JP2022010896A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suppressing an unintended setting.SOLUTION: A performance includes a specific performance executed based on operation of a performance button during an operation effective period capable of receiving operation of a performance button, a sub-control board can perform control for performing a specific setting permitting execution of specific performance control on the basis of operation of a performance button, the specific performance control can execute a specific performance by considering that a performance button is operated even if the performance button is not operated during an operation effective period, the sub-control board can display an initial setting menu in a situation in which storage contents in a main control RWM are initialized, and a specific setting is regulated during a restriction period as at least one portion of a display period of the initial setting menu, and a specific setting is permitted after completion of the restriction period.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Conventionally, a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, is provided with an operating means (as an example, an effect button) that can be operated by a player, like the pachinko gaming machine described in Patent Document 1. When a predetermined operation (for example, repeated hits or long presses) is performed using the above, control related to the effect is performed, and some are configured to execute the effect.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-192821

In recent years, even if the operating means is not operated, it is possible to execute a control that is regarded as having been operated and the effect is executed, and a specific setting that enables the control to be executed is used as an operation of the operating means. There is something that can be set based on. However, when the operating means is operated, if the setting is contrary to the intention of the person who performed the operation, there is a risk that the interest in playing the game on the gaming machine may be reduced.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing unintended settings.

The gaming machine that solves the above problems is a gaming machine capable of executing an effect by the effect executing means, a main control means that outputs control information and a sub-control means that controls the effect executing means based on the control information. An information storage means capable of storing predetermined information, an initialization operation means capable of initializing the stored contents of the information storage means, and an effect operation means operable by a player. The effect includes a specific effect executed based on the operation of the effect operation means in a specific period during which the operation of the effect operation means can be accepted, and the sub-control means is used to operate the effect operation means. Based on this, it is possible to perform control to make a specific setting that enables execution of the specific effect control, and the specific effect control is the effect operation means even if the effect operation means is not operated in the specific period. Is a control that can execute the specific effect as if it was operated, and at least a part of the stored contents of the information storage means is initially set by turning on the power accompanied by the operation of the initialization operation means. The sub-control means can display a specific image on the effect executing means in a situation where the stored contents of the information storage means are initialized, and at least one of the display periods of the specific image. The gist is that in the special period, which is a part, the specific setting is restricted, and after the end of the special period, the specific setting is allowed.

With respect to the gaming machine, the special period is the entire period of the display period of the specific image, and it is preferable that the specific setting is allowed after the display of the specific image is completed.
With respect to the gaming machine, the sub-control means can control to release the specific setting based on the operation of the effect operation means, and the effect is continuously performed after the specific setting is released. Even if the operating means continues to be operated, the specific setting may not be made.

With respect to the gaming machine, the sub-control means controls to make the specific setting based on the period during which the effect operating means has been continuously operated reaches a predetermined period in a period different from the specific period. It is possible, and the sub-control means does not perform control to make the specific setting even if the period in which the effect operating means continues to operate in the specific period reaches the predetermined period, and the specific period Even if the specific period ends after the operation of the effect operation means is started and the period during which the effect operation means continues to be operated reaches the predetermined period in a period different from the specific period, the specific period is specified. Should not be set.

With respect to the gaming machine, the sub-control means controls to make the specific setting based on the period during which the effect operating means has been continuously operated reaches a predetermined period in a period different from the specific period. It is possible, and the sub-control means does not perform control to make the specific setting even if the period in which the effect operating means continues to operate in the specific period reaches the predetermined period, and the specific period After the operation of the effect operating means is started in a period different from that of the above, the specific period starts before the period in which the effect operating means continues to operate reaches the predetermined period, and the effect is also performed in the specific period. Even if the operating means continues to operate, the specific period ends, and the period during which the effect operating means continues to operate reaches the predetermined period in a period different from the specific period, the specific setting is not made. good.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an unintended setting.

The perspective view which shows typically the pachinko machine. A front view schematically showing a game board. The block diagram which shows the electric composition of a pachinko machine. (A) to (c) are schematic views showing an example of an operation effect. (A) and (b) are schematic diagrams showing an example of operation at startup. A timing chart showing an example of specific settings made based on the operation of the effect buttons. A timing chart showing an example of specific settings made based on the operation of the effect button. A timing chart showing an example of specific settings made based on the operation of the effect buttons. A timing chart showing an example of specific settings made based on the operation of the effect buttons. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the initial setting menu in 2nd Embodiment. A timing chart showing an example in which a specific setting is made based on the operation of the effect button in the second embodiment.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine will be described.
In the following description, top, bottom, left, right, front (front), and back (back) shall indicate each direction when viewed from the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 which is an example of the gaming machine includes a frame body 11. The frame 11 includes an installation frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to island equipment such as a game store, and a mounting frame for mounting various game parts. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gaming board YB. The game board YB is mounted on the frame body 11. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a firing handle HD. The launch handle HD is operated when launching the game ball into the game area YBa. The firing handle HD is provided on the front side of the mounting frame as an example. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the firing intensity of the gaming ball can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation operation amount of the firing handle HD.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an effect button D1 and a cross key D2 as an example of operating means that can be operated by the player. As an example, the effect button D1 is a button-type operation means configured to enable a push operation. The effect button D1 is turned on (ON) by a pressing operation, and turned off (OFF) by a pressing operation. The effect button D1 includes an operation sensor (not shown) that detects the pressing operation (on) of the effect button D1 and outputs a predetermined signal (hereinafter referred to as an operation signal). The effect button D1 is not limited to the button type, but may be a touch sensor type, or may have a configuration in which a predetermined display device functions as a touch panel type operating means. The effect button D1 in the present embodiment corresponds to the effect operation means. The cross key D2 is configured to include a plurality of operable parts such as a left key, a right key, an up key, and a down key. As an example, the left key, the right key, the up key, and the down key constituting the cross key D2 are button-type operation means. Each key constituting the cross key D2 is turned on (ON) by a pressing operation, and turned off (OFF) by a pressing operation. The left key, right key, up key, and down key constituting the cross key D2 are not limited to the button type, but may be a touch sensor type, and a predetermined display device functions as a touch panel type operation means. It may be configured to make it. Further, each key constituting the cross key D2 includes an operation sensor (not shown). In the following description, the state in which the operation signal is output from the operation sensor may be simply indicated as "the operation signal is on", and the state in which the operation signal is not output may be simply indicated as "the operation signal is off".

The operation modes of the effect button D1 and the cross key D2 include a short press operation and a long press operation, respectively. The short-press operation is an operation mode in which the period from the detection of the operation of the operation means to the time when the operation of the operation means is not detected (hereinafter referred to as an operation period) is less than a predetermined period Lm in accordance with the operation of a certain operation means. That is, the operation period is a period from when a certain operating means is turned on by an operation or the like to when it is turned off. The operation period is also a period from the start of inputting the operation signal from the operation sensor of a certain operation means to the end of the input of the operation signal (hereinafter referred to as an input period). The operation mode in which the short press operation is performed only once is a so-called "single stroke (single press)". Further, an operation mode in which a short press operation is repeatedly performed to increase the number of operations of a certain operation means within a relatively short period of time is a so-called "continuous hit". The long press operation is an operation mode in which the elapsed period from the detection of the operation of the operation means is a predetermined period Lm or more in association with the operation of a certain operation means. That is, the long press operation is an operation mode in which the period during which a certain operating means continues to be operated is a predetermined period Lm or more. The phrase "continuing to operate" with respect to the effect button D1 means that the effect button D1 is pressed and turned on, and the effect button D1 is continuously pressed so as to maintain the on state. The predetermined period Lm can be set to 2 seconds as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be less than 2 seconds or more than 2 seconds.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA is an example of a light emitting means for performing an effect of emitting, blinking, and extinguishing a light emitting body (not shown) (hereinafter referred to as a light emitting effect). The decorative lamp LA is provided on the frame body 11 or the game board YB as an example. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a speaker SP. The speaker SP is an example of a voice means for producing a sound such as a human or animal voice, a sound effect, and a musical piece (hereinafter referred to as a voice effect). For example, the speaker SP is provided on the frame 11 as an example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a first special symbol display unit 13a and a second special symbol display unit 13b as display units capable of displaying a special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a special game). Be prepared. The special symbol variation game includes a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a first special game) and a second special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a second special game). In the special game, a predetermined symbol is variablely displayed, and finally the special symbol is fixedly stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (special lottery described later). The first special symbol display unit 13a displays the first special game. The second special symbol display unit 13b displays the second special game. In the present specification, the "variable display" means a state in which the type of the displayed symbol changes with the passage of time. In the present specification, the "fixed stop display" means a state in which the symbol is definitively stopped and displayed, and the type of the displayed symbol does not change. Regarding the design, "fixed stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second special game is preferentially executed over the first special game. The first special game and the second special game are not executed in parallel at the same time. The special symbol includes a jackpot symbol which is an example of a jackpot display result and a missed symbol which is an example of a missed display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a big hit is won in a special lottery, a big hit symbol is derived in a special game, and a big hit game is given after the special game of the big hit is completed.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first special hold display unit 13c and a second special hold display unit 13d as display units for displaying information that can specify the number of hold of special games. The first special hold display unit 13c displays information that can specify the number of holds for the first special game (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number). The second special hold display unit 13d displays information that can specify the number of holds for the second special game (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number). For example, the upper limit of the first special hold number and the second special hold number is 4.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal symbol display unit 13e. The normal symbol display unit 13e displays a normal game. In the normal game, a predetermined symbol is variablely displayed, and finally the normal symbol is fixedly stopped and displayed. The ordinary symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (ordinary lottery described later). The normal symbol includes a normal hit symbol which is an example of a normal hit display result and a normal miss symbol which is an example of a normal miss display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a normal hit is won in a normal lottery, a normal hit symbol is derived in the normal game, and after the normal game of the normal hit is completed, the normal hit game is given. The pachinko gaming machine 10 usually includes a hold display unit 13f. The normal hold display unit 13f displays information that can specify the number of hold of the normal game (hereinafter referred to as the number of normal hold).

On the front side of the game board YB provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a game area YBa into which a game ball, which is an example of a game medium, flows down is formed. On the game board YB, an opening window YBb is formed substantially in the center in front view. A center frame W with various designs is attached to the opening window YBb.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an effect display device EH. The effect display device EH has an image display unit GH capable of displaying an image. The image display unit GH is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The effect display device EH is assembled to the game board YB so that the image display area of the image display unit GH can be visually recognized through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB when viewed from the front. ing. The effect display device EH is an example of a display means for performing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) for displaying an image imitating a predetermined character or character. In the following description, when it is indicated that characters, numbers, symbols, icons, characters, landscapes, etc. are "displayed" as predetermined information (pictures) with respect to the effect display device EH, the information is displayed as an image. means.

In the effect display device EH, the effect game is displayed as one of the display effects. In the effect game, a plurality of rows of effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and finally a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is derived. The effect design (decorative design) is a design with decorations such as characters and patterns, and is a design for diversifying the display effect. As an example, the effect game of the present embodiment is performed by variablely displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row in predetermined directions.

The production game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. In the production game, a symbol combination corresponding to the special symbol derived in the special game is derived. When the jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, the jackpot symbol combination is derived in the production game. The jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination such as "777" in which the effect symbols in all rows are the same effect symbol. When the outlier symbol is derived in the special game, the outlier symbol combination is derived in the production game. The out-of-order symbol combination is, for example, a symbol combination such as "778" or "787" in which the effect symbols in at least a part of the rows are different from the effect symbols in the other rows. In the present specification, the "temporarily stopped display" is a temporary stop state before the fixed stop display of the effect symbol, such as a shaking fluctuation display. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a special game and a production game executed in response to the special game. In the following description, the special game and the production game are collectively referred to as a "variable game".

In the production game, reach production can be performed. The reach effect is an effect in which a reach is formed and a predetermined symbol combination is finally derived in the effect game. Reach is a state in which the same effect symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed in a plurality of specific symbol rows, and the effect symbol is continuously displayed in a variable manner in other symbol rows. As an example, in the present embodiment, the left symbol row and the right symbol row correspond to a specific symbol row, and the middle symbol row corresponds to another symbol row. The reach effect includes a normal reach effect and a super reach effect having a higher expectation of a big hit than the normal reach effect.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first special start winning opening 15. The first special start winning opening 15 is always open so that a game ball can be entered. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first special start sensor SE1 that detects a game ball that has entered the first special start winning opening 15 (see FIG. 3). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the gaming ball is detected by the first special start sensor SE1, the holding condition of the first special game can be satisfied, and the payout condition of a predetermined number of prize balls is satisfied.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second special start winning opening 16 that opens in the gaming area YBa. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second special start sensor SE2 that detects a game ball that has entered the second special start winning opening 16 (see FIG. 3). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the gaming ball is detected by the second special start sensor SE2, the holding condition of the second special game can be satisfied, and the payout condition of the predetermined number of prize balls is satisfied. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is normally variable so that the game ball can operate in an open state in which the game ball can enter the second special start winning opening 16 and a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the second special start winning opening 16. A member 17 is provided. In the closed state, the game ball may enter the second special start winning opening 16, but it may be difficult to enter the ball as compared with the open state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal solenoid SL1 as an example of means for operating the normal variable member 17 (see FIG. 3). The normal variable member 17 is operated in the open state in the normal hit game.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a large winning opening 18 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is a special variable member which is an example of means capable of operating in an open state in which a game ball can enter the large winning opening 18 and a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 18. 19 is provided. In the closed state, the game ball can enter the large winning opening 18, but it may be difficult to enter the ball as compared with the open state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a special solenoid SL2 as an example of means for operating the special variable member 19 (see FIG. 3). The special variable member 19 is operated in the open state in the hit game of the special symbol. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a special winning sensor SE3 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the large winning opening 18 (see FIG. 3). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the special winning sensor SE3, a predetermined number of prize ball payout conditions are satisfied.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a gate 25 through which a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area YBa can pass (enter). The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal start sensor SE4 that detects a gaming ball passing through the gate 25 (see FIG. 3). When the pachinko gaming machine 10 is detected by the normal start sensor SE4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured so that the holding condition of the normal game can be satisfied, but the payout condition of the prize ball is not satisfied.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal winning opening 26 that opens into the gaming area YBa. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal winning sensor (not shown) that detects a game ball that has entered the normal winning opening 26. In the present embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the normal prize sensor, the predetermined number of prize ball payout conditions are satisfied. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may have a winning opening different from the winning openings 15, 16, 18, and 26. It is a so-called "winning" that a game ball enters the winning opening. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an out port 27. As an example, the out port 27 opens in the game area YBa at the lower end of the game area YBa. Of the game balls launched into the game area YBa, the game balls that do not enter any of the winning openings 15, 16, 18, and 26 are discharged from the out opening 27 to the outside of the machine.

As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can adjust the firing intensity of the gaming ball by adjusting the rotation operation amount of the firing handle HD. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the gaming balls can be separated so as to flow down either the left side region R1 of the center frame W or the right side region R2 of the center frame W. A normal winning opening 26 and a first special starting winning opening 15 are formed from the upstream side in the flow path of the game ball in the left side region R1. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game ball is launched (so-called left-handed) so as to flow down the left side area R1 of the game area YBa, the game ball is the first special start winning opening 15 and the normal. You can enter the winning slot 26. A gate 25, a large winning opening 18, and a second special starting winning opening 16 are formed from the upstream side in the flow path of the game ball in the right side region R2. Therefore, when the game ball is launched (so-called right-handed) so as to flow down the right side area R2 in the game area YBa, the game ball has the second special start winning opening 16, the large winning opening 18, and the gate. You can enter 25.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a production movable body EY. As an example, the effect movable body EY has a shape imitating a full moon. Not limited to this, the effect movable body EY may have a shape imitating a character or a character. The effect movable body EY is provided on the game board YB. Not limited to this, the effect movable body EY may be provided on the frame body 11. The effect movable body EY is provided before the effect display device EH. The effect movable body EY includes a stepping motor (not shown) as an example of means for displacing the effect movable body EY. As an example, the effect movable body EY is configured to be displaceable between the original position GI shown by the solid line and the effect position EI shown by the alternate long and short dash line in the figure. The effect position EI is a position that protrudes toward the center of the effect display device EH in the front view as compared with the original position GI. Further, the effect position EI is a position where the area where the effect movable body EY overlaps with the image display area of the image display unit GH is wider than that of the original position GI when viewed from the player. Therefore, when the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the image display area of the image display unit GH as compared with the case where the effect movable body EY is located at the original position GI. ..

In the present embodiment, the effect display device EH, the speaker SP, the decorative lamp LA, and the effect movable body EY are each effect device capable of executing the effect, and these are the effect device group DE which is an example of the effect execution means. Configure. The effect executing means is not limited to including all of the effect display device EH, the speaker SP, the decorative lamp LA, and the effect movable body EY, and is composed of one or a plurality of effect devices that can be arbitrarily selected from these effect devices. It may have been done.

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a probability fluctuation function that fluctuates the jackpot probability with a high probability, a ball entry assist function that assists the entry of the game ball into the second special start winning opening 16, and shortens the fluctuation time of the special game. It is equipped with a time saving function. The gaming state in the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured by combining the operating states (operating and non-operating) of these functions.

The stochastic variation function (hereinafter referred to as the probabilistic variation function) will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of probability states as states in which the jackpot probabilities are different. The plurality of probability states include a low probability state and a high probability state in which the jackpot probability is higher than that of the low probability state. When the probability change function is activated, the probability state shifts from the low probability state to the high probability state, and the possibility of winning a big hit increases. Therefore, the high probability state is advantageous for the player. The high probability state is a so-called "probability fluctuation state (probability change state)".

The ball entry assist function will be described.
The ball entry assist function is a function that supports winning a prize in an ordinary electric accessory, and is a so-called "electric support function". The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of ball entry rate states as states in which the ball entry rates of the game balls to the second special start winning opening 16 are different. The plurality of ball entry rate states include a low ball entry rate state and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry rate is higher than that of the low ball entry rate state. When the ball entry assist function is activated, the ball entry rate state shifts from the low ball entry rate state to the high ball entry rate state, and it becomes easy to establish the start condition of the second special game. Therefore, the high ball entry rate state is advantageous for the player.

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by executing one control that can be arbitrarily selected from the three controls described below, or by executing a combination of a plurality of controls. The first control is a control that shortens the fluctuation time of the normal game as compared with the case of the low ball entry rate state. The second control is a control that changes the normal hit probability in the normal lottery to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The second control does not perform the normal lottery itself in the low ball entry rate state, but may be a control in which the normal lottery is performed with a predetermined probability in the high ball entry rate state. The third control is a control that makes the total opening time of the normal variable member 17 in one normal hit game longer than that in the low ball entry rate state. As the third control, the number of times the normal variable member 17 is opened in one normal hit game is increased more than in the low ball entry rate state, and the normal variable member 17 in the normal hit game is once. It is preferable to perform at least one of the controls for making the opening time of the ball longer than that in the low ball entry rate state.

Next, the time saving function (hereinafter referred to as a time saving function) will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of variable time states as states in which the variable time (average variable time) of the special game is different. The plurality of fluctuation time states include a long fluctuation time state and a short fluctuation time state in which the average fluctuation time of at least the second special game is shorter than that of the long fluctuation time state. When the time saving function is activated, the fluctuation time state shifts from the long fluctuation time state to the short fluctuation time state, and the number of special games that can be substantially executed per unit time increases. That is, the digestion efficiency of the hold of the special game is improved. In addition, in this embodiment, the time saving function operates in association with the ball entry assist function. That is, the time saving function operates together with the ball entry assist function and becomes inactive together with the ball entry assist function.

In the present embodiment, there are three gaming states: a normal state, a first advantageous state, and a second advantageous state. The normal state is a gaming state in which the probability change function, the ball entry assist function, and the time saving function do not all operate. The first advantageous state is a gaming state in which the probability change function, the ball entry assist function, and the time saving function all operate. The second advantageous state is a gaming state in which the probability change function does not operate, while the ball entry assist function and the time saving function operate. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is not limited to having three gaming states, and a part or all of them may be in different gaming states in which the function to be activated among the probability variation function, the ball entry assist function, and the time saving function is changed. Further, the gaming state may be one or two, or four or more.

Next, the jackpot will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as jackpot symbols of special symbols. The type of jackpot symbol is also the type of jackpot. The jackpot symbols are classified into one or more types. In this embodiment, it is classified into two types, a specific symbol and a normal symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a jackpot game is given according to the type of jackpot symbol (type of jackpot).

In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined effect is performed over a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as an opening time). For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect that can specify the start of the jackpot game. In the big hit game, after the opening time has elapsed, the round game in which the big winning opening 18 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enters or when a predetermined upper limit time elapses. In the round game, the large winning opening 18 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round production is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game is completed, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as an ending time). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that can specify the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game ends with the passage of the ending time.

In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the gaming state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled according to the type of the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot). As an example, the specific symbol is defined to be controlled to the first advantageous state after the end of the big hit game and until the next big hit game is given. The normal symbol is defined to be controlled to the second advantageous state after the end of the big hit game, until the end of the special game with a predetermined number of operations, or until the next big hit game is given. ing. Not limited to this, on condition that the game ball winning in the big winning opening 18 has passed through a specific area (so-called V zone), the game state after the end of the big hit game is controlled to the first advantageous state, and the specific area. The game state after the end of the big hit game may be controlled to the second advantageous state on condition that the game does not pass through.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a backup function.
The backup function stores predetermined information including information about the game (hereinafter referred to as game information) even when the power supply from the external power supply is stopped, and can be restored based on the various information when the power supply is started. It is a function to be. As will be described in detail later, the game information to be backed up includes information on the jackpot game and information on the game state.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40, a sub control board 50, and a power supply unit 60. The main control board 40 and the sub control board 50 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub control board 50. The main control board 40 performs various controls and outputs various control information (control commands). In the present embodiment, the main control board 40 corresponds to the main control means. The sub-control board 50 controls the effect device group DE, which is an example of the effect execution means, by executing various processes related to the effect based on various control information (control commands) output from the main control board 40. .. In the present embodiment, the sub-control board 50 corresponds to the sub-control means.

First, the main control board 40 will be described in detail.
The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41 and a clear switch 46. That is, the microprocessor 41 and the clear switch 46 are mounted on the same board. Hereinafter, it will be described in detail.

The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a main control CPU 42) and a storage unit. The main control CPU 42 executes various processes by executing a program for main control. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 has a ROM area in which information can be read and cannot be written (hereinafter referred to as a main control ROM 43), and an RWM area in which information can be read and written (hereinafter referred to as a main control ROM 43). , Indicated as main control RWM44).

The main control ROM 43 stores determination values, tables, and the like used for various determinations and lottery. The main control ROM 43 stores a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation time from the start to the end of the special game. The fluctuation pattern is information that can identify at least a part of the production content (variation content) of the production game performed during the execution of the special game. The fluctuation pattern includes a jackpot fluctuation pattern and a missed fluctuation pattern. The jackpot fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern in which a reach effect is performed in a production game and finally a jackpot symbol combination is derived. The out-of-order variation pattern is a variation pattern that finally derives the out-of-order symbol combination in the production game. The off-field variation pattern includes a variation pattern of "with reach" in which the reach effect is performed in the effect game, and a variation pattern of "without reach" in which the reach effect is not performed in the effect game.

The main control RWM 44 can store predetermined information. The main control RWM 44 stores various information that is rewritten according to the result of processing by the main control CPU 42. For example, the information stored in the main control RWM44 is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. The main control RWM44 in the present embodiment corresponds to an information storage means. The microprocessor 41 includes a random number circuit 45 that generates a hardware random number. The microprocessor 41 may be capable of generating software random numbers by a random number generation process by the main control CPU 42. The main control CPU 42, the main control ROM 43, the main control RWM 44, and the random number circuit 45 are not limited to being configured as one chip as the microprocessor 41, but may be configured separately from each other.

The clear switch 46 is turned on (ON) by a pushing operation, and turned off (OFF) by a pushing operation. The main control CPU 42 is connected to the clear switch 46. The main control CPU 42 can input an operation signal to be output when the clear switch 46 is operated to be ON. As will be described in detail later, the main control CPU 42 initializes at least a part of the information stored in the main control RWM 44 based on the input of the operation signal output when the clear switch 46 is pushed. It is possible to do. In other words, the main control CPU 42 can initialize at least a part of the information stored in the main control RWM 44 based on the fact that the clear switch 46 is turned on by the pressing operation. That is, the clear switch 46 can be operated to initialize the stored contents of the main control RWM44. In the present embodiment, the clear switch 46 corresponds to the initialization operation means.

The main control board 40 is connected to the sensors SE1 to SE4. The main control CPU 42 is configured to be able to input a detection signal output when the sensors SE1 to SE4 detect a game ball. The main control board 40 is connected to the display units 13a to 13f. The main control CPU 42 is configured to be able to control the display contents of the display units 13a to 13f. The main control board 40 is connected to the solenoids SL1 and SL2. The main control CPU 42 is configured to be able to control the operations of the variable members 17 and 19, respectively, by controlling the operations of the solenoids SL1 and SL2.

The sub-control board 50 will be described in detail.
The sub-control board 50 includes a sub-control CPU 51, a sub-control ROM 52, and a sub-control RWM 53. The sub-control CPU 51 performs various processes related to the effect by executing the sub-control program. The sub-control ROM 52 stores a sub-control program, a determination value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The sub-control ROM 52 stores display effect data used for the display effect, light emission effect data used for the light emission effect, audio effect data used for the voice effect, movable body effect data used for the movable body effect, and the like.

The sub-control RWM 53 stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-control RWM53 is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. Further, the sub-control board 50 is configured to be able to generate software random numbers by random number generation processing by the sub-control CPU 51. The sub-control board 50 may be provided with a random number generation circuit and may be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub control board 50 is connected to the effect display device EH. The sub-control CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the display content of the effect display device EH. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the light emitting mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub control board 50 is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-control CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP. The sub-control board 50 is connected to a stepping motor (not shown) capable of operating the effect movable body EY. The sub-control CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the stepping motor. Thereby, the sub-control board 50 can control the operation of the effect movable body EY. The sub control board 50 is connected to the effect button D1 and the cross key D2. The sub-control CPU 51 is configured to be able to input an operation signal (on signal) output by an operation sensor (not shown) when the effect button D1 is operated. The sub-control CPU 51 can input an operation signal (on signal) separately output by an operation sensor (not shown) when the left key, the right key, the up key, and the down key constituting the cross key D2 are operated. It is configured.

The power supply unit 60 will be described in detail.
The power supply unit 60 should convert the power supply voltage supplied from an external power source such as a game hall into a predetermined power supply voltage V1 and supply the converted power supply voltage V1 to the main control board 40 and the sub control board 50. Convert to power supply voltage V2. The power supply unit 60 includes a power supply switch 60a. The power switch 60a can be operated to switch between on and off, and maintains the operation state after the switching. In the present embodiment, in order to start the pachinko gaming machine 10, the power supply from the external power source is started while the power switch 60a is turned on, or the power supply from the external power source remains. , Operate the power switch 60a from off to on.

The power supply unit 60 includes a backup power supply (not shown). The backup power supply supplies power to the main control board 40 even after the power is turned off. By receiving power from the backup power supply, the main control RWM 44 can retain the stored contents of the main control RWM 44 when the power is turned off even after the power is turned off. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the backup function described above is realized by the power supply unit 60 (backup power supply). For example, the main control RWM44 is a non-volatile memory that can retain the stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, so that the stored information can be retained even after the power is turned off. You may.

Here, the game information to be backed up includes information on a special game, information on a jackpot game, and information on a game state. For example, the information about the special game is information that can specify the lottery result of the special lottery, information that can specify the fluctuation pattern of the special game, information that can specify the special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the special game, and the like. The information about the big hit game is information that can identify the progress of the big hit game. The information regarding the game state is information that can identify whether or not it is a high probability state, a high ball entry rate state, or a long fluctuation time state.

Next, various processes performed by the main control CPU 42 of the main control board 40 will be described.
The main control CPU 42 executes a special symbol input process, a special symbol start process, a jackpot game process, and a state transition process as timer interrupt processes performed every predetermined cycle (for example, 4 ms). In the present embodiment, the control information (command) stored in the output buffer is output to the sub-control board 50 by the information output process executed as the timer interrupt process.

First, the special symbol input process will be described.
In the special symbol input process, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the game ball has won the first special start winning opening 15 based on whether or not the detection signal is input from the first special start sensor SE1. When the game ball wins the first special start winning opening 15, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the first special hold number stored in the main control RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number (4 in the present embodiment). judge. When the first special hold number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 42 adds 1 to the first special hold number and updates it. Subsequently, the main control CPU 42 controls the first special hold display unit 13c so as to display information that can specify the updated first special hold number. As described above, the hold condition of the first special game is satisfied when the game ball is detected by the first special start sensor SE1 when the first special hold number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the main control CPU 42 acquires a random number generated in the microprocessor 41, and stores the random number information based on the acquired random number in the main control RWM 44. For example, the random numbers are a special hit random number used for a special lottery (big hit lottery), a hit symbol random number used for determining a winning symbol, a variation pattern random number used for determining a variation pattern, and the like. The main control CPU 42 stores the random number information so that the random number information for the first special game can be specified and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment stores the random number information used for the first special game in the main control RWM44, so that the execution can be suspended until the execution condition of the first special game is satisfied. can.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main control RWM44, when the game ball has not won the first special start winning opening 15, and when the first special hold number is not less than the upper limit, the main The control CPU 42 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second special start winning opening 16 based on whether or not the detection signal has been input from the second special start sensor SE2. When the game ball has won a prize in the second special start winning opening 16, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the number of second special reservations stored in the main control RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number (4 in the present embodiment). Is determined. When the number of the second special hold is less than the upper limit, the main control CPU 42 adds 1 to the number of the second special hold and updates the number. The main control CPU 42 controls the second special hold display unit 13d so as to display information that can specify the number of the second special hold after the update. As described above, the hold condition of the second special game is satisfied when the game ball is detected by the second special start sensor SE2 when the number of the second special hold is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the main control CPU 42 acquires a random number generated in the main control board 40, and stores the random number information based on the acquired random number in the main control RWM 44. The main control CPU 42 stores the random number information so that the random number information used for the second special game can be specified and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment stores the random number information used for the second special game in the main control RWM44, so that the execution of the second special game can be suspended until the execution condition of the second special game is satisfied. can. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the main control RWM44, when the game ball has not won the second special start winning opening 16, and when the number of the second special hold is not less than the upper limit, the main The control CPU 42 ends the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start processing will be described.
In the special symbol start processing, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the execution condition of the special game is satisfied. The main control CPU 42 makes an affirmative determination when the jackpot game is not in progress and the special game is not being executed, while a negative determination is made when the jackpot game is in progress or the special game is being executed. If the execution condition of the special game is not satisfied, the main control CPU 42 ends the special symbol start process. When the execution condition of the special game is satisfied, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the second special hold number is larger than zero. When the second special hold number is zero, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the first special hold number is larger than zero. When the first special hold number is zero, the main control CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing.

When the first special hold number is larger than zero, the main control CPU 42 performs a process of executing the first special game. Specifically, the main control CPU 42 updates by subtracting 1 from the first special hold number. The main control CPU 42 controls the first special hold display unit 13c so as to display information that can specify the number of the first special hold after the update. Next, the main control CPU 42 acquires the first stored random number information from the main control RWM 44 among the random number information for the first special game. Subsequently, the main control CPU 42 uses the special hit random number specified from the acquired random number information to perform a big hit lottery as to whether or not to win the big hit. The main control CPU 42 performs a big hit lottery with a big hit probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the probability change function is activated).

When the jackpot is won, the main control CPU 42 performs the jackpot variation process. In the jackpot variation process, the main control CPU 42 performs a jackpot symbol lottery using a hit symbol random number that can be specified from random number information, and determines a jackpot symbol to be derived in the first special game. The main control CPU 42 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from random number information, and determines a jackpot variation pattern. After that, the main control CPU 42 ends the special symbol start process.

If the jackpot is not won, the main control CPU 42 performs the out-of-order variation processing. In the loss variation processing, the main control CPU 42 determines the loss symbol to be derived in the first special game. In the deviation variation processing, the main control CPU 42 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using the variation pattern random numbers that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the deviation variation pattern with or without reach. After that, the main control CPU 42 ends the special symbol start process.

When the second special hold number is larger than zero, the main control CPU 42 performs a process for executing the second special game. Regarding the process for executing the second special game, regarding the process for executing the first special game, the "first special game" is set to the "second special game" and the "first special hold number" is set to the "second". Since it is a process that has been replaced with "special hold number", detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the main control CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing after performing any of the subtraction of the second special hold number, the big hit lottery, and any variation processing based on the result of the big hit lottery.

The main control CPU 42 stores the fluctuation start command and the special symbol command in the output buffer in the jackpot fluctuation processing and the deviation fluctuation processing. The variation start command is a control command that can specify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of a special game (directing game). The special symbol command is a control command that can specify a special symbol (big hit symbol or missed symbol) determined in each variation processing. The variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation processing of the first special game is executed and when the variation processing of the second special game is executed.

When the special symbol start process is completed, the main control CPU 42 causes the first special game or the second special game to be executed by a process different from the special symbol start process. Specifically, when the first special game is executed, the main control CPU 42 controls the first special symbol display unit 13a so as to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. The main control CPU 42 measures the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern. The main control CPU 42 controls the first special symbol display unit 13a so as to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start processing when the variation time defined in the variation pattern elapses. Further, the main control CPU 42 stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a variable end command) that can specify the end of the special game (effect game) when the variable time defined in the variable pattern elapses.

On the other hand, when the second special game is executed, the main control CPU 42 controls the second special symbol display unit 13b so as to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. The main control CPU 42 measures the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern. The main control CPU 42 controls the second special symbol display unit 13b so as to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start processing when the variation time defined in the variation pattern elapses. Further, the main control CPU 42 stores the fluctuation end command in the output buffer when the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern elapses. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the main control CPU 42 executes the special symbol input processing and the special symbol start processing, so that a special lottery is performed when the gaming ball enters the starting port. It is configured as follows.

Next, the jackpot game process will be described.
The jackpot game process is a process for granting a jackpot game. The main control CPU 42 of the present embodiment performs the following control by executing the jackpot game process as the timer interrupt process. When the jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, the main control CPU 42 executes the jackpot game process after the end of the jackpot special game. The main control CPU 42 specifies the type of the jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (that is, the type of the jackpot) determined in the special symbol start processing. The main control CPU 42 imparts a specified type of jackpot game.

First, the main control CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) that can specify the start of the opening time in the output buffer. When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 42 performs a process for executing the round game. That is, the main control CPU 42 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified open control data for the big hit game, and opens the big winning opening 18. The main control CPU 42 controls the special solenoid SL2 so that the large winning opening 18 is closed when the number of game balls detected by the special winning sensor SE3 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or the above-mentioned upper limit time elapses. By doing so, the round game is ended. The main control CPU 42 repeats the process for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games specified in the jackpot game is completed. Each time the main control CPU 42 starts a round game, the main control CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a round command) that can specify the start of the round game in the output buffer. When the final round game is completed, the main control CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending command) capable of specifying the start of the ending time in the output buffer. When the ending time elapses, the main control CPU 42 ends the jackpot game.

Next, the state transition process for transitioning the probability state, the ball entry rate state, and the fluctuation time state will be described. The main control CPU 42 of the present embodiment performs the following control by executing the state transition process as the timer interrupt process.

When the main control CPU 42 finishes the jackpot game based on the specific symbol, the main control CPU 42 sets the high accuracy flag in the main control RWM 44. That is, the main control CPU 42 controls to a high probability state. On the other hand, the main control CPU 42 does not set the high accuracy flag in the main control RWM 44 when the jackpot game based on the normal symbol is finished. That is, the main control CPU 42 controls to a low probability state. The main control CPU 42 erases the high accuracy flag when the big hit game is started and the high accuracy flag is set. That is, the main control CPU 42 controls to a low probability state during the big hit game.

When the big hit game is completed, the main control CPU 42 sets the operation flag in the main control RWM 44. That is, the main control CPU 42 controls to a high ball entry rate state. The main control CPU 42 updates the value of the execution counter stored in the main control RWM 44 every time the special game is started after the big hit game based on the normal symbol is finished, so that the special game after the big hit game is finished. Count the number of executions. The main control CPU 42 erases the operation flag stored in the main control RWM 44 when the special game in which the number of times the special game is executed after the end of the big hit game has reached the number of operations is completed. That is, the main control CPU 42 controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game of the number of operations is completed after the end of the big hit game based on the normal symbol. The main control CPU 42 erases the operation flag when the operation flag is set in the case of starting the big hit game. That is, the main control CPU 42 controls to a low ball entry rate state during the big hit game. The main control CPU 42 controls the short fluctuation time state when controlling the high ball entry rate state, and controls the long fluctuation time state when controlling the low ball entry rate state.

Next, the power off processing and the power on processing will be described.
First, the power supply cutoff process by the main control CPU 42 will be described.
When the main control CPU 42 inputs a power cut signal output by the power supply unit 60 when the power supply voltage drops below the specified voltage, the main control CPU 42 executes the power supply cutoff process. In the power cutoff process, the main control CPU 42 calculates the checksum value of the main control RWM44 and stores the calculated checksum value in the main control RWM44. Further, the main control CPU 42 stores information (hereinafter, referred to as a backup flag) that can identify that the power cutoff process has been normally executed in the main control RWM 44. After that, the main control CPU 42 waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the main control RWM 44 when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

Next, the power-on processing by the main control CPU 42 will be described.
When the supply voltage to the main control board 40 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the main control CPU 42 as the power is turned on, the main control CPU 42 prohibits the timer interrupt and prevents the timer interrupt process from being executed. Then, the main control CPU 42 executes the power-on process after disabling the timer interrupt.

In the power-on process, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the backed up game information is normal. Specifically, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the information stored in the main control RWM 44 is normal when the power is turned on. The main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the backup flag stored in the main control RWM 44 is stored in the power cutoff process. Further, the main control CPU 42 calculates the checksum value of the main control RWM 44, and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated by the power cutoff process. The main control CPU 42 determines that it is normal when the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, while it determines that it is abnormal when it does not. In the situation where the backup flag is not stored and the checksum values do not match, there is a high possibility that an abnormality has occurred in a part or all of the backed up game information.

If the backed up game information is not normal, the main control CPU 42 initializes the game information. Then, the main control CPU 42 ends the power-on process and stores in the output buffer a control command (hereinafter, referred to as an initialization command) that can be specified to initialize the game information. In this way, the main control CPU 42 can initialize the game information that is a part of the predetermined information stored in the main control RWM 44. Not limited to this, the main control CPU 42 may be able to initialize all of the predetermined information stored in the main control RWM 44. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, at least a part of the stored contents of the main control RWM 44 is initialized by turning on the power accompanied by the operation of the clear switch 46. The initialization command in this embodiment corresponds to initialization information. Then, the main control board 40 can output an initialization command among the control information in a situation where at least a part of the stored contents of the main control RWM 44 is initialized.

When the backed up game information is normal, the main control CPU 42 determines whether or not the clear switch 46 is on. When the clear switch 46 is on, the main control CPU 42 initializes the game information. Then, the main control CPU 42 ends the power-on process and stores the initialization command in the output buffer. On the other hand, when the clear switch 46 is not on, the main control CPU 42 ends the power-on process and issues a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power recovery command) capable of specifying that the system returns based on the backed up game information. Store in the output buffer. The power recovery command in this embodiment corresponds to power recovery information. In the present embodiment, the control executed by the power-on process corresponds to a predetermined control. That is, the main control board 40 can perform predetermined control when the power is turned on, and output a power recovery command when the predetermined control is completed. Then, when the power-on process is completed, the main control CPU 42 permits the timer interrupt and enables the timer interrupt process to be executed. As a result, the main control CPU 42 executes the above-mentioned special symbol input processing, special symbol start processing, jackpot game processing, state transition processing, and information output processing as timer interrupt processing performed at predetermined cycle intervals. That is, the main control CPU 42 stores various control commands (for example, fluctuation start commands, etc.) in the output buffer according to these processing results.

Next, various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 51 of the sub-control board 50 will be described.
First, the jackpot production process will be described.
The jackpot effect processing is a process for executing an effect during a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot effect). When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an opening command, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE so as to execute the opening effect. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a round command, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE so as to execute the round effect. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an ending command, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE so as to execute the ending effect.

Next, the production game processing will be described.
The effect game process is a process for executing the effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game during the execution of the special game. When the variable start command and the special symbol command are input, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to execute the effect game corresponding to the special game. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a variation start command, the sub-control CPU 51 selects an effect pattern (effect content) of the effect game based on the variation pattern that can be specified from the control command. Further, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a special symbol command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines a symbol combination to be derived in the production game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the command. When the jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the jackpot symbol combination. When the sub-control CPU 51 can specify the out-of-design symbol from the special symbol command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the out-of-symbol symbol combination.

Further, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not the execution condition of the reach effect is satisfied. As an example, the reach condition is established by determining a variation pattern with reach. In the reach condition, in addition to the fact that the fluctuation pattern with reach is determined, a predetermined reach effect lottery may be performed and it may be determined that the reach effect lottery is won. When the reach condition is satisfied and the jackpot symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the effect symbol constituting the jackpot symbol combination as the reach effect symbol. When the reach condition is satisfied and the out-of-order symbol can be specified from the special symbol command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the out-of-order symbol combination including the reach. When the reach condition is not satisfied and the symbol that is out of reach can be specified from the special symbol command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines the symbol combination that is out of reach and does not include reach.

Then, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to start the variation display of the effect symbols of each symbol string triggered by the input of the variation start command. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 starts the production game. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the effect game is played based on the selected effect pattern during the variation time defined in the variation pattern. As will be described in detail later, the sub-control CPU 51 can control the effect device group DE so as to execute various effects during the execution of the effect game. Then, when a predetermined timing arrives after the effect game is started, the sub-control CPU 51 temporarily stops and displays the symbol combination, and also displays the symbol combination as a fixed stop display when the variable end command is input. It should be noted that the sub-control CPU 51 may display the symbol combination as a fixed stop display when the lapse of the fluctuation time defined in the fluctuation pattern is triggered regardless of the fluctuation end command. In this case, the variable end command may be omitted.

Next, various effects performed during the execution of the effect game will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be capable of performing an effect (hereinafter referred to as an operation effect) for operating the effect operation means. As an example, the operation effect includes a cut-in effect that requires the effect operation means to be short-pressed only once.

The cut-in effect can be configured as follows as an example.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the cut-in effect is executed, a period during which the operation of the effect button D1 can be accepted (hereinafter referred to as an operation valid period) is set. During the operation valid period, the operation of the effect button D1 is accepted as a valid operation. In the present embodiment, the operation valid period is set with a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as an upper limit valid period) as an upper limit. That is, the operation valid period ends when the upper limit valid period is reached without the effect button D1 being operated after the start of the operation valid period. On the other hand, if the effect button D1 is operated before the upper limit valid period is reached, the operation valid period ends even if there is a remaining period of the upper limit valid period. In the present embodiment, the operation validity period corresponds to a specific period. Further, in the present embodiment, the upper limit valid period corresponds to the specified period.

During the operation valid period, the effect display device EH executes an effect that prompts the operation of the effect button D1 (see FIG. 4A). In the present embodiment, the effect of prompting the operation of the effect button D1 is displayed by the character string Bo of "press the button!", The operation icon Bg imitating the effect button D1, and the meter Mt indicating the remaining period of the operation valid period. It is composed. When the meter Mt is displayed in a certain operation valid period, the meter Mt changes its display mode with the lapse of the operation valid period, so that the remaining period of the operation valid period (the remaining period of the upper limit valid period). Can be specified. As an example, the meter Mt is configured so that the color tone in the frame gradually changes to a different color tone from the left end to the right end of the meter Mt. After the start of the operation valid period, if the upper limit valid period is reached without the effect button D1 being operated, the effect display device EH does not perform a predetermined specific effect, but instead performs an end effect (see FIG. 4B). ). For example, the specific effect is composed of a temporary display (so-called cut-in) of a predetermined character. For example, the end effect is composed of the display of information that can identify that the cut-in is not performed, such as the appearance of smoke disappearing. The specific effect is different from the end effect. On the other hand, if the effect button D1 is operated before the elapsed period from the start of the operation valid period reaches the upper limit valid period, the effect display device EH performs a specific effect (see FIG. 4C). In the effect display device EH, when the effect button D1 is operated to perform a specific effect after the operation valid period starts, a new specific effect is generated even if the effect button D1 is operated during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period. Not done. As described above, the effect of the present embodiment includes a specific effect executed based on the operation of the effect button D1 during the operation valid period in which the operation of the effect button D1 can be accepted.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is equipped with an operation assist function that assists the operation of the effect operation means required by the player when executing the operation effect. The operation assist function makes it possible to execute a control (hereinafter referred to as a specific effect control) that can be regarded as an operation of the effect operation means and execute the effect even if the effect operation means is not operated. It is a function. In the present embodiment, the specific effect control is a control capable of executing the specific effect as if the effect button D1 was operated even if the effect button D1 is not operated during the operation valid period. When the operation assist function is on, it is considered that the effect operation means has been operated even if the effect operation means has not been operated during the operation valid period for accepting the operation of the effect operation means, and the specific effect can be executed. That is, even if a certain effect operation means is not operated, the operation of the effect operation means is accepted. In this embodiment, when the operation assist function is off, the specific effect is not executed unless the effect operation means is operated during the operation valid period.

As will be described in detail later, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to switch on and off the operation assist function based on the operation of the effect operation means. The fact that the operation assist function is set to ON corresponds to a specific setting that enables execution of the specific effect control. The fact that the operation assist function is set to off corresponds to the fact that a specific setting is canceled. In the present embodiment, the timing at which the operation assist function is activated (hereinafter referred to as the operation timing) is defined between the start of the operation valid period and the elapse of the upper limit valid period. The operation timing is considered to have been operated even if the effect operation means has not been operated, and is a timing at which the operation of the effect operation means is accepted.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the operation assist function is set to off, in the effect display device EH, the operation assist function is turned off in the area DA which is a part of the image display area of the image display unit GH. As an example of information that can identify the above, an off icon FI including the character string "AUTO OFF" is displayed. Further, when the operation assist function is set to ON, the effect display device EH includes the character string "AUTO ON" as an example of information that can specify that the operation assist function is ON in the area DA. The on-icon NI is displayed. In this way, the effect display device EH displays either information that can identify that the operation assist function is set or information that can identify that the operation assist function is not set. It is configured as follows. Not limited to this, when the specific effect control is not set to be executable, the information that can identify that the operation assist function is not set is displayed, while the specific effect control is set to be executable. Occasionally, it may be configured so that information about the setting of the operation assist function is not displayed. In addition, when the specific effect control is set to be executable, information that can identify that the operation assist function is set is displayed, while when the specific effect control is not set to be executable, the operation is performed. It may be configured so that information about auxiliary function settings is not displayed. In the present embodiment, the on-icon NI as information that can identify that the operation assist function is turned on and the off-icon FI as information that can identify that the operation assist function is not turned on are , Corresponds to specific information. As described above, the effect display device EH is configured to be able to notify specific information. The specific information includes at least one of information that can identify that the operation assist function is turned on and information that can identify that the operation assist function is not set to on.

Each of the effect devices constituting the effect device group DE performs a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as a start-up operation) when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is activated by turning on the power. In the present embodiment, the start-up operation corresponds to the initial operation.

The operation at the time of starting the effect display device EH will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the effect display device EH, when the power is turned on, the effect display device EH is operated at startup. The start-up operation of the effect display device EH is configured to include the display of the initial background Sh. The initial background Sh is different from any of the background image in the variable game, the background image in the jackpot game, and the background image in the standby state. Here, in the standby state, neither the first special game nor the second special game is executed, neither the first special hold number nor the second special hold number is zero, and the jackpot game is in progress. There is no state. For example, the initial background Sh is a background that changes so as to switch a plurality of monochrome images having different color tones in a predetermined order. As a result, the manager of the gaming machine or the like can confirm whether or not the effect display device EH operates normally, that is, whether or not there is a defect in the effect display device EH such as burn-in or missing dots.

Further, the start-up operation of the effect display device EH indicates the display of the character string NL1 "Now Loading" and the end timing (remaining time) of the start-up operation as information that can identify that the start-up operation is in progress. It is configured to include and display the meter NL2. As an example, the meter NL2 is configured so that the color tone in the frame gradually changes to a different color tone from the left end to the right end of the meter. The start-up operation of the effect display device EH ends at the timing when the color tone of the meter NL2 gradually changes to a different color tone and all the color tones in the frame change to different color tones. The priority (layer) of the character string NL1 and the meter NL2 is set higher than the priority (layer) of the initial background Sh. Therefore, the character string NL1 and the meter NL2 are displayed as if they are on the front side of the initial background Sh. Further, the priority (layer) of the initial background Sh is set higher than the priority (layer) of the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI. Therefore, when the initial background Sh is displayed, the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI are not displayed.

The operation at the time of starting the effect movable body EY will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in the effect movable body EY, when the power is turned on, the start-up operation as the effect movable body EY is performed. The effect movable body EY repeatedly performs the displacement from the in-situ position GI to the effect position EI and the displacement from the effect position EI to the in-situ position GI as the operation at the time of activation. As a result, the manager of the gaming machine can determine whether or not the effect movable body EY operates normally, that is, the effect movable body EY cannot be displaced from the in-situ GI or stops in the middle. It is possible to confirm whether or not there is a problem with the body EY. The effect movable body EY is provided in front of the effect display device EH in the front view. The effect display device EH and the effect movable body EY overlap each other in the front view when the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI. Therefore, when the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the image display area of the image display unit GH.

Here, when the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI, the effect movable body EY overlaps the area DA, and a part of the image displayed in the area DA is blocked by the effect movable body EY. It becomes difficult to visually recognize (see FIG. 5 (b)). For this reason, a part of the display of the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI (specific information) is restricted during the execution of the activation operation of the effect movable body EY, and it becomes difficult to visually recognize. In other words, it is difficult to recognize whether the operation assist function is on or the operation assist function is off during the execution of the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY. As described above, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the notification of specific information may be limited during the execution period of the start-up operation. The effect movable body EY ends the start-up operation when the number of repetitions of the displacement between the in-situ position GI and the effect position EI reaches a predetermined number of times. In this embodiment, the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY is longer than the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect display device EH. When the start-up operation is completed, the effect movable body EY is controlled to be located at the original position GI.

The operation at the time of starting the decorative lamp LA will be described.
When the power is turned on, the decorative lamp LA emits light and turns off according to the light emission pattern of the start-up operation. As a result, the administrator of the gaming machine can determine whether or not the light emitting body (not shown) constituting the decorative lamp LA can normally emit light, that is, whether or not there is a defect of the decorative lamp LA such that there is a light emitting body that cannot emit light. You can check. The light emission pattern of the start-up operation is different from any of the light emission pattern in the variable game, the light emission pattern in the jackpot game, or the light emission pattern in the standby state. The start-up operation of the decorative lamp LA ends after a predetermined time has elapsed. In the present embodiment, the execution period of the start-up operation of the decorative lamp LA is longer than the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY.

The operation at the time of starting the speaker SP will be described.
In the speaker SP, when the power is turned on, voice output is performed with a voice pattern (sound effect, music, etc.) of the operation at startup. The voice pattern of the start-up operation is different from any of the voice pattern in the variable game, the voice pattern in the jackpot game, and the voice pattern in the standby state. As a result, the administrator of the gaming machine can confirm whether or not the speaker SP can normally output sound, that is, whether or not there is a problem with the speaker SP such as silence or noise. can. The start-up operation of the speaker SP ends when a predetermined time elapses. In the present embodiment, the execution period of the start-up operation of the speaker SP is longer than the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY.

As described above, the start-up operation, which is an example of the initial operation, is not intended only to displace the effect device itself as in the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY, but is to display an image on the effect display device EH. , The light emission in the decorative lamp LA, and the audio output in the speaker SP are intended to be included.

Hereinafter, the control related to the operation at startup will be described.
When the power is turned on, the sub-control CPU 51 waits until the control information (control command) is input from the main control board 40. The sub-control board 50 (sub-control CPU 51) is started up before the main control board 40 (main control CPU 42), and the control command can be input. The sub-control CPU 51 controls each effect device constituting the effect device group DE so that when any one of the power recovery command and the initialization command is input, the operation at startup is executed. In the present embodiment, inputting a control command of either a power recovery command or an initialization command corresponds to satisfying a predetermined condition. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 controls to execute the start-up operation when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that when any one of the power recovery command and the initialization command is input after the power is turned on, the operation at startup is executed. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to display the initial background Sh, the character string NL1, and the meter NL2. The sub-control CPU 51 starts measuring the execution time of the start-up operation of the effect display device EH. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to hide the initial background Sh, the character string NL1, and the meter NL2 when the measured execution time reaches a predetermined time. Then, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the process of controlling the start-up operation of the effect display device EH (hereinafter, referred to as the start-up operation process of the effect display device EH).

The sub-control CPU 51 controls the stepping motor of the effect movable body EY so as to execute the start-up operation when any one of the power recovery command and the initialization command is input after the power is turned on. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the stepping motor so that the effect movable body EY reciprocates (displaces) between the in-situ position GI and the effect position EI. When the sub-control CPU 51 operates the stepping motor until the number of repetitions of the displacement of the effect movable body EY reaches a predetermined number of times, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the stepping motor so that the effect movable body EY is located at the original position GI. Then, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the process of controlling the operation of the effect movable body EY at the time of activation.

The sub-control CPU 51 controls the decorative lamp LA so as to execute the start-up operation when any one of the power recovery command and the initialization command is input after the power is turned on. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the decorative lamp LA so as to emit light according to the light emission pattern of the startup operation. The sub-control CPU 51 starts measuring the execution time of the start-up operation of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the decorative lamp LA so that when the measured execution time reaches a predetermined time, the light emission according to the light emission pattern of the start-up operation is terminated. Then, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the process of controlling the operation of the decorative lamp LA at the time of activation.

The sub-control CPU 51 controls the speaker SP so as to execute the startup operation when any one of the power recovery command and the initialization command is input after the power is turned on. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the speaker SP so as to output voice in the voice pattern of the startup operation. The sub-control CPU 51 starts measuring the execution time of the start-up operation of the speaker SP. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the speaker SP so that when the measured execution time reaches a predetermined time, the voice output according to the voice pattern of the startup operation is terminated. Then, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the process of controlling the start-up operation of the speaker SP.

In the present embodiment, the power-on process executed by the main control CPU 42 ends during the startup operation, and the above-mentioned special symbol input process, special symbol start process, jackpot game process, state transition process, and information output process are executed. Can be done. As a result, the sub-control CPU 51 can input various control commands after the power recovery command or the initialization command. For example, control commands related to a variable game include a variable start command, a special symbol command, and a variable end command. For example, the control commands related to the jackpot game include an opening command, a round command, and an ending command. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs these control commands, if the effect device that can be specified to be executed from the control command is executing the start-up operation, the sub-control CPU 51 does not execute the effect at the time of start-up. Continue operation. When a control command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 causes the effect device that can be specified to be executed from the control command to execute the effect when the start-up operation is not being executed. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 starts the effect game when the variable start command is input after the start-up operation process of the effect display device EH is completed. Then, the operation effect can be executed during the execution of the effect game. Further, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a control command related to the big hit game after finishing the operation processing at the time of starting the effect display device EH, the sub-control CPU 51 causes the effect during the big hit game to be executed in response to the control command. The sub-control CPU 51 displays a background image in the standby state on the effect display device EH when none of the various control commands output by the main control board 40 is input after the effect display device EH has finished the start-up operation process. Let me. The sub-control CPU 51 causes the effect display device EH to display either the off icon FI or the on icon NI regardless of the input of the control command after the effect display device EH has finished the start-up operation process. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the effect can be executed for each effect device constituting the effect device group DE when the start-up operation is completed. again,
As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 can control the effect device group DE to execute the start-up operation after the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, when the power recovery command or the initialization command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 simultaneously starts the start-up operation of each effect device constituting the effect device group DE. In the present embodiment, the execution period of the start-up operation as the effect device group DE, which is an example of the effect execution means, is set after the start-up operation of each effect device constituting the effect device group DE is started. It is the period until the start-up operation in is completed. In the following description, when simply indicating "execute the start-up operation", it is meant to indicate that the start-up operation of the effect device group DE as a whole is executed. Further, when the term "execution period of start-up operation" is indicated, it is assumed that the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect device group DE as a whole is indicated.

Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, there is a limitation of limiting the control of a predetermined effect (auxiliary switching control related to the operation assist function described later) for the entire period of the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect device group DE. It is set for a period. Not limited to this, the limited period may be a part of the execution period of the startup operation. For example, the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY may be a limited period. In this case, the period from the start to the end of the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY corresponds to the limited period. Therefore, for example, even if the start-up operation of the decorative lamp LA and the speaker SP is being executed, the limited period ends when the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY is completed. As described above, the limited period is at least a part of the execution period of the startup operation, and is an example of a special period.

Next, the operation effect processing performed by the sub-control CPU 51 will be described.
The operation effect process is a process for executing the operation effect during the execution of the variable game. The sub-control CPU 51 identifies that the operation assist function is on when the auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53, and turns off the operation assist function when the non-auxiliary flag is stored. To identify. As will be described in detail later, the sub-control CPU 51 displays the off-icon FI in the area DA based on the fact that the non-auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53 when the operation at the time of starting the effect display device EH is completed. The effect display device EH is controlled so as to do so. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a variation start command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines whether or not to execute the operation effect based on the variation pattern identifiable from the command. When the sub-control CPU 51 decides to execute the operation effect, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to execute the operation effect (cut-in effect as an example).

When the sub-control CPU 51 decides to execute the cut-in effect among the operation effects, a predetermined timing determined between the start of the effect game and the temporary stop display of the effect symbols of the specific symbol sequence arrives. Then, the operation valid period is started. When the operation assist function is off, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to execute a specific effect (cut-in) at that time when an operation signal is input from the effect button D1 during the operation valid period. .. It should be noted that the specific effect is terminated until the effect symbol of the specific symbol sequence is temporarily stopped and displayed. When the operation assist function is off, the sub-control CPU 51 gives an end notification when the upper limit valid period (for example, 3.5 seconds), which is the upper limit of the operation valid period, elapses without inputting the operation signal from the effect button D1. The effect display device EH is controlled in such a manner. Since the operation assist function is off, the sub-control CPU 51 does not consider that the effect button D1 has been operated even when the operation timing (for example, 3 seconds after the operation valid period starts) has arrived. .. That is, the operation assist function does not operate.

On the other hand, when the operation assist function is on, when the operation signal is input from the effect button D1 after the start of the operation valid period and before the operation timing arrives, the sub-control CPU 51 executes the specific effect at that time. Controls the effect display device EH. Further, when the operation timing arrives without inputting the operation signal from the effect button D1, the sub-control CPU 51 considers that the effect button D1 is short-pressed when the operation timing arrives, and at that time, the specific effect is specified. The effect display device EH is controlled so as to execute. Further, when the sub-control CPU 51 receives the operation of the effect button D1 during the operation valid period, the operation valid period ends. As described above, during the operation valid period, the specific effect control can be executed, and it can be regarded that the effect button D1 is operated by the execution of the specific effect control. When the specific effect is executed, the effect is terminated before the effect symbol of the specific symbol string is temporarily stopped and displayed.

Next, a control for switching the operation assist function on and off (hereinafter referred to as an auxiliary switching control) will be described. As will be described in detail below, the auxiliary switching control is not executed during the start-up operation of the effect device group DE, but can be executed after the start-up operation is completed. Further, the auxiliary switching control is not executed when the operation valid period starts, and can be executed after the operation valid period ends. That is, switching on and off of the operation assist function is limited to the execution period of the start-up operation and the operation valid period. The execution period of the start-up operation and the operation valid period are periods during which the operation assist function cannot be switched on and off (hereinafter referred to as the non-switchable period). As described above, in the present embodiment, the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect device group DE is entirely a limited period.

The operation assist function can be switched on and off during the period during which the operation at startup is not executed and during the period during which the operation is not valid (hereinafter referred to as the switchable period). For example, the switchable period is the execution period of the variable game, the execution period of the jackpot game, and the period of the standby state. Hereinafter, the auxiliary switching control will be described in detail.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 can switch on and off the operation assist function based on the operation of the effect button D1. Specifically, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the operation assist function is off, the operation assist function can be switched on by long-pressing the effect button D1. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the operation assist function is on, the operation assist function can be switched off by operating the effect button D1.

The auxiliary switching control when the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the switchable period will be described.
During the switchable period, the sub-control CPU 51 can identify that the operation assist function is on when the operation assist function is turned off, the operation (press) of the effect button D1 is started, and the long press operation is performed. The auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53. More specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 has an operation signal from the effect button D1 when the operation assist function is off and the operation signal (on signal) from the effect button D1 is not input. Is input, and when the input period reaches the predetermined period Lm (for example, 2 seconds), the auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53. In the present embodiment, storing the auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 by the sub-control CPU 51 corresponds to performing control to make a specific setting so that the specific effect control can be executed. The sub-control CPU 51 can perform control to make a specific setting that enables execution of the specific effect control based on the operation of the effect button D1. More specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 can perform control to make a specific setting based on the period during which the effect button D1 has been continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm.

In the switchable period, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 and starts the operation valid period before the input period reaches the predetermined period Lm (when the operation valid period shifts to the non-switchable period), the auxiliary control CPU 51 assists. The flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an operation signal from the effect button D1, the operation valid period starts before the input period reaches the predetermined period Lm, and the operation signal from the effect button D1 is input even during the operation valid period. Even if the input period in the operation valid period reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. After that, even after the operation valid period ends, the operation signal is continuously input from the effect button D1, and even if the input period in the switchable period after the operation valid period (non-switchable period) ends reaches the predetermined period Lm. The auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. As described above, when the operation valid period starts in the period from the input of the operation signal from the effect button D1 and the input of the operation signal from the effect button D1 until the predetermined period reaches Lm, the sub-control CPU 51 is used. The auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53.

Further, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 during the non-switchable period, and when the power is turned off and the power is turned on before the input period reaches the predetermined period Lm, the sub-control CPU 51 sub-controls the auxiliary flag. Do not store in RWM53. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an operation signal from the effect button D1, and the effect button D1 is also turned off, turned on, and turned on before the input period reaches the predetermined period Lm. Even if the input period after the power is turned on reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. After that, the execution period of the startup operation after the power is turned on ends, and even after the execution period of the startup operation ends, the operation signal from the effect button D1 continues to be input, and the execution period of the startup operation ends. Even if the input period in the later switchable period reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1, and the execution period of the start-up operation starts in the period from the input of the operation signal from the effect button D1 until the predetermined period Lm is reached. When this is done, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53.

As described above, even if the input period of the operation signal reaches the predetermined period Lm, the sub-control CPU 51 has a part of the input period of the operation signal as either the execution period of the start-up operation or the operation valid period. When the input period is included and the input period spans the switchable period and the non-switchable period, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. In other words, even if the input period of the operation signal reaches the predetermined period Lm, the sub-control CPU 51 includes the entire input period of the operation signal in the switchable period, and the input period is the switchable period and the non-switchable period. When not straddling, the auxiliary flag may be stored in the sub-control RWM53.

During the switchable period, the sub-control CPU 51 stores in the sub-control RWM 53 a non-auxiliary flag that can identify that a specific setting is off when the effect button D1 is operated when the operation assist function is on. .. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 is not assisted when the operation signal from the effect button D1 is input when the operation assist function is on and the operation signal from the effect button D1 is not input. The flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 turns off the operation assist function regardless of the length of the operation signal input period. In the present embodiment, storing the non-auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 by the sub-control CPU 51 corresponds to controlling to release a specific setting. The sub-control CPU 51 can control the release of a specific setting based on the operation of the effect button D1 (short press operation in the present embodiment).

When the operation assist function is off, the sub-control CPU 51 reaches the predetermined period Lm for the input period of the operation signal from the effect button D1, and when the auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53, the input period of the operation signal is predetermined. Even if the operation signal is continuously input after reaching the period Lm, the non-auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. That is, after the operation assist function is set to be on by the operation of turning on the effect button D1, it is not reset to off even if the operation of turning on the effect button D1 is maintained as it is. Similarly, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an operation signal from the effect button D1 when the operation assist function is on, and inputs an operation signal from the effect button D1 when the non-auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53. After that, the operation signal is continuously input, and even if the input period of the operation signal reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. That is, after the operation assist function is set to off by the operation of turning on the effect button D1, it is not reset to on even if the operation of turning on the effect button D1 is maintained as it is.

Next, the auxiliary switching control when the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the execution period (that is, the limited period) of the start-up operation in the non-switchable period will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 51 is started by turning on the power, the non-auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM 53 and then the start-up operation is executed. During the execution period of the start-up operation, the sub-control CPU 51 does not store the auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started and the operation of the effect button D1 is long-pressed when the operation assist function is off. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 when the operation assist function is off and the operation signal from the effect button D1 is not input. Even if the input period of the operation signal reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 does not control to make a specific setting even if the period during which the effect button D1 is continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm during the execution period of the start-up operation. In other words, it is restricted to make specific settings during the execution period of the startup operation. As described above, after the end of the execution period of the start-up operation, it is permissible to make a specific setting except for the operation valid period. As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 controls to make a specific setting so that the specific effect control can be executed based on the operation of the effect button D1 after inputting either the power recovery command or the initialization command. It is possible to do.

The sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 during the execution period of the start-up operation, and continues to input the operation signal from the effect button D1 even after the execution period of the start-up operation ends, and the start-up operation is performed. Even if the input period in the switchable period after the end reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the operation assist function is off during the execution period of the start-up operation, even if the effect button D1 is pressed and held for a long time, the operation assist function is not switched on.

As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 stores the non-auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 when the power is turned on. Then, during the execution period of the start-up operation, the sub-control CPU 51 does not make any specific setting. Therefore, the execution period of the startup operation is a state in which a specific setting is canceled. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 does not store the non-auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 during the execution period of the start-up operation.

Next, the auxiliary switching control when the operation of the effect button D1 is started during the operation valid period in the non-switchable period will be described.
During the operation valid period, the sub-control CPU 51 does not store the auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started and the operation is long-pressed when the operation assist function is off. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 when the operation assist function is off and the operation signal from the effect button D1 is not input. Even if the input period of the operation signal reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 does not perform control for making a specific setting even if the period during which the effect button D1 is continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm during the operation valid period. In other words, it is restricted to make specific settings during the operation validity period. As described above, it is possible to make a specific setting in a period different from the operation valid period after the start-up operation is completed. That is, it is permissible to make specific settings after the end of the operation validity period.

The sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 during the operation valid period, continues to input the operation signal from the effect button D1 even after the operation valid period ends, and switches after the operation valid period ends. Even if the input period in the possible period reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the operation assist function is off during the operation valid period, the operation assist function is not switched on even if the effect button D1 is pressed and held for a long time.

During the operation valid period, the sub-control CPU 51 does not store the non-auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 even if the effect button D1 is operated when the operation assist function is on. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 may input the operation signal from the effect button D1 even when the operation assist function is on and the operation signal from the effect button D1 is not input. , The non-auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. Even if the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 during the operation valid period and continues to input the operation signal from the effect button D1 even after the operation valid period ends, the sub-control CPU 51 subordinates the non-auxiliary flag. Not stored in the control RWM53. As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 does not control to release the specific setting even if the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period. That is, it is regulated to cancel a specific setting during the operation validity period. As described above, it is possible to cancel a specific setting in a period different from the operation valid period. That is, it is permissible to cancel a specific setting after the operation validity period ends.

Here, the auxiliary switching control when the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period and a specific effect (cut-in as an example) is executed will be described.
As described above, when the sub-control CPU 51 executes the operation effect (cut-in effect), the sub-control CPU 51 sets the operation valid period up to a predetermined upper limit effective period (for example, 3.5 seconds). The sub-control CPU 51 measures the time from the start of the operation valid period. Then, when the operation assist function is off, the sub-control CPU 51 executes a specific effect by inputting an operation signal from the effect button D1 before the upper limit valid period elapses. The sub-control CPU 51 stops inputting the operation signal of the effect button D1 during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period when the operation of the effect button D1 is received, and again inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 to obtain the operation signal. When the input period reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53. For example, when the operation assist function is off, the sub-control CPU 51 executes a specific effect when an operation signal is input from the effect button D1 when one second has elapsed from the start of the operation valid period. At this time, the upper limit valid period is 2.5 seconds remaining as the remaining period. After that, in a situation where the remaining period of the upper limit valid period exceeds a predetermined period Lm (for example, 2 seconds), the sub-control CPU 51 stops inputting the operation signal of the effect button D1, and again inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1. When the input period of the operation signal reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53.

As described above, when the operation assist function is off, the sub-control CPU 51 does not store the auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 even if the operation signal of the effect button D1 is input during the operation valid period. On the other hand, when the operation assist function is off, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal of the effect button D1 during the operation valid period, executes the specific effect, and then inputs the operation signal of the effect button D1 again. , The auxiliary flag can be stored in the sub-control RWM53 even for the remaining period up to the upper limit set in the operation valid period. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, no specific setting is made. On the other hand, when the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period and the specific effect is executed, the effect button D1 is operated even during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period after the operation of the effect button D1 is completed. It is possible to make specific settings.

When the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, the specific effect is executed and the operation valid period ends. That is, in the present embodiment, if there is a remaining period of the upper limit valid period, the remaining period is a switchable period. In the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1 and stores the auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM53, the sub-control CPU 51 continues to input the operation signal from the effect button D1. However, the non-auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the effect button D1 is operated and a specific setting is made during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is made. Even if it is, the specific setting is not canceled.

Further, as described above, when the operation assist function is on, the sub-control CPU 51 does not store the non-auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 even if the operation signal of the effect button D1 is input during the operation valid period. On the other hand, when the operation assist function is on, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal of the effect button D1 during the operation valid period, executes the specific effect, and then inputs the operation signal of the effect button D1 again. The non-auxiliary flag can be stored in the sub-control RWM53 even during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, no specific setting is made. On the other hand, when the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period and the specific effect is executed, the effect button D1 is operated even during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period after the operation of the effect button D1 is completed. It is possible to cancel a specific setting.

During the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the operation signal from the effect button D1, and when the non-auxiliary flag is stored in the sub-control RWM53, the sub-control CPU 51 continues to input the operation signal from the effect button D1. Even if the input period of the operation signal reaches the predetermined period Lm, the auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the effect button D1 is operated and the specific setting is canceled during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is released. Even if it continues, no specific settings are made.

As described above, in the present embodiment, control for switching on / off of the operation assist function is performed based on the operation of the effect button D1 and the situation when the effect button D1 is operated. The sub-control CPU 51 can perform control to make a specific setting based on the period during which the effect button D1 has been continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm in a period different from the execution period of the start-up operation. be. Further, the sub-control CPU 51 can control to release a specific setting based on the operation of the effect button D1 in a period different from the execution period of the start-up operation. Similarly, the sub-control CPU 51 can perform control to make a specific setting based on the period during which the effect button D1 has been continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm in a period different from the operation valid period. be. Further, the sub-control CPU 51 can control to release a specific setting based on the operation of the effect button D1 in a period different from the operation valid period.

Hereinafter, an example in which the operation assist function is switched on and off based on the operation of the effect button D1 will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a situation in which the effect button D1 is operated during the execution of the start-up operation after the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the operation assist function is set to off. That is, the specific setting is released. At time point t10, after the power is turned on, the start-up operation is executed. At the time point t11, the effect button D1 is operated. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t11 shall be continued until the time point t13. It is assumed that the period from the time point t11 to the time point t12 is a predetermined period Lm (2 seconds as an example), and the effect button D1 is operated for a long time from the time point t11 to the time point t12. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t11 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t12, and the specific setting remains canceled. After that, at the time point t13, the operation of the effect button D1 ends. At time point t13, the startup operation is being executed. As described above, even if the effect button D1 that can make a specific setting is operated during the execution of the startup operation, the specific setting is not made. In other words, certain settings are restricted during the execution period of the startup operation.

After the operation of the effect button D1 is completed at the time point t13, the effect button D1 is operated at the time point t14. At time point t14, the startup operation is being executed. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t14 shall be continued until the time point t18. It is assumed that the period from the time point t14 to the time point t15 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t14 to the time point t15. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t14 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t15, and the specific setting remains canceled. After that, at the time point t16, the start-up operation ends. That is, at the time point t16, the execution period of the start-up operation ends, and the period shifts to a period different from the execution period of the start-up operation. It should be noted that the operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t14 shall be continued even after the start-up operation is completed. At the time point t17 when a predetermined period Lm has elapsed from the time point t16, the specific setting is not made and the specific setting remains canceled. As described above, in the present embodiment, the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the operation of the effect button D1 is started during the execution period of the start-up operation, and the effect button D1 is continued after the end of the execution period of the start-up operation. Even if the period during which the operation is continued reaches the predetermined period Lm, no specific setting is made.

After the operation of the effect button D1 is completed at the time point t18, the effect button D1 is operated at the time point t19. After that, it is assumed that the effect button D1 is continued until at least the time point t20. It is assumed that the period from the time point t19 to the time point t20 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t19 to the time point t20. When the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t19 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is made at the time point t20. That is, a specific setting is made based on the long press operation of the effect button D1 in the switchable period, which is a period different from the execution period of the start-up operation after the execution period of the start-up operation ends. In this way, during the execution period of the start-up operation, even if the effect button D1 that can make a specific setting is operated, the specific setting is not made, but after the end of the execution period of the start-up operation, When the effect button D1 that can make a specific setting is operated, the specific setting can be made. In other words, in the execution period (special period) of the startup operation, specific settings are restricted, and after the end of the execution period of the startup operation (after the end of the startup operation), specific settings are made. Is acceptable. Even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is made at the time point t20, the specific setting is not canceled.

FIG. 7 shows a situation in which the effect button D1 is operated during the execution of the operation effect. At the time point t30, the operation effect (cut-in effect in this embodiment) starts, and the operation valid period is set. Then, the operation valid period is set with a predetermined upper limit valid period as the upper limit. At this time, it is assumed that the operation assist function is turned off. At the time point t31, the effect button D1 is operated to execute the specific effect, and the operation valid period ends. After that, the specific effect ends at the time point t32. The upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation effect, is the period up to the time point t33, and at the time point t31, the upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation valid period, has not been reached. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t31 shall be continued until the time point t34.

It is assumed that the period from the time point t31 to the time point t32 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t31 to the time point t32. The upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation effect, is the period up to the time point t33, and at the time point t31, the upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation valid period, has not been reached. That is, the time point t32 is in the remaining period of the upper limit valid period. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t31 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t32, and the specific setting remains canceled. As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, the specific effect is not set, while the specific effect is executed. Further, even if the operation valid period ends after the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the operation valid period and the period during which the effect button D1 continues to be operated in a period different from the operation valid period reaches a predetermined period Lm. , No specific settings are made.

At the time point t34, the operation of the effect button D1 ends. Then, at the time point t35, the operation effect is started again, and the operation valid period is set. At the time point t36, the effect button D1 is operated to execute the specific effect, and the operation valid period ends. The upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation effect, is the period up to the time point t40, and at the time point t36, the upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation valid period, has not been reached. After that, at the time point t37, the operation of the effect button D1 ends. Then, at the time point t38, the specific effect ends.

Further, at the time point t38, the effect button D1 is operated. The upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation effect, is the period up to the time point t40, and at the time point t38, the upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation valid period, has not been reached. That is, the time point t38 is in the remaining period of the upper limit valid period. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t38 shall be continued until at least the time point t40. It is assumed that the period from the time point t38 to the time point t39 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t38 to the time point t39. The time point t39 is in the remaining period of the upper limit valid period. When the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t38 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is made at the time point t39. As described above, in the present embodiment, although the effect button D1 is not set even if the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period, the specific setting is made even during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation valid period. It is possible to do. That is, when the effect button D1 is operated during the operation valid period and the specific effect is executed, the effect button D1 is operated even during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period after the operation of the effect button D1 is completed. It is possible to make specific settings.

As described above, in the operation valid period, even if the effect button D1 that can make a specific setting is operated, the specific setting is not made, but the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, which is the upper limit of the operation valid period. Inside, when the effect button D1 that can make a specific setting is operated, the specific setting is made. In other words, during the operation validity period, specific settings are restricted, and after the end of the operation validity period, specific settings are allowed. Even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is made at the time point t39, the specific setting is not released. That is, when the effect button D1 is operated and a specific setting is made during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, the specific setting is made even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is made. Is not released. Here, when the operation of the effect button D1 is completed after the time point t39 and then the effect button D1 is operated again, the specific setting is canceled. It should be noted that even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is canceled and the period during which the effect button D1 is continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm, the specific setting is not made. That is, when the effect button D1 is operated to make a specific setting during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, and after the operation of the effect button D1 is completed, the effect button D1 is operated to cancel the specific setting. Even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is canceled, the specific setting is not made.

FIG. 8 shows a situation in which the operation effect is executed after the effect button D1 is operated. At the time point t50, the effect button D1 is operated. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t50 shall be continued until the time point t55. At the time point t51, the operation effect is started and the operation valid period is set. At this time, the period from the time point t50 to the time point t51 is less than the predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is not operated for a long time from the time point t50 to the time point t51. It is assumed that the period from the time point t50 to the time point t52 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t50 to the time point t52. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t50 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t52 and the specific setting remains canceled. In the present embodiment, after the operation of the effect button D1 is started in a period different from the operation valid period, the operation valid period is started before the period in which the effect button D1 is continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm. Even during the operation valid period, the effect button D1 is continuously operated, and even if the period during which the effect button D1 is continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm, no specific setting is made.

After that, at the time point t53, the upper limit valid period is reached, and the operation valid period ends. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t50 shall be continued even after the operation valid period ends. At the time point t54 when a predetermined period Lm has elapsed from the time point t53, the specific setting is not made and the specific setting remains canceled. As described above, in the present embodiment, the effect button D1 continues to be operated after the operation valid period ends, and the period during which the effect button D1 continues to operate after the end of the operation valid period reaches the predetermined period Lm. However, no specific settings are made. Then, after the operation of the effect button D1 is started, the operation valid period starts before the period during which the effect button D1 continues to be operated reaches a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 operates even during the operation valid period. Even if the operation valid period ends and the period in which the effect button D1 continues to operate after the end of the operation valid period reaches a predetermined period Lm, no specific setting is made.

After that, the operation of the effect button D1 ends at the time point t55. At the time point t56, the effect button D1 is operated again. It is assumed that the period from the time point t56 to the time point t57 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t56 to the time point t57. When the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t56 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is made at the time point t57. Then, at the time point t58, the operation of the effect button D1 ends. Further, at the time point t58, the operation effect is started and the operation valid period is set. At this time, since the operation assist function is on, the specific effect is executed at the time point t59 even if the effect button D1 is not operated, and the operation valid period ends. Then, at the time point t60, the specific effect ends.

FIG. 9 shows a situation in which the operation effect is started during the execution of the start-up operation after the power is turned on, and the effect button D1 is operated. When the power is turned on, the operation assist function is set to off. At the time point t70, after the power is turned on, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP are started. As described above, the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect display device EH is shorter than the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP. Then, at the time point t70a, it is assumed that the start-up operation of the effect display device EH is completed, but the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP is not completed. That is, at the time point t70a, the effect display device EH is in a state where various effects can be executed based on the control command input from the main control board 40. Here, it is assumed that the fluctuation start command is output from the main control board 40 after the time point t70a. As a result, the effect game is started on the effect display device EH while the start-up operation is being executed by the effect device excluding the effect display device EH. Then, at the time point t71, the operation effect is started, and the operation valid period is set. At the time point t72, the effect button D1 is operated to execute the specific effect, and the operation valid period ends. After that, the specific effect ends at the time point t73. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t72 shall be continued until the time point t74.

It is assumed that the period from the time point t72 to the time point t73 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t72 to the time point t73. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t72 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t73, and the specific setting remains canceled. As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the effect button D1 is operated during the start-up operation execution period and the operation valid period, the specific effect is not set, while the specific effect is executed. In other words, during the execution period of the start-up operation, the specific effect is not set even if the effect button D1 is operated, while the specific effect can be executed based on the operation of the effect button D1. Further, even if the operation valid period ends after the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the operation valid period and the period during which the effect button D1 continues to be operated in a period different from the operation valid period reaches a predetermined period Lm. , No specific settings are made.

After the start-up operation of the effect display device EH is completed at the time point t70a, the effect display device EH displays either the off icon FI or the on icon NI in the area DA. Here, it is assumed that the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY is performed from the time point t70 to the time point t77. As described above, in the present embodiment, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI during the execution of the activation operation of the effect movable body EY. Therefore, after the time point t70a, in the effect display device EH, either the off icon FI or the on icon NI is displayed in the area DA, but the area DA is difficult to see due to the activation operation of the effect movable body EY. Become. Incidentally, when the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY is completed at the time point t77, the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI are easily visually recognized.

At the time point t74, the operation of the effect button D1 ends. Then, at the time point t75, the effect button D1 is operated. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t75 shall be continued until the time point t77. It is assumed that the period from the time point t75 to the time point t76 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t75 to the time point t76. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t75 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t76, and the specific setting remains canceled. After that, at the time point t77, the operation of the effect button D1 ends. At the time point t77a, the start-up operation ends. It should be noted that the start-up operation of the effect display device EH and the effect movable body EY has already been completed. That is, at the time point t77a, the start-up operation of the decorative lamp LA and the speaker SP ends. As a result, the start-up operation of the effect device group DE ends. As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the effect button D1 is operated during the execution period of the start-up operation and not during the operation valid period, no specific setting is made.

After the operation of the effect button D1 is completed at the time point t77, the effect button D1 is operated at the time point t78. After that, it is assumed that the effect button D1 is continued until the time point t80. It is assumed that the period from the time point t78 to the time point t79 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t78 to the time point t79. When the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t78 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is made at the time point t79. That is, based on the fact that the effect button D1 is operated for a long time in a period different from the operation valid period and the execution period of the start-up operation after the operation valid period and the execution period of the start-up operation are completed. Specific settings are made. Even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is made at the time point t79, the specific setting is not released. After that, at the time point t80, the operation of the effect button D1 ends.

After the operation of the effect button D1 is completed at the time point t80, the effect button D1 is operated at the time point t81. After that, it is assumed that the effect button D1 can be continuously operated until at least the time point t82. When the effect button D1 is operated at the time point t81, a specific setting is canceled. Here, it is assumed that the period from the time point t81 to the time point t82 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is operated for a long time from the time point t81 to the time point t82. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 starts at the time point t81, the specific setting is canceled, and a long press operation that allows the specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t82, and the specific setting is set. It remains unlocked. As described above, in the present embodiment, when the effect button D1 is operated and the specific setting is canceled when the specific setting is made, the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is released. Even if it continues to be done, no specific settings are made.

The effect of the first embodiment will be described.
(1-1) According to the present embodiment, the specific effect control can be executed during the limited period which is at least a part of the execution period in which the effect device group DE performs the start-up operation (so-called initial operation). It is regulated to set. Here, the start-up operation of the effect device group DE is for confirming whether or not a problem has occurred in the effect execution means. For this reason, for example, the administrator of a gaming machine, a player waiting for a recovery from a power failure, etc., may perform an operation for making a specific setting while being aware of the startup operation while the startup operation is being executed. It is also conceivable to operate the effect button D1 without being fully aware of whether or not this is the case. In such a situation, if specific settings are made, it is difficult to say that the settings were intended by the administrator or the player, and there is a risk that the interest of the player playing the game with the gaming machine cannot be improved. .. In the present embodiment, by restricting the setting of a specific setting during the limited period during the execution of the start-up operation, it is possible to suppress the setting from being unintended.

(1-2) In the present embodiment, it is restricted to make specific settings during the entire period during which the startup operation is executed. As a result, during the execution of the start-up operation, the effect button D1 is operated unintentionally without being fully aware of whether or not the operation is for making a specific setting because the start-up operation is consciously watched. It is possible to further suppress the setting.

(1-3) In the present embodiment, even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is canceled based on the operation of the effect button D1, the specific setting is not made. Therefore, a person who operates the effect button D1 (a person who makes a specific setting) continues to operate the effect button D1 after starting the operation of the effect button D1 in order to cancel the specific setting, which is unintentional. Even if an operation that can make a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made. This makes it possible to prevent unintended settings.

(1-4) In the present embodiment, when the period during which the effect button D1 is continuously operated reaches a predetermined period Lm during the operation valid period, and when the operation of the effect button D1 is started during the operation valid period, the effect button D1 The specific setting is not made when the period during which the operation is continued reaches the predetermined period Lm and when. As a result, it is possible to clearly distinguish between the operation valid period and the period in which a specific setting can be made, and allow a person who makes a specific setting to make the setting in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the setting intended by the person who makes a specific setting, and to suppress the setting from being unintended.

(1-5) In the present embodiment, the operation valid period starts before the period in which the effect button D1 is continuously operated reaches the predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is continuously operated even after the operation valid period ends. Even if it continues to be done, no specific settings are made. That is, in the present embodiment, the specific setting is not made in the situation where the period in which the effect button D1 is continuously operated and the operation valid period overlap. As a result, it is possible to clearly distinguish between the operation valid period and the period in which a specific setting can be made, and allow a person who makes a specific setting to make the setting in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the setting intended by the person who makes a specific setting, and to suppress the setting from being unintended.

(1-6) In the present embodiment, it is possible to notify specific information (icons NI, FI in the present embodiment) that can specify whether or not a specific setting is made, and the execution of the operation at startup is executed. In the meantime, at least part of the notification of specific information is restricted. For this reason, it becomes difficult to recognize whether or not a specific setting is made during the execution of the startup operation, and there is a possibility that a specific setting that is not intended by the person who makes the specific setting is made. In the present embodiment, it is regulated to make a specific setting in a limited period in which it is difficult to recognize whether or not the specific setting is made. This makes it possible to prevent unintended settings.

(1-7) According to the present embodiment, when a specific setting is made, the effect button D1 is operated even if the effect button D1 is not operated during the operation valid period that can be set with a predetermined upper limit valid period as the upper limit. A specific effect (as an example, a cut-in effect) is executed as if it were a real thing. Here, the operation valid period is a period during which a specific effect can be executed by operating the effect button D1. Therefore, in the situation where the effect button D1 is operated before the specific effect is executed during the upper limit valid period, there is a possibility that the player actively operates the effect button D1 to execute the specific effect. high. In such a situation, if a specific setting is made based on the operation of the effect button D1, it cannot be said that the setting is made according to the player's intention. On the other hand, even if the effect button D1 is operated during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, the player intends to promptly make a specific setting in preparation for the future if the specific effect has already been executed. It is highly possible that you are doing it. In the present embodiment, even during the same upper limit valid period, no specific setting is made even if the effect button D1 is operated before the execution of the specific effect, and the effect is performed after the execution of the specific effect. A specific setting was made possible based on the operation of the button D1. Thereby, in the present embodiment, it is possible to execute the specific effect according to the intention of the player, but it is possible to suppress the setting from being unintended.

(1-8) In the present embodiment, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the specific setting after inputting the power recovery command output by the main control board 40 after the completion of the predetermined control. Therefore, in the present embodiment, specific settings are not made before the main control board 40 completes a predetermined control, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of control inconsistency.

(1-9) In the present embodiment, the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an initialization command output by the main control board 40 in a situation where the stored contents of the main control RWM 44 are initialized, and then controls related to a specific setting. I do. Therefore, in the present embodiment, specific settings are not made regardless of the initialization of the stored contents of the main control RWM44, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of control inconsistencies.

(1-10) According to the present embodiment, it is possible to make a specific setting that enables execution of the specific effect control or cancel the specific setting based on the operation of the effect button D1. .. Here, after operating the effect button D1 to make a specific setting, it is conceivable that the operation of the effect button D1 is continued without being aware of it. In such a situation, if the specific setting is canceled after the specific setting is made, it cannot be said that the setting is in line with the player's intention. In the present embodiment, when a specific setting is made, the specific setting is not made even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is made. This makes it possible to prevent unintended settings.

(1-11) According to the present embodiment, it is possible to make a specific setting that enables execution of the specific effect control or cancel the specific setting based on the operation of the effect button D1. .. Here, after operating the effect button D1 to cancel a specific setting, it is conceivable that the operation of the effect button D1 is continued without being aware of it. In such a situation, if the specific setting is canceled and then the specific setting is made again, it cannot be said that the setting is in line with the player's intention. In the present embodiment, when the specific setting is canceled, the specific setting is not made even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is canceled. This makes it possible to prevent unintended settings.

(1-12) In the present embodiment, even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the limited period and the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the end of the limited period, no specific setting is made. This makes it possible to clearly distinguish between the restricted period and the period in which specific settings can be made, and allow the person who makes the specific settings to make the settings in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the setting intended by the person who makes a specific setting, and to suppress the setting from being unintended.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine will be described.
In the following description, the same configurations and the same controls as those of the embodiments already described may be designated by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof may be simplified or omitted.

In the present embodiment, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an initialization command after the power is turned on, each effect device constituting the effect device group DE is not executed at startup, and the initial setting menu is displayed. It differs from the first embodiment in that the display device EH is controlled. In the present embodiment, the initial setting menu displayed as an image corresponds to a specific image. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a power recovery command, each effect device constituting the effect device group DE is made to execute the start-up operation as in the first embodiment.

First, the display contents of the initial setting menu will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the second embodiment is configured to be able to display an initial setting menu on the effect display device EH after the power is turned on. When the clear switch 46 is turned on when the power is turned on, the pachinko gaming machine 10 displays an initial setting menu on the effect display device EH.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the effect display device EH, when the game information is initialized when the power is turned on, the initial setting menu is displayed. The initial setting menu includes the character strings "Please select an item", "Setting item 1", "Setting item 2", "Setting item 3", "End", "Selection", and "Enter", and the cursor. It is configured to include K, an operation icon Bg imitating the effect button D1, and an operation icon Jg imitating the cross key D2. The cursor K indicates which of "setting item 1", "setting item 2", "setting item 3", and "end" is selected.

"Setting item 1", "Setting item 2", and "Setting item 3" are items that can change the settings related to the game of the gaming machine. As an example, there are a setting item for setting the maximum brightness of the light emitting body of the decorative lamp LA and a setting item for setting the maximum volume output from the speaker SP. Not limited to this, for example, if a real-time clock (so-called RTC) is provided, there may be a setting item for setting the time. And, "end" is an item which can end the display of the initial setting menu.

When the lower key of the cross key D2 is operated (pressed) while the initial setting menu is being displayed, the effect display device EH is one item below the item indicated by the cursor K before the lower key is operated. Move to display. In the effect display device EH, when the cursor K indicates "end" and the down key is operated, the cursor K moves to "setting item 1" and displays it. Further, when the upper key of the cross key D2 is operated while the initial setting menu is displayed, the effect display device EH moves the item one item above the item indicated by the cursor K before the upper key is operated. Move and display. In the effect display device EH, when the cursor K indicates "setting item 1", when the up key is operated, the cursor K moves to "end" and displays.

In the effect display device EH, when the effect button D1 is operated (pressed) while the cursor K indicates any of "setting item 1", "setting item 2", and "setting item 3", It is possible to change the settings related to the game of the corresponding gaming machine. In the effect display device EH, when the effect button D1 is operated while the cursor K indicates "end", the display of the initial setting menu ends.

Next, the control related to the display of the initial setting menu will be described.
When the power is turned on, the sub-control CPU 51 waits until the control information (control command) is input from the main control board 40. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to display the initial setting menu when the initialization command is input. That is, the sub-control CPU 51 causes the effect display device EH to display the initial setting menu in the situation where the stored contents of the main control RWM 44 are initialized.

The sub-control CPU 51 includes the character strings "Please select an item", "Setting item 1", "Setting item 2", "Setting item 3", "End", "Selection", and "Enter", and the cursor. The effect display device EH is controlled so as to display K, an operation icon Bg imitating the effect button D1, and an operation icon Jg imitating the cross key D2. When the operation signal of either the up key or the down key of the cross key D2 is input, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to move and display the cursor K, and specifies the item indicated by the cursor K. The possible information is stored in the sub-control RWM53. When the operation signal is input from the effect button D1, the sub-control CPU 51 executes control regarding the item indicated by the cursor K. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 can change the game-related settings of the gaming machine corresponding to the "setting item 1" by inputting an operation signal from the effect button D1 when the item indicated by the cursor K is the "setting item 1". To control. When the operation signal is input from the effect button D1 when the item indicated by the cursor K is "end", the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so as to erase the display of the initial setting menu. Then, the sub-control CPU 51 ends the process of controlling the display of the initial setting menu.

As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 can control the effect display device EH to display the initial setting menu after the power is turned on. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to display an initial setting menu after the power is turned on. In the present embodiment, the period from the display of the initial setting menu to the disappearance is the display period of the initial setting menu, and the entire display period of the initial setting menu is the limited period for limiting the execution of the auxiliary switching control. It has become. That is, in the present embodiment, the restricted period is the entire period of the display period of the initial setting menu, and is an example of a special period. Not limited to this, the special period may be a part of the display period of the initial setting menu. For example, the special period may be a period from the display of the initial setting menu to the elapse of a predetermined time (30 seconds as an example). In this case, the period from the display of the initial setting menu on the effect display device EH to the elapse of 30 seconds corresponds to the special period. As described above, the special period is at least a part of the display period of the initial setting menu.

Then, in the present embodiment, the sub-control CPU 51 sets the entire display period of the initial setting menu as the limited period, and in the same manner as the limited period described in the first embodiment, the auxiliary control CPU 51 switches the operation assist function on and off. Take control. The auxiliary switching control when the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the display period of the initial setting menu is the auxiliary switching control when the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the execution period of the start-up operation of the first embodiment. , "Start-up operation" is read as "Initial setting menu" and "Execution period" is read as "Display period", so detailed explanations will be omitted.

Hereinafter, an example in which the operation assist function is switched on and off based on the operation of the effect button D1 will be described.
FIG. 11 shows a situation in which the effect button D1 is operated while the initial setting menu is displayed after the power is turned on. When the power is turned on, the specific setting is canceled. At time point t90, after the power is turned on, the initial setting menu is displayed. At the time point t91, the effect button D1 is operated. The operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t91 shall be continued until the time point t93. It is assumed that the period from the time point t91 to the time point t92 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t91 to the time point t92. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t91 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t92 and the specific setting remains canceled. After that, at the time point t93, the operation of the effect button D1 ends. At time point t93, the effect display device EH is displaying the initial setting menu. As described above, even if the effect button D1 that can make a specific setting is operated while the initial setting menu is displayed, the specific setting is not made. In other words, during the display period of the initial setting menu, specific settings are restricted.

After the operation of the effect button D1 is completed at the time point t93, the effect button D1 is operated at the time point t94. It is assumed that the effect button D1 is operated at the time point t94, so that "End" is selected in the initial setting menu and the display of the initial setting menu is completed. Further, the operation of the effect button D1 started at the time point t94 shall be continued until the time point t96. It is assumed that the period from the time point t94 to the time point t95 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t94 to the time point t95. Even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t94 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is not made at the time point t95, and the specific setting remains canceled. After that, at the time point t96, the operation of the effect button D1 ends. As described above, in the present embodiment, the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the display period of the initial setting menu, and the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the end of the display period of the initial setting menu. Even if the period during which the operation is continued reaches the predetermined period Lm, no specific setting is made.

After the operation of the effect button D1 is completed at the time point t96, the effect button D1 is operated at the time point t97. After that, it is assumed that the effect button D1 can be continuously operated until at least the time point t98. It is assumed that the period from the time point t97 to the time point t98 is a predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 is long-pressed from the time point t97 to the time point t98. When the operation of the effect button D1 is started at the time point t97 and a long press operation capable of making a specific setting is performed, the specific setting is made at the time point t98. That is, a specific setting is made based on the long press operation of the effect button D1 in a period different from the display period of the initial setting menu after the display period of the initial setting menu ends. In this way, during the display period of the initial setting menu, even if the effect button D1 that can make a specific setting is operated, the specific setting is not made, but after the end of the display period of the initial setting menu, When the effect button D1 that can make a specific setting is operated, the specific setting can be made. In other words, the display period of the initial setting menu is restricted from making specific settings, and it is permissible to make specific settings after the display period of the initial setting menu ends. Even if the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the specific setting is made at the time point t20, the specific setting is not released.

The effect of the second embodiment will be described. According to the second embodiment, it has the following effects in addition to the effects of (1-1) to (1-12) in the first embodiment.
(2-1) According to the present embodiment, it is restricted to make a specific setting that enables the specific effect control to be executed in a special period that is at least a part of the display period of the initial setting menu. Since the initial setting menu is displayed on the effect display device EH in the situation where the stored contents of the main control RWM44 are initialized, it can be recognized with a predetermined relationship with the initialization of the stored contents of the main control RWM44. It can be said to be an image. For this reason, for example, the administrator of the gaming machine operates the effect button D1 without being fully aware of whether or not the operation is for making a specific setting because he / she is conscious of the initial setting menu. It is also possible. In particular, it may occur more prominently when notifying the contents that make some operation conscious in the initial setting menu. In such a situation, if specific settings are made, it is difficult to say that the settings are made according to the intentions of the game machine administrator, etc., and as a result, it becomes impossible to improve the interest of the player who plays the game with the game machine. There is a risk. In the present embodiment, by restricting the setting of a specific setting in the special period of the display period of the initial setting menu, it is possible to suppress the setting from being unintended.

(2-2) In the present embodiment, it is restricted to make specific settings during the entire period in which the initial setting menu is displayed. As a result, while the initial setting menu is being displayed, the effect button D1 is operated unintentionally without being fully aware of whether or not the operation is for making a specific setting because the initial setting menu is consciously viewed. It is possible to further suppress the setting.

(2-3) In the present embodiment, even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started in the special period and the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the end of the special period, no specific setting is made. This makes it possible to clearly distinguish between a special period and a period in which a specific setting can be made, and allow a person who makes a specific setting to make the setting in an easy-to-understand manner. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the setting intended by the person who makes a specific setting, and to suppress the setting from being unintended.

The above-described embodiment can be modified and implemented as follows. It should be noted that each of the above-described embodiments and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

-In each embodiment, when the effect button D1 is operated to perform a specific effect after the operation valid period of the operation effect is started, even if the effect button D1 is operated during the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, a new effect button D1 is operated. No specific production is performed, but it is not limited to this. In each embodiment, when the effect button D1 is operated to perform a specific effect (hereinafter referred to as the first specific effect) after the operation valid period of the operation effect is started, the operation is performed without ending the operation valid period. When the effect button D1 is operated during the remaining period of the valid period (upper limit valid period), a new specific effect (hereinafter referred to as a second specific effect) may be performed. For example, there is a meter charge effect as an example of the operation effect. When executing the meter charge effect, the operation validity period is set. The operation validity period ends when the upper limit validity period ends. The operation validity period includes a first validity period and a second validity period. The first valid period is from the start of the operation valid period to the operation of the first effect button D1. After the first effect button D1 is operated after the operation valid period is started, the second valid period is set. That is, when the effect button D1 is operated in the first valid period, the second valid period is set. In this modified example, the first valid period corresponds to a specific period. During the first valid period of the meter charge effect, the effect display device EH executes an effect of urging the operation of the effect button D1. After the first valid period is started, if the upper limit valid period is reached without operating the effect button D1, the effect display device EH does not perform the first specific effect, but instead performs the end effect. For example, the first specific effect is configured by displaying a meter. For example, the end effect consists of displaying information that can identify that the meter is not displayed, such as how the smoke disappears. The first specific effect is different from the end effect. On the other hand, if the effect button D1 is operated before the elapsed period from the start of the first effective period reaches the upper limit effective period, the effect display device EH performs the first specific effect. Then, the second validity period is started. After the second valid period is started, if the elapsed period from the start of the first valid period reaches the upper limit valid period without operating the effect button D1, the effect display device EH does not perform the second specific effect. , The end production is performed instead. For example, the second specific effect is composed of a display in which the meter blinks. In the second valid period, the second specific effect may be executed each time the effect button D1 is operated until the elapsed period from the start of the first effective period reaches the upper limit valid period.

-For the above modification example, in the first valid period, even if the effect button D1 is pressed and held for a long time, a specific setting may not be made. On the other hand, in the second valid period, a specific setting may be made when the effect button D1 is pressed and held for a long time. That is, in the second valid period, the second specific effect may be executed when the short press operation is performed, while the specific setting may be made when the long press operation is performed. In the second valid period, the operation mode of the effect button D1 in which the second specific effect is executed and the operation mode of the effect button D1 in which the specific setting is made may be different or the same. When the operation mode of the effect button D1 in which the second specific effect is executed and the operation mode of the effect button D1 in which the specific setting is made are different, a special operation mode is used based on the operation mode of the effect button D1 in the second valid period. One of the execution of the effect and the specific setting may be performed. When the operation mode of the effect button D1 in which the second specific effect is executed and the operation mode of the effect button D1 in which the specific setting is made are the same, it is special that the effect button D1 is operated in the operation mode. While the effect is executed, specific settings may be made. Further, in the first valid period, even if the effect button D1 is operated, the specific setting may not be canceled. On the other hand, in the second valid period, a specific setting may be canceled when the effect button D1 is operated. In this case, the operation mode of the effect button D1 in which the second specific effect is executed and the operation mode of the effect button D1 in which the specific setting is canceled may be different or the same in the second valid period. You may. When the operation mode of the effect button D1 on which the second specific effect is executed and the operation mode of the effect button D1 from which the specific setting is canceled are different, the operation mode of the effect button D1 is based on the second valid period. Either the execution of the special effect or the cancellation of a specific setting may be performed. When the operation mode of the effect button D1 on which the second specific effect is executed and the operation mode of the effect button D1 from which the specific setting is canceled are the same, when the effect button D1 is operated in the operation mode. A special effect may be executed and a specific setting may be canceled.

-In each embodiment, in the operation effect, instead of or in addition to the cut-in effect that requires the effect operation means to be short-pressed only once, the effect button D1 is repeatedly short-pressed (so-called continuous striking). There may be an effect that requires the effect (hereinafter referred to as a continuous hit effect). In this case, in the effect display device EH, a specific effect may be performed when the number of short press operations of the effect button D1 reaches a predetermined number of times after the operation valid period of the operation effect starts. Further, in the effect display device EH, after the specific effect is performed, when the number of short press operations of the effect button D1 reaches a predetermined number of times in the remaining period of the upper limit valid period, a new specific effect may be performed. It does not have to be done.

-Regarding the above change example, when the operation assist function is on, even if the effect button D1 is not operated during the operation valid period of the continuous striking effect, the effect button D1 is regarded as being repeatedly short-pressed and specified. The production may be executed.

-In each embodiment, instead of or in addition to the cut-in effect that requires the effect operation means to be short-pressed only once for the operation effect, the effect button D1 is long-pressed for the operation effect. There may be an effect that requires that (hereinafter referred to as a long press effect). In this case, in the effect display device EH, when the effect button D1 is pressed and held after the operation valid period of the operation effect starts, the specific effect may be performed. Further, in the effect display device EH, if the effect button D1 is pressed and held for the remaining period of the upper limit valid period after the specific effect is performed, a new specific effect may or may not be performed. good.

-Regarding the above change example, when the operation assist function is on, even if the effect button D1 is not operated during the operation valid period of the long press effect, it is assumed that the effect button D1 is operated for a long time. The production may be executed.

-In each embodiment, the timing at which the operation assist function is activated may be at the start of the operation valid period, may be in the middle of the upper limit valid period, or may be later than the middle of the upper limit valid period. May be good. The timing at which the operation assist function is activated may differ depending on the type of operation effect.

-In each embodiment, when the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI, the effect movable body EY overlaps the area DA of the image display unit GH, and a part of the image displayed in the area DA is produced. It is hidden by the movable body EY and difficult to see, but it is not limited to this. When the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI, the effect movable body EY overlaps the area DA, and the entire line of sight of the image displayed in the area DA is blocked, so that the entire image cannot be seen. May become. Further, the effect movable body EY may be translucent or transparent. For example, if the effect movable body EY is translucent or transparent and the effect movable body EY overlaps with the entire area DA when the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI, it is displayed in the area DA. Although the image is not invisible, it is difficult to see.

-In each embodiment, the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI (specific information) are difficult to see or cannot be seen in the entire period during the execution period of the start-up operation as a whole of the effect device group DE. good. For example, the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI are difficult or invisible because the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI during the entire period during the execution period of the activation operation of the effect device group DE. There may be. For example, the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect display device EH and the execution period of the start-up operation of the effect display device group DE as a whole are the same period, and the on-icon NI and off are turned on by the start-up operation of the effect display device EH. The icon FI may be invisible. The priority (layer) of the initial background Sh is set higher than the priority (layer) of the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI. Therefore, when the initial background Sh is displayed, the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI are not displayed.

-In each embodiment, the information that can identify that the operation assist function is set to ON may be configured by the display mode of the ON icon NI. Further, the information that can identify that the operation assist function is set to off may be configured by the display mode of the off icon FI. For example, in the effect display device EH, both the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI are displayed, and depending on the display mode of the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI, the operation assist function is on or the operation assist function is off. It may be possible to specify whether or not it is. As an example, when the operation assist function is on, the brightness of the display of the on icon NI may be brighter than the brightness of the display of the off icon FI. Similarly, when the operation assist function is off, the brightness of the display of the off icon FI may be brighter than the brightness of the display of the on icon NI. In this modification, the mode brighter than the brightness of the other of the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI corresponds to the first display mode, and the display mode darker than the brightness of the other display corresponds to the second display mode. do. Further, as an example, when the operation assist function is on, the frame surrounding the on icon NI may be displayed, while the frame surrounding the off icon FI may not be displayed. Similarly, when the operation assist function is off, the frame surrounding the off icon FI may be displayed, while the frame surrounding the on icon NI may not be displayed. In this modification, the display mode surrounded by the frame corresponds to the first display mode, and the display mode not surrounded by the frame corresponds to the second display mode. In this way, the information that can identify that the operation assist function is turned on is configured such that the on icon NI is displayed in the first display mode and the off icon FI is displayed in the second display mode. There may be. Further, the information that can identify that the operation assist function is set to off is such that the on-icon NI is displayed in the second display mode and the off-icon FI is displayed in the first display mode. May be good.

-For the above modification example, if the effect movable body EY is located at the effect position EI during the execution of the activation operation of the effect movable body EY, the effect movable body EY overlaps with the area DA and is displayed in the area DA. Both the on-icon NI and the off-icon FI may be obscured by the effect movable body EY and become difficult to see. That is, during the execution of the activation operation of the effect movable body EY, the on-icon NI displayed in any of the first display mode and the second display mode, and any of the first display mode and the second display mode. Part or all of the display of the off-icon FI displayed by is restricted, and it may be difficult to see. As a result, it may be difficult to recognize whether the operation assist function is on or the operation assist function is off during the execution of the start-up operation of the effect movable body EY.

-In each embodiment, the sub-control CPU 51 can specify that the specific setting is restricted in the situation where the specific setting is restricted (hereinafter referred to as the non-setting notification). ) The effect device group DE may be controlled to execute. As an example, for the non-settable notification, the character string "To turn on the operation assist function, please cancel the operation once" may be displayed on the effect display device EH, and the speaker SP may display the "operation assist function". Cannot be turned on "may be output. Even if the sub-control CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute the non-settable notification in the situation where specific settings are restricted based on the operation of the effect button D1 during the switchable period. good. For example, during the switchable period, the sub-control CPU 51 is directed to execute the non-switchable notification when the effect button D1 is continuously operated after canceling a specific setting based on the operation of the effect button D1. The device group DE may be controlled. On the other hand, the sub-control CPU 51 may control the effect device group DE so as not to execute the non-settable notification when the effect button D1 is operated during the non-settable period. For example, during the operation valid period, when the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the effect button D1 is operated and the specific effect is started, the effect device group DE is controlled so as not to execute the non-settable notification. You may. As a result, if the non-settable notification is executed while the specific effect is being executed, the specific effect may be hindered. According to this modification example, it is possible to prevent the specific effect from being hindered by the non-settable notification. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 is set when the effect button D1 is operated, the operation valid period starts before the operation period reaches the predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 continues to be operated even during the operation valid period. The effect device group DE may be controlled so as not to execute the non-notification. For example, in the sub-control CPU 51, the effect button D1 is operated, the operation valid period starts before the operation period reaches the predetermined period Lm, and the effect button D1 continues to be operated even during the operation valid period, and the operation valid period is set. When the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the end, the effect device group DE may be controlled so as not to execute the non-settable notification. As a result, if the non-settable notification is executed while the operation effect is being executed, the operation effect may be hindered. According to this modification example, it is possible to prevent the operation effect from being hindered by the non-setting notification. For example, during the execution period of the start-up operation, when the effect button D1 is continuously operated after the effect button D1 is operated, the effect device group DE may be controlled so as not to execute the non-settable notification. .. As a result, if the non-settable notification is executed while the startup operation is being executed, the startup operation may be hindered. According to this modification example, it is possible to prevent the start-up operation from being hindered by the non-settable notification. In a situation where specific settings are restricted, the sub-control CPU 51 may control the effect device group DE so as not to execute the non-settable notification.

-In each embodiment, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP may be started at the same time and may have the same length of execution period. That is, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP may be started at the same timing and may be ended at the same timing. In this case, the special period may be a period from the start of the start-up operation of the effect device group DE to the time when a predetermined time (30 seconds as an example) has elapsed, and the start-up operation of the effect device group DE may be set. May be the period from the start to the end of. Further, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP may be started at the same time and may have different execution periods. That is, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP may be started at the same timing and may be ended at different timings. Further, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP may be started at different timings and have the same length of execution period. That is, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP may start at different timings and end at different timings. Further, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP may be started at different timings and may have different execution periods. In this case, the start-up operations of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP may be terminated at the same timing. In these modification examples, the start timing and the end timing of the start-up operation of the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP can be selected from any one or a plurality.

-In each embodiment, the effect display device EH may be displaceable. The effect display device EH may include a stepping motor as an example of means for displacing the effect display device EH. The sub-control board 50 may be connected to a stepping motor (not shown) capable of operating the effect movable body EY. The sub-control CPU 51 may be configured to be able to control the stepping motor. In this case, in the start-up operation of the effect display device EH, the effect display device EH may be displaced in place of or in addition to the display of the initial background Sh, the character string NL1, and the meter NL2.

-The non-switchable period in each embodiment was, but is not limited to, during the execution period of the start-up operation and during the operation valid period. The non-switchable period may include an interval period between the variable game and the variable game within the range in which the switchable period exists, and a part or all of the execution period of the jackpot game, the execution period of the variable game (operation valid period). Part or all of) and part or all of the waiting period may be included.

-In each embodiment, the operation validity period is set not only for the operation effect. For example, the operation valid period may be set to a period during which the music output from the speaker SP can be changed based on the operation of the effect button D1 and the music can be selected. For example, a function capable of changing the effect mode during the big hit game may be provided, and the operation valid period may be set during the period during which the effect mode can be selected. For example, the effect display device EH may have a function of displaying a predetermined menu based on the operation of the effect button D1, and the operation valid period may be set to a period during which the predetermined menu can be displayed.

-In each embodiment, all the effect devices constituting the effect device group DE are configured to be able to execute the start-up operation, but the present invention is not limited to this. Among the effect devices constituting the effect device group DE, the start-up operation may be executed only by one or a plurality of effect devices that can be arbitrarily selected.

-In each embodiment, the effect button D1 may include a light emitting body. When the operation assist function is on, the sub-control CPU 51 may cause the light emitter built in the effect button D1 to emit light in a predetermined color. On the other hand, the sub-control CPU 51 may turn off the light emitter built in the effect button D1 when the operation assist function is off. Then, during the start-up operation, the light emitting body built in the effect button D1 may be turned on and off according to the light emission pattern of the start-up operation.

-In each embodiment, the backup power supply may supply power to the sub-control board 50 in addition to the main control board 40 even after the power is turned off. By receiving power from the backup power supply, the sub-control RWM 53 may be able to retain the stored contents of the sub-control RWM 53 when the power is turned off even after the power is turned off. For example, the stored contents of the sub-control RWM53 to be backed up may include an auxiliary flag and a non-auxiliary flag. In this case, during the execution period of the start-up operation, the sub-control CPU 51 does not store the non-auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started when the operation assist function is on. Further, during the display period of the initial setting menu in the second embodiment, the sub-control CPU 51 does not store the non-auxiliary flag in the sub-control RWM 53 even if the operation of the effect button D1 is started when the operation assist function is on. .. Specifically, the sub-control CPU 51 may input the operation signal from the effect button D1 even when the operation assist function is on and the operation signal from the effect button D1 is not input. , The non-auxiliary flag is not stored in the sub-control RWM53. As described above, the sub-control CPU 51 does not control to release the specific setting even if the effect button D1 is operated during the execution period of the start-up operation. Further, the sub-control CPU 51 does not control to release a specific setting even if the effect button D1 is operated during the display period of the initial setting menu in the second embodiment.

-In each embodiment, the operation assist function may be changed to off, with the transition to the standby state as a part or all of the conditions. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 may cancel a specific setting after a predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds) has elapsed after shifting to the standby state. On the contrary, the sub-control CPU 51 may be configured to turn on the operation assist function on the condition that the variable game shifts to the standby state in which the variable game is not executed.

-In each embodiment, the operation of the effect button D1 whose operation assist function can be switched on may be a short press operation. Further, the operation of the effect button D1 whose operation assist function can be switched off may be either a short press operation or a long press operation.

-In each embodiment, the operation effect is not limited to the display effect, and may be configured to execute one or a combination of a voice effect, a light emission effect, and a movable body effect which can be arbitrarily selected.

-In each embodiment, the initial setting menu may be an image that can identify that the stored contents of the main control RWM 44 are initialized. For example, the sub-control CPU 51 may display the character string "Ramm clearing" on the effect display device EH.

-In the second embodiment, the startup operation may be executed after the display of the initial setting menu is completed. After finishing the display of the initial setting menu, the sub-control CPU 51 may control the effect display device EH, the effect movable body EY, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP to execute the start-up operation.

-In the second embodiment, when the initial setting menu is displayed, a voice effect that can identify that the initial setting menu is displayed on the speaker SP may be executed. The sub-control CPU 51 may output a dedicated sound that is output only when the initial setting menu is displayed on the speaker SP when the initial setting menu is displayed.

-In the second embodiment, when the initial setting menu is displayed, a light emitting effect that can specify that the initial setting menu is displayed by the decorative lamp LA may be executed. The sub-control CPU 51 may execute the light emission effect that is executed only when the initial setting menu is displayed when the initial setting menu is displayed.

-In each embodiment, after the end of the big hit game, a high ball entry rate state (short fluctuation time state) is always given, but not limited to this, a high ball entry rate state is given according to the type of the big hit symbol. There may be times when you do not. The privilege is not limited to the big hit game, and the high probability state may be a privilege, and the high ball entry rate state may be a privilege.

-In each embodiment, the special game may be displayed on the effect display device EH. In this case, the production game may not be displayed. The first special game and the second special game may be executed in the order of holding, or may be executed in parallel at the same time. Further, the second special game may be omitted.

-In each embodiment, the mechanical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be appropriately changed. For example, the effect display device EH may be configured to be composed of a plurality of display means, and some of the display means may be configured to be displaceable. For example, the operating means may be singular or plural (three or more), or may be a combination of a plurality of operating units.

-In each embodiment, the function of the main control board 40 may be realized by being divided into a plurality of boards. The main control board 40 may be composed of a plurality of CPUs mounted on a single board. The function of the sub-control board 50 may be realized by being divided into a plurality of boards. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may include a display board that specially controls the effect display device EH, a lamp board that specially controls the decorative lamp LA, and an audio board that specially controls the speaker SP. A control board that controls the board group in a unified manner may be further provided. Further, the sub-control CPU 51 may be composed of a plurality of CPUs mounted on a single board.

-In each embodiment, the gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, but the gaming machine is not limited to this, and may be configured as a slot machine.
The technical ideas that can be grasped from each embodiment and modification examples are described.

(1) Even if the effect operating means is continuously operated after the operation of the effect operating means is started in the special period, and the effect operating means is continued to be operated even after the end of the special period. , The specific setting is not made.

(2) The sub-control means can perform control to make the specific setting based on the period during which the effect operation means continues to operate reaches a predetermined period, and in the special period. Even if the effect operation means is continuously operated after the operation of the effect operation means is started and the period in which the effect operation means is continued to be operated after the end of the special period reaches the predetermined period. The specific setting is not made.

(3) The specific image is an image in which it can be specified that at least a part of the stored contents of the information storage means is initialized.

10 ... Pachinko gaming machine, 40 ... Main control board, 41 ... Microprocessor, 42 ... Main control CPU, 43 ... Main control ROM, 44 ... Main control RWM, 46 ... Clear switch, 50 ... Sub control board, 51 ... Sub control CPU, 60 ... power supply unit, D1 ... effect button, DE ... effect device group, EH ... effect display device, EY ... effect movable body, LA ... decorative lamp, SP ... speaker.

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine that can perform production by means of producing production
The main control means that outputs control information and
A sub-control means that controls the effect executing means based on the control information, and
An information storage means that can store predetermined information,
An initialization operation means capable of initializing the stored contents of the information storage means, and an initialization operation means.
Equipped with a production operation means that can be operated by the player,
The effect includes a specific effect executed based on the operation of the effect operation means in a specific period in which the operation of the effect operation means can be accepted.
The sub-control means can perform control to make a specific setting that enables execution of the specific effect control based on the operation of the effect operation means, and the specific effect control is the effect in the specific period. Even if the operating means is not operated, it is a control that can execute the specific effect by assuming that the effect operating means has been operated.
By turning on the power accompanied by the operation of the initialization operation means, at least a part of the stored contents of the information storage means is initialized.
The sub-control means can cause the effect executing means to display a specific image in a situation where the stored contents of the information storage means are initialized.
The special period, which is at least a part of the display period of the specific image, is characterized in that the specific setting is restricted and the specific setting is allowed after the end of the special period. A game machine to play. The special period is the entire period of the display period of the specific image.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein it is permissible to make the specific settings after the display of the specific image is completed. The sub-control means can control to release the specific setting based on the operation of the effect operation means.
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific setting is not made even if the effect operating means continues to be operated after the specific setting is released. The sub-control means can control to make the specific setting based on the fact that the period during which the effect operating means continues to operate reaches a predetermined period in a period different from the specific period. ,
The sub-control means does not control to make the specific setting even if the period in which the effect operating means continues to operate in the specific period reaches the predetermined period.
Even if the specific period ends after the operation of the effect operating means is started in the specific period and the period in which the effect operation means continues to be operated in a period different from the specific period reaches the predetermined period. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the specific setting is not made. The sub-control means can control to make the specific setting based on the fact that the period during which the effect operating means continues to operate reaches a predetermined period in a period different from the specific period. ,
The sub-control means does not control to make the specific setting even if the period in which the effect operating means continues to operate in the specific period reaches the predetermined period.
After the operation of the effect operating means is started in a period different from the specific period, the specific period starts before the period in which the effect operation means continues to operate reaches the predetermined period, and in the specific period. Even if the effect operation means continues to operate, the specific period ends, and the period during which the effect operation means continues to operate reaches the predetermined period in a period different from the specific period, the specific setting is made. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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