JP6152540B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention executes a variable display game that variably displays a plurality of identification information based on the establishment of a start condition, and when a stop result of the variable display game is a special result determined in advance, It relates to a gaming machine that can be given.

  Conventionally, there is a pachinko machine as a representative example of a gaming machine. In this type of gaming machine, a decorative lamp such as an LED or a speaker is provided around a gaming board having a gaming area, and a movable accessory driven by an electric lighting lamp or motor, a liquid crystal display device, or the like is provided at the center of the gaming board. A center case is often provided. Also, in this type of gaming machine, the player's response to the special result mode being derived in the variable display game by driving these electric lamps and movable accessories according to the progress of the game. There is one in which an effect for enhancing the expectation is performed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-50474 A

However, it cannot be said that the gaming machine as described above reliably notifies the occurrence of an abnormality .
On the other hand, with the recent increase in social power saving, power consumption in gaming machines has become a problem. Even in amusement stores, interest in lowering power consumption is increasing, and reduction of power consumption in gaming machines is desired.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reliably notify the occurrence of an abnormality and can reduce power consumption without affecting the game.

In order to solve the above problems, the invention described in claim 1
A game value can be given to a player when a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner is executed based on the establishment of a start condition and the stop result of the variable display game is a special result determined in advance. In gaming machines,
Game control means for managing the progress of the game;
In relation to the progress of the variable display game, an effect display device having a display unit capable of displaying an effect image;
A decoration device capable of changing the decoration mode;
Operable operating means;
Effect control means for performing display control of the effect image on the display unit and decoration control of the decoration device based on a control command signal transmitted from the game control means;
With
The game control means detects that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine based on a predetermined event, and monitors whether the abnormality has been resolved when the abnormality is detected,
The production control means includes
When the abnormality is detected, the decoration mode of the decoration device is changed to an abnormality notification mode for notifying the occurrence of the abnormality,
A power saving condition in which a volume value setting screen of sound output means capable of outputting a predetermined sound based on the operation of the operation means can be displayed on the display unit, and the player places the decoration device in a power saving state. The first setting control means for disabling the setting of whether or not to generate the power saving state when the condition is established , and disabling the setting of the volume value of the sound output means by the player, and the sound output by the player Second setting control means for enabling setting of the volume value of the means ,
The second setting control means disables the setting of whether to generate the power saving state,
Is generatable set the power saving state by the first setting control means, and, when the power-saving condition is satisfied, while the power-saving decorative mode corresponding decorative aspect of the decorative device to a power-saving state, the first If the power-saving condition is set by the setting control means and the power-saving condition is satisfied while the abnormality is occurring, the decoration mode of the decoration device is maintained as the abnormality notification mode. Is possible,
The volume value of the sound output means set by the first setting control means is an initial value of the volume value of the sound output means by the second setting control means .

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can reliably notify the occurrence of an abnormality and reduce power consumption without affecting the game.

1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the first invention. It is a front view of the game board in the gaming machine of the same embodiment. It is a block diagram of a control system and a game control device provided in the gaming machine of the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an effect control device in the control system of FIG. 3. It is a figure explaining the power-saving function which the gaming machine of the embodiment has. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific procedure of the main process performed by the microcomputer for games of the game control apparatus of the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the continuation of the main process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the timer interruption process performed by the game microcomputer of the game control apparatus of the embodiment. It is a flowchart of the special figure game process in the timer interruption process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the special figure usual process in the special figure game process of FIG. It is a flowchart of 1stCPU main processing performed by the microcomputer for main control of the presentation control apparatus of embodiment. 12 is a flowchart of a power saving execution setting process in the 1st CPU main process of FIG. 11. 13 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the power saving execution setting process of FIG. 12. 6 is a timing chart showing the operation of the gaming machine of the embodiment when the effect control device detects an error in a state where the power saving function is on. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation of the gaming machine of the embodiment when the game control device detects an error in a state where the power saving function is on. It is a timing chart which shows operation of a game machine in a modification of the embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows operation of a game machine in a modification of the embodiment. It is a figure explaining switching of the volume setting part and power saving function in the modification of the embodiment. It is the front view of the game board which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of 1st invention, and the side view of the movable accessory with which this game board is equipped. It is a timing chart which shows operation | movement of the big prize opening of the embodiment. It is a figure explaining the variation pattern table used with the gaming machine of the embodiment. It is a figure explaining the light emission aspect of the display apparatus with which the gaming machine of the embodiment is provided. It is a figure explaining the power-saving control table used with the gaming machine of the embodiment. It is a figure explaining the modification of the power saving control table of FIG. It is a flowchart of the movable body control process in the 1st CPU main process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the initialization sequence process in the movable body control process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the normal sequence process in the movable body control process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the power-saving start sequence process in the movable body control process of FIG. It is a flowchart of the power-saving cancellation | release sequence process in the movable body control process of FIG. It is a timing chart which shows the operation after powering on the gaming machine of the same embodiment. It is a flowchart of a power-saving middle frame opening monitoring process executed in a modification of the embodiment. It is a figure explaining the various setting information set to the gaming machine of the embodiment of the second invention. It is a flowchart of a push button input process executed by the main control microcomputer of the embodiment. 31 is a flowchart of an amusement shop setting information change operation monitoring process in the push button input process of FIG. 30. FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a player setting information change operation monitoring process in the push button input process of FIG. 30. FIG. It is a flowchart of 1stCPU main processing performed by the microcomputer for main control of the embodiment. 34 is a flowchart of a RAM initial setting process in the 1st CPU main process of FIG. 33. It is a flowchart of the setting information initialization process in the 1st CPU main process of FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of a display of various setting screens.

<First Embodiment of the First Invention>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the first invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 10 of the embodiment.

  The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment includes a main body frame (outer frame) 11 and a front frame (inner frame) 12, and the front frame 12 is assembled to the main body frame 11 via a hinge 13 so as to be openable and closable. . The game board 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in a storage portion (not shown) formed on the front side of the front frame 12. A glass frame 15 having a cover glass (transparent member) 14 that covers the front surface of the game board 30 is attached to the front frame 12.

  Further, an illuminating device (moving light) 16 having a built-in lamp and motor and a discharge abnormality notification lamp 17 are provided above the glass frame 15. Further, on the left and right sides of the glass frame 15, lamps (for example, LEDs (light emitting diodes)) are incorporated inside, and a frame decoration device (decoration device) 18 that emits light for decoration and production, and voice (for example, sound effects) are provided. An outputable speaker (upper speaker: sound output device, decoration device) 19a is provided. Furthermore, a speaker (lower speaker: sound output device, decoration device) 19b is also provided below the front frame 12.

  In addition, at the lower part of the front frame 12, an upper plate 21 for supplying game balls to a not-shown hitting ball launcher, and game balls paid out from a ball payout device provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 flow out. There are provided a dish tray outlet 22, a lower dish 23 for storing game balls paid out in a state in which the upper dish 21 is full, an operation unit 24 of a ball striking device, and the like. The operation unit 24 is provided with a touch sensor 24a (see FIG. 3) that detects that the player has touched it. Further, on the upper edge portion of the upper plate 21, an effect button 251 and a selection button 252 (in the case where the two are not distinguished from each other) incorporating switches 251a and 252a (see FIG. 3) for receiving an operation input from the player. A push button unit 25 comprising the push buttons 251 and 252 is provided. Further, a key 26 for opening and locking the front frame 12 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 12. Note that the location where the touch sensor is provided is not limited to the operation unit 24, and may be any location as long as the player touches when playing a game. Further, instead of the touch sensor 24a, a human sensor that detects that the player is in front of the gaming machine may be provided.

Further, a volume setting unit (not shown) including a volume adjustment switch 29 (see FIG. 4) for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speakers 19a and 19b is provided below the front frame 12. The volume control switch 29 is composed of, for example, a rotary switch, and a plurality of volume levels (for example, 6 levels from 0 to 5) can be set by operating (rotating) the operation unit of the volume setting unit. That is, the volume setting unit is a volume setting unit that can set the volume of the sound output from the sound output device by a predetermined operation of the player.
Note that the volume control switch 29 may be provided on the back side of the gaming machine 10 so that only the store clerk at the gaming store can operate it.
Further, the volume may be selected by operating the effect button 251 without using the rotary switch. In this case, the selected volume level can be recognized by displaying numerical values or meters on the display device 41, changing the light emission mode of the frame decoration device 18, or outputting sample sounds from the speakers 19a and 19b. It is good to.

  In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the player rotates the operation unit 24, the hitting ball launching device directs the game ball supplied from the upper plate 21 toward the game area 32 on the front surface of the game board 30. And fire. Further, when the player operates the effect button 251, an effect that causes the player's operation to intervene in the variable display game (decoration special map variable display game) on the display device 41 (see FIG. 2). Can do. The following describes the player's actions and gaming machine operations that the player can find interesting, such as a game ball launch operation, a variable display game that variably displays a plurality of identification information, and effects accompanying the variable display game. May be called. Further, on the front surface of the glass frame 15 above the upper plate 21, a ball lending button 27 that is operated when a player receives a ball lending from an adjacent ball lending machine, and a prepaid card to be discharged from the card unit of the ball lending machine. A discharge button 28 for operating the balance, a balance display section (not shown) for displaying the balance of the prepaid card, and the like are provided.

Next, the structural example of the game board 30 of this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 30 of the present embodiment.
On the surface of the game board 30, a substantially circular game area 32 surrounded by the guide rail 31 is formed. The game area 32 is surrounded by resin side cases 33 and guide rails 31 provided at the four corners of the game board 30. In the game area 32, a center case 40 provided with a display device 41 is disposed substantially at the center. The display device 41 is attached to a recessed portion provided in the center case 40 at a position deeper than the front surface of the center case 40. That is, the center case 40 surrounds the display portion 41 a of the display device 41 and is formed so as to protrude forward from the display surface of the display device 41.

  The display device (effect display device) 41 of the present embodiment is configured by an LCD (liquid crystal display). That is, the display device 41 includes a liquid crystal panel (not shown) forming the display unit 41a and a backlight 411 (see FIG. 4) provided behind the liquid crystal panel, and emits light from the backlight 411 toward the liquid crystal panel. It is configured so that the effect image formed on the liquid crystal panel can be visually recognized by irradiating and causing the display unit 41a to emit light, and the luminance of the display unit 41a can be changed by changing the luminance of the backlight 411. It is configured. For example, as shown in FIG. 22B, the backlight 411 has a plurality of LEDs 411a arranged in a matrix. The display device 41 may be anything as long as the display is formed by a combination of a plurality of LEDs that emit light, a CRT (Brown tube), an organic EL, or the like so that the display unit emits light by electric power. good.

  On the display unit 41a of the display device 41, a plurality of identification information (special symbols), a character that produces a special figure variation display game, a background image that enhances the effect, and the like are displayed. In the display unit 41a, a plurality of special symbols assigned as identification information are variably displayed (variably displayed), and a decorative special figure variation display game corresponding to the special diagram variation display game is played. In addition, an image for an effect based on the progress of the game (for example, a jackpot display image, a fanfare display image, an ending display image, etc.) is displayed on the display unit 41a.

On the left side of the center case 40 in the game area 32, a normal symbol start gate (ordinary start gate) 34 is provided. Three general winning openings 35 are arranged on the lower left side of the center case 40, and one general winning opening 35 is arranged on the lower right side of the center case 40.
In each of the general winning ports 35,..., Winning port switches 35a to 35n (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball that has entered each of the general winning ports 35 are arranged.

  A start winning opening 36 is provided below the center case 40 for giving a start condition for the special figure variation display game, and a game ball easily flows into the upper portion by opening a reverse “C” shape at the top. An ordinary variable winning device (general power) 37 having a pair of opening and closing members (movable members) 37b, 37b for converting into a state and having a second start winning port is disposed therein.

The pair of opening / closing members 37b, 37b of the normal variation winning device 37 always holds a closed state (a disadvantageous state for the player) with an interval of about the diameter of the game ball. However, since the start winning port 36 is provided above the normal variation winning device 37, the game ball cannot be won in the closed state.
When the result of the normal variation display game becomes a predetermined stop display mode, it is opened in a reverse “C” shape by a general electric solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3) as a driving device, and a normal variation prize is awarded. The device 37 can be changed to an open state (a state advantageous to the player) in which a game ball easily flows.

  Further, a special variable winning device (large winning mouth) 38 that can be converted into a state where a game ball is not accepted and a state where it is easy to accept depending on the result of the special figure changing display game is arranged below the normal variable winning device 37. Yes.

The special variation winning device 38 has an attacker-type open / close door 38c that can be opened by rotating in a direction in which the upper end side is tilted toward the front side, and depending on the result of the special figure variation display game as an auxiliary game. The state is converted from a closed state (closed state unfavorable for the player) to an open state (a state advantageous to the player).
That is, the special variable winning device 38 includes a large winning opening that is opened and closed by an open / close door 38c that is driven by a large winning port solenoid 38b (see FIG. 3) as a driving device. By converting the closed state from the closed state to the open state, the inflow of game balls into the special winning opening is facilitated, and a predetermined game value (prize ball) is given to the player.
In addition, a count switch 38a (see FIG. 3) as a detecting means for detecting a game ball that has entered the special winning opening is disposed inside the special winning opening (winning area).
Below the special variable winning device 38, there is provided an out port 39 for collecting game balls that have not won a winning port or the like.

  Also, outside the game area 32 (for example, at the top of the game board 30), the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game that form the special figure fluctuation display game, and the winning for the normal figure start gate 34 are awarded. A collective display device 50 is provided for executing a universal map display game with a trigger at one location.

  The collective display device 50 includes a first special figure fluctuation display unit (special figure 1 display) 51 and a second special figure for a first special figure fluctuation display game configured by a 7-segment display (LED lamp) or the like. 2nd special figure fluctuation display part (special figure 2 indicator) 52 for fluctuation display games, a fluctuation display part (general figure display) 53 for general figure fluctuation display games, and each fluctuation similarly constituted by LED lamps Memory display units 54 to 56 for informing the start memory number of the display game are provided. Further, the collective display device 50 is turned on when a big hit occurs and a first gaming state display unit (first gaming state indicator) 57 that notifies the occurrence of the big hit, and lights up when a short time state occurs to notify the occurrence of a short time state. A second game state display unit (second game state display) 60, an error display unit 58 for displaying an error in which the probability state of the jackpot is a high probability state when the gaming machine 10 is turned on, and the number of rounds at the time of the jackpot A round display section 59 for displaying (the number of times the special variable winning device 38 is opened and closed) is provided.

  The special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 is, for example, during the execution of the fluctuation display game, that is, while the decoration special figure fluctuation display game is being performed on the display device 41, The segment is blinked to indicate that it is changing. When the result of the game is “out of”, for example, the central segment is turned on as a result mode of out of game, and when the result of the game is “win”, the result of out of game (special result mode) is not. A game result is displayed with a result mode other than the result mode (for example, the numbers “3” and “7”) in a lit state.

  The normal display 53 blinks the lamp during the change and displays that the change is in progress. When the game result is “out of”, for example, the lamp is turned off, and when the game result is “hit”, the lamp is turned on to display the game result.

The special figure 1 hold display 54 displays the number of undigested balls (starting memory number = holding number) among the number of winning balls to the start winning opening 36, which is the variation start condition of the special figure 1 display 51. Specifically, when the number of hold is “0”, all four lamps are turned off, and when the number of hold is “1”, only lamp 1 is turned on. Further, when the number of holdings is “2”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned on, when the number of holdings is “3”, the lamps 1, 2 and 3 are turned on, and when the number of holdings is “4”, 4 is set. All the lamps 1 to 4 are turned on.
The special figure 2 hold indicator 55 displays the start memory number (= hold number) of the second start winning opening (ordinary variable prize device 37), which is the fluctuation start condition of the special figure 2 indicator 52, and the special figure 1 hold indicator. Displayed in the same manner as 54.

  The general map hold display 56 displays the start memory number (= hold number) of the general map start gate 34 which is the variation start condition of the general map display 53. For example, when the hold number is “0”, the lamps 1 and 2 are turned off, and when the hold number is “1”, only the lamp 1 is turned on. When the number of hold is “2”, lamps 1 and 2 are turned on. When the number of hold is “3”, lamp 1 is blinked, lamp 2 is turned on, and when the number of hold is “4”. Lamps 1 and 2 are blinked.

For example, the first gaming state indicator 57 turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp when the big hit has occurred.
For example, the second gaming state indicator 60 turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp when the time-short state occurs.

The error indicator 58 turns the lamp off when the jackpot probability state is low when the gaming machine 10 is turned on, and when the jackpot probability state is high when the gaming machine 10 is turned on. Turns on the lamp.
For example, the round display unit 59 turns off the lamp in the normal gaming state, and turns on the lamp corresponding to the number of rounds (2 rounds or 16 rounds) when the big hit occurs. The round display unit 59 may be configured by a 7 segment type display.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a game is played by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) from a launcher (not shown) toward the game area 32. The launched game balls flow down the game area 32 while changing the rolling direction by means of direction change members such as obstacle nails and windmills arranged at various locations in the game area 32, and the normal start gate 34 and the general winning opening 35 The winning prize opening 36, the normal variable prize winning device 37 or the special variable prize winning device 38 is won, or it flows into the out port 39 provided at the bottom of the game area 32 and is discharged from the game area. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 35, the start winning opening 36, the normal variation winning apparatus 37, or the special variable winning apparatus 38, the number of winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening is awarded by the payout control apparatus 200. It is discharged from the controlled dispensing unit to the upper plate 21 or the lower plate 23 of the front frame 12.

On the other hand, a gate switch 34a (see FIG. 3) including a non-contact type switch for detecting a game ball that has passed through the general diagram start gate 34 is provided in the general diagram start gate 34. When the game ball that has been driven into the area 32 passes through the usual figure start gate 34, it is detected by the gate switch 34a and a usual figure change display game is played.
In addition, the normal variation display game cannot be started, for example, the normal variation display game has already been played and the normal variation display game has not been completed, When 37 is converted to the open state and the game ball passes through the general figure start gate 34, if it is less than the upper limit of the normal figure start memory number, the general figure start memory number is added (+1) and the general figure start memory number is increased. One figure start memory is stored. The number of memorized start prizes is displayed on the memory display unit 56 for notifying the number of start prizes of the collective display device 50.
In addition, in the normal chart start memory, a random number value for hit determination for determining a hit error of the normal figure fluctuation display game is stored, and when the random number value for hit determination coincides with the determination value In addition, a specific result mode (specific result) is derived by hitting the common map fluctuation display game.

The usual map change display game is executed by a change display unit (common figure display) 53 provided in the collective display device 50. The general-purpose indicator 53 is composed of LEDs indicating normal identification information (normal diagrams, normal symbols) in the lit state and indicating misalignment in the unlit state, and the normal identification information is displayed by blinking this LED. The fluctuation display is performed, and after a predetermined fluctuation display time has elapsed, the LED is turned on or off to display the result.
Note that, for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, and the like may be used as the normal identification information, and this may be configured to be displayed by variably displaying for a predetermined time and then stopped. If the stop display of the usual figure variation display game is a specific result, the pair of opening and closing members 37b of the ordinary fluctuation winning device 37 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds). It becomes a state. This makes it easier for the game ball to win the second start winning opening inside the normal fluctuation winning device 37, and the number of times the second special figure changing display game is executed increases.

  When the random number value extracted at the time of detection of the passage to the general chart start gate 34 is a winning value, the normal symbol displayed on the universal chart display unit 53 stops in a winning state and enters a winning state. At this time, the normal variation winning device 37 is in a state in which the open / close member 37b is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.3 seconds) by driving the built-in general-purpose solenoid 37c (see FIG. 3). It is converted and the winning of the game ball is allowed.

  The winning ball to the starting winning port 36 and the winning ball to the normal variation winning device 37 are respectively detected by the starting port 1 switch 36a and the starting port 2 switch 37a provided inside. The game balls won at the start winning opening 36 are detected as the start winning balls of the first special figure variable display game, and are stored in a limit of four, and the game balls won at the normal variable prize winning device 37 are the second special figure. It is detected as the start winning ball of the variable display game and is stored up to four. In addition, when the starting winning ball is detected, a big hit random number value, a big hit symbol random number value, and each variation pattern random number value are extracted, and the extracted random number value is stored in a special figure memory in the game control device 100 (see FIG. 3). Each area (a part of the RAM) is stored as a special figure start memory for a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four times). The number stored in the special figure start memory is displayed on the storage display units 54 and 55 for notifying the start winning number of the collective display device 50 and also on the display device 41 of the center case 40.

The game control device 100 uses the special figure indicator (variable display device) 51 or 52 to change the first or second special figure on the basis of the winning entry to the start winning opening 36 or the normal variable prize winning device 37 or the start memory thereof. Play a display game.
The first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are performed by variably displaying a plurality of special symbols (special figures, identification information) and then stopping and displaying a predetermined result form. In addition, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game for displaying a plurality of types of identification information (for example, numbers, symbols, character designs, etc.) in a variable manner corresponding to each special figure fluctuation display game on the display device 41 is executed. ing.
As a result of the special figure fluctuation display game, when the display mode of the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52 becomes a special result mode, a special game state (so-called big hit state) ) Correspondingly, the display mode of the display device 41 is also a special result mode.

  In the decorative special symbol variation display game on the display device 41, for example, the decorative special symbol (identification information) composed of the above-described numbers is left (first special symbol), right (second special symbol), middle (third special symbol). The variation display is started in the order of symbols), the symbols that have been varied after a predetermined time are sequentially stopped, and the result of the special symbol variation display game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 performs a variable display game with a decorative special symbol corresponding to the number of special figure starting memories, and various effects such as the appearance of a character are performed to improve interest.

The special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 may be separate displays or the same display, but each special figure variation display is performed so as not to be executed independently or simultaneously. The game is displayed. In addition, the display device 41 may use different display devices and different display areas in the first special map variable display game and the second special map variable display game, or use the same display device and display area. However, the decoration special figure variation display game is displayed so as not to be executed independently or simultaneously. The game machine 10 may not be provided with the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52, and the special figure variation display game may be executed only by the display device 41.
Further, the second special figure variation display game is executed with priority over the first special figure variation display game. That is, if there is a start memory of the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game, and the execution of the special figure fluctuation display game becomes possible, the second special figure fluctuation display game is It is supposed to be executed.

In addition, in the state where the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started and the number of start memories is zero, the start winning opening 36 (or the normal fluctuation prize winning device 37) is entered. When the game ball wins, the start memory is stored as the start right is generated, the start memory number is incremented by 1, and the first special figure variation display game (second special figure) is immediately added based on the start memory. (Variable display game) is started, and at this time, the start memory number is decremented by one.
On the other hand, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) cannot be started immediately, for example, the first or second special figure fluctuation display game has already been performed, and the special figure fluctuation display game has ended. If the game ball is won in the start winning opening 36 (or the normal variable prize winning device 37) in a state that is not in the special game state or in the special game state, the start memory number is 1 if the start memory number is less than the upper limit number. By adding, one start memory is stored. Then, in a state where the starting memory number becomes 1 or more, a state in which the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) can be started (the end of the previous special figure fluctuation display game or the special game state) (End), the start memory number is decremented by 1, and the first special figure fluctuation display game (second special figure fluctuation display game) is started based on the stored start memory.
In the following description, when the first special figure fluctuation display game and the second special figure fluctuation display game are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as a special figure fluctuation display game.

  Although not particularly limited, the starting port 1 switch 36a in the starting winning port 36, the starting port 2 switch 37a in the normal variable winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, the count The switch 38a is a non-contact type magnetic proximity sensor (hereinafter referred to as a proximity switch) that includes a magnetic detection coil and detects a game ball using a phenomenon in which a magnetic field changes when a metal approaches the coil. Has been. A micro switch having a mechanical contact is used for the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 or the like of the gaming machine 10 or the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 or the like. be able to.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system provided in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 includes a game control device 100. The game control device 100 is a main control device (main board) for comprehensively controlling games, and includes a CPU unit 110 having a game microcomputer 111 (hereinafter referred to as a game microcomputer) and an input having an input port. Unit 120, an output unit 130 having an output port, a driver, and the like, a CPU unit 110, a data bus 140 for connecting the input unit 120 and the output unit 130, and the like.

  The CPU section 110 receives signals (starting winning detection signals) from a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC) and a proximity switch interface chip (proximity I / F) 121 in the input section 120. An inversion circuit 112 composed of an inverter or the like that is logically inverted and input to the gaming microcomputer 111 and an oscillator such as a crystal oscillator are provided, and generates a clock that serves as a reference for the CPU operation clock, timer interrupt, and random number generation circuit. An oscillation circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 and the like are included. The game control device 100 and electronic components such as a solenoid and a motor driven by the game control device 100 are supplied with a DC voltage of a predetermined level such as DC32V, DC12V, and DC5V generated by the power supply device 400 so as to be operable. Is done.

  The power supply device 400 is a normal power source having an AC-DC converter that generates the DC 32V DC voltage from a 24V AC power source, a DC-DC converter that generates a lower level DC voltage such as DC 12V, DC 5V, etc. from the DC 32V voltage. Unit 410, backup power supply unit 420 for supplying power supply voltage to the internal RAM of gaming microcomputer 111 in the event of a power failure, and a power failure monitoring circuit and an initialization switch to inform gaming control device 100 of the occurrence and recovery of power failure A control signal generation unit 430 that generates and outputs control signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal is provided.

  In the present embodiment, the power supply device 400 is configured separately from the game control device 100, but the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are integrated on a separate board or the game control device 100, that is, the main control unit 100. You may comprise so that it may provide on a board | substrate. Since the game board 30 and the game control device 100 are to be replaced when the model is changed, the backup power supply unit 420 and the control signal generation unit 430 are provided on a board different from the power supply apparatus 400 or the main board as in the embodiment. By providing, it can remove from the object of replacement | exchange and can aim at cost reduction.

The backup power supply unit 420 can be composed of one large-capacity capacitor such as an electrolytic capacitor. The backup power is supplied to the game microcomputer 111 (particularly, the built-in RAM) of the game control device 100, and the data stored in the RAM is held even during a power failure or after the power is shut off.
The control signal generation unit 430 monitors the voltage of 32V generated by the normal power supply unit 410, for example, detects the occurrence of a power failure when it drops to, for example, 17V or less, changes the power failure monitoring signal, and resets the signal after a predetermined time. Is output. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored.

  The initialization switch signal is a signal generated when the initialization switch is turned on, and forcibly initializes information stored in the RAM 111C in the gaming microcomputer 111 and the RAM in the payout control device 200. . Although not particularly limited, the initialization switch signal is read when the power is turned on, and the power failure monitoring signal is repeatedly read in the main loop of the main program executed by the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal is a kind of forced interrupt signal and resets the entire control system.

  The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (central processing unit: microprocessor) 111A, a read-only ROM (read-only memory) 111B, and a RAM (random access memory) 111C that can be read and written as needed.

  The ROM 111B stores invariant information (programs, fixed data, various random number judgment values, etc.) for game control in a nonvolatile manner, and the RAM 111C stores a work area for the CPU 111A and various signals and random number values during game control. Used as As the ROM 111B or the RAM 111C, an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM may be used.

In addition, the ROM 111B stores, for example, a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern that defines the execution time of the special figure variation display game, the production contents, the presence or absence of the reach state, and the like.
The variation pattern table is a table for the CPU 111A to determine the variation pattern by referring to the variation pattern random numbers 1 to 3 stored as the start memory. The fluctuation pattern table includes a loss fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is lost, a big hit fluctuation pattern table selected when the result is per 16R or 2R, and the like. Further, these pattern tables include a second half variation pattern table and a first half variation pattern table.

  Reach (reach state) has a display device whose display state can change, and the display device derives and displays a plurality of display results at different times, and the plurality of display results are predetermined. In the gaming machine 10 in which the game state becomes a game state advantageous to the player (special game state) when the special result mode is entered, the game is already derived at the stage where some of the plurality of display results are not yet derived and displayed. This means a display state in which the displayed display result satisfies the condition for the special result mode. In other words, the reach state is deviated from the display condition that is the special result mode even when the display device's variable display control progresses and reaches the stage before the display result is derived and displayed. There is no display mode. For example, a state where so-called full-rotation reach is performed in a variable display region while maintaining a state in which special result modes are aligned (so-called full rotation reach) is also included in the reach state. The reach state is a display state at the time when the display control of the display device has progressed to reach a stage before the display result is derived and displayed, and is determined before the display result is derived and displayed. The display state in the case where at least a part of the display results of the plurality of variable display areas satisfies the condition for the special result mode.

  Thus, for example, a decorative special figure fluctuation display game displayed on a display device corresponding to a special figure fluctuation display game fluctuates a plurality of identification information for a predetermined time in each of the left, middle, and right fluctuation display areas on the display device. After displaying, when the display of the result mode is stopped in the order of left, right, and middle, the condition that becomes the special result mode is satisfied in the left and right variable display areas (for example, The state in which the variable display is stopped with the same identification information) is the reach state. In addition to this, when the variable display of all the variable display areas is temporarily stopped, the condition that the special result mode is satisfied in any two of the left, middle, and right variable display areas (for example, the same The state in which the identification information is obtained (except for the special result mode) may be set as the reach state, and the remaining one variable display area may be variably displayed from the reach state. This reach state includes a plurality of reach effects, and the possibility of deriving a special result mode is different (having different reliability), such as normal reach, special 1 reach, special 2 reach, special 3 reach, etc. Is set. The reliability increases in the order of no reach <normal reach <special 1 reach <special 2 reach <special 3 reach. In addition, this reach state is included in a variable display mode at least in a case where a special result mode is derived in a special figure variable display game (when a big hit is achieved). That is, it may be included in the variable display mode when it is determined that the special result mode is not derived in the special figure variable display game (when it is out of place). Therefore, the state in which the reach state has occurred is a state that is more likely to be a big hit than the case in which the reach state does not occur.

The CPU 111A executes a game control program in the ROM 111B, generates a control signal (command) for the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300, or generates a drive signal for the solenoid or the display device and outputs it. The entire gaming machine 10 is controlled.
Although not shown, the gaming microcomputer 111 generates a jackpot determination random number for the special figure variation display game, a jackpot symbol random number for determining the jackpot symbol, a hit determination random number for the common figure variation display game, and the like. And a clock that gives a timer interrupt signal for a predetermined period (for example, 4 milliseconds) to the CPU 111A and the update timing of the random number generation circuit based on the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the oscillation circuit 113 It has a clock generator.

  In addition, the CPU 111A selects one of a plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the ROM 111B in a start port switch monitoring process (step A1) or a special figure routine process (step A9) in a special figure game process to be described later. One fluctuation pattern table is acquired. Specifically, the CPU 111A determines the game result (big hit or miss) of the special figure fluctuation display game, the probability state (normal probability state or high probability state) of the special figure fluctuation display game as the current game state, and the current game. Based on the operation state (normal operation state or short-time operation state) of the normal variation winning device 37 as a state, the number of starting memories, etc., one of the variation pattern tables is selected and acquired. To do.

  Although not shown, the payout control device 200 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input interface, an output interface, and the like, and drives a payout motor of the payout unit in accordance with a prize ball payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100. , Control for paying out a prize ball. In addition, the payout control device 200 drives the payout motor of the payout unit based on the ball rental request signal from the card unit, and performs control for paying out the ball.

  The input unit 120 of the gaming microcomputer 111 includes a start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36, a start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, a gate switch 34a in the usual start gate 34, and a general winning port. An interface which is connected to the switches 35a to 35n and the count switch 38a and receives a negative logic signal such as a high level of 11V and a low level of 7V supplied from these switches, and converts it into a positive logic signal of 0V-5V. A chip (proximity I / F) 121 is provided. Proximity I / F 121 seems to be floating because the input range is 7V-11V, the lead wire of the proximity switch is improperly shorted, the switch is disconnected from the connector, or the lead wire is disconnected. An abnormal state can be detected, and an abnormality detection signal is output.

  All the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are supplied to the second input port 122 and read into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140, and also supplied from the main board 100 to the test firing test apparatus (not shown) via the relay board 70. It is like that. In addition, detection signals of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a among the outputs of the proximity I / F 121 are input to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the inverting circuit 112 in addition to the second input port 122. It is configured. The inversion circuit 112 is provided because the signal input terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 is assumed to receive a signal from a micro switch or the like, and detects negative logic, that is, low level (0 V) as an effective level. Because it is designed to do.

  Therefore, when a micro switch is used as the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a, the detection signal can be directly input to the gaming microcomputer 111 without providing the inverting circuit 112. That is, when it is desired to directly input negative logic signals from the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a to the gaming microcomputer 111, the proximity switch cannot be used. As described above, the proximity I / F 121 has a signal level conversion function. In order to enable such a level conversion function, the proximity I / F 121 is supplied with a voltage of 12 V from the power supply device 400 in addition to a voltage such as 5 V required for normal IC operation. It has become.

  The input unit 120 also includes a touch detection signal from the touch sensor 24 a of the operation unit 24, and signals from the fraud detection magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 provided on the front frame 12 of the gaming machine 10. The start port 1 switch 36a in the start winning port 36 converted by the proximity I / F 121, the start port 2 switch 37a in the normal variation winning device 37, the gate switch 34a, the general winning port switches 35a to 35n, and the count switch 38a. A second input port 122 is provided which takes in a signal from and supplies it to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. The data held in the second input port 122 is read out by asserting the enable signal CE1 (changing to an effective level) by the gaming microcomputer 111 decoding the address assigned to the second input port 122. be able to. The same applies to other ports described later. Note that the touch detection signal output by the touch sensor 24 a may be input via the payout control device 200.

  Further, the input unit 120 receives signals and payouts from the front frame opening detection switch 63 provided on the glass frame 15 and the like of the gaming machine 10 and the game frame opening detection switch 64 provided on the front frame (game frame) 12 and the like. A status signal indicating a payout abnormality from the control device 200, a shot ball break switch signal indicating a shortage of game balls before payout, and an overflow switch signal indicating an overflow are fetched and supplied to the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. A first input port 123 is provided. The overflow switch signal is a signal that is output when it is detected that a predetermined amount or more of game balls are stored in the lower plate 23 (full).

  Further, the first input port 123 of the input unit 120 can be connected to a game hall management device (information collection device, so-called hall computer) H installed in the game store. In a state where the game hall management device H is connected to the port 123, various control signals (power-saving control signals, etc.) output from the game hall management device H are input to the game microcomputer 111 via the first input port 123. It becomes possible to do. The control signal from the game hall management device H may be input via the external information terminal 71.

  Further, the input unit 120 is provided with a Schmitt trigger circuit 124 for inputting signals such as a power failure monitoring signal, an initialization switch signal, and a reset signal from the power supply device 400 to the gaming microcomputer 111 and the like. The circuit 124 has a function of removing noise from these input signals. Of the signals from the power supply device 400, the power failure monitoring signal and the initialization switch signal are once inputted to the first input port 123 and taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. That is, it is treated as a signal equivalent to the signal from the various switches described above. This is because the number of terminals receiving external signals provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 is limited.

  On the other hand, the reset signal RST from which noise has been removed by the Schmitt trigger circuit 124 is directly input to a reset terminal provided in the gaming microcomputer 111 and is supplied to each port of the output unit 130. Further, the reset signal RST is directly output to the relay board 70 without going through the output unit 130, thereby turning off the test test signal held in the port (not shown) of the relay board 70 for output to the test board. It is configured as follows. Further, the reset signal RST may be configured to be output to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70. The reset signal RST is not supplied to the ports 122 and 123 of the input unit 120. Data set to each port of the output unit 130 by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input needs to be reset to prevent malfunction of the system, but each data of the input unit 120 is input immediately before the reset signal RST is input. This is because the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from the port is discarded when the gaming microcomputer 111 is reset.

  The output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and outputs a 4-bit data signal output to the payout control device 200, a control signal (data strobe signal) indicating validity / invalidity of the data, and a data strobe signal SSTB output to the effect control device 300. 1 and a second output port 132 for generating an 8-bit data signal to be output to the effect control device 300. Data is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300 by parallel communication. In addition, the data strobe signal from the first output port 131 is input to the output unit 130 in order to prevent a signal from being input to the game control device 100 from the side of the effect control device 300, that is, to ensure one-way communication. A unidirectional buffer 133 that outputs an 8-bit data signal from the SSTB and the second output port 132 is provided. A buffer may also be provided for a signal output from the first output port 131 to the payout control device 200.

  Further, the output unit 130 receives data indicating special symbol information of the variable display game to a test firing test apparatus of an accredited organization that is connected to the data bus 140 and a signal indicating the probability status of the jackpot via the relay board 70. The output buffer 134 is configured to be mountable. This buffer 134 is a component that is not mounted on a game control device (main board) of a pachinko gaming machine as an actual machine (mass production product) installed in the game store. A detection signal output from the proximity I / F 121, such as a start port switch that does not require any processing, is supplied to the test firing test apparatus via the relay board 70 without passing through the buffer 134.

  On the other hand, detection signals such as the magnetic sensor switch 61 and the vibration sensor switch 62 that cannot be supplied to the test fire testing device as they are are once taken into the gaming microcomputer 111 and processed into other signals or information. An error signal indicating that the control is not possible is supplied from the data bus 140 to the trial test apparatus via the buffer 134 and the relay board 70. The relay board 70 is provided with a port that takes in the signal output from the buffer 134 and supplies it to the test test apparatus, a connector that relays and transmits a signal line of a switch detection signal that does not pass through the buffer, and the like. ing. A chip enable signal CE output from the gaming microcomputer 111 is also supplied to the port on the relay board 70, and the signal of the port selected and controlled by the signal CE is supplied to the test firing test apparatus.

  In addition, the output unit 130 is connected to the data bus 140 and is connected to the data bus 140 to open a special variable winning device 38 (a large winning port solenoid) 38b and a solenoid (normal electric solenoid) 37c to open an opening / closing member 37b of the normal variable winning device 37. The third output port 135 for outputting the opening / closing data of the LED and the ON / OFF data of the digit line to which the cathode terminal of the LED of the collective display device 50 is connected. A fourth output port 136 for outputting on / off data of the segment line to which the anode terminal is connected, and a fifth output port 137 for outputting information related to the gaming machine 10 such as jackpot information to the external information terminal 71 are provided. It has been. Information regarding the gaming machine 10 output from the external information terminal 71 is supplied to, for example, an information collection terminal or a game hall management device H installed in a game store.

  Further, the output unit 130 receives the opening / closing data signal of the big prize opening solenoid 38b output from the third output port 135, and receives the solenoid driving signal and the opening / closing data signal of the power solenoid 37c to generate the solenoid driving signal. A first driver (drive circuit) 138a for outputting, a second driver 138b for outputting an on / off drive signal for a digit line on the current drawing side of the collective display device 50 outputted from the third output port 135, and a fourth output port 136 The external information signal supplied to the external device such as the management device from the third driver 138c and the fifth output port 137 for outputting the ON / OFF drive signal of the segment line on the current supply side of the collective display device 50 output from the external information A fourth driver 138d for outputting to the terminal 71 is provided.

  The first driver 138a is supplied with DC32V from the power supply device 400 as a power supply voltage so that a solenoid operating at 32V can be driven. Also, DC12V is supplied to the third driver 138c that drives the segment lines of the collective display device 50. Since the second driver 138b for driving the digit line is for extracting the digit line corresponding to the display data with a current, the power supply voltage may be either 12V or 5V. A dynamic drive method is achieved by flowing current to the anode terminal of the LED through the segment line by the third driver 138c that outputs 12 V, and drawing the current from the cathode terminal through the segment line by the second driver 138b that outputs the ground potential. The power supply voltage flows through the LEDs sequentially selected in step 1 so that the LEDs are lit. The fourth driver 138d that outputs the external information signal to the external information terminal 71 is supplied with DC12V in order to give the external information signal a level of 12V. Note that the buffer 134, the third output port 135, the first driver 138a, and the like may be provided on the output board 130 of the game control device 100, that is, on the relay board 70 side instead of the main board.

  Furthermore, the output unit 130 is provided with a photocoupler 139 for transmitting information such as an identification code and a program of each gaming machine to the external inspection device 500. The photocoupler 139 is configured to be capable of bi-directional communication so that the gaming microcomputer 111 can transmit and receive data to and from the inspection device 500 through serial communication. Note that such data transmission / reception is performed using a serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111 as in the case of a general general-purpose microprocessor, and therefore, ports such as the input ports 122 and 123 are not provided.

Next, the configuration of the effect control device 300 will be described with reference to FIG.
The effect control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 formed of an amusement chip (IC), as with the game microcomputer 111, and a video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 that performs video control exclusively under the control of the 1st CPU 311. , VDP (Video Display Processor) 313 as a graphic processor that performs image processing for video display on the display device 41 in accordance with commands and data from the 2nd CPU 312 and various melody and sound effects are reproduced from the speakers 19a and 19b. The sound source LSI 314 for controlling the sound output is provided.

  The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are connected to program ROMs 321 and 322 each composed of a PROM (programmable read only memory) storing a program executed by each CPU. Is connected to an image ROM 323 storing character images and video data, and a sound ROM 324 storing sound data is connected to the sound source LSI 314. The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 analyzes the command from the game microcomputer 111, decides the contents of the presentation, instructs the video control microcomputer 312 about the contents of the output video, and instructs the sound source LSI 314 about the reproduced sound. , Lamp lighting, motor drive control, production time management, etc. are executed. RAMs that provide work areas for the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are provided in the respective chips. Note that the RAM that provides the work area may be provided outside the chip.

  Although not particularly limited, a serial system is used between the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 and between the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 and the sound source LSI 314. Data transmission / reception is performed, and data transmission / reception is performed in parallel with the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 and between the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and the VDP 313. By transmitting and receiving data in parallel, commands and data can be transmitted in a shorter time than in the case of serial. The VDP 313 includes an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 305 used for developing and processing image data such as characters read from the image ROM 323, and a drawing circuit for drawing image data. 306, a display circuit 307 for generating a video signal to be transmitted to the display device 41 by an LVDS (small amplitude signal transmission) system, and the like are provided.

  Further, the VDP 313 converts the power supplied from the power supply device 400 into a pulse wave that repeatedly turns on and off at a predetermined cycle and supplies the pulse wave to the backlight 411 of the display device 41 or the like (Pulse Width Modulation). ) An output circuit 308 is provided. The PWM output circuit 308 is configured to be able to arbitrarily change the duty ratio of the output pulse wave based on the control signal from the video control microcomputer 312.

  A vertical synchronization signal VSYNC is input from the VDP 313 to the main control microcomputer 311 in order to synchronize the image of the display device 41 and the lighting of the lamps provided on the front frame 12 and the game board 30. In addition, the VDP 313 notifies the video control microcomputer 312 that it is waiting to receive an interrupt signal INT0-n and a command or data from the video control microcomputer 312 in order to notify the processing status such as the end of drawing in the VRAM. A wait signal WAIT is input. Further, the video control microcomputer 312 receives from the main control microcomputer 311 a synchronization signal SYNC that informs that the video control microcomputer 312 is operating normally and gives command transmission timing. A call signal CTS and a response signal RTS are exchanged between the main control microcomputer 311 and the tone generator LSI 314 in order to transmit and receive commands and data in the handshake method.

  Note that the video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 uses a CPU that is faster or more expensive than the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311. By providing a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 separately from the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and sharing the processing, it is possible to display a fast moving image on a large screen that is difficult to achieve with the main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 alone. It is possible to display on the display device 41, and it is possible to suppress an increase in cost compared to the case where two CPUs having processing capabilities equivalent to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 are used. Also, by providing two CPUs, it becomes possible to separately develop the control programs for the two CPUs in parallel, thereby shortening the development period of the new model.

  In addition, the effect control device 300 is provided with an interface chip (command I / F) 331 that receives a command transmitted from the game control device 100. Through this command I / F 331, a change start command, a customer waiting demo command, a fanfare command, a probability information command, an error notification command, an error notification command, a power saving start (cancel) command transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300, A frame opening error command or the like is received as an effect control command signal. Since the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates at DC 5V and the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 operates at DC 3.3V, the command I / F 331 has a signal level conversion function. Is provided.

  The effect control device 300 includes a panel decoration LED control circuit 332 for driving and controlling a panel decoration device (decoration device) 42 having LEDs provided on the game board 30 (including the center case 40), and the front frame 12. A frame decoration LED control circuit 333 for driving and controlling a frame decoration device 18 having an LED (light emitting diode) provided, and a board effect device (decoration device: for example, provided in the game board 30 (including the center case 40) A panel effect motor / SOL control circuit 334 that drives and controls a display effect in the display device 41 in cooperation with the effect display, and a frame effect device (decoration device: for example, provided on the front frame 12) A frame effect motor control circuit 335 for driving and controlling a motor 45 for moving the moving light 16 and the like is provided. These control circuits 332 to 335 that drive and control the lamp, motor, solenoid, and the like are connected to a main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 via an address / data bus 304.

  Further, in the effect control device 300, the switches 251a and 252a built in the push buttons 251 and 252 provided on the front frame 12 and the effect motor switch for detecting the initial position of the motor in the board effect device 44 are turned on. The switch input circuit 336a that detects the off / off state and the setting state (volume level) of the volume control switch 29 and inputs a detection signal to the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 can be connected to the game hall management device H. From an external input circuit 336b that can input the power saving control signal output from the game hall management device H to the main control microcomputer 311 and an audio power amplifier that drives the upper speaker 19a provided on the front frame 12. An amplifier circuit 337a for driving the lower speaker 19b provided on the front frame 12 is provided. It is.

  By providing this external input circuit 336b, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment can connect the game hall management device H to the effect control device 300 and the game control device 100, respectively, and a power saving control signal from the game hall management device H Can be received by both the game control device 100 and the effect control device 300, but may be received only by the effect control device 300, or the game hall management device H is connected only to the game control device 100. In addition, the power saving control signal may be received only by the game control device 100.

  The normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply apparatus 400 drives a motor or a solenoid to supply a desired level of DC voltage to the effect control apparatus 300 having the above-described configuration and electronic components controlled thereby. DC32V for driving the display device 41 composed of a liquid crystal panel, DC5V serving as the power supply voltage for the command I / F 331, DC18V for driving the LED and speaker, and a reference for these DC voltages It is configured to generate a voltage of NDC 24V used to turn on the monitor lamp. Further, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3 V or 1.2 V is used as the main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 or the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312, DC 3. The effect control device 300 is provided with a DC-DC converter for generating 3V or DC 1.2V. Note that the DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply unit 410.

  The control signal generation unit 430 of the power supply apparatus 400 outputs a power failure monitoring signal not only to the game control apparatus 100 but also to the main control microcomputer 311, the video control microcomputer 312, the VDP 313, and the sound source LSI 314 of the effect control apparatus 300. When detecting the occurrence of a power failure, the control signal generation unit 430 changes the power failure monitoring signal and controls the main control microcomputer 311, the video control microcomputer 312, the VDP 313, the sound source LSI 314, a lamp, a motor, and the like. In step 335, reset signals are output to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b that drive the speakers, and these are reset. In this embodiment, a general-purpose port of the video control microcomputer 312 is used to generate and supply a power failure monitoring signal and a reset signal for the VDP 313. Thereby, the cooperation of the operations of the video control microcomputer 312 and the VDP 313 can be improved. In addition, a reset signal is output after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the power is turned on or the power is restored.

Next, game control performed in these control circuits will be described.
The CPU 111A of the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 extracts a random number for determining the hit of the usual figure based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the gate switch 34a provided in the usual figure start gate 34, and the ROM 111B. Is compared with the determination value stored in, and a process for determining whether or not the normal-game fluctuation display game is hit is performed. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the general symbol display 53, a processing for displaying a general symbol variation display game to be stopped is performed. When the result of the normal map variation display game is a win, a special result mode is displayed on the general map display 53, the general electric solenoid 37c is operated, and the opening / closing members 37b and 37b of the normal variable prize winning device 37 are set in advance. Time (for example, 0.3 seconds) is controlled to be released as described above. In addition, when the result of the normal map change display game is out of order, control is performed on the general map display 53 to display the result form of the shift.

Further, a start winning (starting memory) is stored based on an input of a detection signal of a game ball from a starting port 1 switch 36a provided in the starting winning port 36, and based on this start memory, the first special figure variation display game is stored. The random number value for jackpot determination is extracted and compared with the determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process for determining whether or not the first special figure variation display game is missed is performed.
In addition, the start memory is stored based on the input of the detection signal of the game ball from the start port 2 switch 37a provided in the normal variation winning device 37, and based on this start memory, for the big hit determination of the second special figure variable display game A random number value is extracted and compared with a determination value stored in the ROM 111B, and a process of determining whether or not the second special figure variation display game is missed is performed.

Then, the CPU 111 </ b> A of the game control device 100 outputs a control signal (effect control command) including the determination results of the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game to the effect control device 300. Then, after the identification symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time on the special figure 1 display 51 or the special figure 2 display 52, a process for displaying a special figure fluctuation display game to be stopped is performed.
In addition, in the production control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the display device 41 performs a process of displaying the decoration special figure change display game corresponding to the special figure change display game.
Furthermore, in the production control device 300, based on the control signal from the game control device 100, the sound output from the speakers 19a and 19b, the process of controlling the light emission of various LEDs, and the like are performed.

Then, the CPU 111A of the game control device 100 displays the special result mode on the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 and generates a special game state when the result of the special figure variation display game is successful. To perform the process.
In the process of generating the special game state, the CPU 111A performs control for allowing the game ball to flow into the special winning opening by, for example, opening the open / close door 38c of the special variable winning apparatus 38 by the special winning opening solenoid 38b. .
Then, a condition that either a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins the grand prize opening or a predetermined time (for example, 25 seconds or 1 second) elapses from the opening of the big prize opening is achieved. Opening the grand prize opening until one is made is defined as one round, and control (cycle game) is performed to continue (repeat) this for a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 times or 2 times).
Further, when the result of the special figure variation display game is out of order, the special figure 1 display 51 and the special figure 2 display 52 are controlled to display the result form of the deviation.

  In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a probability change state as a game state after the special game state ends based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game. This probability variation state is a state (high probability state) in which the probability of a hit result in the special figure variation display game is higher than the normal probability state. In addition, the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game, regardless of which one of the first special figure variation display game and the second special figure variation display game results in a certain variation state. Both display games are in a probable state.

In addition, the game control device 100 can generate a short time state as a game state after the special game state is ended based on the result mode of the special figure variation display game.
In this time-short state, control is performed so that the normal-variation display game and the normal variation winning device 37 are in the time-short operation state. Specifically, in the short-time state, the execution time of the above-described usual-variable display game is controlled to be a second variable display time shorter than the first variable display time (for example, 10 seconds is 1 second). Thus, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 per unit time is controlled to be substantially increased. Further, in the short time state, when the normal variation winning device 37 is released as a result of the normal variation display game being won, the release time becomes a second release time longer than the first release time in the normal state. (For example, 0.3 seconds is 1.7 seconds). In the short-time state, the number of times of opening of the normal variation winning device 37 is not the first opening number of one time but a plurality of times of two or more times (for example, (3 times) the second number of times of opening.
It should be noted that the execution time of the normal variation display game is set to the second variation display time (for example, 1 second), and the release mode of the normal variation winning device 37 is the second release time (for example, 1.7). Second), and the number of times of opening with respect to one hit result of the normal variation display game is the second number of times of opening (for example, 3 times), either one or both may be performed. May be. In the short-time operation state, control may be performed so that the probability of a hit result of the normal-variable display game is higher than that in the normal operation state. As a result, the game ball can easily win the normal variation winning device 37, and the second special figure variation display game can be easily started.

  In addition, the time variation operation state of the probability variation state, the normal variation display game, and the normal variation prize winning device 37 can be generated independently, and both can be generated at the same time, or only one can be generated. Is possible.

  In addition, the game control device 100 transmits a power saving start command (power saving start command signal) and a power saving release command (power saving release command signal) to the effect control device 300 based on establishment of a predetermined condition. Details of the predetermined condition will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the effect control device 300 has a power saving function for controlling the various decoration devices 18, 19 a, 19 b, 41, 42, 44, 45 to be driven with less power consumption. When a power saving start command is received from the game control device 100 in a state where the power saving control signal received from the game hall management device H is high, this power saving function is turned on, and the power supplied to the various decoration devices decreases. At the same time, the decoration mode of the decoration device changes to a predetermined power saving decoration mode. On the other hand, when the received power saving control signal goes low or a power saving cancellation command is received, the power saving function is turned off, the amount of power supplied to the various decoration devices returns to the normal supply amount, and the decoration of the decoration device The aspect returns to the non-power saving decoration aspect.
When the power saving control signal is received only by the game control device 100, the power saving function is turned on (off) only by receiving the power saving start (cancel) command.

The decoration mode is a volume or melody if the decoration device is a sound output device, a symbol or background displayed if the display device is a display device, a brightness (brightness) of the display unit, etc. ), Lighting time, flashing pattern, etc. If the movable accessory (hereinafter, the decorative aspect may be referred to as the operational aspect for the movable accessory), the movable accessory such as presence / absence of movement, movement speed, movement amount, etc. The position, moving direction, moving distance, moving speed, etc.
In this embodiment, if the decoration device is the display device 41, the display unit 41a is darkened (decreases the brightness), and if the speakers 19a and 19b are not output, the sound is not output (the volume level is set to 0). In the case of the frame decoration device 18 or the panel decoration device 42, a state in which some or all of the built-in LEDs are turned off is turned off, and in the case of the board effect device 44 or the frame effect device 45, the operation of the movable accessory is stopped. It is an aspect. If power consumption is reduced, sound output at a low volume, LED light emission at a low luminance, and movement of a movable accessory at a low speed or a short distance may be used as a power saving decoration mode. Hereinafter, a state in which the power consumption of the decoration device decreases and the decoration mode of the decoration device becomes a predetermined power saving decoration mode is referred to as a power saving state.

  In addition, the effect control device 300 is configured to be able to select a part of the decoration device to enter a power saving state. In this embodiment, using this function, the display device 41 is not put into the power saving state even when the power saving function is turned on, and only the other decoration devices are put into the power saving state. At this time, on the display unit 41a of the display device 41, an image (for example, “power saving” character or the like) for notifying the player that the gaming machine 10 is in the power saving state is displayed.

Next, control executed by the game microcomputer (game microcomputer) 111 of the game control apparatus 100 will be described.
The control process by the gaming microcomputer 111 mainly includes a main process shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and a timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 8 performed at a predetermined time period (for example, 4 msec).

[Main processing]
First, the main process will be described.
The main process is started when the power is turned on. In this main process, as shown in FIG. 6, first, an interrupt prohibition process (step S1) is performed, and then an interrupt vector setting process (step S1) for setting a jump destination vector address to be executed when an interrupt occurs. S2), a stack pointer setting process (step S3) for setting a stack pointer that is the start address of an area in which a value of a register or the like is saved when an interrupt occurs, and an interrupt mode setting process (step S4) for setting an interrupt processing mode. )I do.

  Next, in order to wait for the program of the payout control apparatus (payout board) 200 to start up normally, for example, a time of 4 msec is waited (step S5). As a result, when the power is turned on, the game control device 100 rises first and sends the command to the payout control device 200 before the payout control device 200 starts up, thereby avoiding the payout control device 200 from losing the command. be able to. Thereafter, access to a readable / writable RWM (read / write memory) such as a RAM or EEPROM is permitted, and all output ports are set to off (no output) (steps S6 and S7). In addition, the serial port ((port previously installed in the gaming microcomputer 111) is not used in this embodiment because it is in parallel communication with the payout control device 200 and the effect control device 300). Processing is performed (step S8).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the initialization switch in the power supply apparatus 400 is ON (step S9). Here, if it is determined that the initialization switch is OFF (step S9; No), in step S10, the data value of the power failure inspection region 1 is checked among the power failure inspection regions provided in the RWM (step S10). ), It is determined whether or not the value of the power failure inspection area 1 is the normal power failure inspection area check data 1 (step S11). If it is determined in step S11 that the value of the power outage inspection area 1 is normal power outage inspection area check data 1 (step S11; Yes), the value of the data in the power outage inspection area 2 is checked (step S12), It is determined whether or not the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal power failure inspection area check data 2 (step S13). If it is determined in step S13 that the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is normal power interruption inspection area check data 2 (step S13; Yes), a process of calculating data called a checksum (step S14) is performed. The calculated checksum is compared with the checksum when the power is turned off (step S15), and it is determined whether or not the values match (step S16).

  If it is determined in step S9 that the initialization switch is ON (step S9; Yes), if it is determined in step S11 that the value of the power failure inspection area 1 is not normal (step S11; No), the power failure inspection area is determined in step S13. If it is determined that the value of 2 is not normal (step S13; No), or if it is determined in step S16 that the checksums do not match (step S16; No), the process jumps to step S24 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S16 that the checksums match (step S16; Yes), the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. 7 to clear all power failure inspection areas (step S17). After performing the clearing process (step S18), the area related to the error or fraud monitoring is reset (step S19). Next, an area for storing the gaming state in the RWM is examined to determine whether or not the gaming state is a high probability state (step S20). If it is determined that the probability is not high (step S20; No), steps S21 and S22 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined in step S20 that there is a high probability (step S20; Yes), the ON information is saved in the high-probability notification flag area (step S21), and then the high information provided in the collective display device 50, for example. The ON data for turning on (lighting) the probability notification LED (error indicator) is saved in the area (fourth output port 136) corresponding to the segment (step S22), and the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, a power failure recovery command corresponding to the special figure game process number is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S29.

  On the other hand, when jumping from step S9, S11, S13, S16 to step S24, first, the process of clearing all work areas before the access prohibited area in the RAM used by the CPU 111A (step S24), the access prohibited area After the process of clearing all subsequent stack areas (step S25), the initial value at power-on is saved in the area to be initialized (step S26). Then, a time value for outputting the external information related to clearing the RWM is set (step S27), a process of transmitting a power-on command to the effect control device 300 (step S28) is performed, and the process proceeds to step S29. move on.

In step S29, a CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator).
Performs processing to start the circuit.
The CTC circuit is provided in a clock generator in the gaming microcomputer 111. The clock generator divides the oscillation signal (original clock signal) from the crystal oscillator 113, a timer interrupt signal and a random number having a predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) to the CPU 111A based on the divided signal. And a CTC circuit for generating a signal CTC that gives a trigger for updating a random number supplied to the generation circuit.

  After the CTC activation process in step S29, a process for activating and setting the random number generation circuit is performed (step S30). Specifically, the CPU 111A performs setting of a code (specified value) for starting the random number generation circuit in a predetermined register (CTC update permission register) in the random number generation circuit. Then, the values of the predetermined registers (soft random number registers 1 to n) in the random number generation circuit at the time of power-on are changed to various initial value random numbers (random numbers for determining the big hit symbol (big hit symbol random number 1, big hit symbol random number 2) After saving the initial value (start value) of a random number for determining the hit of the usual figure (start value) in a predetermined area of the RWM (step S31), the interruption is permitted (step S32). In the random number generation circuit in the CPU 111A used in the present embodiment, since the initial value of the soft random number register is changed every time the power is turned on, this value is the initial value of various initial value random numbers generated on the CPU side. By setting (start value), it is possible to break the regularity of random numbers generated by software, making it difficult for a player to obtain illegal random numbers.

  Subsequently, an initial value random number update process (step S33) is performed to update the values of various initial value random numbers to break the regularity of the random numbers. In the present embodiment, although not particularly limited, the big hit random number is configured to be generated using a random number (big hit random number) generated in a random number generation circuit. That is, the big hit random number is a hard random number generated by hardware, and the big hit symbol random number is a soft random number generated by software.

  After the initial value random number update process in step S33, the number of times that the power failure monitoring signal is checked is set (step S34). Then, the power failure monitoring signal input from the power supply device 400 is read and checked via the port and the data bus, and it is determined whether or not the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35). If it is determined in step S35 that the power failure monitoring signal is not ON (step S35; No), the process returns to step S33, and the initial value random number update processing and the power failure monitoring signal check (loop processing) are repeated. By permitting an interrupt before the initial value random number update process (step S33) (step S32), if a timer interrupt occurs during the initial value random number update process, the interrupt process is executed with priority, and the timer interrupt Can be prevented from being interrupted by waiting for the initial value random number update process.

  Note that the initial value random number update process in step S33 includes a method of performing an initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process in addition to the main process. In order to avoid execution of value random number update processing, when performing initial value random number update processing in the main processing, it is necessary to disable interrupt and then update to cancel the interrupt. If the initial value random number update process in the timer interrupt process is not performed in the main process and only the main process is performed, there is no problem even if the interrupt is canceled before the initial value random number update process. There is an advantage that it is simplified.

  If it is determined in step S35 that the power failure monitoring signal is ON (step S35; Yes), it is determined whether or not ON is continued for the set number of checks (step S36). And when it determines with not having been continued (step S36; No), it returns to step S35 and repeats determination (loop process) of whether the power failure generate | occur | produced. If it is determined in step S36 that the operation has been continued (step S36; Yes), that is, if it is determined that a power failure has occurred, processing for temporarily prohibiting interruption (step S37), all output ports are turned OFF. A process of outputting data (step S38) is performed. Thereafter, a process for saving the power failure recovery inspection area check data 1 in the power failure recovery inspection area 1 (step S39), a process for saving the power failure recovery inspection area check data 2 in the power failure recovery inspection area 2 (step S40), and the power supply of the RWM After the process of calculating the checksum at the time of blocking (step S41), the calculated checksum is saved in the checksum area (step S42), and the process of prohibiting access to the RWM (step S43) is performed. And wait for the power to the gaming machine to be cut off. Thus, by saving the check data in the power failure recovery inspection area and calculating the checksum at the time of power interruption, the information stored in the RWM before the power interruption of the gaming machine 10 due to the power failure or the like is correct. Whether or not the game machine 10 is backed up can be determined when the gaming machine 10 is turned on again.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Next, timer interrupt processing will be described.
The timer interrupt process is started when a periodic timer interrupt signal generated by the CTC circuit in the clock generator is input to the CPU 111A. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, the timer interrupt process of FIG. 8 is started.

  When the timer interrupt process is started, a register saving process (step S51) is performed in which a value held in a predetermined register is first transferred to the RWM. In the Z80 microcomputer used as the gaming microcomputer in this embodiment, the processing can be replaced by saving the value held in the front register to the back register. Next, input processing for reading inputs from various sensors (starting port 1 switch 36a, starting port 2 switch 37a, usual gate switch 34a, count switch 38a, etc.), ie, reading the state of each input port (step S52) )I do. Then, based on the output data set in various processes, an output process (step S53) for performing drive control of an actuator such as a solenoid (large winning opening SOL38b, general electric power SOL37c) or the like is performed.

  Next, a command transmission process (step S54), a random number update process 1 (step S55), and a random number update process 2 (steps) for outputting commands set in the transmission buffer in various processes to the effect control device 300, the payout control device 200, and the like. S56) is performed. Thereafter, it is monitored whether a normal signal is input from the start port 1 switch 36a, the start port 2 switch 37a, the usual gate switch 34a, the winning port switch 35a... 35n, and the count switch 38a. A prize opening switch / error monitoring process (step S57) for performing the front frame 12 and the glass frame or the like is performed is performed. Also, a special figure game process (step S58) for performing a process related to the special figure variable display game and a general figure game process (step S59) for performing a process related to the general map variable display game are performed.

  Next, a segment LED editing process (step S60), which is provided in the gaming machine 10 and drives a segment LED that displays various types of information related to display of special figure variation games and games, to display a desired content, magnetic sensor switch 61 And a magnetic error monitoring process (step S61) for checking the detection signal from the vibration sensor switch 62 to determine whether there is any abnormality. Then, external information editing processing (step S62) is performed in which signals to be output to various external devices are set in the output buffer. Subsequently, a process of clearing the interrupt request and declaring the end of the interrupt (step S63), a process of restoring the register data saved in step S51 (step S64), and a process of permitting the interrupt (step S64) Step S65) is performed, and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

[Special Figure Game Processing]
Next, details of the special game process (step S58) in the above-described timer interrupt process will be described.
In the special figure game process, the input of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is monitored, the entire process related to the special figure variation display game is controlled, and the special figure display is set.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the special figure game process, first, a start port switch monitoring process (step A1) for monitoring a winning of the start port 1 switch 36a and the start port 2 switch 37a is performed. In the start port switch monitoring process, when a game ball is won in the normal variable winning device 37 that forms the start winning port 36 and the second starting winning port, various random numbers (such as big hit random numbers) are extracted and Prior to the start of the figure variation display game, a game result preliminary determination is performed in which a game result based on a prize is determined in advance. Next, a count switch monitoring process (step A2) is performed. In this count switch monitoring process, a process of monitoring the count number of the count switch 38a provided in the special variation winning device 38 is performed.

  Next, the special figure game process timer is updated (-1) to check whether or not the game process timer has expired (step A3), and the special figure game process timer has expired (step A4; If the determination is Yes), a special figure game sequence branch table to be referred to for branching to a process corresponding to the special figure game process number is set in the register (step A5), and the special figure game is used using the table A process (step A6) of acquiring a branch destination address of the process corresponding to the process number is performed. Then, after performing the process of saving the return address after the branch process to the stack area (step A7), the game branch process (step A8) is performed according to the game process number.

If the game process number is “0” in step A8, the fluctuation start of the special figure fluctuation display game is monitored, the fluctuation start setting of the special figure fluctuation display game, the setting of the effect, and the special figure fluctuation processing are performed. A special figure routine process (step A9) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed. Details of this special figure routine processing will be described later.
If the game process number is “1” in step A8, the special figure changing process for setting the stop display time of the special figure and setting the information necessary for performing the special figure display process is performed. (Step A10) is performed.

In step A8, if the game processing number is “2”, if the game result of the special figure variation display game is a big hit, a fanfare command setting corresponding to the type of big hit (2R big hit or 16R big hit) Special chart display processing (step A11) for setting the fanfare time according to the big winning opening opening pattern of each jackpot (2R jackpot or 16R jackpot), setting information necessary for performing the fanfare / interval processing, etc. Do.
In step A8, when the game process number is “3”, setting of the opening time of the big prize opening, updating of the number of times of opening, setting of information necessary for performing the processing during opening of the big prize opening, etc. are performed. Processing during fanfare / interval (step A12) is performed.

In step A8, if the game process number is “4”, an interval command is set if the big hit round is not the final round, while a big hit end screen command is set if the big round is the final round, A large winning opening opening process (step A13) for setting information necessary for performing the winning opening remaining ball processing is performed.
If the game process number is “5” in step A8, if the big hit round is the final round, a process for setting a time for discharging the remaining balls in the big prize opening and a big hit end process are performed. A big winning opening remaining ball process (step A14) for setting information necessary for the execution is performed.
If the game process number is “6” in step A8, a big hit end process (step A15) for setting information necessary for performing the special figure routine process (step A9) is performed.

  Thereafter, each data of the table prepared by the branch process is saved in the work area of the RWM (step A16). And after preparing the table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of the special figure 1 indicator 51 (step A17), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step A18) which concerns on the special figure 1 indicator 51 is performed. Then, after preparing the table for controlling the fluctuation | variation of the special figure 2 indicator 52 (step A19), the symbol fluctuation | variation control process (step A20) which concerns on the special figure 2 indicator 52 is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A4 that the special figure game process timer has not expired (step A4; No), the process proceeds to step A17, and the subsequent processes are performed.
By performing such processing, the special figure variation display game is executed on the collective display device 50 and the display device 41. That is, the game control device 100 functions as a variable display game execution unit that executes a variable display game that displays predetermined identification information in a variable manner.

[Special figure routine processing]
Next, the details of the special figure routine process (step A9) in the special figure game process described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the special figure routine processing, first, it is checked whether or not the second special figure holding number (second starting memory number) is 0 (step A301). Here, when it is determined that the number of second special figure hold is not 0 (step A302; No), a special figure 2 variation start process (step A303) is performed, and a table (first figure) for shifting to the special figure variation process is performed. 2 (for special figure) (step A304), specifically, in the table, the process number “1” relating to the special figure changing process, the information relating to the end of the customer waiting demonstration, the first special figure Test signal during fluctuation, information for controlling the first special figure fluctuation display game in the special figure 1 display 51 (for example, flag relating to fluctuation of the special figure 1 display 51, blinking of the special figure 1 display 51 The initial value of the timer of the period and the like is set, and the special figure routine processing is terminated.

  In step A302, when it is determined that the second special figure hold number is 0 (step A302; Yes), it is checked whether or not the first special figure hold number (first start memory number) is zero ( Step A305). Here, when it is determined that the number of first special figure hold is not 0 (step A306; No), the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (step A307) is performed, and the process proceeds to the special figure fluctuation process. A process for preparing a table (for the first special figure) (step A308) is performed, and the special figure ordinary process is terminated.

  In this way, the second special figure hold number in step A301 and step A302 is checked before the first special figure hold number check in step A303 and step A304, so that the second special figure hold number is zero. If not, the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (step A311) is executed. That is, the second special figure variation display game is executed with priority over the first special figure variation display game.

  If it is determined in step A306 that the first special figure hold number is 0 (step A306; Yes), it is determined whether or not the power saving control signal is high (step A309). If it is determined that the power saving control signal is high (step A309; Yes), the usual game process number is checked (step A310). Here, when it is determined that the normal game process number indicates that the normal map normal process is being executed (step A311; Yes), it is checked whether or not the normal map hold number is zero. (Step A312). Here, when it is determined that the number of ordinary drawings on hold is 0 (step A313; Yes), an error state of the gaming machine is acquired (step A314). Here, when the acquired information indicates that an error state has not occurred in the gaming machine (step A315; Yes), the touch detection signal of the touch sensor 24a of the operation unit 24 is checked, and the high level is checked. It is determined whether or not there has been a change from low to low or low to high (step A316). Here, when it is determined that the touch detection signal has changed (step A317; Yes), the processing after step A318 is performed.

  When it is determined in step A309 that the power saving control signal is low (step A309; No), it is determined in step A311 that the normal game process number does not indicate that the normal process is being executed. In the case (step A311; No), when it is determined in step A313 that the number of pending drawings is not 0 (step A313; No), the information acquired in step A315 indicates that an error state has occurred in the gaming machine. If it is a thing (step A315; No), if it is determined in step A317 that there is no change in the touch detection signal (step A317; No), a process for preparing a table for shifting to the special figure routine process (step A322), specifically, in the table, the process number “0” related to the special figure routine process , The flag which defines the special winning opening unauthorized monitoring period by performing the process of setting the (winning opening the fraud audit information) and the like, and ends the special symbol usually processing.

  In step A318, it is determined whether the touch detection signal has changed from high to low or from low to high. When it is determined that the touch detection signal has changed from high to low, that is, the player has released his hand from the operation unit 24 (a predetermined portion of the gaming machine) (step A318; No), the power saving function is turned on. A power saving start command for instructing the effect control device is prepared (step A319), command setting processing is performed (step A321), and the process proceeds to step A322. In other words, in this embodiment, the power-saving control signal received from the game hall management device H is high, there is no hold on both the special figure and the usual figure (the game is stopped), and there is an error in the gaming machine 10 Satisfying the fact that no state has occurred and that the player has released his / her hand from the operation unit 24 is “establishment of a predetermined condition” for generating a power-saving state.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step A318 that the touch detection signal has changed from low to high, that is, the player has touched the operation unit 24 (step A318; Yes), an instruction to turn off the power saving function is given. A power saving cancellation command is prepared (step A320), command setting processing is performed (step A321), and the process proceeds to step A322.

By performing such processing, a power saving start command is transmitted to the effect control device 300 when all the predetermined conditions are satisfied, and when at least one of the above conditions is not satisfied, the power saving release command is transmitted to the effect control device 300. Will be sent to. That is, the game control device 100 functions as an operation contact detection unit that detects whether or not the player has touched a predetermined location of the gaming machine, and the variable display game execution unit 100 does not execute the variable display game. In this case, when it is not detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10, a function of transmitting a power saving start command signal to the effect control means 300, or that the player has touched a predetermined location of the gaming machine When the operation contact detecting means detects, the power saving cancellation command signal is transmitted to the effect control means.
Note that a power saving start command may be transmitted when not all of the predetermined conditions are satisfied but some of them are satisfied.

  As described above, the game control device 100 performs the above-described various controls (timer interrupt processing to special figure normal processing), so that the display of the variable display game and the gaming machine 10 is monitored and the game progresses. become. That is, the game control device 100 functions as a game control means for managing the progress of the game.

  Next, control in the effect control device 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control device 300 includes a main control microcomputer (1stCPU) 311 and a video control microcomputer (2ndCPU) 312 that performs video control under the control of the main control microcomputer 311. .

[1st CPU main processing]
The main control microcomputer (1st CPU) 311 of the effect control device 300 performs the 1st CPU main process shown in FIG. In this 1st CPU main process, first, the process at the start of the program is performed. The processing at the start of the program is performed after a predetermined return operation (power-on, reset operation after power-on, etc.). First, interrupts are prohibited (step B11), and the RAM is cleared to 0 (step B12), CPU initialization processing (step B13) for initializing the CPU is performed. Next, an initial value of the RAM is set (step B14), random number initialization processing (step B15) for initializing random numbers is performed, timers for various interrupts are started (step B16), and interrupts are permitted (step B16). B17).

  Next, loop processing is performed as main loop processing. In the processing of this loop, first, WDT (watchdog timer) is cleared (step B18), and effect button input processing (step B19) for creating input information from an input signal (rising edge) based on the operation of the effect button 251 is performed. . Next, a game control command analysis process (step B20) is performed. In this game control command analysis process (step B20), it is determined whether or not a command related to a game transmitted from the game control apparatus 100 has been correctly received. Processing to classify commands for processing.

  Next, a test mode process (step B21) which is a process related to a test mode for testing the display device 41, the decoration devices 18 and 42, the rendering devices 44 and 45, and the like is performed. When the test mode is set by the test mode process (step B21), the subsequent game-related processes are not performed. However, in the test mode, when the display on the display device 41, the output of sound from the speaker, the light emission of the LEDs of the decoration devices 18 and 42, the operation of the effect devices 44 and 45, etc. are performed, in the process for controlling these Take control. Note that the test mode ends when the gaming machine is powered off.

Then, the first scene control process related to the control of the game effect is performed (step B22), and the gaming machine error monitoring process is performed (step B23). In this gaming machine error monitoring process, whether or not an error condition has occurred in the gaming machine 10 is monitored, and when it is detected that an error condition has occurred, a process for notifying that is performed. Specifically, an abnormality such as a predetermined event (for example, an unauthorized operation by an inserted foreign object or an impact or vibration having a strength higher than a predetermined level) applied to various devices managed by the game control device 100 ) When an error notification command transmitted from the game control device 100 is received, or similar events in various devices managed by the effect control device 300 (not directly managed by the game control device 100) When it is detected that an abnormality (an abnormality different from the abnormality detected by the game control means) has occurred, a process for changing the decoration mode of each decoration device to an error notification mode is performed.
Further, after detecting an error condition has occurred, and monitors whether subsided an error condition, error condition fits the (game controller 100 a predetermined time after the fall in the case of detected errors (T _error ) After the elapse of time, a process for changing the decoration mode of each decoration device from the error notification mode to the error non-notification mode is performed.

  By performing such a process, while an error state is occurring in the gaming machine 10, this is notified. That is, the effect control device 300 detects an abnormality by detecting an abnormality occurring in the gaming machine 10 based on a function for detecting an abnormality different from the abnormality detected by the game control unit 100 or a predetermined event. In this case, it has a function of monitoring whether or not the abnormality has been resolved.

  Next, effect command editing processing for editing a command output to the video control microcomputer (2nd CPU) 312 is performed (step B24). The video control microcomputer 312 performs display control of the display device 41 based on the command edited in this process. For example, processing for changing the luminance of the backlight 411, processing for displaying an image indicating that power saving or an error state is occurring, etc. are performed on the display unit 41a.

Thereafter, sound control processing (step B25) is performed. In this sound control process, control related to the sound output of the speakers (upper speaker 19a and lower speaker 19b) is performed. For example, processing for outputting sound at the volume level set by the volume control unit, processing for setting the output volume level of the speakers 19a and 19b to “0” when the power saving function is turned on, and error When the state occurs, the output volume level of the speakers 19a and 19b is changed to the maximum value regardless of the set value, and processing for transmitting a command for instructing the output of the error notification sound is performed.
By performing such processing, sound is output from the speakers 19a and 19b according to the state of the gaming machine 10. In other words, the production control device 300 notifies the abnormality when detecting the function of controlling the volume of the sound output from the sound output device based on the setting state of the volume setting means or the occurrence of an abnormality in the gaming machine. The sound output device has a function of outputting the sound to be output at a predetermined volume that is not based on the setting state of the volume setting means.

  Next, a decoration control process for controlling the LEDs of the panel decoration device 42 and the frame decoration device 18 (step B26), a motor / SOL control process for controlling the motors and solenoids of the board effect device 44 and the frame effect device 45 (step) B27) is performed. In the decoration control process and the motor / SOL control process, various decoration devices are set in a predetermined decoration mode based on a control command from the game control device 100, on / off of a power saving function, presence / absence of a temporary release flag, presence / absence of an error state occurrence, The process for controlling to operate in is performed. Then, a random number update process (step B28) for updating the random number for determining details of the variation mode of the decoration special figure variation display game, a power saving execution setting process (step B29) for setting on / off of the power saving function is performed, and WDT is performed. The process returns to the process of clearing (step B18).

  By performing the processes in steps B24 to B27 described above, the decoration mode of various decoration devices changes as the game progresses. That is, the game control device 300 controls the decoration mode of the decoration device including the operation mode of the movable body device 80 based on the control command transmitted from the game control unit 100, or controls the display of the effect image on the display unit 41a. The power supplied to the decoration device (movable body device) is reduced on the basis of the effect control means to be performed and the establishment of the predetermined condition, and the decoration mode (operation mode) of the decoration device (movable accessory) is predetermined. It functions as a power-saving control means for generating a power-saving state that is a power-saving decoration mode (power-saving operation mode), and changes the decoration mode of the decoration device to an abnormality notification mode for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine. It will have a function.

[Power saving execution setting process]
Next, details of the power saving execution setting process (step B29) in the first CPU main process described above will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, in the power saving execution setting process, first, the state of the power saving function is acquired (step B201). If it is determined that the power saving function is turned on (step B202; Yes), the process proceeds to step B214 shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power saving function is turned off (step B202; No), a temporary release flag indicating that the power saving function is turned on but the power saving state is temporarily released is set. It is determined whether or not (step B203). If it is determined that the temporary release flag is set (step B203; Yes), the process proceeds to step B214. On the other hand, when it determines with the temporary cancellation | release flag not being set (step B203; No), it progresses to step B204.

  In step B204, it is determined whether or not the power saving control signal is high. If it is determined that the power saving control signal is low (step B204; No), the power saving execution setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power saving control signal is high (step B204; Yes), the occurrence status of various error states is acquired (step B205). If it is determined that some kind of error has occurred (step B206; Yes), the power saving execution setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that no error state has occurred (step B206; No), the process proceeds to step B207.

In step B207, it is determined whether or not a start weight flag indicating that a start weight period from when the power saving start command is received until the power saving function is turned on is set. If it is determined that the start weight flag is set (step B207; Yes), the process proceeds to step B211. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start weight flag is not set (step B207; No), it is determined whether or not a power saving start command has been received from the game control device 100 (step B208). If it is determined that a power saving start command has not been received (step B208; No), the power saving execution setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the power saving start command is received (step B208; Yes), a predetermined timer value (T _wait ) is set in the start wait timer (step B209), and a start wait flag is set (step B210). ), Go to Step B211.

  In step B211, it is determined whether or not the start wait timer has expired. If it is determined that the start wait timer has not expired (step B211; No), the power saving execution setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start wait timer has expired (step B211; Yes), a process for turning on the power saving function is performed (step B212), the start wait timer is cleared (step B213), and the power saving execution setting is set. The process ends.

  Turning to FIG. 13, in step B214, it is determined whether or not the power saving control signal is high. Here, if it is determined that the power saving control signal is low (step B214; No), the process proceeds to step B229. On the other hand, when it determines with a power-saving control signal being high (step B214; Yes), the state of pushbutton switch 251a, 252a is acquired (step B215). Here, if it is determined that there is an input to at least one of the effect button switch 251a and the selection button switch 252a (step B216; Yes), the process proceeds to step B229. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no input in either the effect button switch 251a or the selection button switch 252a (step B216; No), the process proceeds to step B217.

  In step B217, the occurrence status of various error conditions is acquired. Here, when it is determined that some kind of error has occurred (step B218; Yes), a temporary release flag is set (step B219), and a process of turning off the power saving function is performed (step B220). The power saving execution setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that no error state has occurred (step B218; No), it is determined whether or not a temporary release flag is set (step B221). If it is determined that the temporary release flag is not set (step B221; No), the process proceeds to step B224. On the other hand, when it is determined that the temporary release flag is set (step B221; Yes), a process for turning on the power saving function is performed (step B222), the temporary release flag is cleared (step B223), and step B224 is performed. Proceed to

In step B224, it is determined whether or not a release weight flag indicating a release weight period from when the power saving release command is received until the power saving function is turned off is set. If it is determined that the release weight flag is set (step B224; Yes), the process proceeds to step B228. On the other hand, when it determines with the cancellation | release weight flag not being set (step B224; No), it is determined whether the power saving cancellation command was received from the game control apparatus 100 (step B225). If it is determined that the power saving cancel command has not been received (step B225; No), the power saving execution setting process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the power saving cancellation command has been received (step B225; Yes), the timer value (T _wait ) is set in the cancellation wait timer (step B226), the cancellation wait flag is set (step B227), Proceed to step B228.

In step B228, it is determined whether or not the cancellation wait timer has expired. Here, when it is determined that the release wait timer has not expired (step B228; No), the power saving execution setting process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the release wait timer has expired (step B228; Yes), a process for turning off the power saving function is performed (step B229), the release wait flag is cleared (step B230), and the power saving execution setting is set. The process ends.
By performing such processing, the decoration device enters a power saving state when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and when an error state occurs in the gaming machine 10, the error state of the decoration device is canceled during that time. In other words, the effect control device 300 has a function of generating a power saving state based on the reception of a power saving control signal transmitted from the outside of the gaming machine, or that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine in the power saving state. If it is detected, the power saving state is temporarily canceled until it is detected that the abnormality has been resolved.

Here, the power saving function is turned off when the push buttons 251 and 252 are pressed, but when a button other than the push buttons 251 and 252 (for example, the ball rental button 27) is pressed, The power saving function may be turned off when the setting of the volume control switch 29 is changed.
Also, when a power saving cancellation command is received during the start wait period, the start wait timer and the release wait flag are cleared to continue the power saving function off state, and when a power saving start command is received during the release wait period In this case, the release wait timer and the release wait flag may be cleared to keep the power saving function on.
Also, by avoiding the processing related to the start (release) wait timer and the start (release) wait flag, the power saving function is turned on (off) immediately without waiting for a predetermined time after the predetermined condition is satisfied (no longer). ).
Further, both the game control device 100 and the effect control device 300 are configured to monitor the power saving control signal, but the processing of either one (step A309 in the special figure normal processing or steps B232 and B233 in the main processing) is omitted. You may make it do.
In addition, the power saving state is canceled when a power saving cancellation command is received, but may be canceled when a command other than the power saving cancellation command is received from the game control device.

Next, the flow of the on / off operation of the power saving function of the gaming machine 10 will be described.
For example, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is connected to the game hall management device H and operates as shown in FIG. 14 in a state where the volume levels of the speakers 19a and 19b are set to “4”. Specifically, when a predetermined operation is performed on the game hall management device H, the power saving control signal output from the game hall management device H to the gaming machine 10 changes to high, and the power saving function is turned on. It becomes possible (power saving function is effective) (t1). The effective period of the power saving function may not be determined by the state (high / low) of the power saving control signal, but may be the period from when a predetermined start command is transmitted until the end command is transmitted.

Thereafter, when a predetermined condition such as no hold or a player releasing the operation unit 24 is satisfied, a power saving start command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 (t2). After that, the power saving function is turned on after the elapse of a predetermined period (T _wait ), and the speakers 19a and 19b do not output sound (the volume level becomes “0”: t3). In addition, the decoration devices other than the speakers 19a and 19b are in the power saving state with the decoration mode set to the error non-notification mode.

  Here, when an error state occurs in the effect control device 300 or the device managed by the effect control device 300, the power saving function is immediately turned off, and the decoration device enters the non power saving state (t4). Then, a command instructing the output of the error notification sound is transmitted from the sound source LSI 314 to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b, and the maximum volume level “4” is output from the speakers 19a and 19b regardless of the preset volume level “4”. 5 ", an error notification sound is output (t5). Further, the decoration mode of the decoration device other than the speakers 19a and 19b is changed from the error non-notification mode to the error notification mode (t5).

  When the generated error state is settled, the power saving function is turned on again, and the decoration device returns to the power saving state (t6). In addition, a command instructing the output stop of the error notification sound is transmitted from the sound source LSI 314 to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b, and the speakers 19a and 19b do not output the sound again (t7). Further, the decoration mode of the decoration device other than the speakers 19a and 19b changes from the error notification mode to the error non-notification mode (t7).

Here, when a predetermined condition is not satisfied, such as when the hold is stored or the player touches the operation unit 24, a power saving cancel command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 (t8). The power saving function is turned off after the elapse of the period (T _wait ), and the speakers 19a and 19b output sound at the sound volume level “4” (return to the sound volume level set to “4” from the beginning: t9). . In addition, the decoration devices other than the speakers 19a and 19b enter a non-power-saving state with the decoration mode set to the error non-notification mode.

By the way, when an error state occurs in the game control device 100 or a device managed by the game control device 100, the gaming machine 10 operates as shown in FIG. Specifically, when an error state occurs, an error notification command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 (t14). Then, a command for instructing the output of the error notification sound is transmitted from the tone generator LSI 314 to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b (t15), and the error notification sound is output from the speakers 19a and 19b at the volume level “5” ( t16).
When the generated error state is settled (t17), the state where the power saving function is turned off continues for a predetermined time (T _error ). After the predetermined period, the power saving function is turned on (t18), and the speakers 19a and 19b do not output sound (t19).
As described above, if the predetermined time is set until the decoration mode of the decoration device is returned to the error non-notification mode after the error state is settled, the error state occurs again immediately after the error state is settled. It is possible to prevent frequent changes.

(Modification 1)
Note that after an error state occurs during the power saving state and is settled, the power saving function may be kept off without being turned on. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16, after a predetermined period (T _error ) has elapsed since the error state was settled, the power saving function is not turned on and the effect control device 300 stops the error sound in the amplifier circuits 337 a and 337 b. Is transmitted (t38). Then, the sound volume level returns to “4” set from the beginning, and sound is output from the speakers 19a and 19b at the sound volume level “4” even before the power saving cancellation command is transmitted from the game control device 100. It becomes like this.

(Modification 2)
In addition, a power saving start command can be transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 during the occurrence of an error state (excluding occurrence of an error state from a predetermined condition), and a power saving start command is transmitted during error notification In such a case, the power saving function may not be activated. In other words, when the power saving start command signal is received from the game control means while the decoration mode of the decoration device is in the abnormality notification mode, the decoration mode of the decoration device is changed to the power saving decoration mode. You may make it give the function which continues an abnormality alerting | reporting aspect, without doing. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17, when the power saving function is turned on and a predetermined condition is not satisfied, a power saving release command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 (t41). The power saving function is turned off after a predetermined period (T _wait ) has elapsed (t42). Here, when an error state occurs in the game control device 100 or the device managed by the game control device 100, an error notification command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 (t43). Then, the decoration mode of the decoration device changes from the error non-notification mode to the error notification mode (t44).

Here, when the predetermined condition is satisfied, a power saving start command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 (t45), but since the error state is occurring, the state where the power saving function is turned off is continued.
When the generated error state is settled (t46), the state where the power saving function is turned off continues for a predetermined time (T _error ). A sound source LSI control command for instructing to stop the error sound is transmitted from the effect control device 300 to the amplifier circuits 337a and 337b after the predetermined period has elapsed (t47), and the speakers 19a and 19b output sound at the volume level “4”. (T48). On the other hand, the state where the power saving function is turned off continues until the power saving start command is transmitted again.
In the first and second modifications, the case where the error state is detected by the game control device 100 or the device managed by the game control device 100 is described as an example, but the effect control device 300 or the effect control device 300 manages the error state. A similar operation may be performed when an error state is detected by the apparatus.

(Modification 3)
Further, whether or not the power saving function can be turned on (whether the power saving function is enabled / disabled) is set not by the power saving control signal transmitted from the game hall management device H but by the volume setting. The volume may be determined based on the volume level set by the volume control switch 29 of the unit.
For example, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), a volume control switch (the volume levels that can be set here are 10 levels from “0” to “9”) 29 is provided on the back of the gaming machine 10 and is set only at the game store. to enable. When the volume level is set to any of “0” to “4”, the power saving function is enabled, and when the volume level is set to any of “5” to “9”, the power saving function is disabled. To. Then, the process of step A309 of the special figure normal process is changed to a process of determining whether or not the current set volume level is a value (“5” or more) that enables the power saving function.

In this way, the volume control and the power saving function can be set efficiently. In addition, a game store with a high power-saving consciousness that is set to a low volume on a daily basis can obtain a further power-saving effect.
In such a configuration, if the volume level is changed to “5” to “9” while the power saving state occurs, a power saving cancellation command is transmitted from the game control device, and the power saving state is canceled. When a command other than the cancel command is received, the command may be canceled.
Further, the power saving function may be disabled at volume levels “0” to “4”, and the power saving function may be enabled at volume levels “5” to “9”.

Further, the power saving function is not enabled when the volume level is low, and is not disabled when the volume level is high. For example, as shown in FIG. 18B, the even volume levels “0, 2, 4, 6, 8” The power saving function may be enabled when set to any of the above, and the power saving function may be disabled when set to any of the odd volume levels “1, 3, 5, 7, 9”.
In this way, the volume control and the power saving state can be set efficiently and finely.
A first volume control switch that can be operated only by the player is provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 10, and a second volume control switch that can be operated only by a store clerk is provided on the back surface of the game machine, so that the first volume control switch on the front surface is provided. Only the volume level can be set with the switch, and the power saving function can be enabled or disabled only with the second volume control switch on the back surface. In this case, the volume level that can be selected by the first volume control switch may be limited so that the volume level set by the second volume control switch becomes the upper limit.

  As described above, the effect control means (the effect control device 300) provided in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is based on the establishment of the predetermined condition, the decoration device (the frame decoration device 18, the upper speaker 19a, the lower speaker 19b, the board) The power supplied to the decoration device 42, the board effect device 44, and the frame effect device 45) is reduced, and the decoration mode of the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 is a predetermined power saving decoration mode. Whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10 based on a predetermined event, and the abnormality has been resolved when the abnormality is detected. If it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10 in the power saving state, the power saving state is temporarily canceled until it is detected that the abnormality has been resolved. Moni, decoration device 18, 19a, 19b, has a decorative aspect of the 41, 42, 44, 45 so as to vary the abnormality notifying mode for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10.

Accordingly, since only the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, and 45 that produce the game are in the power saving state, the power consumption can be reduced without affecting the game managed by the game control means (game control device 100). Can be reduced.
Further, when an abnormality of the gaming machine 10 is detected during the power saving control, the power saving state of the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 is temporarily canceled and the abnormality is notified. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a player plays a game in the gaming machine 10 having an abnormality without notification of the abnormality.

Further, the power saving control means 300 of the present embodiment generates a power saving state based on receiving a power saving control signal transmitted from the outside of the gaming machine 10.
Accordingly, the setting operation for determining whether or not the power saving state can be generated can be performed from the outside of the gaming machine 10, so that the setting can be performed even while the game machine 10 is being played.
In addition, a system that transmits power-saving control signals to a plurality of gaming machines 10 from one setting operation means (for example, a game hall management device installed in a gaming store), and can simultaneously set the plurality of gaming machines 10 Can be built.

  In addition, the decoration device of the present embodiment includes sound output devices (speakers 19a and 19b) that can output sound, and the sound volume output by the sound output devices 19a and 19b is set by a predetermined operation of the player. The volume control means (volume control switch 29) is provided, and the effect control means 300 has a function of controlling the volume of the sound output from the sound output devices 19a and 19b based on the setting state of the volume setting means. When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10, the sound output device 19a, 19b is made to output a sound for notifying the abnormality at a predetermined volume that is not based on the setting state of the volume setting means.

  Therefore, when the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, a sound for notifying the abnormality is output at a predetermined volume that is not based on the setting state of the volume setting means, so that the output volume of the sound output devices 19a and 19b is lowered. Even if fraud is performed, it is possible to reliably notify the abnormality.

  In addition, the game control means 100 of the present embodiment includes a variable display game execution means (game control device 100) for executing a variable display game that displays predetermined identification information in a variable manner, and based on a predetermined event, the gaming machine 10 When the abnormality is detected, and when the abnormality is detected, it is monitored whether or not the abnormality has been eliminated, and the game is not executed by the variable display game executing means 100 and the game is not executed. When it is not detected that an abnormality has occurred in the machine 10, a power saving start command signal is transmitted to the effect control means 300.

  Therefore, when the variable display game is not being executed and it is not detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10, the power saving start for causing the game control means 100 to generate the power saving state in the effect control means 300 is started. Since the command signal is transmitted, power consumption can be reduced without affecting the game.

  Further, in the decoration mode of the decoration device 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 of the present embodiment, an abnormality notification mode (error notification mode) for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10. The production control means 300 detects an abnormality different from the abnormality detected by the game control means 100 and monitors whether or not the abnormality has been resolved when the abnormality is detected. When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10, the power-saving state is temporarily canceled and the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42 are detected until it is detected that the abnormality has been resolved. , 44, 45 are changed to an abnormality notification mode.

  Therefore, even when the effect control means 300 detects an abnormality different from the abnormality detected by the game control means 100 during the power saving control, the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 Since the power saving state is temporarily canceled and the abnormality is notified, the occurrence of the abnormality can be notified more reliably.

In addition, the effect control means 300 of the present embodiment is configured such that the power saving start command signal is sent from the game control means 100 while the decoration mode of the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 is in the abnormality notification mode. Is received, the abnormality notification mode is continued without changing the decoration mode of the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 to the power saving decoration mode.
Therefore, since the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, and 45 are not in the power saving state while the abnormality is being notified, the abnormality occurrence is surely notified until the abnormality is resolved. can do.

  Further, the production control means 300 of the present embodiment is supplied to the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 based on the reception of the power saving start command signal transmitted from the game control means 100. The power saving state is reduced, and a power saving state is generated in which the decoration mode of the decoration devices 18, 19 a, 19 b, 41, 42, 44, 45 becomes a predetermined power saving decoration mode and is transmitted from the game control means 100. And a power-saving control means 300 that performs control for releasing the power-saving state based on the reception of the command signal, and the game control means 100 executes a variable-display game that displays predetermined identification information in a variable manner. An execution means 100 is provided to detect whether an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10 based on a predetermined event, and whether the abnormality has been resolved when the abnormality is detected. And when the variable display game execution means 100 is not executing the variable display game and it is not detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10, the power saving start command signal is output to the effect control means 300. When the operation contact detection means (game control device 100) detects that the player has touched a predetermined location of the gaming machine 10, a power saving release command signal is sent to the effect control means 300. Yes.

Therefore, when the variable display game is not being executed and it is not detected that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine 10, the power saving start for causing the game control means 100 to generate the power saving state in the effect control means 300 is started. Since the command signal is transmitted, power consumption can be reduced without affecting the game.
In addition, when it is detected that the player has touched a predetermined part of the gaming machine 10, a power saving cancellation command signal for releasing the power saving state is transmitted from the game control means 100 to the effect control means 300. However, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the power saving state is not released even though some operation is performed on the gaming machine 10.

<First Embodiment Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. Only the points changed in the present embodiment will be described.

  In the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment, when the power saving function is turned on, the display device 41 is not put into the power saving state, and the decoration device is in the power saving state on the display unit 41a (for example, “while saving power” ) Was only displayed. On the other hand, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to put all the decoration devices including the display device 41 into a power saving state, and further displays in accordance with the variation pattern of the decorative special figure variation display game. The degree of power saving of the device 41 is changed. In the present embodiment, the special variation winning device 38 also has a power saving function. For this reason, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the game board 30 and the game control device 100 and the control processing performed by the effect control device 300.

First, the changes in the game board 30 will be described.
The game board 30 of this embodiment includes a movable body device 80 as shown in FIG. The movable body device 80 includes a first drive motor 81 attached to a predetermined portion (right side here) of the center case 40 (not shown) so that the rotation shaft is perpendicular to the board surface, and the rotation shaft of the first drive motor 81. And a support part 82 that rotates along the surface of the board by the rotation of the rotation shaft, and an initial position that is provided at the tip of the support part 82 and does not shield the display part 41a of the display device 41 (here, above the display part 41a) ) And a shielding position that shields the display unit 41a (in front of the display unit 41a, a predetermined position other than the initial position) and a movable accessory 83 movable while drawing an arc centering on the rotation axis, And a first position detection sensor 84 that outputs a position detection signal to the effect control device 300 when the accessory 83 is in the initial position.
The movable body device 80 may have any configuration as long as the movable body device 80 can be changed between a state where the display unit 41a of the display device 41 is shielded and a state where the display unit 41a is not shielded.

  As shown in FIG. 19 (b), the movable accessory 83 is attached to the support portion 82 such that the rotation shaft thereof is perpendicular to the board surface, and the rotation shaft. A second position detection sensor 87 that outputs a position detection signal to the effect control device 300 when the rotating plate 86 rotated by the rotation and the protrusion 86a formed on the back surface of the rotating plate 86 are at the initial position (opposite positions). And consist of When the protrusion 86a is at the position shown in FIG. 19B, the rotating plate 86 is in the state shown by the broken line in FIG.

Next, changes in the game control device 100 will be described.
In the game control device 100 of the present embodiment, a PWM output circuit (not shown) is provided in the driver 138a that drives the winning prize opening, and the opening / closing operation of the open / close door 38c can be performed with low power consumption. Specifically, when the opening / closing door 38c is opened for a long time as in the case of 16R big hit, as shown in FIG. (T51 to t52, t55 to t56) and the period from the start of closing of the open / close door 38c to the closed state (t53 to t54, t57 to t58), a large amount of normal power consumption (for example, duty ratio 100%) is large. The winning opening solenoid 38b is excited and the solenoid is excited with low power consumption (for example, duty ratio 50%) while the open / close door 38c is in an open state (t52 to t53, t56 to t57). On the other hand, when the opening / closing door 38c is opened for a short time as in the case of 2R big hit, as shown in FIG. The solenoid 38b is excited.
It should be noted that instead of exciting only the special winning opening solenoid 38b with low power consumption, it is also possible to excite only the main power solenoid 37c or both with low power consumption.

Although a specific description has been omitted in the first embodiment, the game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 is shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B in both the first embodiment and the present embodiment. Short fluctuation (variation time 4 seconds), normal fluctuation (10 seconds), normal reach fluctuation (30 seconds), special 1 reach A, B (60 seconds), special 2 reach A, B (90 seconds) A variation pattern table including eight types of variation patterns of special 3 reach (120 seconds) is stored. The content of each variation pattern is set so that the reliability indicating the likelihood of being a big hit given to the player is different (in this case, the reliability increases as the variation pattern has a longer variation time). ing.
Each variation pattern has a different number of distributions depending on the result of the special figure fluctuation display game and the number of special figure holds when the special figure fluctuation display game is started. Are different. For example, when the result is out of order, the normal reach distribution number is 100 (selection probability 10%) if the number of holds is 1 to 3, and 50 (selection probability 5%) if it is 4, and the result is a big hit The special 2 reach allocation number is 300 (selection probability 30%) regardless of the number of holds.

  By setting the variation pattern table as described above, the variation mode includes the first variation mode, the second variation mode having higher reliability than the first variation mode, the first variation mode, and the second variation mode. Thus, a normal variation mode having a shorter variation time and a shortened variation mode having a variation time shorter than the normal variation mode are included. In addition, the game control apparatus 100 determines a variation pattern using the variation pattern table described above, and thus a plurality of variations that are set to have different degrees of reliability indicating a high possibility that a special result is derived. It functions as a variation mode selection means for selecting one variation mode from the mode as the variation mode of the variation display game.

Next, changes in the production control device 300 will be described.
The video control microcomputer 312 of the presentation control device 300 according to the present embodiment can cause the PWM output circuit 308 to output five types of pulse waves having different widths. That is, as a light emission mode of the backlight 411, five types of a normal mode and power saving modes 1 to 4 are set as shown in FIG. Specifically, when the duty ratio of the pulse wave output from the PWM output circuit 306 is set to 100% (always on), the light emission mode of the backlight 411 is a normal mode, and the display device as shown in FIG. A bright and clear image is displayed on the display unit 41a. Further, when the duty ratio of the pulse wave is 80%, 50%, and 20%, the light emission modes are the power saving mode 1, the power saving mode 2, and the power saving mode 3, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 22 (d) to (f). The display part 41a becomes dim compared to the normal mode. Further, when the duty ratio of the pulse wave is set to 0%, the light emission mode is the power saving mode 4 (off), and nothing is displayed on the display unit 41a as shown in FIG. .

  In addition, the main control microcomputer 311 of the effect control device 300 according to the present embodiment stores a power saving control table for associating the variation pattern of the special figure variation display game with the light emission mode of the backlight 411. Then, the main control microcomputer 311 extracts a random number for determining the light emission mode, and determines the light emission mode of the backlight 411 by referring to the value in the power saving control table. That is, the production control device 300 functions as a luminance control unit capable of executing luminance reduction control for reducing the luminance of the display unit 41a in association with the progress of the variable display game.

FIG. 23A is a power saving control table 1 used when the special figure variation display game is out of place. When the display device 41 is in a normal mode (no power saving), the normal mode is selected with a probability of 100% if the variation pattern is a shortened variation, and the normal mode is selected with a probability of 30% if the normal variation is a normal reach. The power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 60% and the power saving mode 2 with a probability of 10%. If the fluctuation pattern is special 1 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 60%, and the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 40%. If the variation pattern is special 2, 3 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 100%. Is done.
When the display device 41 is in the power saving mode 1, if the variation pattern is a shortened variation, the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 100%, and if the variation pattern is a normal variation normal reach, the power saving modes 1 and 30 with a probability of 70%. The power saving mode 2 is selected with a probability of%. If the fluctuation pattern is special 1 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 60%, and the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 40%. If the variation pattern is special 2, 3 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 100%. Is done.

When the display device 41 is in the power saving mode 2, the power saving mode 2 is selected with a probability of 100% if the variation pattern is a shortened variation, and the power saving modes 1 and 40 with a probability of 60% if the normal variation is normal reach. The power saving mode 2 is selected with a probability of%. If the variation pattern is special 1 reach, the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 60%, and the power saving mode 2 is selected with a probability of 40%. If the variation pattern is special 2, 3 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 100%. Selected.
It should be noted that the current light-emission mode is the power-saving mode 3 or 4 (when the special figure variation display game is not being performed or not being operated, etc.), it is not defined in the power-saving control table 1. This is because the gaming machine 10 is always operated before the special figure variation display game is executed (the light emission mode of the display device 41 is changed to the power saving modes 1 and 2).

  By determining the power saving mode using the power saving control table 1, the current power saving mode is maintained and the brightness of the display unit 41a is maintained when the variation pattern of the special figure variation display game is a short variation with a short variation time. Will not drop. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable due to frequent changes in luminance and the player's eyes from getting tired. In addition, when the variation pattern is a special 1 reach with high reliability, a light emission mode with a high probability is selected, and when a variation pattern is a special 2 or 3 reach, a light emission mode with a lower luminance than the current state is selected. Nothing will happen. For this reason, a player's expectation with respect to the fluctuation | variation with high reliability can be raised more effectively. In other words, the effect control device 300 sets the power saving control table 1 as described above, and in the variable display game in which no special result is derived, the function for enabling the brightness reduction control or the second variation mode is selected. In this case, the function of not executing the brightness reduction control, and the function of not executing the brightness reduction control when the change mode selection unit selects the shortened change mode.

FIG. 23B is a power saving control table 2 used when the special figure variation display game is a big hit. Regardless of whether the light emission mode of the display device 41 is the normal mode or the power saving modes 1 and 2, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 100% if the variation pattern is equal to or greater than the normal reach.
By determining the power saving mode using this power saving control table 2, when the result of the special figure variation display game is a special result, the normal mode is always selected and the brightness of the display unit 41a is maintained or increased. To come. For this reason, whether or not a special result is derived in the variable display game can be notified in advance by the light emission mode of the backlight. In other words, the effect control device 300 has a function of not executing the brightness reduction control in the variable display game in which the special result is derived by setting the power saving control table 2 as described above.

  In the case of a big hit in the special figure variation display game, the power saving control table 2 may be changed as shown in FIG. Specifically, when the display device 41 is in the normal mode (no power saving), if the fluctuation pattern is normal reach, the normal mode has a probability of 70%, the power saving mode 1 has a probability of 10%, and the probability of 20%. The power saving mode 2 is selected. If the fluctuation pattern is special 1 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 90%, and the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 10%. If the variation pattern is a special 2, 3 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 100%. To be.

When the display device 41 is in the power saving mode 1, if the fluctuation pattern is normal reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 70% and the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 30%. If the fluctuation pattern is special 1 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 80%, and the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 20%. If the variation pattern is special 2, 3 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 100%. To be.
When the display device 41 is in the power saving mode 2, if the fluctuation pattern is normal reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 70% and the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 30%. If the fluctuation pattern is special 1 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 80%, and the power saving mode 1 is selected with a probability of 20%. If the variation pattern is special 2, 3 reach, the normal mode is selected with a probability of 100%. To be.

  When the power saving mode is determined using the changed power saving control table 2, when the variation pattern of the special figure variation display game is normal reach or special 1 reach, the light emission mode having high luminance is selected with high probability, and the special 2, In the case of 3 reach, a light emission mode having a lower luminance than the current level is not selected. For this reason, not only can the reliability be notified by the light emission mode of the backlight, but the player's sense of expectation with respect to fluctuations with high reliability can be more effectively enhanced.

[Special figure routine processing]
Next, a description will be given of changes to the special figure normal processing.
Although illustration is omitted, in the special figure routine process of the present embodiment, when determining the fluctuation pattern of the special figure fluctuation display game, a process for determining whether or not to move the movable accessory 83 of the movable body device 80 is also performed. To do. And the setting for transmitting to the production | presentation control apparatus 300 the fluctuation pattern determined by this process and the information regarding operation | movement of the movable accessory 83 as a fluctuation pattern command is performed.
By doing so, the game control device 100 has a function of transmitting to the effect control means 300 a control command including information relating to the contents of the variable display game and information relating to whether or not the movable accessory 83 is to be operated. .

[Moving object control processing]
Next, changes in the movable body control process (step B27) in the 1st CPU main process will be described.
Although description of this process was abbreviate | omitted in 1st Embodiment, the movable body control process of this embodiment differs from the same process of 1st Embodiment by the point by which the process accompanying generation | occurrence | production and cancellation | release of a power saving state is added. Yes. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25, first, branch processing (step B101) is performed according to the movable body processing number. When the movable body processing number is “0” in step B101, initialization sequence processing (step B102) is performed, and when the movable body processing number is “1”, normal sequence processing (step B103) is performed. When the movable body processing number is “2” in step B101, a power saving start sequence process (step B104) for setting the movable bodies of the rendering devices 44 and 45 (movable accessory 83 of the movable body device 80) to a power saving state is performed. If the movable body process number is “3”, a power saving cancellation sequence process (step B105) for canceling the power saving state of the movable body is performed.

[Initialization sequence processing]
In the initialization sequence process (step B102) in the movable body control process described above, as shown in FIG. 26, it is first determined whether or not the power saving function is turned on (step B111). Here, when it is determined that the power saving function is turned on (step B111; Yes), the initialization sequence process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the power saving function is turned off (step B111; No), a process for starting an initialization operation for moving the movable body to the initial position is performed (step B112), and the movable body is initialized. It is determined whether or not it has been detected (step B113). Here, when it is determined that the movable body is not detected at the initial position, that is, when it is determined that the movable body is moving toward the initial position (step B113; No), the process of step B113 is repeated. On the other hand, when it is detected that the movable body is in the initial position (step B113; Yes), the initialization operation is stopped (step B114), the movable body processing number is set to 1 (step B115), and the initialization is performed. End the sequence process.

  By performing such a process, the movable accessory 83 moves to the initial position after the power is turned on or after the power saving state is released. Further, since this process does not include a process for determining the contents of the variation pattern command, the initialization operation of the movable accessory 83 is not interrupted in the middle. In other words, the production control device 300 functions as an initial position detecting unit that detects whether or not the movable accessory is in the initial position, and when the gaming machine is turned on or when the power saving state is released. The initial position detecting means confirms whether or not the movable accessory is in the initial position, and if it is not in the initial position, When a control command including that the movable accessory is not operated is received from the game control means during execution of the object initialization operation, the display device displays a variable display game based on the control command, while the movable body device Has a function of continuously performing the initialization operation of the movable accessory without stopping until the movable accessory moves to the initial position.

[Normal sequence processing]
In the normal sequence process (step B103) in the above-described movable body control process, as shown in FIG. 27, it is first determined whether or not it is time to start the special figure variation display game (step B121). Here, when it is determined that it is not the timing to start the special figure variation display game (step B121; No), the normal sequence process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to start the special figure variation display game (step B121; Yes), the presence / absence of the movement of the movable body is determined based on the variation pattern. Processing to determine is performed (step B122), and the presence / absence of the operation of the movable body is determined (step B123). Here, when it determines with there being no operation | movement of a movable body (step B123; No), a normal sequence process is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an operation of the movable body (step B123; Yes), a process for starting the operation of the movable body according to the determined operation pattern is performed (step B124), and the normal sequence process is terminated.

[Power saving start sequence processing]
In the power saving start sequence process (step B104) in the movable body control process described above, as shown in FIG. 28, first, whether or not the movable body is in the power saving state, that is, the operation mode of the movable body becomes the power saving operation mode. It is determined whether or not (step B131). Here, when it is determined that the movable body is in the power saving state (step B131; Yes), the power saving start sequence process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the movable body is not in the power saving state (step B131; No), a process for setting the movable body in the power saving state is performed (step B132), and the power saving start sequence process is terminated.

  By performing such processing, the movable accessory 83 comes down during power saving, and a part of the display unit 41 a of the display device 41 is shielded by the movable accessory 83. That is, the production control device 300 has a function of moving the movable accessory 83 in front of the display device 41 when generating the power saving state.

[Power-saving cancellation sequence processing]
In the power saving release sequence process (step B105) in the above-described movable body control process, as shown in FIG. 29, first, a process for starting the operation so that the movable body is in a non-power saving state is performed (step B141). The body process number is set to 1, and the power saving cancellation sequence process is terminated.

Next, the operation of the gaming machine 10 after the power is turned on will be described.
When the gaming machine 10 is powered on, as shown in FIG. 30, the power supply device 400 generates 24V, 32V, 12V, and 5V power supplies and starts the initialization process of the gaming control device 100 ( t71). The power saving function is disabled for a predetermined period (t71 to t75) after the power is turned on. When the initialization process of the game control device 100 is completed, a power-on command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 (t72), and monitoring of the position of the movable accessory 83 is started. At this time, if the movable accessory 83 is located at a position other than the initial position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 19A (for example, in front of the display device 41 indicated by the solid line in FIG. 19A), The initialization operation of the device 80 is started. When the movable accessory 83 finishes moving to the initial position, it enters the standby state as it is (t74).

  Moreover, when the initialization process of the game control device 100 is completed, the effect control device 300 supplies power to the display device 41, and the display unit 41a of the display device 41 is in a power-on mode (a state in which symbols and the like can be displayed). (T72). Thereafter, when a variation pattern command is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300, the display mode of the display unit 41a changes from a power-on mode to a variation display mode for displaying a decorative special figure variation display game ( t73). Then, after the special symbol change display is performed for a predetermined period (t73 to t76), the display mode of the display unit 41a changes to the stop display mode in which the special symbol is stopped (t76).

  In this gaming machine 10, a variation pattern command may be transmitted from the game control device 100 to the effect control device 300 during the initialization operation of the movable body device 80, and a special figure variation display game may be started (t73). Further, the variation pattern command may have a content instructing that the movable accessory 83 is not operated. However, even in such a case, as long as the movable accessory 83 is not in the initial position, the movable body initialization operation is continued, and as soon as the movable accessory 83 returns to the initial position indicated by the broken line in FIG. A standby state is entered (t74).

  In a conventional gaming machine, the movable accessory is initialized during a predetermined period after the power is turned on, and a power-on screen indicating that the game is being initialized is displayed on the display device. For this reason, it is not possible to simultaneously confirm the operation check of the movable accessory at the time of power-on and the operation check of the variable display game on the display device executed based on the detection of the game ball by the start port switch. In this inspection, when checking the operation of the variable display game, it is necessary to wait until the initialization operation is completed, and the inspection work cannot be efficiently performed. However, if such an operation is performed, the initialization of the movable accessory and the start confirmation of the variable display game can be performed in parallel, and the efficiency of the inspection work can be increased.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, the movable body may be initialized not only after the power is turned on but also when either the front frame 12 or the glass frame 15 is opened. In this case, for example, a power-saving frame opening monitoring process is performed in a process (for example, a 1st CPU main process) that is repeatedly executed while power is supplied to the gaming machine.

[Power saving middle frame opening monitoring process]
In the power saving frame opening monitoring process, as shown in FIG. 31, it is first determined whether or not the power saving function is in operation (step B301). Here, when it is determined that the power saving function is not in operation (step B301; No), the power saving mid-frame opening monitoring process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power saving function is in operation (step B301; Yes), the state of the front frame opening switch is acquired (step B302), and whether or not the glass frame (front frame) 15 is opened. That is, it is determined whether or not a glass frame opening error command is received from the game control apparatus 100 (step B303). Here, when it is determined that the glass frame 15 is opened (step B303; Yes), the movable body processing number is set to 0 (step B306), and the power saving frame opening monitoring process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the glass frame 15 is not opened (step B303; No), the state of the game frame release switch is acquired (step B304), and whether or not the front frame (game frame) 12 is opened. That is, it is determined whether or not a front frame opening error command has been received from the game control apparatus 100 (step B305). Here, when it determines with the front frame 12 being open | released (step B305; Yes), the process of step B306 is performed and a power-saving middle frame open | release monitoring process is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it determines with the front frame 12 not being open | released (step B306; No), a power saving frame open | release monitoring process is complete | finished.

By performing the above processing, the movable accessory 83 returns to the initial position after the front frame 12 or the glass frame 15 is opened. Therefore, during power saving (when the motor excitation is off), even if the frame is opened for maintenance, etc., and the movable body moves by hitting the movable body, the movable body is not in its initial position. It can be resumed and trouble can be prevented. In other words, the effect control device 300 has a function of monitoring whether or not the front frame 12 has been opened, and performing an initialization operation when detecting that the front frame has been opened.
In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the frame is released based on the presence / absence of the frame release error command transmitted from the game control device 100. By connecting the switch 63 and the game frame opening detection switch 64 only to the effect control device 300 or to both the game control device 100 and the effect control device 300, the effect control device 300 may directly detect the opening of the frame. good.

  As described above, the decoration device included in the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes the display device 41 that can display the variable display game (decoration special map variable display game) for displaying the identification information in a variable manner, the initial position, And a movable body device 80 having a movable accessory 83 that can move between predetermined positions other than the positions. The game control means (game control device 100) includes information on the contents of the variable display game and the movable accessory. A control command including information regarding whether or not to perform the operation 83 is transmitted to the effect control means (effect control device 300), and the effect control means 300 detects whether or not the movable accessory 83 is in the initial position. Based on the control command transmitted from the game control means 100, the display contents of the variable display game displayed on the display device 41 and the operation of the movable accessory 83 are provided. When the game machine 10 is powered on, the initial position detection means 300 confirms whether or not the movable accessory 83 is in the initial position. In the case of not being in the position, an initialization operation for moving the movable accessory 83 to the initial position is executed, and during the execution of the initialization operation of the movable accessory 83, the game control means 100 does not operate the movable accessory 83. When the control command is received, the display device 41 displays the variable display game based on the control command, while the movable body device 80 displays the initial state of the movable accessory 83 until the movable accessory 83 moves to the initial position. The operation is continuously performed without stopping.

Therefore, since only the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, and 45 that produce the game are in the power saving state, the power consumption can be reduced without affecting the game managed by the game control means 100. .
In addition, while the power saving state occurs, the operation mode of the movable accessory 83 becomes the power saving operation mode, and when the power saving state is canceled, the initialization operation of the movable role 83 is performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the movable accessory 83 cannot operate from the normal operation start position (initial position) when the power saving state is released.

In addition, even when a control command for starting a variable display game without operating the movable accessory 83 is received during the initialization operation of the movable accessory 83, the movable accessory 83 is movable until the movable accessory 83 returns to the initial position. Since the initializing operation of the accessory 83 is continued, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable by executing the variable display game while the movable accessory 83 stops at a halfway position.
In addition, the initialization operation of the movable accessory 83 and the confirmation of the variable display game can be performed at the time of inspection at the time of shipment, and the inspection efficiency can be increased.

In addition, the game board 30 provided in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a display device 41 capable of displaying a variable display game for displaying the identification information in a variable manner, and the effect control means 300 can generate a power saving state. The movable accessory 83 is moved in front of the display device 41.
Accordingly, the movable accessory 83 is disposed in front of the display device 41 during the power saving state. That is, from the viewpoint of the player, at least a part of the display unit 41a of the display device 41 is shielded by the movable accessory 83, and the display unit 41a is difficult to view or cannot be viewed. For this reason, even if the display unit 41a is in a non-display state where the effect image is not displayed or is difficult to visually recognize the effect image due to the occurrence of the power saving state, the player feels uncomfortable with respect to the display unit 41a during power saving. Can be prevented.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a main body frame 11 and a front frame 12 that is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body frame 11 and covers the game board 30. Whether or not the front frame 12 has been opened is monitored, and when it is detected that the front frame 12 has been opened, an initialization operation is performed.
Therefore, when the front frame 12 is opened, the initialization of the movable accessory 83 is performed. For example, the movable accessory 83 is accidentally brought into contact with the maintenance of the game board 30 and the position of the movable accessory 83 is changed. Due to the change, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the movable accessory 83 cannot operate from the normal operation start position (initial position) when the front frame 12 is closed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes an effect display device having a display unit 41a capable of displaying an effect image including a decoration variation display game for variably displaying a plurality of decoration identification information in association with the progress of the variation display game. (Display device 41) and effect control means 300 for controlling the display of the effect image on the display unit 41a based on a control command transmitted from the game control means 100. The effect display device 41 includes the display unit. The effect image is configured to be visible by causing 41a to emit light, and the luminance of the display unit 41a is configured to be changeable. The effect control unit 300 is configured to display the display unit in association with the progress of the variable display game. The luminance control means (production control device 300) capable of executing luminance reduction control for reducing the luminance of 41a is provided, and the luminance control means 300 derives a special result (big hit). In variable display games it not, and can perform the brightness reduction control, in the variable display game special results are derived, and do not run the brightness reduction control.

  Accordingly, the luminance of the display unit 41a during the execution of the variable display game may not decrease when a special result is derived in the variable display game, and may decrease when a special result is not derived. Therefore, if the brightness of the display unit 41a does not decrease when the variable display game is executed, sufficient effect display is performed with high brightness, and the player expects that a special result will be derived. A feeling can be heightened. On the other hand, if the luminance of the display unit 41a is reduced, it is known in advance that no special result is derived, so that power consumption can be reduced without discouraging the player who expects the special result.

  The game control unit 100 according to the present embodiment displays one variation mode from a plurality of variation modes (variation patterns) that are set so that the reliability indicating the possibility of special results being derived is different. A variation mode selection means (game control device 100) for selecting a variation mode of the game is provided. The variation mode includes a first variation mode (normal reach, special 1 reach), and a higher reliability than the first variation mode. 2 variation modes (special 2 reach, special 3 reach) are included, and the brightness control means 300 is configured not to execute the brightness reduction control when the second variation mode is selected.

  Therefore, when the variation display game is executed in the second variation mode, the luminance of the display unit 41a does not decrease, and thus the display unit 41a becomes dark although the variation display game is being performed in the variation mode with high reliability. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player's expectation from decreasing.

In addition, the variation mode of the variation display game executed by the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a normal variation mode with a variation time shorter than the first variation mode and the second variation mode, and a variation time than the normal variation mode. The brightness control unit 300 does not execute the brightness reduction control when the variation mode selection unit 100 selects the shortened variation mode.
Therefore, when the variable display game is executed in a shortened variation mode, the luminance of the display unit 41a is maintained at the same luminance as before, so that the power saving mode switching control is repeatedly performed in a short time, and the display unit It is possible to prevent the interest of the game from deteriorating due to frequent changes in the luminance of 41a.

<Second Invention Embodiment>
Next, an embodiment of the second invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first invention will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted, and only differences from the first invention will be described.

  The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment determines whether or not the power saving state of the decoration device can be generated (whether the power saving function is enabled / disabled) based on preset setting information, The decoration mode of various decoration devices in a non-power-saving state is controlled. For this reason, the configuration of the push button unit 25, the data stored in the effect control device 300, and the control processing executed by the effect control device 300 are different from those of the first invention.

First, the push button unit 25 will be described.
Although not shown, the push button unit 25 is provided with a setting start button (not shown) for setting the gaming machine 10 in a state in which setting information can be changed, in addition to the effect button 251 and the selection button 252. . Although details will be described later, when the setting information can be changed, the operation of changing the decoration mode of various decoration devices by the push buttons 251 and 252 becomes possible. That is, the push button unit 25 of the present embodiment is a setting operation means for the player to perform a predetermined setting operation.
The push button unit 25 is not provided with a setting start button, and the effect button 251 or the selection button 252 is operated in a predetermined operation mode that is not performed in a normal game (for example, pressing both simultaneously). Processing may be started.

Next, the effect control device will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 32 (a) and 32 (b), the main control microcomputer 311 of the production control device 300 of the present embodiment includes “gaming machine setting information”, “game shop setting information”, and “player setting information”. Are stored in three types of setting information (decoration setting information). These are all for defining the decoration mode of various decoration devices, but the subject of setting, the settable period, the conditions for starting the setting, and the storage location are different.

The gaming machine setting information is initial information set by the manufacturer when the gaming machine 10 is manufactured, and is stored in the program ROM 321. This gaming machine setting information cannot be changed once stored.
The game store setting information includes a predetermined game store setting information change effective period (change operation effective period: for example, during opening of the front frame and the gaming machine frame, until a predetermined time elapses after the power is turned on (becomes ready to play). The return information is set by the store clerk during the initialization of the RAM, the error state of the gaming machine, etc.), and the RAM 311a of the main control microcomputer 311 It is stored in the amusement shop setting information storage area. The game shop setting information may be set by transmitting the setting information from the game hall management device H provided outside the gaming machine 10 to the effect control device 300.
The player setting information is in-game setting information set by the player during a period during which a game can be performed (for example, during a customer waiting demo, during variable display, during a big hit), and is stored in the player setting information stored in the RAM 311a. It is stored in the area.

  That is, the program ROM 321 constitutes an initial information storage means for storing the initial value of the decoration setting information that defines the decoration mode of the decoration device in an unrewritable manner, and the RAM 311a sets the decoration setting that defines the decoration mode of the decoration device during the game. In-game setting information storage means for storing information in a rewritable manner, and return information storage means for storing decoration setting information for defining the decoration mode of the decoration device in a rewritable manner separately from the in-game setting information storage means. .

  The three types of setting information are five types of setting values of “power saving operation setting value”, “volume setting value”, “backlight luminance setting value”, “decorative luminance setting value”, and “movable body operation setting value”, respectively. Consists of Each set value can be selected from a plurality of values stored in advance. Each value is associated with an operation or decoration mode of a different decoration device, and the main control microcomputer 311 controls various decoration devices so as to have a decoration mode corresponding to the value selected as the set value. It will be.

The power saving operation setting value is setting information for specifying whether or not to enable the power saving function of the decoration device, and there are two selectable values: “0 (invalid)” and “1 (valid)”. .
The volume setting value is setting information for defining the upper limit output sound level of the speakers 19a and 19b, and there are five selectable values “0 (volume 1)” to “4 (volume 5)”.
The backlight luminance setting value is setting information for defining the upper limit luminance of the display unit 41a of the display device 41, and four values of “0 (luminance 1)” to “3 (luminance 4)” are selectable values. is there.
The decoration brightness setting value is setting information for defining the upper limit brightness of the LEDs of the frame decoration device 18 and the panel decoration device 44, and is a selectable value from “0 (luminance 1)” to “3 (luminance 4)”. There is one.
The movable body operation setting value is setting information for specifying whether or not to enable the operation function of the movable accessory included in the frame effect device 44 and the board effect device 45. The selectable value is “0 (invalid) ) ”And“ 1 (valid) ”.

  Further, when the setting start button of the push button unit 25 is operated, the main control microcomputer 311 sets / sets game shop setting information as shown in FIG. 39A on the display device 41 according to the operated time. A change screen or a setting / change screen for player setting information as shown in FIG. 39C is displayed on the display device 41. Although the specific flow will be described later, the player can change the setting value of the game shop setting information or the player setting information by pressing the push buttons 251 and 252 while viewing the setting / change screen. It is like that. Instead of changing the set value by operating the push buttons 251, 252, the operation unit 24 may be used for setting / changing operation, or the display unit 41a of the display device 41 is displayed as a touch panel. You may make it operate by touching the part 41a with a hand directly.

The main control microcomputer 311 also sets the game store setting information and the player setting when the manufacturer sets the gaming machine setting information at the time of manufacture or when it detects that an error state has occurred in the gaming machine after the power is turned on. The content of the information is rewritten to the same content as the gaming machine setting information. That is, as shown in FIGS. 32A and 32B, the gaming machine 10 immediately after manufacturing or immediately after returning from the error state has the setting values of the gaming machine setting information, the gaming store setting information, and the player setting information. Each has the same value.
Also, the main control microcomputer 311 stores the game store setting information stored by receiving the power supply from the backup power source 420 even after the gaming machine 10 is powered off (the power supply from the outside is cut off). And the contents of the player setting information are rewritten to the same contents as the game shop setting information when the gaming machine 10 is initialized (for example, turning on power before starting business or a predetermined reset operation). ing. That is, in the gaming machine 10 immediately after opening the store and before being operated by the player or immediately after maintenance by the store clerk, the setting values of the game store setting information and the player setting information are the same.

  Further, the main control microcomputer 311 limits selectable values as the setting values of the player setting information based on the contents of the game shop setting information. Specifically, the setting value of the player setting information can be selected only from a plurality of selectable values excluding the value exceeding the setting value of the game shop setting information. For example, there are originally five values “0” to “4” that can be selected as the volume setting value, but the backlight luminance setting value of the game shop setting information is set to “3” as shown in FIG. If it is set, the backlight brightness setting value of the player setting information is selected from four of “0” to “3” (in the figure, the player has selected “1”). . When the setting value is set to “0” in the game shop setting information, the corresponding setting value of the player setting information cannot be changed (only 0 can be selected).

  Next, control executed by the effect control device 300 will be described.

[Push button input processing]
The push button input process is started by operating the setting start button of the push button unit 25.
In this process, as shown in FIG. 33, it is first determined whether or not the setting start button has been operated during the game shop setting information change valid period (step B401). If it is determined that the game store setting information change valid period is in effect (step B401; Yes), a game store setting information change operation monitoring process is performed (step B402), and the push button input process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game store setting information change valid period is not in effect (step B401; No), a player setting information change operation monitoring process is performed (step B403), and the push button input process is terminated.
Although a description of the specific process is omitted, based on the processing result of step B401, a process for causing the display device 41 to display a game shop setting information change screen or a player setting information change screen is performed.

  By performing such processing, if the setting start button is operated during the game shop setting information change valid period, the game shop setting information can be changed, and if the setting start button is operated outside the period, The player setting information can be changed. In other words, the effect control device 300 can change the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means based on the setting operation of the setting operation means performed during the game period, and The contents of the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage means can be changed based on the setting operation of the setting operation means performed during a predetermined change operation valid period.

[Amusement store setting information change operation monitoring process]
In the game shop setting information change operation monitoring process (step B402) in the above-described push button input process, as shown in FIG. 34, it is first determined whether or not a game shop setting information change operation has been performed (step B411). If it is determined that the changing operation has not been performed (step B411; No), the amusement shop setting information changing operation monitoring process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the change operation has been performed (step B411; Yes), it is determined whether or not the power saving operation setting has been changed (step B412). If it is determined that the power saving operation setting has been changed (step B412; Yes), the changed power saving operation setting is set (step B413), and the process proceeds to step 414. On the other hand, if it is determined that the power saving operation setting has not been changed (step B412; No), the process proceeds to step 414.

In step 414, it is determined whether or not the volume setting upper limit has been changed. If it is determined that the volume setting upper limit has been changed (step B414; Yes), the changed volume setting upper limit is set (step B415), and the process proceeds to step B416. On the other hand, when it is determined that the volume setting upper limit value has not been changed (step B414; No), the process proceeds to step B416.
In step 416, it is determined whether or not the backlight luminance setting upper limit value has been changed. If it is determined that the backlight brightness setting upper limit value has been changed (step B416; Yes), the changed backlight brightness setting upper limit value is set (step B417), and the process proceeds to step B418. On the other hand, if it is determined that the backlight luminance setting upper limit value has not been changed (step B416; No), the process proceeds to step B418.

In step 418, it is determined whether or not the decoration brightness setting upper limit value has been changed. If it is determined that the decoration brightness setting upper limit value has been changed (step B418; Yes), the changed decoration brightness setting upper limit value is set (step B419), and the process proceeds to step B420. On the other hand, if it is determined that the decoration brightness setting upper limit value has not been changed (step B418; No), the process proceeds to step B420.
In step B420, it is determined whether or not the movable body operation setting has been changed. If it is determined that the movable body operation setting has been changed (step B420; Yes), the changed movable body operation setting is set (step B421), and the game shop setting information change operation monitoring process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the movable body operation setting has not been changed (step B420; No), the game shop setting information change operation monitoring process is terminated.

  By performing such processing, the game shop setting information is set based on the operation of the push button unit 25 by the store clerk of the game shop, and the contents of the game shop setting information set later (when power is turned on again) are set. It is copied to the player setting information. That is, the production control device 300 selects one of a plurality of values corresponding to different decoration modes based on the setting operation of the setting operation means, and uses the selected value as decoration setting information. The medium setting information storage means and the return information storage means can be stored.

[Player setting information change operation monitoring process]
In the player setting information change operation monitoring process (step B403) in the above-described push button input process, as shown in FIG. 35, it is first determined whether or not a player setting information change operation has been performed (step B431). Here, when it is determined that the changing operation is not performed (step B431; No), the player setting information changing operation monitoring process is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined that the change operation has been performed (step B431; Yes), it is determined whether or not the power saving operation setting has been changed (step B432). Here, if it is determined that the power saving operation setting has been changed (step B432; Yes), it is determined whether or not the change is within the range of information set at the amusement store (step B433). Here, when it determines with it being in the range (step B433; Yes), the power-saving operation setting after a change is set (step B434), and it progresses to step 435. When it is determined in step B432 that the power saving operation setting has not been changed (step B432; No), in step B433, when it is determined that the change is outside the range of information set in the amusement store (step B433; No). The process proceeds to step B435.

  In step 435, it is determined whether or not the volume setting upper limit has been changed. If it is determined that the volume setting upper limit has been changed (step B435; Yes), it is determined whether or not the change is within the range of information set at the amusement store (step B436). If it is determined that the volume is within the range (step B436; Yes), the changed volume setting upper limit value is set (step B437), and the process proceeds to step 438. When it is determined in step B435 that the volume setting upper limit has not been changed (step B435; No), in step B436, when it is determined that the change is outside the range of information set at the amusement store (step B436; No). Advances to step B438.

  In step 438, it is determined whether or not the backlight luminance setting upper limit value has been changed. Here, when it is determined that the backlight luminance setting upper limit value has been changed (step B438; Yes), it is determined whether or not the change is within the range of information set in the amusement store (step B439). . If it is determined that the range is within the range (step B439; Yes), the changed backlight luminance setting upper limit value is set (step B440), and the process proceeds to step 441. When it is determined in step B438 that the backlight luminance setting upper limit value has not been changed (step B438; No), in step B439, when it is determined that the change is outside the range of information set at the game store (step B439; No) goes to step B441.

  In step 441, it is determined whether or not the decoration brightness setting upper limit value has been changed. Here, if it is determined that the decoration brightness setting upper limit value has been changed (step B441; Yes), it is determined whether or not the change is within the range of information set at the amusement store (step B442). If it is determined that the value is within the range (step B442; Yes), the decoration brightness setting upper limit value after the change is set (step B443), and the process proceeds to step 444. When it is determined in step B441 that the decoration brightness setting upper limit value has not been changed (step B441; No), in step B442, when it is determined that the change is outside the range of information set in the game store (step B442; No) ) Proceeds to step B444.

  In step 444, it is determined whether the movable body operation setting has been changed. Here, when it is determined that the movable body operation setting has been changed (step B444; Yes), it is determined whether or not the change is within the range of information set in the amusement store (step B445). Here, when it determines with it being in the range (step B445; Yes), the movable body operation setting after a change is set (step B446), and a player setting information change operation monitoring process is complete | finished. When it is determined in step B444 that the movable body operation setting has not been changed (step B444; No), in step B445, when it is determined that the change is outside the range of information set in the game store (step B445; No). Ends the player setting information change operation monitoring process.

  By performing such processing, the presence / absence of power saving operation, volume, backlight brightness, decoration device brightness, movable body operation is adjusted within the range set by the game store according to the preference of the player It becomes possible. That is, when selecting the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means, the effect control device 300 is larger than the value of the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage means from a plurality of values. It has a function of selecting any one from those excluding the value.

[1st CPU main processing]
Next, differences in the 1st CPU main process of this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 36, the first CPU main process of the present embodiment excludes the processes of Steps B12 and B14, performs the process of Step B30 after the process of Step B13, and performs the process of Step B31 after the process of Step B29. This is different from the same process of the first invention (see FIG. 11) in that it is added. That is, after the process of step B11, the CPU initialization process (step B13) and the RAM initialization process (step B14) are performed, and the process proceeds to step B15. Further, after the process of step B29, the setting information initialization process (step B31) is performed, and the process returns to the process of step B18.

Although illustration is omitted, in steps B24 to B27, processing for determining the validity / invalidity of the power saving function and the operation function of the movable accessory based on each setting value of the player setting information, Processing for determining the decoration mode of the decoration device is performed.
By performing such processing, the various decoration devices are driven in the decoration mode set by the player (or the decoration mode set by the game store if the player has not set). That is, the effect control device 300 has a function of controlling the decoration mode of the decoration device based on the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means.

[RAM initialization process]
In the RAM initial setting process (step B30) in the above-mentioned 1st CPU main process, as shown in FIG. (Step B501). Here, when it is determined that the value of the power failure inspection area 1 is the normal power failure inspection area check data 1 (step B502; Yes), the data value of the power failure inspection area 2 is the normal power failure inspection area check data 2. It is determined whether or not there is (step B503). Here, when it is determined that the value of the power failure inspection area 2 is the normal power failure inspection area check data 2 (step B504; Yes), a process of calculating a checksum is performed (step B505).

  Then, the calculated checksum is compared with the checksum when the power is shut off (step B506), and it is determined whether or not the values match (step B507). Here, when the values match, that is, when it is determined that there is no abnormality in the stored contents of the RAM 331a (step B507; Yes), all the power failure inspection areas are cleared (step B508), and the checksum area is cleared (step B508). Step B509). Then, the contents of the player setting information are rewritten to the contents of the game shop setting information stored in the RAM (step B510), and the RAM initial setting process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step B502 that the value of power failure inspection area 1 is not normal (step B502; No), if it is determined in step B504 that the value of power failure inspection area 2 is not normal (step B504; No), a check is made in step B507. When it is determined that the thumbs do not match, that is, the stored contents of the RAM 331a are abnormal (step B507; No), the contents of the game shop setting information and the player setting information are stored in the ROM in the player setting information. The contents of the gaming machine setting information are rewritten (step B511), and the RAM initial setting process is terminated. That is, the presence / absence of abnormality in the RAM 331a is included in the “state of the gaming machine” for selecting either the gaming shop setting information or the gaming machine setting information.

  By performing such a process, if an error state occurs when the power is turned on, various decoration devices can be driven in the decoration mode set by the manufacturer (by the manufacturer), and the error state must have occurred. For example, various decoration devices can be driven in the decoration mode set in the game store. That is, when the predetermined return operation is performed, the effect control device 300 changes the content of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage unit to the content of the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage unit. And the decoration setting information stored in the initial information storage means based on the state of the gaming machine and the decoration settings stored in the return information storage means when the gaming machine is powered on. A function of selecting any one of the information and rewriting the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means to the contents of the selected decoration setting information, and the contents stored in the return information storage means at power-on When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred, the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means are stored in the decoration setting information stored in the initial information storage means. If no abnormality is detected in the stored contents of the return information storage means when the power is turned on, the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means are stored in the return information storage. The function of rewriting the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the means is provided.

[Setting information initialization processing]
In the setting information initialization process (step B31) in the first CPU main process described above, as shown in FIG. 38, it is first determined whether or not the glass frame 15 is being opened (step B601). If it is determined that the button is being opened (step B601; Yes), it is determined whether or not there is an input to the effect button switch 251a (step B602). If it is determined that there is an input (step B602; Yes), it is determined whether there is an input to the selection button switch (step B603). If it is determined that there is an input (step B603; Yes), the contents of the player setting information are rewritten to the contents of the game shop setting information stored in the RAM 311a (step B604), and the setting information initialization process is performed. Exit.

If it is determined in step B601 that the glass frame 15 is not open (step B601; No), or if it is determined in step B602 that there is no input to the effect button switch (step B602; No), a selection button switch in step B603. If it is determined that there is no input (step B603; No), the setting information initialization process is terminated.
By performing such processing, when the production button 251 and the selection button 252 are pressed in a state where the glass frame 15 is opened (when a predetermined reset operation is performed), various decoration devices are set in the amusement shop. It returns to the state which can be driven in a decoration mode. In other words, the effect control device 300, when a predetermined return operation is performed, the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage means stores the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means. The function of rewriting to the contents of
Note that the reset operation is not limited to the opening of the glass frame 15 and the operation of the push buttons 251 and 252 but can be changed by changing the processing contents of steps B601 to B603.

Next, an example of the flow of setting various setting information will be described.
When the setting start button is pressed during the game shop setting information change valid period, the game shop setting information change screen is displayed on the display unit 41a of the display device 41. For example, as shown in FIG. 39A, the amusement shop setting information change screen has an icon i in which the name n of the amusement shop setting information and selectable operations and decoration modes (values that can be selected as setting values) are written. _n , icons i _d , i _r , i _e, etc. in which various operations (decision, change are reflected, end) are displayed. Then, to display the current name n and the display mode of the icon i _n in the configuration is made different from the others (e.g., shaded gaming facility configuration information can be changed, and (selected color to vary the color) Thus, it is possible to recognize the currently selected game shop setting information and setting values (operation and decoration mode). In the screen shown in FIG. 39 (a), the movable body operation setting value can be changed at present, the power saving function is currently valid, the volume level is 1, the backlight luminance is 3, the decoration luminance is 3, and the movable body operation is performed. Indicates that is enabled.

Then, by operating the effect button 251 and the selection button 252, the game shop setting information to be changed is selected, and further, the icon of the operation or decoration mode to be changed is selected. Then, when the effect button 251 is pressed while the determination icon _id is selected, the change is confirmed. Further, when the effect button 251 is pressed while the reflection icon _ir is selected, the change is reflected. Then, performance button 251 changes the operation of the the game arcade setting information pressed is completed in a state where end icon i _e is selected.

Although not described so far, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment displays the amusement shop setting information display setting screen on the display unit 41a of the display device 41 after the amusement shop setting information is changed. Yes. Game arcade setting information display setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 39 (b), the name n and each amusement shop setting information, it indicates whether the icons i _s such as invalid or valid each information. Then, by varying the display form icons i _s name n and in setting the game arcade setting information capable of modifying currently the others, currently changeable game arcade setting information and recognizes the current state Make it possible. Here, if the player does not want to change the player setting information, the selection button 252 is operated in the same manner as the setting of the game store setting information to enable / disable the change of each player setting information. Set. Finally, when the effect button 251 is pressed while the end icon _ee is selected, the display setting operation of the amusement shop setting information is ended.
If the player can always change all five types of player setting information, this game store setting information display setting screen may not be displayed.

On the other hand, when the setting start button is pressed during a game-enabled period, a player setting information change screen as shown in FIG. 39C is displayed on the display unit 41a of the display device 41. The player setting information change screen has the same layout as the game store setting information change screen shown in FIG. 39A, for example, and is invalidated on the game store setting information display setting screen (the player is not allowed to change it). ) The name of the amusement shop setting information and the corresponding icon are not displayed so that the possibility of changing the setting itself cannot be recognized. In addition, icons that correspond to values exceeding the set value of the game store setting information, that is, icons that cannot be selected by the player, are displayed in a display mode different from other icons (for example, light colors or broken lines), and the player cannot select. Make it recognizable. It should be noted that icons that cannot be selected by the player may be displayed as usual so that only selection is not possible.
Here, in the same way as when setting the amusement store setting information, when the user wants to change the current setting information by operating the push buttons 251 and 252, the icons indicating the desired operation and decoration mode are selected colors. Change player setting information. Finally, when the effect button 251 is pressed in a state where the icon “ _e ” written as “END” is selected, the display setting operation of the amusement shop setting information is ended.

  As described above, the effect control means (effect control device 300) provided in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is a decoration device (frame decoration device 18, speakers 19a and 19b, display device 41, board decoration device 42, Game setting information storage means (RAM 311a) for storing rewritable decoration setting information (player setting information) that defines the decoration mode of the board effect device 44 and the frame effect device 45 (movable accessory device 80)); Separately from the medium setting information storage means 311a, return information storage means for storing decoration setting information (game shop setting information) that defines the decoration mode of the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 in a rewritable manner ( RAM 311a), and the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44 based on the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means 311a. The setting operation means (button unit 25) has a function of controlling 45 decoration modes, and the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means 311a are set during a game-enabled period. The setting operation means that can change the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage means 311a during the predetermined change operation valid period (game shop setting information change valid period). The setting information stored in the in-game setting information storage unit 311a is stored in the return information storage unit 311a when a predetermined return operation is performed. The contents of the stored decoration setting information are rewritten.

  Therefore, when a predetermined return operation is performed, the decoration setting information stored in the in-game setting information storage unit 311a is rewritten to the one stored in the return information storage unit 311a during the game. That is, when the return operation is performed, the setting related to the decoration mode changed by the player is immediately returned to the setting predetermined in the game store. For this reason, the decoration mode of the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, and 45 that have been changed during the game can be displayed by simply performing a return operation, that is, without performing a specific setting change operation. It is possible to efficiently reset to the predetermined decoration mode set in.

  In addition, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes a main body frame 11 and a front frame 12 which is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body frame 11 and covers a game board on which a predetermined game area is formed. 300 can change the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage unit 311a based on the setting operation of the setting operation unit 25 performed during the period when the front frame 12 is opened. .

Therefore, normally, the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage unit 311a can be changed during the period when the front frame 12 that can be opened / closed only by persons involved in the amusement store is open. Only the player concerned can change the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage means 311a, and can be prevented from being changed by the player.
In addition, the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage means 311a can be changed at any time while the game machine 10 is powered on, except when the player is playing a game. Can be performed more efficiently.

Further, the production control means 300 of the present embodiment selects any one of a plurality of values corresponding to different decoration modes based on the setting operation of the setting operation means 25, and selects the selected value (setting Value) can be stored in the game setting information storage means 311a and the return information storage means 311a as decoration setting information, and when the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means 311a is selected, Any one is selected from a plurality of values excluding a value larger than the value of the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage unit 311a.
Accordingly, the decoration setting information stored in the in-game setting information storage unit 311a can be set within a range that does not exceed the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage unit 311a. Information can be prevented from being set by the player.

  In addition, the return information storage unit 311a of the present embodiment can hold the stored decoration setting information by receiving power supply from the backup power supply 420 when the external power supply is cut off. The production control means 300 stores the initial value (gaming machine setting information) of the decoration setting information in which the decoration mode of the decoration device 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, 45 is defined in an unrewritable initial state. When it is detected that an abnormality has occurred in the stored contents of the return information storage means 311a when the power is turned on, the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage means 311a is provided. Is replaced with the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the initial information storage means 321, and there is an abnormality in the storage contents of the return information storage means 311 a when the power is turned on. If it is not detected that the game is in progress, the content of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage unit 311a is rewritten to the content of the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage unit 311a. I have to.

Therefore, the decoration setting information in the return information storage unit 311a is retained regardless of whether the gaming machine 10 is powered on by the backup power source 420, and an abnormality occurs in the stored contents of the return information storage unit 311a when the power is turned on. If not, the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage unit 311a is rewritten with the decoration setting information stored in the return information storage unit 311a. That is, each time the power is turned on, the setting related to the decoration mode changed by the player is returned to the setting predetermined in the game store. For this reason, it is not necessary for the store clerk of the amusement store to set the decoration mode of the decoration devices 18, 19a, 19b, 41, 42, 44, and 45 again after the power is turned on. It can be done more efficiently.
Even if an abnormality occurs in the stored contents of the return information storage unit 311a when the power is turned on, the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage unit 311a is stored in the initial information storage unit 321. Since the information is rewritten, efficient setting work can be performed more reliably.

  In addition, the effect control device 300 according to the present embodiment has the decoration setting information and return information stored in the initial information storage unit 321 based on the state of the gaming machine 10 when the gaming machine 10 is powered on. Any one of the decoration setting information stored in the storage unit 311a is selected, and the content of the decoration setting information stored in the game setting information storage unit 311a is rewritten to the content of the selected decoration setting information. Yes.

  Accordingly, depending on the state of the gaming machine 10, the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the in-game setting information storage means 311a are the contents of the decoration setting information stored in the initial information storage means 321 or the return information storage means 311a. Therefore, the decoration mode of the decoration devices 18, 19 a, 19 b, 41, 42, 44, 45 changed during the game can be changed by simply turning on the power, that is, without performing a specific setting changing operation. It is possible to efficiently reset the predetermined decoration mode set at the amusement store.

  Note that the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine as shown in the above embodiment as a gaming machine. For example, other pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, sparrow ball gaming machines, etc. It can be applied to all gaming machines that use this game ball.

  In addition, it should be considered that the embodiment disclosed this time is illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

10 gaming machine 11 body frame 12 front frame 18 frame decoration device (decoration device)
19a Upper speaker (sound output device, decoration device)
19b Lower speaker (sound output device, decoration device)
25 Button unit (setting operation means)
30 game board 41 display device (decoration device, effect display device)
41a Display unit 42 Panel decoration device (decoration device)
44 board production equipment (decoration equipment)
45 Frame production device (decoration device)
80 Movable body device (decoration device)
83 Movable accessory 100 Game control device (game control means, change display game execution means, operation contact detection means, change mode selection means)
300 effect control device (effect control means, power saving control means, initial position detection means, brightness control means)
311a RAM (game setting information storage means, return information storage means)
321 ROM (initial information storage means)
420 Backup power supply (backup power supply)

Claims (3)

A game value can be given to a player when a variable display game that displays a plurality of identification information in a variable manner is executed based on the establishment of a start condition and the stop result of the variable display game is a special result determined in advance. In gaming machines,
Game control means for managing the progress of the game;
In relation to the progress of the variable display game, an effect display device having a display unit capable of displaying an effect image;
A decoration device capable of changing the decoration mode;
Operable operating means;
Effect control means for performing display control of the effect image on the display unit and decoration control of the decoration device based on a control command signal transmitted from the game control means;
With
The game control means detects that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine based on a predetermined event, and monitors whether the abnormality has been resolved when the abnormality is detected,
The production control means includes
When the abnormality is detected, the decoration mode of the decoration device is changed to an abnormality notification mode for notifying the occurrence of the abnormality,
A power saving condition in which a volume value setting screen of sound output means capable of outputting a predetermined sound based on the operation of the operation means can be displayed on the display unit, and the player places the decoration device in a power saving state. The first setting control means for disabling the setting of whether or not to generate the power saving state when the condition is established , and disabling the setting of the volume value of the sound output means by the player, and the sound output by the player Second setting control means for enabling setting of the volume value of the means ,
The second setting control means disables the setting of whether to generate the power saving state,
Is generatable set the power saving state by the first setting control means, and, when the power-saving condition is satisfied, while the power-saving decorative mode corresponding decorative aspect of the decorative device to a power-saving state, the first If the power-saving condition is set by the setting control means and the power-saving condition is satisfied while the abnormality is occurring, the decoration mode of the decoration device is maintained as the abnormality notification mode. Is possible,
A gaming machine, wherein a volume value of the sound output means set by the first setting control means becomes an initial value of a volume value of the sound output means by the second setting control means . The effect display device is configured such that the effect image can be visually recognized by causing the display unit to emit light, and the luminance of the display unit can be changed.
The production control means includes
In association with the progress of the variable display game, comprising a luminance control means capable of executing luminance reduction control for reducing the luminance of the display unit,
The brightness control means includes
In the variable display game in which the special result is not derived, the brightness reduction control can be executed,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the brightness reduction control is not executed in the variable display game from which the special result is derived . The game control unit includes a variation mode selection unit that selects one variation mode from a plurality of variation modes as a variation mode of the variation display game,
The variation modes include a first variation mode, a second variation mode in which the special result is likely to be derived from the first variation mode, and a shortest variation mode with the shortest variation time .
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the luminance control unit does not execute the luminance reduction control when the variation mode selection unit selects the shortest variation mode.

Images