the group consisting of presence / absence of an explanation display relating to playing the main body and presence / absence of notification of a gaming state in the gaming machine main body.

  The gaming machine may further include a display device, an input device (58), signal acquisition means (S966, S968), and option display control means (S971, 500). The input device outputs an output signal corresponding to the player's operation. The signal acquisition unit acquires an output signal from the input device. The option display control means displays a plurality of selectable game modes as options (OI1 to OI3) on the display device to prompt the player to select. In this case, the game mode selection means selects one of the plurality of game modes displayed on the display device according to the output signal acquired by the signal acquisition means while the option display control means displays the options on the display device. A game mode may be selected.

  The gaming machine may further include an input device and a signal acquisition unit. The input device is provided on the back side of the gaming machine main body and outputs an output signal corresponding to the operation. The signal acquisition unit acquires an output signal from the input device. In this case, the game mode selection means may select one game mode from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance according to the output signal acquired by the signal acquisition means.

  In addition, the gaming machine may further include time measuring means (404). The time measuring means measures the current date and time. In this case, the game mode selection means may select one game mode from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance depending on whether or not the date and time counted by the clock means is before a predetermined time.

  The gaming machine may further include an input device, a signal acquisition unit, and an input instruction unit. The input device outputs an output signal corresponding to the player's operation. The signal acquisition unit acquires an output signal from the input device. The input instruction means prompts the player to input information regarding the player's own age using the input device. In this case, the game mode selection means acquires information about the age according to the output signal acquired by the signal acquisition means, and selects one game mode corresponding to the age from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance. Good.

  The gaming machine may further include an input device, a signal acquisition unit, and an input instruction unit. The input device outputs an output signal corresponding to the player's operation. The signal acquisition unit acquires an output signal from the input device. The input instruction means urges the player to input information regarding the number of games that the player himself has played on the gaming machine main body using the input device. In this case, the game mode selection means acquires information on the number of games corresponding to the output signal acquired by the signal acquisition means, and selects one game mode corresponding to the number of games from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance. May be.

  The option display control means may display the options on the display device during a predetermined period during a customer waiting performance performed in a state where the gaming machine main body is not being played to prompt the player to select.

  As a first example, the plurality of game modes are prepared in advance for each player's age group.

  As a second example, the plurality of game modes are prepared in advance according to the proficiency level of the gaming machine main body.

  As a third example, the plurality of game modes are prepared in advance according to a period after the gaming machine main body is installed.

  As a fourth example, the plurality of game modes are prepared in advance according to the sex of the player.

  According to the present invention, by selecting one from a plurality of prepared game modes, the gaming machine is set so as to conform to a plurality of setting contents indicated by the game mode, so that an easy setting change is possible. Become.

Schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the gaming machine 1 of FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the display of the image display part 21 which prompts the player to select a game mode The figure which shows an example in which the production of the gaming machine 1 is performed in the young age mode The figure which shows an example in which the production of the gaming machine 1 is performed in the old age mode The figure which shows an example of the data and program which are memorize | stored in RAM403 of the production control part 400 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the game mode setting table data D41 memorize | stored in ROM402 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 of FIG. Subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of command reception processing in step 900 of FIG. The subroutine which shows an example of the detailed operation | movement of a customer waiting process in step 920 of FIG. A subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the customer waiting command reception process in step 931 in FIG. Subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the first half of the game mode selection process in step 933 of FIG. Subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the second half of the game mode selection process in step 933 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the game mode setting table data D41 memorize | stored in ROM402 when using the some game mode according to the proficiency with respect to the gaming machine 1

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine (a gaming machine main body) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine (a gaming machine main body; hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins a prize, for example. This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side, and is detachably attached to the game board 2. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened. In the present embodiment, a gaming machine main body is composed of the gaming board 2 and the gaming board 2.

  A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 21 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 21 notifies the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) by displaying, for example, a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, or notices by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item. An effect is displayed, or a hold display indicating the number of times the symbol lottery is held is displayed. The image display unit 21 is described as a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) dot display device, and a 7-segment display (hereinafter referred to as a 7-segment display device). However, any other display device may be used. Further, a movable accessory 22 and a board lamp 23 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 22 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2 and performs various effects by moving it with a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game by the player. The board lamp 23 emits light according to the progress of the game by the player, thereby performing various effects by light.

  The game area 20 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the direction in which the game ball falls downward. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery, a first starting port 25a, a second starting port 25b, a gate 27, a big winning port 28, and a normal winning port 29 are arranged on the game board 2. It is installed. Further, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 24 for discharging out of the game area 20 a game ball that has not been won in the winning area among the game balls launched into the game area 20.

  The first start opening 25a and the second start opening 25b each receive a prize when a game ball enters, and a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) is started. The first start opening 25a operates a predetermined special electric accessory (big prize opening 28) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (for example, a first special symbol display 31a described later). This is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. In addition, the second start opening 25b operates the special electric accessory (big prize opening 28) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (for example, a second special symbol display 31b described later). This is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. When the game ball passes through the gate 27, a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is started.

  The 2nd starting opening 25b is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting opening 25a, and is provided with the electric tulip 26 near the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 26 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid), which will be described later. Lights up or blinks together. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 26 is in a state in which the game ball does not enter the second starting port 25b because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 25b is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 26 is configured such that when the pair of blade portions are opened to the left and right, the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 25b increases, so that the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 25b. Has been. When the electric tulip 26 wins the normal symbol lottery by passing a game ball through the gate 27, the pair of blades open for a specified time (for example, 0.15 seconds or 1.80 seconds) while lighting or flashing. Open and close a specified number of times (for example, once or three times).

  The special winning opening 28 is located below the second start opening 25b and opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The special winning opening 28 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the grand prize winning opening 28 is a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or until 9 game balls are won or the accumulated cumulative opening time is within 1.8 seconds). , 15 times or once). Further, the lottery does not start at the normal winning opening 29 even if a game ball wins.

  In addition, a display 3 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, lower right) of the game board 2 to display the result of the above-described special symbol lottery or normal symbol lottery and the number of holds. Details of the display 3 will be described later.

  The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 has two first start openings 25a and second start openings 25b in the game area 20, but when a game ball enters, a special symbol lottery is started. Only one starting port may be provided. Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with one big winning opening 28 in the gaming area 20, but a plurality of big winning openings having the same function as the big winning opening 28 may be provided.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 may vary the jackpot probability that the jackpot will be lottered during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, the gaming machine 1 has a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively low (low probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 1/300) to a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively high (high probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 30 May fluctuate to 1). In addition, the gaming machine 1 can reduce the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning at the time of the normal symbol lottery, or reduce the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In some cases, the opening time of the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is extended, or the number of times the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is opened and closed increases (electric chew support).

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters the first start port 25a, the second start port 25b, the big winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29 (winning), a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. Prize balls are paid out. For example, when a game ball wins the first start port 25a and the second start port 25b, four prize balls are awarded, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 28, thirteen prize balls are awarded, and the game ball wins the normal prize opening 29. Then, 10 prize balls are each paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 includes a handle 51, a lever 52, a stop button 53, a take-out button 54, a speaker 55, a frame lamp 56, an effect button 57, an effect key 58, a dish 59, a lock part 43, and the like. Is provided.

  When the player touches the handle 51 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the launching device 211 (at 100 hits per minute) with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 59 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude forward of the gaming machine 1, and temporarily stores game balls to be supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize ball is paid out to the plate 59. Then, the game balls stored in the tray 59 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 52. In addition, the plate 59 may be configured by integrating the upper and lower plates, or may be configured by separating the upper plate and the lower plate. The handle 51 may emit light under predetermined conditions.

  The stop button 53 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 51, and even when the player touches the handle 51 and rotates the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 54 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 59 is provided. When the player presses the game ball, the game ball stored on the tray 59 is dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 55 and the frame lamp 56 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 55 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. Further, the frame lamp 56 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing, a difference in emission color, or the like. Note that the frame lamp 56 may change the light irradiation direction and produce an effect by changing the irradiation direction.

  Next, the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 3 includes a first special symbol display 31a, a second special symbol display 31b, a first special symbol hold indicator 32a, a second special symbol hold indicator 32b, a normal symbol indicator 33, and a normal symbol indicator 33. A symbol hold display 34 and a game status display 35 are provided.

  In the first special symbol display 31a, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the winning of the game ball in the first starting port 25a. For example, the first special symbol display 31a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the first start opening 25a, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the lottery result is displayed. In addition, the second special symbol display 31b is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball in the second starting port 25b. For example, the second special symbol display 31b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the second starting port 25b, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the lottery result is displayed. In the normal symbol display 33, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 27. For example, the normal symbol display 33 is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 27, the normal symbol is variably displayed and the lottery result is displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 32a displays the number of times the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball wins at the first start opening 25a. The second special symbol hold indicator 32b displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball is won in the second starting port 25b. The normal symbol hold display 34 displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, a period in which the display symbols are displayed in a variable manner by the first special symbol display 31a, the second special symbol display 31b, or the normal symbol display 33 (while the change display for one winning is being performed), etc. If another game ball wins during a period when the display variation of the display symbol cannot be started immediately, the variation display of the display symbol for the winning game ball will end the variation display for the previously won game ball, etc. Until the display symbols can be displayed in a variable manner, they are held for a limited number of times (for example, four times). The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn numbers) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 32a, the second special symbol indicator 31b, and the normal symbol hold indicator 34, respectively. . For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 32a, the second special symbol indicator 31b, and the normal symbol hold indicator 34 are each constituted by LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. .

  The game status indicator 35 displays the game status at the time when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. A plurality of gaming states (for example, a normal gaming state, a probability-changing gaming state, a time-saving gaming state, and a latent probability gaming state) are set in the gaming machine 1. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the gaming state is notified by the gaming state indicator 35. For example, the gaming status indicator 35 is composed of a plurality of LED display devices, and the gaming status is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 57 and an effect key 58 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 57 is provided on the upper side of the dish 59 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The effect key 58 includes a center key 58E and a plurality of direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 59 adjacent to the effect button 57. The effect key 58 includes a center key 58E and a plurality of direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 59 adjacent to the effect button 57. For example, the production key 58 is configured such that one central key 58E is arranged at the center, and four direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key 58E. The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect by pressing the effect button 57 in accordance with an instruction displayed on the image display unit 21. In addition, the player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 21 by operating the four direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key 58E. As will be apparent from the description below, in an example of the present embodiment, the player operates a plurality of direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R to thereby display a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 21. It is possible to determine the selected game mode by selecting one of the game mode options and operating the center key 58E.

  In addition, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the plate 59 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. Specifically, a main control board on which a main control unit 100 that performs internal lottery, determination of winning, and the like is configured is disposed on the main board. The main board is sealed by a main board case made of a transparent member so that a trace remains when opened. In addition, the sub-board includes a launch control board configured with a launch control unit 200 that controls a launch device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper portion of the game area 20, and a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of a prize ball. A payout control board, an effect control board configured with an effect control unit 400 for overall control of effects, an image control board configured with an image sound control unit 500 for controlling effects with images and sounds, and various lamps ( A lamp control board and the like on which a lamp control unit 600 for controlling effects by the frame lamp 56, the panel lamp 23) and the movable accessory 22 is arranged. In addition, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, the power source of the gaming machine 1 is switched on / off, and 24V (volt) AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages. A switching power supply is provided for outputting the direct current power to the various substrates described above.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101, various data, and the like, and the RAM 103 is used as a work memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins a prize in the first start port 25a or the second start port 25b, and sends determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won to the effect control unit 400. . In addition, the main control unit 100 includes data indicating a variation setting of the winning probability determined according to the special symbol lottery (for example, a variation setting from 1/300 to 1/30) and a special symbol variation time reduction setting, Data indicating the setting for shortening the normal symbol variation time determined according to the normal symbol lottery is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. In addition, the main control unit 100 determines the number of times when the game ball has won the first start port 25a, the number of times when the game ball has won the second start port 25b, and when the game ball has passed the gate 27. The number of holdings is managed, and data related to the number of holdings is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 28 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main control unit 100 opens the special winning opening 28 so as to project and incline until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or nine game balls have been won or the accumulated cumulative release time is within 1.8 seconds). Control is performed so that the round in which the state is reached is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times or once). In addition, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 28 opens and closes.

  When a game ball wins in the first start port 25a, the second start port 25b, the big winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out the number of prize balls. For example, the main control unit 100 may have four prize balls when a game ball wins the first start opening 25a or the second start opening 25b, and 13 prize balls when a game ball wins the big prize opening 28, a normal prize opening. When a game ball wins in 29, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 300 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  The main control unit 100 controls the launching device 211 that launches the game ball via the launch control unit 200. For example, the main control unit 100 transmits a signal permitting the operation of the launching device 211 to launch a game ball to the launch control unit 200 via the payout control unit 300 based on a predetermined condition.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. Unit 115, normal winning opening switch 116, first special symbol display 31a, second special symbol display 31b, first special symbol hold indicator 32a, second special symbol hold indicator 32b, normal symbol indicator 33, and A normal symbol hold indicator 34 is connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a detects that a game ball has won the first start port 25 a and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 25b and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 26 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 28 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 28 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 29 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  Further, the main control unit 100 displays on the first special symbol display 31a the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball in the first starting port 25a. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball in the second starting port 25b on the second special symbol display 31b. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings in which the lottery is put on hold in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 25a on the first special symbol holding display 32a. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings in which the lottery is put on hold according to the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 25b on the second special symbol holding display 32b. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol display 33. Then, the main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings on which the lottery is put on hold according to the passing of the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol holding display 34. In addition, the main control unit 100 starts the waiting-for-waiting effect when the special symbol lottery has not been performed at the present time, and the number of times of holding the special symbol lottery is on hold is zero and there is no plan to perform the special symbol lottery. Relevant data is sent to the effect control unit 400. In addition, after sending data related to the start of the customer waiting effect to the effect control unit 400, the main control unit 100 starts the special symbol lottery or the number of times of holding the special symbol lottery is one or more. In the case, the data related to the end of the customer waiting effect is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 transmits various types of information to a host computer provided in a store (hall) in which the gaming machine 1 is installed. Then, the main control unit 100 transmits information regarding the number of paid-out prize balls acquired from the payout control unit 300, information indicating the state of the main control unit 100, and the like to the host computer.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data, and the RAM 203 is used as a work memory for the CPU 201.

  When the position of the lever 52 is in the neutral position, the lever 52 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the lever 52 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the lever 52 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the launch control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 such that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 52 increases. Further, the launch control unit 200 can perform the launch operation of the launch device 211 by receiving a signal permitting launch from the main control unit 100. On the other hand, when the signal indicating that the stop button 53 is pressed is output or the control signal for stopping the emission is output from the main control unit 100, the launch control unit 200 performs the operation of launching the game ball by the launch device 211. Stop.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like, and the RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301 and the like.

  The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. In addition, the effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect button 57 and the effect key 58, and acquires operation data output from the effect button 57 and the effect key 58 in response to an operation pressed by the player. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and the RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. At that time, when the player presses down the effect button 57 or the effect key 58, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input or the detection result. In addition, when the game for the gaming machine 1 is interrupted for a predetermined period or longer, the effect control unit 400 sets an effect for waiting for a customer as one of the effects. In an example of the present embodiment, the effect control unit 400 causes the image display unit 21 to display a display that prompts the player to select a game mode when a predetermined period arrives in a state in which a customer waiting effect is being performed. An instruction is sent to the image sound control unit 500, and the game mode is determined according to the player's operation. Then, the production control unit 400 sends a command for instructing production in the determined game mode to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600, respectively. Furthermore, when the main control unit 100 outputs data indicating that the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery is changed, or when outputting data indicating that the special symbol change time at the time of the special symbol lottery is shortened, When the data indicating that the normal symbol variation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery is shortened is output, the effect control unit 400 sets the effect contents corresponding to the contents indicated by the output data. Then, the effect control unit 400 sends commands for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600, respectively.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data, and the RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 21 and the sound output from the speaker 55 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 has a decorative symbol image for notifying a player of a special symbol lottery result, a character or item for displaying a notice effect to the player, and a special symbol for the player. Image data for displaying on the image display unit 21 an on-hold display image indicating that the lottery is on hold, an image for causing the player to select a game mode, various background images, and the like are stored. Further, the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 synchronizes with the image displayed on the image display unit 21 or independently of the displayed image, such as music and sound output from the speaker 55, and further, a jingle or the like. Various acoustic data such as sound effects are stored. Further, the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 stores image data for displaying various images corresponding to the game mode selected by the player on the image display unit 21 and various sounds corresponding to the game mode. Sound data to be output from is stored. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command and game mode sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. Then, the CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, hold display image display, and the like using the read image data. Various effects are displayed according to the sent command. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 21. Further, the CPU 501 performs sound processing using the read sound data, and outputs the sound indicated by the sound processing sound data from the speaker 55.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 and the operation of the movable accessory 22. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data, and the RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. In addition, the lamp control unit 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the command and the game mode sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. Data) is stored. Further, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores the luminance at the time of lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 according to the game mode set by the effect control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 with the luminance corresponding to the set game mode based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 22 corresponding to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. The ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 22 corresponding to the game mode set by the effect control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command and game mode sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the read operation pattern data.

  Next, before describing specific processing performed by the gaming machine 1, an outline of gaming mode selection processing performed by the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the image display unit 21 that prompts the player to select a game mode. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the effects of the gaming machine 1 are performed in the young age mode. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the effects of the gaming machine 1 are performed in the old age mode. In the following description, an effect performed by at least one of the image display unit 21, the movable accessory 22, the panel lamp 23, the speaker 55, and the frame lamp 56 is, for example, a command output from the effect control unit 400. Accordingly, the image acoustic control unit 500 performs image processing and sound processing to express the image on the image display unit 21, the speaker 55, and the like, and the lamp control unit 600 performs light emission control and operation control according to the command, so that the movable accessory 22 is displayed. It is expressed by a panel lamp 23, a frame lamp 56, or the like.

  In FIG. 5, the image display unit 21 displays three game modes OI1 to OI3. Specifically, the game mode OI1 is a mode for setting the gaming machine 1 suitable for young people, and displays the name “young age mode” on the image display unit 21 to prompt the player to select. The game mode OI2 is a mode for setting the gaming machine 1 suitable for middle-aged people, and displays the name “middle-aged mode” on the image display unit 21 to prompt the player to select. The game mode OI3 is a mode for setting the gaming machine 1 suitable for an elderly person, and displays the name “aged mode” on the image display unit 21 to prompt the player to select. Then, the player presses the direction key 58U, 58D, 58L, or 58R (in the example shown in FIG. 5, the direction key 58U or 58D) to select a desired game mode from the three game modes OI1 to OI3. It is possible to select. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the game mode OI1 (that is, “young age mode”) is selected as the selection target among the three game modes OI1 to OI3. Then, when the player presses the center key 58E (ENTER key), the selected game mode is determined as the game mode set in the game of the gaming machine 1 thereafter.

  In addition, the display prompting the player to select the above-described game mode is performed during a part of the customer waiting effect during which the gaming machine 1 is performing the customer waiting effect as an example. The display may be performed at the timing. For example, when a predetermined operation is performed while the player is playing the gaming machine 1 or when a predetermined gaming state is entered, a display prompting the user to select a gaming mode may be displayed. .

  When the player selects the young age mode, the gaming machine 1 is played in a state as shown in FIG. 6, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 6, when a character is displayed on the image display unit 21 of the gaming machine 1 in the young age mode, the character is displayed with the character size MS1. Further, when the board lamp 23 of the gaming machine 1 emits light in the young age mode, the board lamp 23 emits light with the board lamp brightness BC1. Further, when the movable accessory 22 of the gaming machine 1 operates in the young age mode, the movable accessory 22 operates at the accessory operating speed R1. Furthermore, when a decorative symbol is displayed on the image display unit 21 of the gaming machine 1 in the young age mode, the decorative symbol is displayed in the decorative symbol size PS1. Although not shown in FIG. 6, when the frame lamp 56 of the gaming machine 1 emits light in the young age mode, the frame lamp 56 emits light with the frame lamp luminance FC1. Further, when a sound is output from the speaker 55 of the gaming machine 1 in the young age mode, the sound is output from the speaker 55 at the volume V1.

  On the other hand, when the player selects the old age mode, the gaming machine 1 is played in a state as shown in FIG. 7, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 7, when a character is displayed on the image display unit 21 of the gaming machine 1 in the old age mode, the character is displayed with a character size MS3 larger than the character size MS1. Further, when the board lamp 23 of the gaming machine 1 emits light in the old age mode, the board lamp 23 emits light with the board lamp brightness BC3 lower than the board lamp brightness BC1. Further, when the movable accessory 22 of the gaming machine 1 operates in the old age mode, the movable accessory 22 operates at an accessory operating speed R3 that is slower than the accessory operating speed R1. Furthermore, when a decorative symbol is displayed on the image display unit 21 of the gaming machine 1 in the old age mode, the decorative symbol is displayed with a decorative symbol size PS3 larger than the decorative symbol size PS1. Although not shown in FIG. 7, when the frame lamp 56 of the gaming machine 1 emits light in the old age mode, the frame lamp 56 emits light with the frame lamp luminance FC3 lower than the frame lamp luminance FC1. Further, when a sound is output from the speaker 55 of the gaming machine 1 in the old age mode, the sound is output from the speaker 55 at a volume V3 smaller than the volume V1.

  In this way, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the elderly mode, the characters and images displayed on the image display unit 21 are displayed relatively large compared to the younger age mode, so that the player with weak visual acuity Even so, the display object displayed on the image display unit 21 is easy to see. In addition, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the elderly mode, the brightness of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 is relatively lower than that in the young age mode, so that the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 emit light. The brightness of the image becomes darker and less visual stimulation occurs. Furthermore, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the elderly person mode, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 55 is relatively smaller than that in the younger age mode, so that auditory stimulation is reduced. Such an elderly person mode setting is generally preferred when an elderly person plays the gaming machine 1 and can make an appropriate setting according to the age group of the player.

  Next, details of the processing performed in the effect control unit 400 will be described. First, main data and programs used in the processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of data and programs stored in the RAM 403 of the effect control unit 400. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the game mode setting table data D41 stored in the ROM 402. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the RAM 403 has a data storage area 403D and a program storage area 403P. The data storage area 403D includes random number data D40, game mode setting table data D41, waiting time data D42, first switching time data D43, second switching time data D44, customer waiting effect flag data D45, waiting time measurement flag data D46. , Selection effect flag data D47, customer waiting effect start command data D48, customer waiting effect end command data D49, selection command data D50, customer waiting command data D51, hold count command data D51, hold display image command data D53, change Production command data D54, winning production command data D55, production button command data D56, and the like are stored. The program storage area 403P stores various programs P2 for operating the effect control unit 400.

  The random number data D40 is data indicating the random number updated by the effect control unit 400. For example, the random number data D40 is data indicating various random numbers (variable effect selection random number, opening effect selection random number, ending effect selection random number, etc.) updated by the effect control unit 400, respectively.

  The game mode setting table data D41 is data indicating a game mode setting table in which the setting contents of the gaming machine 1 corresponding to each game mode are described. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the game mode setting table includes a plurality of game modes (for example, setting contents such as character size, board lamp luminance, frame lamp luminance, accessory operation speed, decorative symbol size, and volume). Young age mode, middle age mode, and old age mode). Specifically, in the young age mode in the game mode setting table, the gaming machine 1 has character size MS1, board lamp brightness BC1, frame lamp brightness FC1, accessory action speed R1, decorative symbol size PS1, and volume V1, respectively. Is set. In the middle age mode in the game mode setting table, the gaming machine 1 is set to the character size MS2, the panel lamp luminance BC2, the frame lamp luminance FC2, the accessory operating speed R2, the decorative symbol size PS2, and the volume V2. In the old age mode in the game mode setting table, the gaming machine 1 is set to the character size MS3, the panel lamp luminance BC3, the frame lamp luminance FC3, the accessory operating speed R3, the decorative symbol size PS3, and the volume V3. . Here, typically, the character size set in each game mode is MS1 <MS2 <MS3, the panel lamp luminance is BC1> BC2> BC3, the frame lamp luminance is FC1> FC2> FC3, and the accessory operation The speed is R1> R2> R3, the decorative symbol size is PS1 <PS2 <PS3, and the volume is V1> V2> V3. The panel lamp brightness BC3 may be in a state where the panel lamp 23 does not emit light. The frame lamp brightness FC3 may be in a state where the frame lamp 56 does not emit light. Further, the accessory operating speed R3 may be in a state where the movable accessory 22 does not operate (that is, the operating speed is 0).

  The waiting time data D42 is data indicating the waiting time that has elapsed since the reception of the customer waiting start command from the main control unit 100. The effect control unit 400 starts the customer waiting effect in the gaming machine 1 when the standby time that has elapsed since receiving the customer waiting start command reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds).

  The first switching time data D43 is data indicating the first switching time that has elapsed since the start of the customer waiting effect. When the first switching time that has elapsed since the start of the customer waiting effect has reached a predetermined time (for example, the time for performing a demonstration of the customer waiting effect once), the effect control unit 400 has a gaming machine. In 1, an effect (game mode selection effect) for prompting selection of the game mode is started.

  The second switching time data D44 is data indicating the second switching time that has elapsed since the game mode selection effect was started. When the second switching time that has elapsed since the start of the game mode selection effect has reached a predetermined time (for example, the time required for the player to select and determine the game mode). In the gaming machine 1, the customer waiting effect is resumed.

  The customer waiting effect flag data D45 is data indicating the state of a customer waiting effect flag indicating whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in a customer waiting effect (including a game mode selection effect). The waiting time measurement flag data D46 is data indicating the state of a waiting time measurement flag indicating whether or not the waiting time that has elapsed since receiving the customer waiting start command from the main control unit 100 is being measured. The selection effect flag data D47 is data indicating the state of the selection effect flag indicating whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the game mode selection effect.

  Customer waiting effect start command data D48, customer waiting effect end command data D49, selected command data D50, waiting customer command data D51, hold number command data D52, hold display image command data D53, variable effect command data D54, hit effect Command data D55 and effect button command data D56 are data indicating various commands to be transmitted to image sound control unit 500 and / or lamp control unit 600, respectively. For example, the customer waiting effect start command data D48 is data for transmitting information indicating the start of the customer waiting effect to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The customer waiting effect end command data D49 is data for transmitting information indicating the end of the customer waiting effect to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The selected command data D50 is data for transmitting information related to the game mode selection effect to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The customer waiting command data D51 is data for transmitting information relating to the customer waiting effect to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The number-of-holds command data D52 is data for transmitting information indicating the effect of adding the number of holds to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The hold display image command data D53 is data for transmitting information related to the hold display image displayed on the image display unit 21 to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The variation effect command data D54 transmits information indicating that the effect starts with the selected variation effect pattern, information indicating the end of the effect, and the like to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. It is data for. The winning effect command data D55 is information indicating that the opening effect is started with the selected winning effect pattern and information indicating that the ending effect for ending the winning effect during the effect is started with the selected ending effect pattern. Is transmitted to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600. The effect button command data D56 is data for transmitting information indicating the operation status of the effect button 57 and the effect key 58 to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600.

  Next, details of processing performed in the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a timer interrupt process executed in the effect control unit 400. FIG. 11 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the command reception process in step 900 of FIG. FIG. 12 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the customer waiting process in step 920 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the customer waiting command reception process in step 931 of FIG. FIG. 14 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the first half of the game mode selection process in step 933 of FIG. FIG. 15 is a subroutine showing an example of detailed operation of the latter half of the game mode selection process in step 933 of FIG. For example, the operations shown in FIGS. 10 to 15 are realized by the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 executing the effect control program stored in the ROM 402. Specifically, the effect control program is loaded from the ROM 402 onto the RAM 403. It is read as appropriate and executed by the CPU 401. In the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 to 15, detailed descriptions of other processes not directly related to the present invention are omitted. 10 to 15, each step executed by the effect control unit 400 is abbreviated as “S”.

  When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 executes a startup program stored in a boot ROM (not shown), thereby initializing each unit such as the RAM 403. Then, the program stored in the ROM 402 is read into the RAM 403 and the execution of each program is started by the CPU 401.

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 400 sets a CTC cycle that is a cycle for performing the timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. And the production | presentation control part 400 repeats a random number update process with a period shorter than the said CTC period. That is, in the effect process of the gaming machine 1 performed by the effect control unit 400, the effect control unit 400 repeats the random number update process for each predetermined period while the game machine 1 is activated, and performs a predetermined timer interrupt process for each CTC cycle. I do.

  Here, in the random number update process, the effect control unit 400 updates various random numbers. For example, the effect control unit 400 adds 1 to each of the variable effect selection random number, the opening effect selection random number, the ending effect selection random number, and the like stored in the random number data D40, and uses each added random number to generate the random number data D40. Update.

  Next, the timer interruption process performed by the effect control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the timer interrupt process is executed by the effect control unit 400 every CTC cycle (for example, 4 ms (milliseconds)) during a period in which power is supplied to the gaming machine 1, whereby This is a process for interrupting the effect process.

  In FIG. 10, the effect control unit 400 performs a command reception process (step 900), and proceeds to the next step. The detailed operation of the command reception process performed in step 900 will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a hold number increase command is received from the main control unit 100 (step 910). And the production | generation control part 400 advances a process to the following step 911, when a pending | holding number increase command is received. On the other hand, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 912 when the pending number increase command has not been received. Here, the main control unit 100 outputs various commands related to the effects of the gaming machine 1 to the effect control unit 400. For example, when the special control lottery due to the winning of a game ball in the first start opening 25a is put on hold and the number of lottery holds on the first start opening 25a (the first special symbol lottery hold count) increases, The hold number increase command (first hold number increase command) is output to the effect control unit 400. In addition, the main control unit 100, when the special symbol lottery by the game ball winning in the second start port 25b is put on hold, the lottery hold number of the second start port 25b (second special symbol lottery hold number) increases Also, the hold number increase command (second hold number increase command) is output to the effect control unit 400.

  In step 911, the effect control unit 400 performs a hold number addition process and proceeds to the next step 912. For example, in the hold number addition process in step 911, the effect control unit 400 determines the hold type indicated by the received hold number increase command (that is, whether the game ball is held by winning a game ball at the first start port 25a, 2 is added to the number of holds corresponding to whether or not the game ball wins at the start opening 25b), and the number-of-holds command indicating the effect of adding the number of holds of the above type is set in the number-of-holds command data D52 To do. In addition, the effect control unit 400 sets a hold display image command indicating that a hold display image is additionally displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 21 in the hold display image command data D53.

  In step 912, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a change start command has been received from the main control unit 100. And the production | generation control part 400 advances a process to the following step 913, when a fluctuation start command is received. On the other hand, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 914 when the variation start command is not received. Here, the main control unit 100 sends a variation start command to the effect control unit 400 in order to instruct the effect control unit 400 to start the lottery result of the special symbol lottery and the special symbol lottery. Output. For example, the variation start command includes a variation pattern (variation time) determined by the processing of the main control unit 100, a symbol (normal symbol, probability variation symbol, latent probability symbol, small hit symbol, loss symbol, etc.), and gaming state (Normal game state, probability change game state, short-time game state, latent probability game state) and the like are included as setting information.

  In step 913, the effect control unit 400 performs a process of selecting a change effect according to the change start command received from the main control unit 100, and proceeds to the next step 914. For example, the effect control unit 400 selects a variation effect pattern according to the received variation start command and the variation effect selection random number stored in the random number data D40, and indicates that the effect is started with the selected variation effect pattern. The variation effect start command is set in the variation effect command data D54. Further, the production control unit 400 subtracts 1 from the number of holdings corresponding to the holding type of the special symbol lottery that has started the changing production, and sets the holding number command indicating the holding number command data D52 indicating the effect of subtracting the holding number of the above type. Set to. In addition, the effect control unit 400 sets a hold display image command indicating that one hold display image is deleted from the display screen of the image display unit 21 and the other is moved and displayed in the hold display image command data D53.

  In step 914, the effect control unit 400 determines whether a change stop command has been received from the main control unit 100. And the production | generation control part 400 advances a process to the following step 915, when a fluctuation stop command is received. On the other hand, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 916 when the change stop command has not been received. Here, the main control unit 100 outputs a change stop command to the effect control unit 400 in order to instruct the effect control unit 400 to end the changing effect during the effect.

  In step 915, the effect control unit 400 performs a process for setting the effect mode and the like in accordance with the change stop command received from the main control unit 100, and proceeds to the next step 916. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets, in the change effect command data D54, a change effect end command indicating that the change effect being processed is ended in accordance with the received change stop command.

  In step 916, the effect control unit 400 determines whether an opening command has been received from the main control unit 100. Then, when the effect control unit 400 receives the opening command, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 917. On the other hand, if the opening control command 400 has not been received, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 918. Here, the main control unit 100 outputs an opening command to the effect control unit 400 in order to instruct the effect control unit 400 to start a hit effect that produces a special symbol lottery.

  In step 917, the effect control unit 400 performs a process of selecting a winning effect or the like according to the opening command received from the main control unit 100, and proceeds to the next step 918. For example, the effect control unit 400 selects an opening effect pattern according to the received opening command and the opening effect selection random number stored in the random number data D40, and indicates that the winning effect is started with the selected opening effect pattern. An opening effect start command is set in the hit effect command data D55.

  In step 918, the effect control unit 400 determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control unit 100. And the production | generation control part 400 advances a process to the following step 919, when an ending command is received. On the other hand, when the ending command has not been received, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 920. Here, the main control unit 100 outputs an ending command to the effect control unit 400 in order to instruct the effect control unit 400 to end the winning effect that indicates that the special symbol lottery has been won.

  In step 919, the effect control unit 400 performs a process of selecting a winning effect or the like according to the ending command received from the main control unit 100, and proceeds to the next step 920. For example, the effect control unit 400 selects an ending effect pattern according to the received ending command and the ending effect selection random number stored in the random number data D40, starts the effect with the selected ending effect pattern, and performs the winning effect. An ending effect start command indicating the end is set in the hit effect command data D55.

  In step 920, the effect control unit 400 performs a customer waiting process and ends the process of the subroutine. Hereinafter, the customer waiting process performed in step 920 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 12, the effect control unit 400 performs a customer waiting command reception process (step 931), and proceeds to the next step 932. Hereinafter, the customer waiting command reception process performed in step 931 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not a customer waiting start command has been received from the main control unit 100 (step 941). Then, when the production control unit 400 receives the customer waiting start command, the production control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 942. On the other hand, when the production control unit 400 has not received the customer waiting start command, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 944. Here, the main control unit 100 has a special symbol lottery number of 0 when the game ball is won at the first starting port 25a and the special number when the game ball is won at the second starting port 25b. When the number of times the symbol lottery is held becomes zero, a customer waiting start command is output to the effect control unit 400 in order to instruct the effect control unit 400 to start the customer wait effect.

  In step 942, the effect control unit 400 starts measuring the standby time and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 initializes the standby time indicated by the standby time data D42 (for example, 0), starts counting the standby time, and appropriately stores the standby time data D42 using the counted standby time. Update.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 sets the standby time measurement flag to ON (step 943), and proceeds to the next step 945. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets the standby time measurement flag indicated by the standby time measurement flag data D46 to ON.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 941 that the customer waiting start command has not been received, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the standby time measurement flag is set to ON (step 944). For example, the effect control unit 400 refers to the standby time measurement flag indicated by the standby time measurement flag data D46 and determines whether or not the standby time measurement flag is set to ON. Then, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 945 when the standby time measurement flag is set to ON. On the other hand, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 949 when the standby time measurement flag is set to OFF.

  In step 945, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the standby time has reached a predetermined time. For example, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the standby time indicated by the standby time data D42 has reached a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Then, when the standby time has reached the predetermined time, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 946. On the other hand, when the standby time has not reached the predetermined time, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 949.

  In step 946, the effect control unit 400 sets the standby time measurement flag to OFF, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets the standby time measurement flag indicated by the standby time measurement flag data D46 to off.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 sets the customer waiting effect flag to ON (step 947), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets the customer waiting effect flag indicated by the customer waiting effect flag data D45 to ON.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 sets a customer waiting effect start command (step 948), and proceeds to the next step 949. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets a customer waiting effect start command data D48 indicating the contents of the customer waiting effect to be demonstrated or the start of the customer waiting effect.

  In step 949, the effect control unit 400 determines whether a customer waiting end command has been received from the main control unit 100. Then, when the production control unit 400 receives the customer waiting end command, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 950. On the other hand, when the production control unit 400 has not received the customer waiting end command, the effect control unit 400 ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the main control unit 100 counts the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held by winning the game ball in the first starting port 25a, or the special symbol lottery by winning the game ball in the second starting port 25b. When either one of the number of times the number is held changes from 0 to 1, in order to instruct the effect control unit 400 to end the customer waiting effect, a customer waiting end command is output to the effect control unit 400 Yes.

  In step 950, the effect control unit 400 sets the standby time measurement flag to OFF, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets the standby time measurement flag indicated by the standby time measurement flag data D46 to off.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 sets the customer waiting effect flag to OFF (step 951), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets the customer waiting effect flag indicated by the customer waiting effect flag data D45 to OFF.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 sets a customer waiting effect end command (step 952), and ends the processing by the subroutine. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets, in the customer waiting effect end command data D49, a customer waiting effect end command indicating that the customer waiting effect (including the game mode selection effect) currently being performed is ended.

  Returning to FIG. 12, after the customer waiting command reception process in step 931, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the customer waiting effect flag is set to ON (step 932). For example, the effect control unit 400 refers to the customer waiting effect flag indicated by the customer waiting effect flag data D45, and determines whether or not the customer waiting effect flag is set to ON. Then, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 933 when the customer waiting effect flag is set to ON. On the other hand, when the customer waiting effect flag is set to OFF, the effect control unit 400 ends the process by the subroutine.

  In step 933, the effect control unit 400 performs a game mode selection process and ends the process of the subroutine. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the game mode selection process performed in step 933 will be described.

  In FIG. 14, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the customer waiting effect flag is changed from OFF to ON in the customer waiting command receiving process in the previous step 931 (that is, the step in the immediately preceding process in step 931 is the above step). Whether or not 947 has been executed is determined (step 962). Then, when the customer waiting effect flag is changed from OFF to ON in the immediately preceding process, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 963. On the other hand, if the customer waiting effect flag is not changed from OFF to ON in the immediately preceding process, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 965.

  In step 963, the effect control unit 400 sets the selected effect flag to OFF and initializes it, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 initializes the selected effect flag indicated by the selected effect flag data D47 to OFF.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 initializes the second switching time, starts measuring the first switching time (step 964), and proceeds to the next step 965. For example, the effect control unit 400 initializes (for example, 0) the second switching time indicated by the second switching time data D44. In addition, the effect control unit 400 initializes (for example, 0) the first switching time indicated by the first switching time data D43, starts counting the first switching time, and calculates the counted first switching time. The first switching time data D43 is updated accordingly.

  In step 965, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the selection effect flag is set to ON. For example, the effect control unit 400 refers to the selection effect flag indicated by the selection effect flag data D47 and determines whether or not the selection effect flag is set to ON. Then, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 966 if the selected effect flag is set to ON. On the other hand, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 972 when the selected effect flag is set to OFF.

  In step 966, effect control unit 400 uses operation data output from direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R to determine whether or not any of direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R is pressed. to decide. Then, when any of the direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R is pressed, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 967. On the other hand, when any of the direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R has not been pressed, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 968.

  In step 967, the effect control unit 400 changes the selection target for a plurality of options (game mode) displayed on the image display unit 21 in accordance with the pressed direction key 58U, 58D, 58L, or 58R. The process proceeds to the next step 968. As will be apparent from the processing described later, when the selection effect flag is set to ON, a game mode selection effect is performed and a screen (see FIG. 5) prompting selection of the game mode is displayed on the image display unit 21. The For example, when three game modes OI1 to OI3 are displayed as shown in FIG. 5 and the game mode OI1 is selected as a selection target, the direction key 58D is pressed (that is, an operation for instructing a downward direction). The production control unit 400 changes the selection target to the game mode OI2 displayed in the lower direction of the game mode OI1.

  In step 968, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the center key 58E is pressed using the operation data output from the center key 58E. Then, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 969 when the center key 58E is pressed. On the other hand, when the center key 58E is not pressed, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 971.

  In step 969, the effect control unit 400 performs a process of determining the game mode, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 determines a game mode selected as a selection target when the center key 58E is pressed among a plurality of game modes as a game mode used for the subsequent games.

  Next, the effect control unit 400 sets the selected effect flag to OFF (step 970), and proceeds to the next step 971. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets the selected effect flag indicated by the selected effect flag data D47 to OFF.

  In step 971, the effect control unit 400 sets a command being selected in accordance with the processing in step 966 to step 970, and proceeds to the next step 981 (FIG. 15). Here, the selected command instructs the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600 to perform the game mode selection effect, and also indicates the player's operation performed during the game mode selection effect. This is data for transmitting corresponding information. For example, in the selected command, information instructing to perform a game mode selection effect (that is, an instruction to display on the image display unit 21 a display prompting the player to select a game mode) is selected as a selection target. Setting information such as information on the current game mode and information indicating the determined game mode is included. In step 971, the effect control unit 400 sets the selected command that has been set in the selected command data D50.

  Note that the information indicating the determined game mode may be information indicating the type of the determined game mode or information indicating the setting content of the gaming machine 1 according to the determined game mode. For example, in the former case, information indicating the type of mode determined from the young age mode, middle age mode, and old age mode is information indicating the determined game mode. In this case, in the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600, which is the transmission destination of the information indicating the determined game mode, the setting contents corresponding to the game mode similar to the game mode setting table data are set. Information to be stored may be stored in advance. In the latter case, according to the determined game mode, the setting contents of the character size, the setting contents of the panel lamp brightness, the setting contents of the frame lamp brightness, the setting contents of the accessory operation speed, the setting contents of the decorative symbol size, Information indicating the volume setting contents and the like is information indicating the determined game mode.

  On the other hand, in step 972, the production control unit 400 sets a customer waiting command, and proceeds to the next step 981 (FIG. 15). Here, the customer waiting command is data for instructing the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600 to perform the customer waiting effect and transmitting the contents of the customer waiting effect. In step 972, the effect control unit 400 sets the waiting customer command in the waiting customer command data D51.

  Proceeding to FIG. 15, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the first switching time has reached a predetermined time. For example, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the first switching time indicated by the first switching time data D43 has reached a predetermined time (for example, a time for performing a demonstration of the customer waiting effect once). . Then, when the first switching time has reached the predetermined time, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 982. On the other hand, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 984 if the first switching time has not reached the predetermined time.

  In step 982, the effect control unit 400 sets the selected effect flag to ON, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets the selected effect flag indicated by the selected effect flag data D47 to ON.

  Next, the production control unit 400 initializes the first switching time and starts measuring the second switching time (step 983), and ends the processing by the subroutine. For example, the effect control unit 400 initializes (for example, 0) the first switching time indicated by the first switching time data D43. In addition, the effect control unit 400 initializes (for example, 0) the second switching time indicated by the second switching time data D44, starts counting the second switching time, and calculates the counted second switching time. The second switching time data D44 is updated as needed.

  On the other hand, in step 984, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the second switching time has reached a predetermined time. For example, the effect control unit 400 reaches a predetermined time (for example, a time that is assumed to be required for the player to select and determine the game mode) indicated by the second switching time data D44. Determine whether or not. Then, when the second switching time has reached the predetermined time, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 985. On the other hand, when the second switching time has not reached the predetermined time, the effect control unit 400 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In step 985, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the player is performing an operation of selecting from a plurality of game modes. For example, when the current time is the state in which the center key 58E and the direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R are pressed, the effect control unit 400 performs an operation for the player to select from a plurality of game modes. Judge that it is halfway. In addition, when the current time is within a predetermined time after the center key 58E and the direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R are pressed, the effect control unit 400 performs an operation for the player to select from a plurality of game modes. Judge that it is on the way. Then, if the player is not in the middle of performing an operation of selecting from a plurality of game modes, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 986. On the other hand, if the player is in the middle of performing an operation of selecting from a plurality of game modes, the effect control unit 400 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In step 986, the effect control unit 400 sets the selected effect flag to OFF, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the effect control unit 400 sets the selected effect flag indicated by the selected effect flag data D47 to OFF.

  Next, the production control unit 400 initializes the second switching time and starts measuring the first switching time (step 987), and ends the processing by the subroutine. For example, the effect control unit 400 initializes (for example, 0) the second switching time indicated by the second switching time data D44. In addition, the effect control unit 400 initializes (for example, 0) the first switching time indicated by the first switching time data D43, starts counting the first switching time, and calculates the counted first switching time. The first switching time data D43 is updated accordingly.

  Returning to FIG. 10, after the command reception process in step 900, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the customer waiting effect flag is set to ON (step 901). For example, the effect control unit 400 refers to the customer waiting effect flag indicated by the customer waiting effect flag data D45, and determines whether or not the customer waiting effect flag is set to ON. Then, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 904 when the customer waiting effect flag is set to ON. On the other hand, if the customer waiting effect flag is set to OFF, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 902.

  In step 902, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not the effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are turned on. Then, when the effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are turned on, the effect control unit 400 sets an effect button command indicating that an operation to turn on the effect button 57 and the effect key 58 has been performed in the effect button command data D56. (Step 903), the process proceeds to the next step 904. On the other hand, when the effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are not turned on, the effect control unit 400 proceeds to the next step 904 as it is.

  In step 904, the effect control unit 400 outputs a control command to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600, respectively, and ends the processing by the subroutine indicating the timer interruption processing. For example, the effect control unit 400 includes a customer waiting effect start command data D48, a customer waiting effect end command data D49, a command data D50 being selected, a command data D51 waiting for customers, a command data D51 on hold, a hold display image command data D53, By outputting to the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600 the commands related to the effects set in the change effect command data D54, the hit effect command data D55, and the effect button command data D56, respectively, according to the command. The image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600 are caused to execute the effect.

  For example, when the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600 receives a selected command including information indicating the determined gaming mode, the gaming machine 1 is adapted to the setting content corresponding to the information and the subsequent gaming machine 1 Demonstration of the game. Specifically, the image sound control unit 500 displays characters and decorations displayed on the image display unit 21 and used for subsequent effects so as to match information indicating the determined game mode included in the received selected command. The size of the symbol, the sound output from the speaker 55 and used for subsequent effects, the volume of the sound effect, and the like are set. In addition, the lamp control unit 600 adjusts the brightness of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 used for the subsequent effects and the movable accessory 22 so as to match the information indicating the determined game mode included in the received selected command. Set the operation speed. Note that the image sound control unit 500 and / or the lamp control unit 600 is set to a predetermined default when the game of the gaming machine 1 is started (that is, the customer waiting effect flag is turned off) before the game mode is determined. Subsequent game effects may be performed in the game mode (for example, the young age mode).

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine 1 can be adapted to the plurality of setting contents indicated by the gaming mode only by selecting one from the plurality of gaming modes prepared by the player. Since it is set, it is possible to easily change the setting. Further, since a plurality of game modes are prepared for each age group, the game mode can be easily selected according to the player's own age. In the above example, the game mode is set by dividing the age group into three stages, but the game mode may be set by dividing the age group into four stages or more, and the age group is divided into two stages. You may set the game mode.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which a game mode used for a game is selected by selecting one from a plurality of prepared game modes is used, but the game mode is determined by other operation modes. It doesn't matter. For example, the game mode corresponding to the input age may be selected by inputting the player's own age into the gaming machine 1. Specifically, the player can input the player's own age by operating the center key 58E and the direction keys 58U, 58D, 58L, and 58R, and the age corresponding to the input age is equivalent. A game mode (for example, a young age mode, a middle age mode, or an old age mode) corresponding to the layer is selected.

  In the above description, an example in which game modes that can be selected by a player are set for each age group is used. However, a plurality of game modes prepared in other classifications may be selected. As a first example, an example in which a plurality of game modes prepared according to the proficiency level of the gaming machine 1 can be selected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the game mode setting table data D41 stored in the ROM 402 when a plurality of game modes corresponding to the proficiency level of the gaming machine 1 are used.

  The game mode setting table shown in FIG. 16 is used when a plurality of game modes are prepared according to the proficiency level of the gaming machine 1. Then, an operation of selecting and determining from a plurality of game modes (for example, two game modes of beginner mode and expert mode) displayed on the image display unit 21, or the number of times the player himself has played the gaming machine 1 is determined. When an input operation is performed, a game mode corresponding to the operation is determined. In the above game mode setting table, setting contents such as presence / absence of tutorial, presence / absence of game status notification, character size, board lamp brightness, frame lamp brightness, accessory operation speed, decorative symbol size, volume, etc., according to the proficiency level A plurality of game modes (for example, beginner mode and expert mode) are described respectively. Specifically, in the beginner mode in the above game mode setting table, there is a tutorial, there is a gaming state notification, character size MS4, panel lamp luminance BC4, frame lamp luminance FC4, accessory operating speed R4, decorative symbol size PS4, and volume Each gaming machine 1 is set to V4. In the expert mode in the above game mode setting table, no tutorial, no gaming state notification, character size MS5, panel lamp luminance BC5, frame lamp luminance FC5, accessory operating speed R5, decorative symbol size PS5, and volume V5. The gaming machine 1 is set.

  Here, when the gaming machine 1 is set with a tutorial, for example, at least one of the following tutorial examples is displayed. In the first tutorial example, a game description such as an operation method and system of the gaming machine 1 is appropriately displayed on the image display unit 21. In the second tutorial example, when a certain character is displayed on the image display unit 21, the expectation level for winning the special symbol lottery is displayed on the image display unit 21. In the third tutorial example, when the gaming machine 1 is a so-called right-handed model in which a big winning opening is installed in the right area of the game board 2, an image indicating that a game ball is launched into the right area is displayed in the image display section. 21. Further, when the gaming machine 1 is set with a gaming state notification, for example, at least one of the following gaming state notification examples is notified. In the first gaming state notification example, the current gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (for example, at least one of a normal gaming state, a probability-changing gaming state, a short-time gaming state, and a latent gaming state) is displayed on the image display unit 21. Thus, the current gaming state is notified. In the second gaming state notification example, when the number of holdings when winning the first start opening 25a and / or the number of holdings when the game ball wins the second starting opening 25b reaches the maximum value, the maximum An image (for example, character information) indicating that the value has been reached is displayed on the image display unit 21 to notify that the number of times of suspension has reached the maximum value. In the third gaming state notification example, an image (for example, character information) indicating the open / closed state of the current big winning opening 28 is displayed on the image display unit 21 to notify the open / closed state of the big winning opening 28. . Also, typically, the character size set in each game mode is MS4> MS5, the panel lamp luminance is BC4> BC5, the frame lamp luminance is FC4> FC5, and the accessory operating speed is R4> R5, The decorative symbol size is PS4> PS5, and the volume is V4> V5. The panel lamp brightness BC5 may be in a state where the panel lamp 23 does not emit light (that is, the brightness is 0). The frame lamp luminance FC5 may be in a state where the frame lamp 56 does not emit light (that is, the luminance is 0). Further, the accessory operating speed R5 may be a state where the movable accessory 22 does not operate (that is, the operating speed is 0).

  When the gaming machine 1 is played in the beginner mode using the gaming mode setting table, for example, at least one of the above-described first to third tutorial examples is displayed during the gaming of the gaming machine 1, or the first example described above, for example. Since at least one of the third gaming state notification examples is notified, the game of the gaming machine 1 is facilitated even for beginners. In addition, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the beginner mode, characters and images displayed on the image display unit 21 are displayed relatively large compared to the expert mode, and therefore displayed on the image display unit 21. The display is easy to see. Further, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the beginner mode, the brightness of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 is relatively higher than that in the expert mode, so the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 emit light. Brightness becomes brighter and visual stimuli increase, resulting in a greater sense of excitement during the game. In addition, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the beginner mode, the volume of the sound output from the speaker 55 is relatively larger than that in the expert mode, so that the auditory stimulation is increased and the game is enhanced during the game. A lot of feeling can be obtained. Such a beginner mode setting facilitates the game even when the game machine 1 is played by a novice, and promotes the repeat of the game and the game of other game visitors by giving a sense of excitement during the game. Can also be expected. On the other hand, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the expert mode using the gaming mode setting table, none of the first to third tutorial examples described above is displayed during the gaming of the gaming machine 1, for example, Since none of the above-described first to third gaming state notification examples is notified, troublesomeness caused by notification of unnecessary information when a skilled player plays the gaming machine 1 is eliminated. In addition, when the expert plays the gaming machine 1, setting the expert mode can be expected to have an effect of encouraging long-term game play or game repeat by reducing stimulation during the game and reducing game fatigue.

  As a second example in which a plurality of game modes prepared in other classifications can be selected, a plurality of game modes are prepared according to the gender of the player of the gaming machine 1. For example, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the female mode, the gaming machine 1 is set with setting contents similar to the beginner mode described above, and the effect displayed on the image display unit 21 is an effect mainly based on animation. Become. On the other hand, when the gaming machine 1 is played in the male mode, the gaming machine 1 is set with the setting content similar to the expert mode described above, and the effect displayed on the image display unit 21 is mainly an actual image. It becomes directing.

  In the above description, an example in which one game mode is selected according to the player's operation from a plurality of prepared game modes is used. However, even when a game mode is selected according to other operations and conditions. It doesn't matter. As a first example, an input device that can be selected by an employee of a store where the gaming machine 1 is installed is provided in the gaming machine 1, and a gaming mode is selected according to the operation of the input device. As an example, a changeover switch is provided on the back of the gaming machine 1 and an operation signal corresponding to the operation of the changeover switch is output to the effect control unit 400. Then, the effect control unit 400 sets a game mode according to the operation of the changeover switch. In this case, a plurality of game modes corresponding to the period after the gaming machine 1 is installed are prepared, and an employee of the store where the gaming machine 1 is installed according to the period after the gaming machine 1 is installed. Select a game mode. For example, a game mode suitable for the initial period in which the gaming machine 1 is installed and a game mode suitable for the initial period have been prepared. Specifically, in the gaming mode suitable for the initial period, by setting the gaming machine 1 with the setting contents similar to the above-described beginner mode, the gaming machine 1 that becomes the majority during the initial period is played for the first time. In addition to facilitating the game for the player, it can also be expected to have an effect of encouraging the repeat of the game and the game of other game visitors by giving a lot of uplifting feeling during the game. In addition, in a suitable gaming mode after the initial period has elapsed, by setting the gaming machine 1 with settings similar to the expert mode described above, the gaming machine 1 that becomes the majority after the initial period has elapsed In addition to eliminating the hassle of being notified of unnecessary information to players who are playing games, it also encourages long-term games and game repeats by reducing game fatigue by reducing stimulation during games. The effect can be expected. In the case of the first example, the game mode described above can be switched according to the situation of the store where the gaming machine 1 is installed.

  As a second example, the game mode is automatically selected according to the date (time) when the gaming machine 1 is installed. As an example, based on the date and time measured by the RTC 404 provided in the effect control unit 400, the game mode is set depending on whether or not the date and time is before a predetermined time. Also in this case, a plurality of game modes corresponding to the installation period of the gaming machine 1 are prepared, and the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is automatically selected depending on whether or not the gaming machine 1 is before a predetermined time. For example, a suitable game mode before a predetermined date and a suitable game mode after the predetermined date are prepared. Specifically, in the game mode suitable before the predetermined date, the majority is set during the initial period by setting the gaming machine 1 with the setting contents similar to the above-described beginner mode as in the first example. In addition to facilitating the game for the first player to play the gaming machine 1 to be used, it is also possible to expect an effect of promoting game repeats and other game visitors by giving a lot of uplifting feeling during the game. Further, in the game mode suitable for the predetermined date and after, by setting the gaming machine 1 with the setting contents similar to the expert mode described above as in the first example, the majority becomes the majority after the initial period has elapsed. It eliminates the hassle of notifying unnecessary information to a player who has played the gaming machine 1 many times, and reduces game fatigue by reducing stimulation during the game. And the effect of promoting repeats of games can be expected. In the case of the second example, the game mode described above can be automatically switched according to the sales situation of the gaming machine 1 sold by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 1.

  In the above description, an example in which the setting contents set for each game mode are different from each other is used. However, any setting contents may be the same between different game modes. Moreover, the setting content of the gaming machine 1 used in the above description is merely an example, the setting of the other gaming machine 1 may be further changed according to the game mode, and the setting content used in the above description may be changed. Any of them may be excluded from those that change depending on the game mode. For example, when the frame lamp 56 can emit light while performing operations such as rotation, the speed at which the frame lamp 56 operates and the presence / absence of the operation may be set for each game mode.

  Further, when the movable accessory 22 moves so as to cover at least a part of the display screen of the image display unit 21, it is displayed on the image display unit 21 by changing the operation speed of the movable accessory 22. It is conceivable that the image overlaps with the movable accessory 22 so that the image cannot be seen, or the content of the effect displayed on the image display unit 21 cannot be matched. In such a case, by adjusting the display position of the image on the image display unit 21, the display speed of the image, or adjusting the demonstration speed of the effect displayed on the image display unit 21, the movable accessory What is necessary is just to synchronize 22 operation | movement and the display content of the image display part 21. FIG.

  In addition, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. Needless to say. Moreover, it is needless to say that the present invention can be realized even if the coefficients, determination values, mathematical formulas, processing order, and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and other values, mathematical formulas, and processing orders are used.

  In addition, the program used in the present invention is not only recorded in advance in a nonvolatile storage device inside the gaming machine 1, but also supplied to the gaming machine 1 through an external storage medium such as an optical disk, or a wired or wireless communication line. It may be supplied to the gaming machine 1 through.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the above description is merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope thereof. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the scope of the present invention should be construed only by the claims. Moreover, it is understood that those skilled in the art can implement an equivalent range from the description of the specific embodiments of the present invention based on the description of the present invention and the common general technical knowledge. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 20 ... Game area 21 ... Image display part 22 ... Movable accessory 23 ... Board lamp 24 ... Discharge port 25a ... 1st start port 25b ... 2nd start port 26 ... Electric tulip 27 ... Gate 28 ... Big winning opening 29 ... Normal winning opening 3 ... Display 31a ... First special symbol display 31b ... Second special symbol display 32a ... First special symbol hold indicator 32b ... Second special symbol hold indicator 33 ... Normal Symbol display 34 ... Normal symbol hold indicator 35 ... Game status indicator 43 ... Lock portion 5 ... Frame member 51 ... Handle 52 ... Lever 53 ... Stop button 54 ... Eject button 55 ... Speaker 56 ... Frame lamp 57 ... Direction button 58 ... Production key 59 ... Dish 100 ... Main control unit 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launching device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit

Claims (8)

A game mode selection means for selecting one game mode from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance indicating the setting type of the game machine main body when the game machine main body performs the production;
Setting means for adapting the setting of the gaming machine main body to a plurality of setting contents indicated by the gaming mode selected by the gaming mode selection means;
A gaming machine comprising operating means for operating the gaming machine main body with a setting adapted by the setting means.   The plurality of setting contents indicated by the gaming mode include the size of an image to be displayed on a display device provided in the gaming machine main body, the luminance for emitting a lamp provided in the gaming machine main body, and the gaming machine main body. It consists of a speed at which a predetermined member is operated, a volume output from a speaker provided in the gaming machine body, presence / absence of a commentary display regarding playing the gaming machine body, and presence / absence of a game state notification in the gaming machine body. The gaming machine according to claim 1, comprising at least two selected from the group. A display device;
An input device that outputs an output signal corresponding to the player's operation;
Signal acquisition means for acquiring an output signal from the input device;
An option display control means for displaying the plurality of selectable game modes as options on the display device and prompting a player to select;
The game mode selection unit is configured to display a plurality of game modes displayed on the display device according to an output signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit in a state where the option display control unit displays the option on the display device. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein one gaming mode is selected from the above. An input device that is provided on the back side of the gaming machine body and outputs an output signal according to an operation;
Signal acquisition means for acquiring an output signal from the input device,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game mode selection unit selects one game mode from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance according to the output signal acquired by the signal acquisition unit. It further includes a time measuring means for measuring the current date and time,
3. The game mode selection unit according to claim 1, wherein the game mode selection unit selects one game mode from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance depending on whether the date and time counted by the timing unit is before a predetermined time. Game machines. An input device that outputs an output signal corresponding to the player's operation;
Signal acquisition means for acquiring an output signal from the input device;
Input instruction means for urging the player to input information regarding the player's own age using the input device;
The game mode selection means acquires information about the age according to the output signal acquired by the signal acquisition means, and selects one game mode corresponding to the age from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance. The gaming machine according to 1 or 2. An input device that outputs an output signal corresponding to the player's operation;
Signal acquisition means for acquiring an output signal from the input device;
Input instruction means for urging the player to input information regarding the number of games that the player himself has played the gaming machine main body using the input device;
The game mode selection means acquires information related to the number of games according to the output signal acquired by the signal acquisition means, and selects one game mode corresponding to the number of games from a plurality of game modes prepared in advance. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2.   The said option display control means displays the said option on the said display apparatus in the predetermined period in the customer waiting | waiting effect performed in the state where the said game machine main body is not played, and prompts a player's selection. The gaming machine described.

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