JP5430706B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine such as a ball game machine or a spinning-type game machine provided with a display device for variably displaying various symbols.

  Conventionally, a game machine such as a ball ball game machine determines whether or not the game machine is currently operating based on a signal detected from each sensor. Some switch to a power-saving mode that suppresses noise.

  For example, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 sets the pause signal to “ON” when all of the status signals such as the ball lending signal and the symbol rotating signal are “OFF”. Further, the in-rest signal is branched to the delay circuit, and after delaying for a predetermined time, the power saving mode is started. In the power saving mode, the power supply to the top light, lamp decoration, etc. provided in the gaming machine is stopped (Patent Document 1, paragraphs 0012 to 0017, FIGS. 3 and 4).

JP 2003-135684 A

  However, in the power saving mode state, if an error or an illegal act occurs in the gaming machine, notification and warning are not sufficiently performed because the lighting is restricted and the speaker volume is low. There was a fear.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. In the gaming machine in which the power-saving mode can be selected, the power-saving mode and the normal mode with different customer waiting displays can be selected at the intension of the game shop. An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing control giving priority to error notification over power saving when an error or the like occurs.

A gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention is a gaming machine provided with a display device for variably displaying various symbols, wherein the gaming machine is in a normal customer waiting state, and the gaming machine has a low power consumption customer. It is possible to select a power saving mode to be in a waiting state, and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the game stop, the normal customer waiting state or the power saving customer waiting state is set, and an error occurs before the predetermined time elapses. When this occurs, an error notification process for notifying the error is performed, and even if the predetermined time elapses, the apparatus does not enter the power saving customer waiting state for a specific period .

  The second invention further comprises a timer for measuring the predetermined time in the first invention, and when the error occurs in the gaming machine, the timer is stopped, and after the error is solved or the error is notified. After the end, time measurement by the timer is started.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, in the gaming machine in which the power saving mode is selected, when an error occurs, the error notification can be prioritized over power saving.

The perspective view of the front side which shows the external appearance of the pachinko game machine which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view of the back side which shows the external appearance of the pachinko machine of FIG. The front view of the game board of the pachinko machine of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus of the pachinko game machine of FIG. Explanatory drawing explaining the specification of a volume switch. The timing chart explaining the power saving mode. An example of a power saving waiting display displayed in the power saving mode. The timing chart explaining the normal mode. Example of fraud prohibition display and company logo display displayed in normal mode. The timing chart explaining the change from normal mode to power saving mode. The timing chart explaining the occurrence of an error before shifting to the low power consumption state. The timing chart explaining the occurrence of an error in a low power consumption state. The flowchart which shows the game management process performed by the main control side. The flowchart which shows the special symbol management process in FIG. The flowchart which shows the special symbol change start process in FIG. 11 (the first half). FIG. 12 is a flowchart (second half) showing special symbol variation start processing in FIG. 11. The flowchart which shows the main process performed by the sub-control side. 14 is a flowchart showing received command analysis processing in FIG. 13. 14 is a flowchart showing the main scenario update process in FIG. 13 (first half). 14 is a flowchart (second half) showing the main scenario update process in FIG. The flowchart which shows the timer interruption process performed by the sub-control side. The flowchart which shows the switch input state update process in FIG.

  First, an outline of the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment is a gaming machine provided with a display device for variably displaying various symbols, wherein the gaming machine is in a normal customer waiting state, and the gaming machine is a power-saving customer with low power consumption. It is possible to select a power saving mode to be in a waiting state, and when a predetermined time has elapsed since the game stop, the normal customer waiting state or the power saving customer waiting state is set, and an error occurs before the predetermined time elapses. When the error occurs, an error notification process for notifying the error is performed, and the waiting state for the power-saving customer is not set for a specific period even if the predetermined time has elapsed.

  The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has a normal mode and a power saving mode in which a customer is not playing a game, and the power saving mode is different. For example, when a store clerk of a gaming store operates a changeover switch, the mode is changed. You can choose.

In the waiting state for low power consumption customers, for example, the screen of the display device is darkened or the decoration LED is turned off except for a part thereof. Even if an error is notified in this state, the notification is not so noticeable. Therefore, if an error occurs in this gaming machine before the lapse of a predetermined time (before entering the power saving customer waiting state), an error notification process is performed, and a specific period (for example, an error notification period, or measurement is performed again). During the period of 180 seconds), the power saving customer waiting state is not set, and the state is maintained as it is.

  Thereby, error notification becomes conspicuous, and a high-security gaming machine that prioritizes error notification over power saving can be realized.

  In the present embodiment, a timer for counting the predetermined time is further provided, and when the error occurs in the gaming machine, the timer is stopped, and the timer is stopped after the error is solved or after the notification of the error is finished. It is preferable to start timing by.

  In this embodiment, when an error occurs in the gaming machine, a timer that counts a predetermined time (for example, 180 seconds after the game is stopped) is stopped. Here, “stopping the timer” includes stopping the timer temporarily in addition to stopping the time measurement by the timer.

  Whether to stop timing or stop temporarily by the timer is determined as follows, for example. When an error occurs, if the time (up to 180 seconds) until the power saving waiting state remains (for example, 60 seconds or more) remains, the timer is temporarily stopped and the error is resolved. Or, after the error notification is completed, the remaining time is counted. In addition, when an error occurs, if the time until the power saving waiting state is short (for example, less than 60 seconds), the timer stops counting, and after the error is resolved or the error notification is completed, The predetermined time is counted from.

  Thereby, when an error occurs before the predetermined time elapses, priority is given to error notification, and the gaming machine does not enter a power saving customer waiting state during the occurrence of the error. In addition, the gaming machine will not enter a state of waiting for a power-saving customer soon after the error is resolved or the error notification is completed.

  The reason why the timer starts counting “after the error notification is finished” is that the error notification may not be completed at the same time as the error is resolved. As a result, the gaming machine does not enter a power saving customer waiting state during a period in which the error is resolved but the error notification continues.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the part which comprises the pachinko game machine of this embodiment is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a rectangular outer frame 2, and a front frame 3 and a front door 5 that are pivotally attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be opened and closed.

  The front frame 3 has a frame shape, and a game board 4 (see FIG. 3) can be attached to the opening. Further, a glass plate 6 is fitted in the central portion of the front door 5 so that the game board 4 can be visually recognized from the outside.

  Speakers 7 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part of the front door 5. The speaker 7 is a sound output unit that outputs the effect sound effect accompanying the game to the outside. In addition, frame decoration LEDs 8 are provided on the left and right sides and the upper part of the front door 5. The frame decoration LED 8 is a decoration part in which the LED emits light and blinks in conjunction with the effect of the game, and corresponds to the “light emission decoration part” of the present invention.

  A front plate 9 is provided on the lower side of the front door 5, and a left end portion thereof is pivotally attached to the front frame 3 so as to be openable. The front plate 9 is provided with a launch handle 10 for operating the launch mechanism, an upper storage tray 11 for storing game balls, a lower storage tray 12 and the like.

  Further, a left effect button 13 and a center effect button 14 that can be operated when the built-in lamp is lit are provided on the surface portion of the upper storage dish 11. The production buttons 13 and 14 are given an opportunity for operation during the game, and the production can be changed by pressing the buttons.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back side of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, a frame-like back mechanism board 16 that holds down the game board 4 from the back side is attached to the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  A game ball storage tank 17 for storing game balls supplied from a game ball supply device (not shown) of the pachinko hall side island facility is provided on the upper side of the back mechanism board 16.

  A game ball payout device 19 for paying out game balls is provided at the inclined lower end of the tank rail 18 for drawing out the balls from the game ball storage tank 17. Furthermore, an external terminal board 21 for electrically connecting to a hall computer (see FIG. 4) that manages all gaming machines in the pachinko hall is provided at a corner portion of the back mechanism board 16. Is housed and provided.

In addition, a transparent back cover 23 mounted on the back side of the game board 4 is provided substantially at the center of the back mechanism board 16 , and transparent effect control in which the effect control board 25 is accommodated in the back cover 23. A substrate case 25a and a transparent liquid crystal control substrate case 26a that houses the liquid crystal control substrate 26 are provided.

  A volume switch 31 is provided at an intermediate portion between the effect control board 25 and the liquid crystal control board 26. The volume can be set in 10 steps by rotating the knob. The volume switch 31 can also select the mode (“presentation mode”, “power saving mode”, “normal mode”, etc.) of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  Below the liquid crystal control board case 26a, a transparent main control board case 24a that houses the main control board 24 is provided. The main control board 24 controls the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in an integrated manner. Since the main control board 24 is connected to various switches and sensors, it receives these detection signals and performs various processes.

  The main control board 24 is provided with a RAM clear switch 27. By depressing the RAM clear switch 27, the stored contents of the RAM area are erased, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the initial state.

  The effect control board 25 receives various control commands transmitted from the main control board 24, and controls the effects by the panel decoration LED 35 or the liquid crystal display device 36, for example, based on the control commands.

  Below the main control board case 24a, a transparent power supply board case 28a containing a power supply board 28 and a transparent payout control board case 29a containing a payout control board 29 are disposed.

  Further, at a position corresponding to the launch handle 10, a launch control board 30 is provided on the rear side of a game ball launcher (not shown) provided with a strike rod for hitting the game ball and a launch motor for driving the hit ball. .

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the gaming board of the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 4 is formed of a substantially square panel, and the game area 4a on the board surface includes a center decorative body 34a fixed to the front surface of the decorative board 4b with a screw or the like, and a left corner decorative body. 34b, a right corner decoration body 34c, and the like. The decorative bodies 34a to 34c are each formed by integral molding by injection molding using a hard resin material such as polycarbonate.

  A plurality of panel decoration LEDs 35 are arranged on the center decoration body 34a. The board decoration LED 35 is a decoration part that enhances the effect by changing the emission color and the emission mode in accordance with the symbol change display and the notice display in each game, and corresponds to the “light emission decoration part” of the present invention.

  An opening is formed in the center of the game board 4, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 36 is disposed in the opening. The liquid crystal display device 36 is a display that displays various effects such as a pattern on which various numbers, characters, and the like are drawn, a background image, and reach according to the game. The liquid crystal display device 36 corresponds to the “display device” of the present invention.

  On the right side of the center ornament 34a, a movable accessory 37a having the shape of a doll's arm is arranged. Further, a clog-shaped movable accessory 37b is disposed below the front surface of the liquid crystal display device. Both the movable accessories 37a and 37b operate according to the effects in the game and the expectation level of the big hit.

  Below the liquid crystal display device 36, a start winning device 38 including a first special symbol start port 38a and a second special symbol start port 38b is arranged. A lottery is performed when a game ball flowing down the game area 4a wins the first special symbol start port 38a or the second special symbol start port 38b, and the special symbol display device 43a described later displays a variation display of the special symbol. Made. In addition, the liquid crystal display device 36 also performs a variable display of decorative symbols corresponding to the special symbols.

  The second special symbol start port 38b is provided with an opening / closing member, and when the opening / closing member is opened, the game ball is easily won. The open / close member is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time when a normal symbol lottery to be described later is won. In the following, an apparatus in which the second special symbol start opening 38b and the opening / closing member are combined may be referred to as an ordinary electric accessory.

  Below the start winning device 38, a first big winning device 39a is arranged. Further, on the right side of the start winning device 38, a second large winning device 39b is arranged. The big winning devices 39a and 39b are winning devices that are opened for a predetermined time when a special symbol lottery is won, that is, when a big win is won. A lot of prize balls can be obtained by winning the game balls in the big prize opening (not shown) inside the big prize winning devices 39a and 39b.

  A special symbol display device 43a and a normal symbol display device 43b are arranged below the right side of the game area 4a. The special symbol display device 43a is composed of two 7-segment LEDs (left and middle), and changes the special symbol in response to winning in the special symbol start ports 38a and 38b, and displays the lottery result. In addition, the remaining one (right) displays the number of reserved balls of special symbols and normal symbols and the short-time state.

  The normal symbol display device 43b is a display composed of a plurality of LEDs. The normal symbol is started by the winning of the normal symbol start gate 40a, and the lottery result is displayed by turning on the LED.

  On the left side of the game area 4a, a normal symbol start gate 40a, a windmill 41 that changes the flow direction of the game ball, and a large number of game nails (not shown) are arranged. The normal symbol start gate 40a is a winning device that triggers the start of a normal symbol. A lottery is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol start gate 40a, and the normal symbol changes in the normal symbol display device 43b.

  In addition, a right normal symbol start gate 40b is disposed above the second grand prize winning device 39b. This is a starting gate for a normal symbol in a gaming state in which a right strike is made, and also has a role of detecting whether or not the player is making a right strike.

  A plurality of general winning ports 42 are arranged at the lower left side of the game area 4a. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 42, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out.

  On the leftmost side of the game area 4a, a guide rail 44 extending in a substantially vertical direction is arranged to guide the game ball launched by the launch mechanism to the game area 4a. The guide rail 44 is composed of two metal strip-shaped outer and inner guide rails 44a and 44b.

  A space extending in the vertical direction between the two outer and inner guide rails 44a and 44b forms a launch passage 45 through which a game ball launched from the launch mechanism passes. At the upper end of the inner guide rail 44b, a return ball prevention piece 46 that allows the shot ball to pass in the launch direction (the game area 4a side) and prevents the return ball (the launch path 45 side) from passing is provided. ing. Further, at the lowermost part of the inner guide rail 44 b, an out ball collection port 47 and a ball approaching portion 48 for introducing the out ball into the out ball collection port 47 are formed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of the pachinko gaming machine. In FIG. 4, the configuration of a relay board for relaying signals and some members not related to the present invention are omitted.

  This control device is mainly configured of a main control board 24 that comprehensively controls the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1 and an effect control board 25 that receives commands from the main control board 24 and controls the effects. The power supply board 28 is connected to each board including the main control board 24, receives an AC voltage 24V from an external power supply, converts it to a DC voltage, and supplies it to each board.

  The main control board 24 includes a main control board CPU 241, a ROM 242, and a RAM 243 therein. The main control board side CPU 241 is a so-called processor unit, and performs a lottery process for determining whether or not to generate a big hit, a process for creating a control command from information on the determined variation pattern and stop symbol, and transmitting the control command to the effect control board 25. I do.

  The ROM 242 is a storage unit that stores a control program describing a series of gaming machine control procedures, control data, and the like. The RAM 243 is a storage unit having a work area for temporarily storing data set by the processing of the main control board side CPU 241.

  Connected to the main control board 24 are a RAM clear switch 27, a start winning opening sensor 38c, a large winning opening sensor 39c, a starting gate passage sensor 40c, a general winning opening sensor 42c, a magnetic sensor 50, a radio wave sensor 51, and a vibration sensor 52. Each detection signal can be received.

  The magnetic sensor 50 is a sensor that detects an abnormality when a magnet or the like is brought close to the pachinko gaming machine 1. The radio wave sensor 51 is a sensor that detects an abnormality when a strong radio wave is emitted to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the vibration sensor 52 is abnormal when a strong vibration is applied to the pachinko gaming machine 1. It is a sensor to detect.

  Further, a special symbol display device 43a and a normal symbol display device 43b are connected to the main control board 24, and random number information acquired by the main control board side CPU 241 through a lottery process is transmitted to each of the symbol display devices 43a and 43b. .

  Further, the main control board 24 is connected to an external terminal board 21 having terminals for connecting to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Various information such as a big hit in a game, the number of winnings, and the number of games is transmitted from the main control board 24 to the hall computer via the external terminal board 21.

  Further, a payout control board 29 is connected to the main control board 24. Since the lower storage tray full sensor 12c and the door opening sensor 32 are connected to the payout control board 29, when these sensors detect an abnormality, a detection signal is transmitted from the payout control board 29 to the main control board 24. . Note that the game ball payout device 19 and the launch control board 30 (further connected to the launch device 10a) are connected to the payout control board 29.

  Next, the effect control board 25 includes an effect control board side CPU 251, a ROM 252 and a RAM 253 therein. The effect control board side CPU 251 is a so-called processor unit, which receives a control command transmitted from the main control board 24 and performs processing for controlling various effects based on the control command.

  The ROM 252 is a storage unit that stores a control program describing a series of effect control procedures, effect data, and the like. Moreover, RAM253 is a memory | storage part provided with the work area which memorize | stores temporarily the data set by the process of the production control board side CPU251.

  A speaker 7, a frame decoration LED 8, a panel decoration LED 35, a volume switch 31, a left effect button 13, and a center effect button 14 are connected to the effect control board 25. Thereby, the production control board 25 controls the sound effect of the speaker 7, operation | movement of each LED, etc., and is raising the production effect, for example.

  As for the effect buttons 13 and 14, when the player pushes them down during the effective period, the detection signal is transmitted to the effect control board 25, and the effect displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 changes.

  A liquid crystal control board 26 is connected to the effect control board 25. The liquid crystal control board 26 receives a command from the effect control board 25 and performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 36.

  The liquid crystal control board 26 includes a liquid crystal control CPU 261, a liquid crystal control ROM 262, a liquid crystal control RAM 263, a video display processor VDP 264, an image data ROM 265, and a VRAM 266 therein.

  The liquid crystal control CPU 261 is a so-called processor unit, and generates liquid crystal control data necessary for performing display control based on the liquid crystal control command received from the effect control board 25. The data is output to the video display processor VDP 264.

  The liquid crystal control ROM 262 is a storage unit that stores a program that describes the operation procedure of the liquid crystal control CPU 261, and the liquid crystal control RAM 263 is a storage unit that functions as a work area or a buffer memory.

  The video display processor VDP 264 is a processor that performs image processing of image data displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. The image data ROM 265 is a storage unit that stores image data necessary for the video display processor VDP 264 to perform image processing. The VRAM 266 is a storage unit that temporarily stores image data processed by the video display processor VDP 264. is there.

  With the above configuration, the liquid crystal control board 26 performs image processing based on the liquid crystal control command transmitted from the effect control board 25, and displays effect images and moving images on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  Next, the specification of the volume switch of the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG. A volume switch 31 on the back of the pachinko gaming machine 1 can adjust the volume and selectively switch the mode of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  The volume switch 31 has 10 levels of volume setting. When the “volume switch value” is “0”, that is, “vol_0”, the setting is “silence (mute)” (hereinafter “vol_”). To explain). “SAC (Simple Access Code)” is a value used when the “volume switch value” is stored in the setting register.

  In the case of “vol_1” and “vol_2”, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set to “presentation mode”. “Presentation mode” is used, for example, when a model is explained indoors. The volume has two stages of “small (vol_1)” and “large (vol_2)”, but the volume is suppressed as compared with “for hall” described later.

  In the case of “vol_3” to “vol_5” (three levels depending on the volume), the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set to the “power saving mode for hall”. When set to “Hall Power Saving Mode”, the pachinko machine 1 waits for a low power consumption customer (hereinafter referred to as “low power consumption”) when the special symbol changes and the next change does not start. , “Low power consumption state”).

  In the low power consumption state, except for some decorative LEDs, the decorative LEDs (lamps) used in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are turned off, and the liquid crystal display device 36 displays “power saving” displayed on the black screen as “power saving”. Demo display (power saving customer waiting display) "is executed. Also, no sound is output from the speaker 7 in the low power consumption state. In addition, when the player presses down the left effect button 13 during the execution of the “power saving demonstration display”, the normal game screen is displayed in which the special symbol is stopped and displayed.

  Since the volume switch 31 is provided on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, only the store clerk of the game shop can switch the volume setting (see FIG. 2). If the “power saving mode” is selected for all the islands, depending on the operating conditions, it is possible that the low power consumption gaming machines are lined up and the entire island becomes dark. Accordingly, it is possible to select the “power saving mode” for every other unit so that the island does not become dark.

  In the case of “vol_6” to “vol_9” (four levels depending on the volume), the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set to the “normal mode for hall”. When the “normal mode for hall” is set, when the special symbol changes and the predetermined time elapses without starting the next change, the conventional customer waiting display (normal customer waiting display) is executed. Details of the customer waiting display will be described later.

  The “normal mode for hall” has a setting of “large (vol_9)”, and can set a volume larger than any of the above “power-saving mode for hall”. In addition, the same volume (for example, “Small (vol_3)” and “Small (vol_6)”) of “Power saving mode for halls” and “Normal mode for halls” should be set to the same volume level to reduce the volume of volume related data. ing.

  Next, the power saving mode of the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. In order to set the “power saving mode”, it is necessary to select “3” to “5” as the “volume switch value”.

  First, communication of control commands of the main control board 24, the effect control board 25, and the liquid crystal control board 26 will be described with reference to FIG. 6A. The main control board 24 transmits a “customer waiting demo command” to the effect control board 25 when the game is stopped. Here, “game stop” means a state in which there is no reserved ball when the change of the special symbol is stopped. Therefore, even if the player continues to emit the game ball, the main control board 24 transmits a “customer waiting demo command”.

  Both the main control board 24 and the effect control board 25 are in a normal state, and the liquid crystal control board 26 executes “A: effect display before waiting for customer (design stop display)” on the liquid crystal display device 36. “A: effect display before waiting for customer” displays a state where the special symbol (decorative symbol) is stopped, and continues for 180 seconds after the game is stopped.

  When 180 seconds have elapsed since the game was stopped, the effect control board 25 transmits a “power saving demonstration display command” to the liquid crystal control board 26. Thereby, the liquid crystal control board 26 executes “B: power saving demonstration display (power saving customer waiting display)” on the liquid crystal display device 36. This is a display that is performed only when “power saving mode” is selected.

  Although details will be described later, 180 seconds are counted from the game stop in the process performed on the effect control board 25. If the game ball wins (starts winning) the first special symbol starting port 38a or the second special symbol starting port 38b before 180 seconds elapse, this timer is cleared. In other words, if the player continues to fire the game ball, there is a high possibility that a start winning will occur before the elapse of 180 seconds, and “B: power saving demonstration display” described later is almost always executed. Absent.

  Specifically, “B: power saving demonstration display” is a display in which a company logo or a “power saving” character is displayed on a black screen (see FIG. 6B). At the bottom of the screen, the characters “Press [PUSH] to restore the screen” are displayed, and the characters move from the right to the left of the screen. During the period until the low power consumption state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is canceled, the liquid crystal display device 36 performs loop reproduction as shown in FIG. 6B.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, when a person who is going to play a game operates the left effect button 13, the normal game screen “A: effect display before waiting for a customer” is restored. At this time, the “before-waiting effect display command” is transmitted from the effect control board 25 to the liquid crystal control board 26.

  Note that the opportunity to return to the normal game screen may be that the player has started playing and the game ball has started and won, that is, the decoration pattern has started changing on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  After shifting to “B: Power saving demonstration display”, the effect control board 25 periodically checks the setting of the volume switch 31, but if the “power saving mode” remains selected, in particular the liquid crystal control board 26. Do not send control commands. Therefore, in the liquid crystal display device 36, “B: power saving demonstration display” is continued until the left effect button 13 is pressed.

  Although the display on the liquid crystal display device 36 has been mainly described here, when the “B: power saving demonstration display” is being executed, the frame decoration LEDs 8 and the like are turned off except for a part, and the sound of the speaker 7 is displayed. Does not output.

  Next, the normal mode of the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In order to set the “normal mode”, it is necessary to select “6” to “9” as the “volume switch value” as described above.

  First, communication of control commands of the main control board 24, the effect control board 25, and the liquid crystal control board 26 will be described with reference to FIG. 7A. As in the “power saving mode”, the main control board 24 transmits a “customer waiting demo command” to the effect control board 25 when the game is stopped.

  Further, for 180 seconds after the game is stopped, the liquid crystal control board 26 executes “A: effect display before customer waiting (design stop display)” on the liquid crystal display device 36. This is also the same as in the “power saving mode”.

  When 180 seconds have elapsed since the game was stopped, the effect control board 25 transmits a “customer waiting demonstration display command” to the liquid crystal control board 26. As a result, the liquid crystal control board 26 performs normal customer waiting display on the liquid crystal display device 36.

  As an example of the normal customer waiting display, first, “C: model image demo display” is executed. This is a different image and moving image for each model, and displays, for example, the title and characters of that model. In this embodiment, “C: Model image demo display” is executed for 40 seconds.

  Subsequently, “D: fraud prohibition display” is executed. This is a moving image in which screens including characters such as “Goto is a crime!” And “Beware of vicious strategy sales!” Are displayed in order (see FIG. 7B). In this embodiment, “D: fraud prohibition display” is executed for 20 seconds.

  Subsequently, “E: company logo display” is executed. This is a moving image in which the company logo gradually appears in the center of the screen (see FIG. 7B). In this embodiment, “E: company logo display” is executed for 5 seconds.

  Subsequently, “F: standby screen display (design stop display)” is executed. This is to display again the state where the special symbol has been stopped. “F: Standby screen display” is continued until the liquid crystal control board 26 receives a new “customer waiting demonstration display command”.

  Then, when a predetermined time (90 seconds in this example) has elapsed since the start of “C: model image demonstration”, the effect control board 25 directs the “customer waiting demonstration display command” to the liquid crystal control board 26. Will be sent again. Thereby, in the liquid crystal display device 36, the normal customer waiting display is started from the beginning.

  Thereafter, a series of displays composed of “C: model image demonstration display”, “D: fraud prohibition display”, “E: company logo display”, and “F: standby screen display (symbol display)” every 90 seconds. The aspect is repeated.

  The time of each display which comprises a normal customer waiting display is not restricted to said time. Further, “D: fraud prohibition display” and “E: company logo display” may be displayed in reverse order.

  Although not shown in the drawing, when a person who is going to play a game from now on operates the left effect button 13 during execution of the normal customer waiting display, the point that the display returns to “A: effect display before waiting for customer” is “power saving mode”. Is the same as

  Next, a case where the pachinko gaming machine is changed from the normal mode to the power saving mode will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the “normal mode”, it is assumed that the store clerk of the amusement store operates the volume switch 31 and switches to the “power saving mode” during the period in which the normal customer waiting display is executed on the liquid crystal display device 36. In this case, the effect control board 25 is not immediately switched to “B: power saving demonstration display (power saving customer waiting display)” but is switched after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  For example, when “D: fraud prohibition display” of the normal customer waiting display is displayed, if the mode is changed to “power saving mode”, the liquid crystal display device 36 displays “F: standby screen display (symbol display)”. A series of display modes are continuously displayed.

  Next, at the timing when the normal customer waiting display starts from the beginning, the effect control board 25 transmits a “power saving demonstration display command” to the liquid crystal control board 26. Thereby, in the liquid crystal display device 36, “B: power saving demonstration display” starts. Such control is less uncomfortable than suddenly switching to “B: power saving demonstration display”.

  Here, “B: power saving demonstration display” displayed mainly on the liquid crystal display device 36 has been described. However, with the change of the display screen, the decoration LED is turned off except for a part, etc. Is in a low power consumption state.

  In some cases, the “power saving mode” is switched to the “normal mode” (not shown). In this case, since the liquid crystal control board 26 receives the “customer waiting demonstration display command” transmitted from the effect control board 25 at the timing of receiving the liquid crystal control command, the liquid crystal display device 36 displays the normal customer waiting display. (“C: Model image demo display”) starts.

  Next, a case where an error occurs in the pachinko gaming machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. First, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which the “power saving mode” is selected, a case where an error occurs before shifting to the low power consumption state will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, it is assumed that a “door opening error” in which the front door 5 opens before shifting to the low power consumption state occurs. In this case, the liquid crystal display device 36 displays an error together with “A: effect display before waiting for customer (design stop display)”. Even if it is time to shift to the low power consumption state during the occurrence of an error, the pachinko gaming machine 1 does not shift to the low power consumption state, but notifies the error as it is.

  Specifically, when a “door opening error” occurs after the game is stopped, the main control board 24 transmits a “door opening error command” to the effect control board 25. In addition, the effect control board 25 that has received the “door opening error command” transmits an “error display command” to the liquid crystal control board 26.

  As a result, the liquid crystal display device 36 displays an error message such as “Opening the door!” Together with “A: effect display before waiting for customer”. At this time, an error may be notified by generating a warning sound from the speaker 7 or changing the light emission mode of the frame decoration LED 8 or the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the decoration LEDs (the frame decoration LED 8 and the panel decoration LED 35) are lit and blinking in the “normal lighting pattern” in the normal state, but when a “door opening error” occurs. Is controlled by the “error notification lighting pattern”.

  In the control based on the “error notification lighting pattern”, it is possible to notify the type of error by changing the light emission mode of the decoration LED according to the type of error. In addition, although not shown, the speaker 7 performs a sound notification such as a warning sound or “the door is open”.

  Even if it is time for the pachinko gaming machine 1 to be in a low power consumption state (in this embodiment, 180 seconds after the game is stopped) while the “door opening error” occurs, the liquid crystal display device 36 “B: power saving demonstration” "Display (power saving customer waiting display)" is not started, and an error is displayed as "A: effect display before waiting for customer". That is, the effect control board 25 performs control giving priority to error notification over power saving.

  Specifically, when an error occurs after the game is stopped, the timer for timing the time for starting the customer waiting demonstration display is once cleared and reset to the maximum time of 180 seconds (FIG. 15A described later: S125).

  When the error is eliminated, the main control board 24 transmits an “error elimination command” to the effect control board 25. In addition, the presentation control board 25 that has received the “error elimination command” transmits an “error display stop command” to the liquid crystal control board 26.

  Thereby, the error display disappears, and the liquid crystal display device 36 returns to the screen of only “A: effect display before waiting for customer”. At this time, the decoration LED corresponding to the warning sound and the type of error is continuously emitted for a predetermined time even after the error is eliminated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, even if the “door opening error” is resolved in 20 seconds, the effect control board 25 continuously controls the decoration LED for 30 seconds determined in advance by the “error notification lighting pattern”. .

  Thereby, even if the opening of the front door 5 is as short as 2 to 3 seconds, the error notification is surely performed. Error notification by the decoration LED may be performed for a predetermined time from when the error is resolved (when the front door 5 is closed in the above example).

  The warning sound and voice notification by the speaker 7 can also be continuously performed for a predetermined period. Further, even when the error is resolved immediately, for example, notification may be continued until the voice notification is repeated five times.

  When the control period based on the “error notification lighting pattern” ends, the effect control board 25 switches the decoration LED to control based on the “normal lighting pattern” again.

  After the error is resolved, the timer set at 180 seconds is restarted (counted down) (FIG. 15A described later: S126). When the left effect button 13 is not operated by a person who is going to play a game for 180 seconds from the start of the timer, the effect control board 25 is directed toward the liquid crystal control board 26 with a “power saving demonstration display”. Since the “command” is transmitted, the pachinko gaming machine 1 shifts to the low power consumption state.

  In the low power consumption state, the effect control board 25 executes “B: power saving demonstration display” on the liquid crystal display device 36 and controls the decoration LED with the “power saving lighting pattern”.

  In the present embodiment, after the error is eliminated, the timer again measures a predetermined time (180 seconds after the game is stopped). However, the timer may start timing after all the error notifications are completed.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment does not shift to the low power consumption state as described above for any error such as a ball clogging error or an illegal winning error in addition to a magnetic abnormality, radio wave abnormality, vibration abnormality, Give priority to error notification.

  Next, a case where an error occurs in the low power consumption state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which the “power saving mode” is selected will be described. As shown in FIG. 9B, it is assumed that a “door opening error” in which the front door 5 opens in a low power consumption state occurs.

  In this case, the pachinko gaming machine 1 stops the low power consumption state and notifies the generated error. The pachinko gaming machine 1 can perform notification for any error even in a low power consumption state.

  Specifically, when the “door opening error” occurs when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the low power consumption state, the main control board 24 transmits a “door opening error command” to the effect control board 25. In addition, the effect control board 25 that has received the “door opening error command” transmits the “error display command” and the “before-waiting effect display command” to the liquid crystal control board 26.

  Thereby, the low power consumption state is stopped, and the display of the liquid crystal display device 36 is switched from “B: power saving demonstration display (power saving customer waiting display)” to “A: effect display before waiting for customer (design stop display)”. .

  In the liquid crystal display device 36, an error display such as “door open!” Is displayed, but an error may be notified by generating a warning sound from the speaker 7 or changing the light emission mode of the decoration LED.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the decoration LED of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is lit and blinking according to the “power-saving lighting pattern”, but when the “door opening error” occurs, the effect control board 25 is Control is performed by “error notification lighting pattern”. Although not shown, the speaker 7 may give a warning sound or a voice notification such as “the door is open”.

  When the error is eliminated, the main control board 24 transmits an “error elimination command” to the effect control board 25. In addition, the presentation control board 25 that has received the “error elimination command” transmits an “error display stop command” to the liquid crystal control board 26.

  As a result, the error display disappears and the liquid crystal display device 36 returns to the screen of only “A: effect display before waiting for customer”. At this time, the decoration LED corresponding to the warning sound and the type of error is continuously emitted for a predetermined time even after the error is eliminated.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, even if the “door opening error” is resolved in 20 seconds, the effect control board 25 continuously controls the decoration LED for 30 seconds determined in advance by the “error notification lighting pattern”. .

  Thereby, even if the opening of the front door 5 is as short as 2 to 3 seconds, the error notification is surely performed. Error notification by the decoration LED may be performed for a predetermined time from when the error is resolved (when the front door 5 is closed in the above example).

  When the control period based on the “error notification lighting pattern” ends, the effect control board 25 switches the decoration LED to control based on the “normal lighting pattern”.

  Although not shown, after the error is eliminated, a predetermined time (180 seconds after the game is stopped) is measured by a timer that measures the time for starting the customer waiting demonstration display. When the left effect button 13 is not operated by a person who intends to play a game for 180 seconds after the timer starts, the effect control board 25 directs the “power saving demonstration display command” toward the liquid crystal control board 26. Send. Thereby, the pachinko gaming machine 1 again shifts to the low power consumption state.

  As described above, when an error occurs in the low power consumption state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 in which the “power saving mode” is selected, the low power consumption state is stopped and the error is notified.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the game management process performed on the main control side will be described. The game management process described below is a timer interrupt process that is executed for the main loop on the main control side when the power-on process ends normally.

  First, the main control means (main control board 24) performs a game ball launch process (step S10). When the player operates the firing handle 10 (see FIG. 1), an operation detection signal by a touch sensor inside the firing handle 10 is transmitted to the main control board 24 via the firing control board 30 and the payout control board 29. Is done.

  When the main control unit receives the signal, the main control unit transmits a control signal toward the launch control board 30 so as to launch the game ball with a predetermined intensity. Thereby, the launch control board 30 controls the operation of the launch device 10a (see FIG. 4). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S20.

  The launching device 10 a launches a maximum of about 100 game balls per minute toward the game area of the game board 4. Further, when a signal indicating that the lower storage tray 12 is full is transmitted to the main control board 24 by the lower storage tray full sensor 12c, the liquid crystal display device 36 displays an error such as “please remove the ball”. A message is displayed.

  Next, the main control means performs prize ball management processing (step S20). This is a process performed when a game ball flowing down the game area of the game board 4 wins the first special symbol starting port 38a or the general winning port 42. For example, the general winning opening sensor 42c inside the general winning opening 42 detects a game ball and transmits a ball detection signal to the main control means.

  When receiving the above signal, the main control means transmits a control signal for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls to the payout control board 29 (further, the game ball payout device 19). After receiving the control signal, the game ball payout device 19 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls to the upper storage tray 11 (or the lower storage tray 12 when the upper storage tray 11 is full). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S30.

  Next, the main control means performs a normal symbol management process (step S30). This is a process performed when a game ball flowing down the game area of the game board 4 passes through the normal symbol start gate 40a or the right normal symbol start gate 40b. Specifically, the start gate passage sensor 40c inside the start gates 40a and 40b detects a game ball that has passed through the gate, and transmits a ball detection signal to the main control means.

  When the main control means receives the signal, it obtains a lottery random number of normal symbols. A maximum of four lottery random numbers can be stored, and whether or not the lottery random numbers are appropriate is lottered in the order of storage.

  Further, the main control means transmits a control signal to the normal symbol display device 43b. The normal symbol display device 43b changes the normal symbol due to blinking of the LED, and displays the lottery result after a predetermined time has elapsed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S40.

  Next, the main control means performs a normal electric accessory management process (step S40). This is a process for controlling the operation of the ordinary electric accessory according to the lottery result of the ordinary symbol. When the normal symbol lottery is won in the normal symbol management process (step S30), the main control means transmits a control signal to the solenoid for the ordinary electric accessory, and the second special symbol start port 38b for a predetermined time. Open the opening and closing member.

  The main control means is for closing the opening / closing member when the predetermined time has elapsed or when a predetermined upper limit number of game balls have been won in the second special symbol starting port 38b before the predetermined time has elapsed. A control signal is transmitted to the solenoid for ordinary electric accessories. Thereby, the opening / closing member is closed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S50.

  In the normal symbol management process (step S30), if the normal symbol lottery is not won, the opening / closing member is not opened, and the main control means does not perform the normal electric utility game process. finish.

  Next, the main control means performs a special symbol management process (step S50). This is a process performed when a game ball flowing down the game area of the game board 4 wins the first special symbol start port 38a or the second special symbol start port 38b.

  Although details will be described later, when the start winning port sensor 38c detects a game ball, the start winning port sensor 38c transmits a ball detection signal to the main control means, and the main control means draws a special symbol.

  The main control means transmits a control signal to the special symbol display device 43a. The special symbol display device 43a changes the special symbol by the 7-segment LED, and displays the lottery result after a predetermined time has elapsed. Further, the variation of the special symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 with a decorative symbol that can be surely recognized by the player. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S60.

  Next, the main control means performs a special electric accessory management process (step S60). This is a process of controlling the operation of the special electric accessory (large winning devices 39a, 39b) according to the lottery result of the special symbol.

  When a special symbol lottery is won, a so-called big hit state is established, and a special game with a predetermined number of rounds is awarded to the player. In the special symbol management process (step S50), when the special symbol lottery is not won, the main control means does nothing and ends the special electric accessory management process. When the special electric accessory management process ends, the game management process ends.

  Next, the special symbol management process performed in the game management process will be described with reference to FIG. Specifically, the main control means determines the operation status of special symbols (waiting for change, changing, during confirmation time) and manages each process.

  First, the main control means performs a start port check process 1 (step S71). This is to determine the winning of a game ball to the first special symbol start port 38a, store a big hit determination random number or the like in a reserved storage area, and create a reserved look-ahead command if necessary. The reserved storage area for the jackpot determination random number or the like is the RAM 243 of the main control board 24. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S72.

  In step S72, the main control means performs a start port check process 2. The same process as the start opening check process 1 is performed for winning a game ball in the second special symbol start opening 38b. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S73.

  Next, the main control means determines whether or not the small hit flag is ON (step S73). If a small hit occurs and the small hit flag is ON, the determination is “YES” and the process proceeds to step S79. On the other hand, if the small hit flag is not ON, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S74.

  If the determination in step S73 is “NO”, the main control means determines whether or not the condition device operation flag is ON (step S74). The condition device is a device that operates when a condition for continuing the big hit is established when the big hit occurs. If the condition device operation flag is ON, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S79.

  On the other hand, if the condition device operation flag is not ON, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S75. That is, the processing after step S75 is processing for a normal game in which no small hit or big hit has occurred.

  When the determination in step S74 is “NO”, the main control means performs a special symbol operation status determination (step S75). If the special symbol operation status (hereinafter also referred to as special symbol operation status) is set to 00H or 01H, it means that the special symbol is “waiting for variation”, and the process proceeds to step S76.

  If the special figure operation status is set to 02H, it means that the special symbol is “fluctuating”, and the process proceeds to step S77. Furthermore, when the special figure operation status is set to 03H, it means that the special symbol is “during confirmation time”, and the process proceeds to step S78.

  In step S76, the main control means performs a special symbol variation start process. Although details will be described later (see FIGS. 12A and 12B), when a specific condition is met in this process, the main control means (main control board 24) is directed to the sub-control means (production control board 25). Send a “waiting demo command”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S79.

  In step S77, the main control means performs special symbol variation processing. For example, when the variation time timer of the special symbol becomes 0, a “variation stop command” is transmitted to the sub-control means.

  Further, various settings at the time of fluctuation stop are performed, but since the special symbol operation status is set to 03H (during the confirmation time), in the next special symbol management process, special symbol operation status determination (step S75) will be described later. The process branches to the special symbol confirmation time process (step S78). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S79.

  In step S78, the main control means performs processing during the special symbol confirmation time. This is a process for setting a big hit or a small hit, subtracting the number of time reductions, subtracting the number of STs, which is a probability variation with a limited number of times, when special symbol fluctuations stop.

  When the special symbol confirmation time process is executed with the special symbol variable time timer set to 0, the special symbol operation status is set to 01H (waiting for fluctuation). The symbol operation status determination (step S75) branches to a special symbol variation start process (step S76). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S79.

  Finally, in step S79, the main control means updates the special symbol display data. Specifically, the special symbol of the special symbol display device 43a is updated. Thereafter, the special symbol management process is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, the special symbol variation start process performed in the special symbol management process will be described. As described above, when the special symbol operation status is determined to be “00H, 01H (waiting for variation)” in the special symbol operation status determination (step S75), the main control means performs this special symbol variation start process. .

  First, the main control means determines whether or not the special figure 2 reserved ball number is 0 (step S81). The special symbol 2 refers to the special symbol 2 that fluctuates in the special symbol display device 43a (center 7-segment LED) when a game ball wins the second special symbol start port 38b.

  If the number of held balls is 0, the determination is “YES” and the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the number of held balls is not 0, the determination is “NO” and the process proceeds to step S86 (see FIG. 12B).

  If the determination in step S81 is “YES”, the main control means determines whether or not the number of reserved balls in FIG. 1 is 0 (step S82). The special symbol 1 refers to the special symbol 1 that is changed by the special symbol display device 43a (the 7-segment LED on the left side) when a game ball is won in the first special symbol starting port 38a.

  If the number of held balls is 0, the determination is “YES” and the process proceeds to step S83. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls is not 0, the determination is “NO” and the process proceeds to step S86.

  If the determination in step S82 is "YES", the main control means determines whether or not the special figure operation status is 00H (step S83). As described above, immediately after the special symbol confirmation time processing (step S78 in FIG. 11) is executed, 01H is set as the special symbol operation status.

  If the special figure operation status is 00H, the determination is “YES”, and the special symbol variation start process is terminated. On the other hand, when the special figure operation status is not 00H (when it is 01H), the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S84.

  If the determination in step S83 is “NO”, the main control means transmits a customer waiting demo command (step S84). The "customer waiting demonstration command" is not a special ball in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 and the special operation status is 01H. From the main control means (main control board 24) to the sub control means (effect control board). 25). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S85.

  In step S85, the main control means sets 00H as the special figure operation status. The special symbol variation start process ends here, but thereafter, in the special symbol variation start process, the process of “YES” in step S83 is repeated unless a reserved ball is generated.

  When the determinations in step S81 and step S82 are “NO”, the main control means subtracts 1 from the number of reserved balls shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 (FIG. 12B, step S86). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S87.

  In step S87, the main control means transmits a hold subtraction command. Since the main control means transmits a “hold subtraction command” to the sub control means, the hold display of the special symbol display device 43a (the right 7-segment LED) and the hold display displayed on the liquid crystal display device 1 are decremented by 1. Is done. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S88.

  In step S88, the main control means sets special symbol operation confirmation data. Specifically, 00H is set as special symbol operation confirmation data when special figure 1 starts to change, and 01H is set when special figure 2 starts to change. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S89.

  In step S89, the main control means shifts the reserved storage area. The reserved storage areas 1 to 4 are shifted by 1 as the number of reserved balls is subtracted. At this time, 0 is set for the reserved storage area 4. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S90, the main control means performs a special electric accessory activation determination random number determination process. This is a so-called special drawing lottery process in which a random number determination process is performed by determining a hit random number determination table corresponding to a special figure. Processing to store the big hit / small hit determination flag in the work area is also performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S91.

  In step S91, the main control means performs a special stop symbol creation process. Here, a symbol table selection table corresponding to the special symbol is selected, and the random symbol value for symbol determination and the big hit / small hit determination flag are acquired to create the special symbol stop symbol. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S92.

  In step S92, the main control means performs a game state transition preparation process. Here, when the big hit determination flag is ON, the game state transition table corresponding to the big hit type is selected, and values are stored in various buffers with reference to this table. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S93.

  In step S93, the main control means performs special figure variation pattern creation processing. This is a process of selecting a variation pattern distribution table and creating a variation pattern of a special figure based on a variation pattern random number. The fluctuation time of the special figure is also determined by referring to the fluctuation time table. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S94.

  In step S94, the main control means sets the changing flag in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 to ON. Specifically, the changing flag of one special figure that will change from now on is set to ON. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S95.

  In step S95, the main control means transmits a decorative design designation command. The decorative symbol is a symbol that is variably displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36. The main control means creates a “decorative symbol designation command” and transmits it to the sub-control means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S96.

  Finally, in step S96, the main control means performs various settings at the start of fluctuation. Specifically, the special figure operation status is set to 02H (being changed), and 00H (erasure) is set to the random number storage area. Thereafter, the special symbol variation start process is terminated. The above is the process performed on the main control side.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13, the main process performed on the sub-control side will be described. This main process includes an initialization process that is performed when the sub-control means (the effect control board 25) is activated.

  First, the sub-control unit performs an initialization process (step S101). This mainly performs various initial settings of the sub-control means, and is performed only once at the time of activation. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.

  Next, the sub-control unit determines whether or not the main loop update period has been reached (step S102). The main loop is a process from steps S104 to S109 described later, and its update cycle is 16 ms.

  If the update period of 16 ms elapses when the process proceeds to step S102, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S104. On the other hand, in the state before 16 ms elapses, the update cycle is not reached, and therefore the determination is “NO”. In this case, the process proceeds to step S103.

  If the determination in step S102 is “NO”, the sub-control means performs various soft random number update processing (step S103). Thereafter, the processes in steps S102 and S103 are repeated until the determination in step S102 becomes “YES”. During this loop period, a timer interrupt process (see FIG. 16) with a period of 1 ms is executed. The sub-control means counts the number of interrupt processes and determines whether the above 16 ms has elapsed.

  If the determination in step S102 is “YES”, the sub-control means performs LED data update processing (step S104). As described above, steps S104 to S109 are main loop processing. Here, the data of the frame decoration LED 8 and the panel decoration LED 35 is updated to change the light emission mode of the decoration LED. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S105, the sub control means performs a received command analysis process. Although details will be described later (see FIG. 14), the type of the received command is analyzed and various settings are made accordingly. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S106.

  In step S106, the sub control means performs a main scenario update process. Although details will be described later (see FIGS. 15A and 15B), various settings are made according to which one of “normal mode” and “power saving mode” is selected. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S107.

  In step S107, the sub control means performs a sound output process. Specifically, sound is output from the speaker 7 according to the scenario. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the sub-control means performs solenoid update processing. Specifically, the detailed operation of the solenoid used for the movable accessory 37 or the like is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

  In step S109, the sub-control unit performs noise countermeasure processing. Specifically, it is checked whether the peripheral LSI is affected by noise. When this process ends, the process returns to step S102, and the subsequent processes are continued.

  Next, the received command analysis process performed in the sub-control-side main process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub control means determines whether or not the received command is normal (step S111). If the received command is normal, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the received command is not normal, the determination is “NO” and the received command analysis process is terminated.

  If the determination in step S111 is “YES”, the sub-control means determines whether or not the received command is a customer waiting demo command (step S112). If it is a “customer waiting demonstration command”, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S113. On the other hand, if it is not the “customer waiting demonstration command”, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S114.

  The “customer waiting demonstration command” is a control command transmitted from the main control board 24 to the effect control board 25 when the game is stopped (see FIGS. 6A and 7A). This is a common control command that means game stop regardless of “power saving mode” and “normal mode”.

  If the determination in step S112 is “YES”, the sub control means sets 180s to the customer waiting demonstration start timer (step S113). As a result, when 180 seconds have elapsed since the secondary control means received the “customer waiting demonstration command”, the customer waiting display (in the “power saving mode”, the “power saving demonstration display (power saving customer waiting display)”) is displayed. Start (see FIGS. 6A and 7A). Thereafter, the received command analysis process is terminated.

  If the determination in step S112 is “NO”, the sub-control means sets information corresponding to other game commands (step S114). For example, when a “hold subtraction command” is received, information is set such that one hold display displayed on the liquid crystal display device 36 or the like disappears. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S115.

  In step S115, the sub-control means clears the customer waiting demonstration start timer to zero. That is, the timer started after receiving the “customer waiting demo command” is cleared. Thereafter, the received command analysis process is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the main scenario update process performed in the sub-control-side main process will be described.

  First, the sub-control unit determines whether or not it is a scenario update timing (step S121). If it is the scenario update timing, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if it is not the scenario update timing, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S123.

  If the determination in step S121 is “YES”, the sub-control means sets an effect scenario that matches the current state (step S122). Specifically, a liquid crystal control command, sound output, decoration LED output setting, and the like are performed based on the effect scenario of the received control command.

  In addition, if the symbol changes due to a start winning while the “Power Saving Demo Display (Waiting for Power Saving Customer Display)” is displayed in the “Power Saving Mode”, the “Power Saving Demo Display” is canceled at the timing of the above scenario update. , Symbol variation starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S123.

  Next, the sub-control means determines whether or not the customer waiting demonstration start timer is 0 (step S123). If the customer waiting demonstration start timer is 0, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S132 (see FIG. 15B). On the other hand, if the customer waiting demonstration start timer is not 0, the determination is “NO” and the process proceeds to step S124.

  If the determination in step S123 is “NO”, the sub-control means determines whether an error is occurring (step S124). If an error is currently occurring, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if no error is currently occurring, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S126.

  If the determination in step S124 is “YES”, the sub control means sets 180 seconds in the customer waiting demonstration start timer (step S125). Here, 180 seconds is again set in the customer waiting demonstration start timer, so the customer waiting demonstration start timer is not subtracted while an error occurs.

  As a result, the customer waiting demonstration start timer is set to 0 during the occurrence of an error or immediately after the error is resolved, and the “customer waiting display” does not start. During the occurrence of an error, the subtraction of the customer waiting demonstration start timer may be temporarily stopped, and the subtraction may be resumed after the error is resolved. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S132.

  If the determination in step S124 is “NO”, the sub-control means subtracts the customer waiting demonstration start timer (step S126). That is, in this process, the customer waiting demonstration start timer (maximum 180 seconds) is counted down.

  In this embodiment, the customer waiting demonstration start timer is subtracted in a state where no error is occurring (including a state in which the error has been eliminated). However, the subtraction of the timer may be started after all error notifications are completed. Good. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S127.

  Next, the sub-control means determines whether or not the customer waiting demonstration start timer is 0 (step S127). If the customer waiting demonstration start timer is 0, the determination is “YES” and the process proceeds to step S128. On the other hand, if the customer waiting demonstration start timer is not 0, the determination is “NO” and the process proceeds to step S132.

  When the determination in step S127 is “YES”, the sub-control unit determines whether or not the power saving mode is set (step S128). The sub-control means confirms the area where the mode setting register is stored. If “power saving mode” is currently selected, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S129. On the other hand, if the “normal mode” is currently selected, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S130.

  If the determination in step S128 is “YES”, the sub-control unit updates the demo display scenario for the power saving mode (step S129). That is, the scenario of “power saving demonstration display” executed in the “power saving mode” is updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S131.

  If the determination in step S128 is “NO”, the sub-control means updates the demonstration display scenario for the normal mode (step S130). That is, the scenario update of “normal customer waiting display” executed in the “normal mode” is performed.

  In step S131, the sub-control means sets 90 seconds to the customer waiting demonstration start timer. In particular, after “normal customer waiting display” is started, the production control board 25 transmits a “customer waiting demonstration display command” to the liquid crystal control board 26 every 90 seconds, so a 90-second timer set is required. (See FIG. 7A). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S132.

  Next, the sub-control unit determines whether an error has occurred (step S132). For example, if an error such as opening the door occurs in the pachinko gaming machine 1, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S133. On the other hand, if no error has occurred, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S136.

  If the determination in step S132 is “YES”, the sub-control unit sets an error notification scenario (step S133). For example, during the execution of “normal customer waiting display”, an error message display and an error notification scenario using decoration LEDs and voice are set separately from this scenario.

  At this time, the “normal customer waiting display” is switched to the background control, and the liquid crystal display device 36 displays an error message together with the “normal customer waiting display”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S134.

  Next, the sub-control unit determines whether or not a power saving mode demonstration is being displayed (step S134). That is, it is determined whether or not “power saving demonstration display” is being executed. When the “power saving mode” demonstration is being displayed, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S135. On the other hand, if the “power saving mode” demonstration is not being displayed, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S136.

  If the determination in step S134 is "YES", the sub-control means sets the pre-waiting effect scenario setting standby screen display command in the command transmission buffer (step S135). The customer waiting effect scenario is a scenario for “A: customer waiting effect display (symbol display)” in FIG. 6A.

  In other words, if “power saving demonstration display” is being executed when an error occurs, the above-described processing is performed in order to return this to “customer waiting effect display”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S136.

  Next, the sub control means determines whether or not the error has been resolved (step S136). If the error is resolved, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S137. On the other hand, if the error has not yet been resolved, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S138.

  If the determination in step S136 is “YES”, the sub-control unit cancels the error notification scenario (step S137). Specifically, the error notification scenario is interrupted. In addition, when “normal customer waiting display” is controlled in the background, this scenario returns. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S138.

  Next, the sub-control unit determines whether or not a power saving mode demonstration is being displayed (step S138). That is, it is determined whether or not “power saving demonstration display” is being executed. When the “power saving mode” demonstration is being displayed, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S139. On the other hand, when the “power saving mode” demonstration is not being displayed, the determination is “NO” and the main scenario update process is terminated.

  If the determination in step S138 is “YES”, the sub-control means determines whether or not an effect button has been input (step S139). Specifically, if the player who is going to play the game operates the left effect button 13, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S140. On the other hand, when there is no operation of the left effect button 13, it becomes determination of "NO" and a main scenario update process is complete | finished.

  If the determination in step S139 is “YES”, the sub-control means sets the pre-waiting effect scenario setting standby screen display command in the command transmission buffer (step S140). This is a process for returning the “power-saving demonstration display” executed in the “power-saving mode” to the “effect display before waiting for a customer”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S141.

  Finally, the sub-control means sets 180 seconds for the customer waiting demonstration start timer (step S141). When the left effect button 13 is operated to return to the normal game screen displaying the symbol, the customer waiting demonstration start timer is set again to 180 seconds, which is the time until the “customer waiting display” starts. Thereafter, the main scenario update process is terminated.

  Next, timer interrupt processing on the sub-control side will be described with reference to FIG. This timer interrupt process is a process executed at a cycle of 1 ms with respect to the above-described sub-control-side main process.

  First, the sub control means initializes the CPU register (step S151). Specifically, the port refresh initial value is set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S152.

  In step S152, the sub-control means performs output processing. Specifically, output processing of a solenoid or a motor used for the movable accessory 37 is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S153.

  In step S153, the sub control means performs an effect button input state update process. The sub-control means updates the input state when the production buttons 13 and 14 are operated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S154.

  In step S154, the sub-control unit performs a switch input state update process. Although details will be described later (see FIG. 17), the input information of the volume switch 31 is confirmed, and processing corresponding to the information is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S155.

  In step S155, the sub-control means performs a liquid crystal control command transmission process. The effect control board 25 transmits, for example, a “before-waiting effect scenario setting standby screen display command (step S135 in FIG. 15B)” to the liquid crystal control board 26. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S156.

  In step S156, the sub-control means performs a motor update process. Specifically, detailed operation settings of the motor used for the movable accessory 37 and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S157.

  In step S157, the sub-control unit performs LED data output processing. Specifically, LED data output for turning on and blinking the frame decoration LED 8 and the panel decoration LED 35 at a necessary timing is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S158.

  Finally, the sub-control means increments the main loop update cycle work by 1 (step S158). This is a process of incrementing the main loop update cycle work by 1 in order to count 16 ms, which is the update cycle of the main loop processing (steps S104 to S109 in FIG. 13). Thereafter, the timer interrupt process is terminated.

  Next, the switch input state update process performed in the timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the sub-control unit obtains current switch input information from the port and stores it as current input information (step S161). Specifically, the current value (1 byte data) of the volume switch 31 is acquired from the port and stored in the work area of the RAM 253 as the current input information.

  Here, in the 1-byte data, the upper 4 bits are fixed to 0, and the lower 4 bits are used to represent a “volume switch value” (see FIG. 5). For example, the data when the “volume switch value” is “4” is “00000100 (04H)”. The data when the volume switch 31 is operated to move between the volume values is “00001111 (0FH)”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S162.

  In step S162, the sub control unit obtains the previous input information. Specifically, the switch input information input from the port last time is acquired. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S163.

  Next, the sub-control unit determines whether or not the previous input information matches the current input information (step S163). If the input information matches, the determination is “YES”, and the process proceeds to step S164. On the other hand, if the input information does not match, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S169.

First, the case where the determination in step S153 is “NO” will be described. The sub control means determines whether or not the current input information is a normal value (step S169). Here, in the case of data “000011111 (0FH)” when the volume switch 31 is moving between the respective volume values, it is determined that the volume switch 31 is not a normal value, and processing is performed assuming that there is no input information.

  If the current input information is a normal value, the determination is “YES” and the process proceeds to step S170. If the value is not normal, the determination is “NO”, and the switch input state update process is terminated.

  If the determination in step S169 is “YES”, the sub-control means sets 1 in the switching determination counter (step S170). The switching determination counter is a counter for switching the mode after confirming that the counter value has become a predetermined value or more so that the mode is not switched due to the influence of noise or the like.

  For example, when the “volume switch value” is completely switched from “4 (04H)” to “5 (05H)” (the movement of the volume switch 31 is completed), 1 is set in the switching determination counter. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S171.

  In step S171, the sub control unit sets the current input information as the previous input information. By setting the current input information to the previous input information, new switch input information can be acquired in the next switch input state update processing. Thereafter, the switch input state update process is terminated.

  Next, a case where the determination in step S163 is “YES” will be described. The sub control means determines whether or not the switching determination counter is 0 (step S164). If the switching determination counter is 0, the determination is “YES” and the switch input state update process is terminated. On the other hand, if the switching determination counter is not 0, the determination is “NO”, and the process proceeds to step S165.

  In step S165, the sub control means increments the switching determination counter by one. That is, the timer interruption process is executed, and when passing through this step of the switch input state update process, the switching determination counter is incremented by one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S166.

Next, the sub-control unit determines whether or not the switching determination counter is greater than 5 (step S166). That is, once, when the same state continues for five consecutive interrupt or after confirming the coincidence of the input information, it is judged "YES", the flow proceeds to step S167. On the other hand, if the switching determination counter is smaller than 5, the determination is “NO” and the switch input state update process is terminated.

  If the determination in step S166 is “YES”, the sub control means sets the volume setting and the customer waiting mode in accordance with the current value of the volume switch (step S167). For the volume switch 31, the current “SAC” is stored in the setting register (see FIG. 5). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S168.

  In step S168, the sub-control means clears the switching determination counter to zero. This is a process of resetting the switching determination counter after the switching of the volume switch 31 is completed. Thereafter, the switch input state update process is terminated. The series of operations of the pachinko gaming machine 1 has been described above.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment notifies the error when an error occurs before the lapse of a predetermined time before the gaming machine shifts to a power-saving customer waiting state. Do not shift to a power saving customer waiting state. Also, if an error occurs while the gaming machine is in a power saving customer waiting state, the power saving customer waiting state is stopped in order to make the error notice conspicuous. That is, when an error occurs in this gaming machine, the control is performed with priority given to error notification over power saving.

  The above-described embodiment is an example of the present invention, and other various modifications that can implement the present invention are conceivable.

  In the low power consumption state of the “power-saving mode” gaming machine, the decoration LED (lamp) is turned off except for a few, and the power consumption is reduced compared to the normal customer waiting state. Good. However, even in this case, it is necessary to indicate that at least the display device or the like can play a game.

  In the power saving waiting state, the liquid crystal backlight of the liquid crystal display device 36 is made darker than usual or the liquid crystal backlight is partially lit so that only characters such as “power saving” can be seen. You may make it reduce.

  The “power saving mode” can be set in three stages, but may be any one that can be set in a plurality of stages such as two stages or four stages. The power consumption of the decoration LED may be different depending on the setting.

  Normal customer waiting display that is executed when “Normal mode” is selected is “Model image demo display”, “Unauthorized display”, “Company logo display”, “Standby screen display (design stop display)” You may display in order. In addition to these displays, for example, a “game description display” may be added to form a series of moving images.

  In addition, when the store clerk at the amusement store switches to the customer waiting mode, the switched mode is immediately displayed so that the user can confirm that the mode has been switched without waiting for a predetermined time. May be.

  If “Power Saving Mode” is selected and an error occurs before entering the power saving customer waiting state, the timer that counts the specified time is stopped, but it is temporarily stopped instead of stopping the timer. You may do it. In this case, timing is restarted after the error is resolved or after the error notification is completed.

  In addition, by starting the timing after the error notification is completed, even when the error notification continues after the error is resolved as in the decorative LED of this embodiment, the gaming machine may be in a power saving customer waiting state. Absent.

  In the present embodiment, the timer is reset to the maximum time even when “normal mode” is selected and an error occurs before entering the normal customer waiting state (FIG. 15A: S124, 125). It is not always necessary to reset the timer. In the “normal mode”, the game machine does not enter a low power consumption state after 180 seconds have elapsed since the game was stopped.

  As described above, the pachinko gaming machine has been described as the present embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to gaming machines such as machines (so-called parrot machines).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachinko machine 2 Outer frame 3 Front frame 4 Game board 4a Game area 4b Decoration board 5 Front door 6 Glass board 7 Speaker 8 Frame decoration LED (light emission decoration part)
9 Front plate 10 Launch handle 10a Launcher 11 Upper storage tray 12 Lower storage tray 12a Lower storage tray full sensor 13 Left production button 14 Center production button 16 Back mechanism panel 17 Game ball storage tank 18 Tank rail 19 Game ball delivery device 21 External Terminal board 22 Terminal board case 23 Back cover 24 Main control board 24a Main control board case 25 Production control board 25a Production control board case 26 Liquid crystal control board 26a Liquid crystal control board case 27 RAM clear switch 28 Power supply board 28a Power supply board case 29 Discharge control Board 29a Discharge control board case 30 Launch control board 31 Volume switch 32 Door open sensor 34a Center decoration body 34b Left corner decoration body 34c Right corner decoration body 35 Panel decoration LED (light emitting decoration section)
36 Liquid crystal display device (Display device)
37a, 37b Movable accessory 38 Start winning device 38a First special symbol starting port 38b Second special symbol starting port 38c Starting winning port sensor 39 Large winning device 39a First large winning device 39b Second large winning device 39c Large winning port sensor 40a Normal symbol start gate 40b Right normal symbol start gate 40c Start gate passage sensor 41 Windmill
42 General winning opening 42a General winning opening sensor 43a Special symbol display device 43b Normal symbol display device 44 Guide rail 44a Outer guide rail 44b Inner guide rail 45 Firing passage 46 Return ball prevention piece 47 Out ball collection port 48 Ball gathering part 50 Magnetic sensor 51 Radio wave sensor 52 Vibration sensor

Claims (2)

A gaming machine equipped with a display device for variably displaying various symbols,
A normal mode in which the gaming machine is in a normal customer waiting state and a power saving mode in which the gaming machine is in a low power consumption customer waiting state can be selected.
When a predetermined time has elapsed since the game stop, the normal customer waiting state or the power saving customer waiting state is configured,
When an error occurs before the predetermined time elapses, an error notification process for informing the error is performed, and even if the predetermined time elapses , the power saving customer is not put into a waiting state for a specific period. To play. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A timer for measuring the predetermined time;
When the error occurs in the gaming machine, the timer is stopped, and after the error is solved or after the notification of the error is finished, the gaming machine is started.