JP2020130670A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of preventing a player from misunderstanding a notification mode of an LED in error.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises performance means capable of executing a performance, and performance control means controlling the performance by the performance means, and is configured to, when a prescribed error occurs, execute error notification relating to the prescribed error. The performance means includes at least first light-emitting means, and second light-emitting means provided at a position different from the first light-emitting means. The performance control means includes specific performance execution control means controlling the execution of a specific performance using the first light-emitting means, and error notification execution control means controlling the execution of error notification using the second light-emitting means but without using the first light-emitting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

The game machine is provided with an operation means (for example, an effect button) that can be operated by the player, and when the player operates the effect button within the operation valid period such as during a symbol change, a predetermined effect based on the operation is executed. Things are the mainstream. Such an effect button has a built-in LED (hereinafter referred to as "button LED") as a light emitting means, and when the operation valid period is reached, the button LED emits light to notify that the button operation is effective. In addition, the button LED is used for a notice production that suggests the degree of expectation of winning a big hit, and the game entertainment is improved. On the other hand, when an abnormality (error) occurs, the light effect LED (hereinafter referred to as "surrounding LED") arranged on the front peripheral edge of the game machine or the button LED built in the effect button is colored or blinks for error notification. An error is notified by causing (for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2010-155154

However, in the conventional game machine, the following problems occur. For example, if the button LED is lit or blinking in the same red as the surrounding LED for error notification during the operation invalid period of the effect button, the player may mistakenly recognize that the button operation is valid. In addition to that, for example, if the LED arranged at a predetermined position is similarly lit or blinking in red, there is a risk that the player may mistakenly think that it is an effect suggesting the degree of expectation of winning.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of solving the above-mentioned problems and preventing the player from misunderstanding the notification mode of the LED during an error.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.
(1) An operating means configured to be operable by the player and
Production means that can perform production and
An effect control means for controlling the effect by the effect means,
Lottery means to execute lottery about winning, and
When the lottery result by the lottery means is a win, a special game control means for executing and controlling the winning game is provided.
A gaming machine configured to be able to execute error notification related to a predetermined error when a predetermined error occurs (FIG. 14).
The effect means includes at least a first light emitting means and a second light emitting means provided at a position different from the first light emitting means.
The effect control means
An error notification execution control means that executes and controls the error notification without using the first light emitting means while using the second light emitting means.
An operation validity period setting means for setting an operation validity period during which the operation of the operation means is valid, and an operation validity period setting means.
A post-operation effect execution control means capable of executing and controlling a predetermined post-operation effect when the operation means is operated is provided.
The post-operation effect execution control means
When the operation means is operated during the operation valid period during the non-execution of the error notification, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are used to execute the predetermined post-operation effect.
When the operating means is operated during the operation valid period during the execution of the error notification, the predetermined post-operation effect is executed by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means. Is configured to
During the non-execution of the first error notification,
When the lottery result by the lottery means is successful, the first effect (blessing effect) is executed as the effect after the predetermined operation by using the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means.
When the lottery result by the lottery means is lost, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are used to execute a second effect (unfortunate effect) different from the first effect as the predetermined post-operation effect. Is configured to
Also, during the execution of the first error notification,
When the lottery result by the lottery means is successful, the first effect (blessing effect) is executed as the post-operation effect by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means.
When the lottery result by the lottery means is lost, the second effect (sorry effect) is executed as the post-operation effect by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means. ,
A game machine characterized by that.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing a player from misidentifying an LED notification mode during an error.

It is a front side perspective view which shows the appearance of the gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the front side of the game board of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and the effect button. It is a block diagram which shows the control device of the game machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which provides for the explanation of the game state transition which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which provides the explanation of the screen display of the liquid crystal display device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side main processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the main control side timer interrupt process which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the effect control side main processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the command reception interrupt processing which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the effect control side timer interrupt process which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the error command reception process which concerns on the receive command analysis process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the error release command reception process which concerns on the receive command analysis process in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the error notification management process in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which provides the explanation of the type of an error and the error notification effect. It is explanatory drawing which provides the explanation of the notification control example of the button LED in a normal state (when an error does not occur). It is a figure which shows the notification control example of the button LED when an abnormality occurs (when an error occurs). It is a figure which showed the effect control example including the button notice effect at the time of normal. It is a figure which showed one specific example (case 17) in FIG. It is a figure which showed one specific example (case 19) in FIG. It is a figure which showed the control example of the case 1 and 9 (group A1) of FIG. It is a figure which showed the control example of the case 4 and 12 (group B2) of FIG. It is a figure which showed the control example of the case 3 and 11 (group B1) of FIG. It is a figure which showed the deformation control example of FIG. It is a front side perspective view which shows the appearance of the game machine (rotary body type game machine) which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the control device of the game machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
<1. Outline of configuration: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2>
An outline of the configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing the appearance of the pachinko gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a view showing the front side of the gaming board.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1, a frame-shaped front frame 2 is attached to the front surface of a wooden outer frame 4 so as to be openable and closable, and a game is played in a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the back surface of the front frame 2. It has a configuration in which a board 3 (see FIG. 2) is mounted and a game area 3a formed on the surface of the game board 3 faces the opening of the front frame 2. A glass door 6 that supports transparent glass is provided on the front side of the game area 3a. Further, on the back side of the game board 3, various control boards (see FIG. 3) for controlling the game operation are arranged.

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

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

Further, the upper saucer unit 8 has a ball removal button 14 for pulling out the game balls stored in the upper saucer 9 below the pachinko gaming machine 1, and paying out the game balls to the game ball lending device (not shown). A ball lending button 11 for requesting the return of the value medium and a card return button 12 for requesting the return of the valuable value medium inserted in the game ball lending device are provided.

Further, the upper saucer unit 8 is provided with an effect button 13 (operation means) which is configured to be operable by a player and can bring about a change in the effect before and after the operation. A light emitting unit (button LED75 in FIG. 3) made of a full-color LED is formed inside or in the vicinity of the effect button 13. The button LED 75 lights up in the first predetermined color (for example, yellow) when the operation of the effect button 13 is valid during the operation valid period (input reception valid period) (operation valid notification), and when the operation is not valid, the button LED 75 is lit. Turns on (or turns off) in the second predetermined color (for example, white) (operation invalid notification). The button LED 75 is also used as a light effect means during the advance notice effect.

A launch operation handle 15 for operating the launch device 32 (see FIG. 3) is provided on the right end side of the front operation panel 7. Further, speakers 46 that produce a sound effect (sound effect) by sound are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 2 and on the upper side of the firing operation handle 15. Further, a plurality of decorative lamps 45 (full-color LED: LED for light effect) that produce a light effect by decorating the light are provided at appropriate positions of the glass door 6. A plurality of full-color LEDs (LEDs for light production) as the decorative lamp 45 are provided around the pachinko gaming machine, that is, around the periphery of the front frame of the glass door 6 in the circumferential direction, and are referred to as "surrounding LED 45" in the present specification. Is called. The peripheral LED 45 is literally used for decoration under normal conditions, and is also used for directing. Further, when an error occurs, a notification mode (display mode) corresponding to the error type, for example, lighting or blinking in a predetermined color (red or white) is used to notify the currently occurring error (see FIG. 14).

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

In the substantially central portion of the game area 3a, for example, in three (left, middle, right) display areas (symbol variation display areas), a plurality of types of decorative symbols (for example, symbols, characters, symbols, etc.) are independently used. The liquid crystal display device (LCD) 36 capable of variable display operation (variable display and stop display) of the left symbol (corresponding to the left display area), the middle symbol (corresponding to the middle display area), and the right symbol (corresponding to the right display area) It is provided. Under the control of the effect control unit 24, which will be described later, the liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects as images in addition to the variable display operation of the decorative symbol.

Further, in the game area 3a, a center decoration 48 is provided so as to surround the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 in a long-winded manner. The center decoration 48 is provided along the front side of the game board 3 to protect the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 36 from the surrounding game balls, and the flow of the game balls depends on the launch strength or stroke length of the game balls. It works as a flow path distribution means that makes it possible to distribute the road to the left and right. In the present embodiment, the center decoration 48 is arranged in the substantially central portion of the game area 3a so that the flow paths of the game balls are formed on both upper sides (left side and right side) in the game area 3a. The game ball driven into the upper side of the game area 3a by the launching device 32 is distributed to the left and right on the upper side of the armor frame portion 48b, and has a left flow path 3b on the left side of the center decoration 48 and a right flow path 3c on the right side. Flow down one.

In addition, the non-game area near the upper right edge (upper right corner) of the game board 3 is a various function display unit, and the 7-segment display (with dots) is started with the upper start port 34 (for the first special symbol) and the lower start. A special symbol display device 38a (first special symbol display means) and a special symbol display device 38b (second special symbol display means) configured side by side corresponding to the mouth 35 (for the second special symbol). Is provided. In the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, a special symbol variation display game is executed by the variation display operation of the "special symbol" represented by the 7-segment display. Then, in the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device 36, the decorative symbol by the image is variablely displayed in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and is decorated with various notice effects (effect images). The symbol variation display games are being executed (details of these symbol variation display games will be described later).

Further, in the various function display units, a composite display device (LED display for holding composite display) 38c composed of a 7-segment display (with dots) is arranged next to the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b. There are five types of compound called compound: special symbols 1 and 2, display of the number of balls on hold for normal symbols, and status notification during the operation of the variable time shortening function (during time reduction) and during the high probability state (during high probability). This is because it is a hold / time saving / high-accuracy composite display device (hereinafter, simply referred to as “composite display device”) having a display function.

Further, 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 this ordinary symbol display device 39a, the ordinary symbol variation display game is executed by the variation display operation of the ordinary symbol represented by the two LEDs. For example, as a variable display operation, the normal symbol by LED repeats turning on and off alternately like a seesaw, and by stopping with either side lit, it has become clear whether the normal symbol variable display game is correct or not. There is. Further, a round number display device 39b is provided in which three LEDs (first to third round display LEDs) are arranged adjacent to the normal symbol display device 39a. The round number display device 39b notifies the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds) related to the jackpot by combining the lighting and extinguishing states of the three LEDs.

Below the center decoration 48, an upper starting port 34 (first special symbol starting port: first starting means) and a lower starting port 35 (second special symbol starting port: second starting means) are provided. Ordinary variable winning devices 41 are provided above and below, and detection sensors 34a and 35a (upper start port sensor 34a, lower start port sensor 35a: see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of a game ball are formed inside each of them. ing.

The upper starting port 34, which is the first special symbol starting port, is the first special symbol in the special symbol display device 38a (hereinafter, the first special symbol is referred to as "special symbol 1", and in some cases, "special symbol 1". It is a winning opening related to the starting condition of the variable display operation (abbreviated as), and is configured as a winning rate fixed winning device having no starting opening opening / closing means (means for opening or expanding the starting opening). In the present embodiment, due to the action of the game ball falling direction changing member (for example, a game nail (not shown), a windmill 44, a center decoration 48, etc.) in the game area 3a, the left flow path 3b to the upper start port 34 The game ball that has flowed down the ball has a structure that makes it easy to enter (win), whereas the game ball that has flowed down the right flow path 3c has a structure that makes it difficult or impossible to enter.

The ordinary variable winning device 41 is configured as a winning rate variable winning device in which the winning rate of the game ball at the starting port can be changed by the starting port opening / closing means. In the present embodiment, the so-called "electric tulip" is provided with a pair of left and right movable wing pieces (movable members) 47 that allow the lower starting port 35, which is the second special symbol starting port, to be opened or expanded as the starting port opening / closing means. It is configured as a "type" winning device.

The lower start port 35 of the ordinary variable winning device 41 is a second special symbol in the special symbol display device 38b (hereinafter, the second special symbol is referred to as "special symbol 2" and may be abbreviated as "special symbol 2"). It is a winning opening related to the starting condition of the variable display operation, and the winning area of the lower starting opening 35 is an open state (winning) that facilitates winning according to the operating state (operating or non-operating) of the movable wing piece 47. It is converted into an easy state) and a closed state (difficult to win) that makes it more difficult to win or makes it impossible to win than the open state. In the present embodiment, when the movable wing piece 47 is inactive, it holds a closed state (a winning impossible state) in which the lower starting port 35 cannot be won.

Further, on both sides of the normal variable winning device 41, three general winning openings 43 are arranged on the left side and one on the right side, for a total of four, and inside each of them, a general winning hole for detecting the passage of a game ball is provided. A mouth sensor 43a (see FIG. 3) is formed.

Further, diagonally upward to the right of the normal variable winning device 41, that is, above the middle portion of the right flow path 3c, a normal symbol start port 37 (third start) composed of a passage gate (specific passage area) through which a game ball can pass. Means) are provided. The normal symbol start port 37 is a winning port related to the fluctuation display operation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display device 39a, and inside the normal symbol start port sensor 37a (see FIG. 3), which detects a passing game ball. 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. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be formed only in the left flow path 3b, or may be formed in each of both flow paths.

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

The circumference of the large winning 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 a downstream guide portion of the right flow path 3c. There is. If the large winning opening 50 is closed by the open door 52b (the large winning opening is closed), the downstream guide portion of the right flow path 3c (by forming a surface continuous with the upper side 55a of the bulging portion 55). It is designed to form a part of the upper side 55a). Further, in the downstream region of the right flow path 3c, in the region above the upper side 55a of the bulge portion 55, to be exact, in the game region above the grand prize opening 50, the flow path correction plate is substantially parallel to the flow direction of the game ball. The 51d is projected so as to move the flowing game ball toward the large winning opening 50.

The process of entering the game ball into the grand prize opening 50 is as follows. The game ball that has passed through the floating area between the upper surface of the center decoration 48 and the ball guide rail 5 is placed on the top surface (upper side) 55a of the bulging portion 55 that protrudes from the game board 3 and functions as a guide for the game ball. It flows down along. Then, the game ball comes into contact with the right end of the flow path correction plate 51d protruding from the three surfaces of the game board, whereby the flow direction of the game ball is corrected to the direction (downward direction) of the large winning opening 50. At this time, if the large winning opening 50 is covered by the retractable open door 52b (the large winning opening is closed), the game balls roll on the large winning opening 50, and the game balls have a predetermined arrangement (not shown). The game nail guides the player in the direction of the tulip-type normal variable winning device 41 (lower starting port 35). At this time, if the lower starting port 35 is in a winning state (starting port open state), the game ball can win in the lower starting port 35. On the other hand, if the open door 52b is retracted into the game board surface and the large winning opening 50 is open (the large winning opening 50 is open), the game ball is guided into the large winning opening 50.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player aims at the launch position on the special variable winning device 52 side (when the gaming ball is aimed so as to pass through the right flow path 3c), the upper start is performed. The game ball is difficult to be guided or is not guided to the mouth 34 side. Therefore, in the "large winning opening closed state", it is difficult or impossible to win a prize in each of the starting ports 34 and 35 unless the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable winning device 41 operates. The movable wing piece 47 operates in an opening / closing pattern that is more advantageous than the normal state when it is in a gaming state accompanied by a state with electric support, which will be described later.

In the case of the present embodiment, what kind of striking method the player should take to obtain an advantageous situation changes depending on the gaming state. Specifically, in the game state accompanied by the "state without electric support" described later, the "left-handed" aiming at the game ball to pass the left flow path 3b is considered to be advantageous, and the "electric support" described later is considered to be advantageous. In the game state accompanied by the "presence state", the "right-handed" aiming at the game ball so as to pass through the right flow path 3c is considered to be advantageous.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if there is a prize in a prize opening other than the normal symbol start opening 37 among the various winning openings provided in the game area 3a, each winning opening is promised. The number of prize balls per winning ball (for example, 3 for the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35, 13 for the large winning opening 50, and 10 for the general winning opening 43) is the game ball payout device 19 (Fig. 3) is to be paid out. The game balls that did not win in each of the above winning openings are discharged from the gaming area 3a through the out opening 49. Here, the "winning" is not a structure in which the winning opening takes in the game ball inside, or the winning opening takes in the game ball inside, but a winning opening consisting of a passing gate (for example, a normal symbol start opening 37). ), It means that the game ball passes through the gate, and when the game ball is actually detected by each winning detection switch formed for each winning opening, "winning" is made in the winning opening. Is treated as if it occurred. The game ball related to this winning is also referred to as a "winning ball". If a game ball enters the winning opening, the game ball will be detected by the winning detection switch. Therefore, unless otherwise specified in the present specification, has the game ball been detected by the winning detection switch? Regardless of whether or not, it may be referred to as "winning" including the case where a game ball enters the winning opening.

<Movable body accessory>
Further, in the area of the game board, a plurality of movable body accessories that produce a visual effect are arranged at positions that do not interfere with the flow of the game ball. In this example, the first movable body accessory (clock-shaped accessory) 80 is arranged on the upper right side of the center decoration 48, that is, at a position that does not interfere with the flow of the game ball passing through the right flow path 3c, and diagonally below the right. A second movable accessory (flower-shaped accessory 90) is arranged on the side. The clock-type accessory 80, which is the first movable accessory, includes a clock board portion 81 composed of a number display unit having numbers from the Roman numerals "I" to "XII" and divided into 12 number sectors. It is configured to have a clock hand 82 including a minute hand and a minute hand that can rotate on the clock face portion 81 and indicate the hour and minute as needed. In addition, each of the above-mentioned number sector division locations (number sectors of Roman numerals "I" to "XII") of the clock board (number display) 81 has a full-color LED on the back side or inside, or the number sector itself is a full-color LED. The number sectors with the Roman numerals "I" to "XII" can emit light in different colors independently of each other.

The watch-type accessory 80 acts as a "main accessory" that operates under predetermined conditions in the case of a big hit or a loss. The clock hands 82 of the clock-type accessory 80 rotate at a high speed, and the number sector of the clock board 81 develops a predetermined "color and number" to show the player the degree of expectation of winning. For example, the number sector of the clock board unit (number display unit) 81 develops a color with a predetermined “color and number” to show the player the degree of expectation of winning. For example, the emission color of the LED of the number sector in the clock board 81 emits white (normal color), blue, yellow, green, red, and rainbow colors, and the expectation of winning the player increases in this order. There is.

Further, in the flower-shaped accessory 90, which is the second movable accessory, a corolla A2 composed of a plurality of petals is arranged around the flower center A1, and the corolla A1 and the corolla A2 are moved vertically (falling) or left and right. The first movable body 91 configured to be movable (protruding movement) and the calyx B1 located around the outer side of the corolla A2 are attached to the tip of the stem B2, and the calyx B1 can be moved vertically along the corolla B2. It is composed of the second movable body 92 configured in. As shown in the figure, the first movable body 91 and the second movable body 92 are arranged in a state in which they are united with the solid line position near one side (right side) of the liquid crystal screen as the initial position. In the case of this embodiment, the first movable body 91 and the second movable body 92 can operate independently of each other, and the first movable body 91 and the second movable body 92 (calyx B1) are united in the vertical direction. It can also operate in the left-right direction (broken line position, etc.). The flower-shaped accessory 90 acts as a "secondary accessory" that operates under predetermined conditions in the case of a big hit or a loss. When the first movable body 91 and the second movable body 92 are united, the first movable body 91 (flower core A1 and corolla A2) rotates at the tip of the stem B2 of the second movable body 92, and the translucent flower heart A1, corolla A2 and calyx B1 are illuminated from behind by a lamp or full-color LED and glow beautifully.

Further, a third movable body accessory (a semi-transparent spherical movable body 73 containing a rotating light 62 and a light emitting device) is integrally incorporated in the effect button 13 so as to be swingable and rotatable. Although details will be described later, the effect button 13 may be a normal button 13A (first effect button: chance button) or a rotating light button 66, depending on the stationary orientation (position of the surface seen by the player) of the built-in movable body 73. It functions as a (second effect button), and when the movable body 73 is in a state of being rotated forward, it functions as an exhilarating button 70 (third effect button: rolling button).

Further, in the third movable body accessory, the light emitting device housed in the semi-transparent spherical movable body 73 is composed of a plurality of full-color LEDs attached to the wiring board, and is colored with a predetermined color and light emitting pattern (lighting or blinking). However, it can be visually recognized from the outside through the semi-transparent movable body 73. In other words, the normal button 13A (effect button) has a plurality of color LEDs (button LED75 in FIG. 3) built-in, and the button LED75 is in a specific effect of the player participation type effect described later. In, it is suggested that the light is emitted in a specific color during the operation valid period (button valid period) (button press pre-operation effect (pre-operation effect)), and when the press operation is performed during the button valid period, the effect button 13 As an effect at the time of operation (effect after operation), it can be lit or blinked in a notification mode according to the jackpot lottery result or a notification mode suggesting the degree of expectation of winning the jackpot. However, at the time of an error, since the surrounding LEDs are lit or blinking to notify that an error is occurring, the player can turn on or blink the surrounding LEDs and turn on or blink the button LED 75. The button LED 75 is not lit / blinked, or is colored (lit or blinked) in a color different from that of the surrounding LEDs so as not to be confused with misidentification. Details of this will be described later in FIGS. 16 to 23 and the like.

(Third movable body accessory 73: FIG. 2)
As outlined in FIG. 2, the effect button 13 moves a transparent press button type cylinder 72 having a relatively large surface area up and down in a transparent frame 71 configured so that the saucer unit 8 and the surface are integrated. It is movably incorporated, and the movable body 73 as the third movable body accessory can be rolled in the pressure button type cylinder 72 or below it (hereinafter, simply abbreviated as the inside of the pressure button type cylinder 72). It has a structure that is rotatable and swingable in multiple directions.

The movable body 73 (third movable body accessory) is arranged in the pressure button type tubular body 72, and is a translucent device that can rotate around the horizontal axis and swing in the left-right direction when viewed from the player. It is composed of a spherical empty frame, a rotating light 62 housed in the empty frame, and a light emitting device. When the press button type cylinder 72 is pressed, or at a predetermined timing before and after the pressing button type cylinder 72, the movable body 73 rolls (rotates and swings), and the movement is illuminated with colored light from inside or around the empty frame. The structure is such that the player can see it from the outside.

The effect button 13 having the above structure is a "normal button 13A" depending on whether the operation mode of the movable body 73 at the time of its operation is "normally stationary", "revolving light standby", or "rolling operation". (1st effect button) ”,“ Revolving light button 66 (2nd effect button) ”,“ Exhilarating button 70 (3rd effect button: Rolling button) ”. Here, "normally stationary" means that the rotation angle position of the movable body 73 in the stationary state is 0 degrees, and the light emitting body (top surface of the surrounding body 64) of the rotating light 62 is moved up through the pressing button type cylinder 72. It refers to a state of being invisible from the player (a position hidden from the player), and when the pressing button type cylinder 72 is pressed in this state, the effect button 13 functions as a normal button 13A (first effect button). When "normal button 13A" is described in the present specification, it refers to the effect button 13 when operating in this "normally stationary" state.

Further, "in standby for rotating light" means that the rotation angle position of the movable body 73 in the stationary state is switched from the above-mentioned normally stationary position (0 degree) to the position rotated 90 degrees toward you (90 degrees) to rotate. A state in which the light emitting body of the light 62 (the top surface of the surrounding body 64) is in a position that can be seen from above (a position that can be seen by the player) through the pressing button type cylinder 72, and in this state, the pressing button type cylinder 72. When is pressed, the effect button 13 acts as a rotary light button 66 (second effect button). When working as the revolving light button 66 (second effect button), the revolving light 62 can be seen from above through the pressing button type cylinder 72, so that it is possible to urge the operation and, for example, the revolving light 62 at the moment of operation. The operation can be visually recognized through the pressing button type cylinder 72. Therefore, it is suitable for making a one-shot notice effect appear, and it is possible to make a very tense moment appear. After the period of "waiting for rotating light" elapses, the movable body 73 rotates 90 degrees to the back side and returns to the position (0 degrees) of "normally stationary".

Further, "rolling operation" means a state in which the movable body 73 continues to rotate forward, that is, a state in which the movable body 73 is rotating with the horizontal axis as the rotation center axis as shown in FIG. When the pressing button type cylinder 72 is pressed while the movable body 73 is rotating, the effect button 13 acts as an exhilarating button 70 (third effect button). When working as an exhilarating button 70, the player operates the rolling button 70 because the rolling operation (high-speed rotation) of the spherical movable body 73 can be seen from the outside through the transparent frame 71 and the pressing button type cylinder 72. At that time, a very satisfying pleasure can be obtained, which is different from when the normal button 13A or the revolving light button 66 is pressed. After the period of "rolling operation" elapses, the movable body 73 comes to rest and returns to the "normally stationary" position.

At the bottom of FIG. 2, among the three types of button functions used properly as described above, the functional parts of the revolving light button 66 and the refreshing button 70 (rolling button) are shown separately. Here, for ease of understanding, it is drawn as if there is a switch 65 dedicated to the revolving light button 66 (Lucky Pat) and a switch 74 dedicated to the exhilarating button 70 (rolling button), but in reality it is 1. Only the switches are used properly.

The revolving light button 66 is a revolving light 62 having a lamp (or LED) 62a as a light source and a reflector 62b as a reflector for reflecting light from the lamp 62a in a red translucent enclosure 64. By rotating the reflector 62b, the traveling direction of the light emitted from the light source is changed. The third movable body accessory 73 acts as an effect means for giving a big hit confirmation notice (so-called one-shot notification) during the symbol change display game (special symbol change display operation) related to the big hit. When making one notification, the notification sound (confirmed sound) is made at a predetermined timing during the symbol variation display game (for example, at the start of symbol variation, during a predetermined timing of a predetermined advance notice effect such as a reach effect or a pseudo-ream). (It may be without a notification sound (silence)), and the rotating light 63 is operated for a predetermined production time from the generation (generation of the notification sound).

Further, in the left side view of FIG. 2, it is drawn as having the revolving light switch 65 when the revolving light 62 acts as a push button type revolving light button 66, and the surrounding body 64 of the revolving light 62 is drawn at a predetermined timing. When the revolving light switch 65 is pressed, the revolving light switch 65 is turned on, a hit notification sound is generated, and the revolving light 62 is operated. However, in reality, since the revolving light 62 is housed in the empty frame (shell portion of the movable body 73) shown on the right side of FIG. 2, it is not the enclosure 64 that functions as the operating unit of the revolving light 62. It is a pressing button type cylinder 72, and by pressing the pressing button type cylinder 72 during "revolving light standby", the switch 74 is turned on and the rotating light switch 65 is turned on, resulting in rotation. The light 62 is activated. The normal button 13A that acts during "normally stationary" is a frequently used effect button that does not necessarily operate all the effect means. On the other hand, this revolving light button 66 is for one notification. For this reason, the ratio of the revolving light button 66 being selected is not high, but a larger effect than that of the normal button, for example, a blinking operation of the revolving light 62 and a sound are generated, and more revolving means are operated all at once. It is used as a production button to enhance the production effect.

When functioning as the exhilarating button 70, as outlined in the right side view of FIG. 2, the movable body 73 is in a “rolling operation” in which the movable body 73 continuously rotates at a high speed in the pressure button type cylinder 72, and the operation is performed. Illuminate from the inside or the surroundings with colored light according to the winning expectation of the jackpot (for example, blue, green, red, rainbow color (probable), and the winning expectation is high in this order) A state occurs in which the player can visually recognize from the outside through the pressure button type cylinder 72. Since the exhilarating button 70 is operated on the premise of the appearance of this state, when the exhilarating button 70 is operated at the time of a big hit, it is extremely effective due to the synergistic effect with the effect (post-operation effect) related to the big hit lottery result generated after the operation. It is possible to give a great pleasure to the player. Since the exhilarating button 70 has a structure in which a movable body 73 is rotatably and rollably incorporated in or below the pressing button type cylinder 72, it can be used as a light effect means by a button LED or as a movable body accessory. Also works.

<2. Control device: Fig. 3>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a control device that controls the game operation 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.

In the control device of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the main control unit (main control means) 20 that collectively controls the control related to the overall game operation (game operation control) and the main control unit 20 issue production control commands. In response to this, the effect control unit (effect control means) 24 that controls the execution control (appearance control) of the effect by the effect means, the payout control board (payout control means) 29 that controls the payout of prize balls, and the outside. It is mainly composed of a power supply board (power supply control means (not shown)) that generates and supplies the power supply required for the gaming machine from the power supply (not shown). The power supply route is omitted in FIG.

(2-1. Main control unit 20)
The main control unit 20 is equipped with a microprocessor having a CPU 201 (main control CPU), and is ROM 202 (main control) that stores various data necessary for game operation control in addition to a control program that describes a game operation control procedure. It is equipped with a ROM) and a RAM 203 (main control RAM) that functions as a work area and a buffer memory, and constitutes a microcomputer (Z80 system equivalent) as a whole.

Although not shown, the main control unit 20 applies interrupt signals to the CTC and CPU, which provide the Z80 system with a periodic interrupt, a pulse output creation function (bit rate generator) with a constant cycle, and a time measurement function. Interrupt controller circuit that demonstrates interrupt permission / interrupt prohibition functions such as timer interrupts, reset circuit that can reset the CPU by detecting system reset signals when the power is turned on or off, power failure, etc., control program It is also equipped with a watchdog timer (WDT) that monitors the operation abnormality of the device, and a counter circuit for generating a certain range of random numbers in terms of hardware. The counter circuit includes a random number generation circuit that generates a random number and a sampling circuit that samples a random number value at a predetermined timing from the random number generation circuit, and acts 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 (big hit determination random number), and the random number value is used for the big hit lottery. Use. The random number for the internal lottery is obtained by adding the soft random number value generated by appropriate software processing and the hard random number value in order to prevent the hitting and the like.

The main control unit 20 detects the passage of the upper start port 34a for detecting the winning of the upper starting port 34, the lower starting port sensor 35a for detecting the winning of the lower starting port 35, and the normal symbol starting port 37. The normal symbol start port sensor 37a, the large winning opening sensor 52a for detecting the winning of the large winning opening 50, and the general winning opening sensor 43a for detecting the winning of the general winning opening 43 are connected, and the main control unit 20 It is possible to 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 entered, and based on these winning detection sensors, an illegal winning (for example, in FIG. 14). Monitor whether or not there was an illegal winning error of the large winning opening, an illegal winning error of the general winning opening, etc.).

A fraud detection sensor 99 is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can receive a detection signal from the fraud detection sensor 99. Here, the fraud detection sensor 99 is a general term for sensors such as a vibration sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a radio wave sensor that detect fraudulent acts (goto acts) on the pachinko gaming machine 1. The vibration sensor is attached so as to be able to detect a vibration state (illegal vibration) given to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the magnetic sensor is, for example, a magnetic field when a magnet or the like is brought close to a predetermined region of the game board 3. The change can be detected and the radio sensor is attached so as to detect the radio wave (illegal radio wave) radiated to the pachinko gaming machine 1.

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

Further, the special symbol display device 38a and the special symbol display device 38b are connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for display control of the special symbols 1 and 2. .. Further, a normal symbol display device 39a is connected to the main control unit 20, and a control signal for displaying and controlling the normal symbol can be transmitted.

Further, a composite display device 38c is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for displaying and controlling various information displayed on the main control unit 20. A round number display device 39b is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 can transmit a control signal for displaying and controlling a specified number of rounds due to a big hit.

Further, an external centralized terminal board 21 for a frame is connected to the main control unit 20, and the main control unit 20 is connected to a hall computer HC provided outside the game machine via the external centralized terminal board 21 for the frame. Predetermined game information (for example, jackpot information, prize ball number information, execution information of a symbol variation display game, etc.) can be transmitted. The hall computer HC monitors game information from the main control unit 20 and comprehensively manages the operating status of the pachinko hall game machine.

A payout control board (payout control unit) 29 is connected to the main control unit 20, and when it is necessary to pay out the prize balls, a control command (number of prize balls) related to the payout is given to the payout control board 29. It is possible to send the specified payout control command).

The payout control board 29 is connected to a launch control board (launch control unit) 28 that controls the launch device 32 and a game ball payout device (game ball payout means) 19 that pays out game balls. The main roles of the payout control board 29 are to receive a payout control command from the main control unit 20, to control the prize ball payout of the game ball payout device 19 based on the payout control command, to transmit a status signal to the main control unit 20, and the like. Is.

The game ball payout device 19 is provided with a supply shortage detection sensor 19a for detecting a supply shortage of game balls and a ball counting sensor 19b for detecting a game ball (prize ball) to be paid out, and the payout control board 29 includes these. It is possible to receive each detection signal of. Further, the game ball payout device 19 is provided with a payout motor 19c for driving a ball payout mechanism unit (not shown) for paying out the game ball, and the payout control board 29 controls the payout motor 19c. It is possible to transmit the control signal of.

Further, the payout control board 29 has a full detection sensor 60 (in the present embodiment, a detection sensor that detects the storage state of the game balls stored in the upper tray 9) for detecting the full state of the upper tray 9 with the game balls. A front door open sensor 61 (in this embodiment, a detection sensor that detects the open state of the front frame 2 and / or the front operation panel 7) is connected.

The payout control board 29 uses the detection signals from the fullness detection sensor 60, the front door opening sensor 61, the supply shortage detection sensor 19a, and the ball counting sensor 19b as the front frame as the above-mentioned status signal to the main control unit 20. 2. Opening signal of the front operation panel 7, supply shortage signal, ball jam signal (full detection signal), counting error signal (when the payout of prize balls is insufficient or an abnormality occurs in the ball counting sensor 19b), payout completion signal, etc. It is configured to be able to transmit various status signals. Based on these status signals, the main control unit 20 determines whether the open / closed state of the front frame 2 / front operation panel 7 (door opening error in FIG. 14) and the payout operation of the game ball payout device 19 are normal (for example). , The supply shortage error in FIG. 14), the full state of the upper saucer 9 (for example, the ball clogging error in FIG. 14), and the like are monitored.

Further, a launch control board 28 is connected to the payout control board 29, and it is possible to transmit a permission signal for permitting launch to the launch control board 28. The launch control board 28 controls energization of the launch solenoid (not shown) provided in the launch device 32 based on the output of the permission signal from the payout control board 29, and operates the launch operation handle 15. The game ball launching operation is realized. Specifically, the permission signal is output from the payout control board 29, the touch sensor provided on the launch operation handle 15 detects that the player is touching the handle, and the launch operation handle 15 The firing operation is permitted provided that the firing stop switch provided in the above is not operated. Further, the launch strength of the game ball can be changed according to the operation amount of the launch operation handle 15. When the payout control board 29 is determined by the fullness detection sensor 60 that the upper tray 9 is full, a stop signal for stopping the firing is output to the launch control board 28, and the launch control board 28 is the launch device 32. The operation is stopped, and the launch operation is stopped until the full state is resolved.

Further, the main control unit 20 can transmit various effect control commands including information on the special symbol variation display game and information on the error to the effect control unit 24 according to the processing state. However, in order to prevent the goto action, the main control unit 20 only transmits a signal to the effect control unit 24, and has a one-way communication configuration in which the signal from the effect control unit 24 cannot be received. ..

(2-2. Production control unit 24)
The effect control unit 24 is equipped with a microprocessor having a CPU 241 (effect control CPU), a ROM 242 (effect control ROM) that stores the effect data required for the effect control process, and a RAM 243 (effect control ROM) that functions as a work area or a buffer memory. It is mainly composed of a microcomputer equipped with an effect control RAM), and is also provided with an acoustic control unit (sound source IC (sound source LSI)), RTC function unit (Real Time Clock), counter circuit interrupt controller circuit, WDT, etc. , Control the overall production operation.

The main roles of the effect control unit 24 are receiving the effect control command from the main control unit 20, determining the effect selection based on the effect control command, controlling the image display of the liquid crystal display device 36, controlling the sound of the speaker 46, and the decorative lamp. Light emission control of 45 (surrounding LED 45), various LEDs (button LED75 built in the effect button, other effect LEDs: not shown), operation control of movable body accessories, and the like.

Further, the effect control unit 24 includes a display control unit (not shown) that controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 36. This display control unit is developed by a VDP that controls overall video output processing such as image development processing and image drawing, an image ROM that stores image data (effect image data) that the VDP performs image development processing, and a VDP. A VRAM (Video RAM) that temporarily stores the image data, a liquid crystal control CPU that outputs control data necessary for VDP to perform display control, and a program that describes the display control operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU and its It is mainly composed of a liquid crystal control ROM that stores various data necessary for display control and a liquid crystal control RAM that functions as a work area or a buffer memory.

Further, the effect control unit 24 is a clock board unit (numerical display unit) of the decorative lamp 45 and the clock-type accessory 80 in order to display various effects (light effect, sound effect, and movable object effect by the movable object). ) 81, an optical display control unit for the optical display device 45a including various LEDs, a sound control unit (sound source LSI) for the sound generator 46a including the speaker 46, various movable body accessories (clock type accessory 80, flower type accessory). It is provided with a drive control unit (motor drive circuit) for the movable body accessory motors 80c, 91c, 92c, 62c, 73c for operating the object 90, the rotating light 62, the movable body 73, and the like. Here, the movable accessory motor 80c is for driving the clock hands 82 constituting the clock-shaped accessory 80, and the movable accessory motors 91c and 92c are for driving the movable bodies 91 and 92 constituting the flower-shaped accessory 90. The movable accessory motor 62c is for driving the reflector 62b that constitutes the rotating light 62, and the movable accessory motor 73c is for driving the movable body 73 that constitutes the exhilarating button (rolling button) 70. The effect control unit 24 can transmit control signals related to various effect operations to these drive control units.

Further, the effect control unit 24 is connected to the position detection sensor 82a for the clock hand 82 and the position detection sensors 91a and 92a for the first movable body 91 and the second movable body 92 of the flower-shaped accessory 90. 24 is capable of receiving detection signals from these. The effect control unit 24 controls the operation mode while monitoring the current operation position (for example, the amount of movement from the origin position) of the movable body accessory based on the detection signals from the position detection sensors 82a, 91a, 92a. In addition, the malfunction of the operation of the movable body accessory is monitored, and if a defect occurs, this is notified as an error (movable body accessory error in FIG. 14).

Further, the effect control unit 24 is connected to the switches of the first and second effect buttons that can be operated by the player, that is, the operation detection switch of the effect button 13 (13A) and the revolving light switch 65. Is capable of receiving operation detection signals from these effect buttons 13 and the revolving light button 66. Further, the effect control unit 24 is effective in operating the effect button (operation means) based on a predetermined setting condition (for example, a predetermined timing during the player participation type effect (see FIG. 17C) described later). Based on the function unit (operation valid period setting means) for setting the operation valid period (button valid period) and the effect button being operated during the operation valid period, a predetermined post-operation effect (for example, FIG. 17 (c) described later). ) Is provided with a functional unit (post-operation effect control means) capable of executing and controlling the effect effect 144).

The effect control unit 24 determines by lottery or uniquely from a plurality of types of effect patterns prepared in advance based on the effect control command sent from the main control unit 20, and performs various effect means at the required timing. Control and bring out the desired production. As a result, 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 drive of the decorative lamp 45 and the LED are realized, and various effect patterns (decorative pattern variation display operation and By developing the notice production etc. in chronological order, a "production scenario" in a broad sense is realized.

Further, the effect control unit 24 determines what kind of operation has been performed on the effect button based on the detection signal from the operation detection switch that detects the operation of the operation means (effect button) (for example, pressing (single-shot pressing)). It is configured so that it is possible to determine (long press, repeated hits, etc.), and it is possible to produce a post-operation effect according to the operation status (operation mode). Specifically, when the player participation type effect described later is incorporated in the effect scenario (in the case of a specific effect scenario), the effect scenario (basic effect scenario) determined based on the effect control command is operated by the effect button. Change to a production scenario according to.

The effect control command defines the function by a 2-byte configuration consisting of a 1-byte length mode (MODE) and a 1-byte length event (EVENT), and in order to distinguish between MODE and EVENT, Bit7 of MODE is used. Bit7 of ON and EVENT is OFF. When this information is 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 has elapsed from this setting. The strobe signal of is transmitted. Further, the event information is set and output after a lapse of a predetermined time from the transmission of the strobe signal, and the second strobe signal is transmitted after the lapse of a predetermined time from this setting. The strobe signal is controlled to be active by the CPU 201 for a predetermined period during which the CPU 241 (effect control CPU) can reliably receive the command.

Further, the effect control unit 24 (CPU241) generates an interrupt based on the input of the strobe signal, executes the control program for the command reception interrupt process, and acquires the effect control command in the interrupt process. It has become. Further, unlike the CPU 201, the CPU 241 is executing an interrupt process (a timer interrupt process that is periodically executed) based on another interrupt when an interrupt occurs based on the input of a strobe signal. Even if there is, the command reception interrupt process is performed by interrupting the process, and the command reception interrupt process is preferentially performed even if other interrupts occur at the same time.

<3. Overview 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 variation display game)
(3-1-1. Special symbol variation display game, decorative symbol variation display game)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the main control unit 20 is based on predetermined starting conditions, specifically, that the game ball enters (wins) the upper starting port 34 or the lower starting port 35. In, a "big hit lottery" is performed by a random number lottery. Based on the lottery result, the main control unit 20 variablely displays the special symbols 1 and 2 on the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b to start the special symbol variable display game, and displays the result as a special symbol after a lapse of a predetermined time. Derived display is performed on the device, thereby ending the special symbol variation display game. The functional unit that performs the big hit lottery in the main control unit 20 functions as a lottery means for executing the lottery for the winning (step S059 in FIG. 7). Specifically, it works as a lottery means for executing a lottery for a plurality of types of hits.

Here, in the present embodiment, the big hit lottery based on the winning of the upper starting port 34 and the big hit lottery based on the winning of the lower starting port 35 are performed separately and independently. Therefore, the jackpot lottery result for the upper starting port 34 is derived on the special symbol display device 38a side, and the jackpot lottery result for the lower starting port 35 is derived on the special symbol display device 38b side. Specifically, on the special symbol display device 38a side, the special symbol 1 is variablely displayed and the first special symbol variable display game is started on the condition that the game ball enters the upper start port 34. On the other hand, on the special symbol display device 38b side, the special symbol 2 is variablely displayed and the second special symbol variable display game is started on the condition that the game ball enters the lower starting port 35. ing. Then, when the special symbol variation display game on the special symbol display device 38a or the special symbol display device 38b is started, after a predetermined variation display time elapses, if the jackpot lottery result is a "big hit", a predetermined "big hit" In the mode, in other cases, in a predetermined "missing" mode, the special symbol being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed, whereby the game result (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 on the special symbol display device 38b side. The variable display game is referred to as a "special symbol variable display game 2". Unless otherwise required, "special symbol 1" and "special symbol 2" are simply referred to as "special symbol" (sometimes abbreviated as "special symbol"), and "special symbol variation display game 1" and "special". The "symbol variation display game 2" is simply referred to as a "special symbol variation display game".

Further, when the above-mentioned special symbol variation display game is started, the decorative symbol (directing game symbol) is variablely displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36, and the decorative symbol variation display game is started, which accompanies this. Then, various productions 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. The decorative design is derived and displayed. That is, the result of the special symbol variation display game is reflected and displayed by the dramatic decorative symbol variation display game including the variation display operation of the decorative symbol.

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

In the case of this "big hit", specifically, the special symbol variation display game ends, and the decorative symbol variation display game ends accordingly, and as a result, the symbol mode of the "big hit" is derived and displayed. After that, the large winning opening solenoid 52c of the special variable winning device 52 operates and the opening door 52b opens and closes in a predetermined pattern, whereby the large winning opening 50 is opened and closed, which is more advantageous to the player than in the normal gaming state. A special game state (big hit game) occurs. In this big hit game, the opening door 52b allows the opening time of the big winning opening to elapse until a predetermined time (maximum opening time: 29.8 seconds, for example), or the number of game balls that have won the big winning opening (big winning opening). The number of winning balls to 50) is a predetermined number (maximum number of winning balls: the maximum number of winning balls allowed for a winning opening whose entrance is opened or expanded by one operation of the accessory: for example, 9). A predetermined number of rounds (for example, a maximum of 16), such as opening or expanding the winning area and closing the big winning opening when any of these conditions are met, until reaching Round) Repeated.

When the jackpot game starts, an opening effect for notifying that the jackpot has started is performed first, and after the opening effect is completed, the round game is performed a plurality of times up to a predetermined number of predetermined rounds. Then, after the end of the specified number of rounds, an ending effect is performed to notify that the big hit is finished, and the big hit game is finished by this.

Regarding the information necessary for executing the above-mentioned decorative symbol variation display game, first, the main control unit 20 first enters (wins) a game ball into the upper start port 34 or the lower start port 35, and specifically. , "Big hit", "Small hit", or "Loss" on 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 related to the special symbol) is satisfied. If it is a "big hit", the big hit type is selected, and if it is a "small hit", the small hit type is selected by "missing". If there is, a big hit lottery including'design lottery (winning type (winning type) lottery)'that draws the loss type is performed (because there is no need to perform a type lottery if there is only one type of small hit or loss). , The lottery may be omitted), and based on the lottery result information, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol and the special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special stop symbol") to be finally stopped and displayed according to the winning type. decide. Then, as an 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 jackpot lottery result and the variation time of the special symbol) is sent to the effect control unit 24 side. Send. As a result, the basic information required for the decorative symbol variation display game is sent to the effect control unit 24. In this embodiment, a "decorative symbol designation command" including information on the special stop symbol (design lottery result information (information on the winning type)) is also transmitted to the effect control unit 24 in order to enrich the variation of the effect. It has become like.

The variation pattern information of the special symbol may include information for designating whether or not a specific advance notice effect (for example, "reach effect" or "pseudo-continuous effect" described later) is generated. In detail, the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol is roughly classified into a "hit fluctuation pattern" in the case of a hit and a "loss fluctuation pattern" in the case of a loss, depending on the result of the big hit lottery. These fluctuation patterns include, for example, a'reach fluctuation pattern'that specifies the occurrence of the reach effect described later, a'normal fluctuation pattern'that does not specify the occurrence of the reach effect, and the occurrence (overlap occurrence) of the pseudo continuous effect and the reach effect. Multiple types of fluctuation patterns are included, such as the specified'pseudo-ream reach variation pattern'and the'pseudo-ream normal variation pattern'that specifies the occurrence of the pseudo-ream effect and does not specify the occurrence of the reach effect. In addition, in order to secure the production time of the reach effect and the pseudo-continuous effect, the variation pattern that specifies the reach effect and the pseudo-continuous effect is usually set to have a longer variation time than the normal variation pattern.

The effect control unit 24 is time-series during the decorative symbol variation display game based on the information included in the effect control commands (here, the variation pattern designation command and the decorative symbol designation command) sent from the main control unit 20. The content of the production to be developed (the production scenario such as the advance notice production) and the decorative design to be finally stopped and displayed (decorative stop design) are determined, and the decorative design is changed and displayed according to the time schedule based on the fluctuation pattern of the special design. Run the symbol variation display game. As a result, the decorative symbol by the liquid crystal display device 36 is variablely displayed in synchronization with the variable display of the special symbol by the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b, and the period of the special symbol variable display game and the decorative symbol variable display game are in progress. The period of 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 generator 46a, respectively, so as to correspond to the effect scenario, and develops various effects in the decorative symbol variation display game. As a result, the reproduction of the image on the liquid crystal display device 36 (image effect), the reproduction of the sound effect (sound effect), and the lighting / blinking drive of the decorative lamp 45 and the LED (light effect) are realized.

In this way, the special symbol variation display game and the decorative symbol variation display game have an inseparable relationship, and what reflects the display result of the special symbol variation display game is expressed in the decorative symbol variation display game. , These two symbol variation display games may be regarded as equivalent symbol games. Unless otherwise specified in the present specification, the above two symbol variation display games may be simply referred to as "symbol variation display games".

(3-1-2. Ordinary symbol fluctuation display game)
Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 1, based on the fact that the game ball has passed (winning) through the normal symbol start port 37, the main control unit 20 performs a “subsidy winning lottery” by a random number lottery. Based on this lottery result, the normal symbol represented by the LED is variablely displayed on the normal symbol display device 39a to start the normal symbol variable display game, and after a certain period of time, the result is a combination of lighting and non-lighting of the LED. It is designed to stop and display. For example, when the result of the normal symbol variation display game is "auxiliary hit", the display unit of the normal symbol display device 39a is in a specific lighting state (for example, all two LEDs 39 are lit, or "○" and "○" and " Of the LEDs expressing "x", the LED on the "○" side is lit) to stop and display.

In the case of this "auxiliary hit", the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c (see FIG. 3) is activated, whereby the movable wing piece 47 opens in an inverted "C" shape and the lower starting port 35 opens. Alternatively, the game ball is expanded to a state in which the game ball easily flows in (starting opening open state), and an auxiliary game state (hereinafter, referred to as "solenoid open game") that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state occurs. In this general electric opening game, the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable winning device 41 is used until the opening time of the lower starting port 35 elapses for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds), or the lower starting port 35 is won. Until the number of game balls reaches a predetermined number (for example, 4), the winning area is opened or expanded, and when any of these conditions is satisfied, the lower starting port 35 is closed, and the like is performed a predetermined number of times (for example). , Up to 2 times) It is supposed to be repeated.

Here, in the present embodiment, during the special / decorative symbol variation display game, the normal symbol variation display game, the jackpot game, the normal electric opening game, etc., the upper start port 34, the lower start port 35, or the normal symbol start port When a prize is generated in 37, that is, when a detection signal is input from the upper start port sensor 34a, the lower start port sensor 35a, or the normal symbol start port sensor 37a, and the corresponding start condition (symbol game start condition) is satisfied. , This is used as data related to the start right of the variable display game, and is stored up to the maximum number of reserved storages (for example, maximum 4), which is a predetermined upper limit value, except for those related to the variable display. .. The pending data that is not used for this symbol variation display operation or the game ball related to the reserved data is also referred to as an "operation pending ball". In order to clarify the number of operation holding balls to the player, a dedicated holding display (not shown) provided at an appropriate position in the pachinko gaming machine 1 or a holding provided as an icon image on the screen by the liquid crystal display device 36. Turn on the display.

Further, in the present embodiment, up to four operation holding balls related to the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the ordinary symbol are reserved and stored in the corresponding storage area of the RAM 203, and are retained as the number of times the fluctuation of the special symbol or the ordinary symbol is confirmed. The maximum number of stored balls (maximum number of reserved balls) for each of the special symbol 1, the special symbol 2, and the normal symbol is not particularly limited. Further, all or part of the maximum number of reserved memories of each symbol may be different, and the number can be appropriately determined according to the playability.

(3-2. Game state)
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 above-mentioned jackpot, which is a special gaming state. In order to facilitate the understanding of the present invention, first, various gaming states will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute and control five types of gaming states: a normal state, a time saving state, a latent probability state, a probability change state, and a CZ (chance mode). .. These game states are distinguished by the presence or absence of a jackpot lottery probability state (low probability state, high probability state) and an electric chew support state (privilege game) (with electric support, without electric support).

The "electric chew support state" is a normal state in which the opening operation period of the movable wing piece 47 of the normal variable winning device 41 (at least one of the opening time of the movable wing piece 47 and the number of times of opening thereof) in the normal variable opening game is Refers to the "open extension state" that is more extended than. When the open extension state occurs, the open operation period of the movable wing piece 47 is extended from 0.2 seconds in the normal state (under the non-open extension state) to 1.7 seconds, and the number of times of opening and closing is, for example, It is extended from 1 time in normal time to 2 to 3 times. In the case of the present embodiment, the lottery probability per auxiliary varies from a low probability (for example, 1/256) of a predetermined probability (normal probability) to a high probability (for example, 255/256) under the electric chew support state. (Normal symbol probability fluctuation state) occurs, and a'normal symbol time reduction state'that shortens the average time (normal symbol fluctuation display operation time) required for one normal symbol fluctuation display game occurs (for example). It is shortened from 10 seconds to 1 second). Therefore, when the electric chew support state occurs, the normal power opening game frequently occurs, and the operating rate is improved (high base state) in which the operating rate of the movable wing piece 47 per unit time is improved as compared with the normal state. Hereinafter, the state under the electric chew support state is abbreviated as "with electric support", and the case where it is not is abbreviated as "without electric support".

In the present embodiment, the "normal state" is a low probability (for example, 1/399) in which the jackpot lottery probability is a predetermined probability (normal probability), and is a gaming state without electric support (low probability + no electric support). To say.

In the "time saving state", the jackpot lottery probability is as low as the normal state, but the average time required for one special symbol variation display game (special symbol variation display operation time) is the normal state. A game state in which a'special symbol time reduction state'is generated and the electric chew support state is set. In other words, during the time saving state, it becomes "low probability + with electric support + special symbol time saving state".

The "latent probability state" is a "special symbol probability variation state" in which the jackpot lottery probability fluctuates to a high probability (for example, 1 / 39.9) higher than the above low probability, and is a gaming state without electric support. (High probability, no electric support).

Further, the "probability change state" refers to a gaming state in which the jackpot lottery probability is as high as the latent probability state, but a special symbol time reduction state and an electric chew support state occur. In other words, during the probability change state, it becomes "high probability + with electric support + special symbol time saving state".

The "CZ (chance mode)" is used as a gaming state for concealing the jackpot lottery probability in the production. In the case of the present embodiment, the "CZ" is provided with "CZ (latent probability)" under the latent state and "CZ (normal)" under the normal state. When the mode is shifted to "CZ (normal)" or "CZ (latent probability)", the effect mode described later is shifted to the substantially same "CZ effect mode (chance effect mode)". As a result, the jackpot lottery probability state (high probability, low probability) is concealed in the production, and the player is given an estimation element of the game state to excite the game. Note that the above CZ is designed so that the special figure variation display game ends in any of 2 to 4 times (see the remarks column in FIG. 4), and if it is "CZ (latent probability)" after the CZ ends. It shifts to the latent state, and if it is "CZ (normal)", it shifts to the normal state. In addition, the mode is shifted to the corresponding production mode, whereby the concealment state is released, and the current game state is clarified in the production.

Therefore, when paying attention to the jackpot lottery probability with respect to the gaming state, when the gaming state is "normal state", "time saving state" or "CZ (normal)", at least the jackpot lottery probability becomes "low probability state", and the game When the state is "latent state" or "probability change state", at least the jackpot lottery probability is "high probability state". During the big hit, a big hit game in which the big winning opening is opened and closed occurs, but the big hit lottery probability and the presence or absence of the electric support are placed under the same low probability / no electric support game state as the above normal state.

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

(4-1. About hit type and hit game)
The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is designed to perform a big hit lottery (win lottery) for a plurality of types of hits. This hit type includes "16R long open probability variable jackpot", "12R long open probability variable jackpot", "12R long open time short jackpot", "5R long open probability variable jackpot", "5R long open time short jackpot", which belong to the jackpot type. It includes a plurality of types of hits such as "2R short open latent probability big hit", "2R short open time short big hit A, B", and "small hit (small hit A, small hit B)" belonging to the non-big hit type.

The jackpot type is a hit that triggers the operation of the conditional device, and the "small hit" is a hit that belongs to the "non-big hit" type that does not trigger the activation of the conditional device. Here, the "condition device" is a device whose operation is a condition necessary for the operation of the accessory continuous operation device for performing a round game, and a specific combination of special symbols is displayed or the game ball is displayed. It is the one that operates when passing through a specific area in the big winning opening. The hits that belong to the "big hit" type and the hits that belong to the "non-big hit" type (small hits) are both the triggers (occurrence) of transition to the special game state (winning game) that involves the opening and closing operation of the big winning opening. It is a hit. Therefore, a hit that belongs to the "non-big hit" type is different from a mere "loss". Although "small hit" is a hit belonging to the "non-big hit" type, it will be treated in the same line as one of the big hit types without distinguishing it from the above-mentioned big hit unless it is particularly necessary.

Among the hits belonging to the above'big hit'type, the "probability change big hit" is a big hit that shifts the game state after the big hit game to the probable change state, and the "time reduction big hit" is the time reduction state (time reduction 60 times or 100 times). ), The "latent jackpot" is a jackpot that shifts to the latent state. However, the game state of the transition destination may differ depending on the game state of winning the jackpot. For example, when the 2R short open latent probability jackpot is won, as shown in the figure, depending on the game state at the time of winning. The migration destination is different, for example, if you win in the normal state, it will be transferred to "CZ (4 times: latent)", if you win in the latent state, it will be transferred to "latent state", CZ (normal) If you win in the "CZ (4 times: latent)", if you win in the CZ (latent), you are in the "latent state", and if you win in the time saving state and the probable state, both are in the "probable state". Is to be migrated to.

Notations such as "16R, 12R, 5R, 2R" regarding the hit type in FIG. 4 mean the specified number of rounds (maximum number of rounds), respectively. Further, "long opening" means that the maximum opening time of the large winning opening in one round game is set to "long opening time (for example, 29.8 seconds)", and winning a prize in the large winning opening. It refers to the hit type that is expected to reach the maximum number of prizes (9). On the other hand, "short opening" means that the maximum opening time of the large winning opening in one round game is set to "short opening time (for example, 0.1 seconds)", and winning is hardly expected. Refers to the winning type (which may not be possible to win). Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, regarding the profit state during the big hit game, the 16R long open probability variable big hit is the highest, and the 2R short open latent probability big hit is the lowest.

The above-mentioned latent state or probability change state is high when the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game is completed a predetermined number of times (for example, 70 times: specified ST number) without winning the big hit type (excluding small hits). It is a so-called "count-cutting probability change machine (ST machine)" that ends the probability state and shifts to a low probability, and when the specified ST number of times ends, it shifts to the normal state from the next game. However, it may be a type of "general probability change machine" that continues until the next big hit is won. The number of executions of the special symbol variation display game may be the total number of executions of the special symbol variation display game 1 and the special symbol variation display game 2 (total number of fluctuations of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2). It may be the number of executions of either one (for example, the number of executions of the special symbol variation display game 2). Further, the number of times of the time saving state is not limited to 60 times or 100 times, and can be appropriately determined according to the playability. In addition, there is no particular limitation on what kind of hit is provided, and it can be appropriately determined.

Next, a hit game by small hits A and B (hereinafter, referred to as "small hit game") will be described. In each small hit game, the large winning opening is opened twice with a short opening, and the opening and closing operation of the large winning opening 50 captured from the outside during the small hit game is the upper 2R short opening latent big hit. It is controlled in substantially the same operation mode as that of the jackpot game. Since this "small hit" is a hit type that does not trigger the operation of the "condition device", a round game such as the "big hit" is not executed. However, by controlling the opening and closing of the big winning opening in substantially the same operation mode as the 2R short open latent jackpot, a pseudo round game was realized, and it seemed that the 2R short open latent jackpot was won. It is possible to pretend like.

In addition, the "hit-in-game effect (effect that appears during the hit-game)" during the small-hit game shows a production that is substantially the same (same or very similar) as the hit-in-time effect during the 2R latent large-hit game. It has become like. That is, the operation related to the small hit game including the hitting effect shows substantially the same behavior as the game operation related to the 2R short open latent probability big hit, and which hit game is executed from the player's side. Is difficult or impossible to identify. As a result, even if a small hit is won, the player can be given a feeling of expectation of winning the "2R short open latent probability big hit" that triggers the transition to the high probability state. In addition, when a small hit is won, as shown in FIG. 4, the hit game may be shifted to the same "CZ (chance mode)" as when the 2R short open latent probability big hit is won. Until the end of CZ (until the end of CZ production mode), it is possible to conceal whether or not it is in a high-probability state in terms of production, and to fuel the expectation of winning the latent jackpot.

<5. About production>
(5-1. Production mode)
Next, the effect mode (effect state) will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of effect modes for displaying an effect related to the gaming state, and is configured to be able to switch between the effect modes. Specifically, a normal effect mode, a time-saving effect mode, a latent effect mode, and a probability variation effect mode are provided corresponding to each of the normal state, the time-saving state, the latent state, the probability change state, and the CZ (chance mode). .. In each effect mode, the background display as the background of the variable display screen of the decorative pattern displays different background effects so that the player can grasp what kind of game state he / she is currently staying in. It has become. In the case of "CZ (normal)" or "CZ (latent probability)", the mode shifts to the same CZ effect mode. Therefore, the CZ effect mode plays a role as a "confidential effect mode" in which the jackpot lottery probability state is set to a concealed state from the aspect of the effect.

The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) has a function unit (effect state transition control means) for transition control between a plurality of types of effect modes. The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) includes a specific effect control command sent from the main control unit 20 (CPU 201), specifically, a game state information managed by the main control unit 20 side, which is a “specific effect”. Based on the "control command", the current game state can be grasped and the transition control between a plurality of types of effect modes can be performed while maintaining consistency with the game state managed by the main control unit 20 side. Such effect control commands include, for example, a variation pattern designation command, a decorative symbol designation command, and a game state designation command sent when a change occurs in the game state.

(5-3. Notice production)
Next, the notice production will be described. The effect control unit 24 is based on the content of the effect control command from the main control unit 20, specifically, at least the variation pattern information included in the variation pattern designation command, and variously related to the current effect mode and the jackpot lottery result. It is configured so that the appearance of the "notice effect" can be controlled. Such a notice production suggests (notices) the degree of expectation (hereinafter referred to as "winning expectation") of whether or not the player has won the winning type, and serves as a "fanning effect" to fuel the player's sense of expectation of winning. work. Typical notice productions include "reach production" and "pseudo-continuous production", as well as "look-ahead notice production" and "player participation type production".

The "reach effect" refers to an effect mode with a reach state (variation display mode with a reach state: reach variation pattern), and specifically, the final game result is derived and displayed via the reach state. A mode of production. Reach effects include multiple types of reach effects associated with winning expectations. For example, there are cases where the winning expectation is relatively higher than when the normal reach effect (N reach) appears. Such a reach production is called "super reach production (SP reach)". Many of these "SP reach" have a relatively longer production time (variable time) than N reach in order to fuel the expectation of winning. In addition, N reach and SP reach include multiple types of reach effects. For example, SP reach includes multiple types of reach effects such as SP reach A, B, and C, and the degree of expectation of winning should be related to "SP reach A <SP reach B <SP reach C". Can be done.

The "pseudo-continuous effect" refers to an effect mode accompanied by a pseudo continuous variation display state (pseudo variation) of the decorative symbol, and the "pseudo variation" is a part of the decorative symbol or a part of the decorative symbol in the decorative symbol variation display game. It refers to a variable display mode in which a display operation is repeated once or a plurality of times, such as temporarily setting all of them in a temporary stop state and executing a re-variable display operation of a decorative symbol from the temporary stop state. In this respect, it is different from the "look-ahead notice effect (continuous notice effect)" described later, which is developed over a plurality of symbol variation display games. Basically, the rate of occurrence of such "pseudo-ream" is set so that the higher the number of pseudo-variations, the higher the expectation of winning. For example, SP reach or the like is determined according to the number of pseudo-variations. It is used as a notice production to fuel the expectation of occurrence.

In addition, the "look-ahead notice effect" mainly refers to the hold display mode and the hold display mode for the operation hold balls (undigested operation hold balls) that have not yet been used for executing the symbol change display game (special symbol change display operation). This is an effect mode in which the winning expectation level can be notified in advance before the operation holding ball is provided to the symbol variation display game by using the background effect of the symbol variation display game executed earlier. In the symbol variation display game, in addition to the above-mentioned "reach effect", various effects such as so-called "character advance notice effect", "step-up advance notice effect", and "player participation type effect" described later occur, and the game The content is getting excited.

Here, with reference to FIG. 5, the screen display of the liquid crystal display device according to the present embodiment will be described in relation to the pre-reading notice effect. In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the upper display area in the screen of the liquid crystal display device 36, a display area for displaying the decorative symbol variable display game (a variable display effect of the decorative symbol and a notice effect are displayed). A display area for displaying) is provided, and a special display area 76 (hold display units a1 to d1) for displaying the number of operation-holding balls on the special symbol 1 side is provided in the lower display area of the screen. A hold display area 77 (hold display units a2 to d2) for displaying the number of operation hold balls on the symbol 2 side is provided. Regarding the presence or absence of the operation holding ball, the fact is notified by a predetermined holding display mode. In the figure, the presence or absence of the operation hold ball is in the lit state (with the operation hold ball: "○ (white circle)" in the figure) or in the off state (without the operation hold ball: the broken line circle in the figure) An example is shown in which information on the number of balls is notified.

The display regarding the presence / absence of the operation hold ball (hold display) is sequentially displayed in the order of occurrence (winning order), and in each hold display area 76, 77, the leftmost operation hold ball is all the operations in the hold display. It is displayed as the earliest (that is, the oldest) activated holding ball on the time axis among the holding balls. Further, on the left side of the hold display areas 76 and 77, a changing display area 78 for showing the operation hold ball actually used in the special symbol change display game is provided. In the case of this embodiment, the changing display area 78 is configured so that an image in which the icon of the game in progress hold K currently used for the game is placed appears on the icon of the seat J. That is, when the variable display of the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2 is started, the oldest icon (icon image) of the hold a1 or a2 displayed in the hold display areas 76 and 77 is the hold K during game execution. As an icon, the icon is moved onto 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 hold ball occurs, the main control unit 20 sends a "winning command" including pre-reading determination information and the number of operation hold balls at the time of pre-reading determination (the number of existing operation hold balls including the operation hold ball generated this time). ) Is transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

When the effect control unit 24 receives the winning command, the effect control process related to the "look-ahead notice effect" is performed as a part of the display control process related to the hold display based on the pre-reading determination information included in the command. Specifically, a pre-reading notice lottery is performed to draw a lottery as to whether or not the pre-reading notice effect can be executed, and if this is won, the pre-reading notice effect is displayed. The probability of winning by the above pre-reading notice lottery is higher for "big hit" than for "missing", and for the reach type with a relatively high expectation of winning, pre-reading notice production occurs. Depending on whether or not it is, the probability of winning the jackpot is shown.

Here, the look-ahead determination information is specifically the jackpot lottery result (big hit lottery result at the start of fluctuation) or fluctuation executed when the operation holding ball is provided to the symbol variation display game in the main control unit 20. This is game information obtained when the fluctuation pattern at the start is pre-read and determined. That is, this information includes at least information that pre-reads the winning lottery result at the start of fluctuation (pre-reading winning information), and other information that pre-reads the symbol lottery result (pre-reading symbol information) and fluctuation at the start of fluctuation. Information for which the pattern is pre-read and determined (pre-reading fluctuation pattern information) can be included. What kind of information is included in the winning command to be sent to the effect control unit 24 can be appropriately determined according to the content to be notified by the pre-reading notice. Further, the hold addition command is used to display the hold icon corresponding to the current number of operation hold balls on the hold display units a1 to d1 and a2 to d2.

In the case of this embodiment, when the look-ahead notice lottery is won, among the hold icons of the hold display units a1 to d1 and a2 to d2, the hold icon targeted for the look-ahead notice is, for example, a normal hold display. Pre-reading of "hold display change system" such as changing from white (normal hold display mode) to special hold color such as blue, green, red, rainbow color of notice display or color hold display (special hold display mode) A notice production will be performed. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the hatched hold display unit b1 has changed to a special hold display. Here, the display of blue, green, red, and rainbow colors of the hold icon means that the winning expectation is high in the order of this color, and in particular, the display of the rainbow-colored hold icon is a big hit confirmation (correct). It is a premium hold icon to be displayed. Therefore, this hold display unit acts as a hold display means for displaying the number of operation holds. However, when executing the look-ahead notice effect, the hold display mode of the corresponding one of the hold display units a1 to d1 and a2 to d2 is changed to a predetermined look-ahead notice display mode (special hold display mode). However, this works as a means for generating a look-ahead notice effect.

(5-3-1. Player participation type production)
Next, the player participation type production will be described. The player participation type production belongs to the so-called "button notice production", and has the player performed a predetermined operation (for example, pressing, long pressing, repeated hitting, etc.) on the production button (operating means)? This is a notice production mode in which the content of the production can change depending on whether or not it is. In this player participation type effect, an operation instruction effect (for example, the button notice effect 143 in FIG. 17) appears for the effect button during the predetermined button validity period, and the effect button is operated during the button validity period. In that case, the currently appearing production mode changes to another production mode (for example, the character display during the appearance changes, effects such as animation are added, and special sound effects and light effects are generated. Depending on the production mode (production content) before and after the change, it is a preliminary production mode that announces the degree of expectation of winning. Such a "player participation type" production mode can give a feeling that the player is influencing the game result, so that the fun of the game can be increased.

In the present embodiment, the effect button 13 of the push button type switch is provided as one of the operation means that the player can operate, but the push button type switch is an automatic return type switch that is turned on only while the player is pressing the switch. There are (momentary switch, push switch) and position holding type switch (alternate switch, push lock switch) that turns ON and OFF each time it is pressed. In the present embodiment, a push button by an automatic return type switch is adopted as the effect button, and a player participation type effect using this push button is made to appear in a symbol variation display game as a part of SP reach, for example.

Further, not only the player participation type production related to the reach production described above, but also the player participation type production can be made to appear during the production such as the look-ahead notice production. For example, when an operation instruction effect appears along with the hold display and the player operates the effect button, the normal hold display can be changed to the dedicated hold display (for example, the hold color changes from white to red). (Changes), and the "Gase button notice effect" that does not change the hold display even if the effect button is operated may appear.

In addition, during the button valid period related to the player participation type production, the operation valid notification is executed by the button LED 75 as described above, but in the case of an error, the surrounding LED 45 lights up or blinks to cause an error. Since it is operating to notify that it is inside, the button LED 75 is not turned on or blinked so that the player does not mistake the lighting or blinking of the surrounding LEDs 45 and the lighting or blinking of the button LED 75. Or, it develops a color (lights or blinks) different from the surrounding LEDs. The details of this will be described later.

(5-4. Directing means)
Various effects by the pachinko gaming machine 1 are manifested by the effect means provided in the gaming machine. Such a directing means may be any stimulus transmitting means capable of exerting a directing effect by appealing to human perception such as sight, hearing, and touch, and is a light generating means (light directing means) such as a decorative lamp 45 or an LED device. ), Sound generators such as speakers 46 (sound effect means), effect display devices such as liquid crystal display device 36 (display means), pressurizing devices that transmit contact pressure to the operator's body, and apply wind pressure to the player's body. A typical example is a wind pressure device or a movable body accessory that exerts a visual effect by its operation. Here, the effect display device is a display device that appeals to the eyes like the image display device, but differs from the image display device in that it includes a display device that does not depend on an image (for example, a 7-segment display). The term "image display device" mainly refers to a type in which an effect is displayed by displaying an image, and a device that displays an effect by means other than an image, such as a 7-segment display, is included in the concept of the effect display device.

(5-5. Demo screen, menu screen, power saving mode)
The demo screen is usually a production display (demonstration) for explaining the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 and introducing (demonstrating) the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a state where the symbol variation display game is not played for a certain period of time (for example, 60 seconds) or more. Normal customer waiting production mode). In the present embodiment, when the operation of the effect button 13 is detected during the display period of the demo screen (during the demo screen), the volume and the amount of light are switched to the "menu screen (game setting effect)" in which the game can be set. It can be displayed. The timing at which the menu screen can be switched, that is, the button validity period (operation validity period) in the demo screen is notified by the button LED 75. In the case of this embodiment, the button LED 75 lights or blinks in a notification mode (for example, orange) different from the normal notification mode (for example, white) as an operation valid notification in the demo screen, and is a period during which the screen can be switched to the menu screen. Is notified. The operation valid notification on the demo screen is continued until the game ball wins a prize at the start port and the game is started.

In addition, when a predetermined time elapses after the above demo screen, the mode shifts to the "power saving mode (special customer waiting effect mode)". This power saving mode is a "power saving customer waiting state" in which the game machine 1 is controlled to have low power consumption. In the case of this embodiment, as a power saving mode transition condition, after the demo screen is displayed, the power saving mode is shifted when a predetermined time elapses (for example, 120 seconds) without switching to the menu screen. When the power saving mode transition condition is satisfied, the effect control unit 24 controls the liquid crystal display device 36 to display a power saving screen (for example, the character display of "power saving" is displayed on the liquid crystal screen), and is decorated except for the button LED 75. It is controlled to turn off a part or all of the lamp 45 and other effect LEDs. Since the mode is shifted to the power saving mode via the demo screen, the button LED 75 is already informed that the operation is valid in the power saving mode.

The setting items included in the menu screen include adjustment screens such as the brightness of the liquid crystal screen, the amount of light of the decorative lamp 45 and the liquid crystal screen, and the volume of the speaker 46, which are related to the game environment. Further, as another item, it is possible to include a selection item of the production mode in which a plurality of production mode types are selected. Specifically, a plurality of effect modes (for example, effect mode 1 has an appearance rate) in which a specific advance effect (for example, a premium effect for notifying the accuracy or a specific reach effect) is selected at different frequencies (appearance rate). Large, production mode 2 has a medium appearance rate, production mode 3 has a normal appearance rate), or multiple production modes divided by background production or specific character type (for example, the main character in normal time is a warrior character) In this case, the effect mode 1 is a wizard character, the effect mode 2 is a monk character, the effect mode 3 is a ninja character, and the like). Further, it may be configured to include a selection item for changing the operation frequency and operation mode of the movable body accessory during the game (for example, the effect mode 1 allows the movable body accessory to operate normally, and the effect mode 2 is a specific operation. Prohibit only, in the production mode 2, the movable body does not work at all). In this way, it can be configured so that the player can change to the desired production mode. These items may be included as items in the demo screen. The selection of the setting item and the change setting such as the light amount / volume adjustment may be configured to be selectable by an operation means provided separately instead of the effect button 13. For example, a cross key capable of multi-directional input, a joystick controller, a trackball, or the like can be used.

Here, when an error occurs during the demo screen display or the power saving screen, or when the error is switched to the demo screen display without canceling the error before switching to the demo screen display, when a predetermined error occurs. Since the surrounding LEDs are lit or blinking to notify that an error is occurring, the player does not misunderstand the lighting or blinking of the surrounding LEDs 45 and the lighting or blinking of the button LED 75. Therefore, the button LED 75 is not lit / blinked, or is colored (lit or blinked) in a color different from that of the surrounding LEDs. The details of the error (warning) notification (warning notification) will be described later.

(6-1. Error and error notification)
(About error)
The error (type) is roughly classified into two types: a main error whose occurrence is grasped by the main control unit 20 and a sub error whose occurrence is grasped by the effect control unit 24. Therefore, the main control unit 20 may be the determination subject, that is, the abnormality determination means, or the effect control unit 24 may be the determination subject, that is, the abnormality determination means. When the main control unit 20 acts as an abnormality determination means, detection information from various sensors (fraud detection sensor 99, sensors 52a, 43a related to the winning opening, etc.) connected to the main control unit 20 and a payout control board are used. For example, when various status signals from 29 are received. The "state signal" is based on the detection signal from the fullness detection sensor 60, the front door opening sensor 61, the replenishment shortage detection sensor 19a, the ball counting sensor 19b, or the like on the payout control board 29, and the payout operation state or the upper tray 9 This is a control command or detection signal for transmitting information about the full state of the door to the main control unit 20.

When the main control unit 20 determines that an error has occurred, the main control unit 20 sends an error command (command that can identify the error type) including error type information to the effect control unit 24, and the effect is produced. The control unit 24 controls the error notification means according to this error command, and performs error notification corresponding to the generated error type. This error notification may be a dedicated one specially prepared for the error notification, but in the present embodiment, the LED and the decorative lamp 45 (surrounding LED 45), the speaker 46, and the liquid crystal display device provided for the effect are used. Error notification is executed by controlling 36.

However, the button LED 75 is not used as an effect means for error notification (the same applies to error notification related to a sub-error described later). Here, "the button LED 75 is not used for error notification" has the following two meanings. First, the button LED 75 is not used as an effect means for error notification in the first place, and even during an error, the original function of the button LED 75 is not restricted or prohibited. Makes it feasible. Secondly, during an error, the notification mode of the button LED 75 (lighting, blinking, extinguishing, etc.) is not linked to the error notification mode of the surrounding LED 45, etc. (light effect for error: for example, blinking red or blinking white). As a unique notification mode, for example, a notification mode similar to the operation invalid notification (for example, white light emission) or extinguishing is configured. This is to prevent the player from being mistaken or confused with the effective operation notification or the advance notice effect suggesting the winning expectation. Here, the notification mode of the button LED 75 is a notification mode other than error notification, whether one or a plurality of light emitting means capable of notifying the operation valid period and the operation invalid period of the operation means is the notification mode of error notification. Is it? The elements that determine the notification mode are roughly divided into "off" and "lighting". Among them, "lighting" includes "continuous lighting" and "blinking lighting", and what color is the lighting color (emission color). There is. Therefore, the term "lighting" can be treated as meaning both "continuous lighting" and "blinking lighting", but in the present specification, "lighting" and "blinking" are separated for the sake of simplicity. Used separately. Further, "off", "lighting" or "continuous lighting" can be treated as a static light emitting mode, and "blinking lighting" can be treated as a dynamic light emitting mode.

The details of the case where the effect control unit 24 is the main decision-maker will be described later, but the error (sub-error) in which the effect control unit 24 is the main judge is, for example, an abnormality related to the effect means (such as an operation abnormality of the movable body accessory). There is. The effect control unit 24 determines whether or not an error has occurred independently on the effect control unit 24 side without receiving an error command on the main control unit 20 side for such an error directly detected by the effect control unit 24 side. It has a structure that can be judged.

(About main error and error notification)
The main control unit 20 determines whether or not a main error has occurred by comparing various detection information with predetermined error determination conditions determined in advance. That is, the detection information from the fraud detection sensor 99 (vibration sensor, magnetic sensor, radio wave sensor) and the designation information of the "state signal" from the payout control board 29 are predetermined discrimination reference values according to the type of error. It is determined whether or not an error of fraud or abnormal state has occurred on the main control unit 20 side depending on whether or not the value exceeds. Here, the "state signal" from the payout control board 29 is based on the detection signal of the payout control board 29 from the full detection sensor 60, the front door opening sensor 61, the supply shortage detection sensor 19a, the ball counting sensor 19b, and the like. It is a signal to send information about a state such as a payout operation state and a full state of the upper tray 9 to the main control unit 20 in the form of a command or a detection signal. Then, when the main control unit 20 determines that an error has occurred, it transmits an "error command" to notify the effect control unit 24 that such a main error has occurred. This error command includes error information (information that can identify the error type) that can identify the type of invalidity or abnormal state.

When the effect control unit 24 receives an error command from the main control unit 20, the effect control unit 24 receives an error command from the main control unit 20, and based on the information included in the received error command, the effect control unit 24 has an LED, a decorative lamp 45 (surrounding LED 45), a speaker 46, and a liquid crystal display device 36, which are effect means. As one aspect of the effect, an "error notification effect (error notification)" that notifies that an error has occurred is displayed. As shown in FIG. 14, the error notification is at least a notification mode using an image display effect.

(About sub-error and error notification)
The effect control unit 24 determines whether or not a sub-error has occurred, which is the main body of the effect, based on the detection information from the switches connected to the effect control unit 24. That is, the detection information from the position detection sensor for each movable body accessory and the output information from the device related to the effect operation control (the effect device including the sound source LSI and the RTC function unit) are predetermined according to the type of error. Whether or not an abnormality (sub-error) related to the effect operation has occurred is determined based on whether or not the discrimination reference value is exceeded. Then, when the effect control unit 24 determines that a sub-error has occurred, the effect control unit 24 identifies the type of the sub-error and displays an error notification as error processing.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, the error types monitored by the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 shows an error type and its notification mode. The error notification priority shown in the figure is not the priority of the error command transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, but the main error and the effect control unit 24 in which the main control unit 20 is the main judge judge. It is the priority of all the errors to be monitored, including the main sub-error. The above-mentioned error notification priority is appropriately set in consideration of the damage caused by the goto act and the degree of hindrance to the progress of the game (the degree of seriousness to the game machine). Further, a table that defines different error notification priorities for all errors is stored in the ROM 202 of the main control unit 20 and the ROM 242 of the effect control unit 24 with the same contents, and priority is given even if the judgment subject is different. Appropriate error notification based on the ranking can be executed.

(1. Errors belonging to the main error and their notification)
In FIG. 14, the error corresponding to the "main" column of the error type indicates an error belonging to the main error, and the error corresponding to the "sub" column indicates an error belonging to the sub error. Since the error notification mode is as shown in the figure, it will be omitted as appropriate.

(1-1) RAM clear error (error notification priority 1)
The RAM clear error is an error in which an error notification is issued when all the stored contents of the RAM 203 are erased by operating a "RAM clear switch (not shown)" formed inside the game machine. For the RAM clear error, for example, an illegal operation of resetting the main control unit 20 is performed in a state where an invalid circuit is attached to a random number generation circuit that generates an internal lottery random number (a random number for determining a big hit) used for a big hit lottery. This is an error that is monitored in order to prevent a lottery act such as illegally acquiring a random number value. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the RAM clear switch is operated, this operation is regarded as an illegal act, and error notification is executed.

When the above RAM clear is executed, the RAM clear command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24 as an error command from the main control unit 20 that monitors the RAM clear switch (YES in step S012 of FIG. 6 described later). See processing route). When this command is received, the effect control unit 24 starts error notification corresponding to the RAM clear error, and ends this error notification 30 seconds after receiving the command. The main control unit 20 does not send an "error release command" to the effect control unit 24 to end the error notification. Like the error command, this error release command also includes error type information, and it is possible to specify the error type that terminates the error notification.

In the error notification based on the RAM clear error, an error notification mode that stands out in the surroundings is executed as the error having the highest severity for the game machine. Specifically, as shown in the drawing, the decorative lamp 45 (surrounding LED 45) is fully lit in white for the light effect, and the RAM clear warning sound is emitted from the speaker 46 for the sound effect. Further, in the image display effect, the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 by the combination of the stop symbol “731” dedicated to the RAM clear error. Although it was explained that the button LED75 is not used for error notification, it does not mean that it is not used for all error notifications, and it does not mean that it is not used for all error notifications. In the case of an error having a high severity for the game machine (an error having an error notification priority belonging to a high order), it is preferable to function as an error notification means. Since high-severity errors are related to goto behavior and greatly hinder the progress of the game, it is considered more important to prevent the damage on the pachinko hall side from becoming more serious than to prevent the player from misidentifying the button LED75. Is.

(1-2) Large winning opening illegal winning error (error notification priority 2)
The large winning opening illegal winning error is an error in which an error notification is issued when an abnormal winning (illegal winning) is detected in the large winning opening. This large winning opening illegal winning error is, for example, when the winning detection switch (large winning opening sensor 52a) is turned on even though it is not hit, or even if it is hit, the maximum winning in 1R It is an error to prevent an illegal winning if an abnormal number of winnings (for example, 14 or more) is detected, which greatly exceeds the number (9).

When a large winning opening illegal winning error occurs, an error command (here, an error command capable of identifying the large winning opening illegal winning error) is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24, and the effect control unit When this command is received on the 24th side, the corresponding error notification is started. Although omitted below to avoid duplicate description, an error command that can identify the error type that has occurred is also transmitted for other main errors (error notification priority 3 to 11, 16, 17) described later. The error notification corresponding to is executed. When the main power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off by a pachinko hall clerk, the large winning opening illegal winning error is canceled. After the power is restored, the processing state backed up at the time of power failure is resumed (step S015 in FIG. 6 described later). In addition, "all red blinking" in the column of the light effect shown in the figure is a notification that the decorative lamp 45 (surrounding LED 45) and a predetermined LED, excluding the button LED 75, blink red at an ON / OFF repetition interval of, for example, 200 ms. It is a mode (light emission) (the same applies to all white blinking in the figure).

(1-3) Magnetic sensor, radio wave sensor, vibration sensor error (error notification priority 3 to 5)
A magnetic sensor error is when an abnormality in the magnetic field is detected by the magnetic sensor, a radio wave sensor error is when an abnormal radio wave is detected by the above radio wave sensor, and a vibration sensor error is when an abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration sensor. In addition, there are errors that occur in each. These error notifications are performed until the error release command is received by the effect control unit 24, but this error release command is not transmitted immediately after the abnormality is not detected, but the abnormality is not detected. Is transmitted from the main control unit 20 after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 30 seconds). This is to enhance the deterrent against fraudulent acts by continuing error notification for a certain period of time even after the goto act is completed. Whether or not the above vibration sensor error has occurred is determined, for example, when the vibration sensor detects vibrations above the reference value one or more times, or when vibrations above a predetermined level are continuously detected for a predetermined time. For example, it can be determined that it is abnormal (illegal). Further, the determination as to whether or not a magnetic sensor error has occurred can be determined to be abnormal, for example, when a magnetic field equal to or greater than a reference value is detected by the magnetic sensor. Further, the determination of whether or not a radio wave sensor error has occurred can be determined to be abnormal, for example, when a radio wave of a specific frequency or a specific frequency band is detected. It should be noted that the conditions for determining what kind of state is detected by using these fraud detection sensors as a fraudulent state can be appropriately determined according to the model and playability.

(1-6) General winning opening illegal winning error (error notification priority 6)
The general winning opening illegal winning error is an error that occurs when the general winning opening sensor 43a detects an ON state for a certain period of time (for example, 2 seconds) due to ball clogging or the like. This error notification is performed until the error release command is received by the effect control unit 24, and the error release command is transmitted from the main control unit 20 30 seconds after the last detection by the general winning opening sensor 43a. It has become.

(1-7) Door opening error (error notification priority 7)
The door opening error is an error that occurs when the front door opening sensor 61 detects the opening of the front frame 2 or the glass door 6. When the opening action is detected by the front door opening sensor 61, this door opening error is notified as an error. This error notification is performed until the error release command is received by the effect control unit 24, and the error release command is issued from the main control unit 20 after the front door opening sensor 61 confirms the closure of the front frame 2 and the glass door 6. Will be sent.

(1-8) Payout control board error (error notification priority 8)
The payout control board error detects that normal transmission / reception between the main control unit 20 and the payout control board 29 cannot be performed due to a defect in a game component such as a communication cable connecting the main control unit 20 and the payout control board 29. This is an error that occurs when this is done (serial communication error). This error notification is not terminated until the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off, and the error release command is not transmitted from the main control unit 20. The payout control board error is resolved by replacing the game component that caused the payout control board error and restarting the pachinko gaming machine 1.

(1-9) Main board error (error notification priority 9)
The main board error is an error that occurs when an abnormality is confirmed in the random number generation circuit of the main control unit 20. This error notification is not terminated until the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off. Further, in the case of a main board error, the error release command is not transmitted from the main control unit 20. Therefore, in order to eliminate the main board error, it is basically solved by replacing the main control board 20 with a new one.

(1-10) Disconnection detection error (error notification priority 10)
The disconnection detection error is an error that occurs when the wiring (harness) connecting the boards or the main control board (main control unit 20) and various sensors is detected when the wires are disconnected or short-circuited. This error notification is performed until the error release command is received by the effect control unit 24, and it is confirmed that the error release command has solved the problem (normal transmission or reception) by exchanging the harness or the like. In that case, it is transmitted from the main control unit 20.

(1-11) Insufficient payout error (error notification priority 11)
The payout shortage error is an error that occurs when an abnormality (payout shortage) is detected in the payout of the number of prize balls from the game ball payout device 19 by the ball counting sensor 19b. When the ball counting sensor 19b does not detect the game ball by the payout motor 19c, the payout motor 19c is operated again to pay out the insufficient game ball a predetermined number of times (for example, three times). If the number of game balls to be paid out is still not detected by the ball counting sensor 19b, this is notified as an error. This error notification is performed until the error release command is received by the effect control unit 24, and the error release command is an error release switch provided in the game ball payout device 19 after the problem such as ball clogging is solved (FIG. FIG. When (not shown) is pressed, it is transmitted from the main control unit 20.

(1-12) Out of supply error (error notification priority 15)
In the out-of-supply error, the storage balls of the game ball storage tank (not shown) provided on the back side of the pachinko game machine 1 are insufficient, and the prize balls cannot be paid out from the game ball payout device 19 by the out-of-supply detection sensor 19a. Is an error that occurs when it is detected. This error notification is performed until the error release command is received by the effect control unit 24, and the error release command is mainly performed when the game balls in the game ball storage tank are replenished and a normal payout operation is confirmed. It is designed to be transmitted from the control unit 20.

(1-13) Right / left strike warning notification (error notification priority 16)
The right / left strike warning notification is a notification to which effect is given when the game area in which the game ball launched by the player flows down is not preferable in terms of game progress. This right / left strike alarm notification does not cause any particular harm to the pachinko gaming machine 1 or the progress of the game, but it causes a loss to the player, and is therefore regarded as a type of error. .. For example, when the game ball is detected by the normal symbol start port 37a in the case where left-handed hitting is recommended without electric support, a warning notification instructing left-handed hitting is performed. error. In the case of right / left strike warning notification, the effect control unit 24 receives an error command, performs error notification for a predetermined time, and then ends. Therefore, the error release command is not transmitted from the main control unit 20.

(1-14) Ball jam error (error notification priority 17)
The ball clogging error is an error that occurs when the upper saucer 9 for storing the game ball is full. This ball clogging error is detected by the full detection sensor 60 that monitors the storage state of the upper tray 9, and when the full state continues for a predetermined time, the launch control board 28 stops the launch operation by the launch device 32. There is. This error notification is performed until the error release command is received by the effect control unit 24, and the error release command is sent to the main control unit 20 when it is confirmed by the full detection sensor 60 that the full state has been resolved. It is supposed to be sent from. The ball clogging error can be solved by reducing the number of stored balls in the upper saucer 9, such as when the player operates the ball removal button 14 to move the stored balls to the dollar box. That is, the ball jam error is an error that the player himself can release by himself. Therefore, it is positioned as the error with the lowest error notification priority.

(2. Errors belonging to the sub-error type and their notification)
The errors belonging to the sub-error include a movable body accessory error, a sound source IC error, and an effect board error.

(2-1) Movable body accessory error (error notification priority 12)
For the movable body accessory error, the first to third movable body accessories (clock-shaped accessory 80, flower-shaped accessory 90, movable body 73, etc.) correspond to the production scenario by the position detection sensors 82a, 91a, 92a. This is an error that occurs when an abnormal operation that has not been performed is detected. On the effect control unit 24 side, in order to detect the rotation angle of the drive motor that drives the movable body accessory, an encoder is attached to the rotation shaft of the stepping motor that constitutes the drive motor or the rotation shaft that rotates in synchronization with the rotation shaft. The output signal of the encoder is input to the effect control unit 24. Therefore, the effect control unit 24 interrupts whether or not the stop time at the current position other than the origin position exceeds a predetermined time based on the output signals from each position detection sensor for detecting the origin position and the encoder for detecting the current position. Judgment is made sequentially for each timing, and if it stays at one place for more than a predetermined time, it is judged as abnormal. This error notification is performed until the cause of the movable body accessory error is removed.

In the figure, one type of movable body accessory error is illustrated, but in reality, error notification corresponding to the first to third movable body accessory is executed, and the first and third movable body accessories are executed. The error notification priority is set to be higher in the order of the second and third movable body accessories. In the image display effect, the names of the types of movable objects such as "Error 12A Clock-type accessory error" and "Error 12B Flower-type accessory error" can be indicated, or "Error 12X Flower-type accessory error A". (For example, an abnormality in the petals inside the flower-shaped accessory 90), "Error 12Y Flower-shaped accessory error B" (for example, an abnormality in the petals on the outside of the flower-shaped accessory 90), and so on. Information that makes it possible to identify the movable part of the movable part is displayed, and information that makes it possible to identify the type of the movable body accessory that is an error target and / or the movable part of the movable body accessory is displayed. There is.

(2-2) Sound source IC error (error notification priority 13)
The sound source IC error is an error that occurs when an abnormality is detected in the sound source LSI. When a sound source IC error occurs, the effect control is based on the fact that the sound control unit outputs a signal notifying the abnormality to the effect control unit 24, or that the sound control unit does not output any signal to the effect control unit 24. The unit 24 starts the error notification corresponding to the sound source IC error. Since there is an abnormality in the sound source IC, this error notification is not performed by the sound effect for the error, but is performed by the light effect for the error and the image display effect, and ends when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses. Will be done.

(2-3) Production board error (error notification priority 14)
The effect board error is an error that occurs when an abnormality is detected in the RTC circuit. When an effect board error occurs, the effect control unit 24 is based on the fact that the RTC circuit outputs a signal notifying the abnormality to the effect control unit 24, or based on the fact that no signal is output from the RTC circuit to the effect control unit 24. Starts error notification corresponding to the effect board error. This error notification ends when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed.

(Error notification when duplicate errors occur)
In the present embodiment, when different types of errors occur in duplicate (simultaneous occurrence), the error notification having the higher notification priority can be preferentially notified based on the error notification priority. Further, in the present embodiment, the priority of error notification is not set only between the error commands, that is, between the errors determined by the main control unit 20, and the priority is also set for the error determined by the effect control unit 24. It is configured so that error notification can be executed without distinguishing errors by the judgment subject. For example, if a ball jam error (rank 17) occurs and then a vibration sensor error (rank 5) occurs (when a ball jam error (rank 17) is occurring at the same time), the error notification of the ball jam error is interrupted. The error notification of the subsequent vibration sensor error is given priority and executed. However, in the image display effect, warning texts for all the errors currently occurring are displayed. In the above case, warning texts corresponding to each error such as "Error 05 Vibration sensor error" and "Error 17 Please pull out the ball" are displayed on the LCD screen.

Also, if the error notification with the higher error notification priority has been completed, but the error notification with a lower ranking has not been completed yet, the error notification corresponding to the error with the lower ranking has been completed (currently occurring). Of the remaining errors in, the error with a relatively high error notification priority) is executed. In the above case, if the ball clogging error has not been resolved after the vibration sensor error error notification is completed, the ball clogging error error notification is executed. As a result, it is possible to preferentially identify the occurrence of a highly serious error type and appropriately notify each error that is occurring. In addition, it is possible to quickly deal with errors in descending order of severity, and it becomes easy to return to the normal game operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, the error notification has the following features.

With reference to FIG. 14, regarding the error notification priority related to the main error, the error notification is executed by using the light effect and the image display effect without using the sound effect. “First error type (for example, error notification). The "second error type (for example, error notification priority 1 to 7)" in which error notification is executed using the sound effect, the light effect, and the image display effect is better than the "priority 8 to 11)". The error notification priority is set relatively high. In other words, the high and low error notification priority and the effect type related to error notification are defined in association with each other, and for the error types with relatively low severity for the game machine, the visual effect and the image display effect are mainly used. Error notification is performed by production, and for error types with relatively high severity for game machines, error notification is performed by visual and auditory production using sound production, light production, and image display production, and the severity is It is possible to effectively notify the surroundings of an error according to the above. As for the sub-error, as in the case of the main error described above, the error notification is executed by using the light effect and the image display effect without using the sound effect. “Third error type (for example, error notification priority 13) "Fourth error type (for example, error notification priority 12)" in which error notification is executed using sound effect, light effect, and image display effect is higher than "~ 15)". Is set relatively high.

Further, regarding the main error notification priority, from the "fifth error type (for example, error notification priority 16 and 17)" in which error notification is executed by using the sound effect and the image display effect without using the light effect. However, the above-mentioned first error type and second error type set the error notification priority relatively higher. The reason for doing this is that when comparing the light effect and the sound effect, the sound effect is due to the masking effect when it overlaps with the surrounding sound (for example, the sound effect from another game machine or the music of the pachinko hall). It has the characteristic that the louder one is dominant and the lower volume is canceled and hard to hear, and warning / alarm sounds etc. may be transmitted to a distant hall clerk and it may be difficult to hear. On the other hand, the light effect has an advantage that it is possible to perform a flashy notification effect that can be confirmed even from a distance, and it is preferable to use it exclusively for notifying an error having a relatively high severity. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the error notification priority is determined based on the difference in character between the light effect and the sound effect. As a result, error notification based on a minor error type does not become flashy error notification in the dark clouds, and appropriate error notification can be performed according to the severity of the game machine. Regarding the sub-error, although the error type for notifying the error like the fifth error type is not provided in FIG. 14, when the sub-error includes the fifth error type, it is the same as the main error. It can be set in the error notification priority. The above-mentioned features can be similarly configured in the second embodiment described later.

<Example of effect control during normal operation (when no error occurs): Fig. 17>
FIG. 17 shows the effect control content (effect content) performed according to the effect scenario of a predetermined fluctuation pattern (here, the effect scenario related to the player participation type effect) when there is no error (when no error occurs). It is a figure shown by the transition of the notification mode of the surrounding LED 45 and the button LED 75 based on the scenario, and the transition of the image effect on the liquid crystal screen.

In FIG. 17, the “surrounding LED 45” is a plurality of full-color LEDs provided around the periphery of the front frame as decorative lamps in the circumferential direction, and is also referred to as a “frame LED”. In this frame LED, in addition to the full-color LED, a single-color LED is actually mixed, but here, for the sake of simplicity, only the full-color LED will be considered. The "button LED 75" is a full-color LED arranged in a pressure button type cylinder 72 that can be moved up and down in a transparent frame 71 of an effect button (normal button 13A: chance button), to be exact, in a movable body 73. It is a full-color LED provided. In the transparent frame 71 of the chance button, in addition to the full-color LED inside the pressing button type cylinder 72, there is also a monochromatic LED outside the pressing button type cylinder 72, but here, for the sake of simplicity, for the sake of simplicity, Consider only the full-color LED inside the press button type cylinder 72.

Although not shown, the full-color LED corresponding to the number sector (number sector of Roman letters "I" to "XII") of the clock board (number display) 81 is a game inside the glass door 6. It is formed on, inside, or on the back side of the board 3, and is also referred to as a "board LED" as opposed to the above-mentioned "frame LED", and the above-mentioned "board LED" is a main body of the game machine 1. It is also called a "central LED" because it is an LED provided near the center. Light emitting means belonging to this "board LED" includes a full-color LED (character LED) for the flower-shaped accessory 90 (semi-transparent flower center A1, corolla A2 and calyx B1), and a full-color LED that illuminates the center decoration 48 from the inside. (One or more LEDs are provided in place), and there are other full-color LEDs (one or more LEDs) that illuminate the right place in the game board 3 or the game area 3a from the inside. Regarding the "frame LED" and the "board LED", the "frame LED" is provided on the periphery of the front frame and is a light emitting part (decorative part) that the player can directly touch, but the "board LED" is The major difference is that there is a light emitting part (decorative part) inside the glass door 6 that the player cannot directly touch. The accessory LED of the flower-shaped accessory 90 is also referred to as a "movable LED" in that the position of the LED itself can be displaced.

Further, a full-color LED (speaker LED) is also arranged in the place where the speaker 46 is arranged, and a full-color LED (handle LED) is also arranged in the firing operation handle 15 so that each can be visually recognized from the front side of the game machine. It is configured in. The speaker LED of the speaker 46 and the handle LED of the firing operation handle 15 are also positioned as light emitting means different from the "board LED" in that they are light emitting parts (decorative parts) that the player can directly touch. Is.

17 (a) to 17 (d) show, as an effect scenario based on a specific SP reach fluctuation pattern, before the button operation instruction (during the button invalid period) and during the button operation instruction (button) according to the effect scenario of the player participation type effect. Three stages of production period (during the valid period) and after button operation (when result production (post-operation production) occurs) have passed, and at each stage, the production mode (notification) of the surrounding LED 45, button LED 75, speaker LED, and steering wheel LED. Aspect) shows how it changes. It should be noted that the effects related to the above-mentioned button operation instruction (during the button invalid period) to the button operation instruction (during the button valid period) in the effect scenario of the player participation type effect appear before the above-mentioned post-operation effect. It is also called "pre-operation production" because it is a production. Further, the button invalid period and the button valid period are synonymous with the operation invalid period and the operation valid period for the normal button 13A.

FIG. 15 focuses only on the button LED 75, and shows the notification modes at each stage during the operation invalid period, the operation valid period, and the result production by the button LED 75 for each mode type. As for the notification mode of the button LED 75, "mode setting color (FIG. 15 (a)" or "fixed color (FIG. 15 (b))" is set before the button operation instruction (during the operation invalid period), and the button operation instruction is in progress (during the operation invalid period). "Yellow (when there is no expected effect)" or "expected degree corresponding color (when there is expected effect)" is set in (operation valid notification), and "result effect compatible color" is set in the result effect. ing.

Here, the "mode setting color" is a color determined according to the effect mode (may be a color determined according to the game state), the normal effect mode or the latent effect mode is "white", and the time saving effect mode is used. Alternatively, it is "purple" in the probabilistic effect mode and "off" in the CZ effect mode. In the present embodiment, the button LED 75 during the operation invalid period (operation invalid notification) is set to the "mode setting color" according to the effect mode, but the present invention is not limited to this, as shown in FIG. 15 (b). The notification mode may be a fixed color (for example, white lighting) or extinguishing regardless of the effect mode (game state). Further, unlike the present embodiment, the same color may be used in a part of the effect modes, but different colors may be used for each effect mode. Further, the specific effect mode may be set to a different color from the other effect modes. For example, it can be set to "purple" in the probabilistic effect mode (probability change state), and white or extinguished in other effect modes (game state other than the probabilistic state).

Further, the "expected degree corresponding color" is a color corresponding to the expectation degree (winning expectation degree) for the big hit winning, which appears when the advance notice effect (expected effect) using the notification mode of the button LED75 occurs, for example. , Blue, green, red, iridescent. The high and low expectation of winning suggests that the expectation is high in this order of "blue, green, red, rainbow color", and the rainbow color is an oversized notification color of expectation that suggests that the jackpot winning is confirmed (winning). This expectation-corresponding color is the same color as the expectation indicated by other specific advance notice effects in order to make it easier for the player to understand the winning expectation, specifically, the dedicated hold display color (blue) by the look-ahead advance notice effect. , Green, red, iridescent) are defined to correspond to the expectations. It should be noted that at least the operation effective notification mode (yellow in the case of the present embodiment) is configured with a color other than the color related to the notice effect so as not to be mistaken for the notification color by the notice effect, and if the same color is used, a different light emission mode (for example). , It is preferable to configure with yellow blinking (slow blinking or high speed blinking) instead of yellow lighting. In FIG. 15, “yellow” indicating the operation validity period is excluded from the colors corresponding to the degree of expectation.

Further, the "result effect corresponding color" is a color or a light emitting mode that suggests the content of the "result effect (post-operation effect)" appearing after the operation of the effect button 13 (result effect). For example, in the case of a big hit (hit notification (blessing effect)), the color is rainbow (first emission mode or first emission color), and in the case of loss (loss notification (disappointing effect)), it is turned off or white (blessing effect). A light emitting mode (second light emitting mode (may be extinguished) or a second light emitting color) different from the light emitting mode in the blessing effect, such as a light emitting color or a light emitting mode other than the light emitting color according to ) Can be set. In the present embodiment, the same notification mode as during the operation invalidation period (during the operation invalidation notification) is adopted as the loss notification. Further, the above-mentioned "result effect" appears after the operation valid period ends regardless of whether or not the button operation has been performed. On the other hand, in the case of hit notification (probable notification), different colors may be set according to the hit type. For example, rainbow color for probabilistic jackpot, red for time-saving jackpot, and latent jackpot and small hit. The case can be green. In this way, when different effects appear in the case of hit (in the case of at least one specific hit) and in the case of loss, even during a specific error (even if it is one or more specific errors). In the case of hitting, the blessing effect is executed by using the button LED75 (first light emitting means) without using the surrounding LED45 or the like (second light emitting means), and in the case of loss, the surroundings. A disappointing effect can be produced by using the button LED75 (first light emitting means) without using the LED 45 or the like (second light emitting means).

The color corresponding to the degree of expectation or the color corresponding to the result production may be set according to the degree of expectation of the hit type. If the expectation is high, the color will be "green", and if the expectation of latent big hit, small hit, or loss is high, the color will be "blue". be able to. In addition, the degree of expectation may be suggested by "color + blinking speed". For example, if the colors are the same, the degree of expectation may increase in the order of lighting, slow blinking, and high speed blinking.

Returning to FIG. 17, (a) shows the state of the "button invalid period (before the button operation instruction)" in which the button operation is not accepted, the surrounding LED 45 is turned off, and the button LED 75 is white (normal / latent). It is lit with the correct mode setting color), and the handle LED is off. The figure shows an SP reach effect that develops after N reach, and shows a case in which a player-participation type battle effect in which an alien character and a hero character confront each other appears during the SP reach.

When the SP reach effect is started, the decorative symbols in the 7-symbol tempai state are evacuated and displayed in the small display area 152 at the lower left of the screen, and the image display effect is the message 150 of "Defeat the alien!" And the alien image 151. Command production 141 by.

In FIG. 17B, as the scenario progresses, the attack effect 142 appears, the main character image 153 appears in opposition to the alien image 151, and the main character emits a super electromagnetic wave 154 to attack the alien 151.

FIG. 17C shows a state in which the scenario is further advanced and the button valid period (during button operation instruction) for accepting the button operation has been entered. The button LED 75 switches from white to a yellow lighting color to notify that the button has entered the valid period. In addition, the button notice effect (button operation instruction effect) 143 is started, and the operation instruction image 155 composed of the message "press!", The timer image 156 showing the remaining time of the button operation valid period, and the effect button 13 are imitated. The button image 157 is displayed.

FIG. 17D shows an effect control state in which a result effect (post-operation effect) 144 is generated as a post-button operation effect after the player operates the effect button 13. As the light effect related to the result effect 144, the surrounding LED 45 is switched from off to rainbow-colored, the button LED 75 is switched from yellow to rainbow-colored, and the handle LED built in the firing operation handle 15 is switched from off to rainbow-colored. The emission color after switching at this time is set according to the winning expectation and / or the jackpot type. Specifically, "rainbow", "red", and "green" are used to predict the winning expectation level or probability variation jackpot, and "yellow" is used to predict the winning expectation level or latent jackpot or small hit. "Blue" is used. Since the color changes to rainbow in FIG. 17D, it is expected that the jackpot is confirmed and the expectation of the probability variation jackpot is high.

On the LCD screen, as an image display effect related to the result effect 144, an image in which the character 153 takes a guts pose, an explosion image 158 indicating that a super electromagnetic wave hits an alien and explodes, and a message 159 of "defeat!" Etc. are displayed, and the player is notified that the command "Defeat the alien!" Has been achieved. Then, "777" indicating a big hit is stopped and displayed in the display area 152.

<Specific example when an error occurs: Fig. 16>
FIG. 16 illustrates a preferred control mode of the button LED 75 during the button validity period and the button operation period when an error occurs (also referred to as an error time in the present specification). As already explained, there are cases where the button validity period is set, such as a button notice effect (player participation type effect) during a symbol variation display game, a demo screen, or a power saving mode. Since the notification control contents at the time of normal and error are substantially the same, in the following, in order to avoid duplicate description, a case where a predetermined error occurs during the progress of the production scenario including the button notice effect is taken as an example. explain.

The case numbers "cases 1 to 20" shown in FIG. 16 are the "button invalid period" before the button operation instruction effect appears, the "button valid period" during the button operation instruction effect, and the "button valid period elapsed", respectively. A specific example of how the button LED 75 performs a notification mode when an error occurs for a predetermined period after or after the button operation (here, the result effect (post-operation effect) effect period is handled)'is shown. Is.

Here, in the notation such as "○○ color (off) → ○○ color", "○○ color → off", "off → off", the notification mode when no error occurs (normal) is (arrow). (Left side), which is a simplified representation of what kind of notification mode (right side of the arrow) will be when an error occurs. For example, typically, if the notation in the column of'button invalid period'in case numbers 1, 5, and 17 is explained, the notation of "mode setting color-> mode setting color" in case number 1 is normally It is a "mode setting color", and indicates that it is a "mode setting color" even when an error occurs, and the notation of "mode setting color → off" in case number 5 is "mode setting color" in the normal state. , Indicates that when an error occurs, the light is turned off. Further, the notation of "turning off → turning off" in case number 17 indicates that the turning off is normal, and the light is turned off even when an error occurs. In addition, the notation in the column of'during the button validity period'and the column of'after the button validity period has elapsed / after the button operation'is the same. For example, the notation of "yellow → yellow" is yellow when normal (operation valid notification). ), Indicating that it is yellow even when an error occurs, the notation "result production compatible color → mode setting color" is the result production compatible color when normal, but switches to the mode setting color when an error occurs. Is shown.

Note that "after the button validity period has elapsed / after button operation (hereinafter abbreviated as" at the time of effect production ")" means that the chance button (effect button) has been pressed and the button validity period has elapsed without pressing it. The notification mode of the button LED 75 in the case is shown. In addition, the column during the button validity period shows only an example of "yellow lighting" which is a normal effective notification mode, but this is omitted from the illustration for convenience of explanation, and in fact, The above-mentioned colors corresponding to the degree of expectation are included.

In FIG. 16, the "mode setting color" or "off" after the arrow'→' is subject to the condition or restriction that the notification mode is different from the notification mode of error notification (for example, blinking white or blinking red). There is. If no error has occurred, the "mode setting color" is a color determined in the effect mode as described in FIG. 15, "white" in the normal mode, "purple" in the probabilistic mode, and "off" in the CZ mode. ". However, at the time of an error, "lighting with a display color different from the notification mode used for error notification (for example, blinking white) (continuous lighting of different colors, for example, white lighting)" or "used for error notification" Select "Blinking display (blinking lighting, for example, red blinking)" which is the same display color as the notification mode (red lighting), or "Off" which is a notification mode different from the error notification notification mode (white blinking or red lighting). Will be done. However, in the case of the present embodiment, regarding the notification mode of the button LED 75 during an error, it is assumed that the same notification mode "white lighting" as the error notification "white lighting" of the RAM clear error having the highest error notification priority is allowed. There is. This is because, as described above, in the case of an error having a high severity for the game machine, it is preferable that the button LED 75 is also used for error notification (used as an error notification means).

Regarding the color corresponding to the result production, if it becomes rainbow color, it indicates that the winning expectation is oversized (correct), and if the notification mode is the mode setting color white or off, the result production is lost. Alternatively, it indicates that there is a case where a revival effect is produced in which the result effect is a big hit, but the loss is notified once, and then the big hit is confirmed. In the error notification, the original image display effect disappears and the error notification image display is displayed on the entire liquid crystal screen, and the current image display effect is visible. There are two patterns of error notification in which a warning text display and the like are displayed, and the image display effect during an error differs depending on the error type. At least in the latter case, even when an error occurs, the effect control command is transmitted from the main control unit 20 to the effect control unit 24 as usual, and the liquid crystal display device 36 operates according to the effect scenario. As a result, the display is simply invisible due to error notification. In addition, the first to third movable body accessories operate as usual according to the production scenario.

As described above, "cases 1 to 20" shown in FIG. 16 have a form in which the button LED 75 is not linked to the error notification mode. However, when each case is classified from the viewpoint of the notification control mode, the following groups (A1) to It can be classified into (E4) (the same applies to the button LED 75 and the like of the second embodiment described later).
(A1) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period and the button valid period are the same color as in the normal state, and when the result effect is produced, the color corresponding to the result effect is used. Cases 1 and 9 belong to this group A1.
(A2) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period and the button valid period are the same color as the normal time, and the button invalid period is the same color when the result is produced. Cases 2 and 10 are forms belonging to this group A2.
(B1) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period is the same color as in the normal state, the button valid period is the predetermined color in the normal state, but the same color as the button invalid period in the case of an error, and the color corresponding to the result effect in the result effect. Cases 3 and 11 are forms belonging to this group B1.
(B2) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period is the same color as the normal time, the button valid period is the predetermined color when normal, but the same color as the button invalid period when an error occurs, and the same color as the button invalid period when producing a result. Cases 4 and 12 belong to this group B2.
(C1) Button invalid period A notification control mode in which the color is a predetermined color when normal, but turns off when an error occurs, the button valid period is the same color as when normal, and the color corresponding to the result effect is produced when the result is produced. Cases 5 and 13 are forms belonging to this group C1.
(C2) Button invalid period A notification control mode in which the color is a predetermined color when normal, but is turned off when an error occurs, the button valid period is the same color as when normal, and the color is turned off when producing a result. Cases 6 and 14 are forms belonging to this group C2.
(D1) Notification control that the button invalid period is a predetermined color when normal but turns off when an error occurs, the button valid period is a predetermined color when normal but turns off when an error occurs, and the color corresponding to the result effect is produced when the result is produced. form. Cases 7 and 15 are forms belonging to this group D1.
(D2) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period is a predetermined color when it is normal but is turned off when an error occurs, and the button valid period is a predetermined color when it is normal but is turned off when an error is produced and is turned off when a result is produced. Cases 8 and 16 belong to this group D2.
(E1) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period is the same as when the light is turned off, the button valid period is the same color as when normal, and the result effect is the color corresponding to the result effect. Case 17 is a form belonging to this group E1.
(E2) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period is the same as when it is normally turned off, the button valid period is the same color as when it is normal, and the button is turned off when producing a result. Case 18 is a form belonging to this group E2.
(E3) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period is the same as when it is normally turned off, the button valid period is a predetermined color when normal, but is turned off when an error occurs, and the color corresponding to the result effect is produced when the result is produced. Case 19 is a form belonging to this group E3.
(E4) A notification control mode in which the button invalid period is the same as when it is normally turned off, and the button valid period is turned off when the color is normal but when an error occurs, and when the result is produced. Case 20 is a form belonging to this group E4.
The above "predetermined color" is other than extinguishing, and "same color" includes lighting of the same color or blinking of the same color. Although not shown, the groups A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, E1, and E2 have the same button validity period at the time of error and at normal time, that is, whether or not error notification is being performed. Therefore, when the button valid notification is in progress, the notification control mode is such that the operation valid notification is executed in the same notification mode as in the normal state. In the case of adopting the notification control mode belonging to such a group, in order to prompt the player to operate the button, the button LED 75 is used as an error notification especially when it is desired to emphasize the operation effective notification or when it is not the button valid period. If there is no particular problem even if they are used in combination, the button LED 75 may function as an error notification means during a period other than the button valid period (during operation valid notification). That is, during the period other than the button valid period, for example, the "button operation invalid period" and / or the "after the button valid period has elapsed / after the button operation" in FIG. 16, the button LED 75 is also used as the error notification means. The notification control mode may be such that the button LED 75 is not used as the error notification means during the button validity period (the same applies to the button LED 75 and the MAX bet LED 79a of the second embodiment described later).

For example, in case 1 of FIG. 16, both the button invalid period and the button valid period are controlled to the "mode setting color" of the same notification mode as when no error occurs (normal time). Then, at the time of result production, the color corresponding to the result effect (for example, rainbow color in the case of hit notification, the same notification mode as the operation invalidation notification (white or mode setting color) in the case of loss notification, notification mode dedicated to loss notification, etc.) Is controlled by. That is, in the case of Case 1, the button LED 75 operates normally (normal operation) regardless of the error notification, in other words, the button LED 75 is erroneous regardless of whether or not an error has occurred. It is a configuration that does not function at all as an effect means for notification. Cases 9, 17 and the like have the same type of configuration as Case 1. In other cases, in any of the notification periods, if an error occurs, the notification mode is controlled to be different from the normal notification mode. For example, in case 2, during the button invalid period and the button valid period, the normal operation is performed regardless of whether or not an error has occurred (in the case of the button invalid period, "mode setting color-> mode setting color", the button In the case of the valid period, "yellow → yellow"), and if an error is occurring during the result production, the mode setting color, that is, the notification mode similar to the operation invalid notification is controlled. The case 2 is different from the case 1 in that the button LED 75 is not normally operated and is not linked to the error notification mode, but is adopted as a unique notification mode during an error.

<FIGS. 18 and 19: Case 17 and Case 19 (light-off pattern) of FIG. 16>
18 and 19 show, among cases 1 to 20, how to control the notification mode of the button LED 75 during an error, typically, the case 17 of the group E1 in FIG. 16 and the case 19 of the group E3. This is an example of the case of the extinguishing pattern of.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, the time t1 is the start point of the SP reach effect executed by the effect control unit 24 in response to the effect control command including the hit variation pattern of the SP reach designation from the main control unit 20, and the time t5. The SP reach effect is completed, the jackpot game is started, and the corresponding jackpot medium effect is switched to. The time t2 indicates the time when the error occurs. Here, the main error when the main control unit 20 determines that the “vibration sensor error” shown in FIG. 14 is dealt with. Simultaneously with the occurrence of this vibration sensor error, the surrounding LEDs 45 blink red all at once (see FIG. 14), and when the error is cleared at time t6, the red blinking of the surrounding LEDs 45 also ends (turns off). After the abnormality is cleared, the normal production content is restored.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, the times t3 to t4 are the button valid periods of the effect buttons, starting from the time point t3 in the middle of the SP reach effect period and at the time point t4 before the start time (time t5) of the jackpot game. It's over. The period t2 to t3 from the occurrence of the error to the start of the button valid period is the button invalid period during the error. In FIG. 18, (a) shows a case where the button is not operated during the valid period, and (b) shows a case where the button is operated.

(During the button invalid period: the period of t2 to t3 in FIGS. 18 and 19)
In the examples of FIGS. 18 and 19, when an error occurs, a plurality of peripheral LEDs 45 (decorative lamps 45) provided in the circumferential direction on the peripheral edge of the front frame blink red all at once in order to notify the error. It is changed to the state. Here, if an error occurs during the button invalid period (off state), the button LED75 is changed to red as well as the surrounding LED45 (sections t2 to t3 suggested by the arrows tx in FIGS. 18 and 19). (See), the player may misunderstand that the lighting of the button LED 75, which is performed for error notification, has reached the button validity period in the effect suggesting the degree of expectation of winning. That is, there is a risk that the player may misunderstand that the error notification of the button LED 75 is lit (lighting in the tx section of FIGS. 18 and 19) as "isn't it lighting by an effect suggesting the degree of expectation of winning?" Therefore, a situation arises in which the player does not want to press the effect button 13.

Therefore, in FIGS. 18 and 19, even if the surrounding LED 45 blinks in red to notify the error, at least during the button invalid period (the period of t2 to t3 in FIGS. 18 and 19) in which the button operation of the effect button is not accepted. Does not make the button LED 75 blink red, but keeps the button LED 75 "off" and does not turn it on. In this way, an abnormal notification state (display state) that "the button LED 75 is lit to prompt the button operation even though the button operation is not desired to be performed" is not generated. Therefore, the off state of the button LED 75 is clearly distinguished from the on state of the error notification of the surrounding LEDs, and the player can see that the LED display of the effect button is independent from the error notification, that is, unrelated to each other. You will be able to recognize it. In particular, in FIGS. 18 and 19, since the notification mode of the button LED 75 during the button invalid period is the same operation invalid notification (here, off) during normal operation and error notification, the surrounding LED 45 is in error notification. Even if there is, it is possible to clearly notify the player that "the operation is invalid period", and the player misunderstands the error notification and the effective operation notification and operates the effect button by mistake. Can be prevented. Cases 1 to 4, 9 to 12, 17 to 20 and the like in FIG. 16 are examples of the same operation invalidation notification in the normal state and the error time.

(During the button validity period: The period from t3 to t4 in FIGS. 18 and 19)
When the button validity period of the effect button arrives during the period in which the error occurs and both periods overlap (see the sections t3 to t4 indicated by the arrows ty in FIGS. 18 and 19), the effect button is pressed by the player. The situation you want to let is born.

In FIG. 18 (case 17 in FIG. 16), when the button validity period has come (see the ty section in FIG. 18), the button LED 75 lights up in "yellow", which is a color different from the "red" in the error notification. Notifies that the button validity period has expired (operation valid notification). Yellow can be clearly distinguished from red. In addition, since a button image effect (button image 157) that urges button operation also appears, the player presses the effect button as an effect related to the winning expectation, because the notification mode of the button LED75 is irrelevant to the error notification. It can be understood as "promoting things". When the effect button is pressed (see the time point ta in FIG. 18 (b)), at that point, the result effect changes from yellow to rainbow (color corresponding to the result effect), and at least it is correct (the hit type can be notified). In that case, it is notified that the probability variation big hit is rich. The same applies to FIG. 19 (FIG. 18 (b)). If the effect button is not pressed, the color changes from yellow to rainbow when the button validity period elapses (t4), and in this case as well, it is notified that the button is correct (FIG. 18 (a)).

In FIG. 19 (case 19 in FIG. 16), even if the button validity period of the effect button arrives during the period in which the error occurs and both periods overlap (see the ty section in FIG. 19), the button LED 75 is turned off. There is an error. That is, during the button invalid period and the button valid period, the button LED 75 does not light up for error notification. The "off" state can be clearly distinguished from the "red on" state of the error notification. Therefore, the player can recognize that the notification mode of the button LED 75 has nothing to do with the error notification. The button image effect (button operation instruction effect 143) that urges the button operation does not appear, but the button operation during the button validity period is valid, and if the effect button is operated (see the time point ta in FIG. 19 (b)), As a post-operation effect, the button LED 75 emits light in rainbow colors, and it is notified that the button LED 75 is at least correct (FIG. 19 (b)). If you do not press the effect button, the color will change from yellow to rainbow when the button validity period has elapsed (t4), and you will be notified that the winning expectation is oversized (winning confirmed) and the possibility of a probable big hit is high. (Fig. 19 (a)).

By the way, the case of FIG. 19 is a notification mode that can be used even in a situation where the player does not want to press the effect button in that the normal operation valid notification (lit in yellow) is not performed even during the button validity period. I can say. Depending on the type of error, it may be an error that greatly hinders the progress of the game, and rather than entertaining the production, it is a situation where the error should be resolved immediately, and the normal operation valid notification (lit in yellow) is issued. There may be situations where it is preferable not to do so. In particular, the case of FIG. 19 is a case of adopting a highly serious error notification in which the original image display effect disappears and the image display for error notification is displayed on the entire liquid crystal screen. It can be said that this is a notification control mode that can handle two cases, one in which the player wants the player to press the button and the other in which the player does not. As shown in FIG. 19, in the configuration in which the normal operation valid notification (lit in yellow) is not performed even during the button valid period, in addition to the control mode of the case 19, as shown in FIG. 16, the cases 3, 4, 7, and the like There are control modes such as 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, and 20.

<Fig. 20: Group A1 in Fig. 16>
FIG. 20 is a diagram provided for explaining a notification control example of the above-mentioned group A1 (cases 1 and 9) of FIG. FIG. 20 shows an embodiment in which an error (here, the supply shortage error shown in FIG. 14) occurs in the middle of the production performed according to the production scenario of the player participation type production, as in FIG. is there. Further, in FIG. 20, the normal effect mode (normal state) is handled, and the mode setting color is described as “white lighting” which is the same as in FIG. Similarly, FIGS. 21 to 23 will be described with the mode setting color as "white lighting".

In FIG. 20, since (a) is the button invalid period and is normal (no error has occurred), the surrounding LED 45 is turned off, the button LED 75 is turned on in white, and the handle LED is turned off, as in FIG. 17 (a). There is. As for the image production, the message "Defeat the aliens!" Is displayed, the decorative design is in the reach state, and it is displayed small at the bottom left of the screen.

In FIG. 20B, a supply shortage error occurred during the button invalid period (see FIG. 14), but the surrounding LED 45 changed from the normal light effect (in the illustrated example, in the off state) to “blinking white”. Notify that an error has occurred. At this time, the steering wheel LED also changes to blinking white, and similarly notifies that an error has occurred. Further, on the LCD screen, the error numbers "Error 15" and "Insufficient balls" indicating that the supply is out of supply appear. However, the button LED 75 remains "white", which is the same as the normal operation invalid notification, and does not perform an error notification. That is, it is not used as an effect means for error notification. As shown in FIG. 14, the out-of-supply error is a low error with an error notification priority of 15th, and is not so serious as to stop the game, so the production proceeds as it is. That is, as in the case of FIG. 17, a production image in which the main character 153 attacks the alien 151 with the super electromagnetic wave 154 appears.

FIG. 20C shows an effect control state in which the scenario further progresses and the button valid period (during button operation instruction) for accepting the button operation has entered. The button LED 75 switches from white to a yellow lighting color to notify that the button has entered the valid period. This switching is the same as in the case of FIG. 17 (b) in the normal state, which is the normal time. Therefore, the button notice effect (button operation instruction effect) 143 is started, and the operation instruction image 155 composed of the message "press!", The timer image 156 showing the remaining time of the button operation valid period, and the effect button 13 are imitated. The button image 157 is displayed.

The "yellow" of the button LED 75 can be clearly distinguished from the surrounding white flashing. In other words, the button LED 75 indicates that the chance button (effect button 13) is effective even during an error. In addition, button image effects that urge button operations have also appeared. Therefore, the player can understand that the notification mode (lit in yellow) of the button LED 75 is not an error notification but "prompts the player to press the effect button".

FIG. 20 (d) shows an effect control state in which the result effect 144 is generated at the time of a big hit similar to that in FIG. 17 (d) after the player operates the effect button 13. Since the surrounding LED 45 and the steering wheel LED are in error, the white blinking continues, but the button LED 75 switches from yellow to rainbow-colored lighting corresponding to the result effect. The switching of the notification mode of the button LED 75 is the same as in the case of FIG. 17 (d) in the normal state. Since the emission color after switching at this time has changed to rainbow color, it is expected that the jackpot is confirmed and the expectation of the probability variation jackpot is high.

As in FIG. 20 (group A1), group A2 (cases 2 and 10), group C1 (cases 5 and 13), and group C2 (group C2) are used to notify the operation valid of the same color as in the normal state at least during the button validity period. There are cases 6 and 14), group E1 (case 17), group E2 (case 18) and the like.

<Fig. 21: Group B2 in Fig. 16>
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining a notification control example of the above-mentioned group B2 (cases 4 and 12) of FIG. In FIG. 21, (a) to (d) correspond to those of FIG. 20, and among them, (a) to (b) have exactly the same contents as those of FIG. 20. That is, even when an error occurs and the surrounding LED 45 changes to the white blinking state, the button LED 75 remains white, so that the player can notify the error by the button LED 75 as in the case of FIG. 20 (b). It can be recognized that it has nothing to do with (blinking white).

The first difference from FIG. 20 is that the button LED 75 maintains the same white color (operation invalid notification) as the button invalid period when the button valid period of FIG. 21 (c) is entered. At this time, since the button image display is displayed, the player is urged to press the button LED 75 although it is white.

The second difference from FIG. 20 is that the button LED 75 maintains the same white color as the button invalid period at the stage after the button operation in FIG. 21 (d). That is, even if the player presses the chance button, the color corresponding to the result effect is not generated because an error is occurring, and the button LED 75 remains white and does not change. However, on the liquid crystal screen, the image display effect of FIG. 17 (d) is displayed as the result effect 144, and the player is notified that the command "defeat the alien!" Has been achieved, that is, a big hit. ..

As in FIG. 21 (group B2), group D2 (cases 8 and 16), group E4 (case 20), etc. are used to perform the same notification mode as the operation invalid period during the button valid period and the result production at the time of error. There is.

<FIG. 22: Group B1 of FIG. 16>
FIG. 22 is a diagram provided for explaining a notification control example of the above-mentioned group B1 (cases 3 and 11) of FIG. In FIG. 22, (a) to (c) correspond to those in FIG. 21, and have exactly the same contents as those in FIG. That is, even when an error occurs in FIG. 22 (b) and the surrounding LED 45 changes to the white blinking state, the button LED 75 maintains the same white color as in the normal state, so that the player can see in FIG. 20 (b). As in the case, it can be recognized that the button LED 75 has nothing to do with the error notification (blinking white).

Similar to the case of FIG. 21 (c), even when the button valid period is entered in FIG. 22 (c), the button LED 75 maintains the same white color (operation invalid notification) as the button invalid period. At this time, since the button image display is displayed, the player is urged to press the button LED 75 although it is white.

The difference from FIG. 21 is that the button LED 75 is changed from white to "rainbow color" at the stage after the button operation in FIG. 22 (d). That is, when the player presses the chance button (effect button 13), a result effect is generated and the button LED 75 changes to a rainbow color. Therefore, the player has a confirmed jackpot and a high expectation of a probability variation jackpot. I guess it is a thing.

As in FIG. 22 (Group B1), the button valid period is the same notification mode as the button invalid period at the time of an error, and the result effect corresponding color is performed at the time of the result effect. There are cases 19) and the like.

<FIG. 23: Modification example of group B1 of FIG. 16>
In the example of FIG. 22 above, as a result effect after the button operation (post-operation effect), only the button LED 75 is lit in rainbow colors for hit notification. However, as shown in FIG. 23 (d), not only the button LED 75 is lit in rainbow color, but also the surrounding LED 45 and the steering wheel LED are lit in a color corresponding to the result effect (here, the rainbow color of the hit notification is exemplified). May be good. That is, the light effect related to the result effect may be performed as usual. In this case, the button LED 75, the surrounding LED 45, and the steering wheel LED are not linked to the white blinking of the surrounding LED 45 until then, and are replaced (masked) by the rainbow color lit after that, and are dominated only by the rainbow color lighting. Will be done. In short, the notification mode is dominated by the rainbow color and is not linked to the notification mode (blinking white) of the masked error notification of the surrounding LED 45. However, at least the warning text is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal screen, and the error notification by the image display effect is continued. If the error is not resolved even after the result effect is completed, the surrounding LED 45 and the handle LED are restarted in white blinking (error notification), and the button LED 75 is white corresponding to the button invalid period. It will be controlled by lighting (operation invalid notification). It should be noted that, at least for the'groups A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, and E3'that have a structure corresponding to the result effect at the time of the result effect, the light effect related to the result effect is usually the same as in FIG. 23 (d). It can be configured to do the street.

<Modification example 1>
In the above embodiment, the error notification priority is set, but the ranking may be made according to the importance of the error type (severity to the game machine). For example
Level 9: RAM clear error (rank 1),
Level 8: Magnetic detection, radio wave detection, vibration detection, winning abnormality detection system error (ranks 2 to 6),
Level 7: Door / frame opening system error (rank 7)
Level 6: Disbursement board / main board abnormality, disconnection detection, payout insufficient system error (ranks 8 to 11),
Level 5: Movable accessory system error (rank 12),
Level 4: Audio IC, production board error (rank 13-14),
Level 3: Out of supply error (rank 15),
Level 2: Right / left strike warning notification (rank 16)
Level 1: Ball jam error (rank 17).

Therefore, which of the above notification modes of FIGS. 20 to 23 is used, or any of the notification modes of Cases 1 to 20 of FIG. 16, depending on which of these levels the specific error belongs to. It can be configured to use one or to use it properly. For example, in the case of "level 9 to level 7" where cheating is suspected, failure "level 6" which has a serious effect on the game, and failure "level 5 to level 4" which affects the production control system, the figure is shown in the figure. The pattern of 21 (remains white even when the effect button is pressed) is set. In the case of "level 3" which can be easily resolved by the hall clerk or "level 2 to level 1" which the player can release by himself / herself, there is no particular effect on the progress of the game, so the notification mode (button LED75 is normal) in FIG. Use the same notification mode as at the time). In this way, any pattern of FIGS. 20 to 23 is used depending on the lightness (level) of the error.

<Modification 2>
In the above embodiment, during the button operation instruction effect (during the button validity period) and / or the result effect, the rolling operation of the exhilarating button 70 (third effect button: rolling button) is performed by the movable body accessory. For example, when the operation according to the big hit lottery result or the operation according to the winning expectation degree is configured to be executable, the operation can be not executed (does not move) during the error. In addition, in the case of an accessory-type button such as a protruding effect button that vibrates or rises high from the button operation surface, the effect button is configured so that the original operation does not occur even when the effect operation trigger arrives. can do. For example, in the case of a protruding effect button, even if it is originally a case (effect stage), it can be configured so that it does not pop out during an error.

<Modification example 3>
In the above embodiment, it has been described that a plurality of full-color LEDs (surrounding LEDs 45) arranged in the circumferential direction are turned on or blinked all at once at the time of an error. However, the LED that notifies the error may be a part of the LED 45. For example, only the LED (speaker LED) provided at the location where the speaker 46 is arranged can be used as the error notification LED. This form is useful when you do not want to overstate the error notification. Further, only the speaker LED is a full-color LED, and the other peripheral LEDs 45 are single-color LEDs, which can be excluded from the error notification application.

<Modification example 4>
In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the button LED 75 is built in the effect button 13 has been described. However, a full-color LED may be arranged in the peripheral portion (near) of the effect button 13 to execute the operation valid notification and the operation invalid notification. Further, the full-color LED built in the effect button 13 (hereinafter abbreviated as "built-in LED") and the full-color LED arranged in the peripheral portion thereof (hereinafter abbreviated as "peripheral LED") are used for effective operation notification and operation. The invalid notification may be executed. For example, in the operation invalid notification, the peripheral LED is turned off and the built-in LED is turned on in white, and in the operation valid notification, both the built-in LED and the peripheral LED are turned on in yellow. Further, the built-in LED and / or the peripheral LED can be used for the expected effect. Further, the effect button 13 incorporates a transparent pressing button type cylinder 72 so as to be vertically movable in a transparent frame 71 whose surface is integrated with the saucer unit 8, and the movable body 73 is rolled in the pressing button type cylinder 72. Although it has been described that the button LED 75 is arranged inside the movable body 73 in the structure that can be incorporated, the button LED 75 is located inside the pressing button type cylinder 72 but outside the movable body 73. It may be configured. Further, although it is inside the transparent frame 71 of the effect button 13, a full-color LED is arranged outside the pressing button type cylinder 72, and the full-color LED is lit or blinked in a predetermined color (mode setting color). It may be configured to notify the arrival of the button validity period and appear as an effect for urging the button operation.

<Modification 5>
In the above-described embodiment, the embodiment focusing on the button LED 75 has been described, but the button LED 75 may be replaced with the above-mentioned "panel LED (center LED)". For example, the "button LED 75" in FIGS. 14 to 23 used in the explanation of the above embodiment may be an embodiment as a "panel LED". Further, it may be an embodiment using two "button LED 75" and "board LED" that executes the same light emitting mode as the light emitting mode of the button LED 75. Further, as described above, as the light emitting means belonging to the "board LED", it has been explained that there are a plurality of types of light emitting means such as an instrument panel (number display unit) 81 and a flower-shaped accessory 91. At least one light emitting means (at least a part of the panel LED) of the means may be applied to the above embodiment as a panel LED. Further, the "frame LED (surrounding LED 45)" is a full-color LED provided in the circumferential direction on the periphery of the front frame as a decorative lamp, but at least a part of the frame LED (for example, a part of the light emitting portion of the surrounding LED 45). May be used.

The preferred configuration examples in the above-described embodiment are summarized as follows. The corresponding elements in the present configuration example are shown in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, (a) to (ヰ) are written as abbreviations for each configuration.
(1) An operating means configured to be operable by the player and
(B) Production means that can perform production and
(B) A production control means for controlling the production by the production means is provided.
(C) For convenience of explanation, a gaming machine having a configuration capable of executing an error notification related to the predetermined error when a predetermined error occurs (hereinafter, a gaming machine provided with the configurations (a) to (c)). (Abbreviated as "Game Machine A") (Fig. 14),
(D) The effect means includes at least a first light emitting means and a second light emitting means provided at a position different from the first light emitting means.
(E) The effect control means
An error notification execution control means that executes and controls the error notification without using the first light emitting means while using the second light emitting means.
(F) An operation validity period setting means for setting an operation validity period during which the operation of the operation means is valid, and an operation validity period setting means.
(G) A post-operation effect execution control means capable of executing and controlling a predetermined post-operation effect when the operation means is operated is provided.
(H) The post-operation effect execution control means
(I) When the operating means is operated during the operation valid period while the error notification is not being executed, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are used to perform the predetermined post-operation effect. Run and
(N) When the operating means is operated during the operation valid period during the execution of the error notification, after the predetermined operation using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means. It is configured to perform the production (hereinafter, the configurations of (d) to (nu) are collectively abbreviated as "configuration A" for convenience of explanation).
(L) During the notification of the first error (for example, the door opening error), both the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are used for the first error notification.
(W) During the notification of the second error (for example, out of supply error), the second light emitting means is used for the second error notification, and the first light emitting means is used for the post-operation effect. Constructed as
A game machine characterized by

(2) The above-mentioned game machine A
With the above configuration A
(W) A lottery means for executing a lottery regarding winning (S059 in FIG. 7) and
(F) When the lottery result by the lottery means is a win, a special game control means (S60 in FIG. 7) for executing and controlling the winning game is further provided.
(Y) During the non-execution of the first error notification (when the first error does not occur: for example, when the supply shortage error does not occur),
(T) When the lottery result by the lottery means is successful, the first effect (blessing effect) is executed as the post-operation effect using the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means (in other words, the operation. As a post-effect, a blessing effect (light emission of a hit-only color (rainbow color)) is executed by the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means),
(Re) When the lottery result by the lottery means is lost, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are used to execute a second effect (unfortunate effect) different from the first effect as the post-operation effect. (In other words, as a post-operation effect, when a loss occurs, a disappointing effect is produced by the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means (light emission (for example, white) or extinguished in a color other than the rainbow color) Is executed),
A game machine characterized by that.

(3) The above-mentioned game machine A
With the above configuration A
(W) A lottery means for executing a lottery regarding winning (S059 in FIG. 7) and
(F) When the lottery result by the lottery means is a win, a special game control means (S60 in FIG. 7) for executing and controlling the winning game is further provided.
(S) During the execution of the first error notification (when the first error occurs: for example, when a supply shortage error occurs),
(T) When the lottery result by the lottery means is successful, the first effect (blessing effect) is executed as the post-operation effect by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means (in other words). Then, as a post-operation effect, the blessing effect is executed by the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means),
(Ne) When the lottery result by the lottery means is lost, a second effect different from the first effect is used as the post-operation effect by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means (sorry). (In other words, as a post-operation effect, a disappointing effect is executed by the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means), which is configured to execute the effect).
A game machine characterized by that.

(4) Game machine A
With the above configuration A
(W) A lottery means to execute a lottery regarding winning, and
(F) When the lottery result by the lottery means is a win, a special game control means for executing and controlling the winning game is further provided.
(Y) During the non-execution of the first error notification (when the first error does not occur: for example, when the supply shortage error does not occur),
(T) When the lottery result by the lottery means is successful, the first effect (blessing effect) is executed as the post-operation effect using the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means.
(Re) When the lottery result by the lottery means is lost, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are used to execute a second effect (unfortunate effect) different from the first effect as the post-operation effect. Is configured to
(S) Also, during the execution of the first error notification (when the first error occurs: for example, when a supply shortage error occurs),
(T) When the lottery result by the lottery means is successful, the first effect (blessing effect) is executed as the post-operation effect by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means.
(Ne) When the lottery result by the lottery means is lost, a second effect different from the first effect is used as the post-operation effect by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means (sorry). Constructed to perform a production),
A game machine characterized by that. To put it simply, this (4) is a configuration having the configurations (yo) to (re) of the above (2) and the configurations (so) to (ne) of the above (3).

(5) Game machine A
With the above configuration A
(La) Operationally effective for executing and controlling an operation effective notification effect (FIG. 17 (c): button LED 75 lights yellow (operation valid notification)) using the first light emitting means to notify that the operation is valid. A notification effect execution control means (effect control unit 24, FIG. 17) is provided.
(M) The operation valid notification is not executed during the execution of the error notification (for example, FIG. 21C: button LED 75 lights up in white).
A game machine characterized by that.

(6) Game machine A
With the above configuration A
(C) The first light emitting means is a panel LED (at least a part of the panel LED (center LED)).
(I) The second light emitting means is a frame LED (at least a part of the frame LED (surrounding LED)).
A game machine characterized by that.

<Processing on the main control unit side: FIGS. 6 and 7>
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the game operation process on the main control unit 20 side of the present embodiment will be described. The processing on the main control unit 20 side is mainly a predetermined main processing (main control side main processing: FIG. 6) and a timer interrupt processing activated by a scheduled interrupt from the CTC (main control side timer interrupt processing: It is configured to include FIG. 7).

<20. Main control side Main processing: Fig. 6>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main processing on the main control unit 20 side. When the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine 1, a voltage is supplied to each control board by the power supply board 31, and the main control unit 20 (CPU201) starts the main control side main process shown in FIG.

In this main control side main process, the CPU 201 first sets itself to the interrupt disabled state, sets it to a predetermined interrupt mode (interrupt mode 2), and initializes the register values inside the CPU including each part of the microcomputer. The necessary initial setting process before the start of the game operation, such as setting, is executed (step S011).

Next, the ON / OFF state of the RAM clear signal, which is the output signal of the RAM clear switch input via the input port (not shown), is determined (step 012). Here, the RAM clear signal is a signal that determines whether or not to initialize the entire area of the RAM, and usually has a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the RAM clear switch operated by the pachinko clerk. There is.

When the RAM clear signal is in the ON state (step S012: YES), the entire area of the RAM is cleared to zero, and all the game information backed up when the power is cut off is cleared (step S016). Therefore, the value of the backup flag set when the power is turned off becomes zero together with other checksum values, the game state is set to the normal state of the initial state, and all the hold data related to the operation hold memory are cleared (initialized). ). Subsequently, a "RAM clear command" for notifying that the RAM area has been zero-cleared is transmitted to each control board as an initialization command (step S017). Then, for example, 30,000 ms is set in the RAM clear notification timer as the time for notifying that the RAM has been cleared (step S018). As a result, the error notification of the RAM clear error is executed for 30 seconds.

Next, the CTC that outputs an interrupt signal for invoking the timer interrupt operation is initially set (step S019), and the CPU is set to the interrupt enabled state. After that, the interrupt prohibition state and the interrupt enable state are repeated until an interrupt occurs, and various random number update processes are performed during that time (steps S020 to S022). In this various random number update process (step S021), various random numbers used in the special symbol variation display game and the normal symbol variation display game are updated. For example, a random number used for a big hit lottery (a random number for determining a special symbol used for a symbol lottery) or a random number used for an auxiliary hit lottery (a winning lottery per auxiliary) that circulates in a predetermined numerical range by increment processing. Random numbers for determining auxiliary hits used for) and random numbers for fluctuation patterns used when selecting fluctuation patterns related to special symbols and ordinary symbols are updated. The CPU 201 repeatedly executes various random number update processes to generate various soft random numbers, except during the timer interrupt process that is intermittently executed.

Returning to the determination process in step S012 and continuing the description, the RAM clear switch (RAM clear signal) is in the OFF state at the time of recovery from the power failure state (step S012: NO). Therefore, in such a case, following the determination process in step S012, the backup flag value is determined (step S013). If the backup flag is in the ON state (step S013: YES), then, in order to calculate the checksum value, an 8-bit addition operation (checksum operation) targeting the work area of the RAM 203 is executed, and the checksum value is executed. Is calculated to determine whether or not it matches the checksum value when the power is cut off (step S014). If the checksum values match (step S014: YES), it is considered normal, and it is necessary to restore the stack pointer before the power is cut off based on the backup data and start the game from the processing state at the time of the power off. The game recovery process is performed (step S015), and then the process proceeds to step S019, and the processes of steps S020 to S022 are repeatedly executed.

However, the checksum calculation may not be executed when the power is turned off, or even if it can be executed, the data in the work area may be damaged before the checksum calculation of the main process is executed. In such a case, the determination result in step S014 will be inconsistent. If data corruption is detected due to a discrepancy in the determination results (step S014: NO), the process proceeds to step S016 to perform RAM clear processing, return the operating state of the gaming machine to the initial state, and perform the processing after step S017. Execute. Further, in the determination process of step S013, when the power is turned on or the power is restored from the power failure state, the backup flag should normally be in the ON state. However, if for some reason the predetermined process is not completed before the power is turned off, the backup flag is reset (OFF). Therefore, when the backup flag is turned off (step S013: NO), the process shifts to the RAM clear process of step S016 to return the operation of the game machine to the initial state, and the processes after step S017 are executed.

<21. Main control side timer interrupt process: Fig. 7>
Next, the timer interrupt process on the main control side will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt process on the main control side. This main control side timer interrupt process is activated by an interrupt from the CTC at regular time intervals (about 4 ms), and is interrupted and executed during the execution of the main control side main process in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 7, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 201 saves the contents of the register in the stack area, and then first performs a power supply abnormality check process for monitoring the power supply state from the power supply control board (step S051). In this power supply abnormality check process, it mainly monitors whether the power is supplied normally, and if an abnormality occurs, backup processing etc. is performed when the power is turned off so that the game can be restored without any trouble when the power is restored. It is supposed to be done.

Next, a timer management process for managing the timer used for game operation control is performed (step S052). The timer value of the timer used for controlling the game operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is managed (updated) here.

Next, the input management process is performed (step S053). In this input management process, input data is created and stored based on detection information (ON / OFF signal level and rising state) from various sensors provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The detection information by the various sensors here is, for example, from the winning detection sensors such as the upper starting port sensor 34a, the lower starting port sensor 35a, the normal symbol starting port sensor 37a, the large winning port sensor 52a, and the general winning port sensor 43a. ON / OFF information (winning detection information) of the output winning detection signal, fraud detection signal by the fraud detection sensor 99, and the like. Further, here, based on the input data related to the winning detection information, it is grasped at which winning opening the game ball is detected (winning occurs), and the winning counter provided corresponding to each winning opening Update the value.

Next, a random number management process in the timer interrupt that periodically updates the random numbers related to each variable display game is performed (step S054). In this random number management process in the timer interrupt, in order to make the count value of the random number counter random, the random number is updated (+1 addition for each interrupt) and the start value of the random number counter is set every time the random number counter goes around. Perform the process to change.

Next, error management processing is performed (step S055). In this error management process, it is monitored whether or not the above-mentioned main error has occurred based on the input data related to various sensors and the status signal from the payout control board 29. When an error occurs, as error processing, if the error type requires transmission of the above error command, the command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. When the effect control unit 24 receives this error command, it executes error notification according to the error type. When the error being generated is resolved, an error release command is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. When the effect control unit 24 receives this error release command, the executing error notification is terminated. This error management process functions as an abnormality determination means (error determination means) for determining whether or not an abnormality (error) related to the game machine has occurred, and also functions as an error notification control means for executing and controlling the error notification. More specifically, the main control unit 20 functions as a main error determination means for determining whether or not a main error to be monitored has occurred, and functions as a main error notification control means for executing and controlling error notification related to the main error.

Next, the prize ball management process is performed (step S056). In this prize ball management process, the winning counter is confirmed, and if there is a winning, a payout control command for specifying the number of prize balls is transmitted to the payout control board 29. When the payout control board 29 receives the payout control command, the payout control board 29 controls the game ball payout device 19 based on the prize ball number information included in the payout control command to execute the payout operation for the designated number of prize balls.

Next, the normal symbol management process is performed (step S057). In this normal symbol management process, processing necessary for executing the normal symbol variation display game is performed. Here, whether or not a game ball is detected by the normal symbol start port sensor 37a is monitored, and if the game ball is detected, predetermined game information (random number for determining auxiliary hit, etc.) required for the auxiliary hit lottery is input. Acquire (random number acquisition process), and store the game information as hold data (operation hold ball related to a normal symbol) up to the maximum number of hold balls (hold storage process). Then, when a predetermined variation display start condition for the normal symbol is satisfied, a lottery for the auxiliary hit based on the operation holding ball is performed, the variation pattern of the normal symbol is selected based on the lottery result for the auxiliary hit, and the stop display mode of the normal symbol (normal). The stop symbol) is decided. Further, here, in order to operate the normal symbol in a variable display operation, the LED display data for the variable display is created if it is changing, and the LED display data for the stop display is created if it is not changing.

Next, a normal electric accessory management process is performed (step S058). In this ordinary electric accessory management process, the process necessary for executing the Fuden open game is performed. Specifically, when the lottery result of the auxiliary hit lottery is a win, the solenoid control data setting process for the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 41c is performed. Based on the solenoid control data set here, an excitation signal is output to the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c in the solenoid management process of step S064 described later, whereby the opening / closing operation pattern of the movable wing piece 47 is changed. Be controlled.

Next, a special symbol management process is performed (step S059). In this special symbol management process, processing necessary for executing the special symbol variation display game is mainly performed. Here, whether or not a game ball is detected by the upper moving port sensor 34a or the lower starting port sensor 35a is monitored, and if a game ball is detected in any of the starting ports, a predetermined game required for a big hit lottery is performed. Information (random number for jackpot judgment, random number for special symbol judgment, random number for fluctuation pattern) is acquired (random number acquisition process), and the acquired game information is held data (special figure 1 operation hold ball or special corresponding to special symbol 1). As the special figure 2 operation holding ball corresponding to the symbol 2, the holding storage (holding storage for each special figure) is performed up to the maximum number of holding balls (holding storage processing). Then, when a predetermined variation display start condition for the special symbol is satisfied, a jackpot lottery based on the operation hold ball is performed, a variation pattern of the special symbol is selected based on the jackpot lottery result, and a stop display mode of the special symbol (special stop). Design) is decided. Further, here, in order to operate the special symbol in a variable display operation, the LED display data for the variable display is created if it is changing, and the LED display data for the stop display is created if it is not changing. During the hit game, the variable display of the special symbol is not executed.

In the special symbol management process, when a game ball wins a prize at the start port and an operation pending ball is generated, the acquired big hit judgment random number, special symbol judgment random number, and variable pattern random number are used to make a look-ahead judgment regarding the big hit lottery. This process is performed, and the above-mentioned winning command and hold addition command are transmitted to the effect control unit 24.

In the special symbol management process, a "demo" for displaying a demo screen when the special symbol variation display game ends (special symbol stop) and the operation holding balls of special figures 1 and 2 become zero. A "display command" is transmitted to the effect control unit 24. However, the demo display command is not sent without conditions when the number of operation hold balls is zero, and the demo display command is sent once when the operation hold ball is zero. If the demo display command has already been transmitted, the special symbol management process can be exited without transmitting the demo display command to the effect control unit 24. This is to prevent unnecessary transmission from occurring because the transmission of the demo display command is repeated at a cycle of 4 ms while the number of balls on hold is zero. If the effect control unit 24 does not receive any effect control command (for example, a winning command, a hold addition command) related to the symbol variation display game even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the demo display command, the effect display operation It is considered that a state in which the command is not performed for a certain period of time (customer waiting standby state) has occurred, and the liquid crystal display device 36 performs a "demo screen display (demo mode)" for notifying the game waiting state.

In the present embodiment, when the operation holding ball is present in both the special figure 1 operation holding ball and the special figure 2 operation holding ball, the special figure 2 operation holding ball is preferentially digested (priority variation means), that is The special symbol variation display game 2 is preferentially executed over the special symbol variation display game 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the operation-holding balls may be digested in the order in which the prizes are won.

Next, the special electric accessory management process is executed (step S060). In this special electric accessory management process, setting processing necessary for executing and controlling the winning game is performed. Specifically, when the big hit lottery result is a big hit or a small hit, the hit game (big hit game or small hit game) corresponding to the hit type is executed and controlled.

Specifically, the solenoid control data for the large winning opening solenoid 52c is set, the number of rounds is counted (in the case of a big hit), the maximum number of winnings in the large winning opening 50 and the opening time are monitored. When the winning game is completed, the transition setting of the game state based on the game state at the time of winning and the winning type is set (see FIG. 4).

Further, here, a plurality of effect control commands are transmitted according to the progress of the winning game. At the start of the jackpot, the start of the round game, the end of the round game, the maximum number of rounds, etc., it is time to send the jackpot start command, round start command, round end command, jackpot winning command, and jackpot end command, respectively. Send when you do. The jackpot start command includes the hit type information this time, and is used when the effect control unit 24 side determines a series of hit effect scenarios developed during the hit game. In addition, the jackpot end command includes information on the current hit type and the game state at the time of winning the hit, that is, information capable of identifying the game state after the hit game ends, and the effect control unit 24 side hits. It is used when determining the production mode after the game. Therefore, since this "big hit end command" can specify the game state after the end of the hit game, it plays a role as a game state specification command for designating the game state.

Next, right-handed notification information management processing is performed (step S061). In this right-handed notification information management process, if the player is in a hit game or is in a game state (time saving state, probability change state) accompanied by "with electric support", that is, if the game state is "right-handed advantageous", the right is right. The "right-handed notification effect (first launch position guidance effect)" that notifies the hitting instruction information, on the other hand, is in a gaming state (normal state, latent state) accompanied by "no electric support", that is, "left-handed hitting". In the case of an "advantageous" gaming state, the processing necessary for displaying the "left-handed notification effect (second launch position guidance effect)" for notifying the left-handed instruction information is performed.

Next, the LED management process is performed (step S062). In this LED management process, the output control of the dynamic lighting data is performed on the normal symbol display device 39a and the special symbol display devices 38a and 38b. The control signal based on the LED display data created in the normal symbol management process (step S057) and the special symbol management process (step S059) is output here. As a result, a series of variable display operations (variable display and stop display) of normal symbols and special symbols are realized.

Next, an external terminal management process is performed (step S063). In this external terminal management process, the operating state information of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is output to an external device such as a hall computer HC or an island lamp through the frame external centralized terminal board 21.

Next, the solenoid management process is performed (step S064). In this solenoid management process, based on the solenoid control data set in the ordinary electric accessory management process (step S058) or the special electric accessory management process (step S060), the normal electric accessory solenoid 41c and the large winning opening solenoid 52c are subjected to. Controls the output of the excitation signal. As a result, the movable wing piece 47 and the large winning opening 50 can be opened and closed.

After the processing of steps S051 to S064 is completed, the contents of the saved register are restored (register restoration processing) and the interrupt enabled state is set (step S065). As a result, the timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the main control side main process before the interrupt, and the main control side main process is performed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

<Processing on the production control unit side: FIGS. 8 to 13>
Next, the effect control process on the effect control unit 24 side of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13. The processing on the effect control unit 24 side is a predetermined main process (main process on the effect control side: FIG. 8), a command reception process when receiving an effect control command (FIG. 9), and a timer interrupt process activated by a scheduled interrupt. (Effect control side timer interrupt processing: FIG. 10) is mainly configured.

<11. Production control side main processing: Fig. 8>
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a main process on the effect control unit side (main process on the effect control side). The effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) starts the main process on the effect control side shown in FIG. 8 when the power is turned on from the outside to the game machine main body.

In the main process on the effect control side, the CPU 241 first performs the necessary initial setting process before the start of the game operation (step S071). For example, command reception interrupt setting, start point return processing of movable body accessory, timer interrupt permission, initial setting of register value inside CPU, and the like are performed.

When the initial setting process of step S071 is completed, the main loop process of steps S073 to S078 is performed at predetermined time intervals as the process during normal operation, and the effect software random number update process of step S079 is repeated otherwise.

In the process of step S072, the CPU 241 refers to the counter value for the main loop update cycle and determines whether or not the main loop update cycle that triggers the execution of the main loop process has arrived (step S072). The main loop update cycle counter is a counter that is updated in the main loop update process (step S098 in FIG. 10) during the effect control side timer interrupt process described later. In the present embodiment, the counter for the main loop update cycle is monitored, and the main loop processing is performed every about 16 ms. Until this main loop update cycle arrives (step S072: NO), the random numbers for the production lottery used for various production lottery are updated (step S079: software random number update processing for various productions).

When the main loop update cycle has arrived (step S072: YES), the CPU 241 performs a reception command analysis process (step S073). In this reception command analysis process, it is monitored whether or not the effect control command is stored in the command reception buffer, and if the effect control command is stored, this command is read, and the effect control process corresponding to the read effect control command is read. I do. Among these effect control commands, the commands during the winning game such as the winning command, the hold addition command, the variation pattern specification command, the decorative symbol specification command, and the jackpot start command, and the error command corresponding to each error, which have already been explained, are included. Includes error clearing commands, demo display commands, etc.

For example, when at least the variation pattern specification command is received and stored in the reception buffer (in the present embodiment, the variation pattern specification command and the decorative symbol specification command are received and stored in the reception buffer. In the case), in the command analysis process, one or a plurality of types of effect patterns are determined based on the information (variation pattern information and winning information (or winning type information)) included in the command. The production pattern determined here works as a "parts production" as an element constituting the production scenario. Then, a time schedule is determined as to when and how long the determined production pattern is to appear, and a production scenario is created. By developing various production patterns (parts production) incorporated in this production scenario one after another or at the same time, a "production scenario" in a broad sense is realized. Further, for example, when the demo display command is received, an effect scenario for displaying the demo screen for waiting for customers on the liquid crystal display device 36 is created. Then, the effect scenario data is stored in the scenario setting area of the RAM 243.

When the received command analysis process in step S073 is completed, the scenario update process is performed (step S074). This scenario update process includes an update process for updating the contents of the scenario timer required for executing the effect pattern, an update process for updating the effect scenario, and the like. The scenario timer is a timer that manages a time schedule related to the occurrence timing of the effect, and a plurality of timers for managing the effect execution period are prepared. For example, during the execution period of the decorative symbol variable display game (within the variable display period of the decorative symbol, which is substantially the same as the variable period of the special symbol), at what timing and which effect pattern follows the effect scenario. This timer manages a temporal schedule as to whether or not to appear in such a production means. The CPU 241 monitors this effect scenario timer, and when the time to generate the effect to appear arrives, it creates necessary data such as sound data for the speaker 46 and a liquid crystal command for image display control related to the effect, respectively. Is stored in the designated area of the RAM 243. The control data (LED data) for the optical display device is the LED data update process (step S075) described later, and the control data (feature drive data) for the movable object accessory is the effect accessory control data update process described later. It is created in (step 077).

Further, when the effect scenario includes a player participation type effect using an operation means such as the effect button 13, the button validity period is used for operation management based on the arrival timing of the button advance effect (button operation instruction effect). Set in the timer (validity period setting means). As a result, the button validity period is set, and the operation validity notification by the button LED 75 is executed. The LED data of the button LED 75 for this operation valid notification is created by the LED data update process (step S075) described later. Further, according to the operation status of the effect button 13 during the button validity period, the effect scenario corresponding to the button notice effect is appropriately changed, and the effect scenario data for displaying the result effect (post-operation effect) is created. Update process.

If a demo display command has been received, set it as a standby timer that manages the waiting time until the demo screen display starts (demo start waiting time), and the game is in progress until the timer value becomes zero. If the effect control command (for example, the winning command or the hold addition command) is not received, a liquid crystal command for displaying the demo screen for waiting for customers is created and set. Then, the time until the transition to the power saving mode (for example, 120 seconds) is set in the standby timer, and when the timer value becomes zero, a liquid crystal command for displaying the power saving screen for the power saving mode is created and set. When the user shifts to the demo screen or the power saving mode, the button valid period is set and the operation valid notification by the button LED 75 is executed in the same manner as the button notice effect (button operation instruction effect) described above. Then, when the effect button 13 is operated during the button validity period, the menu screen (game setting effect) is displayed, and the player can freely select the setting items on the menu screen.

Next, the LED data update process is performed (step S075). In this LED data update process, LED data for an optical display device such as a decorative lamp 13 and various effect LEDs is created based on the effect scenario data and the effect scenario timer, and is set in a designated area of the RAM 243. In the LED data created here, in the effect LED management process (step S097 in FIG. 16) during the effect control side timer interrupt process described later, a control signal based on the LED data is transmitted to the decorative lamp unit through the light display control unit 46a. It is output to 45 and various production LEDs. As a result, a light effect that matches the effect scenario is realized.

Next, sound output processing is performed (step S076). In this sound output process, the sound data created in the scenario update process (step S074) is acquired, and if there is sound data to be reproduced, the sound generator 46a including the speaker 46 is passed through the sound control unit (sound effect LSI). Therefore, BGM and sound effects corresponding to the sound data are output. As a result, the sound production according to the production scenario is realized.

Next, the effect object control data update process is performed (step S077). In this effect accessory control data update process, control data of the movable accessory motor based on the effect scenario data is created and set in the designated area of the RAM 243. In the control data created here, a control signal based on the data is output to the accessory motor in the effect operation management (step S093 in FIG. 10) during the effect control side timer interrupt process described later. To. As a result, the movable body production according to the production scenario is realized.

Next, an error notification management process related to error notification is performed (step S078). In this error notification management process, the occurrence of a main error or a sub error based on an error command is monitored, and when an error occurs, an effect process related to the error notification is performed. Further, here, when the specified time (for example, 30 seconds), which is the end condition of the error notification effect being executed, has elapsed, the process of ending the error notification effect is performed. However, the error in which the error notification effect is terminated in this error notification management process is an error of some types, and for other types of errors, the error notification effect is produced until the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned off. Is continued, or it is terminated when the error release command corresponding to the main error is received. Details of this error notification management process (step S078) will be described later with reference to FIG. Further, here, noise countermeasure management processing for monitoring malfunction of peripheral LSIs such as sound source LSIs is also performed. If the program goes into a runaway state due to a malfunction, the watchdog timer times out and the CPU is automatically reset to recover from the runaway state. When this error notification management process is completed, a series of main loop processes are completed, and the effect software random number update process of step S079 is performed until the next main loop update cycle is reached.

(12. Command reception interrupt processing: Fig. 9)
Next, the command reception interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a command reception interrupt process on the effect control side. When the effect control command is received from the main control unit 20, this command reception interrupt process is executed with priority over the effect control side timer interrupt process (FIG. 10) described later.

First, when an interrupt based on the strobe signal from the main control unit 20 side occurs during the execution of the main process shown in FIG. 8, the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) saves the contents of the register to the stack area (step S081). The received effect control command is stored in the command reception buffer of the RAM 243 (step S082), and the contents of the saved register are restored (step S083). As a result, the command reception interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the effect control unit side main process before the interrupt, and the effect control side main process is performed until the next interrupt based on the strobe signal occurs. In this way, when various effect control commands sent from the main control unit 20 are received, this command reception interrupt process is executed, and when the effect control command is received, the command is stored in the command reception buffer. Will be done.

(13. Effect control side timer interrupt processing: FIG. 10)
Next, the timer interrupt process on the effect control side will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the effect control side timer interrupt process.

In FIG. 10, when a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 201 saves the contents of the register in the stack area (step S091), and then refreshes the register of the input / output port provided in the effect control CPU 241 (step S92). ..

Next, SOL / MOT output processing is performed (step S093). In this SOL / MOT output process, the control data for the movable body accessory created in the effect accessory control data update process (step S077) of FIG. 8 is transmitted to the drive control unit, and the drive control unit converts the control data into control data. Based on this, the control signal is output to the movable body accessory motor and the accessory solenoid of the movable body accessory to be operated. As a result, the movable body effect by the movable body accessory (clock-shaped accessory 80, flower-shaped accessory 90, revolving light 62, movable body 73) according to the effect scenario is realized.

Next, the button input state management process is performed (step S094). In this button input state management process, the presence / absence of input of the operation detection signal from the effect button 13 is monitored, and when it is confirmed that the operation detection signal has been received, the detection information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 243. This operation detection information is used in the scenario update process (step S074) of FIG. 8 when determining the result effect by the button advance effect and displaying the menu screen.

Next, the liquid crystal command transmission process is performed (step S095). In this liquid crystal command transmission process, if there is a liquid crystal command created in the scenario update process (step S074) of FIG. 8, the liquid crystal command is transmitted to the display control unit (liquid crystal control CPU) to the liquid crystal display device 36. Execute image display control. As a result, the image display effect according to the effect scenario is realized.

Next, the effect management is performed (step S096). In this effect management, the movement of the movable body is monitored based on the detection signals of the position detection sensors 82a, 91a, 92a.

Next, the effect LED data management process is performed (step S097). In this effect LED management, the LED data created in the LED data update process (step S075) is transmitted to the light display control unit, and the light display control unit transmits a control signal based on the LED data to the decorative lamp unit 45 (surrounding LED 45). And a button LED 75 is output to an optical display device 45a including various LEDs. As a result, various LEDs provided in the game machine are lit / blinked in a predetermined notification mode, and a light effect (including operation valid notification / operation invalid notification of the button LED 75) according to the effect scenario is realized.

Next, the main loop update process for managing the main loop update cycle is performed (step S098). In this main loop update process, the main loop update cycle counter is updated for each interrupt (main loop update cycle counter + 1). The main loop update cycle counter is a counter that circulates in a range of multiples of 16 (for example, 0 to 31) by, for example, increment processing.

After the processing of steps S091 to S098 is completed, the contents of the saved register are restored (step S099). As a result, the timer interrupt process is terminated, the process returns to the effect control side main process before the interrupt, and the effect control side main process shown in FIG. 8 is performed until the next timer interrupt occurs.

<Details of received command analysis processing: FIGS. 11 and 12>
11 to 12 show an error command is received (FIG. 11), which is closely related to the present invention, among the processes executed in the received command analysis process (step S073 in FIG. 20). The case of receiving (FIG. 12) will be described. Here, effect control (error notification control) related to error notification including the button LED 75 is executed.

<Error command reception process: Fig. 11>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an “error command reception process” executed when an error command is received. This error command is one of the effect control commands transmitted by the main control unit 20 in the error management process (step S055) of the timer interrupt process on the main control side in FIG. 7.

In FIG. 11, when the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) receives an error command, it first executes an error type confirmation process (step S701). In this error type confirmation process, first, the received error command is analyzed, the error type information (main error information) included in the command is acquired, and the error flag corresponding to the acquired error type is set.

In the present embodiment, the RAM 243 is provided with a plurality of error flag setting areas associated with the error type and the error notification priority, and the error currently occurring is based on the flag setting state in the error flag setting area. The configuration is such that the type of error and the error notification priority can be identified (specified). Specifically, the error flag setting area is provided with flag setting areas 1 to 17 corresponding to all 17 types of errors shown in FIG. 14, and when an error occurs, an error flag setting corresponding to the error occurs. By setting the flag value of the area to the ON state (5AH), setting it to the OFF state (00H) when the error is cleared, and checking the ON / OFF state of these flags 1 to 17. , It is possible to identify all the errors that are currently occurring. In this process, an error flag related to the main error based on the error command is set, and the error flag related to the sub error is set in the process of step S722 during the error notification management process of FIG. 13 described later.

For example, for example, in the case where the supply shortage error occurs independently, the flag corresponding to the supply shortage error (the flag in the flag setting area of the error notification priority 15th) is turned on with the occurrence of the supply shortage error. Is set to. In this case, only the flag corresponding to the out-of-supply error is in the ON state, and the flags of other errors are in the OFF state. Therefore, the CPU 241 independently generates the out-of-supply error having the error notification priority of 15. It can be identified that it is inside. Further, for example, in the case where a door opening error newly occurs while this supply-out-out error occurs independently, the flag corresponding to the supply-out-of-supply error that has occurred in advance is in the ON state, and in this state. , The flag of the flag corresponding to the newly generated door opening error (the flag of the flag setting area of the error notification priority No. 7) is set to the ON state. Thereby, it can be identified that the supply shortage error of the error notification priority No. 15 and the door opening error of the error notification priority No. 7 are currently occurring in duplicate. As for the above error flag, only the error flag corresponding to the error is cleared based on the establishment of the error release condition determined corresponding to the error type (see steps S713 and S718 in FIG. 12 described later). Therefore, for errors for which the error release condition is not satisfied, error notification is continuously executed (see FIG. 13).

The effect control unit 24 of the present embodiment manages the above error flags, and is a function unit (error) that identifies the type (error type) of the currently occurring error (main error and sub-error) and the error notification priority. It is equipped with a management means) to monitor and understand what kind of error is currently occurring. The configuration of the error management means is not particularly limited as long as it is a means capable of determining the type of error and its error notification priority.

In addition, instead of managing the error type with the above error flag, the following judgment data (hereinafter referred to as "error judgment data") is used to notify the type of error currently occurring and the error notification. The configuration may be such that the priority can be specified. As the error determination data, data for identifying (identifying) the type of error and the error notification priority, for example, "01H" to "17H" in descending order of error notification priority for all 17 types of errors shown in FIG. ”Data value is assigned. Specifically, the error judgment data corresponding to the RAM clear error is "01H", the error judgment data corresponding to the large winning opening illegal winning error is "02H", ..., The error judgment data corresponding to the ball jam error is used. It is set to "17H". By using such determination data, the error type and the error notification priority may be identifiable. The configuration is not particularly limited as long as the data can specify the error type and the error notification priority.

Returning to the description of FIG. 11 again, it is then determined whether or not a plurality of types of errors are occurring in duplicate (step S702). When the error is not occurring in duplicate (step S702: NO), that is, when the error (main error) generated this time is generated independently, the error notification effect scenario creation process is executed (step S703). In this error notification effect scenario creation process, an error notification effect scenario corresponding to the main error type acquired in the process of step S701 is created and set. When the error image display effect (including the error notification effect when duplication occurs (see the process of step S707 described later)) is displayed at the normal display position (for example, the upper part of the screen), the warning text is hidden. When there is a case, etc., the position where the warning text is displayed is not the normal display position, but the warning text is displayed at a specific display position that is not hidden (for example, the middle or lower row of the screen). To create.

On the other hand, when error duplication is occurring (another error notification effect is being executed) (step S702: YES), an error notification effect for occurrence of duplication (error sound effect at the time of duplication, error light effect, error image). A process for creating and setting an effect scenario of (display effect) is performed (steps S705 to S707). In the following description of the process of steps S705 to S707, for convenience of explanation, a supply shortage error occurs in advance as an example of an error during duplication, and the door is opened during the supply shortage error. The case where an error occurs (the case where the error command received this time is a command for specifying a door opening error) will be described.

In the error notification priority determination process of step S705, each error flag currently in the ON state is compared and determined based on the error flag, and an error having a relatively high error notification priority is extracted. In this example, it is determined which of the error notification priority 15th supply shortage error and the error notification priority 7th door opening error has the higher error notification priority. Here, the 7th door opening error is determined to be the error having the highest notification order among the errors currently occurring. This determination result is set in the error notification priority determination area of the RAM 243. When there are M types (2 ≦ M) of errors to be determined, the error having the highest rank among all the M types of errors is determined.

Next, the error duplication sound / light effect scenario creation process is executed (step S706). Here, in the process of step S705, an effect scenario for error notification related to the light effect and the sound effect corresponding to the error determined to have the highest error notification priority is created and set. In this example, an effect scenario related to an error notification light effect and a sound effect corresponding to a door opening error (an error notification effect scenario related to all white blinking and a door opening warning sound shown in FIG. 14) is set.

Next, the error duplication image display effect scenario creation process is executed (step S707). Here, an image display effect for notifying all error information currently occurring, for example, an effect scenario for displaying warning texts of all errors on the screen is created and set. In this example, the supply shortage error and the door open error are duplicated, so a production scenario for displaying the warning texts for these errors (warning texts for the supply shortage error and the door open error) is created. And set. By the processing of steps S706 and S707, error notification on the side with a relatively high error notification priority is realized for the light effect and sound effect, and error notification for all errors is realized for the image display effect. .. In this example, the case where the supply shortage error and the door open error occur in duplicate is described as an example, but the same processing as above is applied to the case where three or more types of errors occur in duplicate. be able to.

<Reception processing of error release command: Fig. 12>
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, the received command analysis process when the error release command is received will be described in detail. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an “error release command reception process” executed when an error release command is received. This error release command is one of the effect control commands transmitted by the main control unit 20 in the error management process (step S055) of the main control side timer interrupt process of FIG. 7. The contents of the processing (steps S715 to S717) substantially the same as the processing executed during the error command reception processing will be omitted as appropriate to avoid duplicate description.

In FIG. 12, when the effect release command is received, the effect control unit 24 (CPU 241) first determines whether or not an error duplication is occurring (error notification effect is being executed) (step S711).

If no error duplication is occurring (step S711: NO), the process required to end the error notification effect during single occurrence is executed (step S717), the error flag to be cleared is cleared (step S718), and the error is cleared. Exit the error release command reception process. As a result, the error notification that is the target of error cancellation is terminated.

On the other hand, when an error duplication is occurring (step S711: YES), a process for creating and setting a new effect scenario due to the occurrence of the error to be canceled is performed (steps S712 to S716). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a case where the door opening error is first canceled in the case where three types of errors, a supply shortage error, a door opening error, and a ball clogging error occur in duplicate, will be described as an example.

In the process of step S712, the error type to be released is confirmed (error type confirmation process to be released). Specifically, the received error release command is analyzed, the information included in the command is acquired, and the main error information to be released is acquired. In this example, the door opening error is acquired as the main error information to be released.

Next, the error flag to be released is cleared (OFF state) (step S713). As a result, the door opening error has been resolved, and the remaining errors are only the supply shortage error and the ball jam error.

Next, the error notification priority determination process is executed (step S714). In this error notification priority determination process, the error flag is confirmed, and the error type having the highest error notification priority is determined. In this example, it is determined which of the residual error, the out-of-supply error and the ball jam error, has the higher error notification priority. Here, the No. 5 out-of-supply error is determined to be the error having the highest notification order among the errors currently occurring.

Next, the sound / light effect scenario creation process for error cancellation is executed (step S715). Here, an effect scenario for error notification related to light effect and sound effect is created and set corresponding to the error determined to have the highest error notification priority. In this example, an effect scenario related to the light effect and the sound effect for error notification corresponding to the supply shortage error, which has a high notification priority, is created and set. As a result, for the sound effect and the light effect, the door opening error notification (red flashing, door opening warning sound, door opening error warning display) ends, and the supply shortage error notification (white full blinking, supply shortage error warning display) ends. Will be newly executed.

Next, the image display effect scenario creation process for canceling the error is executed (step S716). Here, as in the process of step S707 in FIG. 11 described above, an image display effect for notifying information that can identify all the errors occurring is created and set. In this example, the door open error is canceled, and the supply shortage error and the door open error are in a duplicated state. Therefore, a production scenario for displaying a warning message for the supply shortage error and the door open error is created. And set. As a result, regarding unreleased errors, error notification on the side with a relatively high error notification priority is realized for the light effect and sound effect, and error notification for all errors is realized for the image display effect. ..

<Error notification management process: FIG. 13>
Next, the error notification management process (step S078) in FIG. 8 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing details of the error notification management process in step S078. In this error notification management process, processing related to sub-errors is mainly performed. The processing content substantially the same as the processing described in the error command receiving process of FIG. 11 and the error canceling command receiving process of FIG. 12 will be omitted as appropriate to avoid duplicate description.

In FIG. 13, the effect control unit 24 first determines whether or not a sub error has occurred (step S721).

On the other hand, when it is determined that a sub-error has occurred (step S721: YES), the error flag corresponding to the generated sub-error is set to the ON state (step S722). For example, if an abnormality occurs in the flower-shaped accessory 90 that does not return to the origin position and the effect control unit 24 determines that a movable accessory error has occurred, a movable accessory error (error notification priority 17). The flag value of the error flag setting area associated with) is set to the ON state (5AH).

Next, it is determined whether or not the error is occurring in duplicate (step S723). When the error is not occurring in duplicate (step S723: NO), an effect scenario for error notification corresponding to the error flag set ON in the process of step S722 is created and set (step S724). The content of this process is the same as the process of step S703 in FIG. When the process of step S724 is completed, the process proceeds to the determination process of step S728 described later.

On the other hand, when error duplication is occurring (step S723: YES), an effect scenario at the time of error duplication occurs is created and set (steps S725 to S727). The processing of steps S725 to S727 is substantially the same as the processing of steps S705 to S707 in FIG. By this process, when an error duplication occurs, the priority is applied not only between the main errors determined by the main control unit 20 but also to the sub-errors determined by the effect control unit 24, and the error can be distinguished by the judgment subject. Without it, for example, error notification according to the error notification priority shown in FIG. 14 is realized.

Here, when the button LED 75 is not used for the error notification itself during the error occurrence, the notification mode of the button LED 75 is not hindered by the error notification, and the light emission control is performed in the notification mode according to the button valid period or the button invalid period. Will be done.

Further, when the notification mode of the button LED 75 is not linked with the error notification, the notification mode of the error notification by other LEDs, for example, blinking / lighting by the same color or blinking / lighting by a different color is not linked. , The notification mode of the button LED 75 is controlled to emit light. For example, during the error notification, the control is performed in the same notification mode as the operation invalid notification regardless of whether the button is valid or the button is invalid. If the operation invalidation notification is a lighting notification in a predetermined color (for example, white lighting), the button LED 75 may be turned off at least during the button invalidation period.

Further, the notification mode of the button LED 75 may be a semi-interlocking type notification mode in which the notification mode is linked with the error notification for a part of the period. For example, when an error occurs from the button invalid period to the button operation valid period, the button LED 75 is used to execute an error notification (an error notification mode similar to that of the surrounding LED 45), and the operation is performed during the button valid period. Effective notification can be executed. In this quasi-interlocking type, it is possible to clearly notify the player that an error is occurring during the period when the button operation is not necessary, while the button operation is performed during the period when the button operation is required. It is possible to clearly notify that it is effective.

Next, the process proceeds to step S728, and it is determined whether or not the error cancellation condition is satisfied for the sub-error currently occurring (step S728). If the release condition is not satisfied (step S728: NO), the error notification management process is exited without doing anything. On the other hand, when the release condition is satisfied (step S728: YES), necessary setting processing such as clearing the error flag of the release target is performed in order to end the error notification of the sub-error to be released (step S729). , Exit the error notification management process.

[Second embodiment (form of rotating drum type game machine): FIGS. 24 to 25]
Although the pachinko gaming machine (ball game machine) has been described in the first embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to a rotating body type gaming machine. With reference to FIGS. 24 to 25, an example applied to the rotating cylinder type game machine will be described as another embodiment. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a general rotating game machine, and FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing an outline of a control device of the rotating body game machine. In FIGS. 24 to 25, the same reference numerals are given to the components having substantially the same functions as the components described in the first embodiment, and the details thereof are appropriately omitted in order to avoid duplicate description. I will explain.

The illustrated rotating drum type gaming machine includes a rectangular housing 1A whose front side is open, and a rectangular front door 2A that covers the front side of the housing 1A so as to be openable and closable. As shown in FIG. 24, the front door 2A is provided with a first display window substantially in the center thereof and a second display window (liquid crystal screen viewing unit) for visually recognizing the liquid crystal display device 36 on the upper side thereof. is there.

The first display window is a rotating cylinder viewing unit 101, and three rotating cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c arranged side by side of the rotating cylinder device 210 (hereinafter, if necessary, the rotating cylinder 5a is referred to as "left rotating cylinder 5a". , The rotating cylinder 5b is referred to as "middle rotating cylinder 5b", and the rotating cylinder 5c is referred to as "right rotating cylinder 5c"), which is provided so as to face the rotating cylinder viewing unit 101 so that it can be visually recognized from the player side. ing.

The rotating cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c have a symbol arrangement band (not shown) having a plurality of types of symbols on the outer circumference thereof, and the combination of the above symbols when the rotating cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c are stopped. The rotating body device 210 for displaying the game result is configured. In this symbol array band, symbols (component symbols) for forming a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination (the combination determined by the internal lottery for the combination (combination lottery)) are displayed. As the symbol, various symbols such as "7", "bell", "watermelon", "cherry", "replay", "BAR", and "item" are adopted.

A total of five winning lines 101a are defined in the rotating cylinder viewing unit 101 so as to cross the rotating body viewing unit 101 laterally and diagonally. In these winning lines 101a, the number of winning lines treated as valid changes according to the number of game medals inserted in the unit game (1 game). When the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is stopped on this valid winning line (hereinafter referred to as "valid winning line") (the combination of symbols is required in advance to acquire the game value. When the specified one is derived and displayed as the game result), the game value (bonus game, game medal, re-game, etc.) according to the combination of the symbols is given to the player. Winning roles include a bonus role (7 symbols aligned) that triggers a transition to a bonus game (a game equivalent to a big hit game (special game state)), and multiple types of small roles that involve paying out a predetermined number of game medals (a game that is equivalent to a big hit game (special game state)). There are many winning roles with different performances, such as bell pattern matching, watermelon pattern matching, cherry pattern stop on the left torso), and replay role (replay pattern matching) that grants replay.

Decorative lamp portions 45 (surrounding LEDs 45) are provided on both the left and right sides of the rotating cylinder viewing portion 101. Further, speakers 46 are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front door and both sides of the lower part of the front door of the front door 2. Further, although not shown, one or a plurality of types of movable body accessories are provided at appropriate positions in the game machine.

The second display window provided on the upper side of the rotating cylinder viewing unit 101 is a liquid crystal screen viewing unit, and the display screen (liquid crystal screen) of the liquid crystal display device 36 mounted on the back side of the front door 2A is the liquid crystal screen viewing unit. It is arranged so that it can be seen from the player side. The liquid crystal display device 36 displays various effects related to the game.

In the lower step of the rotating cylinder viewing unit 101, there is a medal insertion slot 95 for inserting a game medal, and within the range credited by the credit means (maximum number of credits: for example, 50) for one game. MAX bet button BT4 that allows you to insert game medals up to the maximum number of bets allowed (maximum number of bets: for example, 3) at a time, and add game medals up to the maximum number of bets according to the number of times you press 1-bet button BT5 that can be artificially inserted, storage medal settlement button BT6 for performing credit settlement, effect button 70A (operating means) that exerts the same function as the effect button 13 according to the first embodiment, etc. Is provided. The above-mentioned credit means is to store up to a predetermined upper limit number (maximum number of credits: for example, 50) of game medals inserted into a game machine or game medals obtained by winning a prize, and the number of stored games (number of credits). ) Means a functional unit (storage device) that can be stored by an electromagnetic method.

Further, inside the MAX bet button BT4, a MAX bet LED 79a (see FIG. 25) that can notify whether or not the button operation (bet number setting operation) is in an allowable state is built-in. In the present embodiment, if the MAX bet button BT4 is in the bet number setting allowable state, the LED 79a lights up or blinks in a predetermined color (for example, light blue or white) (operation valid notification), and if the bet number setting is prohibited state, The LED 79a is turned off (operation invalid notification). Further, the effect button 70A functions as an operation means in the same manner as the effect button 13 and the like according to the first embodiment described above. The effect button 70A has a button LED 75 (see FIG. 25) formed inside or in the vicinity thereof (in the case of this embodiment, the button LED 75 is built-in). The button LED 75 also exhibits the same function as the button LED 75 according to the first embodiment described above, and is configured to be capable of executing operation valid notification and operation invalid notification in a player participation type production, a demo screen, or the like. ing. Since the MAX bet button BT4 is an operation means related to the progress of the game (an operation means related to the bet number setting operation), the operation detection signal is input to the main control unit 20 as shown in FIG. The MAX bet LED 79a that notifies the validity / invalidity of the operation of the MAX bet button BT4 is also controlled by the main control unit 20 side. On the other hand, in the button LED 75, since the effect button 13 is an effect means, the effect control unit 24 controls the notification mode as in the first embodiment.

Further, an operation panel portion 14 formed in a horizontally long shape is provided below the step portion of the rotating cylinder viewing portion 101. The operation panel unit 96 has a return button (not shown) for returning medals stuck in the medal insertion slot 95, a starting lever STL for starting rotation of the rotating cylinders 5a, 5b, and 5c, and each rotating cylinder. Three stop buttons BT1 to BT3 (left rotation cylinder stop button BT1, middle rotation cylinder stop button BT2, right rotation cylinder stop button BT3) for individually stopping the rotation of 5a, 5b, and 5c are provided. In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, the stop buttons BT1 to BT3 are abbreviated as "stop button".

Each of the above-mentioned MAX bet button BT4, 1 bet button BT5, storage medal settlement button BT6, start lever STL, and stop buttons BT1 to BT3 is a switch (SW1 to) that generates operation detection information when these are operated. SW7: see FIG. 25) is formed.

A horizontally long medal tray 97 integrally mounted with the front door 2A is provided below the operation panel portion 14, and the medal tray 97 is equipped with a game medal payout device 500 (see FIG. 25) inside the game machine. The game medal payout outlet 98 for discharging the game medals paid out from and the returned game medals to the front side is open.

The main control unit 20 executes a winning combination lottery (internal lottery) when the operation of the starting lever STL is detected under a predetermined game start condition, and executes rotation control of the rotating cylinder. Specifically, the main control unit 20 has a predetermined number (for example, 3) of which the game can be started based on the medal insertion signal (detection signal from the medal detection sensor 95a, the MAX bet switch SW5, or the 1-bet switch SW6). It monitors whether or not the game medals have been inserted, and when it confirms that the specified number of medals have been inserted, it is set to the game startable state. When the start lever STL is operated in this game startable state (when the input of the operation signal from the start switch SW1 is confirmed), the main control unit 20 executes an internal lottery for a plurality of types of combinations. , Determine the winning combination (if neither combination is won, it will be lost), and send the effect control command (game start information command) including the lottery result information to the effect control unit 24. , Each rotation cylinder 5a to 5c is rotated at a substantially constant speed.

When each rotating cylinder is rotated at a substantially constant speed, the main control unit 20 sets the stop operation allowable state that allows the operation of the stop button. When the stop buttons BT1 to BT3 are operated in this stop operation allowable state (when the input of the operation signal from the stop switches SW2 to SW4 is confirmed), the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is under the so-called "pull-in control". Is stopped on the effective winning line, and the game result is derived by combining the symbols at the time of stopping each rotating cylinder. As a result, the rotating and stopping operations of the rotating cylinder are realized.

Upon receiving the game start information command, the effect control unit 24 determines an effect scenario according to the internal lottery result information (winning combination information). Here, a case where a bonus combination is won as a winning combination and a player participation type effect shown in FIG. 17 appears as an effect content will be described as a typical example.

Similar to the pachinko gaming machine of the first embodiment, the rotating body type game machine of the present embodiment also follows the production scenario of the player participation type production before the button operation instruction (during the button invalid period) and during the button operation instruction (during the button invalid period). Three stages of production period have passed: during the button validity period) and after the button operation (when the result effect (post-operation effect) occurs), and at each stage, the effect mode such as the decorative lamp (surrounding LED) 45 and the button LED 75 is displayed. It will change. However, since this embodiment is a rotating body type game machine, the three-stage production period does not progress with the passage of the symbol variation time as in the pachinko game machine, but for example, the start lever STL is operated. The period from the first stop operation to the first stop operation is during the button invalid period (see FIGS. 17A and 17B), and the period from the first stop operation to the third stop operation is during the button valid period (FIG. 17). 17 (c)), the production period progresses according to the player's stop operation. About the production contents of each period. As shown in FIG. 17, when the effect button 70A is operated during the button validity period (during the button operation instruction), the result effect (post-operation effect) is performed as the post-button operation as in the first embodiment. ) 144 occurs, the surrounding LED 45 switches from turning off to rainbow-colored lighting, and the button LED 75 switches from yellow to rainbow-colored lighting to notify the winning of the bonus combination (see FIG. 17 (d)).

In the case of a revolving pachinko machine, there are various game operations related to the above-mentioned pachinko game machine 1, such as a hopper error in which the game medals inside the game machine are insufficient, an overflow error in which the game medals inside the game machine are full, and the like. Although it is configured to be able to detect an error, when an error occurs, an error notification is executed according to the error, as in the pachinko gaming machine 1. In this case, the relationship between the error notification mode by the decorative lamp 45 (surrounding LED 45) and the notification mode of the effect button LED 75 (effective operation notification mode and invalid operation notification mode) is the same as that of the first embodiment. can do. Since this is substantially the same as the notification control mode described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 18 to 23, detailed description thereof will be omitted in order to avoid duplicate description.

By the way, regarding the operation valid / operation invalid notification of the MAX bet button BT4 (valid / invalid operation notification by the MAX bet LED79a), the notification mode is controlled by the main control unit 20, but when an error occurs, the player Do not operate the MAX bet button BT4 indiscriminately (in the case of a specific error, the operation of the MAX bet button BT4 is invalidated, so it should not be confused with the player being in operation. ), The MAX bet LED 79a is controlled for notification in a notification mode different from the error notification mode. In other words, the MAX bet LED 79a does not execute error notification (it is not used as an error notification means (it does not work with error notification)). In the case of the present embodiment, when an error occurs, the MAX bet LED 79a is set to perform the same notification mode (here, extinguished) as the operation invalid notification. As in the first embodiment, in the case of a specific error (in the case of a highly serious error such as a RAM clear error), it is preferable to execute the same error notification as the surrounding LED 45. That is, in the case of a specific error, it is preferable to make the MAX bet LED 79a function as an error notification means. Further, although the MAX bet LED 79a is controlled by the main control unit 20, the game mode can be controlled by the main control unit 20, and the effect control unit 24 can control the effect mode corresponding to the game mode. If this is the case, the mode setting color can be prepared as the notification mode of the MAX bet LED 79a.

Further, the "starting lever STL" and the "stop buttons BT1 to BT3" function as operating means like the MAX bet button BT4 and the effect button 70A. Therefore, as with the MAX bet button BT4, the start lever and stop button are provided with light emitting means (full-color LED) inside or in the vicinity thereof, and whether the operation is valid or invalid is determined by the LED. It can be configured to be notified depending on the light emitting mode. For example, when the operation is valid, the light is emitted in blue (operation invalid notification), and when the operation is invalid, the light is emitted in red (operation invalid notification). Since the start lever STL and the stop buttons BT1 to 3 are operation means related to the progress of the game, as shown in FIG. 25, the operation detection signal thereof is input to the main control unit 20. Therefore, the LED for notifying the operation enablement / invalidity is also controlled by the main control unit 20 side like the MAX bet LED 79a. Therefore, as with the MAX bet LED79a, it is preferable not to execute the error notification for the start lever STL and the stop button when an error occurs (for example, the notification mode is the same as the operation invalidation notification or the control is performed so that the light is turned off). , In the case of a specific error, it can function as an error notification means.

The preferred configuration examples of the embodiments described above can be summarized as follows. The corresponding elements in the embodiments are shown in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

(7) Production means that can perform production and
The effect control means (effect control unit 24) for controlling the effect by the effect means is provided.
A gaming machine configured to be able to execute error notification related to a predetermined error when a predetermined error occurs (FIG. 14).
The effect means includes at least a first light emitting means (button LED75) and a second light emitting means (surrounding LED 45) provided at a position different from the first light emitting means.
The effect control means
Specific effect execution control means (effect control unit 24, FIG. 17) that executes and controls a specific effect using the first light emitting means.
An error notification execution control means (for example, FIGS. 20 to 23, 16, 14, etc.) that executes and controls the error notification without using the first light emitting means while using the second light emitting means. Prepare, prepare
A game machine characterized by that.
(8) Further provided with an operation means (effect button 13) configured to be operable by the player.
The effect control means (effect control unit 24) is
An operation validity period setting means for setting an operation validity period (button validity period) in which the operation of the operation means is valid, and an operation validity period setting means.
A post-operation effect control means (for example, the result effect 144 of FIG. 17D) capable of executing and controlling a predetermined post-operation effect based on the operation of the operation means during the operation valid period is further provided.
The specific effect is an operation effective notification effect (FIG. 17 (c): button LED 75 is lit in yellow (operation valid notification)) for notifying that the operation is valid.
The gaming machine according to the above (7).
(9) The specific effect execution control means is
It is configured not to execute the specific effect when the error notification is being executed (for example, FIG. 21C: the button LED 75 during the operation valid period is not lit in yellow for the operation valid notification, but the operation is invalid. Notification white lighting (may be off instead of white lighting),
The gaming machine according to (7) or (8) above.
(10) The post-operation effect control means
When the error notification is not being executed, the predetermined post-operation effect is executed, and when the error notification is being executed, the predetermined post-operation effect is not executed (normal time). 17 (d) (button LED 75 lights in rainbow color), FIG. 21 (d) during an error (button LED 75 lights white for operation invalidation notification (may be off instead of white)),
The gaming machine according to (8) or (9) above.

In each of the embodiments described above, the pachinko gaming machine and the rotating cylinder type gaming have been described, but the gaming machine is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the object of the present invention. For example, it can be applied to a game machine that uses a game medal as a game medium and a game machine that uses a game medium that uses electromagnetic recording (so-called “enclosed game machine (managed game machine)”).

The present invention is useful for gaming machines.

1 Pachinko game machine 3 Game board,
3a Game area,
5 ball guidance rail,
6 glass door,
9 Upper saucer,
13 production button,
13A Normal button (1st production button)
15 Launch operation handle,
19 Game ball payout device,
20 Main control unit,
21 External centralized terminal board for frame,
24 Production control unit,
28 Launch control board,
29 Payout control board,
32 launcher,
34 Top start port,
35 lower start port,
36 liquid crystal display device,
37 Ordinary design start port,
38a, 38b special symbol display device,
39a Ordinary symbol display device 50 Grand prize opening,
41 Ordinary variable winning device,
52 Special variable winning device,
43 General winning opening,
45 Decorative lamp (surrounding LED),
46 speakers,
47 Movable wing pieces,
75 button LED,
201 Main control CPU,
202 main control ROM,
203 Main control RAM,
241 production control CPU,
242 production control ROM,
293 Payout control RAM.

Claims (1)

An operating means configured to be operable by the player,
Production means that can perform production and
An effect control means for controlling the effect by the effect means,
Lottery means to execute lottery about winning, and
When the lottery result by the lottery means is a win, a special game control means for executing and controlling the winning game is provided.
A gaming machine configured to be able to execute error notification related to a predetermined error when a predetermined error occurs.
The effect means includes at least a first light emitting means and a second light emitting means provided at a position different from the first light emitting means.
The effect control means
An error notification execution control means that executes and controls the error notification without using the first light emitting means while using the second light emitting means.
An operation validity period setting means for setting an operation validity period during which the operation of the operation means is valid, and an operation validity period setting means.
A post-operation effect execution control means capable of executing and controlling a predetermined post-operation effect when the operation means is operated is provided.
The post-operation effect execution control means
When the operation means is operated during the operation valid period during the non-execution of the error notification, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are used to execute the predetermined post-operation effect.
When the operating means is operated during the operation valid period during the execution of the error notification, the predetermined post-operation effect is executed by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means. Is configured to
During the non-execution of the first error notification,
When the lottery result by the lottery means is successful, the first effect is executed as the effect after the predetermined operation by using the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means.
When the lottery result by the lottery means is lost, the first light emitting means and the second light emitting means are used to execute a second effect different from the first effect as the predetermined post-operation effect. And
During the execution of the first error notification,
When the lottery result by the lottery means is successful, the first effect is executed as the post-operation effect by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means.
When the lottery result by the lottery means is lost, the second effect is executed as the post-operation effect by using the first light emitting means without using the second light emitting means.
A game machine characterized by that.