JP2019188075A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine having a high degree of freedom in a sound volume adjustment width.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: sound output means; display means; and setting means capable of setting, for a maximum sound volume to be outputted form the sound output means, one sound volume level from among a plurality of sound volume levels. The game machine is configured to be able to display a sound volume adjustment level display in the display means. The sound volume adjustment level display does not change its display mode corresponding to the sound volume level set by the setting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In recent years, game machines such as a ball ball game machine and a revolving game machine have been equipped with a volume level adjustment function that allows a player to variably set the volume level. For example, there is a gaming machine in which a player can freely set the volume of BGM and the amount of light such as a lamp to some extent (Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2008-295551 A

  However, on the other hand, it has become a gaming machine that can be set to a volume level and a light amount level that are larger than necessary. For example, even though the maximum volume level that can be adjusted is very high, the adjustment range is so narrow that the pachinko hall becomes very hot in May, or a comfortable volume level for a player. However, it may not be an appropriate volume level for a certain player, and may be an uncomfortable volume level. Therefore, a gaming machine with a high degree of freedom of adjustment width is desired depending on the gaming environment and the user group.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine in which the maximum volume can be set in multiple stages.

(1) sound output means;
Display means;
For the maximum volume output from the sound output means, a setting means capable of setting any volume level from a plurality of volume levels;
In the gaming machine configured to be able to display a volume adjustment stage display on the display means,
The volume adjustment stage display is configured not to change its display mode according to the volume stage set by the setting means.
A gaming machine characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a high degree of freedom in the volume adjustment range.

1 is a front perspective view showing an appearance of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the back side which shows the appearance of the gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the structure of the game board and effect button which concern on the same gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control apparatus which concerns on the same gaming machine. It is a figure with which it uses for description of the hit classification which concerns on the same gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the screen display of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on the same gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the menu screen which concerns on the same gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the volume adjustment screen which concerns on the same gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the light quantity adjustment screen which concerns on the same gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the adjustment mode selection table for volume, and a volume data selection table. It is a figure which shows the adjustment mode selection table for light quantity, and a light quantity data selection table. It is a figure which shows the modification of a volume adjustment screen. It is a figure which shows the modification of a light quantity adjustment screen. It is a figure which shows the specific example 1 of an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the specific example 2 of an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the specific example 3 of an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the specific example 4 of an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the modification of the specific example 4 of an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the specific example 5 of an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the modification 1 of the specific example 5 of an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the modification 2 of the specific example 5 of an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 1 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 2 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 3 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 4 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 4 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 5 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 5 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 6 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 7 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 8 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the example 9 of a display regarding an adjustment mode selection table. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the volume selection table 1 at the time of an error. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the volume selection table 2 at the time of an error. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the volume selection table 3 at the time of an error. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the volume selection table 4 at the time of an error. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the volume selection table 5 at the time of an error. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the volume adjustment at the time of the conventional error. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the volume adjustment problem at the time of the conventional error. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the solution 1 of the volume adjustment problem at the time of an error. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the solution 2 of the volume adjustment problem at the time of an error. It is explanatory drawing with which it uses for description of the method of control of an audio | voice volume. It is a figure which shows the example 1 of control in the case where volume adjustment is possible during an error. It is a figure which shows the example 2 of control in the case where volume adjustment is possible during an error. It is a figure which shows the control example 3 in case volume adjustment is possible during an error. It is a figure which shows the example 1 of control in the case of volume adjustment impossible during an error. It is a figure which shows the example 2 of control in the case of volume adjustment impossible during an error. It is a figure which shows the example 3 of control in the case of volume adjustment impossible during an error.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, a pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of the gaming machine according to the present invention.

<1. Outline of Configuration: FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2>
With reference to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, and FIG. 2, the outline | summary of a structure of the pachinko game machine which concerns on one Embodiment (1st Embodiment) of this invention is demonstrated. 1A is a front perspective view showing the appearance of a pachinko gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing the back side of the pachinko gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. FIG. 3 is a view showing the front side of the game board.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1A, the structure of the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described. A pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1A has a frame-shaped front frame 2 attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so as to be openable and closable, and a game is stored in a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. A board 3 (see FIG. 2) is mounted, and the game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 is faced to the opening of the front frame 2. A glass door 6 supporting a transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a.

  A key cylinder (not shown) for unlocking the door is provided on the front side of the glass door 6. When the key is inserted into this key cylinder and operated on one side, the glass door 6 is locked to the front frame 2. When operated to the other side, the locked state of the front frame 2 with respect to the outer frame 4 can be released and opened to the front side.

  A front operation panel 7 pivotally supported on the front frame 2 by a hinge (not shown) is disposed below the glass door 6. The front operation panel 7 is provided with an upper tray unit 8, and the upper tray unit 8 is formed with an upper tray 9 for storing discharged game balls.

  The upper tray unit 8 has a ball removal button 14 for pulling out the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 below the pachinko gaming machine 1 and a game ball lending device (not shown) on the island facility side. A ball lending button 11 for requesting payout of the game ball and a card return button 12 for requesting return of the valuable medium inserted in the game ball lending device are provided.

  Further, the upper tray unit 8 includes an effect button 13 (first operation means), a button 75a pointing upward, a button 75b pointing right, and a button 75c pointing downward, which can be operated by the player. A cross-shaped direction key 75 (second operating means) 75 (second operation means) is provided, which includes a button 75d pointing in the left direction and can be operated in the vertical and horizontal directions. The effect button 13 or the direction key 75 functions as an operation means that can be operated by the player, and the reception of an operation input is validated during a predetermined operation valid reception period, and a predetermined operation (for example, 1) is performed during this valid period. When the press, the long press, the continuous hit, etc.) are made, the production can be changed before and after the operation. In addition, the effect button 13 and the direction key 75 are displayed on the game setting screen (menu screen 100 in FIG. 6 described later) on the game such as volume setting and light amount setting during the demonstration screen waiting for the customer (customer waiting effect). It is also used when a player sets a favorite game. The production button 13 is provided with a built-in lamp (button LED 13b) inside, and the operation reception valid period (for example, lighting or blinking in a predetermined color) and the operation depending on the light emission mode of the button LED 13b. A reception invalid period (for example, when the light is turned off) can be notified.

  A firing operation handle 15 for operating the firing device 32 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7.

  In addition, speakers 46 are provided on both sides of the upper portion of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15 to provide a sound effect by sound. In addition, a plurality of decoration lamps 45 (production LEDs) that exhibit a light effect by light decoration are provided at appropriate positions in the gaming machine, for example, in the circumferential direction on the periphery of the front frame of the glass door 6 or in the center decoration body 48 described later. Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, a frame-like back mechanism board 16 that covers the game board storage frame and presses the game board 3 from the back side is attached to the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and thereby the game board 3 and the front frame 2 is integrated. Near one side of the upper part of the back mechanism board 16 is provided a game ball storage tank 17 for storing game balls supplied from a game ball supply device (not shown) of the pachinko hall side island facility. In addition, a game ball payout device 19 (see FIG. 3) is provided in connection with the inclined lower end of the tank rail 18 for leading the ball from the game ball storage tank 17. Further, a frame external terminal board 21 for electrical connection to a data counter DT or a hall computer HC (see FIG. 3) installed outside the gaming machine is provided at the other side corner of the upper part of the back mechanism board 16. It is provided in a terminal board case 22.

  In addition, a back cover mounted on the back side of the game board 3 is fitted in substantially the center of the back mechanism plate, and inside the transparent case 23 (sub control board case 23) mounted on the back cover. An effect control board 24 is provided. Below the sub-control board case 23, the main control board 20 is provided in a state of being housed in a transparent case 26 (main control board case 26) attached to the back cover. Further, below the main control board case 26, a payout control board 29 is provided in a state of being housed in a transparent case 28 (payout control board case 28), and in a state of being housed in the transparent case 30 (power supply board case 30). A power supply board (not shown) is provided. Furthermore, at a position corresponding to the launch operation handle 15, a launch control board 28 is provided on the rear side of a launch device 32 (see FIG. 3) provided with a strike rod for hitting a game ball and a launch motor for driving the strike ball. ing.

(Game board: Fig. 2)
Next, the configuration of the game board 3 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the game board 3 is provided with a ball guide rail 5 that guides the launched game ball in a ring shape as a board surface partition member, and a substantially circular region surrounded by the ball guide rail 5 is formed. The game area 3a and the four corners are non-game areas.

  A liquid crystal display (LCD) 36 is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 3a. The liquid crystal display device 36 is independently controlled by a plurality of types of decorative symbols (for example, left symbols) in a predetermined display area (design variation display area) under the control of an effect control unit 24 described later. In addition, various effects including a variation display operation (variation display and stop display) of three decorative symbols (see FIG. 5) of the middle symbol and the right symbol are displayed as images.

  Further, a center ornament 48 is provided in the game area 3a so as to surround the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 in a distant manner. The center ornament 48 is provided along the front side of the game board 3 and forms a front mounting plate 48a fixed to the game board 3 and the outer periphery of the center ornament 48 to surround the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 36. The armor frame portion 48b is integrally provided to protect the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 from the surrounding game balls and distribute the flow path of the game balls to the left and right according to the strength or stroke length of the game balls. It works as a channel distribution means that makes it possible. In the present embodiment, a game area through which a game ball can pass is formed between the upper surface of the center ornament 48 and the ball guide rail 5, and the game ball that is driven into the upper side of the game area 3 a by the launching device 32. Are distributed to the left and right on the upper side of the armor frame part 48b, and flow down either the left flow path 3b on the left side of the center ornament body 48 or the right flow path 3c on the right side.

  Further, the non-game area near the upper right edge (upper right corner) of the game board 3 is a function display section, and a 7 segment display (with dots) is connected to the upper start port 34 (for the first special symbol) and the lower A special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display device: first special symbol display means) and a special symbol display device 38b, which are arranged side by side in correspondence with the start opening 35 (for the second special symbol) A second special symbol display device: a second special symbol display means). In the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, a "special symbol variation display game" is executed by a variation display operation (variation display and stop display) of "special symbol" expressed by 7 segments. In the liquid crystal display device 36, the decorative symbols are variably displayed in synchronism with the special symbol variation display by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and various notice effects (effect images) are displayed. At the same time, the “decorative symbol variation display game” is executed. Details of the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game will be described later.

  In addition, in the various function display units, a composite display device (LED display for holding composite display) 38c including a 7-segment display (with dots) is disposed next to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b. The combination is called special symbol 1, special symbol 2, normal symbol display of the number of suspended balls, variable time shortening function is active (short time) and high probability state (high probability) status notification This is because it is a hold / short time / high-precision composite display device (hereinafter referred to as “composite display device”) having five display functions.

  The various function display units are provided with a normal symbol display device 39a (normal symbol display means) in which a plurality of (two in this embodiment) LEDs are arranged next to the composite display device 38c. In the normal symbol display device 39a according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol variation display game is executed by the normal symbol variation display operation represented by the two LEDs. For example, as a variable display operation, a normal symbol by LED repeatedly turns on and off alternately in a seesaw manner, and stops in a state where either side is lit, thereby determining whether or not the normal symbol variable display game is successful. Yes.

  A right-handed display device 39b is provided adjacent to the normal symbol display device 39a. The right-handed display device 39b has an advantage of “right-handed” for aiming so that the game ball passes through the right-down flow path 3c by a combination of the lighting / extinguishing state of the LEDs, or the game ball is in the left-down flow path 3b. It is informed whether the “left-handed” aiming to pass through is advantageous. For example, it is informed that if the light emission state of the LED is lit, it is advantageous to strike right and if it is extinguished, it is advantageous to strike left.

  In addition, a round number display device 39c formed by arranging two LEDs (round display LEDs) adjacent to the right-handed display device 39b is provided. The round number display device 39c notifies the specified round number (maximum round number) related to the big hit, based on a combination of lighting / extinguishing states of a plurality of LEDs.

  Below the center ornament 48, there are an upper start port 34 (first special symbol start port: first starter) and a lower start port 35 (second special symbol starter: second starter). The normal variation winning device 41 provided is provided at the top and bottom, and detection sensors 34a, 35a (upper start opening sensor 34a, lower start opening sensor 35a: see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball are formed inside each. Has been.

  The upper start port 34 which is the first special symbol start port is a first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 1”) in the special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display device). (In some cases, abbreviated as “Special Figure 1”) is a winning opening relating to the starting condition of the variable display operation, and does not have a “start opening opening / closing means” that allows the opening to be opened or expanded. It is configured as a “winning device”. In the present embodiment, the game ball falling direction changing member (for example, the game nail (not shown), the windmill 44, the center decoration body 48, etc.) in the game area 3a causes the left downflow path to the upper start opening 34. The game ball that has flowed down 3b has a configuration that allows easy entry (winning), whereas the game ball that has flowed down the right flow path 3c has a configuration that makes it difficult or impossible to enter.

  The normal variation winning device 41 is configured as a “winning rate variation type winning device” capable of changing the winning rate of the game ball at the starting port by the starting port opening / closing means. In the present embodiment, a pair of left and right movable wing pieces (movable members) 47 is provided as a starting port opening / closing means, and the movable wing piece 47 performs an opening / closing operation, whereby a lower starting port 35 which is a second special symbol starting port. Can be opened or expanded.

  The lower start opening 35 of the normal variation winning device 41 is referred to as a second special symbol (hereinafter, the second special symbol is "special symbol 2") in the special symbol display device 38b (second special symbol display device). (In some cases, abbreviated as “Special Figure 2”), the winning area is related to the starting condition of the variable display operation. The winning area of the lower starting hole 35 depends on the operating state (operating or non-operating) of the movable blade piece 47. Thus, the state is converted into an open state that facilitates winning (a state that facilitates winning) and a closed state that makes it difficult or impossible to win than the open state. In the present embodiment, when the movable blade piece 47 is inactive, a closed state (a state in which a prize cannot be awarded) in which a prize cannot be awarded to the lower start port 35 is maintained.

  Further, on both sides of the normal variable winning device 41, there are four general winning openings 43 on the left side and one on the right side, four in total. A mouth sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) is formed.

  Further, a normal symbol start opening 37 (third symbol) formed of a passing gate (normal symbol passing area) through which a game ball can pass is located obliquely above and to the right of the normal variation winning device 41, that is, above the middle portion of the right flow path 3c. Special symbol starting port: third starting means). The normal symbol start port 37 is a winning port related to the normal symbol variation display operation in the normal symbol display device 39a, and a normal symbol start port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a passing game ball is provided therein. Is formed. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol start port 37 is formed only on the right flow path 3c side and is not formed on the left flow path 3b side, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed on both flow paths. .

  In the middle of the path from the normal symbol starting port 37 to the normal variable winning device 41 in the right flow path 3c, a special variable winning that is configured such that the big winning port 50 can be opened or expanded by the retractable opening door 52b. A device 52 (special electric accessory) is provided, and a special winning opening sensor 52a (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 50 is formed therein.

  Around the big prize opening 50 is a bulging portion (decorative member) 55 bulging from the surface of the game board 3, and the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55 forms the downstream guide portion of the right flow path 3c. Yes. And if the big prize opening 50 is closed by the open door 52b (the big prize opening closed state), by forming a surface continuous with the upper side 55a of the bulging part 55, the downstream guide part ( A part of the upper side 55a) is formed. In the downstream area of the right flow path 3c, in the area above the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55, more precisely in the game area above the big winning opening 50, the flow path correction plate is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the game ball. 51d is provided so as to move the flowing game balls toward the big prize opening 50.

  The process of entering a game ball into the big prize opening 50 is as follows. The game ball that has passed through the play area between the upper surface of the center ornament 48 and the ball guide rail 5 protrudes from the game board 3 and functions on the top surface (upper side) 55a of the bulging portion 55 that functions as a guide for the game ball. Come down along. Then, the game ball comes into contact with the right end of the flow path correcting plate 51d protruding from the surface of the game board 3, and thereby the flow direction of the game ball is corrected to the direction of the big winning opening 50 (downward direction). At this time, if the big winning opening 50 is covered by the retractable open door 52b (the big winning opening is closed), the game ball rolls on this, and a gauge configuration (not shown) is further formed. According to (arrangement pattern of game nails), it is guided in the direction of the tulip-type normal variation winning device 41 (lower start opening 35). At this time, if the lower start opening 35 is in a state where a winning is possible (start opening is in an open state), a game ball can win the lower start opening 35, but the open door 52b is retracted in the game board surface and the big winning opening 50 is reached. If is open (big prize opening open state), the game ball is led into the big prize opening 50.

  In the game area 3a, a plurality of movable objects are arranged at positions that do not obstruct the flow of the game ball. In the present embodiment, a first movable body accessory (a clock-type accessory 80 including a clock hand 82) is disposed on the upper right side in the center ornament 48, and a second movable body is obliquely below and to the right. An accessory (flower type accessory) 90 is provided. These clock-type hand 80 (clock hand 82) and flower-type hand 90 (first movable body 91, second movable body 92) notify the degree of expectation for winning (winning expectation degree) according to the operation mode. .

  Each winning opening such as the upper starting opening 34, the lower starting opening 35, the normal symbol starting opening 37, the big winning opening 50, or the general winning opening 43 functions as a winning means arranged in the game area 3a. The detection switch (winning detection switch) such as the upper starting opening sensor 34a, the lower starting opening sensor 35a, the normal symbol starting opening sensor 37a, the large winning opening sensor 52a, or the general winning opening sensor 43a is a game that has entered the winning means. It functions as a winning detection means for detecting a ball. The winning detection switch can be constituted by a non-contact switch such as a photo switch or a proximity switch, or a contact switch such as a micro switch. Note that the number, shape, formation position, and the like of each winning means can be changed as appropriate according to game play. In addition, for each winning means, whether the game ball flowing down the left flow path 3b and / or the right flow path 3c is difficult to win, cannot be won, or can be won is changed appropriately according to the game characteristics. be able to.

  When a game ball wins in each winning opening, the number of winning balls per winning ball promised for each winning opening is paid out from the gaming ball payout device 19 (see FIG. 3). For example, three upper start ports 34, one lower start port 35, 0 normal symbol start ports 37 (no prize balls), 15 large winning ports 50, and 6 general winning ports 43 are paid out. . The game balls that have not won the winning holes are discharged from the game area 3a through the out port 49. Here, “winning” is not a structure in which a winning opening takes a game ball inside, or a winning opening takes a gaming ball inside, but a winning opening made of a pass-through gate (for example, a normal symbol start opening 37). ) Means that the game ball passes through the gate. Actually, when a game ball is detected by each winning detection switch formed for each winning opening, a “winning” is entered in the winning opening. Are treated as if they occurred. The game ball related to the winning is also referred to as “winning ball”.

<2. Control device: Fig. 3>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a control device that controls the game operation control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an outline of the control device.

  The control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is referred to as a main control board (main control means) 20 (hereinafter, referred to as a “main control unit 20”) that comprehensively manages control (game operation control) related to game operations in general. ) And an effect control command from the main control unit 20, and an effect control board (effect control means) 24 (hereinafter referred to as “effect control unit 24”) that performs overall execution control (appearance control) of the effect by the effect means. And a payout control board (payout control means) 29 that controls the payout of prize balls by the game ball payout device 19, and a power supply (including a backup power supply) necessary for each board of the gaming machine from an external power supply. A power supply board (power supply control means (not shown)) to be generated and supplied is mainly configured. In addition, a liquid crystal display device 36 as an image display device is connected to the effect control unit 24. In FIG. 3, the power supply route is omitted.

(2-1. Main control unit 20)
The main control unit 20 includes a microprocessor incorporating a CPU 201 (main control CPU) and a ROM 202 (main control) for storing various data necessary for game operation control in addition to a control program describing a game operation control procedure. ROM) and a RAM 203 (main control RAM) that functions as a work area and a buffer memory are mounted, and a microcomputer (Z80 system equivalent) is configured as a whole.

  Although not shown, the main control unit 20 includes a periodic interrupt, a CTC that provides a pulse output generation function (bit rate generator) having a constant period, a time measurement function, a timer interrupt that provides an interrupt signal to the CPU, and the like. Interrupt controller circuit that demonstrates the interrupt enable / disable function of the CPU, reset circuit that can detect a power failure, power failure, etc., and reset the CPU by outputting a system reset signal, control program operation error A watchdog timer (WDT) circuit that monitors whether the program is properly executed within a preset address range, and an IAT circuit that prohibits running outside the specified area. A counter circuit is also provided. At least the main control unit (main control board) 20 and the payout control board 29 receive a voltage drop signal received from a power supply board (not shown) to start execution of necessary backup processing prior to power shut-off. The game operation before the interruption can be resumed after the power is restored (backup function). In this pachinko gaming machine 1, it is possible to retain the stored contents of each RAM for at least several days.

  The counter circuit includes a random number generation circuit that generates a random number and a sampling circuit that samples a random value from the random number generation circuit at a predetermined timing, and functions as a 16-bit counter as a whole. The CPU 201 sends an instruction to the sampling circuit according to the processing state to acquire the numerical value indicated by the random number generation circuit as an internal lottery random number value (a random number for jackpot determination (random number size: 65536)). The random value is used for the big hit lottery. The internal lottery random number is obtained by adding a soft random number value generated by an appropriate software process and a hard random number value in order to prevent a go-to action such as hitting a hit.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 includes an upper start sensor 34 a that detects a winning at the upper start opening 34, a lower start sensor 35 a that detects a win at the lower start opening 35, and a game ball to the normal symbol start opening 37. A normal symbol start opening sensor 37a for detecting the passage of the player, a large winning opening sensor 52a for detecting a winning at the big winning opening 50, and a general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting a winning at the general winning opening 43, are connected. The main control unit 20 can receive detection signals from these. Based on the detection signals from these sensors, the main control unit 20 grasps which winning opening the game ball has won (entered).

  The main control unit 20 is connected to an OUT monitoring switch 49a for detecting a game ball (so-called out ball) discharged from the gaming machine through the out port 49 and each winning port, and the main control unit 20 is connected to the OUT monitoring switch. The detection signal from 49a can be received. The main control unit 20 includes counting means for counting the number of out balls based on the detection signal from the OUT monitoring switch 49a, and the counting result is used to calculate performance information (base value) described later.

  The main control unit 20 is connected with fraud detection sensors 72a to 72c for detecting fraudulent acts on the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the main control unit 20 performs fraudulent acts on the gaming machines based on detection signals from the fraud detection sensors. To monitor. Such fraud detection sensors include a vibration sensor 72a, a radio wave sensor 72b, a magnetic sensor 72c, and the like, which are provided at appropriate positions in the gaming machine. The error detected by the fraud detection sensor is preferentially notified to the gaming machine as a high-severity error compared to other errors.

  Further, the main control unit 20 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 41c for controlling opening and closing of the movable wing piece 47 of the lower start opening 35 and a large winning opening solenoid 52c for controlling opening and closing of the open door 52b of the large winning opening 50. And the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for driving and controlling them.

  In addition, a special symbol display device 38a and a special symbol display device 38b are connected to the main controller 20, and the main controller 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of the special symbols 1 and 2. Yes. The main control unit 20 is connected to a normal symbol display device 39a, and can transmit a control signal for display control of the normal symbol.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a composite display device 38c, a right-handed display device 39b, and a round number display device 39c. The main control unit 20 controls display of various information displayed on these devices. A control signal can be transmitted.

  In addition, a frame external terminal board 21 is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 transmits a signal (outer end signal) including predetermined game information via the frame external terminal board 21 of the gaming machine. Output to the outside is possible. The frame external terminal board 21 is configured to be connectable to a so-called “data counter DT” or “hall computer HC” provided outside the gaming machine, and the outer end signal is “data counter DT” or “ To the hall computer HC ".

  The main control unit 20 uses, as the outer end signal, for example, winning game start information, winning information for a start opening (special symbol variation start information), winning ball information, security information (for example, vibration sensor error, radio wave sensor) 1 or a plurality of outer end signals including error, magnetic sensor error, RAM clear, setting change, etc.). The above-mentioned “data counter DT” can notify specific game information related to the gaming machine (for example, the number of big hits, the number of revolutions (special symbol fluctuation frequency), special symbol fluctuation start / stop information, winning information, etc.) It is a game information notification device and is usually installed at the upper part of the gaming machine. The “Hall Computer HC” monitors and collects gaming machine information based on the outer edge signal output from the frame external terminal board 21 and controls the operating status of the gaming machines installed in the pachinko hall. This is a management computer dedicated to an amusement store that is managed in an automated manner.

  Further, a payout control board (payout control part) 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and when a prize ball needs to be paid out, a control command (the number of prize balls is given) to the payout control board 29. The designated payout control command) can be transmitted.

  Connected to the payout control board 29 is a game ball payout device (game ball payout means) 19 for paying out game balls. The main roles of the payout control board 29 are described later with respect to receiving payout control commands from the main control unit 20, prize ball payout control of the game ball payout device 19 based on the payout control commands, and payout operations to the main control unit 20. For example, transmission of a status signal.

  The game ball payout device 19 is provided with a replenishment detection sensor 19a for detecting insufficient supply of game balls, a ball counting sensor 19b for detecting game balls to be paid out (prize balls), etc. Each detection signal from these sensors can be received. The game ball payout device 19 is provided with a payout motor 19c for driving a ball payout mechanism (not shown) for paying out game balls. The payout control board 29 controls the payout motor 19c. The control signal can be transmitted.

  Further, the payout control board 29 has a full detection sensor 60 for detecting the storage state of the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 (whether the upper tray 9 is full), the front frame 2 and / or the front operation. A door opening sensor 61 for detecting the open state of the panel 7 is connected. The door opening sensor 61 according to the present embodiment functions as a door opening detecting means, and is, for example, an ON state (open state detection) when the front frame 2 opens to the front side with respect to the outer frame 4, and an OFF state when closed. It is configured to be in a state (closed state detection).

  In addition, the payout control board 29 is based on detection signals from the full detection sensor 60, the door opening sensor 61, the replenishment detection sensor 19a, the ball counting sensor 19b, and the like as a “ball clogging signal” indicating a full state. , “Door open signal” indicating that the front frame 2 and the front operation panel 7 are opened, “replenishment signal” indicating insufficient supply of game balls from the game ball payout device 19, insufficient payout of prize balls and prizes Various status signals such as a “counting error signal” indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the number of balls and a “payout completion signal” indicating that a payout operation has been completed can be transmitted to the main control unit 20. Yes. Based on these state signals, the main control unit 20 determines whether or not the front frame 2 and the front operation panel 7 are in an open state (door opening error), and whether or not the payout operation of the game ball payout device 19 is normal ( It is monitored whether the replenishment error) or whether the upper tray 9 is full (ball clogging error) or the like.

  Further, the discharge control board 29 is connected to a launch control board (a launch control unit) 28, and the payout control board 29 can transmit a launch permission signal ES (a launch control signal) that permits a launch operation to the launch control board 28. It has become. The launch control board 28 controls energization to a launch solenoid (not shown) provided in the launch device 32 based on the output of the launch permission signal ES, and a game ball by operating the launch operation handle 15. The launch operation is realized. Further, the strength of launching the game ball can be changed according to the operation amount of the firing operation handle 15.

  Further, the main control unit 20 includes a RAM clear switch 98 for initializing a predetermined area of the RAM 203, a setting key switch 94 for switching to a setting change allowable state in which a setting value can be changed, and its setting change permission. In the state, a setting change switch 95 for changing the setting value and a setting change completion switch 96 for confirming the setting value selected by the setting change switch 95 are connected, and the main control unit 20 receives from these switches. The detection signal can be received. In the present embodiment, the RAM clear switch 98, the setting change switch 95, and the setting change completion switch 96 are all push button switches that can be operated by the operator, and the setting key switch 94 receives the setting key. The key switch can be switched between a setting change permission state (ON) and a setting change prohibition state (OFF) by inserting and performing an ON / OFF operation. Note that these switches are formed at appropriate positions inside the gaming machine from the viewpoint of preventing illegal actions such as setting value fraudulent operations, and are not allowed to be turned on / off from outside the gaming machine unless the front frame 2 is opened. It is possible.

  The main control unit 20 is connected to a setting indicator 97 (setting display means) for displaying information related to the set value, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control. . The setting indicator 97 according to the present embodiment is composed of one 7-segment indicator and is mounted on the main control unit (main control board) 20. The setting display 97 is not limited to the main control board, but is a payout control board 28, a launch control board 29, a relay board (a relay board that relays connection between various display devices and switches and the control board: not shown). ), Or an effect control unit (effect control board (including a liquid crystal control board)) 24 or the like.

(About setting values)
The “set value” is a step-by-step change in the payout rate (so-called machine discount (PAYOUT rate)). In this embodiment, six set values of settings 1 to 6 are provided. ing. This “set value” defines the lottery probability (winning probability) of at least a big hit (the type of hit that will cause the condition device to be described later) to be classified according to the stages 1 to 6 (6 stages). The higher the value, the higher the jackpot lottery probability (the jackpot winning probability) is set, which is advantageous for the player. For example, at low probability, 1/41 in setting 1, 1/490 in setting 2, 1/370 in setting 3, 1/350 in setting 4, 1/330 in setting 5, 1/320 in setting 6 is there. In other words, the higher the set value, the easier it is to win a big hit (the higher the machine discount), and the more advantageous it is for the player. As described above, the set value is a value that prescribes an event that affects the machine discount for each stage, and means a value for a class related to the likelihood of occurrence of a specific event such as a jackpot. Such a “set value” is determined exclusively based on the sales strategy of the pachinko hall (amusement store). When the jackpot lottery probability is in a high probability state (when a special symbol probability changing function described later is activated), the probability rises to a value not exceeding 10 times, and for each set value, the rate of increase ( The ratio is not different. In the above example, when the jackpot lottery probability at the low probability is set 1 to 6 = 1/4 to 1/320 and the increase rate is 10 times, the jackpot lottery probability at the high probability is set from 1 to 6 = 1/41 to 1/32.

  When a plurality of types of jackpots are provided, the winning probability of one or more types of jackpots can be changed according to the set value. For example, if there are four types of big hits, 1 to 4, the higher the set value, the higher the probability of winning all of the big hits 1 to 4 may be configured. It may be configured to increase only the winning probability of one to three big hits (in this case, the common winning probability is set for all the set values for big hit 4), or only a specific big hit (for example, only one big hit) ) May be configured to be high (in this case, a common winning probability is set for all jackpots 2 to 4). Moreover, you may comprise so that the combined winning probability of jackpot 1-4 may become high, so that a setting value becomes relatively high. Also, the winning probability of the small hit type that does not trigger the activation of the condition device may be changed according to the set value, as in the case of the big hit.

(About setting value change operation)
In the present embodiment, at least when the setting key switch 94 and the RAM clear switch 98 are turned on at the time of turning on the power, the setting change permissible state is controlled, and when the power is turned on by other switch operations, It is controlled to the setting change prohibition state. When the setting change switch 95 is turned ON in the setting change allowable state, the current display value of the setting display 97 is “1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 1 → 2 → 3 →. The display is switched so as to circulate in the range of 1 to 6 as shown in FIG. When the desired setting value is displayed, if the setting change completion switch 96 is turned on (setting confirmation operation), the current display value is confirmed as the current setting value, and the setting value data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 ( Setting value storage area). Then, when the setting key switch 94 is operated from the current ON state to the OFF state, the setting change permissible state is terminated, and thereafter, the game is started under the set value determined. The main control unit 20 of the present embodiment, based on an operation of a predetermined operation means, a set value selection means for selecting any set value from a plurality of kinds of set values having different advantages for the player; Setting value setting means for setting the setting value selected by the setting value selection means.

  In addition, the main control unit 20 can transmit various game processing information such as information related to the special symbol variation display game and error information to the effect control unit 24 by an effect control command according to the processing state. . However, in order to prevent an external goto action, the main control unit 20 only transmits a signal to the effect control unit 24 and cannot receive a signal from the effect control unit 24. It has become.

(About the performance indicator 99)
The main control unit 20 is connected to a performance indicator 99 (information display means) for displaying (notifying) information relating to a game result in a predetermined period (specific game period) (hereinafter referred to as “performance information”). The main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control. The performance indicator 99 of this embodiment is composed of a plurality of 7-segment LEDs. Specifically, four 7-segment LEDs (7-segment indicators 99a to 99d) each having a display part and a circuit part are unitized. These are mounted on, for example, the main control board 20 to constitute a display capable of displaying a 4-digit number. Each 7-segment LED has a decimal point DP (dot) under the 7-segment number.

  In the present embodiment, as the performance information, the total payout number (normal payout number) in the normal state (the probability of a big hit lottery (low probability (normal probability) and no electric support described later)) and the cumulative amount in the normal state The number of out balls (normal number of outs) is measured in real time, and the value obtained by dividing the number of normal payouts by the number of normal outs is multiplied by one hundred (the number of normal payouts divided by the number of normal outs x 100) (Hereinafter also referred to as “base value”), and this is displayed in a predetermined manner by the performance indicator 99. In addition, about a display value, the value which rounded off the 1st decimal place is made into the predetermined display mode. However, instead of simply measuring permanently and displaying the base value (performance information), when the cumulative number of outballs reaches a predetermined specified number (for example, 60000), the measurement is temporarily stopped, The base value at the end of measurement is stored as history information in a predetermined area (performance display storage area) of the RAM 203 (the current base value is stored). In the case of the present embodiment, the “specified number” that is the trigger for the end of the measurement is not the number of outs in the normal state, but the total number of out-balls in all the game states (including those in the game) (hereinafter “all state outs”). (Referred to as “number”). The number of all state outs is also measured in real time.

  In addition, after storing the current base value as the history information, the measurement information storage area used in the current measurement is cleared to zero, and the next normal payout number, normal out number, base value, all state out ball Start counting numbers and measure new base values in real time.

(2-2. Production control unit 24)
The effect control unit 24 includes a microprocessor incorporating a CPU 241 (effect control CPU), a ROM 242 (effect control ROM) that stores effect data required for effect control processing, and a RAM 243 (function control buffer ROM) that functions as a work area and buffer memory. Other than that, the sound control unit (sound source LSI), RTC function unit (Real Time Clock), counter circuit for effect lottery random numbers, interrupt controller circuit, reset circuit, A WDT circuit or the like is provided to control the overall rendering operation. Further, the RTC function unit is a clock IC that keeps time, and relates to time information and / or date (month, day, day of week) in real time that is the current time (“the current hour is what minute”). Works as a clock means to provide calendar information. In addition, since the RTC function part is equipped with the secondary battery and can operate | move permanently by charging the secondary battery with the power supply voltage supplied from a power supply board, the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is Even if it is cut off, it keeps timing the current date and time. However, the RTC function unit may cause a difference in the time measured over time due to a difference in frequency of the internal transmitter. Therefore, accurate time information can be provided by adjusting the time of the RTC function unit based on accurate time information provided by the time adjustment means from outside the gaming machine.

  The main roles of the production control unit 24 are reception of production control commands from the main control unit 20, selection of production based on production control commands, image display control of the liquid crystal display device 36 as production means, and sound control of the speaker 46. , Light emission control of various effect LEDs (decorative lamp 45, button LED 13b, and other effect LEDs), operation control of various movable objects, and the like.

  The effect control unit 24 includes a display control unit (not shown) that controls the display control of the liquid crystal display device 36. This display control unit mainly controls an effect (image display effect) by the liquid crystal display device 36, and controls the overall image output processing such as image expansion processing and image drawing, and VDP performs image expansion processing. An image ROM storing image data (effect image data) to be performed, a VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores image data developed by the VDP, and a liquid crystal that outputs control data necessary for the VDP to perform display control Focusing on a control CPU, a liquid crystal control ROM that stores a program describing the display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU and various data necessary for the display control, and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory It is configured.

  In addition to the image display effect, the effect control unit 24 is a light that includes various effect LEDs such as a decoration lamp 45 and a button LED 13b in order to display a light effect, a sound effect, a movable object effect by a movable body, and the like. An optical display control unit for the display device 45a, an acoustic control unit for the sound generation device 46a including the speaker 46, a drive control unit (motor drive circuit) for the movable body accessory motor 80c that operates the movable body accessory, and the like. The effect control unit 24 can transmit control signals related to the effect means to these control units.

  The sound control unit includes a sound source LSI (sound effect control means) that comprehensively controls a sound reproduction operation (sound effect operation) for the speaker 16, and a sound data ROM that stores sound data for realizing a sound effect related to the game. (Sound ROM (sound data storage means)) is mounted, and four speakers 16 functioning as sound production means (sound output means) are connected to the sound source LSI via an interface board. The sound data in the sound data ROM includes data that can specify the sound effect output from each speaker 16 and the sound effect mode (sound volume, timbre, effect, localization, etc.) of the sound. The sound source LSI obtains sound data of the sound effect that should appear from the sound data ROM in accordance with a command from the CPU 241, decodes it to generate a desired sound signal, and outputs it to the amplifier. The sound production output from the is controlled. With the sound production control processing by the sound source LSI, monaural reproduction and stereo reproduction related to the sound production can be realized.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to a position detection sensor 82a for monitoring the operation of the movable body accessory, and the effect control unit 24 performs the current operation of the movable body accessory based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a. The operation mode is controlled while monitoring the position (for example, the amount of movement from the origin position). Further, based on the detection information from the position detection sensor 82a, the malfunction of the movable body accessory is monitored, and if a malfunction occurs, a predetermined error notification is performed.

  The effect control unit 24 is connected to an effect button switch 13a for detecting the operation of the effect button 13 and direction key switches 75a ′ to 75d ′ for detecting an operation of the direction key 75 (75a to 75d). The unit 24 can receive operation detection signals from the effect buttons 13 and the direction keys 75.

  When the effect control unit 24 receives an effect control command sent from the main control unit 20, it is determined by lottery or uniquely from among a plurality of types of effect patterns prepared in advance based on information included in the command. Then, various production means are controlled at a necessary timing to display the desired production. Thereby, the display of the effect image by the liquid crystal display device 36 corresponding to the effect pattern, the reproduction of the sound from the speaker 46, and the lighting and blinking driving of the decoration lamp 45 and other effect LEDs are realized, and various effect patterns (decorative patterns) are realized. (Variable display operation, notice effect, etc.) are developed in time series, thereby realizing an “effect scenario” in a broad sense. In addition, the production control unit 24 performs any operation on the operation unit based on an operation detection signal from the operation unit (the production button switch 13a and the direction key switches 75a ′ to 75d ′) during a predetermined operation reception valid period. (For example, pressing, long pressing, continuous hitting, etc.) has a function unit that can detect that the operation has been performed (operation mode identification means), and according to the operation mode in the menu screen or in the player participation type effect It is configured to be able to present the production.

  The effect control command defines a function by a 2-byte configuration consisting of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and an event (EVENT) of 1-byte length. In order to distinguish MODE from EVENT, MODE Bit 7 is Bit 7 of ON and EVENT is set to OFF. When these pieces of information are transmitted as valid, a strobe signal is output corresponding to each of the mode (MODE) and the event (EVENT). That is, when there is a command to be transmitted, the CPU 201 (main control CPU) sets and outputs mode (MODE) information for transmitting the command to the effect control unit 24, and the first time after a predetermined time elapses from this setting. The strobe signal is transmitted. Furthermore, event (EVENT) information is set and output after the elapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and the second time of the strobe signal is transmitted after the elapse of the predetermined time from this setting. The strobe signal is controlled to be in an active state by the CPU 201 for a predetermined period during which the CPU 241 (production control CPU) can reliably receive the command.

  Further, the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) generates an interrupt based on the input of the strobe signal and executes a control program for command reception interrupt processing so that the effect control command is acquired in this interrupt processing. It has become. Further, unlike the CPU 201, when an interrupt is generated based on the input of the strobe signal, the CPU 241 is executing an interrupt process based on another interrupt (timer interrupt process executed periodically). Even in such a case, the command reception interrupt process is performed by interrupting the process, and the command reception interrupt process is preferentially performed even if another interrupt occurs simultaneously.

<3. Outline of operation>
Next, a gaming operation related to the pachinko gaming machine 1 using the control device (FIG. 3) will be described.

(3-1. Symbol change display game)
(3-1-1. Special symbol variation display game, decorative symbol variation display game)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, based on a predetermined start condition, specifically, the game ball enters (wins) the game ball into the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35, the main control unit 20 A “big hit lottery” is performed by random number lottery. Based on the lottery result, the main control unit 20 displays the special symbols 1 and 2 on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b in a variable manner to start the special symbol variation display game. Derived and displayed on the device, thereby ending the special symbol variation display game.

  Here, in this embodiment, the big hit lottery based on the winning to the upper start opening 34 and the big hit lottery based on the winning to the lower start opening 35 are performed separately and independently. For this reason, the big hit lottery result regarding the upper start port 34 is derived on the special symbol display device 38a side, and the big hit lottery result regarding the lower start port 35 is derived on the special symbol display device 38b side. Specifically, on the special symbol display device 38a side, on the condition that a game ball has entered the upper start opening 34, the special symbol 1 is displayed in a variable manner, and the first special symbol variation display game is started. On the other hand, on the special symbol display device 38b side, on the condition that a game ball has entered the lower start opening 35, the special symbol 2 is displayed in a variable manner and the second special symbol variation display game is started. ing. Then, when the special symbol variation display game in the special symbol display device 38a or the special symbol display device 38b is started, if the big win lottery result is “big hit” after the predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the predetermined “big hit” is given. If the lottery lottery result is “Small Win”, the special symbol in the variable display is stopped and displayed in the predetermined “Small Win” mode. A game result (a big hit lottery result) is derived.

  In the present specification, for convenience of explanation, the first special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38a side is referred to as "special symbol variation display game 1", and the second special symbol display device 38b side second This special symbol variation display game is referred to as “special symbol variation display game 2”. Unless otherwise required, “special symbol 1” and “special symbol 2” are simply referred to as “special symbols” (sometimes abbreviated as “special symbol”), and “special symbol variation display game 1” and “special symbol” The “variable display game 2” may be referred to as a “special symbol variable display game”.

  When the above-described special symbol variation display game is started, the decorative symbol variation display game is started by variably displaying the decorative symbol (proactive game symbol) on the liquid crystal display device 36. Various developments are developed. When the special symbol variation display game ends, the decorative symbol variation display game also ends, the special symbol display device reflects a predetermined special symbol indicating the jackpot lottery result, and the liquid crystal display device 36 reflects the jackpot lottery result. Decorative symbols are derived and displayed. In other words, the result of the special symbol variation display game is reflected and displayed by the stunning ornamental symbol variation display game including the decorative symbol variation display operation.

  Therefore, for example, when the result of the special symbol variation display game (the result of the big hit lottery) is “hit”, the decorative design variation display game develops an effect reflecting the result. In the special symbol display device, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a display mode in which the special symbol is a big hit (for example, the 7-segment display state is “7”), the liquid crystal display device 36 displays “left”, “middle”, “right”. In each display area of “”, the display pattern in which the decorative symbol reflects “big hit” (for example, in each of the “left”, “middle”, and “right” display areas, the three decorative symbols are “7”, “7”, “ 7 ”display mode).

  When this “big hit” is reached, specifically, the special symbol variation display game is terminated, and the decorative symbol variation display game is terminated accordingly. As a result, the symbol pattern of “hit” is derived and displayed. Thereafter, the special prize opening solenoid 52c (see FIG. 3) of the special variable prize winning device 52 is operated to open and close the open door 52b in a predetermined pattern, whereby the special prize opening 50 is opened and closed, and the normal state (normal game) A special gaming state (big hit game) that is more advantageous to the player than the (state) occurs. In this jackpot game, the number of game balls won in the big prize opening (the winning ball in the big prize opening) until the opening time of the big prize opening reaches a predetermined time (maximum opening time: 29.8 seconds, for example) or Until the number reaches the predetermined number (the maximum number of winning balls (maximum number of winnings): for example, 10) that is allowed to open the entrance by one operation of the character or is allowed for the expanded winning opening. The number of rounds specified in advance is “Round game” where the winning area is opened or expanded and the big prize opening is closed when one of these conditions (round game end condition (closed condition)) is satisfied. Repeated (for example, up to 16 rounds).

  When the above jackpot game starts, the opening effect is first performed using the jackpot start interval time, and after the jackpot start interval time has elapsed (after the opening effect has ended), the number of rounds in which the round game is determined in advance It is performed several times up to When the specified number of rounds is over, an ending effect is performed using the jackpot end interval time, thereby ending the jackpot game. In other words, the jackpot game is roughly divided into an opening period, a round game period with an upper limit of the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds), and an ending period. Note that “in-round production” appears during round games, and “inter-round interval production” appears between round games.

  Regarding the information necessary for the execution of the decorative symbol variation display game, first, the main control unit 20 is based on the fact that a game ball enters (wins) the upper start opening 34 or the lower start opening 35. On the condition that the game ball is detected by the upper start port sensor 34a or the lower start port sensor 35a and the start condition (start condition relating to the special symbol) is satisfied, “big hit”, “small hit”, or “lost” 'Lottery lottery' to draw a lot, and if it is `` big hit '', the big hit type, if it is `` small hit '', the small hit type, if it is `` losing '' A big hit lottery including 'design lottery (winning type lottery)' for lottery type lottery (If there is only one type of big hit, small hit or lost, there is no need to do symbol lottery, so omit the lottery Can) Based on the lottery result information to determine variation pattern and of the special symbols, and finally a special symbol to stop displaying the (special stop symbol). Then, as the effect control command for specifying the processing state, a “variation pattern designation command” including at least the variation pattern information of the special symbol (for example, information on the lottery lottery result and the variation time of the special symbol) is produced. To the side. Thereby, basic information required for the decorative symbol variation display game is sent to the effect control unit 24. In the present embodiment, in order to make the production variations rich, the “decorative design designation command” including information on the special stop symbol (design lottery result information (information on the hit type)) is also transmitted to the production control unit 24. It is like that.

  Specify the occurrence of a specific notice effect (for example, a reach effect type (so-called normal reach (N reach), special reach (SP reach), etc.) or pseudo-ream effect and its number of times) in the variation pattern information of the special symbol. Information can be included. Specifically, the variation pattern of special symbols is roughly divided into “hit variation pattern” in the case of winning and “losing variation pattern” in the case of loss, depending on the result of the big hit lottery. 'Reach fluctuation pattern' that specifies the occurrence of reach production, 'Normal fluctuation pattern' that does not specify the occurrence of reach production, 'Reach fluctuation pattern with pseudo-continuity' that specifies the occurrence of pseudo-continuous production and reach production, Pseudo-continuous production A plurality of types of variation patterns are included, such as “normal variation pattern with pseudo-continuity” that specifies the occurrence of reach and does not specify the occurrence of reach production. In addition, the variation pattern designating a specific notice effect is basically defined with a variation time longer than the variation time of the normal variation pattern in order to secure the effect time of the notice effect.

  The effect control unit 24 performs time series during the decorative symbol variation display game based on the information included in the effect control command (here, the variation pattern designation command and the decorative symbol designation command) sent from the main control unit 20. Decide the contents to be developed (draft scenario) and the decorative pattern (decoration stop pattern) that will be stopped and displayed in the end, according to the time schedule based on the variation pattern of the special symbol, Appearance control of the decorative display variation display effect. As a result, the decorative symbols by the liquid crystal display device 36 are variably displayed in synchronism with the special symbol variation display by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the period of the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game are in progress. The period is substantially the same time width. Further, the effect control unit 24 controls the liquid crystal display device 36, the light display device 45a, or the sound generation device 46a so as to correspond to the effect scenario, and develops various effects in the decorative symbol variation display game. Thereby, the reproduction of the image (image effect) on the liquid crystal display device 36, the reproduction of the sound effect (sound effect), and the lighting and blinking drive (light effect) of the effect LED such as the decoration lamp 45 are realized.

  In this way, the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game have an inseparable relationship, and the display reflecting the display result of the special symbol variation display game is expressed in the decoration symbol variation display game. These two symbol variation display games may be regarded as equivalent symbol games. In the present specification, the two symbol variation display games may be simply referred to as “symbol variation display game” unless otherwise required.

(3-1-2. Normal symbol fluctuation display game)
Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, based on the passing (winning) of the game ball through the normal symbol starting port 37, “main lottery” is performed by the random number lottery in the main control unit 20. Based on this lottery result, the normal symbol represented by the LED is variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 39a, and the normal symbol variation display game is started. After a predetermined fluctuation time has passed, the result is turned on and off of the LED. Stop display by combination. For example, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game is “per assist”, the display unit of the normal symbol display device 39a is stopped and displayed in a specific lighting state (for example, all the two LEDs 39 are in a lighting state).

  When this "subsidiary hit" is reached, the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c (see FIG. 3) is actuated, thereby opening the movable blade 47 in a reverse "C" shape and opening the lower start port 35. Alternatively, the game ball is expanded to enter a state in which the game ball is likely to flow in (start-up opening state), and an auxiliary game state (hereinafter referred to as “general power open game”) that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state occurs. In this general electric open game, the opening time of the lower start port 35 (the operation time during which the lower start port 35 is opened by the movable wing piece 47) is set to a predetermined time (for example, by the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variation winning device 41). 0.2 seconds) or until the number of game balls won in the lower start opening 35 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 4), the winning area is opened or expanded, and either of these conditions is satisfied. In such a case, the operation of closing the lower start port 35 is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of 2 times).

(3-1-3. Operation hold ball)
Here, in this embodiment, during the special / decorative symbol variation display game, during the regular symbol variation display game, during the hit game, or during the general electric open game, a prize is awarded to each of the start openings 34 to 35 or the normal symbol start opening 37. When it occurs, that is, when a detection signal is input from the start port sensors 34a to 35a or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a and the corresponding start condition (symbol game start condition) is satisfied, this is designated as the start right of the variable display game. Except for the data related to the variable display, the maximum number of reserved storages (for example, a maximum of 4) that is a predetermined upper limit value is reserved and stored. The on-hold hold data that has not been subjected to the symbol variation display operation or a game ball related to the hold data is also referred to as an “operation hold ball”. In order to clarify the number of the operation holding balls to the player, a dedicated holding display (not shown) provided at an appropriate position of the pachinko gaming machine 1 or a holding provided as an icon image on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 Turn on the indicator.

  Further, in the present embodiment, up to four operation holding balls relating to the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol are each stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203, and are held as the fixed number of times of change of the special symbol or the normal symbol. It should be noted that the maximum memory number (maximum reserved memory number) of the number of each operation reserved ball regarding the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol is not particularly limited (the reserved memory number for a specific symbol may be zero). . In addition, all or a part of the maximum reserved storage number of each symbol may be different, and the number can be determined as appropriate according to game playability. In the present specification, each of the special symbol 1, special symbol 2, and normal symbol operation holding balls is also referred to as a special diagram 1 operation holding ball, a special diagram 2 operation holding ball, and a general diagram operation holding ball, respectively.

(3-2. Game state)
Next, the gaming state will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to be capable of generating a plurality of types of gaming states in addition to the jackpot that is a special gaming state. In order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, first, functions (means) related to the occurrence of various gaming states will be described.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a “probability variation function (probability variation function)” in which the main control unit 20 (CPU 201) serves as its function unit. There are two types, a probability changing function related to a special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol probability changing function”) and a probability changing function related to a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol probability changing function”).

  The special symbol probability changing function changes the jackpot lottery probability from a low probability (for example, 1/320) of a predetermined probability (normal probability) to a high probability (for example, 1/32), which is advantageous over the normal state. This is a function for generating a “high probability state (big hit high probability state)”. Under the gaming state (high probability state) in which this special symbol probability changing function is in operation, the big hit lottery probability becomes high, so that the big hit is likely to occur.

  The normal symbol probability changing function is more advantageous than the normal state by changing from a low probability (for example, 2/256) to a high probability (for example, 255/255) that the lottery probability per auxiliary is a predetermined probability (normal probability). This is a function for generating a “probable change state per auxiliary”. Under the game state in which this normal symbol probability changing function is operating (probability per assist change state), since the lottery probability per auxiliary is in a high probability state, auxiliary hits are likely to occur, and open-game games frequently occur. Thus, the operating rate is improved so that the operating rate of the movable blade piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal state.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a “variable time shortening function (time-shortening function)” that the main control unit 20 serves as a functional unit. There are two types of time reduction functions related to special symbols (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol time reduction functions”) and time reduction functions related to normal symbols (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol time reduction functions”).

  The special symbol time reduction function generates a "special symbol time reduction state" that shortens the average time required for one special symbol fluctuation display game (the average time from when the special symbol starts to change until it is stopped). It is a function to make it. Under the game state (special symbol short time state) in which this special symbol short time function is activated, the average fluctuation time of the special symbol in one special symbol fluctuation display game is shortened (for example, the average required for losing variation without reach) The time is shortened from 8 seconds to 2 seconds), and the lottery number improvement state in which the number of big hit lotteries per unit time is improved as compared with the normal state.

  The normal symbol time reduction function generates an "ordinary symbol time reduction state" that shortens the average time required for one normal symbol fluctuation display game (the average time from when the normal symbol starts to change until it is stopped). It is a function to let you. Under the game state in which the normal symbol short-time function is activated (normal symbol short-time state), the average fluctuation time of the normal symbol in one normal symbol fluctuation display game is shortened (for example, from 30 seconds to 1 second). A lottery number improvement state in which the number of lotteries per unit time is improved compared to the normal state.

  Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with an “open extension function” in which the main control unit 20 serves as a function unit. This open extension function is a function of generating an “open extension state” in which the opening operation period of the movable blade piece 47 (open time of the movable blade piece 47) of the normal variation winning device 41 is extended from the normal state. This open extended state is referred to as a so-called “electric chew support state”. Under the open extended state, the opening operation period (starting port open state time) of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from, for example, 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds, and the number of opening and closing thereof is, for example, once (open extension). It is extended from twice (when the function is inactive) to twice (when the open extension function is in operation), resulting in an operating rate improvement state in which the operating rate of the movable blade piece 47 per unit time is improved compared to the normal state. . Therefore, when the release extension function is activated, the winning frequency to the lower start opening 35 is increased. Therefore, as a gaming state, the establishment condition of the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game for deriving the jackpot lottery result is higher than the normal state. As a result, it becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player as compared with a state where the opening extension function is not activated (non-actuated). In the present embodiment, a state in which the three functions of the universal figure probability changing function, the universal figure time-shortening function, and the open extension function are activated is treated as an “electric chew support state (electric support state)”.

  By operating one or more types of the functions as described above, it is possible to change the internal gaming state (internal gaming state) of the gaming machine. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the gaming state in which the special symbol probability changing function, the special symbol time shortening function, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time shortening function, and the open extension function are referred to as “probability changing state”. The gaming state from which the special symbol probability changing function is removed is referred to as a “short-time state”, and at least the special symbol probability changing function is activated and the open extension function is not activated (in this embodiment, the gaming state in which only the special symbol certainty function is activated). ) Is referred to as a “latent state”, and a state in which all functions are not activated (inactive) is referred to as a “normal state”. Therefore, when paying attention to the jackpot lottery probability in these gaming states, when the gaming state is “short-time state” or “normal state”, the jackpot lottery probability becomes “low probability state (normal probability)”, and the gaming state is In the case of “latent probability state” or “probability variation state”, the big hit lottery probability becomes a “high probability state”. In addition, during the big hit, a winning game is generated when the big prize opening / closing is opened / closed, but all the above functions are deactivated and basically placed under the same gaming state as the normal state.

(High base gaming state)
When attention is paid to the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time-shortening function, and the open extension function individually, when at least one of these functions is activated, the operating rate of the movable blade piece 47 is improved. Since the winning frequency to the lower start opening 35 increases and the winning condition increases, the starting condition of the special symbol variation display game for deriving the big win lottery result is higher than the normal state “high base gaming state (Starting condition improved state). The “high base gaming state” here refers to a gaming state when a function relating to a normal symbol is activated, and a function relating to a special symbol, that is, at least one of a special symbol probability changing function and a special symbol time-shortening function is activated. It is different from the game state when doing.

  On the other hand, when focusing on the functions related to special symbols (special symbol probability changing function and special symbol time-shortening function) individually, when the above special symbol probability changing function is activated, the jackpot lottery probability becomes “high probability state” higher than the normal gaming state. When the special symbol time reduction function is activated, the special symbol variation display game digest time (average one game digest time) becomes a “special symbol time short state” earlier than the normal state. In this respect, it is distinguished from the “high base game state” in which the start condition of the special symbol variation display game is higher than the normal game state.

  In the present embodiment, as an example of the “high base game state”, an electric chew support state to which at least an open extension function is provided is treated as a “high base game state”. Under the electric chew support state, the operating rate (opening time and number of opening) of the movable wing piece 47 of the normally variable winning device 41 is improved, the winning rate to the lower start opening 35 is increased, and the winning frequency per unit time is increased. Therefore, the game state is advantageous to the player as compared with the case where the electronic chew support state is not set (low base game state). Focusing on the presence / absence of the electric chew support state, if the game state is “normal state” or “latent state”, “no electric chew support state” (hereinafter referred to as “no electric support state”), When the game state is “time-short state” or “probability change state”, “electric chew support state exists” (hereinafter referred to as “electric support state”). Accordingly, the normal symbol probability changing function, the normal symbol time shortening function, and the opening extension function are activated in the probability changing state and the time shortening state, so that it is easy to generate a general electric release game, and the operation rate of the movable wing piece 47 is remarkably improved. A gaming state is assumed. In addition, the gaming state focusing on the operation status of each function (special symbol probability changing function, special symbol time shortening function, normal symbol probability changing function, normal symbol time shortening function, and open extension function) related to the determination of the jackpot lottery probability and the presence or absence of electric support Is also referred to as “internal gaming state”.

<4. About winning>
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the “winning” of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described.

(4-1. About per category and per game)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, as the types of winning lotteries in the special symbol variation display game, that is, the hit types to be the big hit lottery, as shown in FIG. A plurality of types of hits are provided. Among these hits, the big hits 1 to 11 are hits belonging to the big hit type that triggers the operation of the condition device, and the small hit 1 is a hit that belongs to the small hit type that does not act as the trigger of the condition device. Here, the “condition device” is a device whose operation is a condition necessary for the operation of the accessory continuous operation device (device for continuously operating the special electric accessory) for performing a round game. A special symbol combination is displayed, or one that is activated when a game ball passes a specific area in the grand prize opening (except for the case where the consecutive action device is awarded to the big prize opening during operation).

  Therefore, when winning a small hit, the accessory continuous operation device does not operate and a round game like a big hit is not executed. However, the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening can be controlled in the same, very similar or completely different manner to the round game by the big hit. In other words, an apparent round game (pseudo round game) can be executed. Similar to the big win, such a small hit is different from a simple “losing” in that it becomes an occurrence trigger (transition opportunity) to a hit game (special game state) accompanied by an opening / closing operation of the big prize opening. The small hit 1 is a hit that belongs to the “small hit type”, but is treated as one of the big hit types in the same row without being distinguished from the above big hits unless otherwise required for convenience of explanation.

  In FIG. 4, “16R”, “8R”, “4R”, and “2R” in the jackpots 1 to 11 in the “Hits” column indicate the prescribed number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to the jackpot. . In the same column, “Long opening” indicates that the maximum opening time of the big winning opening in one round game can be expected to reach the maximum winning number (10). “Open time (for example, 29.8 seconds)” indicates a big hit, and “short opening” means that the maximum opening time of the big winning opening is shorter than “long opening” (short opening time (for example, 1.8 seconds) ”. In addition, the notation of “probability change”, “short time”, and “latency” in the same column are “probability big hit” that triggers the transition to the probability change state, “short time big hit” that triggers the transition to the time reduction state, "Large probability big hit" that will be the opportunity to move. Thus, for example, if the jackpot is “12R long open probability change big hit”, it is a big hit of chance change transition, the maximum number of rounds is 12R, and the big winning opening of each round game is opened and closed in a long open pattern. Indicates that The profit state during the big hit game becomes higher as the maximum number of rounds is relatively larger, and becomes higher as the maximum opening time of the big prize opening becomes longer.

(4-2. Transition destination game state after winning game)
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the gaming state to be transferred after the winning game is finished will be described. In the column of the game state at the time of winning in FIG. 4, the relationship between the game state at the time of winning and the game state transferred to the winning game is shown according to the hit type.

(About the destination game state when winning a jackpot)
When a big hit is won, the gaming state after the big winning game is determined according to the gaming state at the time of the winning. Specifically, as shown in the figure, when winning a jackpot 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, the winning state (high probability / electricity) regardless of the gaming state at the time of winning. It is transferred to “With support”. That is, the big hits 1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 are all probable big hits that trigger the transition to the probable change state. In addition, when winning big hits 2, 4, and 9, move to "Time A (100 times)", and when winning big hits 6, 11, move to "Time B (50 times)" It has come to be. That is, the big hits 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11 are all short-time big hits that trigger the transition to the short-time state. However, if the big win 7 is won, the game state of the transfer destination differs depending on the game state at the time of winning, and if the game state at the time of winning is the normal state, the “latency state (high probability・ Without electric support), it functions as a latent jackpot that is shifted to “probability change state”. (Refer to the column for 7 jackpots of 4). In FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, names such as probability variation big hit, short time big hit and latent big hit are given on the basis of what game state is transferred when winning in the normal state.

  The “latent probability state”, “probability variation state”, or “short-time state” according to the present embodiment is continued until the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game (the number of variations of the special symbol) is completed a predetermined number of times. When the special symbol variation display game is finished without winning the big hit (except for the small hits that do not trigger the transition of the internal gaming state) within the specified number of times, the next game shifts to the normal state (normal gaming state) It has come to be. In the case of the present embodiment, the total number of executions of the special symbol variation display games 1 and 2 (total variation number of the special symbols 1 and 2)) is counted as the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game.

  With respect to the predetermined specified number of times, 65536 is set as the predetermined specified number of times (hereinafter referred to as “ST number”) for the latent state or the probability variation state. The number of STs depends on the jackpot winning probability (for example, jackpot probability during probability change, setting 1-6 = 1/4 to 1/32), and the next jackpot is almost certainly achieved without reaching the number of STs. It is the number of times that a high probability state can be continued until winning. Of course, the ST count may be set to an appropriate value (eg, ST count = about 33 times) in order to set the continuation rate of the high probability state to an appropriate range rate (for example, about 65%). The high probability state may be continued 100% until the next jackpot is won (the ST number may be an infinite number). As for the time reduction state, the time reduction count is set to 100 for the time reduction A, and the time reduction count of 50 is set for the time reduction B. Note that the time reduction A and the time reduction B may be the same number of time reductions (for example, 70 times).

<5. About production>
(5-1. Production mode)
Next, an effect mode (effect state) will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of effect modes that provide effects related to the game state, and is configured to be capable of transition control between the respective effect modes in response to the transition of the game state. ing. The above-mentioned production modes are related to "normal production mode" related to "normal state", "latent accuracy production mode" related to "latency probability state", "probability variation production mode" related to "probability variation state", and "short-time state" There are provided a plurality of types of effect modes according to each game state, such as “time-short effect mode” and “win game effect mode” related to “win game state”. About the time reduction effect mode, the time reduction effect mode common to the time reduction A and the time reduction B may be different, or different effect modes may be used. In each effect mode, the background display as the background of the variable display screen of the decorative symbols is different from each other so that the player can understand what game state the player is staying under in the effect mode. Is displayed.

  The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) includes a function unit (effect state transition control means) that controls transition between a plurality of types of effect modes. The effect control unit 24 specifies a specific effect control command sent from the main control unit 20 (CPU 201), specifically, specifies the current gaming state or specifies that the gaming state is to be transferred. Based on the effect control command, it is configured to be capable of transition control between a plurality of types of effect modes in a form that maintains consistency with the game state on the main control unit 20 side. Such specific effect control commands include a variation pattern designation command, a gaming state designation command, a customer waiting command, a spec designation command, a command transmitted during a hit (a jackpot start command or a jackpot end command described later), etc. There is. In addition, the production control unit 24 has a function unit (production state management means) that manages the production mode related to the gaming state, and manages the current production mode.

(5-2. Advance notice)
Next, the notice effect will be described. The effect control unit 24 includes the contents of the effect control command from the main control unit 20, specifically, the change pattern information included in at least the change pattern specifying command (in this embodiment, “change pattern specifying command” and / or “ Based on the information included in the “decorative symbol designation command”), various “notice effects” related to the jackpot lottery result can be controlled to appear (notice effect control means). Such a notice effect includes an expectation level of whether or not a win type is won (a well-known “winning expectation degree”) and / or a predetermined event (for example, win, win for a specific win, other notice effects) Occurrence (such as occurrence), and serve as a "drilling effect" to give the player a sense of expectation of winning. Typical examples of well-known notice effects (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-174722), so-called “reach effects”, “pseudo-continuous effects” in which pseudo-variation is performed one or more times, still symbol variation display "Pre-reading notice effect" that predicts the expectation of winning for an operation-reserved ball (undigested operation-retained ball) that is not provided for game execution (variable display operation of special symbols), a game that requires a specific operation In response to this, there are “player-participation-type effects” that change the contents of the effects by operating the operation means, and “step-up notice effects” and “background change notice effects” are also available.

  The outline of the screen display of the liquid crystal display device according to the present embodiment including the pre-reading notice effect will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the screen display of the liquid crystal display device 36 according to the present embodiment.

  In a part of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 (below the display area of the decorative symbol in the figure), a holding display area 76 for displaying the number of special pattern 1 operation holding balls, and the number of special figure 2 operation holding balls are displayed. A holding display area 77 to be displayed is provided, and the presence or absence of the operation holding ball is indicated in a lighting state (with the operation holding ball: “◯ (white circle mark)” in the figure)) or a light-off state (no operation holding ball: Information on the current number of suspended balls is notified by a dotted circle).

  The display regarding the presence / absence of the operation hold ball (hereinafter referred to as “hold display”) is sequentially displayed in the order of occurrence (winning order). In each hold display area 76, 77, Of all the operation hold balls in the hold display, it is displayed as the operation hold ball generated first (that is, the oldest) on the time axis. In the present embodiment, as shown in the drawing, on-hold display units a1 to d1 (icon images) each including a hold icon (icon image) provided in a part of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 by the same number (four) as the maximum hold storage number. A2-d2 (corresponding to the special symbol 2 side) are provided. Further, on the left side of the hold display areas 76 and 77, a changing display area 78 is provided to indicate an operating hold ball currently used for the special symbol change display game. In the case of this embodiment, the in-fluctuation display area 78 is configured such that an image of a form in which an icon of a game execution hold K currently provided for the game appears on the icon of the seat J appears. That is, when the variation display of the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2 is started, the icon (icon image) of the oldest hold a1 or a2 displayed in the hold display areas 76 and 77 is the game running hold K. The icon moves to the icon of the seat J in the changing display area 78, and the state is maintained for a predetermined display time.

  When an operation holding ball is generated, as a production control command, prefetch determination information related to the big hit lottery result and the number of operation holding balls at the time of the prefetch determination (the number of existing operation holding balls including the operation holding ball generated this time) An identifiable “hold addition command” is transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

  Specifically, the pre-reading determination information is game information related to a jackpot lottery result (a jackpot lottery result at the start of variation) executed when the operation holding ball is used in the symbol variation display game in the main control unit 20. Also, it refers to game information relating to a prefetch variation pattern obtained when a variation pattern at the start of variation is prefetched.

  When the effect control unit 24 receives the hold addition command, the effect control process related to the “prefetching notice effect” is performed as part of the display control process related to the hold display based on the prefetch determination information included therein. Specifically, based on the information included in the hold addition command, a pre-reading notice lottery for lottery of whether or not to perform the pre-reading notice effect is performed, and if this is won, the pre-reading notice effect scenario is determined, and according to the scenario, A pre-reading notice effect according to the winning expectation will appear. The winning probability of the pre-reading notice lottery is higher for “big hit” than “losing”, and for the reach type with a relatively high winning expectation. Therefore, the winning expectation degree for the hit type is indicated by whether or not the pre-reading notice effect is generated.

  In this embodiment, when the pre-reading notice lottery is won, among the holding icons of the holding display parts a1 to d1 and a2 to d2, the holding icon that is the target of the prefetching notice is, for example, a normal hold display (normal Pre-reading notice of "holding display change system" which changes from white of holding display mode) to blue, green, red, D pattern, iridescent special holding color and color holding display (special holding display mode) Production (holding change notice) is performed. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the operation hold ball of the hatched hold display portion b1 is changed to a special hold display. Here, the blue, green, red, D pattern, and rainbow color display of the hold icon means that the winning expectation is high in the order of this color. ) It is a premium hold icon (preliminary reservation notice).

  The existing operation holding balls are sequentially digested with the execution of the symbol variation display game. At this time, in order to express that one operation hold ball has been consumed, the display position of the hold display section corresponding to the existing operation hold ball is moved up (sequentially shifted to the left), and the display number is reduced. Although control (shift display) is performed, the special hold display described above continues to be displayed while changing the display position of the hold display. In the lower right corner of the LCD screen, as a display area for sub-effects (sub-effects) other than the main effects such as decorative designs and notice effects, the variable display operation of special symbols and normal symbols, and the operation holding ball A sub display area 79 relating to the number is provided.

(6. Production means)
Various effects in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are manifested by effecting means arranged in the gaming machine. Such directing means may be any stimulus transmitting means that can exert its effect by appealing to human perception, such as visual, auditory, and tactile sensations. Light generating means (light directing means such as a decorative lamp 45 and an LED device) ), Sound generating device (sound production means) such as a speaker 46, production display device (display means) such as a liquid crystal display device 36, a pressure device that transmits contact pressure to the operator's body, and wind pressure to the player's body A wind pressure device or a movable object that exhibits a visual effect by its operation is a typical example. Here, the effect display device is a display device appealing visually in the same manner as the image display device (image display means), but is different from the image display device in that it also includes an image-independent display device (for example, a 7-segment display). When referring to an image display device, it mainly refers to a type that produces an effect (image display effect) by image display, and an item that produces an effect other than an image, such as a 7-segment display, is a concept of the effect display device. Included in.

(Customer waiting effect and menu screen: Fig. 6)
When the special figure 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball become zero, the main control unit 20 transmits a “customer waiting command” to the production control unit 24 as the production control command. When the production control unit 24 receives this waiting-for-customer command, a demonstration movie for explaining and introducing (demonstration) the game related to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is played based on a predetermined execution condition. Screen) ”appears. Specifically, after receiving a waiting command for a customer, the game is not started, that is, an operation holding ball is not generated (without receiving a holding addition command or a variation pattern designation command) for a predetermined time (for example, , 180 seconds), the customer waiting effect is displayed. During the normal game, the display state of the decoration stop symbol stopped after the end of the current symbol variation display game is continuously displayed until the standby time of 180 seconds elapses, and the decoration lamp 45 emits a predetermined light emission. The pattern 43 emits light, and the speaker 43 displays a “demonstration waiting effect” in a mute state (a predetermined sound effect may be executed), and this state is maintained until the customer waiting effect starts.

(About power saving mode)
If the predetermined power saving mode transition condition is satisfied after the start of the customer waiting effect (demonstration screen display), the mode is shifted to the “power saving mode”. This power saving mode is shifted to when a predetermined time (for example, 120 seconds) has elapsed without starting an operation holding ball and without switching to the menu screen (game setting screen) after the start of the customer waiting effect. It is like that. The effect control unit 24 monitors establishment of the power saving mode transition condition, and when the condition is satisfied, ends the demonstration mode (customer waiting effect) and shifts to the power saving mode. At this time, a power saving screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 (for example, a character display “Power saving” is displayed on the liquid crystal screen), and a part or all of the decorative lamp 45 and other effect LEDs are turned off to enter a power saving state. Control (power saving control). In the following, “Waiting for customer” is referred to as “waiting for customer”, at least one period (all period or part period) during demonstration start waiting stage, during customer waiting stage stage, and in power saving mode. It means that there is.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when there is no operation holding ball, that is, during the above demonstration start waiting effect, during the customer waiting effect, or during the power saving mode, settings relating to predetermined game information and game environment (volume, light amount, etc.), etc. The “menu screen (game setting screen)” that can be displayed is controllable (game setting mode control means). Specifically, the production control unit 24 monitors the presence or absence of a “menu display request operation (for example, a press operation of the production button 13)” from the player during the demonstration start production or the customer production, and requests the menu display. When there is an operation, the current display screen is switched to the menu screen 100 shown in FIG. The switchable period to the menu screen is notified in a predetermined light emission mode by the button LED 13b. The menu screen 100 is a menu screen that displays a plurality of options (selection items).

  FIG. 6 shows a menu screen according to the present embodiment. On the menu screen 100, as shown in the figure, eight items of menu item images 102a to 102h are displayed in a grid pattern as selection items (menu items) related to the gaming environment, and below the menu screen A direction key image 104 simulating the direction key 75 and a button image 106 simulating the effect button 13 are displayed side by side with character information (selection and determination) for explaining the operation method in FIG. The menu item images 102a to 102h display names related to the contents of the menu items such as “volume adjustment” and “light quantity adjustment”.

  Various menu items can be selected by the direction key 75, and the selected menu item is highlighted so that it can be easily identified which menu item is being selected. In the example shown in the figure, an example is shown in which “this sunrise ball ranking 102f” is being selected. When the effect button 13 is pressed, the currently selected menu item is confirmed as a display target, and a screen (information screen, setting screen) corresponding to the menu item is displayed. For the display control related to these menu screens, the effect control unit 24 includes the function unit (game setting control means). In the following, “light amount adjustment 102g” and “volume adjustment 102c” will be described as menu items deeply related to the present invention.

  When the “volume adjustment 102c” is determined, a volume adjustment screen for adjusting the volume of the speaker 46 is displayed.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of the volume adjustment screen. As shown in the drawing, the volume adjustment screen 110 displays the direction key image 104a, the button image 106b, and the roles played by the buttons of these images, and the setting method is suggested by an image and a message on the liquid crystal screen. In the figure, the arrangement of five rectangular frames (volume adjustment bars) 110a is a setting level meter, and the current volume level is indicated by the number of filled rectangular frames (Arabic numerals 1 to 5 in the rectangular frame). . While the volume adjustment screen 110 is displayed, the volume is adjusted stepwise by the left / right operation of the direction key 75 (in this case, the volume can be adjusted in five stages of volume levels 1 to 5 as the adjustable volume range), and the production button Through the 13 determination operations, the player can adjust the sound volume to a desired level (user volume adjusting means). Specifically, with the left and right buttons, the setting can be changed in the lower volume level by pressing the left button 75a, and the setting can be changed in the higher volume level by pressing the right button 75d. (The same applies to the light intensity adjustment described later). When the effect button 13 is pressed after this change operation, the selected volume level is confirmed, the volume adjustment screen 110 is closed, and the menu screen 100 is restored. Thereafter, the game is progressed at a volume (total volume value) based on the set volume level. Hereinafter, the volume that can be set on the volume adjustment screen 110 as needed may be referred to as “user-side set volume”.

  When “light amount adjustment 102g” is determined, a light amount adjustment screen capable of adjusting the light amount (brightness) such as the decorative lamp 45 and the liquid crystal screen is displayed.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of the light amount adjustment screen. As shown in the figure, the direction key image 104a, the button image 106b, and the roles played by the buttons of these images are displayed on the light amount adjustment screen 111, and a setting method is suggested by an image and a message on the liquid crystal screen. In the figure, the arrangement of five rectangular frames (light adjustment bars) 111a is a setting level meter, and the current light quantity level is determined by the number of filled rectangular frames in the figure. Indicated. Regarding the light amount adjustment operation, the above-described volume adjustment and basic operation are the same, and stepwise adjustment of the light amount by the left / right operation of the direction key 75 (here, the light amount adjustment range is five steps of light amount levels 1 to 5). It is possible for the player to adjust the light amount to a desired amount by the determination operation of the effect button 13 (user light amount adjusting means). Hereinafter, the volume that can be set on the light amount adjustment screen 111 as necessary is sometimes referred to as “user-side light amount”.

  As described above, when the player presses the direction key 75 or the effect button 13 for the purpose of adjusting the volume of the game environment or adjusting the amount of light while the adjustment screen of FIG. 7A or 7B is displayed, the player desires It is possible to adjust the volume and light amount of the setting level. The volume adjustment and / or light amount adjustment using the direction key 75 is not limited to waiting for a customer, and may be configured to be independently adjustable during a symbol variation display game.

  When “menu screen end 102h” is determined, the menu screen 100 is ended and a demonstration start waiting effect is displayed.

(Volume setting for gaming machines: FIGS. 7A and 8)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the sound volume output from the gaming machine, that is, from the speaker 46, to an appropriate position (for example, on the production control board 24) on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (see FIG. 1B). A back switch 71 (adjustment mode switching means) is provided for stepwise setting the maximum output volume value (upper limit value of the total volume value that can be adjusted by left / right operation of the direction key 75). Since the back switch 71 is formed inside the gaming machine, it is normally not operable on the player side, and is exclusively a switch operated by a pachinko hall clerk. In the present embodiment, a rotary type dip switch (DIP Switch) shown in FIG. 8C described later is adopted as the back switch 71. However, if the volume adjustment can be set in multiple stages, the switch Is not particularly limited (the same applies to light amount adjustment according to a second embodiment described later). For example, a slide type or piano type DIP switch, an automatic return type push switch, a position holding type switch (alternate switch, push lock switch), or the like can be used.

  FIG. 8C shows the configuration of the back switch 71 of this embodiment. The back switch 71 includes a housing portion 71a having a plurality of selection terminals therein, and an operation portion 71b that is configured to be rotatable and switches a selection terminal to which a common terminal is connected. The operation unit 71b is formed with a scale of 0 to 9 indicating a selection position and a concave arrow indicating which selection terminal is connected. By rotating the operation unit 71b, a setting state ( Adjustment mode) can be switched. The back switch 71 of the present embodiment employs a rotary dip switch having 10 positions, and can be freely switched to any adjustment mode of “adjustment modes 0 to 9” shown in FIG. Is possible.

  Adjustment of the maximum value (maximum volume) of the volume is performed exclusively by a hall clerk. In the present embodiment, the back switch 71 can be used to switch the 10 stages of “adjustment modes 0 to 9” shown in FIG. 8A one by one. The switchable range includes the maximum volume ( “SAC00 (silence: 0 dB)”, “SAC11 (setting for presentation: 70 dB)”, “SAC23 (setting for shipping: 85 dB)” mainly used for testing and factory shipment “SAC15 (volume low: 75 dB)”, “SAC19 (volume low: 80 dB)”, “SAC23 (volume low: 85 dB)” (common with shipping), “ There are seven levels of volume (maximum volume level (maximum volume level) corresponding to a plurality of levels (a plurality of setting values)) such as “SAC27 (volume medium high: 90 dB)” and “SAC31 (volume high: 95 dB)” (FIG. 8 ( A) Adjustment mode According to the “maximum volume” column, each of these seven levels is the “maximum volume (limited volume)” of the total volume value, and in the present embodiment, the maximum volume is set to the back switch. It can be adjusted stepwise (maximum volume can be limited) using 71. Note that the silence of the “SAC00” means that no sound is output (volume is zero) or inaudible.

  Further, in the case of the audible volume of “SAC01” to “SAC031” shown in FIG. 8B, the volume (dB) of the sound is a numerical value (“**” of “SAC **”) associated with the SAC. The higher the (numerical value), the greater the proportion. However, it is not always necessary to have such a tendency, and the volume output corresponding to each SAC (volume data) is a characteristic of the gaming machine (for example, whether it is a model that performs flashy sound production, It can be determined as appropriate according to the type of gaming machine (for example, feathers, general probability changing machine, arrange ball gaming machine, jade ball gaming machine, etc.). In the present embodiment, as shown in the volume data selection table in FIG. 8B, it is possible to select volume data in 32 levels including silence. As a result, various volume levels can be set. The “volume” is not limited to the actual volume, and may be anything that can numerically (quantitatively) indicate the volume. In this embodiment, the decibel (dB) is used as an index of the volume output from the speaker 46, but this is an example for expressing the loudness, and the loudness (sone) and the loudness level (phon). For example, another sound volume may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the pachinko hall side can set the desired adjustment mode using the back switch 71 and can limit the maximum volume output from the gaming machine in a stepwise manner. That is, in the volume adjustment screen 110 shown in FIG. 7A, the pachinko hall side can set (limit) the upper limit value (maximum volume of the user-side set volume) of the volume adjustment range by the left / right operation of the direction key 75. It has become. Therefore, even if the player sets the volume level to the maximum level (level 5MAX shown in FIG. 7A) on the volume adjustment screen 110, the player cannot set the volume to be equal to or higher than the maximum volume restricted in the current adjustment mode. However, the user-side set volume can be freely set within the range of the maximum volume corresponding to the adjustment mode set by the pachinko hall side.

  With respect to the use of the adjustment mode shown in FIG. 8A, the adjustment mode 0 (for silence) or the adjustment mode 1 (for presentation) is mainly set when testing a gaming machine or performing a presentation. In normal sales, one of the adjustment modes 2 to 9 (normal game adjustment mode) is set. The adjustment mode 2 (for shipment) is an adjustment mode set at the time of factory shipment, and the maximum volume is adjusted to a predetermined value or less (85 dB or less) from the viewpoint of legal requirements.

  In the present embodiment, it is also possible to set whether to shift to the power saving mode according to the adjustment mode. Specifically, the adjustment modes 3 to 7 are set (normally 1 to 5), adjustment modes 2 and 8 to 9 for “non-power-saving mode transition (non-power-saving mode (hereinafter also referred to as“ normal ”)”). Is set to “Power saving mode can be transferred (hereinafter also referred to as“ for power saving mode ”)” (power saving 1, power saving 3, power saving 5). This can be done (see the “volume variable width” column in FIG. 8A).

(Default volume (default volume) setting)
When the power to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on or when the adjustment mode is changed by the back switch 71, the default volume (initial setting volume (initial setting volume level)) corresponding to the adjustment mode is automatically set. Yes. As for the default volume (volume level), for example, the adjustment modes 0 to 1 are respectively set to the volume level 1, and the adjustment modes 2 to 9 are set to the intermediate level (volume level 3) (FIG. 8A). ) Gray block frame reference). In this setting state, for example, the corresponding volume level is displayed by the setting level meter 110a on the volume adjustment screen 110 shown in FIG. 7A. In addition, when the volume adjustment operation of the direction key 75 is changed to another volume level different from the default volume level and the customer waiting effect is executed in this state, the execution of the customer waiting effect is triggered. It is reset to the default volume level.

  Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the maximum volume set according to the adjustment mode using the back switch 71 will be referred to as “hall-side set volume” without being distinguished for each adjustment mode unless particularly required.

  Next, the volume output from the gaming machine (speaker 46) according to the adjustment mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows a conceptual diagram of an adjustment mode selection table used for selecting and setting the adjustment mode in accordance with the setting state of the back switch 71, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a volume data selection table used for determining a total volume value).

  The volume output from the gaming machine (speaker 46) is adjusted by the player with the “hall side set volume” set by the back switch 71 and the hall side set volume (maximum volume) as the upper limit. Side setting volume ".

  In the present embodiment, when the hall personnel operate the back switch 71 and set one of the scales 0 to 9, the adjustment mode corresponding to the scales 0 to 9 is determined. Specifically, the effect control unit 24 monitors the signal input state of the back switch 71 and sets the adjustment mode corresponding to the setting state by the back switch 71 based on the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. . For example, when the point indicated by the arrow of the operation unit 71b of the back switch 71 is set to the scale “3”, the adjustment mode 3 is set (see FIGS. 8A and 8C).

  As described above, when the setting state is changed by operating the back switch 71, a new adjustment mode is set (updated) with reference to the adjustment mode selection table (for volume) shown in FIG. To do. Thereby, the maximum value of the volume output from the gaming machine (the upper limit value of the volume that can be adjusted on the player side) is determined. When the adjustment mode is changed, as described above, the initial volume of the gaming machine is set to a default volume corresponding to the current adjustment mode.

  In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the minimum volume in each of the adjustment modes 1 to 9 (except for the adjustment mode 0 because volume adjustment is impossible (fixed value at all volume levels)) is a uniform “SAC03. ”(See the column“ Volume level 1 ”in FIG. 8A). Among the adjustment modes 1 to 9, the adjustment modes 3 to 7 for the non-power-saving mode (ordinary use) have different adjustable maximum volumes. Accordingly, the adjustable range of the user-side set volume is also different depending on the adjustment mode, and the player can adjust the volume within a range equal to or less than the maximum volume corresponding to the adjustment mode. For example, the adjustment mode 3 can be adjusted from a minimum of 40 dB to a maximum of 75 dB, and the adjustment mode 7 can be adjusted from a minimum of 40 dB to a maximum of 95 dB (however, as shown in the figure, the volume value corresponds to five volume levels here). The adjustment mode 2 for the power saving mode is the same as the adjustment mode 5, the adjustment mode 8 is the same as the adjustment mode 7, and the adjustment mode 9 is the same as the adjustment mode 3.

  Here, in order to avoid repeated description, a case where “adjustment mode 3” is set by the back switch 71 will be described as a representative. In the case of this adjustment mode 3, the hall side set volume is “SAC15 (75 dB)”. Then, the player can perform a five-step volume adjustment operation within the range of the minimum volume “SAC03” to the maximum volume “SAC15” while the volume adjustment screen 110 shown in FIG. Is possible. Specifically, under the adjustment mode 3, every time the volume level is increased or decreased by one step, “SAC03 (minimum volume) (40 dB)” ⇔ “SAC06 (50 dB)” ⇔ “SAC09 (default volume) (60 dB)”切 り 替 え “SAC012 (72 dB)” ⇔ “SAC15 (maximum volume) (75 dB)” and so on, and the maximum volume “SAC15” can be switched to the upper limit sequentially.

  The contents of the volume setting process are as follows. When the production control unit 24 (CPU 241) detects the left / right direction operation of the direction key 75 while the volume adjustment screen is being displayed (during the volume adjustment possible period), among the 32 levels of volume shown in FIG. Volume data specified by an address destination obtained by adding or subtracting an offset value “3” from an address value defining volume data indicating volume is acquired. For example, in the case where the current volume level is “SAC03 (40 dB)” of “Volume level 1 (minimum volume)” of the lowest level, the player presses the right key 75b of the direction key 75 once (volume). When the level is increased by one step), the effect control unit 24 refers to the “volume data selection table” shown in FIG. 8B and sets the offset value “3” from “SAC03” (current reference address). The volume data (volume data of the relative address destination) “SAC06 (50 dB)” designated by the address added with is acquired. At this time, a predetermined operation effect sound is output from the speaker 46 at a volume (50 dB) corresponding to the “SAC06” to notify the player of the degree of the increase in volume. In this state, when the player depresses the effect button 13 which is the determination button (decision operation), the effect control unit 24 receives the current volume data “SAC03” in response to reception of the detection signal of the depression operation. The new volume data “SAC06” is updated to change the total volume value. As a result, the volume level is increased by one level, and the volume level becomes “2”.

  Until the new volume level is changed, the game proceeds at the volume corresponding to “SAC06” set this time. Thereafter, for example, when the player performs a volume adjustment operation with the direction key 75 while the volume adjustment screen 110 is displayed, and presses the left direction key 75a of the direction key 75 once (an operation to decrease the volume level by one step). ), The production control unit 24 acquires “SAC03” specified by the address destination obtained by subtracting the offset value “3” from the address (current reference address) indicated by “SAC06” based on the detection signal. Then, a predetermined operation effect sound is output from the speaker 46 at a volume (40 dB) corresponding to “SAC03” to notify the player of the degree of change in volume. In this state, when the player presses down the effect button 13 which is the determination button, the effect control unit 24 receives the current volume data “SAC06” as the new volume data when receiving the detection signal of the pressing operation. Update to “SAC03” to change the total volume value. As a result, the volume level is lowered by one step, and the volume level becomes “1”. Note that when the volume level is raised or lowered by a plurality of levels, the above-described process of raising or lowering the level by only one step is repeated a plurality of times, and the processing contents are the same.

  As described above, in the adjustment mode 3, as shown in FIG. 8A, each time the player operates the direction key 75 in the left-right direction to increase or decrease the volume level by one level, the predetermined value is added or subtracted. The volume data is acquired, and “SAC03 (minimum volume)” ⇔ “SAC06” ⇔ “SAC09 (default volume)” ⇔ “SAC012” ⇔ “SAC15 (maximum volume)” and so on, As a result, switching in five stages is possible.

  The processing contents of the adjustment modes 4 to 7 are substantially the same. However, as shown in FIG. 8 (A), the adjustment modes 3 to 7 each have a different maximum volume that can be set (refer to the “volume level 5” column in the figure), and therefore the offset when the volume level is raised or lowered by one level. Value (volume variable range) is different. Specifically, in the adjustment mode 4, the volume of the offset value “± 4” is increased every time the volume level is increased or decreased within the range of the minimum volume “SAC03 (40 dB)” to the maximum volume “SAC19 (80 dB)”. For the adjustment mode 5, the volume data of the offset value “± 5” is obtained every time the volume level is raised or lowered within the range of the minimum volume “SAC03 (40 dB)” to the maximum volume “SAC23 (85 dB)”. In the adjustment mode 6, within the range from the minimum volume “SAC03 (40 dB)” to the maximum volume “SAC27 (90 dB)”, the volume data of the offset value “± 6” is adjusted every time the volume level is increased or decreased by one step. For mode 7, the volume level is increased by one step within the range from the minimum volume “SAC03 (40 dB)” to the maximum volume “SAC31 (95 dB)”. Volume data of the offset value "± 7" is set to be acquired for each Gesuru. As described above, the adjustment modes 3 to 7 have different offset values (added values or subtracted values), that is, different volume ranges. As a technique for raising and lowering the volume level by one level, when the volume level is sequentially increased by one level within the same adjustment mode, a predetermined value (a constant volume variable width: for example, in the adjustment mode 3) In this case, “3”) is sequentially added to increase the volume, and when the volume level is sequentially decreased by one level in the same adjustment mode, a predetermined value (a constant volume variable width: Here, “3”) is sequentially subtracted to reduce the volume (see FIG. 8, FIG. 9 to be described later). For the adjustment modes 2, 8, and 9 for the power saving mode, This is the same as the adjustment modes 5, 7, and 3. Further, the form in which the volume level is raised or lowered by the “constant volume variable width” may be a form in which the volume value itself is raised or lowered by a certain value. For example, when there are three types of adjustment modes, small, medium, and large, when the adjustment mode is small, “40 dB⇔49 dB⇔58 dB⇔67 dB⇔76 dB (can be raised and lowered at equal intervals of 9 dB)” "40 dB 51 dB ⇔ 62 dB ⇔ 73 dB 可能 84 dB (can be raised and lowered at equal intervals of 11 dB in increments of volume)”, and in the case of the large adjustment mode, “40 dB⇔53 dB⇔66 dB⇔79 dB⇔92 dB (volumes equally spaced by 13 dB) It can be configured so that it can be raised and lowered at equally spaced volume values.

The embodiment described above has the following characteristic configurations (a) to (c).
(A) The offset value (addition value or subtraction value) per level, that is, the volume variable range differs depending on the setting state by the back switch 71, that is, each adjustment mode (setting value). However, in the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, the offset values are not different in all the adjustment modes, and at least the offset values corresponding to the adjustment modes 3 to 7 are different values (offset values). 3 to 7). However, the adjustment modes 0 to 2 are special adjustment modes used exclusively for testing, presentation, and factory shipment, and these are adjustment modes that are hardly used in normal games. Therefore, it can be said that the offset values (volume variable widths) are different for the adjustment modes used in normal games.

(B) The adjustment modes according to the present embodiment include adjustment modes 2, 8, and 9 for power saving mode (power saving mode can be shifted) and adjustment modes 3 to 7 for non power saving mode (power saving mode cannot be shifted). Is provided. Here, when paying attention to the point of “gaming machine that can be controlled in the power saving mode”, there are the following characteristics (α) to (θ).
(Α) At least the adjustment mode for the non-power-saving mode has a different offset value (volume variable width).
(Β) At least the power saving mode adjustment mode has a different offset value (volume variable width).
(Γ) A configuration having (α) and (β).
(Δ) The maximum volume in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode can be set to the same (common) volume value as the largest volume value among the maximum volumes determined in each adjustment mode for the non power saving mode. Specifically, it indicates the relationship between the adjustment mode 8 for power saving mode (power saving 5) and the adjustment mode 7 for normal power saving mode (normally 5) (maximum volume “SAC031 (95 dB)”).
(Ε) The maximum volume in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode can be set to the same (common) volume value as the smallest volume value among the maximum volumes determined in each adjustment mode for the non power saving mode. Specifically, this indicates the relationship between the adjustment mode 9 (power saving 5) for the power saving mode and the adjustment mode 3 (normally 1) for the non power saving mode (maximum volume “SAC015 (75 dB)”).
(Ζ) The maximum volume of the adjustment mode for the power saving mode can be set to the same (common) volume value as the intermediate volume value among the maximum volumes determined in each adjustment mode for the non-power saving mode. Specifically, it refers to the relationship between the adjustment mode 2 (power saving 3) for the power saving mode (also for factory shipment) and the adjustment mode 5 (normally 3) in the non-power saving mode.
The adjustment mode for (η) power saving mode includes at least the first adjustment mode and the second adjustment mode, and the maximum volume of the first adjustment mode is the largest volume value among the adjustment modes for the non-power saving mode. The maximum volume in the second adjustment mode can be the same (common) volume value as the smallest volume value in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode.
The adjustment mode for (θ) power saving mode includes at least first to third adjustment modes, and the maximum volume of the first adjustment mode is the same as the largest volume value of the adjustment modes for non-power saving mode ( Common) volume value, the maximum volume in the second adjustment mode is the same (common) volume value as the intermediate volume value in the adjustment mode for non-power-saving mode, and the maximum volume in the third adjustment mode is non-power-saving It can be set to the same (common) volume value as the smallest volume value in the mode adjustment mode.

(C) The present embodiment has the following characteristics (ι) to (λ) with respect to the lower limit value (volume level 1) and the upper limit value (volume level 5). However, adjustment mode 0 (silence) where volume adjustment is not possible (fixed) is excluded.
(Ι) The lower limit value of the sound volume is common (same) in the adjustment modes 1 to 9. However, the upper limit of the volume is different for each of the adjustment modes 3 to 7 belonging to the non-power-saving mode (first group), and is different for each of the adjustment modes 2, 8, and 9 belonging to the power-saving mode (second group).
(Κ) The lower limit value of the sound volume is common (same) in each adjustment mode (adjustment modes 3 to 7) for the non-power-saving mode, but the upper limit value of the sound volume is different in each adjustment mode.
(Λ) The lower limit value of the sound volume is common (same) in the adjustment modes for power saving mode (adjustment modes 2, 8, and 9), but the upper limit value of the sound volume is different in each adjustment mode.

(D) It is possible to display a volume value notification image for reporting volume value information instead of the setting level meter 110a on the volume adjustment screen 110 shown in FIG. 7A or together with the setting level meter 110a. For example, at volume level 1 (SAC03), character information such as “current 40 dB” can be displayed in a predetermined area of the liquid crystal screen.
Further, the volume value information of the selected volume level may be displayed alone or together with the current volume value information.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A (A) to 7 (C), the volume values corresponding to the volume levels 1 to 5 corresponding to the current adjustment mode may be numerically displayed. In (A) to (C) shown in the figure, the sound volume is displayed (numerically displayed) in the decibel (dB) format below each of the setting level meters 1 to 5 (volume levels 1 to 5) denoted by reference numeral 110a. The adjustment screen is illustrated. FIG. 8A shows a display example in the case of the adjustment mode 7 (maximum volume: high), and FIG. 10B shows the display example in the case of the adjustment mode 5 (maximum volume: medium) and the adjustment mode 3 (maximum volume: low). It is shown. As can be seen from the figure, the sound volume levels 2 to 5 are different depending on the adjustment mode, but the player can adjust the sound level to one of the five setting levels by operating the direction key 75. (All volume levels can be selected). This is different from FIG. 10 described later in which a volume level non-selectable region exists in accordance with the adjustment mode. Further, in the case of the volume adjustment screen 110, it is possible to numerically notify the player how much the volume is increased when the volume level is changed to any one of the volume levels 1 to 5. That is, if the player looks at the setting level meter, the player can visually grasp the adjustment range of the current adjustment mode, the minimum volume (MIN), the maximum volume (MAX), and the like (the same applies to FIG. 7B described later). ).
The display position of the image related to the volume information is not particularly limited, and can be displayed on the upper part of the rectangular frame of the setting level meter 110a, in the rectangular frame, or on the lower part of the rectangular frame, or can be displayed overlapping the rectangular frame. . Further, it can be displayed at a position that does not interfere with other images (for example, button images) displayed on the volume adjustment screen 110 such as the upper right corner and the lower right corner of the volume adjustment screen 110.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
Moreover, this embodiment can be comprised like following (e)-(le). For the configuration examples (e) to (l) below, unless otherwise specified, the adjustment mode is used as an adjustment mode 0 in which volume adjustment is not possible (fixed), or exclusively for testing. The adjustment modes 0 to 1 that are not used in the game are not considered.

(Modification 1)
(E) When the adjustment mode is changed by the back switch 71 during the display of the volume adjustment screen 110 shown in FIG. 7A, the display mode of the setting level meter 110a does not change but changes by the volume. Specifically, the display mode of the setting level meter 110a is not changed, and is adjusted to the default volume corresponding to the changed adjustment mode. When the volume is the same before and after the change, neither the display nor the volume of the setting level meter 110a is changed.

(Modification 2)
(F) The volume of the sound effect (hereinafter abbreviated as “error sound”) related to the error notification effect when there is an abnormality in the game operation can be set to the error-dedicated volume corresponding to the adjustment mode. The error-dedicated volume can be set to a volume (for example, +5 dB) larger than the maximum volume of a sound effect other than the error sound (for example, a sound effect related to the symbol variation display game), for example. Typically, the description will be made focusing on the adjustment modes 3 to 7, and the maximum volume of the error sound can be set to 80 dB to 100 dB (see FIG. 8A for the maximum volume of the adjustment mode).
In addition, when the error-dedicated volume corresponding to the adjustment mode is set, the maximum sound volume variable range may be different between the error sound and the sound effect other than the error sound according to the adjustment mode. For example, the volume variable width of the maximum volume in the adjustment mode 3 and the adjustment mode 4 is “5 dB”, but in the case of an error sound, it can be “10 dB”. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can follow an error sound according to a user side setting volume (volume level 1-volume level 5), and can raise / lower a volume (it can change). Note that the “sound production other than the error sound” is not only a sound production related to the symbol variation display game (such as a sound production related to the notice effect), but also a production sound when the symbol variation display game is not executed, such as volume / Sound production (operation sound) at the time of adjusting the light amount is also included.

(Modification 3)
(G) The volume of the error sound can be set to the maximum volume according to the adjustment mode (fixed at the volume according to the adjustment mode). In this case, the error sound can be output with the maximum volume (constant volume) corresponding to the adjustment mode without depending on the user-side set volume (volume level 1 to volume level 5). In this case, the volume of the error sound can be adjusted by operating the back switch 71 on the pachinko hall side, but the volume cannot be adjusted by the operating means on the player side. About the error sound, the volume of the sound changes silently according to the player's volume adjustment. This achieves the original purpose of the error notification that error notification is given to the surroundings when an error occurs. This is because it can be inconvenient.

(Modification 4)
(H) The volume of the error sound related to a specific error can be configured not to change according to the adjustment mode. For example, when the RAM clear process by the RAM clear switch 98 is executed, an error notification effect (RAM clear notification) for a RAM clear error is executed, but an error sound related to the error notification effect (alarm sound at the time of RAM clear) ) Does not change regardless of the adjustment mode, that is, it can be output with a constant volume. This is because it is preferable not to change the volume of the error sound for dark errors such as RAM clear errors and errors detected by the fraud detection sensors 72a to 72c. The “specific error” is not limited to one type, and may be a plurality of types. For example, for the RAM clear error and the door opening error, the error sound volume does not change according to the adjustment mode, but for the other errors, the error sound volume changes according to the adjustment mode. be able to. In addition, for an error having a high degree of seriousness with respect to the gaming machine, it is preferable to set a special volume (for example, 100 dB) that is higher than any maximum volume set in each adjustment mode.

(Modification 5)
(I) Even in the same adjustment mode, the maximum sound volume can be different between the error sound and the sound effect other than the error sound. For example, the volume of the sound effect other than the error sound is the maximum volume determined in the adjustment mode (for example, “SAC15 (75 dB)” in the adjustment mode 3), but the error sound is larger than the volume determined in the adjustment mode. (For example, “SAC16 (77 dB)” or more). In short, the size relationship between the error sound and the volume of the sound effect other than the error sound satisfies “error sound> sound effect other than error sound”.

(Modification 6)
(Nu) In the same adjustment mode, the error sound and the sound production other than the error sound have the same (common) maximum volume (volume at volume level 5), but the upper limit other than the maximum volume is “Error” It can be set as the structure which satisfy | fills the relationship of "sound> sound production other than an error sound". That is, when the volume level is adjusted to any one of levels 1 to 4, the volume of the error sound is larger than the volume corresponding to the adjusted volume level. For example, when the volume level is set to 4 under the adjustment mode 3, the volume can be higher than “SAC12 (72 dB)” (for example, “SAC13 (73 dB)” or more). The same applies to the other volume levels 1 to 3.

  According to the above configurations (e) to (nu), an error has occurred because the volume of the sound effect (error sound) related to the error notification effect is larger than the volume of the sound effect other than the error notification effect. The effect can be effectively notified to the surroundings.

(Modification 8)
(L) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A, with respect to the default volume (initial setting volume) corresponding to the adjustment mode, the default volume (volume level) is, for example, in the adjustment modes 0 to 1. Each of the sound volume levels is set to 1 and the adjustment modes 2 to 9 have been described as being set to an intermediate level (volume level 3). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be configured as (λ) to (ρ) below.
(Λ) In all adjustment modes, the default volume is set to volume level 1 of the minimum level (lower limit).
(Μ) In the all adjustment mode, the default volume is set to the volume level 3 of the intermediate level.
(Ν) In all adjustment modes, the default volume is set to the volume level 5 of the maximum level (upper limit value).
(Ξ) Default volume (for adjustment modes 1 to 9, excluding adjustment mode 0 (silence) where volume adjustment is not possible (fixed), or adjustment modes 2 to 9 except for adjustment modes 0 to 1 such as for presentations. The default volume) can be set to the same volume level. For example, for adjustment modes 1 to 9 (or 2 to 9), the default sound volume can be set to sound volume level 1 (lower limit value), sound volume level 3 or sound volume level 5 (upper limit value).
(Ο) The default volume can be set to a different volume level in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode and the adjustment mode for the non-power saving mode. For example, in the case of the adjustment mode for the power saving mode, the volume level is 1, and the adjustment mode for the non-power saving mode is the volume level 3.
(Π) Depending on the adjustment mode, the default volume (volume level) can be set to a different volume level. For example, “volume level 1” is set when the maximum volume is the first volume (for example, 85 dB) or less, and volume level 3 is set when the maximum volume is higher than the first volume. Can do. Also, for example, the default volume level can be set to be relatively higher as the maximum volume is relatively increased. Specifically, when focusing on the adjustment modes 3 to 7 for the non-power-saving mode (normal use), the adjustment mode 3 is the volume level 1, the adjustment mode 4 is the volume level 2, the adjustment mode 5 is the volume level 3, and the adjustment mode. 6 is a volume level 4, and adjustment mode 7 is a volume level 5. Conversely, the default volume level can be set to be relatively low as the maximum volume is relatively increased.
(Ρ) In the above-described configurations (λ) to (π), the volume level corresponding to the default volume setting state can be displayed by the setting level meter 110a of the volume adjustment screen 110 shown in FIG. 7A. . For example, in the case where the default volume is set to volume level 4, as shown in the setting level meter 110a shown in FIG. 7A, the number of filled rectangular frames is displayed to notify that the volume level is 4. The At this time, as shown in FIG. 7A, the sound volume corresponding to the sound volume levels 1 to 5 can be numerically displayed in the form associated with the setting level meter 110a.

(Modification 9)
(V) When the adjustment mode is switched by the back switch 71, the volume adjustment screen 110 can be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 (at least the setting level meter 110a is displayed). In this case, it is preferable to display a volume level corresponding to the default volume setting state. More preferably, as shown in FIG. 7A, the sound volume corresponding to the sound volume levels 1 to 5 is numerically displayed (see the description in (d) above, see the sound volume adjustment screen 110 in FIG. 7A). This makes it easier to check the maximum volume when the hall clerk changes the adjustment mode.

(Modification 10)
(W) Although the adjustment mode 2 for factory shipment has been described on the assumption that the volume level can be adjusted, similarly to the adjustment mode 0, the volume adjustment is not possible (fixed value at all volume levels: for example, 80 dB).

  With regard to the forms (configuration examples) disclosed in the first embodiment and the above (a) to (wa), the volume adjustment impossible (fixed) adjustment mode and the silent adjustment mode 0 for all forms relating to volume adjustment. The presence or absence of does not affect the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the presence or absence of an adjustment mode (for example, adjustment modes 0, 1 or the like) that deviates from the use in a normal game does not affect the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the present invention is a configuration example relating to volume adjustment disclosed in the first embodiment, the above (a) to (wa), and “other variations (e)” described later (see FIG. 10 described later). Of these, at least two may be combined.

  According to the first embodiment (including the modification) described above, the following problems can be solved. When the number of gaming machines in the pachinko hall is large or dense, the output sound from the gaming machines may interfere, and the sound reverberating in the pachinko hall may change to an explosive sound (100 dB or more). . Under such a gaming environment, for example, an alarm sound from a fire alarm or an alarm sound that requires urgency such as a nationwide instantaneous alarm system (J alert) may be missed, resulting in problems in disaster prevention and crime prevention. In particular, if you miss the siren sound of the warning related to the protection of the public, the damage that can be expected is extremely serious. In addition, exposure to high volume may cause damage to acoustic staff (for example, noise-induced hearing loss) for hall clerk and players. In the present embodiment, the upper limit (maximum volume) of the volume output from the sound production means (speaker 46) can be adjusted in multiple stages, and a volume suitable for the gaming environment can be output. Yes. Thereby, a gaming machine that can solve the above-described problems can be provided.

[Second Embodiment]
In the embodiment described above (the first embodiment), the configuration in which the maximum volume of the light effect output from the gaming machine can be adjusted in multiple stages has been described. Next, a description will be given of a configuration (second embodiment) in which the maximum light amount can be adjusted in multiple steps with respect to the light effect by the gaming machine, that is, the light amount irradiated from the decoration lamp 45.

  In the description of the second embodiment, descriptions of substantially the same components as those of the first embodiment described above will be omitted as appropriate in order to avoid repeated descriptions, and different points from the first embodiment will be mainly described. explain. In addition, regarding the items related to the volume described in the first embodiment, the items that can be described by replacing the word “volume” with the word “light amount” will be described as appropriate, and in this case, The same contents will be omitted as appropriate in order to avoid repeated description.

(Light quantity setting for gaming machines: FIGS. 7B and 9)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a rotary type dip switch for adjusting the amount of light having the same function as the back switch 71 described in the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “back Switch 71 ”) is provided at an appropriate position on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, on the effect control board 24), and the amount of light emitted from the gaming machine is controlled by operating the back switch 71. The maximum value (the upper limit value of the light amount that can be adjusted by the left / right operation of the direction key 75) can be set stepwise. This is the same as the volume adjustment operation by the back switch 71. However, in this embodiment, two independent back switches 71 (volume adjustment mode changeover switch and light quantity adjustment mode changeover switch) are provided, and the maximum volume and the maximum light quantity can be adjusted independently and independently. It has become. Here, “light quantity” means, for example, luminous intensity (SI unit system: cd), illuminance (SI unit system: lx), luminance (SI unit system: cd / m ² ), luminous flux (SI unit system: lm), luminous flux The degree of divergence (SI unit system: rlx) can be substituted.

  The adjustment of the maximum value of the light amount (maximum light amount) is performed exclusively by the hall clerk, similar to the adjustment of the maximum volume described in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the back switch 71 can be used to switch between 10 stages of “adjustment modes 0 to 9” shown in FIG. 9A one by one, and the switchable range includes a maximum light quantity. “LAC00 (lights off: 0%)”, “LAC11 (setting for presentation: 50%)”, “LAC23 (setting for shipping: 80%)”, mainly used for testing and factory shipment, In addition, “LAC15 (low light amount: 60%)”, “LAC19 (low light amount: 70%)”, “LAC23 (low light amount: 80%)” (common to shipping), “ There are seven levels of light intensity (MAX light intensity level): “LAC27 (medium amount of light: 90%)” and “LAC31 (large amount of light: 100%)”. Each of these seven levels of light intensity can be adjusted in stages (the maximum light intensity can be limited) as “maximum light intensity (limit light intensity)” (the “maximum light intensity” corresponding to the adjustment mode in FIG. 9A). Column). Note that the light amount of “100%” in the present embodiment is a numerical value indicating the maximum light amount of the decorative lamp 45 (effect LED). For example, when the light amount is expressed as “50%” or “70%”, it means that the decoration lamp 45 emits light with a light amount value obtained by multiplying the maximum light amount value by the percentage. That is, when the light amount is 70%, the irradiated light is brighter and the player feels dazzling compared to the light amount of 50%.

  In the present embodiment, the pachinko hall side can set the desired adjustment mode using the back switch 71 and limit the maximum light amount output from the gaming machine in a stepwise manner. That is, in the light amount adjustment screen 111 shown in FIG. 7B, the pachinko hall side can set the upper limit value (maximum light amount of the user-side set light amount) by the left and right operation of the direction key 75. . Therefore, even if the player sets the light amount level to the maximum level (level 5MAX shown in FIG. 7B), it cannot be set to a light amount equal to or greater than the maximum light amount limited in the current adjustment mode. However, the user side set light amount can be freely set within the range of the maximum light amount corresponding to the adjustment mode set by the hall side.

  The use of the adjustment modes 0 to 9 and the power saving mode setting shown in FIG. 9A are the same as those in the first embodiment as illustrated. Note that when the power to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on or when the adjustment mode is changed by the back switch 71, a default light quantity (initial light quantity) corresponding to the adjustment mode is automatically set. This is also the same as in the first embodiment. Note that the default light amount is, for example, set to light amount level 1 in adjustment modes 0 to 1, and is set to light amount level 1 (light amount level 3) in adjustment modes 2 to 9 (see FIG. 9A). (See gray block frame). In this setting state, the corresponding light quantity level is displayed by the setting level meter 111a of the volume adjustment screen 111 shown in FIG. 7B. When the light quantity adjustment operation of the direction key 75 is changed to a different light quantity level different from the default light quantity level and the customer waiting effect is executed in that state, the default of the customer waiting effect is triggered. The light level is reset.

  Next, the amount of light emitted from the gaming machine (decorative lamp 45) according to the adjustment mode will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9A shows a conceptual diagram of an adjustment mode selection table used for selecting and setting the adjustment mode according to the setting state of the back switch 71, and FIG. 9B determines the light quantity of the decoration lamp 45. The conceptual diagram of the light quantity data selection table used for this is shown.

  The amount of light output from the gaming machine (decorative lamp 45) is adjusted by the player within the range of the “hole side set light amount” set by the back switch 71 and the hall side set light amount. It is determined based on “light quantity”.

  When the setting state is changed by operating the back switch 71, in the case of the light amount, the adjustment mode selection table (for light amount) shown in FIG. Update. Thereby, the maximum value of the light quantity (the upper limit value of the light quantity that can be adjusted on the player side) is determined. When the adjustment mode is changed, as described above, the initial volume of the gaming machine is set to a default volume corresponding to the current adjustment mode.

  In the case of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9A, the minimum light amount in each of the adjustment modes 1 to 9 (excluding adjustment mode 0 because light amount adjustment is not possible (a fixed value for all light amounts)) is a uniform “LAC03. (Refer to the column of “light quantity level 1” in FIG. 9A). Among the adjustment modes 1 to 9, the adjustment modes 3 to 7 for normal use (no power saving mode transition) can be adjusted with the adjustable range of the user-side set light amount (light amount level 1 to light amount level 5 shown in the drawing). However, the adjustment mode 2 for the power saving mode is the same as the adjustment mode 5, the adjustment mode 8 is the same as the adjustment mode 7, and the adjustment mode 9 is the same as the adjustment mode 3. It has become.

  Here, in order to avoid repeated description, a case where “adjustment mode 3” is set by the back switch 71 will be described as a representative. In the case of this adjustment mode 3, the hall side set light amount is “LAC15 (30.0%)”. Then, the player operates the direction key 75 in the left-right direction while the light amount adjustment screen 110 shown in FIG. 7B is displayed, and performs a five-step light amount adjustment operation within the range of the minimum volume “LAC03” to the maximum volume “LAC15”. Can be set to a desired light amount. Specifically, under the adjustment mode 3, every time the light amount level is increased or decreased by one step, “LAC03 (minimum light amount) (30.0%)” ⇔ “LAC06 (37.5%)” ⇔ “LAC09 (default) (Light quantity) (45.0%) "⇔" LAC012 (52.5%) "⇔" LAC15 (maximum light quantity) (60.0%) ", etc. Is possible. The light quantity is set using the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 9A and the light quantity data selection table shown in FIG. 9B. The contents of the setting process are other than the use of the table. Is substantially the same as the content of the volume setting process described in the first embodiment, and therefore details thereof are omitted to avoid duplication.

  The processing contents of the adjustment modes 4 to 7 are substantially the same, and as can be seen from FIG. 9A, the light amount adjustment range of each adjustment mode is displayed in the column “user side set light level”. The light amount variable width (offset value) is as shown in the “light amount variable width” column, and the maximum light amount set according to each adjustment mode is as shown in the “maximum light amount [%]” column.

The embodiment described above has the following characteristic configurations (tu) to (fu).
(Iv) Depending on each adjustment mode (set value), the offset value (addition value and / or subtraction value) per level, that is, the light amount variable width differs.

(E) The adjustment modes according to the present embodiment include adjustment modes 2, 8, and 9 for power saving mode (power saving mode can be shifted) and adjustment modes 3 to 7 for non-power saving mode (power saving mode cannot be shifted). Is provided. The following (δ2) to (θ2) are characteristic. Here, in the case of paying attention to the point of “a gaming machine that can be controlled in the power saving mode”, (α) to (γ) among (α) to (θ) according to the first embodiment are the same. Therefore, the description is omitted.
(Δ2) The maximum light amount in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode can be set to the same (common) light amount value as the largest light amount value among the maximum light amounts determined in the respective adjustment modes for the non power saving mode. Specifically, it indicates the relationship between the adjustment mode 8 for power saving mode (power saving 5) and the adjustment mode 7 for normal power saving mode (normally 5) (maximum light amount “LAC031 (100%)”).
(Ε2) The maximum light amount in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode can be set to the same (common) light amount value as the smallest light amount value among the maximum light amounts determined in the respective adjustment modes for the non power saving mode. Specifically, it indicates the relationship between the adjustment mode 9 (power saving 1) for the power saving mode and the adjustment mode 3 (normally 1) for the non power saving mode (maximum light amount “LAC015 (60.0%)”).
(Ζ2) The maximum light amount in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode can be set to the same (common) light amount value as the intermediate light amount value among the maximum light amounts determined in the respective adjustment modes for the non power saving mode. Specifically, it refers to the relationship between the adjustment mode 2 (power saving 3) for the power saving mode (also for factory shipment) and the adjustment mode 5 (normally 3) in the non-power saving mode.
The adjustment mode for (η2) power saving mode includes at least the first adjustment mode and the second adjustment mode, and the maximum light amount of the first adjustment mode is the largest light amount value among the adjustment modes for the non-power saving mode. The maximum light amount in the second adjustment mode can be the same (common) light amount value as the smallest light amount value in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode.
The adjustment mode for the (θ2) power saving mode includes at least the first to third adjustment modes, and the maximum light amount in the first adjustment mode is the same as the largest light amount value in the adjustment mode for the non-power saving mode ( Common) light quantity value, the maximum light quantity in the second adjustment mode is the same (common) light quantity value as the intermediate light quantity value among the adjustment modes for the non-power saving mode, and the maximum light quantity in the third adjustment mode is the non power saving. It can be set to the same (common) light amount value as the smallest light amount value in the mode adjustment mode.

(Na) In the present embodiment, the lower limit value of the light amount (the light amount at the light amount level 1) has the following features (ι2) to (λ2). However, adjustment mode 0 (light-off) in which the light amount cannot be adjusted is excluded.
(Ι2) The lower limit value of the light amount is common (same) in the adjustment modes 1 to 9. However, the upper limit value of the light amount is different in each of the adjustment modes 3 to 7 belonging to the non-power-saving mode (first group), and is different in each of the adjustment modes 2, 8, and 9 belonging to the power-saving mode (second group).
(Κ2) The lower limit value of the light amount is common (same) in each adjustment mode (adjustment modes 3 to 7) for the non-power-saving mode, but the upper limit value of the light amount is different in each adjustment mode.
(Λ2) The lower limit value of the light amount is common (same) in the adjustment modes for power saving mode (adjustment modes 2, 8, and 9), but the upper limit value of the light amount is different in each adjustment mode.

(La) Instead of the setting level meter 111a on the light amount adjustment screen 111 shown in FIG. 7B or together with the setting level meter 111a, a light amount value notification image for notifying light amount value information can be displayed. For example, when the light level is 1 (LAC03), for example, character information such as “currently 40 dB” can be displayed in a predetermined area of the liquid crystal screen.
The light amount value information of the selected light amount level may be displayed alone or together with the current light amount value information.
Moreover, as shown to FIG. 7B (A)-(C), you may display numerically the light quantity value corresponding to the light quantity levels 1-5 according to the present adjustment mode. In the illustrated (A) to (C), the light quantity is displayed (numerically displayed) in percent (%) format below the setting level meters 1 to 5 (volume levels 1 to 5) denoted by reference numeral 110a. The adjustment screen is illustrated. FIG. 7A shows a display example in the case of the adjustment mode 7 (maximum light amount: large), and FIG. 5B shows the display example in the case of the adjustment mode 5 (maximum light amount: medium) and adjustment mode 3 (maximum light amount: small). It is shown. As can be seen from the figure, the light amounts of the light amount levels 2 to 5 are different depending on the adjustment mode, but the player can adjust to any one of the five set levels by operating the direction key 75. (Total light level can be selected). This is different from FIG. 11, which will be described later, in which there is a light intensity level non-selectable region depending on the adjustment mode. Further, in the case of the light amount adjustment screen 111, it is possible to numerically notify the player how much the light amount is increased when the light amount level is changed to any one of the light amount levels 1 to 5. That is, when the player looks at the set level meter, the adjustment range of the current adjustment mode, the minimum light amount (MIN), the maximum light amount (MAX), and the like can be visually grasped.
The display position of the image relating to the light amount information is not particularly limited, and can be displayed at the upper part of the rectangular frame of the setting level meter 111a, within the rectangular frame, or at the lower part of the rectangular frame, or can be displayed overlapping the rectangular frame. . In addition, it can be displayed at a position that does not interfere with other images (for example, button images) displayed on the light amount adjustment screen 111, such as the upper right corner and the lower right corner of the light amount adjustment screen 111.

(Modification of the second embodiment)
Moreover, this embodiment can be comprised like the following (c)-(co). For the configuration examples (c) to (c) below, unless otherwise specified, the adjustment mode is used for adjustment mode 0 in which the light amount adjustment is not possible (fixed), or exclusively for testing. The adjustment modes 0 to 1 that are not used in the game are not considered.

(Modification 1)
(C) When the adjustment mode is changed by the back switch 71 during the display of the light amount adjustment screen 111 shown in FIG. 7B, the display mode of the setting level meter 111a does not change but changes by the light amount. Specifically, the display level of the setting level meter 111a does not change, and is adjusted to a default light amount corresponding to the changed adjustment mode. If the light amount is the same before and after the change, neither the display nor the light amount of the setting level meter 111a changes.

(Modification 2)
(Ii) The light amount of the light effect related to the error notification effect (hereinafter abbreviated as “error light”) can be set to the error-dedicated light amount corresponding to the adjustment mode. For example, the amount of light dedicated to error can be set to a larger amount of light (for example, + 5%) than the maximum amount of light production other than error light. If the adjustment modes 3 to 7 are representatively described, the maximum amount of error light can be set to 60% to 100% (see FIG. 8A for the maximum amount of light in the adjustment mode).
Also, when the light amount dedicated to the error according to the adjustment mode is determined, the error light and the light effect other than the error light (for example, the light effect related to the symbol variation display game) according to the adjustment mode, the maximum light amount The light amount variable width may be different. For example, the light amount variable width of the maximum light amount in the adjustment mode 3 and the adjustment mode 4 is “10%”, but in the case of error light, it can be “15%”. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can raise / lower a light quantity (it can change) according to a user side setting light quantity (light quantity level 1-light quantity level 5), and also tracking error light. “Light effects other than error light” are not only light effects related to the symbol variation display game (light effects related to the notice effect, etc.), but also light effects when the symbol variation display game is not being executed, for example, A light effect at the time of adjustment operation (light effect during operation) is also included.

(Modification 3)
(B) The amount of error light can be set to the maximum amount according to the adjustment mode (fixed at the amount corresponding to the adjustment mode). In this case, the error light can be emitted with the maximum light amount (constant light amount) corresponding to the adjustment mode without depending on the user-side set light amount (light amount level 1 to light amount level 5). In this case, the light amount of the error light can be adjusted by the back switch 71, but the light amount cannot be adjusted by the operation means on the player side. Regarding the error light, the amount of light changes silently according to the light amount adjustment on the player side, which achieves the original purpose of error notification that error notification is performed to the surroundings when an error occurs. This is because it can be inconvenient.

(Modification 4)
(E) It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the amount of error light related to a specific error does not change according to the adjustment mode. For example, when the RAM clear process by the RAM clear switch 98 is executed, an error notification effect for a RAM clear error is executed. Regarding the amount of error light (alarm sound at the time of RAM clear) related to the error notification effect, The light does not change regardless of the adjustment mode, that is, the light can be emitted with a constant light amount. This is because it is preferable not to change the amount of error light without error for errors with a high degree of seriousness to gaming machines, such as a RAM clear error and errors detected by the fraud detection sensors 72a to 72c. The “specific error” is not limited to one type, and may be a plurality of types. In addition, it is preferable to set the light amount to 100% for an error having a high severity with respect to the gaming machine.

(Modification 5)
(H) Even in the same adjustment mode, the maximum light quantity can be different between the error light and the light effect other than the error light. For example, the light amount other than the error light is the maximum light amount determined in the adjustment mode (for example, “LAC15 (60.0%)” in the adjustment mode 3), but the error light is the light amount determined in the adjustment mode. (For example, “LAC16 (62.5%)” or more). In short, the relationship between the error light and the amount of light effect other than the error light satisfies “error light> light effect other than error light”.

(Modification 6)
(Y) In the same adjustment mode, the maximum amount of light (light amount of light level 5) is the same (common) for error light and light effects other than error light. It can be set as the structure which satisfy | fills the relationship of "light | light effects other than error light". That is, when the light amount is adjusted to any one of the light amount levels 1 to 4, the light amount of the error light is larger than the light amount corresponding to the adjusted light amount level. For example, when the light amount level 4 is set under the adjustment mode 3, the light amount can be higher than “LAC12 (52.5%)” (for example, “LAC13 (55.0%)” or more). The same applies to the other light quantity levels 1 to 3.

  According to the configurations (ii) to (y) above, an error has occurred because the light amount of the light effect (error light) related to the error notification effect is larger than the light amount of the light effect other than the error notification effect. The effect can be effectively notified to the surroundings.

(Modification 8)
(M) In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8A regarding the default light amount (initial setting light amount) according to the adjustment mode, the default light amount is, for example, the light amount level 1 in each of the adjustment modes 0 to 1. The adjustment modes 2 to 9 have been described as being set to the intermediate level (light quantity level 3). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be configured as (λ2) to (ρ2) below.
(Λ2) The default light amount is set to the minimum light amount level 1 in all adjustment modes.
(Μ2) The default light amount is set to an intermediate light amount level 3 in all adjustment modes.
(Ν2) The default light amount is set to the maximum light amount level 5 in all adjustment modes.
(Ξ2) Default light amount (initial light amount) for adjustment modes 1 to 9 except adjustment mode 0 (lights off) where light amount adjustment is not possible (fixed), or adjustment modes 2 to 9 excluding adjustment modes 0 to 1 Can be set to the same light quantity level. For example, for the adjustment modes 1 to 9 (or 2 to 9), the default light amount can be the light amount level 1 (lower limit), the light amount level 3, or the light amount level 5.
(Ο 2) The default light intensity can be set to different levels in the adjustment mode for the power saving mode and the adjustment mode for the non-power saving mode. For example, in the case of the adjustment mode for the power saving mode, the light level 1 is set, and in the adjustment mode for the non-power saving mode, the light level 3 is set.
(Π2) The default light quantity can be set to a different light quantity level according to the adjustment mode. For example, in the adjustment mode in which the maximum light amount is the first light amount (for example, 70%) or less, the light amount level 1 is set, and in the adjustment mode with the maximum light amount exceeding the first light amount, the light amount level 3 is set. be able to. Further, for example, the default light amount level can be set to be relatively high as the maximum light amount becomes relatively large. Specifically, when attention is paid to the normal adjustment modes 3 to 7, the adjustment mode 3 is the light amount level 1, the adjustment mode 4 is the light amount level 2, the adjustment mode 5 is the light amount level 3, the adjustment mode 5 is the light amount level 4, The adjustment mode 6 is a light amount level of 5. On the contrary, the default light amount level can be set to be relatively low as the maximum light amount is relatively increased.
(Ρ2) In the configurations of (λ2) to (π2), the light level corresponding to the default light amount setting state can be displayed by the setting level meter 111a of the light amount adjustment screen 111 shown in FIG. 7B. . For example, in the case where the default light quantity is set to the light quantity level 3, the number of filled rectangular frames is displayed as in the setting level meter 111a shown in FIG. The At this time, as shown in FIG. 7B, the light quantity corresponding to the light quantity levels 1 to 5 can be numerically displayed in the form associated with the setting level meter 111a.

(Modification 9)
(G) When the adjustment mode is switched by the back switch 71, the light amount adjustment screen 111 can be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 (at least the setting level meter 111a is displayed). In this case, as in the configurations of (π2) and (ρ2) in Modification 8 described above, the default light amount is changed according to the adjustment mode, and the light amount level corresponding to the default light amount setting state is displayed. It is preferable that More preferably, as shown in FIG. 7B, the light quantity corresponding to the light quantity levels 1 to 5 is numerically displayed (see the explanation in (B) above, see the light quantity adjustment screen 111 in FIG. 7B). In this way, when the hall clerk changes the adjustment mode, it becomes easy to check the maximum light amount and the like.

(Modification 10)
(F) Although the adjustment mode 2 for factory shipment has been described on the assumption that the light quantity level can be adjusted, the light quantity adjustment is not possible (the total light quantity level has a fixed value: for example, 80%).

(Modification 11)
(E) In this embodiment, there are two adjustment mode changeover switches, a back switch for volume adjustment and a back switch for light adjustment, and the adjustment mode for light quantity and the adjustment mode for volume adjustment are respectively It has been described as a configuration that can be adjusted independently. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an adjustment mode selection table (hereinafter referred to as “volume light amount adjustment mode selection table”) including the volume adjustment data in FIG. 8A and the light amount adjustment data in FIG. Can be set to any one of the adjustment modes 0 to 9 by one back switch 71. In the case of the present embodiment, as can be seen from FIGS. 8A and 9A, the number of adjustment modes is the same for the volume adjustment mode and the light amount use, and the applications of both adjustment modes also match. It is constituted as follows. Therefore, for example, when the adjustment mode 3 is set by one back switch 71, the adjustment is common to the adjustment mode 3 shown in FIG. 8A for the volume and the adjustment mode 3 shown in FIG. Mode 3 is set. As for the volume, the data of the adjustment mode 3 shown in FIG. 8A is referred, the maximum volume is set to 75 dB of “SAC15”, and the default volume is set to 60 dB of “SAC09” of volume level 3. . Also, the setting range of the user side set volume is “SAC03 (minimum volume)” ⇔ “SAC06” ⇔ “SAC09 (default volume)” ⇔ “SAC012” ⇔ “SAC15 (maximum volume)”. On the other hand, regarding the light quantity, the data of the adjustment mode 3 shown in FIG. 9A is referred to, the maximum light quantity is set to “LAC15 (60.0%), and the default light quantity is 45% of“ SAC09 ”with the light quantity level 3. Set to The setting range of the user-side set light amount is “LAC03 (minimum light amount) (30.0%)” ⇔ “LAC06 (37.5%)” ⇔ “LAC09 (default light amount) (45.0%)” ⇔ “LAC012 (52.5%)” ⇔ “LAC15 (maximum light quantity) (60.0%)”.

(Other variations)
(D) The volume adjustment screen 110 (setting level meter 110a) according to the first embodiment is not limited to the display mode shown in FIG. For example, a display mode such as volume adjustment screens 110b, 110d, and 110f (setting level meters 110c, 110e, and 110g) illustrated in FIG. 10 may be used. A modification of the volume adjustment screen shown in FIG. 10 will be described. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that 12 levels can be set. In short, in this modification, the settable range of the volume level by the setting level meter is expanded as the set maximum volume is larger.

  Specifically, for example, “maximum volume 95 dB” is set for adjustment modes 7 and 8, “maximum volume 85 dB” is set for adjustment modes 2 and 5, and “maximum volume 75 dB” is set for adjustment modes 3 and 9. . Here, in the adjustment modes 7 and 8, as shown in FIG. 10A, all 12 levels can be set (see the setting level meter 110c), but the maximum volume is higher than that in the adjustment modes 7 and 8. In the case of the small adjustment modes 2 and 5, as shown in FIG. 10B, among the 12 levels indicated by the setting level meter 110e, the volume levels 11 to 12 are painted in gray, and this range is Setting is not possible (level selectable range), that is, the volume level is limited to 10 levels. Similarly, in the adjustment modes 3 and 9 in which the maximum volume is smaller, as shown in FIG. 10C, among the 12 levels indicated by the setting level meter 110f, the volume levels 9 to 12 are grayed out. The volume level is limited to eight levels. Thus, in this modification, when the maximum volume is set to a relatively small adjustment mode, the level setting range by the setting level meter is relatively narrowed, and on the contrary, the maximum volume is adjusted to be relatively large. When the mode is set, the level setting range by the setting level meter is relatively widened, and the setting value of the current adjustment mode can be indirectly notified through the setting level meter.

  As described above, the level setting range by the setting level meter may be changed according to the value of the adjustment mode instead of changing the level setting range by the setting level meter according to the set maximum volume. . For example, if it is described that seven levels can be set, the level setting range is up to three levels (volume levels 1 to 3) in the adjustment mode 3, and the level setting range is four levels in the adjustment mode 4. (Volume level 1 to 4), ... In adjustment mode 6, the level setting range is up to 6 levels (volume level 1 to 6), and in adjustment mode 7, the level setting range is up to 7 levels ( (Volume levels 1 to 7). In any case, any configuration may be used as long as the current setting value of the adjustment mode can be indirectly notified through the setting level meter.

  Similarly for the setting level meters 111c, 111e, and 111g on the light amount adjustment screens 111b, 111d, and 111f shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, the light amount level by the setting level meter increases as the set maximum light amount increases. This shows a display example in which the settable range is expanded. The modified example related to the light amount adjustment is the same phenomenon as the modified example of the volume adjustment described above. Therefore, in order to avoid duplication, the detailed explanation is omitted.

  According to the second embodiment (including modifications), the following problems can be solved. In recent years, game machines such as ball and ball game machines and revolving game machines have been used to continuously display dazzling light effects such as flashes or to increase flashy light effects in order to raise the player's expectation of winning. There are many gaming machines that appear on time, and there are many voices that players feel uncomfortable with the excessively bright light. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the upper limit value (maximum light amount) of the light effect means can be adjusted in multiple steps, and the upper limit value (maximum light amount) irradiated from the gaming machine is set on the pachinko hall side. Can be adjusted as needed. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can be adjusted to a light amount suitable for the player's demand and gaming environment. The light amount adjustment portion may be all or a part of the light effect means (decorative lamp 45) provided in the gaming machine (for example, only the light emitting means group of the center ornament 48).

  With respect to the form (configuration example) disclosed in the second embodiment, the above (tu) to (co), and the above (e) (FIG. 11) of “other modifications”, the light amount adjustment is not possible (fixed). The presence / absence of the adjustment mode or the adjustment mode 0 for turning off does not affect the technical idea of the present invention. Further, the presence or absence of adjustment modes 0 to 1 that deviate from the use in normal games does not affect the technical idea of the present invention. Further, the present invention can be configured by combining at least two of the configuration examples relating to the light amount adjustment disclosed in the second embodiment and the above (tu) to (ko) and (d). Furthermore, the present invention includes the configuration examples disclosed in the first embodiment, the (a) to (wa), the second embodiment, the (tu) to (ko), and the (d). , At least two may be combined. That is, the present invention includes a configuration in which various configuration examples according to the first embodiment relating to volume adjustment and the second embodiment relating to light amount adjustment are appropriately combined.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the default volume level (initially set volume) and display examples thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment, the adjustment mode 2 is described as an adjustment mode that is used for both “for shipping” and “for power saving mode (power saving 3: maximum volume“ medium ”)”. When described as “for shipping”, the adjustment mode will be described as an adjustment mode dedicated for “for shipping”. Also, in FIGS. 12 to 28, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the Arabic numerals in the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIGS. 12 to 28 are not “SAC” shown in FIG. It is simply changed to “decibel [dB]” notation. However, the volume value expressed in decibels is used to indicate the magnitude relation of the volume depending on the magnitude of the numerical value, and of course is different from the actual volume. 12 to 28, the “initial position” indicated by the light gray block frame means a default sound volume (volume level).

(Specific example 1: FIG. 12)
FIG. 12 shows a specific example of “a mode in which the default volume level is set to a different volume level according to the adjustment mode” described in “Modification 8 (le) (π)”. Here, as the adjustment mode selection table, the maximum volume can be adjusted to 5 levels (it can be set to any one of the 5 types of maximum volume. However, the default volume level may vary depending on the adjustment mode) A configuration of “5 × 5 step version” that can be adjusted to five levels of volume levels 1 to 5 is illustrated (the same applies to specific example 2 described later).

  In FIG. 12, for example, in the case of adjustment modes 0 to 2 (silence, presentation, shipment: adjustment mode belonging to the first adjustment mode), the volume level is set to 1 and normal adjustment modes 3 to 7 (first In the case of the adjustment mode belonging to the two adjustment mode), different volume levels 1 to 5 can be set. Also, in this example, two types of adjustment modes for power saving mode, adjustment mode 8 (low volume) and adjustment mode 9 (high volume), are representatively shown. In addition, for the adjustment modes 8 (volume low) and 9 (volume high) for the power saving mode, the default volume is set to the same volume level as that for normal use because of the maximum volume (the adjustment mode 8 is set to the volume level 1). Adjustment mode 9 is set to volume level 5).

(About the default volume level display)
Further, the information regarding the default volume (volume level) is configured so that the default volume level can be notified using the setting level meter as already described in the above-mentioned “(Modification 8) (ρ) (ρ)”. (See FIGS. 12A to 12C). In addition to simply notifying the default volume level, as described in the above-mentioned “(Le) (ρ) of Modification 8”, the volume corresponding to the volume level is numerically set in a form accompanying the setting level meter. (See the decibel (dB) display image below the set level meter 110a in FIGS. 7A (A) to 7 (C)). The display of the default volume level is the same for specific examples 2 to 5 described later.

  In this example, the adjustment mode for silence, presentation, and shipment and the adjustment mode 3 for normal use (the normal mode has the lowest maximum volume) have the same volume value (for example, 65 dB). It is good.

(Specific example 2: FIGS. 13A to 13C)
FIGS. 13A to 13C show a modification of FIG. 12 described above, and the basic configuration is the above-mentioned “(λ), (μ), (ν of (Le) of Modification 8”. The configuration is the same as that described in “)”. Specifically, regarding an adjustment mode capable of adjusting the volume, excluding the adjustment mode 0 where the volume cannot be adjusted, the configuration example is “setting the default volume (volume level) to a predetermined volume level regardless of the adjustment mode”. Specifically, regarding the default sound volume, FIGS. 13A to 13C are examples in which the minimum level (volume level 1), the intermediate level (volume level 3), and the maximum level (volume level 5) are set. It is shown.

(Specific example 3: FIG. 14)
14A and 14B, the volume value for each adjustment mode does not change (the volume value for each volume level is the same (the same value) in each adjustment mode), but the player sets it according to the adjustment mode. This is a configuration example in which the maximum volume varies depending on the adjustment mode by varying the possible volume adjustment range (the range of the volume level that can be adjusted by the player's volume adjustment operation). Here, the configuration of “5 × 10 stage version” in which the maximum volume can be adjusted to 5 levels and the volume level can be adjusted to 10 levels from 1 to 10 is illustrated. Hereinafter, the range of the volume level that can be adjusted by the player's volume adjustment operation may be referred to as the “player-side volume adjustment range”.

  In FIG. 14, the dark gray portion (inside the thick line frame) shown in the drawing (excluding the silent adjustment mode) indicates a range in which the player cannot adjust (level selectable range) (described later in FIG. 15 to FIG. 15). The same applies to FIGS. 17C and 21 to 28). For example, in the case of the adjustment mode 3, the sound volume levels 7 to 10 are not adjustable (level selectable range), that is, the player-side sound volume adjustment range is a range of the sound volume levels 1 to 6. Only the maximum volume level 6 “50 dB” can be adjusted. On the other hand, in the adjustment mode 4, the sound volume levels 8 to 10 are not adjustable (level selectable range), but the player side sound volume adjustment range is a range of sound volume levels 1 to 7, and the player Compared with the case of the adjustment mode 3, it is possible to adjust up to “59 dB” of the volume level 7 at the maximum. In this example, in the adjustment modes 7 (normal 5) and 9 (power saving 5), all the sound volume levels from 1 to 10 can be selected, and the maximum sound volume can be adjusted to 86 dB. The other adjustment modes are as illustrated.

  In this way, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 14, the volume adjustable range that can be adjusted by the player differs depending on the adjustment mode. Thereby, although the maximum volume for each adjustment mode is the same, the maximum volume can be varied according to the adjustment mode (all or part of all the adjustment modes).

  14A and 14B, the default volume level is different as shown. Specifically, the example shown in FIG. (A) shows a case where the default volume level is set to the maximum volume level in the player-side volume adjustment range. On the other hand, FIG. (B) shows a case where the same volume level (default = volume level 6 in this example) is set regardless of the adjustment mode. That is, in the case of FIG. (B), it is a case where it is set to the volume level which can be set by the player in any adjustment mode, and in this example, it can be set to any one of volume levels 1-6. .

  In FIGS. 12 to 14, 17A to 22, 25, 26, and 28, the volume adjustment itself is disabled for the adjustment mode 0 (for silence) incapable of volume adjustment. As a method of disabling the volume adjustment itself, for example, the setting level meter itself is not displayed, or the setting level meter is displayed but the volume adjustment operation is disabled. Can be configured. Further, a message such as “Volume adjustment impossible” may be displayed (for example, see FIG. 18A described later) to notify that the volume adjustment operation cannot be performed.

(Specific Example 4: FIGS. 15 to 16)
FIG. 15 shows a modification of the third specific example of FIG. 14 described above. The difference between this example and the configuration example of FIG. 14 is that the maximum volume can be adjusted to 10 levels (can be set to any of 10 types of maximum volume), and the volume level can be adjusted to 10 levels from 1 to 10. This is a configuration of “10 × 10 step version” and an adjustment mode such as “silence, presentation, shipping, power saving” is not provided.

  Regarding the default volume level shown in FIG. 15, in FIG. 15A, the default volume level is different for each adjustment mode, and the default volume level is the largest in the player side volume adjustment range. Set to volume level. In addition, when the adjustment mode is changed in the upward or downward direction, the default volume level is regularly changed in a staircase pattern. Further, the adjustment mode 0 of this example is not an adjustment mode for silence, but is an adjustment mode in which a volume adjustment operation cannot be performed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 15B shows a case where a predetermined volume level is set regardless of the adjustment mode, and the basic configuration is the same as that in FIGS. 14 (specific example 3) and (B) described above. However, in the case of FIG. 15B, since the volume level that can be set by the player is volume level 1, here, the configuration example is such that the default volume is set to the minimum volume level (volume level 1). ing.

(Modification of specific example 4: FIG. 16)
Further, as a modification of FIG. 15 (specific example 4) described above, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the default volume level may be set to a common level in a plurality of adjustment modes. . For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, the adjustment modes 0 to 2 (first group) are volume level 1, the adjustment modes 3 to 5 (second group) are volume level 4, and the adjustment modes 6 to 9 (third group). ) Can be set to a common level by grouping a plurality of adjustment modes into a plurality of groups. Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, the adjustment modes 0 to 4 (first group) are set to the volume level 1, the adjustment modes 5 to 8 (second group) are set to the volume level 5, and the player side volume adjustment range is set to the maximum. The adjustment mode 9 to be performed may be configured to have one or a plurality of single adjustment modes that are not shared with one or a plurality of groups, such as the maximum volume level 10 alone.

(Specific example 5: FIG. 17)
17A to 17C show a specific example 5 of FIG. 15 (or FIG. 16) described above. The difference between this example and the configuration example of FIG. 15 is that the maximum volume can be adjusted in 16 steps, which is higher than the configuration example of FIG. This is the point of the configuration of “16 × 10 stage version” that can be adjusted to 1 to 10 stages.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 17A, five types of adjustment modes A to E for the power saving mode are provided, but the maximum volume can be set in three types of “large”, “medium”, and “small”.
In the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C, five types of adjustment modes A to E for the power saving mode are provided. As shown in the drawing, the maximum volume is different in each of the adjustment modes A to E. Five types of maximum volume can be set: medium, large, extra large, and MAX.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 17A, the adjustment modes 0 to E except for the adjustment mode F (silence) or the adjustment mode for presentation, etc. at which the volume cannot be adjusted (fixed) are the defaults described in (A) to (E) below It includes a volume setting.
(A) The normal adjustment modes 0 to 9 are set to different default volume levels. The basic configuration is the same as in FIG. 15A (specific example 4) described above (the default volume level differs for each adjustment mode).
(B) When focusing on the adjustment modes A to C for the power saving mode, different default volume levels are set. The basic configuration is the same as FIG. 15A (specific example 4) described above (the default volume level is different for each adjustment mode). Specifically, the adjustment modes A to C for the power saving mode are as follows. The normal (non-power saving mode) adjustment modes 0 to 9 have the same default volume setting tendency, that is, the default volume level is set to the maximum volume level in the player-side volume adjustment range. It is like that.
(C) The maximum volume of the adjustment mode for the power saving mode is the same (common) volume value as the largest volume value among the maximum volumes determined in the normal (non-power saving mode) adjustment mode (first) (Same as (δ) in (b) described in the embodiment). The default volume level is also the same level. Specifically, there is a relationship between the adjustment mode C for power saving mode and the adjustment mode 9 for normal use.
(D) The maximum volume of the adjustment mode for the power saving mode can be set to the same (common) volume value as the smallest volume value among the maximum volumes determined in the normal adjustment mode (first embodiment). (Same as (ε) in (b) above). The default volume level is also the same level. Specifically, it refers to the relationship between the adjustment mode A for power saving mode and the adjustment mode 0 for normal use.
(E) Some of the adjustment modes A to F for the power saving mode are common default volume levels. Specifically, the relationship between the adjustment mode D and the adjustment mode E is indicated.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 17B, in addition to the configuration including the default volume settings of (A) to (D) described above with reference to FIG. A to E have characteristics that the default volume levels are different from each other, and the default volume level is set to a higher level as the maximum volume increases (the default volume level decreases as the maximum volume decreases). Set to level). Here, as in the configuration example shown in FIG. 15A, the default volume level is set to the maximum volume level in the player-side volume adjustment range.

  The configuration example illustrated in FIG. 17C is a case in which a predetermined volume level is set regardless of the adjustment mode, similarly to the configuration example illustrated in FIG. However, in the case of FIG. 17C as well, since the volume level that can be set by the player is volume level 1, here, the default volume is set to the minimum volume level (volume level 1).

(Regarding display examples of the setting level meter 110a when the back switch 71 is operated while the setting level meter 110a (volume adjustment screen 110) is displayed: FIGS. 18 to 28)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 18 to 28, how the display mode of the volume adjustment screen 110, particularly the setting level meter 110a, is displayed when the back switch 71 is operated while the volume adjustment screen 110 appears. The change will be described in detail. In the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 18 to FIG. 28 described below, the “default volume level” in each adjustment mode is a block frame (shown in the drawing) shown in FIG. It is assumed that the volume level is set to “initial position”. Further, the block frame shown in dark gray (for example, the range of the volume level 7 to 10 in the adjustment mode 0 in FIG. 18 and the adjustment mode 1 in FIG. 21) is “the level selectable range” in the player side volume adjustment range. ". The details of the “default volume level” and “level unselectable range” corresponding to the adjustment mode are apparent as shown in FIGS. 18 to 28, and will be omitted as appropriate for the convenience of explanation.

(Display example 1: FIG. 18)
FIG. 18 shows a display example 1. FIG. 18 shows a display example related to the “5 × 5 step version” adjustment mode selection table similar to the configuration example (specific example 2) shown in FIG. Here, the default volume level of the adjustment modes 1 and 2 is set to the volume level 1, and the other adjustment modes are set to the volume level 5.

  18A to 18E show the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 18. FIG. 18A shows the setting state of “adjustment mode 0” in which volume adjustment is impossible (for silence), and FIG. (E) is a display mode of the setting level meter 110a when the adjustment mode is switched from “0 → 1”, “1 → 2”, “2 → 3”, “3 → 4” from the setting state of the adjustment mode 0. Is shown.

  Here, FIG. 18A shows a display when the adjustment mode 0 is set. In the case of this embodiment, a large “volume adjustment impossible” message is displayed at the center of the liquid crystal screen, and control is performed so that the volume adjustment operation cannot be performed with the direction key 75 (control to disable the volume adjustment operation). On this volume adjustment impossible screen, the setting level meter may or may not be displayed. Note that the adjustment mode 0 in FIGS. 19 to 22, 25, 26, and 28 to be described later is controlled in the same manner as that shown in FIG. 18A, and FIGS. 19 to 22 and 25. 26 and 28, detailed description of the adjustment mode 0 is omitted in order to avoid duplication.

  In the case of this display example 1, as shown in FIGS. 18B to 18E, the setting level meter 110a displays “volume level” when the adjustment mode is switched from “0 → 1” and “1 → 2”. 1 ”is displayed, and when the adjustment mode is switched from“ 2 → 3 ”and“ 3 → 4 ”,“ volume level 5 ”is displayed. That is, the setting level meter 110a has a display corresponding to the default volume level of the adjustment mode after switching.

(Display example 2: FIG. 19)
FIG. 19 shows a display example 2. FIG. 19 shows a display example relating to a modification of the adjustment mode selection table described in FIG. In the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 19, unlike FIG. 18, the default volume level is set to the volume level 5 except for the adjustment mode 0 in which the volume adjustment is impossible.

  19 (B) to 19 (E), the adjustment modes are changed from “3 → 4”, “4 → 5”, “5 → 6”, “6 → The display mode of the set level meter 110a when switched to “7” is shown.

  In the case of this display example 2, as in the display example of FIG. 18, the setting level meter 110a displays a display corresponding to the default volume level of the adjustment mode after switching. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 19B to 19E, even if the adjustment mode 3 is switched to any adjustment mode (except for the adjustment mode 0 in which the volume cannot be adjusted), the default volume level is “maximum volume level”. Therefore, the display state of the setting level meter 110a is always displayed in the setting state of “volume level 5”. That is, the display state of the setting level meter 110a does not change according to the adjustment mode. However, the volume changes according to the volume level. In this regard, this display example 2 exemplifies a form in which the display level of the setting level meter 110a does not change, but the volume changes.

(Display Example 3: FIG. 20)
FIG. 20 shows a display example 3. FIG. 20 shows a display example related to the “5 × 5 step version” adjustment mode selection table similar to the configuration example (specific example 1) shown in FIG. Here, the default volume level of the adjustment modes 1 to 3 is the volume level 1, and the other adjustment modes are as illustrated.

  20 (B) to 20 (E), the adjustment modes are changed from “3 → 4”, “4 → 5”, “5 → 6”, “6 → The display mode of the setting level meter 110a when switched to “7” is shown.

  Also in the case of this display example 3, as in the display example of FIG. 18, the setting level meter 110a displays a display corresponding to the default volume level of the adjustment mode after switching. Therefore, when the adjustment mode is switched from “3 → 4”, “4 → 5”, “5 → 6”, “6 → 7” from the adjustment mode 3, as shown in FIGS. Also, the set level meter 110a is also displayed in a step-up manner (level-up display) in steps of volume level 2 → 3 → 4 → 5. Also, the volume changes according to the volume level. In this regard, this display example 3 exemplifies a form in which both the display of the setting level meter 110a and the volume change.

(Display Example 4: FIGS. 21 to 22)
FIG. 21 shows a display example 4. FIG. 21 shows a display example related to the “10 × 10 step version” adjustment mode selection table similar to the configuration example (specific example 3) shown in FIG. 14B. In the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 21, the default volume level is set to volume level 6 except for adjustment mode 0.

  21B to 21E show that the adjustment mode is changed from “3 → 4”, “4 → 5”, “5 → 6”, “6 →→” from the setting state of the adjustment mode 3 (FIG. The display mode of the set level meter 110a when switched to “7” is shown.

  In the case of this display example 4, in the setting state of the adjustment mode 3, as shown in FIG. 5A, the setting level meter 110a displays the volume level 6, and the level selectable range becomes the volume level 7-10. ing. However, when the adjustment mode is switched from “3 → 4”, “4 → 5”, “5 → 6”, “6 → 7” (when the adjustment mode is changed in the upward direction), the default volume level is In both cases, “volume level 6” remains unchanged, but the level selectable range decreases by one volume level, that is, the player-side volume adjustment range increases by one volume level. Corresponding to such a change in the player-side volume adjustment range, in this display example 4, as shown in FIGS. 21B to 21E, the level selectable range disappears by one level, that is, the player The display mode changes such that the side volume adjustment range is increased by one level. For example, when the adjustment mode is switched from “3 → 4”, the substantially trapezoidal frame at the volume level 7 is changed from a display state in which the level selection is not possible to a gray frame to a white frame without being filled, It is notified that the player-side volume adjustment range has increased by one level. When switching to the adjustment mode 7, as shown in FIG. 21E, the default volume level remains at the volume level 6, but there is no level selectable range, and the player side volume adjustment range is set to the full volume level. Will increase to. However, even if the adjustment mode is changed, the stage display (for example, the number of volume adjustment bars (here, 10), the form, etc.) of the setting level meter 110a does not change (the same applies to FIGS. 22 to 28 described later). . From the above points, this display example 4 exemplifies a form in which the display of the setting level meter 110a changes but the volume does not change.

  In FIG. 22, the adjustment mode is switched from “7 → 6”, “6 → 5”, “5 → 4”, and “4 → 3” from the setting state of the adjustment mode 7 in FIG. It shows the display mode of the set level meter 110a when going (when the adjustment mode is changed in the downward direction). In this case, as can be seen from FIG. 22, the display mode of the setting level meter 110a follows the reverse of the display of FIGS. 21 (A) to (E), that is, FIG. 21 (E) → (D) → (C). The display mode changes in the order of (B) → (A).

(Display Example 5: FIGS. 23 to 24)
FIG. 23 shows a display example 5. FIG. 23 shows a display example related to the “10 × 10 step version” adjustment mode selection table similar to the configuration example (specific example 4) shown in FIG. In the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 23, the default volume level is set to volume level 1 in all adjustment modes.

  23B to 23E show that the adjustment mode is changed from “0 → 1”, “1 → 2”, “2 → 3”, “3 →→” from the setting state of the adjustment mode 0 (FIG. 23A). The display mode of the setting level meter 110a when switched to “4” is shown.

  In the case of this display example 5, in the setting state of the adjustment mode 0, as shown in FIG. 5A, the setting level meter 110a displays the volume level 1, and the level selectable range becomes the volume level 2-10. ing. However, when the adjustment mode is switched from “0 → 1”, “1 → 2”, “2 → 3”, “3 → 4” (when the adjustment mode is changed in the upward direction), the default volume level is In either case, “volume level 1” remains unchanged, but the level selectable range decreases by one volume level, that is, the player-side volume adjustment range increases by one volume level. This is the same phenomenon as the display example 4 shown in FIG. In this display example 5, the setting level meter 110a has a display mode as shown in FIGS. Note that display example 5 and display example 4 shown in FIG. 21 differ only in the default volume level and are substantially the same in terms of changes in the display mode. Detailed explanation is omitted.

  In FIG. 24, in the display example 5, the adjustment mode is changed from “9 → 8”, “8 → 7”, “7 → 6”, “6 → 5” from the setting state of the adjustment mode 9 (volume level MAX). The display mode of the set level meter 110a when switching to the opposite direction (when the adjustment mode is changed in the downward direction) is shown. As can be seen from FIG. 24, the display mode of the setting level meter 110a is the same as that of the display example 4 shown in FIG. 22, and when the adjustment mode is sequentially switched from 9, the adjustment mode is changed to the upward direction. As can be seen from the display mode opposite to the case, that is, FIGS. 24B to 24E, the level selectable range increases by one volume level, and the player side volume adjustment range decreases by one volume level. The display mode transition is.

(Display Example 6: FIG. 25)
FIG. 25 shows a display example 6. FIG. 25 shows a display example related to the “16 × 10 step version” adjustment mode selection table similar to the configuration example (specific example 5) shown in FIG. 17C. In the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 25, the default volume level is set to volume level 1 in all adjustment modes.

  25 (B) to 25 (E), the adjustment mode is changed from “C → B”, “B → A”, “A → 9”, “9 →” from the setting state of the adjustment mode C ((A)). The display mode of the setting level meter 110a when switched to “8” is shown.

  In the case of this display example 5, in the setting state of the adjustment mode C, the setting level meter 110a indicates the volume level 1 as the default volume level and the volume as the player side volume adjustment range as shown in FIG. Levels 1 to 6 are shown (light gray frame + white frame range in the figure), and the level selection impossible range is the volume level 7 to 10 ("Adjustment mode C" column of the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 25) reference).

  When the adjustment mode is switched from “C → B”, the adjustment mode B refers to the adjustment mode selection table, the default volume level is volume level 1, the player side volume adjustment range is volume levels 1 to 3, The non-selectable range is the volume level 4-10. Therefore, the setting level meter 110a has a display mode shown in FIG. Similarly, when the adjustment mode is switched from “B → A”, “A → 9”, “9 → 8”, the default volume level remains “volume level 1”. The person-side volume adjustment range and the level selection impossible range change according to each adjustment mode, and the display mode of the setting level meter 110a changes as shown in FIGS.

(Display Example 7: FIG. 26)
FIG. 26 shows a display example 7. FIG. 26 shows a display example related to the “5 × 10 step version” adjustment mode selection table similar to the configuration example (specific example 3) shown in FIG. In the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 26, the default volume level is set to the maximum volume level in the player-side volume adjustment range, as shown.

  26 (B) to (E), the adjustment mode is changed from “3 → 4”, “4 → 5”, “5 → 6”, “6 → The display mode of the set level meter 110a when switched to “7” is shown.

  In the case of this display example 7, when the adjustment mode is switched, the default volume level is set to the maximum volume level of the player side volume adjustment range corresponding to the adjustment mode. ”, The setting level meter 110a indicates the player side volume adjustment range of volume levels 1 to 7 (default volume level = volume level 7) (range of light gray frame in the figure), and the volume level 8 to 10 level selectable range is shown. In this display example 7, since the default volume level is set to the maximum volume level of the player-side volume adjustment range, the setting level meter 110a is a light gray setting level meter on the left side of the default volume level. The player side volume adjustment range, the right side is the level selection non-range of the dark gray setting level meter. When the adjustment mode is switched from “4 → 5”, “5 → 6”, and “6 → 7”, the setting level meter 110a has the display modes shown in FIGS. When switching to the adjustment mode 7, as shown in FIG. 26 (E), the level selectable range disappears, and the player side volume adjustment range becomes the full volume level. In this display example 7, both the display of the setting level meter 110a and the volume change, and when the change is made, the maximum volume level of the upper limit value is always set. The same applies when the adjustment mode is changed in the downward direction.

(Display Example 8: FIG. 27)
FIG. 27 shows a display example 8. FIG. 27 shows a display example related to the “10 × 10 step version” adjustment mode selection table similar to the configuration example (specific example 4) shown in FIG. In the adjustment mode selection table shown in FIG. 27, the default volume level is set to the maximum volume level in the player-side volume adjustment range, as in display example 7 shown in FIG.

  27B to 27E show that the adjustment mode is changed from “0 → 1”, “1 → 2”, “2 → 3”, “3 →→” from the setting state of the adjustment mode 0 (FIG. 27A). The display mode of the setting level meter 110a when switched to “4” is shown. In this display example 8, when the adjustment mode is changed in the upward or downward direction, the default volume level regularly changes in a staircase pattern. This is because the partially random default volume in display example 7 shown in FIG. Different from level.

  In the case of this display example 8, in the setting state of the adjustment mode 0, the setting level meter 110a displays the volume level 1 (default volume level) as shown in FIG. Levels 2-10. However, when the adjustment mode is switched from “0 → 1”, “1 → 2”, “2 → 3”, “3 → 4” (when the adjustment mode is changed in the upward direction), FIG. As shown in (E), the default volume level increases by one level and the level selectable range decreases by one volume level (the player-side volume adjustment range increases by one volume level) ) In this display example 8, the default volume level is set to the maximum volume level in the player-side volume adjustment range, as in display example 7 in FIG. 26. Therefore, the setting level meter 110a delimits the default volume level. In addition, the left side is the player-side volume adjustment range of the light gray setting level meter, and the right side is the level selection non-range of the dark gray setting level meter. Although not shown, when the mode is switched to the adjustment mode 9, there is no level selectable range, and the player side volume adjustment range becomes the full volume level. In the display example 8, as in the display example 7 shown in FIG. 26, both the display of the setting level meter 110a and the volume change, and when the change is made, the maximum volume level is always set to the upper limit value. The same applies when the adjustment mode is changed in the downward direction.

(Display Example 9: FIG. 28)
FIG. 28 shows a display example 9. FIG. 28 shows a display example related to the “16 × 10 step version” adjustment mode selection table similar to the configuration example (specific example 5) shown in FIG. 17B. Unlike the regular default volume level of the display example 8 shown in FIG. 27, the display example 9 is partially random because the adjustment modes for the power saving mode exist in the latter adjustment modes A to F. The default volume level is basically the same as in the above display examples 7 and 8.

  28 (B) to 28 (E), the adjustment modes are changed from “C → B”, “B → A”, “A → 9”, “9 → The display mode of the setting level meter 110a when switched to “8” is shown.

  In the display example 9, as in the display examples 7 and 8 of FIGS. 26 to 27, when the adjustment mode is switched, the default volume level is the maximum volume level of the player side volume adjustment range corresponding to the adjustment mode. Therefore, the display mode of the setting level meter 110a when the adjustment mode is switched from “C → B”, “B → A”, “A → 9”, “9 → 8” is shown in FIG. As shown in B) to (E), the setting level meter 110a has a player-side volume adjustment range of the light gray setting level meter on the left side and a dark gray setting level meter on the right side, with the default volume level as a boundary. Level selection is not possible. When the adjustment mode is switched from “A → 9”, there is no level selectable range, and the player side volume adjustment range becomes the full volume level. In the present display example 9 as well as the display examples 7 and 8, both the display of the setting level meter 110a and the volume change, and when the change is made, the maximum volume level is always set to the upper limit value.

(About error sound)
Next, the error sound will be described with reference to FIGS. 29 shows an error volume selection table when the adjustment mode selection table of FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 is used, and FIG. 30 shows an error when the adjustment mode selection table of FIG. 14 ((A) or (B)) is used. FIG. 31 shows an error volume selection table when the adjustment mode selection table of FIG. 15 ((A) or (B)) and FIG. 16 ((A) or (B)) is used. 32 shows an error volume selection table when the adjustment mode selection table of FIG. 17A is used, and FIG. 33 shows an error volume selection table when the adjustment mode selection table of FIG. 17B or 17C is used. .

  In the error time volume selection table, volume data for determining the volume of the error sound is determined according to the current adjustment mode. When outputting an error sound, the error volume selection table is referred to. The error volume selection tables in FIGS. 29 to 33 show five types of error volume selection tables (a) to (e), respectively.

First, (a) to (e) related to the error volume selection table 1 shown in FIG. 29 and (a) to (e) related to the error volume selection table 2 shown in FIG. 30 will be described. These tables (a) to (e) have the following characteristics.
Table (a): An error sound is output at the upper limit value of each adjustment mode. That is, an error sound is output at a volume corresponding to the volume level 5.
Table (b): An error sound is output at a volume larger than the upper limit value of each adjustment mode (the same volume for the maximum volume adjustment mode). As shown in the illustrated table (b), in each adjustment mode, the relationship “maximum volume in adjustment mode <volume of error sound” is satisfied. However, among the adjustment modes, the adjustment mode in which the highest volume is set is “maximum volume in adjustment mode = volume of error sound”. For example, referring to the table (b) shown in FIG. 29 or the table (b) shown in FIG. 30, the largest volume value among the adjustment modes 0 to 9 is set in the adjustment modes 7 and 9. is there. In the case of the adjustment modes 7 and 9, the error sound is output at the maximum volume according to the adjustment mode.
Table (c): (b) + The range of the volume of the error sound is smaller than the one-step range of the volume related to the game. “The range of the volume of the error sound is smaller than the one-step range of the volume related to the game” refers to the normal adjustment modes 3 to 7 (refer to the adjustment mode selection table in FIG. 12 and FIG. 29C). Focusing on 1 to 5), in the table (c) shown in FIG. 29, the error volume range is “76 to 80 (volume value difference is“ 4 ”)”, and the adjustment mode selection table (related to the game) in FIG. In “Volume”, the difference in the volume value in the range of one stage of the volume related to the game is uniformly “5”. By setting “the range of the volume of the error sound <the range of the volume of the game-related one stage”, the error sound is prevented from being output at a low volume without any darkness.
Table (d): The adjustment modes 3 and 4 are output at an upper limit value corresponding to the adjustment mode, and the adjustment modes 5, 6 and 7 are output at a maximum value. Here, as in the case of the table (c), attention is paid to the normal adjustment modes 3 to 7. The reason for this is that adjustment modes 0 to 2 are for silent, presentation, and shipping applications, so they are rarely used in normal games, and the power saving mode adjustment mode is also frequently used. Therefore, the focus is on the relationship between the normal adjustment modes (the same applies to FIGS. 30 to 33 described later).
Table (e): In the above tables (a) to (d), error types (for example, RAM clear notification, backup return notification, setting change notification, setting confirmation notification, etc.) that can occur when the power is turned on are maximum. Output with a value (for example, the largest volume value in each adjustment mode). The “backup recovery notification” is a power failure recovery display command transmitted from the main control unit 20 when a backup recovery process for recovering a game from backup data at the time of power interruption is performed when the power is turned on. This is one of error notifications executed when 24 is received. Also, “notification during setting change” is transmitted from the main control unit 20 when a setting change process for changing a setting value is executed (when a switching operation is executed in the setting change allowable state). This is one of the error notifications that is executed when the effect control unit 24 receives the setting changing command. Further, “notification during setting change” means that when a setting confirmation process for confirming a setting value (a process in which a pachinko hall clerk or the like displays the current setting value on the setting display 97) is executed, the main control unit 20 This is one of the error notifications executed when the effect control unit 24 receives the setting confirmation command transmitted from. Note that it is also preferable to output a maximum value even in the case of an error type with a high degree of seriousness to the gaming machine (for example, an error due to fraud detection by a fraud detection sensor (vibration sensor 72a, radio wave sensor 72b, magnetic sensor 72c)).

Next, (a) to (e) relating to the error time volume selection table 3 shown in FIG. 30 will be described. These tables (a) to (e) have the following characteristics. Note that substantially the same features as those in the error sound volume selection tables of FIGS. 29 and 30 will be omitted as appropriate in order to avoid duplicate description.
Table (a): An error sound is output at the upper limit value of each adjustment mode.
Table (b): An error sound is output at a volume larger than the upper limit value of each adjustment mode (the same volume for the maximum volume adjustment mode).
Table (c): (b) + The range of the volume of the error sound is smaller than the one-step range of the volume related to the game.
Table (d): The adjustment modes 3 and 4 are output at an upper limit value corresponding to the adjustment mode, and the adjustment modes 5, 6 and 7 are output at a maximum value.
Table (e): In the above tables (a) to (d), the error type that can occur when the power is turned on is output as a maximum value.

Next, (a) to (e) relating to the error time volume selection table 3 shown in FIG. 31 will be described. These tables (a) to (e) have the following characteristics. Note that substantially the same features as those in the error sound volume selection tables of FIGS. 29 and 30 will be omitted as appropriate in order to avoid duplicate description.
Table (a): An error sound is output at the upper limit value of each adjustment mode.
Table (b): An error sound is output at a volume larger than the upper limit value of each adjustment mode (the same volume for the maximum volume adjustment mode).
Table (c): (b) + The range of the volume of the error sound is smaller than the one-step range of the volume related to the game.
Table (d): The adjustment modes 3 and 4 are output at an upper limit value corresponding to the adjustment mode, and the adjustment modes 5, 6 and 7 are output at a maximum value.
Table (e): In the above tables (a) to (d), the error type that can occur when the power is turned on is output as a maximum value.

Next, (a) to (e) related to the error volume selection table 3 shown in FIG. 32 and (a) to (e) related to the error volume selection table 4 shown in FIG. 33 will be described. These tables (a) to (e) have the following characteristics. Note that substantially the same features as those in the error sound volume selection tables of FIGS. 29 and 30 will be omitted as appropriate in order to avoid duplicate description.
Table (a): An error sound is output at the upper limit value of each adjustment mode.
Table (b): An error sound is output at a volume larger than the upper limit value of each adjustment mode (the same volume for the maximum volume adjustment mode).
Table (c): (b) + The range of the volume of the error sound is smaller than the one-step range of the volume related to the game.
Table (d): Adjustment modes 0, 1, and 2 are output with an upper limit value according to the adjustment mode, and adjustment modes 3 to 9 are output with a maximum value. The relationship between the adjustment modes A to F for the power saving mode is included in the same idea.
Table (e): In the above tables (a) to (d), the error type that can occur when the power is turned on is output as a maximum value.

  When an error sound is output using the error time volume selection table shown in FIGS. 29 to 33, the volume adjustment operation by the player is controlled to be disabled. During an error (which may be during a specific error), the volume level set by the player is invalidated and the volume data in the error volume selection table is used preferentially. Will output an error sound. In addition, regarding the light amount adjustment during the error, the luminance of the light effect relating to the normal game can be adjusted, but the luminance of the error light is controlled to be unadjustable. For example, when the clogging error is only an error sound and an error display (image), the light amount adjustment of the light effect related to the symbol variation display game is possible. Control is performed so that the amount of light cannot be adjusted. Therefore, during an error (which may be limited to a specific error), adjustment for error sound and error light is impossible.

<Volume Adjustment Control System: FIGS. 34 to 44>
In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the effect control unit 24 is provided with an acoustic control unit (sound output control unit (for example, a sound source LSI)). The sound control unit includes a sound source unit in which various sound effects (sound effects (game sounds) related to normal game progress, sound effects (error sound) related to error notification), etc.) according to the progress of the game are recorded, A volume adjusting unit capable of adjusting the volume of the sound effect by an external operation means (for example, the back switch 71). This volume adjustment unit is normally set by a hardware volume level that can be adjusted by a back switch 71 that can be operated by a pachinko hall clerk and that cannot be operated by the player, and the player can operate the directional key 75, the effect button 13, and the like. It has two setting functions of soft volume level setting that can be adjusted with

  In this embodiment, the volume output from the speaker is defined by the primary volume V1, the secondary volume Vs (= V2, V3), and the total value of the total volume TV (V1 * Vs * TV). The set value of the volume artificially defined by the hall clerk and player is reflected in the final total volume value TV.

  Referring to FIG. 34 (a), as the former “hard volume level setting function”, the pachinko hall clerk opens the front frame 2 of the gaming machine and operates the back switch 71 provided inside the gaming machine, As the basic volume level, values of “primary volume V1” (primary Vol) and “secondary volume Vs” (secondary Vol) are set. To be exact, in the hard volume level setting, the values of “primary volume” (primary Vol) and “secondary volume Vs” (secondary Vol) are determined by the selection position of the rotary type back switch 71.

  In the latter “soft volume level setting function”, the above-mentioned hard volume level range is set to “total volume (total volume)”, the total volume range is displayed on the liquid crystal screen, and the player performs a predetermined volume adjustment operation. The volume level can be adjusted in multiple stages (see FIG. 7A, etc.). For example, in the conventional example of FIG. 34, in the case of the game sound of (A), the primary Vol (0x80) and the secondary Vol (0x80) are set, and the total volume is stepped from 40 to 80 in five steps from 1 to 5. The volume level is set to.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), an illegal action based on an error notification at the time of power-on (for example, the above-mentioned RAM clear notification, backup return notification, setting change notification, setting confirmation notification, etc.) or goto action, etc. When a detection error (strong) occurs, the secondary volume Vs is masked and the total volume TV is masked, and an error sound is output at the MAX volume (maximum output volume). However, as shown in FIG. 34 (c), in the case of a non-fatal error (weak) such as a clogged ball, the secondary volume is masked only by the game sound so that the player can adjust the total volume. Yes.

  FIG. 35 shows a case where the error sound is raised and lowered with the conventional specification. If an error occurs, the secondary volume Vs is completely masked with respect to the game sound, but the total volume TV is not masked. .

  FIG. 36 shows one of the methods for solving the above-mentioned problem. The solution 2-1 is to output only with reference to the hard volume. According to this, since the soft volume (total volume TV) is not referred to, the error sound does not rise or fall depending on the player's adjustment operation. Solution 2-2 refers to the soft volume (total volume TV) as usual, but makes the adjustment operation by the player impossible. According to this, although the soft volume (total volume TV) is to be referred to, the adjustment operation cannot be performed by the player, so that the error sound does not increase or decrease due to the player's adjustment operation.

  FIG. 37 is different from FIGS. 34 to 36 in that the secondary volume Vs can be set in five stages. The solution of the above-described problem shown here masks the secondary volume Vs for the game sound and fixes the total volume to MAX.

(Audio volume control: Fig. 38)
Next, how to control the audio volume will be described.
In FIG. 38A, when the power is turned on, the setting state of the back switch 71, that is, the value of the adjustment mode is read and set to “W_hard VOL” and “W_soft VOL”. “W_hard VOL” and “W_soft VOL” are work areas related to the volume, “W_hard VOL” is set to a value corresponding to the adjustment mode, and “W_soft VOL” is a volume adjustment operation by the player. A value corresponding to the volume level corresponding to is set (default volume level data is set when the power is turned on). Then, a periodic monitoring process and a sound volume reset process are performed.

  The back switch 71 setting state change (adjustment mode change presence / absence) is periodically monitored, W_hard VOL and adjustment mode values are compared, and if they are different, W_soft VOL is reset. Then, the W_hard VOL is also updated with new information (data value corresponding to the new adjustment mode).

  The setting by the player's volume adjustment operation is performed for “W_soft VOL”. During the volume adjustment operation valid period, the volume adjustment screen 110 appears (the liquid crystal commands necessary for the volume adjustment screen 110 including the display of the setting level meter 110a (the display change of the level meter, etc.) are sent to the liquid crystal control unit. Sent).

  For example, the sound volume adjustment of “informing specific error” is set by W_soft VOL, but when a specific error occurs, an error volume dedicated to the error (for example, volume data in the error volume selection table in FIGS. 29 to 33) ) Is set. The sound volume reset is triggered by the execution of the customer waiting effect (when the demo timer reaches zero), and the volume (volume level) position set by the player is the initial position (default volume ( When the volume level is smaller than (volume level)), the audio volume is reset and reset to the default volume (for example, when the player leaves the volume down, the volume returns to the default volume level).

<Examples in which the player can adjust the volume even during an error, FIGS. 39 to 41>
FIGS. 39 to 41 show a case where the player can adjust the volume even during an error, and here, a case where the error is considered to be an error with a low severity for the gaming machine (an error with a low notification priority). is there.

(Movable object error: Fig. 39)
FIG. 39 shows an example of switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with ON / OFF of an error flag as a trigger for a movable object accessory error (when the movable object accessory does not return to the origin position, etc.) Pattern). For the movable object, a section (time t1 to t2) from when an error flag is generated to when the sound, lamp (light), and liquid crystal (image display on the liquid crystal screen) are generated to the end is shown. In this error section (time t1 to t2), the hard volume is referenced, but the soft volume is not referenced. Also, the setting level meter is not displayed. However, since the adjustment operation of the adjustment mode by the back switch 71, that is, the adjustment of the volume level is possible and the error is not so high to the gaming machine, the volume adjustment (volume level adjustment) by the player is also performed. Is possible. When the rear switch 71 is adjusted, as described above, the values of the hard volume and soft volume are updated to the data corresponding to the new adjustment mode. When the player is adjusted, the hard volume is not updated and the value of the soft volume is updated.

  When the movable body accessory error is resolved (end time t2), the error flag is switched, the hard volume is not referenced, the soft volume is referenced, and the setting level meter is switched to a displayable state.

  In FIG. 39, in the error section, the display of the set level meter can be displayed and the adjustment by the player can be performed, but the display of the set level meter can be displayed and the adjustment operation by the player may be disabled. The adjustment operation impossible means that the result of the player operation is not reflected in the setting level meter 110a and is not reflected in the actual volume, or the result of the player operation is reflected in the display bar but is reflected in the actual volume. It is a concept that includes both.

(Door open error: Fig. 40)
FIG. 40 shows an example of a pattern for switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with respect to the door opening error. The error period (time t1 to t2) from the door opening to the door closing, the sound stops ringing at the time ta in the middle, and the lamp (light) and the liquid crystal operate over the period from the occurrence of the error flag to the end. is doing.

  Pattern 1 is an example of a pattern for switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with the presence / absence of the sound output related to the error as a trigger regarding the door opening error. In the interval (time t1 to ta) from this error occurrence to the middle, the hard volume is referenced, but the soft volume is not referenced. Also, the setting level meter is not displayed. However, the volume level can be adjusted by the back switch 71, and the volume level can be adjusted by the player. When the back switch 71 is adjusted, the values of the hard volume and soft volume are updated. When the player is adjusted, the hard volume is not updated and the value of the soft volume is updated.

  Pattern 2 shows an example in which the reference destination is switched with the occurrence / release of an error as a trigger. In the section from the door opening to the door closing (time t1 to t2), whether the hard volume and soft volume are referred to, whether the set level meter is displayed, and whether the volume level can be adjusted by the back switch 71 No. and whether or not the player can adjust the volume level. They are the same as pattern 1 except that the time ta is changed to t1.

  Pattern 3 shows an example in which the reference destination is switched with the error flag ON / OFF as a trigger. In this example, the sound and the liquid crystal are finished at the same time t2 as when the door is closed, but only the lamp is turned off at the time t3 when another 30 seconds have passed. In pattern 3, the reference destination is switched at time t3. The difference from pattern 2 is that the switching is at time t3, and the rest is the same as pattern 2.

(RAM clear notification: FIG. 41)
FIG. 41 shows an example of a pattern for switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with respect to the RAM clear notification. The error section (time t1 to t2) from the start of RAM clear notification to the end of notification, sound, lamp (light), and liquid crystal are in operation, and the movable object (initialization operation at the time of RAM clear) is halfway time tb. It is in a relationship to work up to.

  Pattern 1 relates to RAM clear notification and shows an example of switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with the ON / OFF of the error flag as a trigger. Regarding the RAM clear notification, in the error section (time t1 to t2) from when an error flag is generated for sound, lamp (light), and liquid crystal to the end, the hard volume is referred to, but the soft volume is not referred to. Also, the setting level meter is not displayed. In addition, the player cannot adjust the volume level. However, the volume level can be adjusted by the back switch 71.

  When the error is resolved for the RAM clear notification (notification end time t2), the error flag is switched, the hard volume is not referenced, the soft volume is referenced, and the setting level meter is switched to a displayable state.

  Pattern 2 shows an example in which the reference destination is switched using ON / OFF of an error flag as a trigger. In the error section (time t1 to t2) until the end of the RAM clear notification, the hard volume is referenced, but the soft volume is not referenced. This is the same as pattern 1. At the time point t2 when the notification ends, the hard volume is switched to non-reference and the soft volume is switched to referable.

  The set level meter is not displayed until time tb, and is displayed after time tb. The volume level can be adjusted by the back switch 71 in the error section (time t1 to t2). The volume level adjustment by the player is not possible until time tb, and the transition to time tb is possible.

  Pattern 3 shows an example in which the reference destination is switched with the error flag ON / OFF as a trigger. The difference from pattern 2 is that pattern 3 is the same as pattern 2 except that the setting level meter and the back switch 71 are not adjusted at time tb.

<Example in which the player cannot adjust the volume even during an error, FIGS. 42 to 44>
42 to 44 show a case where an error occurs and the player cannot adjust the volume, that is, a case where a serious error is handled.

(Moving object error: Fig. 42)
FIG. 42 shows an example of switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with the ON / OFF of the error flag as a trigger for a specific movable object accessory error (an error having a high severity among the movable object accessory errors). It is shown. Regarding the movable body accessory, in the error section (time t1 to t2) from when an error flag is generated for sound, lamp (light), and liquid crystal to the end, the hard volume is not referred to, but the soft volume is referred to. Also, the setting level meter is not displayed. However, the adjustment of the adjustment mode (volume level adjustment) by the back switch 71 is possible, but since the error is highly serious to the gaming machine, the volume level adjustment by the player is impossible. This relationship continues even if the error of the movable object is resolved (end time t2). The setting level meter can be displayed, the back switch 71 can be adjusted, and the player can be adjusted.

(Door open error: Fig. 43)
FIG. 43 shows an example of a pattern for switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with respect to the door opening error. The error period (time t1 to t2) from the door opening to the door closing, the sound stops ringing at the time ta in the middle, and the lamp (light) and the liquid crystal operate over the period from the occurrence of the error flag to the end. is doing.

  Pattern 1 is an example of a pattern for switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with the presence / absence of the sound output related to the error as a trigger regarding the door opening error. In the section (time t1 to ta) from the occurrence of this error to the middle, the hard volume is not referred to, but the soft volume is referenced. The setting level meter is not displayed. However, although the volume level can be adjusted by the back switch 71, the volume level cannot be adjusted by the player.

  Pattern 2 shows an example in which the reference destination is switched with the occurrence / release of an error as a trigger. In the section from the door opening to the door closing (time t1 to t2), the hard volume is not referred to, but the soft volume is referred to. The set level meter is not displayed, volume level adjustment by the back switch 71 is enabled, and volume level adjustment by the player is impossible.

  Pattern 3 shows an example in which the reference destination is switched with the error flag ON / OFF as a trigger. In this example, the sound and the liquid crystal are finished at the same time t2 as when the door is closed, but only the lamp is turned off at the time t3 when another 30 seconds have passed. In pattern 3, the reference destination is switched at time t3. The difference from pattern 2 is that the switching is at time t3, and the rest is the same as pattern 2.

(RAM clear notification: FIG. 44)
FIG. 44 shows an example of a pattern for switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with respect to the RAM clear notification. The error interval (time t1 to t2) from the start of RAM clear notification to the end of notification, sound, lamp (light), and liquid crystal are operating, and the movable object is in a relationship to operate until time tb. .

  Pattern 1 relates to RAM clear notification and shows an example of switching the reference destination when adjusting the volume with the ON / OFF of the error flag as a trigger. Regarding the RAM clear notification, in the error section (time t1 to t2) from when an error flag is generated for sound, lamp (light), and liquid crystal to the end, the hard volume is referred to, but the soft volume is not referred to. Also, the setting level meter is not displayed. In addition, the player cannot adjust the volume level. However, the volume level can be adjusted by the back switch 71.

  Pattern 2 shows an example in which the reference destination is switched using ON / OFF of an error flag as a trigger. In the section (time t1 to t2) until the RAM clear notification ends, the hard volume is not referred to, but the soft volume is referred to.

  The set level meter is not displayed until time tb, and is displayed after time tb. In the error section (time t1 to t2), the volume level can be adjusted by the back switch 71, but the player cannot adjust the volume level. The volume level adjustment by the player can be made at time t2.

  Pattern 3 shows an example in which the reference destination is switched with the error flag ON / OFF as a trigger. The difference from pattern 2 is that pattern 3 is the same as pattern 2 except that the setting level meter and the back switch 71 are not adjusted at time tb.

  Regarding the modes (configuration examples and control examples) disclosed in the specific examples 1 to 5 and the display examples 1 to 9 according to the above-described third embodiment, the volume adjustment impossible (fixed) adjustment mode, the silence adjustment mode, The presence / absence of an adjustment mode (for shipping, for presentation) that deviates from the use in a normal game does not affect the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiment (configuration example, etc.) including the adjustment mode for normal (non-power saving mode) and the adjustment mode for power saving mode, whether or not the adjustment mode for power saving mode exists is a technical idea of the present invention. Has no effect. Further, the relationship focused only on the normal (non-power-saving mode) adjustment mode and the relationship focused only on the power-saving mode adjustment mode are also included in the technical idea of the present invention (in the first and second embodiments). The same applies to all disclosed forms). Moreover, it can be set as the structure which combined at least 2 among all the forms disclosed by the 1st-3rd embodiment. That is, the present invention includes a configuration in which various configuration examples according to the first and third embodiments relating to volume adjustment and the second embodiment relating to light amount adjustment are appropriately combined. Further, the third embodiment is closely related to the first embodiment, and can achieve the effects described in the first embodiment.

  A combination of one or more of all the embodiments described above (including the configurations described in the embodiments and all of the modifications) may be combined, and the contents described in the embodiments are only for the individual embodiments. It is not limited.

  In each of the embodiments described above, a pachinko gaming machine using a game ball as a game medium has been described. However, the gaming machine is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the object of the present invention. For example, a game machine using a game medal as a game medium, a game machine using a game medium using electromagnetic recording (a so-called “management game machine”), a revolving game machine, or the like may be used.

  The present invention is useful for gaming machines.

1 gaming machine,
2 Front frame (door),
3, 3a game board, game area,
19 game ball dispensing device,
20 Main control unit (main control board),
24 Production control unit (production control board, liquid crystal control board)
28 Launch control board,
29 payout control board,
34, 34a Upper start port, upper start port sensor 35, 35a Lower start port, lower start port sensor,
37, 37a Normal symbol start port, Normal symbol start port sensor,
38a, 38b Special symbol display device,
39a Normal symbol display device,
50, 52a Grand prize opening, Grand prize opening sensor 41, 41c Ordinary variable prize winning device, ordinary electric accessory solenoid,
52, 52c Special variable prize device, large prize opening solenoid,
36, 45, 46 Liquid crystal display device, decorative lamp, speaker,
49 Out mouth,
94 Setting key switch,
95 Setting change switch,
96 Setting change complete switch,
97 Setting display,
98 RAM clear switch,
201, 202, 203 Main control CPU, main control ROM, main control RAM,
241, 242, 243 Production control CPU, production control ROM, production control RAM

Claims (1)

Sound output means;
Display means;
For the maximum volume output from the sound output means, a setting means capable of setting any volume level from a plurality of volume levels;
In the gaming machine configured to be able to display a volume adjustment stage display on the display means,
The volume adjustment stage display is configured not to change its display mode according to the volume stage set by the setting means.
A gaming machine characterized by that.