JP2016042884A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of appropriately transmitting a notification content to a player without restricting the display chance of a menu image.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: display starting operation means 21 arranged on the front side of a game machine body; menu display control means capable of displaying a menu image 49 having a plurality of selection items on image display means on the basis of the fact that the display starting operation means 21 is operated during an operation effective period; menu display notification control means capable of displaying a menu display notification image 47 notifying that the menu image 49 can be displayed; and movable body operation confirmation means capable of executing the operation confirmation of a movable body after a power activation, wherein, on the basis of the selection of any of the selection items, a specific processing corresponding to that selected item can be executed, wherein the display of the menu display notification image 47 is not performed during the operation confirmation processing of the movable body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines and arrange ball machines.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a so-called menu image having a plurality of selection items is displayed when a player operates a push button on the front side of the gaming machine main body, for example, during an effective operation period such as after power-on. When the player operates a cross key or the like on the front side of the gaming machine main body to select an arbitrary selection item of the menu image, a specific process according to the selection item, for example, a change of the game mode may be performed. What was comprised is known (for example, refer patent document 1). In this type of gaming machine, when the operation valid period is started, a menu display notification that a menu image can be displayed is started.

  Further, many recent gaming machines are provided with a movable body as a production means. In this type of gaming machine, the operation of the movable body is checked after the power is turned on.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-200336

  As described above, after the power is turned on, the operation of the movable body is confirmed and the menu image can be displayed. However, when the confirmation of the operation of the movable body and the menu display notification overlap, the content of the notification is appropriately given to the player. There was a possibility not to be transmitted. On the other hand, for example, if the start timing of the operation effective period is delayed until the end of the operation check of the movable body, the operation check of the movable body and the menu display notification do not overlap, but this restricts the opportunity to display the menu image, The convenience for the player is reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately transmitting notification contents to a player without limiting display opportunities of menu images.

  The present invention is a menu having a plurality of selection items based on the display start operation means 21 arranged on the front side of the gaming machine body 1 and the operation of the display start operation means 21 during the operation valid period. Menu display control means 77c capable of displaying the image 49 on the image display means 31, menu display notification control means 77d capable of executing the menu display notification that the menu image 49 can be displayed, and the movable body after the power is turned on. A movable body motion confirmation means 73 capable of performing the motion confirmation of 38a, and based on the selection of any of the plurality of selection items, a game capable of executing a specific process corresponding to the selection item In the machine, the menu display notification is not performed during the operation check.

  Further, even if the operation valid period is started after the power is turned on, the menu display notification may not be started until at least the operation check is completed.

  The menu display control unit 77c is provided in a sub control unit 53a different from the main control unit 52a, and the operation effective period is based on a predetermined command transmitted from the main control unit 52a to the sub control unit 53a. May be started.

  In addition, it is provided with a symbol display means 35 for variably displaying a symbol based on the fact that the variation start condition is satisfied after the symbol start condition is satisfied, and the symbol change by the symbol display means 35 is started during the operation effective period. On the basis of this, the operation valid period may be ended.

  The selection operation means 22a, 22b and the determination operation means 21 arranged on the front side of the gaming machine body 1 are provided, and any one of the plurality of selection items is selected in the menu image 49, The target of the selection state is changed based on the operation of the selection operation means 22a, 22b, and the selection item in the selection state is changed based on the operation of the determination operation means 21. The selection may be determined. In this case, the display start operation means 21 and the determination operation means 21 may be shared.

  Further, the specifying process corresponding to at least one of the plurality of selection items in the menu image 49 may be a process of displaying a lower menu image 49a having a plurality of lower selection items.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately transmit the notification content to the player without limiting the display opportunity of the menu image.

1 is an overall front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view of the pachinko machine. It is a principal part top view of the front door of the pachinko machine. It is a block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the power-on process of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the backup return process of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the process at the time of RAM clear of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the timer interruption process of the same pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the customer waiting | waiting effect process of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the operation management process of the same pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process at the time of the left key (right key) press of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the process at the time of the presentation button press of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of a process at the time of pressing down the upper key (down key) of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the volume setting table of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the volume adjustment alerting | reporting image of the same pachinko machine, a menu display alerting | reporting image, and a volume setting condition alerting | reporting image. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu image and menu operation notification image of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the low-order menu image of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the example of a display when the selection item in which the lower menu of the same pachinko machine does not exist is selected. It is a figure which shows an example of the state change regarding volume adjustment and menu display in the period from reception of a customer waiting demo command to reception of a fluctuation pattern command in the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the state change regarding volume adjustment and menu display in the period from reception of a customer waiting demo command to reception of a fluctuation pattern command in the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the state change regarding volume adjustment and menu display in the period from reception of a customer waiting demo command to reception of a fluctuation pattern command in the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the customer waiting effect process of the pachinko machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 21 illustrate a first embodiment in which the present invention is employed in a pachinko machine. 1 and 2, a gaming machine main body 1 includes a rectangular outer frame 2 and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to a front side of the outer frame 2 by a hinge 3 on one side, for example, the left side. I have. On the front side of the front frame 4, the game board 5 and the like are arranged on the upper side, the launching means 6 and the like for launching the game ball are arranged on the lower side, and a front door 7 covering the front side thereof is, for example, the hinge 3 and A coaxial hinge 8 is pivotally mounted so as to be opened and closed.

  On the front door 7, a glass window 11 corresponding to the game area 5a of the game board 5 is formed, and for example, presentation means such as a speaker 12, an LED 13, and a blower effect device 14 are arranged around the window. In addition, on the lower side of the front door 7, for example, an upper tray 15 for storing game balls to be supplied to the launching means 6 is disposed at a position on the left side. Further, on the lower side of the upper tray 15, A lower plate 16 for storing surplus balls when the upper plate 15 is full is disposed on the left end side, and a firing handle 17 is disposed on the right end side.

  Further, on the front side of the front door 7, an upper decorative cover 18 that substantially covers the periphery of the glass window 11 from the front side, and a lower decorative cover 19 that substantially covers the upper plate 15, the lower plate 16, and the like from the front side are mounted. . On the lower decorative cover 19 (the front side of the gaming machine main body 1), as shown in FIG. 3, for example, an effect button (display start operation means, determination operation means) 21 is provided at the approximate center of the front side of the upper plate 15 in the left-right direction. However, on the left side, for example, a rear upper key (selection operation means) 22a, a front lower key (selection operation means) 22b, a left left key (first volume operation means) 22c, and a right right key Cross operation means 22 each having a key (first sound volume operation means) 22d are arranged.

  These operation means, that is, each key 22a to 22d of the effect button 21 and the cross operation means 22 can be pressed by the player, and an operation detection means (not shown) can detect the pressing operation. In addition, each key 22a to 22d of the effect button 21 and the cross operation means 22 has a built-in LED 23 and 24a to 24d, respectively. ing.

  A guide rail 25 that guides the game ball fired from the launching means 6 is annularly mounted on the front side of the game board 5, and a center case 26, a game area 5 a inside the guide rail 25, Various game parts such as the normal symbol starting means 27, the special symbol starting means 28, the big winning means 29, and the normal winning means 30 are arranged.

  The center case 26 is disposed, for example, in the approximate center of the game area 5a, and includes a display window 32 corresponding to the liquid crystal display means (image display means) 31, for example, a large number of LEDs 33, and normal symbol display means. 34, various display means such as special symbol display means 35, normal reserved number display means 36, stage 37, movable effect means 38, etc. are provided.

  The stage 37 is arranged in the left-right direction on the lower front side of the liquid crystal display means 31, and after freely rolling the game ball that has flowed into the side part of the center case 26, for example, the warp inlet 39 provided on the left side, For example, it is made to fall to the front side from the central drop part at the center in the left-right direction or the side drop parts on the left and right sides.

  The movable rendering means 38 is formed in a predetermined shape, for example, in the shape of an animal or an arbitrary character, and is supported in a state in which predetermined operations such as swinging and horizontal movement are possible, and the movable body 38a. And driving means 38b such as a stepping motor for driving.

  The normal symbol starting means 27 is for starting the symbol variation by the normal symbol display means 34, and is constituted by a passing gate through which a game ball can pass. For example, the normal symbol starting means 27 is arranged on the left side of the center case 26, A game ball detecting means (not shown) capable of detecting passage is provided.

  The normal symbol display means 34 is for variably displaying the normal symbol, and is composed of, for example, two light emitters (for example, LEDs) corresponding to two types of normal symbols “O” and “X”. Under the condition that the symbol starting means 27 detects the game ball, the two light emitters flash alternately for a predetermined time, and the hit determination random number value acquired when the normal symbol starting means 27 detects the gaming ball is predetermined. When the value matches the hit determination value, the “○” side illuminant corresponding to the hit state emits light, and in other cases, the “×” side illuminant corresponding to the disengagement state emits light. The flashing will end.

  Further, when the normal symbol starting means 27 detects a game ball during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display means 34 or during the normal profit state described later, a hit determination random number value acquired at the time of detection is determined in advance. The upper limit number, for example, 4 is stored as a limit, and the normal number-of-holds display means 36 made of, for example, the same number of light emitters as the upper limit number is used to determine the number of stored random numbers for the determination (hereinafter referred to as the normal number). Is displayed, and the player is notified of the number of normally reserved items at that time.

  The special symbol starting means 28 is for starting the symbol variation by the special symbol display means 35. The special symbol starting means 28 opens and closes two special starting openings 28a and 28b, an opening / closing means 41 for opening and closing the lower special starting openings 28b, and a special starting opening. A game ball detecting means (not shown) for detecting the game balls won in each of 28a and 28b is provided, and is disposed, for example, under the center case 26. The upper special start port 28a is a non-opening / closing type winning port having no opening / closing means or the like. The lower special start port 28b is an open / closed type winning opening that can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can be won by the opening / closing means 41 and a closed state in which a winning is impossible (or difficult to win from the open state). The opening / closing means 41 is configured to change from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined period of time when a normal profit state occurs when the stop symbol after the change becomes a hit state.

  The special symbol display means 35 is composed of one or a plurality of display means such as a seven-segment type capable of variably displaying one special symbol, for example, and the special symbol starting means 28 detects a game ball, In other words, a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time on the condition that a game ball wins at one of the two upper and lower special start openings 28a and 28b, and the jackpot determination random number value acquired when winning the special start openings 28a and 28b. Is in a predetermined jackpot mode when it coincides with a predetermined jackpot determination value, and in other cases it is stopped in a losing mode. The special symbol is provided with, for example, one or more types of jackpots and disengages. Each of these aspects may be assigned a numerical symbol or the like, or a special combination of arbitrary lines and points so that the player cannot easily distinguish the type of the special symbol. You may assign a design that has no meaning.

  Further, when the special symbol starting means 28 detects a game ball during the special symbol fluctuation display or the special profit state described later, the jackpot determination random number obtained at the time of detection detects the predetermined upper limit holding number. For example, each of the four is stored as a limit, and for example, the stored number of jackpot determination random number values (hereinafter referred to as a special reserved number) is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31, and the special reserved number at that time is displayed as a player. To inform you.

  The big winning means 29 is an open / close-type winning means provided with an open / close plate 42 that can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can be won and a closed state in which a prize cannot be won. During the special profit state that occurs when stopped in a mode, the open / close plate 42 opens to the front side in accordance with a predetermined opening pattern, and the game ball that has dropped thereon is awarded to the inside.

  Further, the liquid crystal display means 31 displays, for example, a production symbol 43 variably displayed in parallel with the special symbol variability display by the special symbol display means 35, a hold display image 44 indicating the number of special hold, and a volume adjustment function described later. Various images such as a volume adjustment notification image 45 and a volume setting status notification image 46, a menu display notification image 47 regarding a menu display function to be described later, a menu operation notification image 48, and a menu image 49 are displayed.

  Here, the production symbol 43 is composed of one or a plurality of, for example, three numeric symbols in the left-right direction, and the special symbol starting means 28 detects the game ball, that is, the two upper and lower special starting ports. On the condition that the game ball wins either 28a or 28b, the left and right are started so that the variation starts according to a predetermined variation pattern simultaneously with the start of the variation of the special symbol and finally stops simultaneously with the variation stop of the special symbol. It stops in a predetermined order such as middle. In the effect symbol 43, for example, a combination of all three symbols in the same symbol is a jackpot mode, and at least one different symbol is a miss mode. For example, a special symbol is a jackpot mode The symbol 43 is also a big hit mode, and when the special symbol is in the off mode, the effect symbol 43 is also in the out mode.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a back cover 51 that covers game parts such as the center case 26 from the rear side is attached to the back side of the game board 5, and a main control board 52 a is stored on the back side of the back cover 51. The main board case 52, the production control board 53a and the production interface board 53b containing the production interface board 53b, the liquid crystal board case 54 containing the liquid crystal control board 54a, and the like are detachably mounted.

  In addition, an open / close cover 55 that covers the back side of the game board 5 is detachably mounted on the back side of the front frame 4, and a game ball tank 56 and a tank rail 57 are on the left and right sides on the top side. The payout means 58 and the payout passage 59 are respectively installed, and when a game ball wins a winning opening such as the big winning means 29 or when a ball lending instruction is issued from an automatic ball lending machine not shown, The game balls in the ball tank 56 are paid out by the payout means 58 through the tank rail 57, and the game balls are guided to the upper plate 15 through the payout passage 59.

  Further, a substrate mounting base 61 is detachably attached to the lower part of the back side of the front frame 4. On the back side of the substrate mounting base 61, a power supply substrate case 62 in which a power supply substrate 62a is stored, and a payout control substrate 63a. Are respectively detachably mounted.

  FIG. 4A is a schematic block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine. In FIG. 4 (a), a main control board (main control means) 52a supervises game control operations, and the normal symbol display means 34, special symbol display means 35, normal symbol start means 27, special symbol on the game board 5, The symbol starting means 28, the grand prize winning means 29, the normal winning means 30 and the like are connected via, for example, a relay board (not shown), and at the lower level, based on the control command from the main control board 52a, voice output, LED An effect control board 53a for effect control such as light emission and movable body drive, a liquid crystal control board 54a for controlling the liquid crystal display means 31 based on a control command from the effect control board 53a, and a control command from the main control board 52a A discharge control board 63a for controlling the discharge means 58, and a launch control base for controlling the launch means 6 based on a launch control signal from the payout control board 63a. Sub-control means such as 6a is connected.

  The effect control board 53a and the liquid crystal control board 54a are connected to an effect interface board 53b connected to the main control board 52a, and control commands from the main control board 52a to the effect control board 53a, and the effect control board 53a. Both control commands to the liquid crystal control board 54a are transmitted via the effect interface board 53b.

  Further, in addition to various effect means that are controlled by the effect control board 53a, such as the speaker 12, the LEDs 13, 33, the drive means 38b of the movable effect means 38, etc., an effect button 21 that can be operated by the player, a cross operation means 22, The volume setting knob 64 and the like are connected to the effect control board 53a via the effect interface board 53b, for example.

  Here, the volume setting knob (second volume operation means) 64 is composed of a rotary switch that can be switched in a plurality of stages (here, T0 to T9, see FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. It is mounted on the production interface board 53b so as to be operable from the outside of the production board case 53. As described above, the volume setting knob 64 is disposed on the rear side of the gaming machine main body 1 and must be unlocked and the front frame 4 opened to be operated, so that the player cannot operate it.

  Subsequently, a power-on process (FIG. 5) performed in the main control board 52a when the power is turned on will be described. In this power-on processing, first, interrupts are prohibited so that interrupt processing such as timer interrupts is not executed (S1), and various initial settings such as interrupt mode, stack pointer, built-in WDT (Watch Dog Timer), input / output port, etc. are performed ( S2) Further, the RAM clear switch signal is read (S3). This RAM clear switch signal is turned ON when the power is turned on while the RAM clear switch 65 is operated (when the power is turned on with a predetermined operation). 2 and 4A, the RAM clear switch 65 is mounted on the main control board 52a so as to be operable from the outside of the main board case 52, for example.

  Subsequently, the sub board activation waiting time is set (S4), and the process of clearing the built-in WDT (S5, S6) is repeated while subtracting the value by 1 until the sub board activation waiting time becomes 0 (S7). Do. Next, the power abnormality signal is read twice, and the process of determining whether or not the power abnormality signal matches (S8, S9) is repeated until it is determined that they match. If the power supply abnormality signal matches (S9: Yes), it is determined whether or not the power supply abnormality signal is ON (S10). If the power supply abnormality signal is ON, the loop processing of S8 and S9 is performed again. .

  When the power supply abnormality signal is OFF in S10 (S10: No), the internal RAM write permission (S11), that is, the write operation to the internal RAM is enabled. Then, a standby screen display command is transmitted to the effect control board 53a (S12). As a result, a standby screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the power-on signal of the dispensing control board 63a is ON (S14) until the built-in WDT is cleared (S13) until it is determined that the power-on signal is ON (S14: Yes) (S13). ) Repeatedly confirms the start-up of the payout control board 63a.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the RAM clear switch signal is ON (S15). If the RAM clear switch signal is OFF (S15: No), it is determined whether or not the backup flag is ON (S16). If the backup flag is ON (S16: Yes), it is determined whether or not the checksums match (S17). If the RAM clear switch signal is OFF (S15: No), the backup flag is ON (S16: Yes), and it is determined that the checksums match (S17: Yes), the backup recovery processing ( When S18) is executed and it is determined that the RAM clear switch signal is ON (S15: Yes), the backup flag is OFF (S16: No), or the checksums do not match (S17: No) In step S19, a RAM clear process (S19) is executed.

  For example, the backup recovery processing (S18) is performed according to the procedure shown in FIG. That is, first, a power return display command is transmitted to the effect control board 53a (S31). As a result, a display indicating that the power is restored is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31. In addition, for example, notification of game information (S32), that is, notification that game information at the time of power-off is held, is performed by causing a specific LED to emit light.

  Then, a special reserved number designation command and a command corresponding to the variation pattern distribution designation number are transmitted to the effect control board 53a (S33, S34). As a result, the hold display images 44 (FIG. 1) corresponding to the number of special holds when the power is shut off are displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31, and the effect design 43 can be changed by the change pattern when the power is shut off. On the condition that the customer is waiting (S35: Yes), a customer waiting demo command is transmitted to the effect control board 53a (S36). By transmitting this customer waiting demo command, an operation effective period, which will be described later, is started, and volume adjustment and menu display by player operation become possible.

  Finally, the random number circuit abnormality confirmation flag, error flag, radio wave error counter, magnetic error counter, and winning prize error counters are cleared to 0 (S37), and the backup recovery process ends.

  Further, the RAM clearing process (S19) is performed in the procedure as shown in FIG. 7, for example. That is, first, the RAM is initialized (S41), and a RAM clear display command is transmitted to the effect control board 53a (S42). Thereby, RAM clear notification or the like is started by light emission of the LED 13 or the like, output of a notification sound, or the like. In addition, a customer waiting demonstration command is transmitted to the effect control board 53a (S43). By transmitting this customer waiting demo command, an operation effective period, which will be described later, is started, and volume adjustment and menu display by player operation become possible.

  Finally, a value corresponding to the RAM clear notification duration (for example, 30 s) is set in the RAM clear notification timer (S44), and the RAM clear processing ends. The RAM clear notification timer is subtracted as time elapses, and the RAM clear notification is terminated when the value becomes zero.

  In FIG. 5, when the backup recovery process (S18) or the RAM clear process (S19) ends, the CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) is set so that the timer interrupt process is executed, for example, at a cycle of 4 ms (S20). The main loop process (S21 to S23) is executed. In this main loop process, interrupts are prohibited (S21), various random numbers are updated (S22), and interrupts are permitted (S23). Thereby, for example, a timer interrupt is called and executed at a cycle of 4 ms.

  The timer interrupt process of the main control board 52a is performed by the procedure shown in FIG. 8, for example. That is, after saving the contents of the register to the stack area, first, it is monitored whether or not the power is normally supplied. If a power supply abnormality occurs, a power supply abnormality check process for performing a backup process or the like ( S51) and a timer management process (S52) for managing various timers used for game control. Then, an input management process (S53) for managing detection information by various sensors such as a game ball detection means provided at each winning opening, a random number management process in timer interruption (S54) for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot determination random number, An error management process (S55) for monitoring the presence or absence of various abnormalities, and a prize ball management process (S56) for transmitting a payout control command to the payout control board 63a based on the input management process of S53.

  Subsequently, a normal symbol management process (S57), a normal electric accessory management process (S58), a special symbol management process (S59), and a special electric accessory management process (S60) are performed. The normal symbol management process (S57) manages the fluctuation of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display means 34. The normal symbol starting means 27 acquires a winning determination random number value based on detecting the game ball and The hit determination random number value is stored in a first-in first-out storage area with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4) as a limit, and the normal symbol display means 34 is in a state that can be displayed in a variable manner, and the normal number of reservations is 1 or more. On the condition that the winning determination random number value at the head of the queue is taken out, the determination of winning / losing (winning determination) is performed according to whether or not the winning determination random number value matches a predetermined hit determination value. At the same time, the stop symbol after the change of the normal symbol and the change time of the normal symbol are selected, and the normal symbol is changed by the normal symbol display means 34.

  Further, the ordinary electric utility management process (S58) is for managing the ordinary profit state, and the result of the hit determination in S57 is the win, and the stop symbol after the fluctuation of the normal symbol display means 34 becomes the hit mode. In addition, a normal profit state is generated in which the opening / closing means 41 of the special symbol starting means 28 is changed to an open state according to a predetermined opening / closing pattern.

  The special symbol management process (S59) manages the variation of the special symbol by the special symbol display means 35, and based on the fact that the game ball wins the special symbol start means 28 (the symbol start condition is established), The jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value are acquired one by one and stored in a first-in first-out storage area up to a predetermined upper limit for holding (for example, four), and the special symbol display means 35 displays the variation. The big hit determination random number value at the head of the queue is taken out on condition that the number of special hold numbers is 1 or more (variation start condition is satisfied), and the big hit determination random number value is determined in advance. Depending on whether or not it matches with the judgment value, judgment of jackpot / off (jacket judgment) is performed, and the change of the stop symbol and the effect symbol 43 after the change of the special symbol Select the turn, it is adapted to perform a change of special symbols by the special symbol display means (symbol display means) 35.

  In addition, by this special symbol management process, a hold increase command is transmitted to the effect control board 53a, for example, when a game ball is won to the special symbol starting means 28, and a hold subtraction command and a variation pattern command are also generated at the start of variation of the special symbol. , A stop symbol command is transmitted, a variable stop command is transmitted when the special symbol fluctuates, and the special symbol display means 35 ends the fluctuation of the special symbol when the special reserved number is 0. A customer waiting demo command is sent when a variable waiting state is entered. By transmitting this customer waiting demo command, an operation effective period, which will be described later, is started, and volume adjustment and menu display by player operation become possible.

  The special electric utility management process (S60) manages the special profit state. The result of the jackpot determination in S59 is a jackpot, and the stop symbol after the fluctuation of the special symbol display means 35 is a jackpot mode (specific mode). In this case, a special profit state (profit state) is generated in which the open / close plate 42 of the special winning means 29 is changed to an open state according to a predetermined open pattern.

  Next, LED management processing (S61) regarding normal symbol variation display by the normal symbol display means 34, special symbol variation display by the special symbol display means 35, etc., and various information is output from the external output terminal to an external device such as a hall computer. External terminal management process (S62), excitation signal output to the drive solenoid of the opening / closing means 41 based on the ordinary electric accessory management process of S58, excitation signal to the drive solenoid of the opening / closing plate 42 based on the special electric accessory management process of S60 The solenoid management process (S63) such as the output of is performed.

  Then, the contents of the saved register are restored and set to an interrupt enabled state (S64), and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, the control operation of the effect control board 53a will be described. The effect control board 53a is for controlling various effect means such as sound output from the speaker 12, LEDs 13, 33, liquid crystal display means 31, etc. As shown in FIG. 4B, the effect symbol control means 71, Special holding number display control means 72, movable body operation confirmation means 73, RAM clear notification control means 74, operation button inspection notification control means 75, volume control means 76, customer waiting control means 77, and the like are provided.

  The effect symbol control means 71 performs display control of the effect symbol 43 and accompanying audio output, LED light emission, and the like. When the variation pattern command is received from the main control board 52a, the effect symbol control means 71 is based on the specified variation pattern. Then, when the variation of the effect symbol 43 is started by the liquid crystal display means 31 via the liquid crystal control board 54a and the accompanying voice output and LED light emission are started and the variation stop command is received, the symbol designation command and the variation pattern command are received. With the stop symbol selected based on the above, the variation of the effect symbol is stopped, and the accompanying voice output and LED light emission are stopped.

  The special reserved number display control means 72 controls the display of the special reserved number on the liquid crystal display means 31, and a new game ball is detected by the special symbol starting means 28, and a reserved increase command is received from the main control board 52a. When this is done, one additional display image 44 is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31 and the special symbol starts to fluctuate on the basis of the number of the reserved storage corresponding to the reserved increase command. Sometimes, when a hold reduction command is received from the main control board 52a, the hold display image 44 corresponding to the first hold is erased and the hold display image 44 corresponding to the second and subsequent holds is shifted forward. It has become.

  The movable body operation confirmation means 73 performs an operation confirmation process of the movable body 38a in the movable effect means 38, and is activated when, for example, a power supply return display command is received from the main control board 52a. Here, the operation confirmation process of the movable body 38a is performed in the following procedure, for example. That is, first, it is determined whether or not the movable body 38a is at the predetermined origin position based on the detection signal from the predetermined origin position detection means. If the movable body 38a is not at the origin position, the origin position detection means is turned on. The drive means 38b is operated to the origin return side. Subsequently, the drive unit 38b is operated on the side opposite to the origin until the origin position detection unit is turned off, and then the drive unit 38b is operated on the origin return side until the origin position detection unit is turned on again. Further, after the driving unit 38b is operated in a predetermined step on the side opposite to the origin until the movable body 38a reaches the maximum operating position, the driving unit 38b is operated on the origin return side until the origin position detecting unit is turned on again.

  By completing the operation confirmation process as described above without any abnormality, it can be confirmed that the movable body 38a is at the origin position and that the movable body 38a is in a normally operating state. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the time required for the operation confirmation process of the movable body 38a is less than 30 s (FIG. 19B).

  The RAM clear notification control means (specific notification control means) 74 executes RAM clear notification (specific notification). For example, when a RAM clear notification command is received from the main control board 52a, that is, when the RAM is cleared (predetermined operation is performed). The RAM clear notification is executed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). In this RAM clear notification, for example, the LED 13 or the like is caused to emit light in a predetermined pattern, and a predetermined notification sound is output from the speaker 12.

  The operation button inspection notification control means (operation notification control means) 75 performs operation button inspection notification (inspection notification) related to the inspection of the operation means such as the effect button 21 and the cross operation means 22, and is, for example, from the main control board 52a to the RAM. When the clear notification command is received, that is, when the RAM is cleared (when power is turned on with a predetermined operation), the operation button inspection notification is executed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). In this operation button inspection notification, for example, an indication that the operation button is being inspected is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31, for example, and if any operation button is operated during the inspection, the fact that the operation button has been operated is displayed. For example, it is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31.

  The volume control means 76 is used to set the volume. Based on the setting of the volume setting knob 64 and the operation of the left and right keys 22c and 22d by the player, for example, the volume control means 76 can change the volume from V0 (silence) to V7. It is set to any of 8 levels up to (maximum volume).

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the volume corresponding to the 10-level setting of T0 to T9 by the volume setting knob 64 and the 5-level setting of M1 to M5 by the player operation. When the setting of the volume setting knob 64 is any of T0 to T3, the volume is fixed to V0 to V3, respectively, and cannot be adjusted by player operation. In addition, when the setting of the volume setting knob 64 is any of T4 to T9, the adjustable range by the player operation is common in V3 to V7, but the initial setting values are different. In particular, when the setting by the volume setting knob 64 is in the range of T4 to T7, the initial setting values are V4 to V7, respectively. Thereby, in the range of the setting of the volume setting knob 64 from T0 to T7, the initial setting value of the volume becomes higher as the setting stage is higher.

  Depending on the setting of the volume setting knob 64, the volume adjustment range by player operation may be varied. Further, the volume may be adjusted by player operation at all stages of the volume setting knob 64.

  The customer waiting control unit 77 controls an effect during the customer waiting period from the reception of the customer waiting demo command from the main control board 52a until the symbol variation by the special symbol display unit 35 is started. Volume adjustment notification control means 77a for controlling display of the notification image 45 (volume adjustment notification), volume setting status notification control means 77b for controlling display of the volume setting status notification image 46 (volume setting status notification regarding the volume setting status), Menu display control means 77c for controlling the display of the menu image 49, menu display notification control means 77d for controlling the display (menu display notification) of the menu display notification image 47, and menu operation notification control for controlling the display of the menu operation notification image 48. Means 77e and the like are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the customer waiting period from when the customer waiting demo command (predetermined command) is received from the main control board 52a until the symbol variation by the special symbol display means 35 is started is set as the operation effective period. During the operation valid period, the player can adjust the volume by pressing the left and right keys (first volume operation means) 22c and 22d of the cross operation means 22, and the player can also use the effect button (for display start). When the operation means) 21 is pressed, the menu image 49 is displayed, and in this state, the up / down keys (selection operation means) 22a and 22b and the effect button (decision operation means) 21 of the cross operation means 22 are pressed. Thus, any selection item displayed in the menu image 49 can be selected and executed. Hereinafter, the customer waiting effect processing (FIG. 9) and the operation management processing (FIG. 10) executed by the customer waiting control means 77 in, for example, timer interruption will be described.

  In the customer waiting effect process (FIG. 9), it is first determined whether or not the operation valid flag is 1, that is, whether or not the operation is valid (S71). If the operation valid flag is not 1, that is, if it is not during the operation valid period (S71: No), it is determined whether or not a customer waiting demo command is received from the main control board 52a (S72), and the customer waiting demo command is displayed. If it has not been received (S72: No), the customer waiting effect process ends here.

  The customer waiting demo command (predetermined command) is not limited to the case where the number of special reservations is 0 and when the special symbol display means 35 enters the symbol fluctuation standby state, or when the backup is restored from the customer waiting state. (S36 in FIG. 6), when the RAM is cleared (S43 in FIG. 7), it is transmitted from the main control board 52a to the effect control board 53a. The presentation control board 53a that has received the customer waiting demo command transmits the customer waiting demo command to the liquid crystal control board 54a.

  If it is determined in S72 that the customer waiting demo command has been received from the main control board 52a (S72: Yes), the operation valid flag is set to 1 (during the operation valid period) and the operation valid period is started (S73). At the same time, the effect before waiting for the customer is started (S74). In this pre-waiting effect, for example, the image of the effect symbol 43 that has been stopped by the previous symbol variation is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31, the LEDs 13 and 33 emit light in a predetermined light emission pattern, and the speaker 12 generates a predetermined value. BGM is output. However, even if the pre-waiting effect is started, as described above, RAM clear notification, operation button inspection notification, and the like are performed for a predetermined time when the RAM is cleared.

  Note that the volume adjustment notification image 45 indicating that the player can adjust the volume and the menu display notification image 47 indicating that the menu screen can be displayed are displayed at that time point even when the operation valid period is started. Not started. Here, an operation effective notification other than the display of the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 on the liquid crystal display means 31, for example, notification by light emission of the LED 23 of the effect button 21 and the LEDs 24a to 24d of the cross operation means 22 is effective. It may start simultaneously with the start of the period.

  Then, initial values are set in the screen display timer, the demo timer, and the BGM timer, respectively (S75 to S77), and the customer waiting effect process ends. Here, the screen display timer is for timing the time until the display of the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 is started, and its initial value is at least a movable body operation confirmation process at the time of backup recovery, A value corresponding to, for example, 30 s, which is the same as or longer than the maximum time required for RAM clear notification and operation button inspection notification when the RAM is cleared, is set. The demo timer is used to count the time until the customer waiting demonstration effect is started, and a value corresponding to, for example, 180 s is set as an initial value. The BGM timer is used to count the time until the BGM fades out, and a value corresponding to, for example, 30 s is set as an initial value.

  If the operation valid flag is 1 (during the operation valid period) in S71 (S71: Yes), for example, whether a variation pattern command has been received, that is, the symbol variation start timing by the special symbol display means 35 has arrived. It is determined whether or not (S78). If the variation pattern command has not been received (S78: No), it is determined whether or not BGM is being output (S79). If BGM is being output (S79: Yes), the BGM timer is set to 1. Subtraction is performed (S80), and the BGM is faded out on condition that the value of the BGM timer after the subtraction is 0 (S81: Yes) (S82). Thereby, the output of BGM is continued until at least a predetermined time (for example, 30 s) has elapsed since the start of the operation effective period.

  Also, the demo timer is decremented by 1 (S83), and on the condition that the demo timer value after the subtraction is 0 (S84: Yes), the customer waiting demonstration effect is started (S85). Thus, the customer waiting demonstration effect is not started until a predetermined time (for example, 180 s) elapses from the reception of the customer waiting demonstration command, that is, the operation effective period. In the customer waiting demonstration effect, for example, a model image demo image, a company logo image, a stop image of the effect symbol 43, etc. are repeatedly displayed in a predetermined pattern on the liquid crystal display means 31, and the LEDs 13 and 33 emit light with a corresponding light emission pattern. It has become. Note that, for example, audio output is stopped in the customer waiting demonstration effect.

  In addition, the screen display timer is decremented by 1 (S86), and on the condition that the value of the screen display timer after the subtraction is 0 (S87: Yes), the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 are displayed. Is started (S88, S89), and the customer waiting effect process is terminated. As a result, the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 are displayed when a predetermined time (for example, 30 s) has elapsed since the reception of the customer waiting demo command, that is, the start of the operation effective period.

  Here, the volume adjustment notification image 45 is for notifying that the volume adjustment by the player's operation is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the volume adjustment notification image 45 is an illustration showing left and right keys 22c and 22d used for volume adjustment. It is composed of the words “Adjust volume”. Further, the menu display notification image 47 is for notifying that the menu display by the player's operation is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. It consists of the words “screen display”.

  If it is determined that the variation pattern command is received in S78, that is, it is determined that the symbol variation start timing by the special symbol display means 35 has arrived (S78: Yes), the operation valid flag is set to 0 and the operation valid period is set. (S90), the customer waiting effect or the customer waiting demonstration effect is ended (S91), and the display of the volume adjustment notification image 45, the menu display notification image 47, etc. is ended (S92). That is, the customer waiting state and the operation effective period are ended by the start of symbol variation by the special symbol display means 35. Then, the volume non-operation timer and the menu non-operation timer are each cleared to 0 (S93, S94), and the customer waiting effect process is terminated. The volume non-operation timer and the menu non-operation timer will be described later.

  Next, the operation management process (FIG. 10) will be described. In this operation management process, first, a subtraction process of the volume non-operation timer and the menu non-operation timer, that is, a process of subtracting 1 on the condition that their values are greater than 0 (S101 to S104), respectively. Here, the volume non-operation timer is used to time the non-operation period when the player operation for volume adjustment is interrupted, and an initial value is set in S139 described later. The menu no-operation timer is for measuring the no-operation period during menu display, and an initial value is set in S162 and S179 described later.

  Next, it is determined whether or not any of the left key 22c, the right key 22d, the effect button 21, the upper key 22a, and the lower key 22b is pressed, and when the left key 22c is pressed (S105: Yes). Shows the processing when the left key is pressed (S106), when the right key 22d is pressed (S107: Yes), when the right key is pressed (S108), and when the effect button 21 is pressed (S109: Yes). Shows the processing when the effect button is pressed (S110), when the up key 22a is pressed (S111: Yes), when the up key is pressed (S112), and when the down key 22b is pressed (S113: Yes). Executes the process when the down key is pressed (S114).

  In the present embodiment, simultaneous pressing of the keys 22a to 22d of the effect button 21 and the cross operation means 22 is not allowed, but for example, one of the left and right keys 22c and 22d related to volume adjustment and the menu display. Simultaneous pressing may be allowed between the effect button 21 and the up / down keys 22a, 22b.

  The left key pressing process when the left key 22c is pressed (S106) and the right key pressing process when the right key 22d is pressed (S108) are performed, for example, according to the procedure shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows a flowchart of processing when the left key is pressed, and only differences between the processing when the left key is pressed and the processing when the right key is pressed are shown in parentheses. Here, the process when the left key is pressed will be described, and the process when the right key is pressed will be referred to.

  In the process when the left key (right key) is pressed (FIG. 11), it is first determined whether or not the operation valid flag is 1, that is, whether or not the operation valid period is in effect (S131), and the operation valid flag is not 1. In this case, that is, when the operation is not valid (S131: No), for example, a volume adjustment impossible notification image indicating that the volume cannot be adjusted is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31 (S144), and the left key (right key) is pressed. Exit. Further, even when the operation valid flag is 1 (S131: Yes), when the volume setting knob 64 is a setting corresponding to volume adjustment impossible, for example, any of T0 to T3 (see FIG. 14) (S131a: Yes), a volume adjustment impossible notification image is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31 (S144), and the process when the left key (right key) is pressed is terminated. As described above, when the setting of the volume setting knob 64 is in the range of T0 to T3 even when the operation is not valid, and even during the operation valid period, the operation of the left and right keys 22c and 22d related to the volume adjustment is invalid. Become.

  When the operation valid flag is 1 (S131: Yes) and the setting of the volume setting knob 64 is not in the range of T0 to T3 (S131a: No), the initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 180 s) is re-set in the demo timer. It is set (S132), and on condition that BGM is being output (S133: Yes), an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 30 s) is reset in the BGM timer (S134). As described above, when any of the left and right keys 22c and 22d is pressed during the operation effective period, the elapsed time until the start of the customer waiting demonstration effect (for example, 180 s) and the elapsed time until the BGM fades out (for example, 30 s) are obtained. Reset.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the volume adjustment image flag is 1 (S135). Here, the volume adjustment image flag indicates whether or not the volume setting status notification image 46 is being displayed, and 1 is set while the volume setting status notification image 46 is being displayed. Further, the volume setting status notification image 46 notifies the volume setting status, and has, for example, five scales corresponding to five levels M1 to M5 by player operation as shown in FIG. The scale corresponding to is displayed in a different mode from other scales, for example, different colors (hatching in FIG. 15).

  In the present embodiment, when the setting of the volume setting knob 64 is in the range of T4 to T9 that can be adjusted by the player operation, M1 to M5 by the player operation correspond to the volumes V3 to V7. (FIG. 14). That is, even if the volume setting knob 64 is set to any of T4 to T9, if the setting by the player operation is M1, the volume is always V3, and if the setting by the player operation is M5, the volume is always V7. It is.

  If the volume adjustment image flag is not 1 in S135 (S135: No), the display of the volume setting status notification image 46 is started on the liquid crystal display means 31 (S136) and the volume adjustment display sound is output from the speaker 12 (S137). ), 1 is set in the volume adjustment image flag, and an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 10 s) is set in the volume non-operation timer (S138, S139), and the process is terminated when the left key (right key) is pressed.

  If the volume adjustment image flag is 1 in S135 (S135: Yes), it is determined whether or not the current volume setting is minimum (maximum in the case of processing when the right key is pressed) (S140). If the setting is minimum (maximum in the case of processing when the right key is pressed) (S140: Yes), the processing when the left key (right key) is pressed is terminated at that time. If the volume setting is not minimum (maximum in the case of processing when the right key is pressed) (S140: No), the volume setting is lowered by one level (in the case of processing when the right key is pressed) (S141), and the volume after the change is made The volume setting status notification image 46 is updated so as to correspond to the setting (S142), and a volume change sound is output at a volume corresponding to the changed volume setting (S143), and processing when the left key (right key) is pressed Exit.

  As described above, when any of the left and right keys 22c and 22d is pressed when the volume setting status notification image 46 is not displayed, the volume setting status notification image 46 is displayed by the first operation. The volume setting is changed by the second and subsequent operations.

  Further, when the effect button 21 is pressed, the effect button pressing process (S110) is performed, for example, according to the procedure shown in FIG. That is, it is first determined whether or not the operation valid flag is 1, that is, whether or not the operation is valid (S151). If the operation valid flag is not 1, that is, if the operation is not valid (S151: No) ) Ends the process when the effect button is pressed.

  If the operation valid flag is 1, that is, during the operation valid period (S151: Yes), the demo timer is reset to an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 180 s) (S152), and BGM is being output. (S153: Yes), an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 30 s) is reset in the BGM timer (S154). As described above, even when the effect button 21 is pressed during the operation effective period, the elapsed time until the start of the customer waiting demonstration effect (for example, 180 s) and the elapsed time until the BGM fades out (for example, 30 s) are reset. .

  Then, it is determined whether or not the menu image flag is 1 (S155). Here, the menu image flag indicates whether or not the menu image 49 is being displayed, and is set to 1 while the menu image 49 is being displayed. The menu image 49 is composed of a plurality of selection items including “return” for returning to the previous display state, for example, and a cursor indicating the selection state is displayed on any of the plurality of selection items. It is supposed to be located. As shown in FIG. 16, the menu image 49 of the present embodiment is composed of four types of selection items of “history”, “customization”, “guidance”, and “return”. In the initial state, the menu image 49 is a cursor (hatching in the drawing). ) Is located at “Return”.

  If the menu image flag is not 1 in S155 (S155: No), the display of the menu display notification image 47 is terminated on the condition that the menu display notification image 47 (FIG. 15) is being displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31. Then, the display of the menu image 49 and the menu operation notification image 48 is started on the liquid crystal display means 31 (S158, S159) and the menu notification sound is output from the speaker 12 (S160). Here, the menu operation notification image 48 is for notifying the operation method related to the menu image 49. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, an illustration showing the up and down keys 22a and 22b used for moving the cursor and “selection”. It is composed of an illustration of the effect button 21 used for determining the wording and the selection item, and the wording “decision”.

  Then, 1 (menu image is being displayed) is set to the menu image flag (S161), an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 10s) is set to the menu no-operation timer (S162), and the effect when the effect button is pressed is ended. To do. As described above, when the effect button 21 is pressed while the menu image 49 is not displayed, the menu image 49 is displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31.

  If the menu image flag is 1 (menu image is being displayed) in S155 (S155: Yes), a decision sound is output from the speaker 12 (S163), and a specific process corresponding to the selection item at the cursor position is executed. (S164 to S168). That is, when a lower menu exists in the selection item at the cursor position (S164: Yes), the lower menu is displayed (S165), and when the selection item at the cursor position is “return” (S166: Yes), one is displayed. Returning to the previous state (S167), if there is no lower menu in the selection item at the cursor position (S164: No) and it is not “return” (S166: No), it corresponds to the selection item at the cursor position. The process is executed (S168). Then, an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 10 s) is set in the menu non-operation timer (S162), and the effect when the effect button is pressed is ended.

  In the example of the menu image 49 shown in FIG. 16, the selection item in which the lower menu exists is “customization”, for example. When the selection of this “customization” is determined, the lower menu image as shown in FIG. 49a is displayed. The lower menu image 49a is composed of a plurality of selection items (lower selection items) including, for example, a “menu screen” for returning to the first menu screen, and the initial position of the cursor is a selection other than the “menu screen”, for example. One of the items (here, “standard mode” in the uppermost position) is set.

  Note that a lower menu may be provided in any of the selection items of the lower menu image 49a. That is, the number of menu hierarchies is arbitrary. In addition, the initial position of the cursor when moving to a specific menu image may be different between when moving from a higher-order menu image and when moving from a lower-order menu image. The initial position of the cursor when returning from the menu image is preferably set to a selection item for moving to a higher level, such as “menu screen” and “return”.

  Further, in the example of the menu image 49 shown in FIG. 16, the selection item without the lower menu is, for example, “history”, and when the selection of this “history” is determined, for example, as shown in FIG. The jackpot history information is displayed. Even when the selection of a selection item that does not have such a lower menu is determined, as shown in FIG. 18, the liquid crystal display means 31 has a “menu screen” or the like for returning to a higher menu such as a menu screen. A selection item and a menu operation notification image 48 for notifying the determination operation of the selection item are displayed.

  Further, the process when the upper key is pressed when the upper key 22a is pressed (S112 in FIG. 10), and the process when the lower key is pressed when the lower key 22b is pressed (S114 in FIG. 10) is, for example, the procedure shown in FIG. Done in FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of processing when the up key is pressed, and only the difference between the processing when the down key is pressed and the processing when the down key is pressed is shown in parentheses. Here, the process when the upper key is pressed will be described, and the process when the lower key is pressed will be referred to.

  In the processing when the up key (down key) is pressed (FIG. 13), it is first determined whether or not the menu image flag is 1, that is, whether or not the menu image 49 or the like is being displayed (S171). Is not 1, that is, when the menu image 49 or the like is not being displayed (S171: No), the processing when the up key (down key) is pressed ends here.

  If the menu image flag is 1, that is, if the menu image 49 or the like is being displayed (S171: Yes), the initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 180 s) is reset in the demo timer (S172), and the BGM is being output. On the condition that it is, an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 30 s) is reset in the BGM timer (S173: Yes → S174). As described above, even when one of the up and down keys 22a and 22b is pressed while the menu image 49 is displayed, the elapsed time until the start of the customer waiting demonstration effect (for example, 180 s), the elapsed time until the BGM fades out ( For example, 30s) is reset.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the cursor position is the uppermost position (the lowest position in the case of processing when the down key is pressed) (S175). (S175: No), the cursor is moved up one position (one down in the case of processing when the down key is pressed) (S177), and if it is the highest position (the lowest position in the case of processing when the down key is pressed) ( (S175: Yes), the cursor is moved to the lowest position (the highest position in the case of processing when the down key is pressed) (S176). Then, a cursor moving sound is output from the speaker 12 (S178), and an initial value (for example, a value corresponding to 10s) is set in the menu non-operation timer (S179), and the process when the up key (down key) is pressed is terminated. .

  As described above, the operation of the up and down keys 22a and 22b is enabled in a state where the menu image 49 is displayed, the up key 22a moves the cursor upward, the down key 22b moves the cursor downward, and the continuous operation thereof. The cursor is designed to cycle through multiple selection items.

  Returning to FIG. Subsequent to the processing of S105 to S114 as described above, it is determined whether or not the value of the volume non-operation timer is 0 (S115) and whether the value of the menu non-operation timer is 0 and Al (S120). To do.

  If the value of the volume non-operation timer is 0, that is, if a predetermined time (for example, 10 s) has passed since the left and right keys 22c and 22d were last operated (S115: Yes), the volume adjustment image flag is set. 1 (S116: Yes), the display of the volume setting status notification image 46 is terminated (S117), and the display of the volume adjustment notification image 45 is started (S116: Yes). At the same time as S118), the volume adjustment image flag is set to 0 (S119). As described above, when the no-operation period during the volume adjustment by the player operation reaches a predetermined time (for example, 10 s), the display of the volume setting status notification image 46 is terminated at that time, and the operation is waited.

  If the value of the menu no-operation timer is 0, that is, if a predetermined time (for example, 10 s) has elapsed since the last time the effect button 21 and the up / down keys 22a and 22b were operated (S120: Yes), the menu On condition that the image flag is 1 (displaying the menu image 49 or the like) (S121: Yes), the display of the menu image 49 and the menu operation notification image 48 is ended (S122, S123), and the menu display notification image 47 is displayed. Is displayed (S124), the menu image flag is set to 0 (S125), and the operation management process is terminated. As described above, when the non-operation period during the menu display reaches a predetermined time (for example, 10 s), the display of the menu image 49 and the like is ended, and the operation is waited.

  Here, S118 and S124 are not executed if, for example, the value of the screen display timer is greater than 0, that is, if a predetermined time (30 s in this case) has not elapsed since the reception of the customer waiting demo command. Also good.

  In this embodiment, since different operation means are used for the volume adjustment by the player operation and the menu display, for example, the volume adjustment is possible even while the menu image 49 is being displayed, and the volume setting status notification image 46 is displayed. The menu image 49 can be displayed even during display.

  FIG. 19A shows a case where neither the effect button 21 nor the cross operation means 22 is operated during the period from when the effect control board 53a receives the customer waiting demo command until the change pattern command is received. An example of the state change regarding volume adjustment and menu display is shown. In this example, the volume setting knob 64 is set to T5 (see FIG. 14), and therefore the initial setting value for volume adjustment by player operation is M3 (V5).

  FIG. 19 (b) shows the movable body operation confirmation process performed at the time of backup recovery in accordance with the time chart of FIG. 19 (a). Similarly, FIG. 19C shows the RAM clear notification and the operation button inspection notification performed at the time of RAM clear, in accordance with the time chart of FIG.

  In the example of FIG. 19 (a), the operation effective period starts from the time when the customer waiting demo command is received. Is effective, but at that time, the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 are not displayed. Then, for example, 30 seconds after the reception of the customer waiting demo command, the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 are displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31. At this time, for example, when the backup is restored, the movable body operation confirmation process is completed (FIG. 19B), and when the RAM is cleared, the RAM clear notification and the operation button inspection notification are completed. Therefore (FIG. 19 (c)), it is possible to prevent the player from being confused due to the overlapping of these effects.

  Further, for example, BGM fades out when 30 s has elapsed since the reception of the customer waiting demo command, and the customer waiting demonstration effect is also started when 180 s has elapsed.

  FIG. 20 shows an example in which the right key 22d is continuously pressed twice after 30s from the reception of the customer waiting demo command with the same setting as in FIG. 19A. In this case, the volume setting status notification image 46 is displayed by the first pressing of the right key 22d, and the volume setting is switched from M3 to M4 by the second pressing, and the display of the volume setting status notification image 46 is updated. .

  Note that the volume setting status notification image 46 is erased from the liquid crystal display means 31 when, for example, 10 seconds have elapsed since the second pressing of the right key 22d (when the volume non-operation timer becomes 0). Also, for example, BGM fades out when 30 s elapses from the second press of the right key 22d, and the customer waiting demonstration effect starts when 180 s elapses.

  Also, FIG. 21 has substantially the same setting as FIG. 19A, and the effect button 21, the down key 22b, and the effect button 21 are sequentially provided during a period from 30s after the reception of the customer waiting demo command until 180s elapses. An example of pressing is shown. In this case, when the effect button 21 is pressed for the first time, a menu image 49 and a menu operation notification image 48 are displayed instead of the menu display notification image 47 that has been displayed on the liquid crystal display means 31 until then. At this time, in the menu image 49, the cursor indicates “return” at the lowest position. When the down key 22b is pressed, the cursor moves to the “history” at the uppermost position, and when the effect button 21 is pressed, the selection of “history” is determined. For example, information on the jackpot history is displayed.

  It should be noted that the menu display notification image 47 is displayed on the liquid crystal display means instead of the menu image 49, the menu operation notification image 48, etc., for example, when 10 seconds have elapsed since the second press of the effect button 21 (when the menu no-operation timer becomes 0). 31. Further, for example, BGM fades out when 30 s elapses from the second press of the effect button 21, and the customer waiting demonstration effect is started when 180 s elapses.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, the volume adjustment notification and the menu display notification are started later than the start of the operation effective period, so that the volume adjustment and the menu image display opportunity are not limited. The frequent occurrence of adjustment notification and menu display notification can be suppressed. In addition, the volume adjustment notification and the menu display notification are not started during the confirmation of the movable body operation, the RAM clear notification, and the operation button inspection notification. Can be properly communicated.

  FIG. 22 illustrates the second embodiment of the present invention. The first embodiment is partially changed, a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the operation valid period, and the movable body operation check process is not in progress. An example is shown in which the display of the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 is started on the condition that neither clear notification nor operation button inspection notification is being performed.

  In this embodiment, the configuration other than the customer waiting effect process (FIG. 22) is the same as that of the first embodiment. Moreover, the customer waiting effect process (FIG. 22) of this embodiment is different from the customer waiting effect process (FIG. 9) according to the first embodiment in that S87a to S87c are provided.

  That is, in the customer waiting effect process (FIG. 22) of the present embodiment, when the operation valid flag is 1 (during the operation valid period) (S71: Yes) and no variation pattern command is received (S78: No). When the predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation valid period and the screen display timer becomes 0 (S87) and the movable body operation confirmation process, the RAM clear notification, the operation button inspection notification is not performed (S87a: No → S87b) : No → S87c: No), the display of the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 is started (S88, S89).

  Thereby, it is not necessary to set the initial value of the screen display timer in consideration of the execution time of the movable body operation confirmation process or the like, and the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 of the operation effective period are started. It is possible to change the period until the display is started depending on the situation.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, for a specific period such as during RAM clear notification in the operation effective period, the volume adjustment operation by the player operation is possible, but the volume change based on the volume adjustment operation is not performed at that time, and a predetermined time point after that, for example, It may be performed at the end of the specific period. That is, for example, the RAM clear notification is performed at a predetermined volume (for example, the maximum volume) regardless of the volume setting, and if the volume setting is changed from V3 to V4 by a player operation during the RAM clear notification, for example, the RAM clear For example, the maximum volume may be continued until the notification is finished, and the volume may be changed to V4 when the RAM clear switch clear notification is finished.

  Of the volume adjustment notification and menu display notification, the display of the volume adjustment notification image 45 and the menu display notification image 47 on the liquid crystal display means (image display means) 31 starts after the start of the operation effective period. For example, the volume adjustment notification and menu display notification other than the image display on the display means 31, such as light emission of the LEDs 23, 24a to 24d, may be started simultaneously with the start of the operation effective period.

  The present invention is not limited to pachinko machines and can be similarly implemented in various game machines such as an arrange ball machine and a sparrow ball game machine.

1 gaming machine main body 21 production button (display start operation means, determination operation means)
22a Up key (selection operating means)
22b Down key (selection operating means)
31 Image display means (liquid crystal display means)
35 Special symbol display means (symbol display means)
38a Movable body 49 Menu image 49a Lower menu image 52a Main control board (main control means)
53a Production control board (sub control means)
73 Movable body operation confirmation means 77c Menu display control means 77d Menu display notification control means

Claims (7)

Display starting operation means arranged on the front side of the gaming machine main body,
A menu display control unit capable of displaying a menu image having a plurality of selection items on the image display unit based on the operation of the display start operation unit during the operation valid period;
Menu display notification control means capable of executing menu display notification that the menu image can be displayed;
Movable body operation check means capable of executing the operation check of the movable body after turning on the power,
In a gaming machine capable of executing a specific process corresponding to the selected item based on any one of the plurality of selected items being selected,
The menu display notification is not performed during the operation confirmation. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the menu display notification is not started at least until the operation check is completed even if the operation valid period is started after the power is turned on. The menu display control means is provided in a sub control means different from the main control means,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation valid period is started based on a predetermined command transmitted from the main control means to the sub-control means. A symbol display means for variably displaying a symbol based on the fact that the variation start condition is satisfied after the symbol start condition is satisfied;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation valid period is ended based on the start of symbol variation by the symbol display means during the operation valid period. A selection operation means and a determination operation means arranged on the front side of the gaming machine body,
In the menu image, any one of the plurality of selection items is selected,
Changing the object of the selection state based on the operation of the selection operation means;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the selection of the selection item in the selection state is determined based on an operation of the determination operation means. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the display start operation unit and the determination operation unit are common. 7. The process according to claim 1, wherein the specifying process corresponding to at least one of the plurality of selection items in the menu image is a process of displaying a lower menu image having a plurality of lower selection items. The gaming machine described in 1.

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