JP6353425B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing games.

  Conventional gaming machines include a speaker (sound output unit) that can output sound, and a rotary switch (operation means) that can be operated to adjust the volume of sound output from the speaker. In some cases, the volume of the sound output from the speaker by the operation can be adjusted between “0” (silence setting) to “8”. Some of these gaming machines output a sample sound (specific sound) at the adjusted volume when the volume of the sound output from the speaker is adjusted by operating the rotary switch ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-105344 A

  However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when the mute setting is performed by operating the operation unit, a specific sound is not output, and thus it is difficult to recognize that the mute setting is being executed. is there.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can easily recognize that the mute setting is executed.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a gaming machine according to claim 1 of the present invention provides:
A gaming machine capable of playing games (for example, pachinko gaming machine 1),
A sound output unit (for example, speakers 8L and 8R) capable of outputting sound;
Operable operating means;
Volume setting means capable of setting the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit based on the operation of the operation means (for example, the effect control CPU 120 executes game hall side volume change processing and player side volume change processing) Part) and
Specific sound output means that can output a specific sound (for example, volume notification sound) that can specify the volume set by the volume setting means when the operation means is operated (for example, the CPU 120 for effect control is on the game side The part that executes the volume notification process in the volume change process),
An error sound output means capable of outputting an error sound when an error occurs;
With
The volume setting means can set a mute setting that does not output a sound from the sound output unit (for example, a person related to a game shop operates a volume change switch 300 to output a volume of sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R). To change to "0"),
The specific sound output means, said operating means is operated to output the specific sound even when it is changed to the mute setting (e.g., as shown in FIG. 16 (B), the speaker by the operation of the volume changing switch 300 When the volume of the sound output from the 8L and 8R is changed to “0”, the volume notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the volume of “9”), and the error sound output means causes the error. When the sound is being output, the specific sound is not output even if the operation means is operated .
A gaming machine according to claim 2 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The operating means includes first operating means operable by a game clerk and second operating means operable by a player.
It is characterized by that.
According to these features, it is possible to easily recognize that the mute setting is set.

The gaming machine of means 1 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The specific sound output means outputs a linguistic sound as the specific sound (for example, as shown in FIG. 16B, a part that outputs a volume notification sound as a linguistic sound).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it can be more easily recognized that the mute setting is set.

The gaming machine of means 2 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to claim 1 or means 1,
Provided with at least detection means (for example, volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42) capable of detecting the player's action,
The volume setting means can cancel the mute setting based on the detection result by the detection means (for example, the volume control buttons 41 and 42 are operated by the effect control CPU 120 in the player side volume change process). If it is determined (Y in S101) and it is determined that the channel in which the volume change switch is set is “0” (the channel corresponding to the volume “0”) (Y in S102), the speakers 8L and 8R (Change the volume of the output sound to “1”)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since the player can cancel the mute setting, the interest of the game can be improved.

The gaming machine of means 3 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claim 1, means 1, and means 2,
The specific sound is output from the sound output unit (for example, the volume notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R).
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, the location where the specific sound is output can be specified, so that the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit can be set without being confused by sounds other than the surrounding specific sound.

The gaming machine of means 4 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1, means 1 to means 3,
Provided with display means (for example, effect display device 5) capable of displaying an image,
The display means can display that the mute setting is set (for example, the mute setting display is displayed in the upper right portion of the effect display device 5 by the effect control CPU 120 executing S95 in the game hall side volume changing process. The part that starts displaying)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it can be more easily recognized that the mute setting is set.

The gaming machine of means 5 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1, means 1 to means 4,
A notification means capable of notifying that the mute setting is set in a mode different from the specific sound is provided (for example, as shown in FIG. 16B, from the speakers 8L and 8R by operating the volume change switch 300). When the volume of the output sound is changed to “0”, the game effect LED 9 is lit in red)
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, it can be more easily recognized that the mute setting is set by the specific sound and the notification means.

A gaming machine according to means 6 of the present invention is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1, means 1 to means 5,
The volume setting means can set a reference volume (for example, “3” in Modification 2) which is a reference of the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit,
The specific sound output means outputs the specific sound at a volume larger than the volume corresponding to the reference volume when the reference volume is set (for example, as shown in FIG. When the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is changed to “3” by the operation of the change switch 300, the volume notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the volume of “9”.
It is characterized by that.
According to this feature, since the reference volume can be easily recognized, the setting efficiency of the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit can be improved.

It is the front view which looked at the pachinko gaming machine from the front. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure when a pachinko game machine is seen from the back. It is a figure which shows a volume change switch. It is a block diagram which shows the example of various control boards etc. which were mounted in the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the main control commands. It is a figure which illustrates a fluctuation pattern. It is explanatory drawing which shows a display result determination table. (A) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot classification determination table, (B) is a figure which shows the contents of various jackpots. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the timer interruption process for game control. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production control process processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an open | release monitoring process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game hall side volume change process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a player side volume change process. (A) is a timing chart which shows the output timing of an error sound and a volume notification sound, (B) is a figure which shows the volume notification sound and game effect LED aspect accompanying the channel change of a volume change switch. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the effect display apparatus when a volume adjustment button is operated. It is a figure which shows the display mode of the effect display apparatus at the time of the volume adjustment button in the modification 1 being operated. It is a figure which shows the volume alert sound and game effect LED aspect accompanying the channel change of the volume change switch in the modification 2.

  A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

  First, the overall configuration of a pachinko gaming machine 1 that is an example of a gaming machine will be described. In the following description, the front side of FIG. 1 will be described as the front (front, front) side of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the back side will be described as the rear (back) side. In the present embodiment, the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is an opposing surface that faces the player when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the player side. In the description of each step of the flowchart, for example, a portion described as “step S1” may be abbreviated as “S1”. In this embodiment, “execution” and “execution” are synonymous.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment and shows an arrangement layout of main members. The pachinko gaming machine 1 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as a gaming machine) is roughly divided into a gaming board 2 (gauge board) that constitutes a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame 3 (base frame) that supports and fixes the gaming board 2. ). The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails. In the game area, a game ball is launched from a ball striking device and is shot. Further, the gaming machine frame 3 is provided with a glass door frame 50 having a glass window 50a so as to be rotatable around the left side, and the gaming area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 50. When the door frame 50 is closed, the game area can be seen through the glass window 50a.

  A first special symbol display 4A and a second special symbol display 4B are provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, on the right side of the game area). Each of the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B is composed of, for example, 7-segment or dot matrix LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Special symbols (also referred to as “special graphics”), which are a plurality of types of identification information (special identification information) that can be identified, are displayed so as to be variable (also referred to as variable display or variable display). For example, the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B each variably display a plurality of types of special symbols composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. To do. The special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are composed of numbers indicating "0" to "9", symbols indicating "-", and the like. For example, a plurality of types of lighting patterns in which the combination of the one to be turned on and the one to be turned off are different as long as they are set in advance as a plurality of types of special symbols. Hereinafter, the special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4A is also referred to as "first special symbol", and the special symbol variably displayed on the second special symbol indicator 4B is "second special symbol". Also called. Both the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B are formed in a square shape, for example. Note that the type of the first special figure and the type of the second special figure may be the same (for example, both a number indicating “0” to “9” and a symbol indicating “−”). May be different. Further, each of the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B may be configured to variably display numbers (or two-digit symbols) indicating, for example, “00” to “99”. In addition, each segment indicating “00” to “99” may be configured to variably display “00” to “99” with a display device that is randomly arranged in an invisible manner.

  An effect display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area of the game board 2. The effect display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or the like and forms a display area for displaying various effect images. In the display area of the effect display device 5, for example, there are three corresponding to the variable display of the first special symbol by the first special symbol display 4A and the variable display of the second special symbol by the second special symbol display 4B. In the effect symbol display area serving as a plurality of variable display parts, the effect symbols (also referred to as decorative symbols), which are a plurality of types of identification information (decoration identification information) that can be identified, are variably displayed. This variation display of the effect symbol is also included in the variation display game. As an example, in the display area of the effect display device 5, “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R are arranged. Then, in response to the start of one of the variation of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display 4A and the variation of the second special symbol on the second special symbol display 4B, “Left Variation of the effect symbols (for example, scroll display in the vertical direction) is started in each of the effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of “middle” and “right”. Thereafter, in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R of the effect display device 5, the confirmed effect symbols (final stop symbols) are stopped and displayed. As described above, in the display area of the effect display device 5, the special game using the first special figure on the first special symbol display 4A or the second special figure on the second special symbol display 4B is used. In synchronism with the special figure game, a plurality of types of effect symbols that can be identified are displayed in a variable manner, and a definite effect symbol is derived and displayed (or simply referred to as “derivation”). Note that the variable display may be temporarily stopped during the dynamic display of the effect symbol.

  For example, eight kinds of symbols (alphanumeric characters “1” to “8” or Chinese characters) are displayed in the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R. It may be any combination of numbers, English letters, eight character images related to a predetermined motif, a combination of numbers, letters, symbols, and character images. Character images may be, for example, people, animals, other objects, or , A decorative image showing a symbol such as a character or other arbitrary figure). A corresponding symbol number is attached to each of the effect symbols. For example, symbol numbers “1” to “8” are assigned to alphanumeric characters indicating “1” to “8”, respectively. The production symbols are not limited to eight types, and any number may be used as long as an appropriate number of combinations such as a combination of “big hit” and a combination of “out of” can be configured (for example, seven types or 9 types). From the start of the variation display of the effect symbols, until the finalized effect symbols are derived and displayed, the “left”, “middle”, and “right” effect symbol display areas 5L, 5C, 5R, or the effect symbols In at least one of the display areas 5L, 5C, 5R (for example, the “left” effect symbol display area 5L, etc.), for example, the symbols are sequentially flowed from the top to the bottom from the smallest to the largest. When the effect display with the maximum symbol number (for example, “8”) is displayed, the effect symbol with the minimum symbol number (for example, “1”) is displayed.

  A first reserved memory display area 5D and a second reserved memory display area 5U are set in two places on the left and right of the display area of the effect display device 5. In the first hold memory display area 5D and the second hold memory display area 5U, the hold memory display for displaying the variable hold memory number (the special figure hold memory number) corresponding to the special figure game is specified. Here, the suspension of the variable display corresponding to the special game is that the game ball passes through the first start winning opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A and the second starting winning opening formed by the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Generated based on the start winning by entering (entering). In other words, the start condition (also referred to as “execution condition”) for executing the variable display game such as the special figure game or the variable display of the effect symbol is established, but the variable display game based on the start condition established previously is being executed. When the start condition for allowing the start of the variable display game is not satisfied due to the fact that the pachinko gaming machine 1 is controlled to the big hit gaming state, the variable display corresponding to the established start condition is suspended. Done. In the present embodiment, the stored storage display generated based on the start winning when the game ball passes (enters) the first start winning opening is a round white display, and the game ball passes through the second starting winning opening ( The on-hold storage display generated based on the start winning due to the entry is a round blue display. In the following description, the display in the first hold storage display area 5D and the second hold storage display area 5U may be collectively referred to as hold display. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the first hold for displaying the number of special figure hold memories in an identifiable manner on the upper and lower parts of the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B together with the hold storage display area. A display 25A and a second hold display 25B are provided. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second special figure hold memory number so that it can be specified. The variable display holding memory number obtained by adding the first special figure holding memory number and the second special figure holding memory number is also referred to as a total holding memory number.

  Below the effect display device 5, an ordinary winning ball device 6A and an ordinary variable winning ball device 6B are provided. The normal winning ball device 6A forms a first start winning opening that is always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member, for example. The normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B has an electric motor having a pair of movable wing pieces that are changed into a normal open state as a vertical position and an expanded open state as a tilt position by a solenoid 81 for a normal electric accessory shown in FIG. A tulip-shaped accessory (ordinary electric accessory) is provided to form a second start winning opening. As an example, in the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the movable wing piece is in the vertical position when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the OFF state, so that the game ball passes (enters) the second starting winning opening. It is difficult to open normally. On the other hand, in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, the game ball passes through the second start winning opening by the tilt control in which the movable blade piece is tilted when the solenoid 81 for the normal electric accessory is in the ON state ( It will be in an expanded open state that is easy to enter. In the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B, although the game ball can enter the second start winning opening even when in the normal open state, there is a possibility that the game ball may enter more than in the expanded open state. You may comprise so that it may become low. Alternatively, the normally variable winning ball apparatus 6B may be configured such that the game ball does not enter the second starting winning opening by closing the second starting winning opening, for example, in the normally open state. In this way, the second start winning opening is changed between an expanded open state in which game balls easily pass (enter) and a normal open state in which game balls hardly pass (enter) or cannot pass (enter). A game ball that has passed (entered) the first start winning opening formed in the normal winning ball apparatus 6A is detected by, for example, a first start opening switch 22A shown in FIG. The game ball that has passed (entered) the second start winning opening formed in the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B is detected by, for example, the second start opening switch 22B shown in FIG. Based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the first special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 "), the first start condition is satisfied. Based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port 22B, a predetermined number (for example, three) of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and the second special figure holding memory number is set to a predetermined upper limit value (for example, “ 4 "), the second start condition is satisfied. The number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the first start port switch 22A and the number of prize balls to be paid out based on the detection of the game ball by the second start port switch 22B. May be the same number or different numbers.

  A special variable winning ball device 7 is provided below the normal winning ball device 6A and the ordinary variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball apparatus 7 includes a large winning opening door that is opened and closed by a solenoid 82 for the large winning opening shown in FIG. 2, and a predetermined region that is changed between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door. As a big prize opening. As an example, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special prize opening door is in the OFF state, the special prize opening door closes the big winning prize opening, and the game ball passes (enters) the big winning prize opening. Make it impossible. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball apparatus 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big prize opening door is in the ON state, the big winning opening door opens the big winning opening and the game ball passes through the big winning opening (entrance). ). As described above, the special winning opening changes into an open state in which a game ball easily passes (enters) and is advantageous to the player, and a closed state in which the game ball cannot pass (enters) and is disadvantageous to the player. Instead of the closed state where the game ball cannot pass (enter) through the big prize opening, or in addition to the closed state, a partially opened state where the game ball hardly passes (enters) through the big prize opening may be provided. The game ball that has passed (entered) through the big prize opening is detected by, for example, the count switch 23 shown in FIG. Based on the detection of game balls by the count switch 23, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. Thus, when the game ball passes (enters) through the big winning opening of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 that has been opened, the gaming ball passes through other winning openings (for example, the first starting winning opening and the second starting winning opening). More prize balls are paid out than when passing (entering). Therefore, if the special winning opening of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is in the open state, the game ball can enter the special winning opening, which is a first state advantageous to the player. On the other hand, if the special winning opening of the special variable winning ball apparatus 7 is closed, it becomes impossible or difficult for the player to get a winning ball by passing (entering) the gaming ball to the special winning opening. This is a disadvantageous second state.

  A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (on the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is composed of 7 segments, dot matrix LEDs, and the like, like the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and a plurality of types of identification information different from the special symbols. Is displayed (variable display) so that it can be variably displayed. Such a normal symbol variation display is referred to as a general game (also referred to as a “normal game”). Above the normal symbol display 20, a universal figure holding display 25 </ b> C is provided. The general-purpose hold indicator 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the general-purpose hold storage number as the number of effective passing balls that have passed through the passing gate 51. In addition to the above-described configuration, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with a windmill for changing the flow direction and speed of the game ball and a number of obstacle nails. In addition, as a winning opening different from the first starting winning opening, the second starting winning opening, and the large winning opening, for example, a single or plural general winning openings that are always kept in a certain open state by a predetermined ball receiving member are provided. May be. In this case, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls may be paid out as a prize ball based on the fact that a game ball that has entered one of the general prize openings is detected by a predetermined general prize ball switch. In the lowermost part of the game area, there is provided an out port through which game balls that have not entered any winning port are taken.

  Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a game effect LED 9 is provided at the periphery of the game area. In the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a hitting operation handle (operation knob) operated by a player or the like for launching a game ball toward the game area is provided. For example, the hitting operation handle adjusts the resilience of the game ball according to the operation amount (rotation amount) by the player or the like. The hitting operation handle only needs to be provided with a single shot switch or a touch ring (touch sensor) for stopping the driving of a shooting motor included in the hitting ball shooting device. At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, an upper plate that holds (stores) game balls that have been paid out as prize balls or game balls that have been paid out by lending so that they can be supplied to the ball hitting device. (Hit ball supply tray) is provided. Below the gaming machine frame 3, there is provided a lower plate that holds (stores) surplus balls overflowing from the upper plate so as to be discharged to the outside of the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In addition, the volume forming buttons 41 and 42 for adjusting the volume output from the speakers 8L and 8R are provided on the member forming the upper plate. The volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 are arranged side by side on the left and right. When the volume adjustment button 41 arranged on the right side is pressed after the pachinko gaming machine 1 is activated, the volume output from the speakers 8L and 8R increases. When the volume adjustment button 42 disposed on the left side is pressed, the volume output from the speakers 8L and 8R decreases. By operating the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R can be appropriately adjusted between “1” and “9”. A button switch unit 43 (see FIG. 4) for detecting a pressing operation on the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 is provided in a position corresponding to the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 inside the member forming the upper plate. It only has to be done. The button switch unit 43 includes a transmission type photosensor corresponding to the volume adjustment button 41 and a transmission type photosensor corresponding to the volume adjustment button 42, and which volume adjustment button is pressed by these transmission type photosensors. What is necessary is just to be able to detect whether it was operated.

  The pachinko gaming machine 1 is equipped with various sensors such as a main board 11, an effect control board 12, an audio control board 13, and an LED control board 14 as shown in FIG. ing. The pachinko gaming machine 1 is also equipped with a relay board 15 for relaying various control signals transmitted between the main board 11 and the effect control board 12. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, an interface board, and a power supply board are disposed on the back surface of the game board 2 and the like. The main board 11 is a main-side control board on which various circuits for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 are mounted. The main board 11 is a sub-side control board mainly composed of a random number setting function used in a special figure game, a function that allows an output signal from a switch or the like disposed at a predetermined position to be input, and an effect control board 12 Are provided with a function of outputting and transmitting a control command as an example of command information as a control signal, a function of outputting various information to the outside, and the like. In addition, the main board 11 performs on / off control of each LED (for example, segment LED) constituting the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and thereby the first special diagram and the second special diagram. The display of fluctuation of a predetermined display pattern such as controlling the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display 20 or controlling the fluctuation display of the normal symbol by the normal symbol display 20 by controlling the lighting / extinguishing / coloring control of the normal symbol display 20 is performed. It also has a function to control.

  The main board 11 includes, for example, a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110 that receives detection signals from various switches for game ball detection and transmits the detection signals to the game control microcomputer 100, and the game control microcomputer 100. A solenoid circuit 111 for transmitting a solenoid drive signal to the solenoids 81 and 82 is mounted. The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, and produces the effect display device 5, speakers 8L, 8R. In addition, various circuits for controlling the production operation by the production electrical parts such as the game effect LED 9 are mounted. That is, the effect control board 12 is used for effects such as the display operation of the effect display device 5, all or part of the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, and all or part of the on / off operation of the game effect LED 9 and the like. A function of determining the control content for causing the electrical component to execute a predetermined performance operation is provided. The sound control board 13 is a control board for sound output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and based on commands from the effect control board 12, control data (sound number, volume level, etc.), etc. A processing circuit for executing audio signal processing for outputting audio from 8L and 8R is mounted. The LED control board 14 is a control board for LED output control provided separately from the effect control board 12, and the game effect LED 9 and the like are turned on / off based on commands and control data from the effect control board 12. An LED driver circuit or the like is mounted. The opening detection sensor 60 is a sensor for detecting that the glass door frame 50 and the gaming machine frame 3 are opened.

  As shown in FIG. 4, wiring for transmitting detection signals from the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22 </ b> A, the second start port switch 22 </ b> B, and the count switch 23 is connected to the main board 11. Note that the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 may have any configuration that can detect a game ball, such as a sensor. That's fine. Further, the main board 11 includes a first special symbol display 4A, a second special symbol display 4B, a normal symbol display 20, a first hold indicator 25A, a second hold indicator 25B, and a general figure hold indicator 25C. Wiring for transmitting a command signal for performing display control such as is connected. A control signal transmitted from the main board 11 toward the effect control board 12 is relayed by the relay board 15. The control command transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 via the relay board 15 is, for example, an effect control command transmitted and received as an electric signal. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the effect control command used in the present embodiment. The effect control command has, for example, a 2-byte structure, and the first byte indicates MODE (command classification), and the second byte indicates EXT (command type). The command form shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and other command forms may be used. Here, XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number and may be a value corresponding to the instruction content by the effect control command.

  The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM 101 (Read Only Memory 101) for storing a game control program, fixed data, and the like, and a game control work. A RAM 102 (Random Access Memory 102) that provides an area, a CPU 103 (Central Processing Unit 103) that executes a control program by executing a game control program, and updates numeric data indicating a random number value independently of the CPU 103 It comprises a random number circuit 104 that performs and an I / O 105 (Input / Outputport 105). As an example, in the game control microcomputer 100, various processes for controlling the progress of the game are executed by the CPU 103 executing the program read from the ROM 101.

  In the main board 11, various random number values such as a random value MR1 for determining a special figure display result, a random value MR2 for determining a jackpot type, a random value MR3 for determining a variation pattern, a random value MR4 for determining a normal figure display result, etc. Numerical data is controlled to be countable. The random number circuit 104 only needs to be able to count numerical data indicating some or all of these random number values MR1 to MR4. For the random number values that are not counted by the random number circuit 104, the CPU 103 performs various types of software by software. It is only necessary to count by updating the numerical data. FIG. 6 shows the variation pattern of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, a plurality of variation patterns as shown in FIG. 6 are prepared in advance. Specifically, in the present embodiment, among the cases where the variation display result is “out of”, corresponding to each of the case where the variation display mode of the production symbol is “non-reach” and “reach”, A plurality of variation patterns are prepared in advance in response to a case where the variation display result is “big hit”. In the variation pattern of this embodiment, the big hit expectation is higher as the variation time is longer.

  In addition to the game control program, the ROM 101 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 4 stores various selection data and table data used for controlling the progress of the game. . For example, the ROM 101 stores data constituting a plurality of determination tables and setting tables prepared in advance for the CPU 103 to perform various determinations, determinations, and settings. Further, the ROM 101 stores a plurality of types of table data constituting a plurality of command tables used for the CPU 103 to transmit control signals serving as various control commands from the main board 11, and a variation pattern as shown in FIG. Table data constituting a variation pattern table to be stored is stored. FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a display result determination table stored in the ROM 101. In this embodiment, a common display result determination table is used for the first special figure and the second special figure as the display result determination table. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first special figure is not limited thereto. Separate display result determination tables may be used for the second special figure.

  In the display result determination table, before the fixed special symbol is derived and displayed in the special symbol game of the first special symbol display 4A or the second special symbol display 4B, the variation display result is set to the big hit gaming state. It is a table referred to in order to determine whether to control based on random number value MR1. In the display result determination table of the present embodiment, a numerical value (compared to the random value MR1 depending on whether the gaming state is the normal state, the short time state (low probability state), or the probability variation state (high probability state) ( (Judgment value) is assigned to the special figure display result of “big hit” or “out of place”. In the display result determination table, determination data is assigned to a determination result as to whether or not to control the big hit gaming state with the special figure display result as “big hit”. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when the gaming state is the probability variation state (high probability state), more judgment values than the normal state or the short time state (low probability state) are characteristic of “big hit”. Assigned to diagram display results. With this, in the probability variation state (high probability state) in which probability variation control is performed, the probability that the special figure display result will be determined to be “big hit” and controlled to the big hit gaming state in the normal state or the short time state (low probability state) Compared to (about 1/300 in the present embodiment), the probability that the special figure display result is determined to be “big hit” and controlled to the big hit gaming state becomes higher (about 1/30 in the present embodiment). That is, in the display result determination table, when the gaming state is a probability change state (high probability state), the probability that it is determined to control to the big hit gaming state is higher than when the gaming state is a normal state or a short time state. The determination data is assigned to the determination result of whether or not to control the big hit gaming state.

  In the ROM 101, when it is determined to control the jackpot gaming state, the jackpot type determination table referred to for determining one of a plurality of jackpot types based on the random number value MR2 and the random value MR3 are stored. A variation pattern determination table for determining the variation pattern as one of the variation patterns shown in FIG. 6 is also stored. In the setting example shown in FIG. 8A, the judgment values for the big hit types of “probable big hit A” and “probable big hit B” depending on whether the fluctuation special chart is the first special figure or the second special figure. The assignment of is different. That is, when the fluctuation special chart is the second special figure, there is no allocation to the big hit type of “probability big hit B” with a small number of rounds, and “probability big hit B” does not occur in the fluctuation display of the second special figure. Therefore, the number of prize balls obtained is small in the gaming state in which the game balls are likely to enter the second starting prize opening formed by the normally variable prize-winning ball apparatus 6B by the high opening control accompanying the time reduction control. "Can be prevented from occurring frequently, resulting in a decrease in entertainment interest. Note that the setting example shown in FIG. 6 (A) is merely an example, and a jackpot type other than that shown in FIG. 6 (A) may be provided. What is necessary is just to set suitably.

  The variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 101 is preliminarily determined to be “out of” with the variation pattern determination table for jackpot used when “big hit” is determined in advance. A variation pattern determination table for loss that is sometimes used is prepared in advance. In the present embodiment, the reach fluctuation pattern is more easily determined when the big hit is made than the loss, and the possibility (reliability or expectation) of the big hit is higher when the reach occurs. In addition, even if the fluctuation pattern of the same reach, super reach is more likely to be a big hit (reliability and expectation) than normal reach, the fluctuation pattern of super reach β even if the same super reach However, the determination value corresponding to each variation pattern is set in the variation pattern determination table for deviation from the variation pattern determination table for big hits so that the probability (reliability and expectation) of the probability variation big hit becomes high. The variation pattern determination table for loss includes a plurality of tables corresponding to the total number of reserved memories and the short time state, and the total number of reserved memories corresponds to 2 to 4 according to the number of reserved memories and the short time state. Short non-reach shift variation pattern (PA1-2), short non-reach shift variation pattern (PA1-3) corresponding to a total number of pending storages of 5 to 8, and short non-reach shift variation pattern By determining (PA1-4) according to the total number of reserved memories and the gaming state (short time state), the larger the total number of reserved memories, the easier the short variation pattern is executed, that is, the fluctuation per unit time By increasing the number of times, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of useless start winnings, and during non-time control (during short-time state), the non-reach deviation of the shortening changes more than when the time control is not executed. Pattern (PA1-4) that is often determined by increasing the number of times of the change per unit time, can reduce the time to the next jackpot, and to be able to improve the extended game player's sense of.

  The RAM 102 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 shown in FIG. 4 may be a backup RAM that is partially or entirely backed up by a backup power source from a predetermined power supply board. That is, even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped, a part or all of the contents of the RAM 102 is stored for a predetermined period (until the capacitor as the backup power supply is discharged and the backup power supply cannot be supplied). When the power is turned on again, the game state, that is, data corresponding to the control state of the game control means (special process flag, etc.) and data indicating the progress state of the game such as data indicating the number of unpaid prize balls are taken over. do it. In such a RAM 102, a game control data holding area (not shown) is provided as an area for holding various data used for controlling the progress of the game. In the game control data holding area, a first winning prize (first starting prize) is generated by a game ball passing (entering) through a first starting prize opening formed by the normal winning ball apparatus 6A, but has not started yet. The first special figure storage unit for storing the random number value MR1, the random number value MR2, the numerical data indicating the random number value MR3, and the like and the ordinary variable winning ball apparatus 6B are formed as the holding data of the special figure game using the special figure. Random value MR1 is used as the hold data for the special figure game using the second special figure which has been started (second start prize) but has not yet started although the game ball has passed (entered) the second starting prize opening. The state can be updated in accordance with the progress status of the game such as the second special figure reservation storage unit for storing numerical data indicating the random value MR2 and the random value MR3, the general figure reservation storage unit, the special process flag, etc. Multiple types of flags The game control flag setting unit, the game control timer setting unit provided with various timers used for controlling the progress of the game, and the count value used for controlling the progress of the game are counted. A game control counter setting unit provided with a plurality of types of counters for playing, a game control buffer setting unit provided with various buffers for temporarily storing data used for controlling the progress of the game, and It has.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control board 12 is provided with an effect control CPU 120 that performs a control operation according to a program, a ROM 121 that stores an effect control program, fixed data, and the like, and a work area for the effect control CPU 120. The RAM 122, the display control unit 123 that executes processing for determining the control content of the display operation in the effect display device 5, and the effect control CPU 120 update numerical data indicating random values independently of each other. A random number circuit 124 and an I / O 125 are mounted. As an example, in the effect control board 12, when the effect control CPU 120 executes an effect control program read from the ROM 121, various processes for controlling the effect operation by the effect electric parts are executed. For example, as a process for controlling the effect operations, the effect control CPU 120 receives an input of various signals from the outside of the effect control board 12 via the I / O 125, and the effect control CPU 120 via the I / O 125. Then, transmission processing for outputting various signals to the outside of the effect control board 12 is also performed.

  In addition, the effect control board 12 is equipped with a volume change switch 300 for setting (changing) the volume of sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R. Since the volume change switch 300 is provided on the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1, it is usually operable only by a person related to the game store (for example, an employee). In this embodiment, when the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started up, the effect control CPU 120 executes an initialization process described later, so that the setting of the volume change switch 300 is set to the initial volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R. Set as a setting. In addition, even after the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started up, when a person related to the game shop operates the volume change switch 300, the sound volume output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set by the volume change switch 300 after the operation. Set as In other words, in the present embodiment, the persons concerned in the game shop can set the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R by operating the volume change switch 300 both before and after starting the pachinko gaming machine 1. ing.

  For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a person related to the gaming store sets the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the gaming machine frame 3 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is opened, It is necessary to wrap around the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. However, in a game store where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed, there are many cases where the amount of illumination light for the parties involved in the game store to confirm the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set is insufficient. Thus, in order to deal with a game shop where the amount of illumination light is insufficient, it may be possible to display the volume set by the volume change switch 300 on the effect display device 5, but in this way the volume change When the volume set by the switch 300 is displayed on the effect display device 5, a person related to the game store operates the volume change switch 300 and confirms the volume set by the volume change switch 300. Since the front side and the back side of the machine 1 must be alternated, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, as will be described later, a volume for notifying the volume set by the volume change switch 300 Notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the volume change switch 300 of this embodiment has numbers (numbers “0” to “9”) corresponding to each channel, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, the volume change switch 300 may not have a number corresponding to each channel. As described above, when the number corresponding to each channel is not written on the volume change switch 300, the light quantity of the illumination is insufficient as described above, and the channel where the volume change switch 300 is set. Therefore, it is only necessary to output a volume notification sound for notifying the volume set by the volume change switch 300 from the speakers 8L and 8R, as will be described later.

  Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the main board 11 is stored in the board storage case 150, and the effect control board 12 is stored in the board storage case 270. As shown in FIG. 2, the volume change switch 300 is disposed on the effect control board 12 so as to face the back direction of the pachinko gaming machine 1. When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is viewed from the back, the volume change switch 300 is arranged in the upper right part of the effect control board 12 (see FIG. 2), and is cut out into a horizontally long rectangular shape formed in the board storage case 270. It is possible to operate from the outside of the substrate storage case 270 through the notch 270a. An official (for example, an employee) of a game store (a game hall, a game hall, etc.) where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set can open the gaming machine frame 3 to the front side (normally, the player is open). You can't do that) The employee can operate the volume change switch 300 of the effect control board 12 by opening the gaming machine frame 3. On the other hand, the player cannot normally operate the volume change switch 300 because the gaming machine frame 3 cannot be opened. Therefore, the volume change switch 300 is an operation unit for a game store. In other words, in this embodiment, the opening of the gaming machine frame 3 is a condition under which the volume change switch 300 can be operated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the volume change switch 300 has a total of 10 channels from “0” to “9”, and is a switch for switching these channels by rotating the knob 301. Yes. In the present embodiment, a volume is prepared (defined) corresponding to each of the channels “0” to “9” (see FIG. 16B). In other words, in this embodiment, 10 levels corresponding to “0” to “9” (here, “0” to “9” which are the same as the channels) are prepared as the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R ( Definition). That is, if the channel is “0”, “0” is set as the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and if the channel is “1”, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R. If the channel is “2”, “2” is set as the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R.... If the channel is “9”, the speaker 8L is set. , 8R is set to “9” as the volume of the sound output. Note that “0” as the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R indicates a mute setting in which no sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R. In the present embodiment, the volume change switch 300 is connected directly or indirectly to the effect control CPU 120 via a predetermined circuit, and the effect control CPU 120 can read the current channel of the volume change switch 300 ( A signal corresponding to the channel is input to the CPU 120 for effect control).

  Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the main board 11, when power supply from a predetermined power supply board is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes a predetermined process as a game control main process. When the game control main process is started, the CPU 103 performs necessary initial settings after setting the interrupt disabled. In this initial setting, for example, the RAM 102 is cleared. Also, register setting of a CTC (counter / timer circuit) built in the game control microcomputer 100 is performed. Thereby, thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 every predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing. When the initial setting is completed, an interrupt is permitted and then loop processing is started. In the game control main process, a process for returning the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the state at the time of the previous power supply stop may be executed before entering the loop process. When the CPU 103 that has executed such a game control main process receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and receives an interrupt request, the CPU 103 executes a game control timer interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the game control timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 9 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process, thereby causing the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port through the switch circuit 110. The state of detection signals input from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 is determined (S11). Subsequently, by executing predetermined main-side error processing, abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is performed, and if necessary, warning can be generated according to the diagnosis result (S12). Thereafter, predetermined information output processing is executed (S13). Next, a game random number update process for updating at least a part of the game random numbers such as the random number values MR1 to MR4 by software is executed (S14). Thereafter, the special symbol process shown in FIG. 10 is executed (S15). Subsequent to the special symbol process, the display operation on the normal symbol display 20 (for example, turning on / off the segment LED) is controlled to display the variation of the normal symbol and the tilt of the movable wing piece of the normal variable winning ball apparatus 6B. Normal symbol process processing for performing operation setting and the like is executed (S16). Thereafter, by executing a command control process, a control command is transmitted (output) from the main board 11 to a sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 (S17).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the special symbol process. In this special symbol process, first, a start winning determination process is executed (S21). Then, according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the game control flag setting unit 152, any one of the processes of S22 to S29 is selected and executed. In the start winning process of S21, it is determined whether or not there is a first start prize or a second start prize by the first start port switch 22A or the second start port switch 22B, and if there is a win, a random value MR1, MR2 and MR3 are extracted and stored in the top position of the empty entry in the first special figure holding storage section when the first starting prize is received, and the second special figure is reserved when the second starting prize is obtained. Store at the top of the empty entry in the storage. The special symbol normal process of S22 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “0”. In the special symbol normal process, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game based on the presence / absence of pending data. Further, based on the numerical data indicating the random number value MR1, whether or not the variation display result is “big hit” is determined (predetermined) before the variation display result is derived and displayed. Furthermore, a confirmed special symbol (either a big hit symbol or a missing symbol) is set corresponding to the variation display result. Then, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “1”. The variation pattern setting process of S23 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “1”. The variation pattern setting process includes a process of determining a variation pattern as one of a plurality of types using numerical data indicating the random value MR3 based on a result of prior determination as to whether or not the variation display result is “big hit”. It is included. Then, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “2”. The special symbol variation process of S24 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “2”. The special symbol variation process includes a process for setting the special symbol on the first special symbol display 4A and the second special symbol display 4B, and an elapsed time after the special symbol starts variation. It includes processing to measure When the special symbol variation elapsed time reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to “3”. The special symbol stop process of S25 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is “3”. The special symbol stop process includes a process for performing a setting for stopping and displaying (deriving) a fixed special symbol that is a variation display result of the special symbol on the first special symbol display 4A or the second special symbol display 4B. It is. Then, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is on. If the big hit flag is on, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “4”. On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  The big hit release pre-processing of S26 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “4”. The pre-opening process for the big hit includes a process for starting the execution of the round in the big hit gaming state and setting the big winning opening to the open state based on the fact that the fluctuation display result is “big hit”. include. Specifically, the upper limit of the period during which the winning a prize opening is in the open state is set to “29 seconds”, and the opening number of the winning a prize opening which is the upper limit number of times for executing the round is set to “non-probable big hit” or “probable change”. If it is a “big hit A”, it is set to “16 times”. On the other hand, when the big hit type is “probability big hit B”, the number of times of opening of the big winning opening that is the upper limit number of times to execute the round is set to “5 times”. At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”. The big hit release process of S27 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “5”. In the big hit opening process, the winning prize opening is based on the process of measuring the elapsed time since the big winning opening is in the open state, the measured elapsed time, the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, and the like. The process etc. which determine whether it became the timing which returns to a closed state from an open state are included. Then, when returning the special winning opening to the closed state, after performing processing for stopping the supply of the solenoid driving signal to the special winning opening door solenoid 82, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “6”. . The big hit release post-processing in S28 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “6”. In this post-hit opening process, the process of determining whether or not the number of rounds in which the winning opening is in the open state has reached the maximum number of opening of the big winning opening, or the maximum number of opening of the big winning opening has been reached. In some cases, processing for setting to transmit a jackpot end designation command is included. When the number of round executions has not reached the maximum value of the number of times of winning the special winning opening, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “5”. The value of the process flag is updated to “7”. The big hit end processing of S29 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is “7”. The jackpot end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to a period in which an ending effect for notifying the end of the jackpot gaming state is executed. When such setting is performed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to “0”.

  In the big hit end process, the big hit type buffer value stored in the game control buffer setting unit is read, and whether the big hit type is “non-probable big hit”, “probable big hit A” or “probable big hit B”. Identify. If it is determined that the identified big hit type is not “non-probable variation big hit”, setting for starting the probability variation control (setting of the probability variation flag) is performed. In addition, when the specified big hit type is “non-probable variable big hit”, the setting for starting the time reduction control (in advance corresponding to the setting of the time reduction flag and the upper limit value of the special game that can be executed during the time reduction control). A predetermined count initial value (“100” in the present embodiment) is set in the short-time counter.

  Next, the operation of the effect control board 12 will be described. First, when the power is turned on, the production control CPU 120 starts executing the main process shown in FIG. In the main processing, first, initialization processing is performed for clearing the RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a timer for determining the activation control activation interval (for example, 2 ms) (S51). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 120 proceeds to a loop process for monitoring the timer interrupt flag (S52). When the timer interrupt occurs, the effect control CPU 120 sets a timer interrupt flag by the timer interrupt process. If the timer interrupt flag is set (turned on) in the main process, the effect control CPU 120 clears the flag (S53) and executes the following process. The effect control CPU 120 first performs command analysis processing (S54). In the command analysis process, it is analyzed which command (see FIG. 3) is the command transmitted from the main board 11 stored in the reception command buffer. The effect control command transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 is received by an interrupt process based on the effect control INT signal and stored in a buffer area formed in the RAM. And the process etc. which set the flag according to the received production control command are performed. Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs effect control process processing (S55). In the effect control process, the process corresponding to the current control state (effect control process flag) is selected from the processes corresponding to the control state, and display control of the effect display device 5 is executed.

  Next, an effect random number update process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the effect random numbers such as the jackpot symbol determination random number is performed (S56). Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs an opening monitoring process (S57). In the opening monitoring process, control for monitoring whether the glass door frame 50 or the gaming machine frame 3 is opened by the opening detection sensor 60 is executed. Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs game hall side volume change processing (S58). In the game hall side volume change processing, control is performed to set the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R by operating the volume change switch 300. Next, the effect control CPU 120 performs player-side volume change processing (S59). In the player side volume change processing, control is performed to set the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R by operating the volume adjustment buttons 41, 42, and then the process proceeds to S52.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the effect control process (S55) of the effect control main process. In the effect control process, the effect control CPU 120 first displays the hold memory display in the first hold memory display area 5D and the second hold memory display area 5U of the effect display device 5 in accordance with the stored contents of the hold memory buffer. A pending display update process for updating to display is executed (S72). Thereafter, the effect control CPU 120 performs any one of S73 to S79 according to the value of the effect control process flag. In each process, the following process is executed. Fluctuation pattern designation command reception waiting process (S73): It is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern designation command is received from the game control microcomputer 100. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a variation pattern designation command is received in the command analysis process. If the change pattern designation command has been received, the value of the effect control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the effect symbol change start process (S74). Effect symbol variation start processing (S74): Control is performed so that the variation of the effect symbol is started. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol changing process (S75). Production symbol variation processing (S75): Controls the switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern and monitors the end of the variation time. When the variation time ends, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the effect symbol variation stop process (S76). Effect symbol variation stop processing (S76): Based on the reception of the effect control command (symbol confirmation command) for instructing all symbols to stop, control is performed to stop the variation of the effect symbol and derive and display the display result (stop symbol). Do. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process (S77) or the variation pattern designation command reception waiting process (S73).

  Jackpot display process (S77): After the end of the variation time, control is performed to display a screen for notifying the effect display device 5 of the occurrence of a jackpot. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing (S78). Big hit game processing (S78): Control during the big hit game is performed. For example, when receiving a special command during opening of the special prize opening or a designation command after opening the special prize opening, display control of the number of rounds in the effect display device 5 is performed. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the jackpot end effect process (S79). Big hit end effect process (S79): In the effect display device 5, display control is performed to notify the player that the big hit game state has ended. Then, the value of the effect control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variation pattern designation command reception waiting process (S73).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the opening monitoring process of the effect control main process. In the opening monitoring process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the opening detection sensor 60 detects the opening of the glass door frame 50 or the gaming machine frame 3 (frame) (S81). When the opening detection sensor 60 detects the opening of the glass door frame 50 or the gaming machine frame 3, the process proceeds to S82, and when the opening detection sensor 60 does not detect the opening of the glass door frame 50 and the gaming machine frame 3. The process proceeds to S83. In S82, the effect control CPU 120 executes an error sound output process to output an error sound indicating that the glass door frame 50 or the gaming machine frame 3 is opened from the speakers 8L and 8R, thereby monitoring the opening. The process ends. As shown in FIG. 16A, the speakers 8L and 8R perform error sound output processing, so that the error sound is output for a certain period of time (error sound output) at the maximum volume 9 in the present embodiment. For the execution period). Then, after a predetermined period (error sound output non-execution period) has elapsed, the speakers 8L and 8R repeat outputting the error sound at the volume 9 again over a certain period.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, in S83, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not an error sound is being output from the speakers 8L and 8R. When the error sound is being output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the output of the error sound from the speakers 8L and 8R is terminated and the open monitoring process is terminated (S84), and the error sound is not being output from the speakers 8L and 8R. In this case, the open monitoring process is terminated without going through S84. As described above, in this embodiment, the opening detection sensor 60 monitors the opening of the glass door frame 50 and the gaming machine frame 3 (base frame). Preventing illegal acts such as illegally winning a game ball in a mouth or a grand prize opening, or replacing the main board 11 with an illegally modified board by opening the gaming machine frame 3. It is possible.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the game hall side volume changing process of the effect control main process. In the game hall side volume changing process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the opening detection sensor 60 detects the opening of the gaming machine frame 3 (frame) (S90). If the opening detection sensor 60 detects the opening of the gaming machine frame 3 (underframe), the process proceeds to S91. If the opening detection sensor 60 does not detect the opening of the gaming machine frame 3 (underframe), the process proceeds to S98. move on. In S91, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether there is a change in the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set, that is, whether the volume change switch 300 has been operated. If there is a change in the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set, the process proceeds to S92. If there is no change in the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set, the game hall side volume change process is terminated.

  In S92, the effect control CPU 120 sets (changes) the volume according to the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set. Specifically, if the set channel is “0”, “0” is set as the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and if the set channel is “1”, the speaker 8L is set. , 8R is set as the volume of the sound output from the 8R, and if the set channel is “2”, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R is set as “2”. If the set channel is “9”, “9” is set as the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R. Then, the effect control CPU 120 executes the sound volume notification process, so that the sound volume notification sound corresponding to the set sound volume is output from the speakers 8L and 8R to the parties involved in the game shop who operated the volume change switch 300. Output. Note that, as shown in FIG. 16A, the speakers 8L and 8R perform the sound volume notification process so that the sound volume notification sound is output during a predetermined period (error sound output non-execution period) during which no error sound is output. On the other hand, during a certain period (error sound output execution period) during which the error sound is output, the sound volume notification sound is not output.

  In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a person related to the gaming store opens the gaming machine frame 3 in order to operate the volume change switch 300, error sound is repeatedly output from the speakers 8L and 8R. On the other hand, the volume notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R during a period in which the error sound is not output. For this reason, the error sound and the volume notification sound are not mixedly output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the person concerned in the game shop can accurately distinguish the error sound and the volume notification sound. .

  As shown in FIG. 16B, when the volume set by operating the volume change switch 300 is any one of “1” to “9”, the volume change switch 300 is operated as the volume notification sound. The language voice indicating the set (changed) volume is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the changed volume. Specifically, when the volume is set to “1” by operating the volume change switch 300, a message “volume is 1” is output from the speakers 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R at the volume “1”. When the volume is set to “2” by the operation of 300, the message “Volume is 2” is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the volume “2”. When “9” is set, a message “volume is 9” is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the volume “9”.

  Further, when the volume set by the operation of the volume change switch 300 is “0” (silence setting), the language voice indicating the volume set (changed) by the operation of the volume change switch 300 as the volume notification sound. Are output from the speakers 8L and 8R at a volume of “9”. Specifically, when the volume is set to “0” by operating the volume change switch 300, a message “Mute setting” is output from the speakers 8 </ b> L and 8 </ b> R at the volume “9”. In addition, when the volume set by the operation of the volume change switch 300 is “0” (silence setting), the game effect LED 9 is lit in red during the output of the volume notification sound, so that the operation of the volume change switch 300 is performed. By this, the fact that the volume has been set to “0” is notified to the persons concerned at the game shop who operated the volume change switch 300.

  Next, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set is “0”, that is, whether or not the volume is set to “0” by operating the volume change switch 300. (S94). If the channel to which the volume change switch 300 is set is “0”, the process proceeds to S95, and if the channel to which the volume change switch 300 is set is not “0”, the process proceeds to S96. In S95, the effect control CPU 120 starts a mute setting display in the upper right part of the effect display device 5 indicating that the sound volume is set to “0” by operating the sound volume change switch 300 (see FIG. 17A). Then, the game hall side volume changing process is terminated. In S95, when the volume status display VL, which will be described later, is displayed on the effect display device 5, the display of the volume status display VL is terminated. In S <b> 96, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether the mute setting display is executed in the upper right part of the effect display device 5. When the mute setting display is executed in the upper right part of the effect display device 5, the process proceeds to S97, and when the mute setting display is not executed in the upper right part of the effect display device 5, the game hall side volume changing process is ended. In S97, the effect control CPU 120 ends the mute setting display that is being executed in the upper right part of the effect display device 5, and ends the game hall side volume changing process.

  In S98, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the volume notification is being executed, that is, whether or not the volume notification sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R or the game effect LED 9 is being lit red. To do. If the volume notification is being executed, the process proceeds to S100, and if the volume notification is not being executed, the game hall volume change process is terminated. In S100, the effect control CPU 120 ends the sound volume notification in response to the closing of the glass door frame 50 and the gaming machine frame 3 (base frame). That is, the effect control CPU 120 ends the output of the volume notification sound from the speakers 8L and 8R and the red lighting of the game effect LED 9. Then, the game hall side volume changing process is terminated.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the player side volume changing process of the effect control main process. In the player side volume change processing, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 are operated (S101). When the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 are operated, the process proceeds to S102, and when the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 are not operated, the player side volume change processing is ended. In S102, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set is “0”, that is, whether or not the mute setting is executed. If the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set is “0”, the process proceeds to S105, and if the channel in which the volume change switch 300 is set is not “0”, the process proceeds to S103.

  In S103, the effect control CPU 120 changes the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R in the range of “1” to “9” in accordance with the operation of the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42, and proceeds to S105. For example, when the volume adjustment button 41 is pressed, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is incremented by 1 in the range of “1” to “9”. That is, when the volume adjustment button 41 is pressed while the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “1”, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “2”. When the volume adjustment button 41 is pressed while the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “2”, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “3”. When the volume adjustment button 41 is pressed while the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “8”, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is changed. Change to "9". When the volume adjustment button 42 is pressed, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is decreased by 1 in the range of “1” to “9”. That is, when the volume adjustment button 42 is pressed while the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “2”, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “1”. If the volume adjustment button 42 is pressed while the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “3”, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “2”. When the volume adjustment button 42 is pressed while the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “9”, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is changed. Change to “8”. Then, the display mode of the gauge-like volume status display VL (see FIG. 18C) displayed in the upper right part of the effect display device 5 is updated according to the set volume, and the player-side volume change processing is performed. The process ends (S104).

  On the other hand, in S105, the effect control CPU 120 changes the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R to “1”. Then, in S106, the effect control CPU 120 ends the display of the mute setting display displayed in the upper right part of the effect display device 5 (S106), and replaces the mute setting display with the upper right of the effect display device 5. The display of the volume status display VL in the display mode corresponding to the volume “1” is started in the section, and the player side volume change processing is ended. As described above, by executing the player side volume changing process, the player operates the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 during the mute setting as shown in FIGS. 17 (A) to 17 (D). Thus, after the mute setting is released, the player operates the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 to change the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R from “1” to It is possible to change within the range of “9”.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications and additions within the scope of the present invention are included in the present invention. It is.

  For example, in the above embodiment, when the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 are operated, the form of adjusting the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R according to the operation of the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 is exemplified. The present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 18 as a first modification, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is changed when the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 are operated for the first time. Instead, the volume of the currently set sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is changed when the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 are operated for the second and subsequent times. The volume notification sound may be output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the changed volume from the speakers 8L and 8R according to the operation of the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 for the second and subsequent times. By doing so, even if the player accidentally operates the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42, the currently set sound volume is only output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the unintended volume Can prevent changes. Furthermore, since the volume of the currently set sound can be recognized before the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is changed, the usability of the volume changing function can be improved.

  Further, in the embodiment, when the volume change switch 300 is operated in the range of the channels “1” to “9”, the volume notification from the speakers 8L and 8R is performed with the volume changed according to the operation of the volume change switch 300. Although the form which outputs a sound was illustrated, this invention is not limited to this, As shown in FIG. 19 as a modification 2, as for the volume of any one among "1"-"9" volume When the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to the reference volume by the operation of the volume change switch 300 (“3” in the second modification), the volume notification from the speakers 8L and 8R is made. The sound may be output at a volume higher than the reference volume (“9” in the second modification). By doing in this way, it is possible to easily set the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R with reference to the reference volume for the parties involved in the game shop.

  In the above embodiment, when the mute setting is executed by operating the volume change switch 300 (when the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “0”), the mute is set as the volume notification sound. Although an example in which the setting is executed is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at “9” which is the maximum volume, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mute setting as the volume notification sound is executed. May be output at any volume of “1” to “8”. By doing in this way, the person concerned in a game store can make it easy to set the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R.

  Moreover, in the said Example, when changing the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R by operation of the volume change switch 300, the form which outputs a volume alerting sound from the speakers 8L and 8R in the language voice was illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as the volume notification sound, an electronic sound or a specific melody that does not make a language such as a beep sound may be output from the speakers 8L and 8R. By doing in this way, the person concerned in a game store can make it easy to set the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R.

  In the above embodiment, when the mute setting is executed by operating the volume change switch 300 (when the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “0”), the game effect LED 9 is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the game effect LED 9 may not be turned on when the mute setting is executed by operating the volume change switch 300. By doing in this way, the power consumption at the time of performing a mute setting can be suppressed.

  In the above embodiment, when the mute setting is executed by operating the volume change switch 300 (when the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is set to “0”), the game effect LED 9 is displayed in red. Although the form of lighting is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R by the operation of the volume change switch 300 is any one of “1” to “9”. When set, the game effect LED 9 may be lit in a color other than red, or the game effect LED 9 may be blinked. By doing in this way, it can be notified more easily whether silence setting is performed.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the volume adjustment button 41,42 was provided in the pachinko game machine 1, and the player operated the volume adjustment button 41,42, the form which mute setting was cancelled | released was illustrated, However, this invention However, the mute setting may not be canceled by operating the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a loud sound from being output from the speakers 8L and 8R due to unintentional cancellation of the mute setting in a game shop or the like where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed.

  Moreover, in the said Example, although the volume adjustment button 41,42 was provided in the pachinko game machine 1, and the player operated the volume adjustment button 41,42, the form which mute setting was cancelled | released was illustrated, However, this invention However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a touch panel, a motion sensor, or the like is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 as detection means capable of detecting the player's movement, and the specific action of the player is detected by the detection means. The mute setting may be cancelled. By doing so, the usability of the volume changing function can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the error sound and the volume notification sound are alternately output from the speakers 8L and 8R, so that the parties concerned in the game shop can accurately distinguish between the error sound and the volume notification sound. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an error sound and a volume notification sound may be simultaneously output from the speakers 8L and 8R as long as the sound can be discriminated by persons involved in the game store. May be. By doing in this way, the persons concerned at the game shop can recognize the error sound and the sound volume notification sound at the same time, so that the person concerned at the game shop can more quickly recognize fraud against the pachinko gaming machine 1.

  In the above embodiment, the error sound and the volume notification sound are output from the speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting the sound effects. However, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is different from the speakers 8L and 8R. And an error and volume notification sound may be output from the speaker. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a decrease in gaming interests due to the output of the error sound and the volume notification sound from the speakers 8L and 8R.

  In the embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with the volume change switch 300 that can be operated only by a person related to the game store and the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 that can be operated by the person related to the game store and the player. Although an example in which the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R can be changed by the persons involved in the game shop and the player is illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and a volume adjustment button is provided on the pachinko gaming machine 1 By not providing 41 and 42, only the person concerned in the game store may be able to change the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R. In this way, only the related parties of the game shop can change the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, so that the game of the game shop in which the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed by an unintended player's operation. It is possible to prevent the environment from changing.

  In the embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided with the volume change switch 300 that can be operated only by a person related to the game store and the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 that can be operated by the person related to the game store and the player. Although the embodiment in which the player concerned and the player can change the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R is exemplified, the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume change switch is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1. Without providing 300, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L, 8R may be changed only by operating the volume adjustment buttons 41, 42. When the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R can be changed only by operating the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42, the sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R by the operation of the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42. The sound volume can be changed in the range of “0” to “9”, and when the volume is changed to “0” (silence setting), the volume notification sound is output at the volume of “9”. When the volume is changed to any one of “1” to “9”, a volume notification sound may be output according to the changed volume. By doing so, the interest of the game can be improved.

  In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the player can change the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R by operating the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 during the variable display. Although illustrated, the present invention is not limited to this, and the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R can be adjusted by the player operating the volume adjustment buttons 41 and 42 only when the variable display is not executed. By making the change possible, the player may be allowed to pay attention to the change display during the execution of the change display, or the player may be in both the change display and when the change display is not executed. It may be possible to improve the usability of the volume changing function by changing the volume of the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R by operating the volume adjusting buttons 41 and 42.

  In the embodiment, a pachinko gaming machine is applied as an example of a gaming machine. However, for example, a game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using a gaming value. At the same time, one game is completed by deriving a variation display result to an effect display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols that can each be identified, and a prize is awarded according to the variation display result derived to the effect display device. This can also be applied to a slot machine that can generate In this way, it is possible to easily recognize that the mute setting is set even in the slot machine.

1 Pachinko machine 8L, 8R Speaker 9 Game effect LED
41, 42 Volume adjustment button 60 Opening detection sensor 120 Production control CPU
300 Volume change switch

Claims (2)

A gaming machine capable of playing games,
A sound output unit capable of outputting sound;
Operable operating means;
Volume setting means capable of setting the volume of the sound output from the sound output unit based on the operation of the operation means;
Specific sound output means capable of outputting a specific sound capable of specifying a volume set by the volume setting means when the operation means is operated;
An error sound output means capable of outputting an error sound when an error occurs;
With
The volume setting means can set a mute setting that does not output sound from the sound output unit,
The specific sound output means outputs the specific sound even when the operation means is operated to change to the mute setting, and the operation means operates when the error sound is output by the error sound output means. The game machine is characterized in that the specific sound is not output even if the game is performed.   The operating means includes first operating means operable by a game clerk and second operating means operable by a player.
The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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