JP7158738B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine such as a reel-type game machine.

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine represented by a reel-type gaming machine is configured to give a player a sense of expectation associated with the variation of symbols by playing a sound effect such as a voice according to the variation of the symbols. By making it possible for the player to adjust the volume of the effect sound emitted from the speaker, and by limiting the range of the volume that the player can adjust on the hall side, not only the player himself but also other players can We also consider the gaming environment. (For example, see Patent Document 1)

JP-A-2008-295551

The game machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured so that the range of sound volume that can be adjusted by the player can be limited on the hall side. Since adjustment is not taken into consideration, there is a problem that hall staff and others are burdened with hearing.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is a game that can reduce the auditory burden of hall staff and the like by making it possible to adjust the volume of sound emitted during preparation work of the game machine It provides a machine.

sound output means for outputting sound; sound output control means for controlling said sound output means; and said sound output means for setting one volume level among predetermined volume levels A volume control means capable of adjusting the volume of the sound emitted from the device, and when the first transition condition is satisfied when the power is turned on, the state is shifted to the maintenance state, and when the second transition condition is satisfied when the power is turned on, the state is changed to another state. and a state management means for transitioning, wherein the volume control means is set at least when the power is turned on during a period during which the setting confirmation process for displaying the already set game setting values on the predetermined display means is being performed. the standard volume, which is the volume level, can be set from among the plurality of volume levels, and when the power is restored after the standard volume is set by the volume control means, When the first transition condition is satisfied and the maintenance state is entered when the power is turned on, the setting of the volume level in the maintenance state is started by the standard volume set before the power failure, and the power is restored. When the second transition condition is satisfied at the time of power-on at the time of , and the state is shifted to the other state, the setting of the sound volume level in the other state is started by the standard sound volume set before the power failure. and when the same standard volume is set in the maintenance state and the other state, the volume of the sound output from the sound output means in the maintenance state is the same as the sound output in the other state. storage means for storing, in each storage area corresponding to each of a plurality of audio reproduction channels, audio data read by the sound output control means, which is smaller than the volume of the sound output from the means; The audio data stored in the means includes first audio data stored in a storage area corresponding to a specific audio reproduction channel, and a storage area corresponding to an audio reproduction channel different from the specific audio reproduction channel. and the second audio data stored in the second audio data, and when the same standard volume is set in the maintenance state and the other state, the sound output control means outputs the first audio data The volume of the read sound output by the sound output means is equal to or higher than the volume of the sound output by the sound output control means reading the second sound data and output by the sound output means, and When the same standard volume is set in the maintenance state and the other state, in the maintenance state the The sound output control means reads the first sound data and sets the volume of the sound to be output by the sound output means, and the sound output control means reads the second sound data and outputs the sound to the sound output means. The difference between the volume of the sound produced by the sound output control means and the volume of the sound output by the sound output control means reading the first sound data in the other state is the difference between the volume of the sound output by the sound output control means and the second sound output control means. is smaller than the difference in volume of the sound output by the sound output means by reading out the audio data of the above, and the sound output by the sound output means is based on the standard volume set in the maintenance state. The volume of the sound can be audible for both the volume of the sound to be output by reading the first audio data and the volume of the sound to be output by reading the second audio data. is provided.

According to the present invention, by reducing the sound volume emitted during preparation work of the game machine, it is possible to reduce the auditory burden in the maintenance work and facilitate the maintenance work. In addition, by making it difficult for the player to satisfy the conditions for transition to the maintenance state, it is possible to maintain the sound volume necessary for hole management such as error notification.

1 is a front view of a game machine; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand area II shown enclosed by a dashed line in FIG. 1; It is a figure which shows the back surface of a front door. It is a figure which shows the gaming machine except the front door. It is a figure which shows the electrical structure of a game machine. It is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine. This screen is used when the hall staff or the like sets the maximum/standard volume levels. This screen is used when the player sets the volume. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing set values of maximum volume and standard volume; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a security sound and a confirmation sound that are output when a volume setting operation is performed; 4 is a flow chart of a main flow in the main substrate; 4 is a flow chart of a main flow in the main substrate; 4 is a flow chart of a main flow in the main substrate;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings, the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the front side (player side) of the gaming machine 10 as shown in FIG. ) shall be designated as viewed from the
In the following description, “advantage (advantage)” refers to being advantageous to the player, and unless otherwise specified, game media (hereinafter simply referred to as “medals”).

<Overview>
Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, an overview of features of the present embodiment will be described.
The gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes sound output means for outputting sound, sound output control means for controlling the sound output means, and setting one volume level among a plurality of predetermined volume levels. volume control means for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the sound output means; and transition to the maintenance state when the first transition condition is satisfied, and another state when the second transition condition is satisfied. and a state management means for transitioning to the state, and when the same volume level is set, the volume of the sound output from the sound output means in the maintenance state is the same as that output from the sound output means in the other state. It is characterized in that the volume is lower than the volume of the sounded voice, and the first transition condition is satisfied upon power-on.

Here, the “sound output means” corresponds to the speaker 49 and the speaker port 38 for outputting the sound output from the speaker 49 . Note that the speaker 49 and the speaker mouth 38 do not have to be separate bodies, and may be integrally formed.
Further, the “volume stage” is a status related to volume setting, and has a plurality of stages. The “volume level” is not limited to digital representation of volume, and may include analog representation of volume.
The configuration corresponding to the "sound output control means" in this embodiment includes the audio control unit 224 and the audio control board 310 provided on the sub-board 200. FIG.
Also, the configuration corresponding to the “volume control means” in this embodiment includes the audio control unit 224 and the audio control board 310 provided on the sub-board 200 .

Here, the "maintenance state" is a state in which when the same volume level is set, the sound volume is lower than that in the "other states". By shifting to the "maintenance state", for example, when the hall staff performs preparatory work, the auditory burden associated with the work can be reduced.
The name "maintenance state" is given for convenience because it is a state designed mainly for hall staff to perform maintenance work, and of course, this state can be set. It need not be limited to the maintenance work of the hall staff. For example, the person in charge of development of the game machine maker may reduce the auditory burden associated with the test work by shifting the game machine to a "maintenance state" during the development test of the game machine.
Although the content of the "first transition condition" to be satisfied in order to transition to the "maintenance state" is not particularly limited, it is preferable that the transition condition is suitable for the above purpose. For example, the "first transition condition" may be established when the power is turned on, or may be an operation difficult for the player (an operation of an operation means that becomes operable by opening the front door 20, or an operation of the game machine). 10) is preferably established based on the operation on the operation means provided on the back side of the device 10). Conversely, it is preferable that the "first transition condition" is not satisfied by an operation to the operating means accepted in the playable state.

Here, the 'other state' is a state in which the volume of the sound is higher than that in the 'maintenance state' when the same volume level is set. By shifting to the "other state", it is possible to listen to the sound related to the game at the original volume.
In the practice of the present invention, it is not necessary that all the states other than the "maintenance state" among the plurality of states managed by the state management means are "other states". It is sufficient to satisfy the above requirements related to "the state of
The contents of the 'second transition condition' to be satisfied in order to transition to the 'other state' may be those that do not hold at the same time as the 'first transition condition'.
In this embodiment, the "first transition condition" corresponds to that both of the two sub-board on-board switches 205 provided on the sub-board 200 are in the ON state when the power is turned on. Condition" corresponds to that at least one of the two sub-board on-board switches 205 provided on the sub-board 200 is in the OFF state when the power is turned on.

A “state management means” that manages “maintenance state” and “other states” may be implemented by the main substrate 100 or by the sub substrate 200 . In addition, in the present embodiment, the sub-state management unit 230 provided in the sub-board 200 is exemplified as a configuration corresponding to the "state management means".

Since the game machine 10 can be shifted to the above-described "maintenance state", it is possible to reduce the auditory burden in the maintenance work and facilitate the maintenance work.

The gaming machine 10 having the features described above will be specifically described based on the following embodiments.

<Structure of Gaming Machine 10>
First, the structure of the game machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a front view of the game machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand region II surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a front view of the gaming machine 10 with the front door 20 removed.

The game machine 10 includes a rectangular parallelepiped outer frame 90 with an open front surface, and a front door 20 and a game machine main body 60 pivotally supported on the left edge side of the outer frame 90 so as to be rotatable and openable. . More specifically, three hinge portions 96 (96a, 96b, 96c) are provided on the left edge side of the outer frame 90, and the front door 20 is pivotally supported by the upper hinge portion 96a and the lower hinge portion 96c, The gaming machine main body 60 is pivotally supported by the upper hinge portion 96a and the middle hinge portion 96b.

On the front side of the front door 20, as shown in FIG. 1 or 2, an upper panel 21, a lower panel 22, a bet button 23, a menu selection button 24, a status display LED 25, a start lever 26, A stop button 27, a medal insertion slot 31, a checkout button 32, a medal return button 33, a door lock 34, a medal ejection slot 35, a decorative LED 36, a lower tray 37, and a speaker port 38 are provided. ing.

3, a decoration LED board 41, a status display LED board 42, a stop button board 43, a start lever sensor 44, a bet button board 45, and a menu A selection button board 46, a medal selector 47, a setting change device 48, a speaker 49, an inserted medal passage 51, a payout medal passage 52, a return medal passage 53, and a stored medal passage 54 are provided.

Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 includes a gaming machine body 60, a power supply device 91, a hopper 93, and an auxiliary medal storage box 95, as shown in FIG.

In addition, in order to open the front door 20, it is necessary to insert a door key (not shown) into the door lock 34 to release a locking mechanism (not shown) that locks the front door 20 and the outer frame 90. When the front door 20 is opened, as shown in FIG. 4, the power supply device 91 provided below the game machine body 60 can be confirmed. In addition, in this embodiment, a door open sensor (not shown) for determining whether or not the front door 20 is opened is provided on the right edge side of the outer frame 90 .

The power supply device 91 is a device for supplying power to each component of the gaming machine 10, and is controlled to start or stop by operating a power switch 92 provided in the device. Therefore, when playing a game, it is necessary to operate the power switch 92 with the front door 20 open to activate the power supply device 91 . In this embodiment, even if the power supply from the power supply device 91 is turned off, each of the main board 100 and the sub-board 200, which will be described later, is held before the power supply is turned off. It has a function to maintain the information that was

A setting change device 48 provided on the back side of the front door 20 is used to perform setting change processing for changing game setting values and setting confirmation processing for confirming already set game setting values. The device includes a setting key switch 48a, a setting change switch 48b, a setting display LED 48c, and a setting key cover 48d. Details of the setting change process and the setting confirmation process will be described later.
The setting display LED 48c is an LED that displays the game setting value being changed in the setting change process and the game setting value that has already been set in the setting confirmation process. there is
The setting key cover 48d is a cover that covers the setting key switch 48a. By sliding this cover, it becomes possible to insert the setting key into the setting key switch 48a and operate it. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the setting key cover 48d covers the setting key switch 48a.
Here, the game set value is a different ball payout ratio indicating the expected value of the number of medals paid out with respect to the number of medals used in the game. exist. In general, there is a tendency that the higher the set game setting value is, the higher the ball payout rate is.

The front door 20 also has an upper panel 21 and a lower panel 22 on the front side.
Since the upper panel 21 is formed of a transparent member, a player positioned in front of the gaming machine 10 can visually recognize the gaming machine body 60 arranged on the back side of the upper panel 21 through the upper panel 21. - 特許庁can be done.
On the surface of the lower panel 22, the model name of the game machine 10, a character related to the model, etc. are written, and the model name, etc. written on the back light (not shown) are lit so that the displayed model name can be easily recognized. .

In addition, the gaming machine body 60 includes main components for controlling games played by the gaming machine 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. , and a reel frame 64 is formed on the lower front surface thereof.

The effect display area 62 is a display screen of the effect display device 63 built in the gaming machine body 60, and can display effects and information related to the game of the gaming machine 10. FIG. As the effect display device 63, for example, a liquid crystal display type display device or the like can be adopted. It is possible to appropriately arouse the interest of the player.

The reel frame 64 is a window frame formed on the front side of the reels 65 (65L, 65C, 65R) built into the gaming machine body 60, and is divided into an inner area and an outer area. The inner region of the reel frame 64 is formed of a hollow or transparent member, and a part of each reel 65 is visible through the inner region. In addition, the external region of the reel frame 64 is formed of an opaque member (including a translucent member and a colored transparent member), making it difficult to visually recognize the reel 65 through the external region.

Here, the reel 65 is composed of a reel 65L, a reel 65C and a reel 65R, and these reels are rotatable by a stepping motor. When the reel 65 in this embodiment rotates, in principle, the reel 65 rotates from top to bottom. Sometimes referred to as "reverse direction".
A plurality of types of symbols are applied to each of the reels 65, and when the reels 65 are rotated, the symbols applied to the reels 65 are variably displayed, and when the rotating reels 65 are stopped, the symbols are stopped. indicate.

In addition, reel lighting boards 67 (67L, 67C, 67R) are provided inside the reels 65, and each symbol displayed on the reels 65 can be visually recognized by lighting the LEDs mounted on the reel lighting boards 67. making it easy. That is, the LEDs mounted on the reel illumination board 67 function as backlights for symbol display by the reels 65 .

The start lever 26 can receive a player's operation as a trigger for starting a game. Here, the player's operation of the start lever 26 is to tilt the start lever 26, which is provided substantially perpendicularly to the front door 20 in the initial state, in any direction.

The start lever sensor 44 can detect whether the start lever 26 is on or off. More specifically, the start lever sensor 44 detects the start lever 26 that is substantially perpendicular to the front door 20 as an OFF state, and detects the start lever 26 that is tilted in any direction as an ON state. .

In this embodiment, if the number of medals used in the game (hereinafter referred to as the number of bets) does not reach the maximum number (3 in this embodiment), the game will continue even if the start lever 26 is operated. not started. Therefore, in order to reach the maximum number of bets, insert medals from the medal slot 31 to increase the number of bets, or subtract medals (hereinafter referred to as credits) stored in the gaming machine 10 by pressing the bet button 23. It is necessary to increase the number of bets by increasing the number of bets.
When a replay role is won in the previous game, the replay is activated in the relevant game, and the number of bets in the previous game is set as the number of bets in the current game. By pressing the bet button 23, the game can be started without setting new medals as the number of bets.
In this embodiment, the game is started only when the start lever 26 is operated with the maximum bet number. You may make it start a game when it is done. In this case, an internal lottery table corresponding to the number of bets may be used in the internal lottery section 111, which will be described later.

Here, the accumulation of medals refers to a function of storing inside the gaming machine 10 a numerical value (credits) corresponding to the number of medals owned by the player in place of some or all of the medals. When medals are accumulated (credits are added), for example, when more than a predetermined number of medals are inserted from the medal slot 31, when a payout combination is won, and the like.

A medal selector 47 including a medal selector main body 47a, a medal blocker 47b, and a medal passage sensor 47c is provided on the back side of the medal slot 31. The medals are sorted into acceptable medals and unacceptable medals.
For example, in a standby state (a state in which the power is turned on but the game is not being played), medals can be accepted, so the medal selector main body 47a operates the medal blocker 47b having a solenoid. When the medal blocker 47b is actuated, a protrusion (not shown) provided in the middle of the inserted medal passage 51 is buried, so that the inserted medal passage 51 is in a state allowing passage of medals. At this time, when a medal is inserted from the medal slot 31, the medal flows down into the inserted medal passage 51, is detected by the medal passing sensor 47c provided in the middle of the inserted medal passage 51, and passes through the stored medal passage 54. It passes through and is stored in the hopper 93 .

Further, when the game is in progress or when the credit reaches the upper limit, the medal selector main body 47a stops the operation of the medal blocker 47b because medals cannot be accepted. When the operation of the medal blocker 47b is stopped, a protrusion (not shown) protrudes in the middle of the inserted medal passage 51 and obstructs passage of medals. Moreover, it stays at a position where it is not detected by the medal passage sensor 47c. The medals staying in the inserted medal passage 51 fall into the return medal passage 53 by their own weight or by the operation of the medal return button 33 and are discharged to the lower tray 37 via the medal discharge port 35 .

When medals are given in excess of the upper limit of credits, the number of medals corresponding to the number of given medals exceeding the upper limit is discharged from the hopper 93 via the medal discharge port 35 to the lower tray. 37 is discharged.

The gaming machine 10 also has a maximum bet button 23 a and a single bet button 23 b as the bet buttons 23 , and the operation of each button is detected by a sensor provided on the bet button board 45 . More specifically, a maximum bet button sensor 45a is provided for the maximum bet button 23a, and a single bet button sensor 45b is provided for the single bet button 23b. These sensors individually detect the operation of each button. be done.
The maximum bet button 23a subtracts the maximum number of bets (3 in this embodiment) from the credits in one operation and adds the subtracted amount to the number of bets, thereby increasing the number of bets to the maximum number. The single bet button 23b is a button that subtracts 1 credit and adds 1 to the number of bets in one operation. When the number of bets has reached the maximum number, operating any of the bet buttons 23 does not allow the credit to be subtracted and the number of bets to be increased.

Further, the maximum bet button 23a is used as an application (bet button) to increase the number of bets by subtracting credits according to the operation as described above, and may also be used as an opportunity to execute an effect (effect button). be.
When the maximum bet button 23a is used as a bet button, it is limited to a state in which the number of bets can be increased. , during a replay operation before the start of a game, or during a game, any state may be adopted.

The bet button board 45 is provided with a production button sensor 45c for detecting the pressing of the maximum bet button 23a when the maximum bet button 23a is used as a production button, and is distinguished from the detection by the maximum bet button sensor 45a. .
The maximum bet button sensor 45 a is directly connected to the main board 100 , whereas the effect button sensor 45 c is directly connected to the sub board 200 .

The gaming machine 10 also has a menu selection button 24 on the left side of the bet button 23 . The menu selection button 24 is composed of a cross key button 24a mounted on the menu selection button board 46 and an enter button 24b located in the center of the cross key button 24a.

The menu selection button 24 is a component that receives an operation related to the staff menu screen and the menu screen. Here, the staff menu screen refers to a screen for setting various types of information of the gaming machine 10 displayed in the effect display area 62, and the menu screen refers to the operation of the gaming machine 10 displayed in the effect display area 62. It refers to a screen that shows the method and explanation information of the game.
Hall staff, developers of manufacturers, etc. can browse the staff menu screen by operating the menu selection button 24 .
For example, a staff menu screen is displayed in the effect display area 62 during setting confirmation, and the hall staff or developer of the manufacturer operates the cross key button 24a to move the cursor to a position indicating an arbitrary setting menu, and the cursor is displayed. indicates any setting menu, the setting menu is displayed in the effect display area 62 when the hall staff, the developer of the manufacturer, or the like presses the enter button 24b.
Also, the player can browse the menu screen by operating the menu selection button 24 . For example, when the enter button 24b is pressed in the standby state, a list of menus and a cursor are displayed in the effect display area 62. FIG. The player operates the cross key button 24a to move the cursor to a position indicating an arbitrary menu, and when the player presses the decision button 24b when the cursor indicates any menu, the menu is displayed as an effect. Displayed in area 62 .

Here, the standby state in the eco mode will be explained.
The “eco mode” is a state intended to reduce the power consumption of the gaming machine, and is, for example, a mode in which the luminance of LEDs is suppressed and controlled, or the volume of sound output is suppressed.
First, before describing the "eco mode", the display in the "non-eco mode" will be described. In the "non-eco mode", 1) company name logo→2) immersion prevention slogan→3) model-dedicated image→4) model logo→1) company name logo→ . . .
In addition, 3) during the period in which the model-specific image is displayed, the following contents are blinked or displayed.
b) It must be possible to display the user menu screen.
b) Confirmation of "reel arrangement/payout table" can be performed from the user menu screen.
c) "Volume adjustment" can be performed from the user menu screen.
On the other hand, in eco mode, the following contents are kept displayed.
d) Display of "Eco mode in progress" e) Display of "Playable" f) Display of slogan to prevent addiction g) Display of user menu Note that when a predetermined number of points or the number of games are displayed on the normal screen, the system waits. When the state is reached, the predetermined points and the number of games are displayed by one of the following methods.
a) To display a predetermined number of points and the number of games even in a standby state.
b) Display a predetermined number of points and the number of games in the user menu.
c) When the cross key button 24a is operated from the user menu and the user menu is terminated, the normal screen is displayed.

The menu selection button board 46 is provided with a cross key button sensor 46a and an enter button sensor 46b. It is possible to detect whether the button is pressed in either the left or right direction. Also, the enter button sensor 46b can detect that the enter button 24b has been pressed.
The cross key button sensor 46a and the enter button sensor 46b are directly connected to the sub-board 200 in the same manner as the effect button sensor 45c described above.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 is provided with a status display LED 25 for displaying information related to the gaming machine 10 such as the number of inserted medals and the number of stored medals on the right side of the bet button 23 . The status display LEDs 25 are composed of a plurality of LEDs or a 7-segment display mounted on the status display LED board 42, and are composed of the following eight types of LEDs.
The first input number display LED 25a is composed of three LEDs, and the number of lit LEDs increases by one each time the number of bets increases by one.
The second reserved number display LED 25b is composed of two 7-segment displays, and indicates the number of reserved medals (credits) numerically.
The third winning number display LED 25c is composed of two 7-segment displays, and numerically indicates the number of medals acquired by winning.
The fourth instruction display LED 25d is composed of two 7-segment displays, and displays the pressing order of correct answers to be described later in a manner that can be specified. Details of the mode of the instruction display LED 25d will be described later.
The fifth replay display LED 25e is composed of one LED, and lights up when replay is stopped and displayed in the game.
The sixth game start display LED 25f is composed of one LED, and lighting of the LED indicates that the conditions for starting the game are satisfied.
The seventh insertable display LED 25g is composed of one LED, and lighting of the LED indicates that medals can be inserted.
The eighth advantageous mode display LED 25h is composed of one LED and lights up corresponding to the game mode. Details of the mode of the advantageous mode display LED 25h will be described later.

The stop button 27 receives a player's operation (stop operation) that causes the rotating reels 65 to stop. It should be noted that the stop button 27 can accept (activate) a stop operation when a stop possible condition is satisfied after the reel 65 starts rotating.
The player's operation on the stop button 27 is to press the stop button 27 . Further, the stop possible condition is a precondition for performing a stop display in the game. This is a condition that is established when the reference position is detected for each.

Each of the stop buttons 27 (27L, 27C, 27R) is mounted on the stop button substrate 43, and is provided for each of the reels 65 one by one. Specifically, the stop button 27L receives a stop operation for stopping the reel 65L, the stop button 27C receives a stop operation for stopping the reel 65C, and the stop button 27R is for stopping the reel 65R. accepts the stop operation.

The stop button board 43 is provided with stop button sensors 43a for individually detecting that the stop button 27L, the stop button 27C, and the stop button 27R are pressed. 65 are controlled to stop rotating. That is, the stop button 27 and the stop button sensor 43a detect a stop operation that serves as a trigger for stopping the rotation of the reel 65 by the reel control unit 112, which will be described later.

The stop button 27 in the present embodiment includes a stop possible display LED 27a and has a configuration in which the periphery thereof is covered with a light-transmitting member. The stop button 27 is designed to inform the player whether or not the condition for allowing the stop is satisfied by the lighting color of the LED 27a indicating that the game can be stopped. In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the conditions for enabling a stop are satisfied depending on the color of the stop button 27, so that the player can smoothly perform the stop operation in sequence.

Further, in this embodiment, the stop position of the reel 65 is based on the position of the reel 65 when the stop button 27 is pressed. can move. Here, the control from when the stop button 27 is pressed until the reel 65 stops is generally called pull-in control.

The internal area corresponding to each of the reels 65 of the reel frame 64 has a dimension of three frames in the vertical direction. In addition, each reel 65 is controlled to be stopped so that three symbols can be accommodated in the vertical direction of the inner area of the reel frame 64, and the player can visually recognize the three symbols through the inner area of the reel frame 64. It has become. That is, since three reels 65 are arranged in the horizontal direction, the player can visually recognize nine symbols (three symbols x three reels) when the reels 65 are stopped. there is

Approximately straight lines formed by upper, middle, and lower inner regions of the reel 65 (indicated by dashed-dotted lines in FIG. 1) are referred to as lines L1, L2, and L3, respectively.
Further, a substantially straight line formed by the upper inner region of the reel 65L, the middle inner region of the reel 65C, and the lower inner region of the reel 65R (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1) is called a line L4. A substantially straight line (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1) formed by the lower internal region, the middle internal region of the reel 65C, and the upper internal region of the reel 65R is referred to as a line L5.

In this embodiment, only substantially straight lines are used as the lines in the internal region, but curved lines may be used instead of straight lines. Also, a line formed including non-adjacent regions (for example, the upper stage of the reel 65L and the lower stage of the reel 65C) may be employed. That is, any line may be employed as long as it is formed by arbitrarily selecting an internal area for one pattern from each of the reels 65 .

The effective line in this embodiment is only line L2. Here, the effective line is a line on which a winning determination, which will be described later, is performed with respect to the symbol combination stopped on the line.
Specifically, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning prize is stopped and displayed on the activated line, the prescribed number of medals is awarded for the winning prize. When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay is stopped and displayed on the activated line, the replay is activated in the next game. When the symbol combination corresponding to the accessory or the accessory continuous operating device is stop-displayed on the activated line, the accessory or the accessory continuous operating device is activated in the next game. The details of the symbol combination corresponding to each winning combination will be described later.
Also, the effective line may be a single line as in this embodiment, or may be a plurality of lines.

During the rotation of the reels 65 (during the execution of the game), images displayed in the effect display area 62, sounds output from the speaker 49, or lighting of the decoration LED 36 are displayed in order to attract the player's interest and arouse interest in the game. A variety of productions are performed, consisting of lights and dimmed lights.

A speaker port 38 is provided in front of each speaker 49 .
More specifically, a speaker port 38a is provided in front of the speaker 49a positioned on the upper right (upper left in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and the upper left (upper left in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A speaker port 38b is provided in front of the speaker 49b positioned at the upper right in FIG. A speaker port 38d is provided in front of the speaker 49d located at the lower right (lower left in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Note that each speaker port 38 is provided with a large number of cavities so that the sound output from the speaker 49 can be appropriately output.

The decoration LEDs 36 are arranged so as to surround the effect display area 62 or the reel frame 64 .
More specifically, the decoration LEDs 36 a mounted on the decoration LED board 41 a and the decoration LEDs 36 b mounted on the decoration LED board 41 b are arranged on the upper right side of the effect display area 62 . Decoration LEDs 36c mounted on the decoration LED board 41c are arranged on the lower side. A decoration LED 36d mounted on the decoration LED board 41d is arranged on the lower right side of the reel frame 64, and a decoration LED 36e mounted on the decoration LED board 41e is arranged on the lower left side of the reel frame 64. A decoration LED 36f mounted on the decoration LED board 41f is arranged on the lower left side of the production display area 62, and a decoration LED 36g mounted on the decoration LED board 41g and a decoration LED are arranged on the upper left side of the production display area 62. A decorative LED 36h mounted on the substrate 41h is arranged. Each decorative LED 36 may be lit in a single color, or may be lit in multiple colors.

In the game machine 10, when the credit reaches the upper limit value during execution of the payout process of the medals given as a result of the combination of symbols corresponding to winning being stopped and displayed on the activated line, the credit corresponds to the amount exceeding the upper limit value. The required number of medals is paid out from the hopper 93. Further, when the settlement button 32 is pressed, the gaming machine 10 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the credit at the time of pressing from the hopper 93 .
Here, the payout of medals stored in the hopper 93 to the medal discharge port 35 is realized by a payout mechanism (not shown) built in the hopper 93 .
More specifically, the payout mechanism includes a disk that rotates to eject medals, a disk motor that rotates the disk, an arm that follows the medals dispensed from the hopper 93, and the medals that are dispensed from the disk. The disc motor is rotated until the arm sensor detects the number of coins to be paid out.
If the arm sensor does not detect the arm until a predetermined time elapses after the arm sensor detects the medals before reaching the payout number, the rotation of the disc is stopped and the game is played. The machine 10 is in a hopper error condition.

In addition, in order to prevent medals from overflowing from the hopper 93, a medal auxiliary storage box 95 is provided on the side of the hopper 93 so that some of the medals stored in the hopper 93 flow down.
Furthermore, the auxiliary medal storage 95 is provided with a storage error sensor (not shown) that detects when the number of stored medals reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount. becomes.

<Electrical Configuration and Functional Configuration of Gaming Machine 10>
Next, the electrical configuration and functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. However, the constituent elements illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 described above are also referred to, so please refer to them as appropriate. 5 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG.

The gaming machine 10 incorporates a main board 100 and a sub-board 200 as main components. Although the main board 100 or sub-board 200 is illustrated as if it were a single electronic board in FIG. 5, it does not necessarily have to be a single electronic board. That is, the main board 100 or the sub-board 200 may be realized by combining a plurality of electronic boards.

Electronic parts such as a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, and a random number circuit 104 are mounted on the main board 100, and connections with other electronic parts such as sensors and boards are shown in FIG. The main board 100 mainly realizes control related to the progress of the game by executing processing based on data and control signals exchanged between these electronic components and various sensors 40a.
Here, the various sensors 40a include the above-described start lever sensor 44, stop button sensor 43a, maximum bet button sensor 45a, single bet button sensor 45b, medal passing sensor 47c, reel sensor 66, and the like.

Electronic parts such as a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, a random number circuit 204, and two sub-board on-board switches 205 are mounted on the sub-board 200, and connections with other electronic parts such as sensors and boards are provided. are as shown in FIG. The sub-board 200 is connected to the main board 100 by one-way communication, and controls the decoration LED board 41, the sound control board 310, the effect display device 63, etc. based on the control commands transmitted from the main board 100. It realizes the control of effects related to the game (including the control related to the menu screen).
The various sensors 40b include a production button sensor 45c, a cross key button sensor 46a, an enter button sensor 46b, and the like.

Here, the two sub-board onboard switches 205 mounted on the sub-board 200 will be described.
The sub-board on-board switch 205 is a switch that can be switched between ON and OFF, and is operated by hall staff, manufacturer developers, etc. when adjusting the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker 49. be.
When the power is turned on with both of the sub-board on-board switches 205 turned on, the state management means shifts to the maintenance state. When the power is turned on with at least one of the sub-substrate on-board switches 205 turned off, the state management means shifts to a state other than the maintenance state.
Then, the volume control means adjusts the volume according to each state. The content of volume adjustment by the volume control means will be described later.

Note that the main board 100 has limits on the ROM capacity and the RAM capacity in order to increase security against fraudulent acts such as unauthorized modification. On the other hand, the sub-board 200 is not provided with similar restrictions.

Next, the functional configuration of the main board 100 and the sub-board 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the following functional configurations and functions possessed by each functional configuration are examples, and may have functional configurations not described below, and each functional configuration may have functions not described below. may be For convenience of explanation, the figure also shows electronic components other than the main board 100 and the sub-board 200, such as sensors and boards shown in FIG.

First, the functional configuration of the main board 100 is roughly divided into a game progress management section 110 that manages game progress, a main state management section 120 that manages game states, and a main communication section 130 .
Further, the game progress management unit 110 is composed of an internal lottery unit 111, a reel control unit 112, a winning determination unit 113, a medal management unit 114, and a status display LED control unit 115. The main status management unit 120 manages setting changes. The main communication unit 130 is composed of a control command transmission unit 131 and an external signal transmission unit 132. be.

When the game is started, the internal lottery section 111 determines by lottery a winning combination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "winning combination") from a plurality of types of winning combinations.
More specifically, the internal lottery unit 111 acquires a random number (a 2-byte random number is used in this embodiment, and the range is 0 to 65535) updated by the random number circuit 104 when the game is started. A lottery value of an internal lottery table (not shown) stored in the ROM 103 is sequentially added to the obtained random number, and the combination corresponding to the lottery value in which the carry occurs is determined as the winning combination. It should be noted that "the winning combination is determined by lottery" in the internal lottery section 111 may be expressed simply as "the winning combination is derived".

Triggered by the start of a game, the reel control unit 112 determines that the time from the start of rotation of the reels 65 in the previous game to the start of rotation of the reels 65 in the current game is a predetermined delay time, a so-called wait time (this embodiment). 4.1 s), each reel 65 is started to rotate, and then, each time a stop operation is performed, the reel corresponding to the stop operation is stopped. Separate rotation control.
More specifically, the reel control unit 112 changes the reel control state (acceleration control state, constant speed control state, drawing control state, brake control state, stop control state) to each of the reels 65 according to the progress of the game. , acquires an excitation pattern corresponding to the currently set reel control state from the excitation pattern stored in the ROM 103, and controls the reel motor 68 (stepping motor) to output a pulse signal according to the acquired excitation pattern. , the rotation of the reel 65 is individually controlled.
Specifically explaining the reel control state, the acceleration control state is a control state in which a pulse signal is output according to an excitation pattern for accelerating to a predetermined speed after rotation is started. The constant speed control state is a control state from the end of the acceleration control state to the stop operation. In this control state, a pulse signal is output according to an excitation pattern for maintaining a predetermined speed. The pull-in control state is a control state in which the corresponding reel is rotated to the stop position after the stop operation is performed. A signal is output. The brake control state is a control state in which a pulse signal is output according to an excitation pattern for stopping the corresponding reel after reaching the stop position. A stop control state is a control state that keeps the corresponding reel at its current position.
The switching of the reel control state is performed in the main flow of the main board 100, which will be described later. It is performed in interrupt processing (not shown).
In addition, when stopping each of the reels 65 (switching from the pull-in control state to the brake control state), the reel control unit 112 derives (or reads) a symbol number candidate to be stopped from the stop data stored in the ROM 103. ), one of the symbol number candidates in the maximum withdrawal range (4 frames in this embodiment) from the reel position (symbol number on the reference line) at the timing when the stop operation is performed is set as the stop position. decide.
Here, the pattern number on the reference line for each reel 65 is corrected to the pattern number of the reference position each time the detection piece is detected by the reel sensor 66 in timer interrupt processing, and is updated according to the number of subsequent switching of the pulse signal. be done.
Further, in the constant speed control state, the reel control unit 112 sets the reference number until a predetermined time elapses (until the pulse signal is switched a predetermined number of times) after the symbol number on the reference line was corrected last time. If the pattern number on the line is not corrected, it is determined that the corresponding reel is out of step (hereinafter referred to as step out check), the reel control state is set to the acceleration control state, and the reel is accelerated again. Let

The winning determination unit 113 performs winning determination for determining winning of a winning combination based on a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line in the game.
In addition, in determining the winning, in addition to the combination of the symbols stopped and displayed on the activated line, it is determined whether the combination of the symbols matches the winning combination derived in the game. You may make it judge.

The medal management unit 114 manages the increase/decrease in credits described above and controls the hopper 93 (payout mechanism) described above.

The state display LED control section 115 controls the state display LED 25 described above.

The setting change management unit 121 performs setting change processing and setting confirmation processing.
Specifically, the setting change process is started if the setting key switch 48a is operated when the power supply from the power supply device 91 is turned on from the off state, and the setting change switch 48b is turned on. Each time the start lever 26 is operated, the game set values are changed according to a certain order (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, . . . in this embodiment). This is the process of determining the game set value in 2 as the game set value of this time. Note that this process also performs a process of displaying the game setting value being changed on the setting display LED 48c. Also, in the setting change process, all of the information held before the power supply was turned off may be initialized, or only part of the information may be maintained.
The setting confirmation process is started when the setting key switch 48a is operated while the power supply is ON, and is a process for displaying the already set game setting values on the setting display LED 48c. It should be noted that, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the "already set game setting value" will be simply referred to as the "game setting value".
In this embodiment, the opening of the front door 20 by the opening sensor may be added to each of the conditions for starting the setting change process and the conditions for starting the setting confirmation process. By doing so, it is possible to deter unauthorized change of game setting values and confirmation of unauthorized game setting values.

The game state management unit 122 performs control to shift the game state according to the transition conditions among a plurality of types of game states.
In the description of the present embodiment, regarding the game state, game mode, effect mode, etc., switching from one state (or mode) to another state (or mode) is referred to as "transition" or "transition". ", but they are generally treated as synonymous.

The replay time management unit 123 performs control to shift the game state according to transition conditions among a plurality of types of replay times.

The game mode management unit 124 performs control to shift the game mode according to the transition condition among a plurality of types of game modes. The game modes managed by the game mode management unit 124 include at least three types of normal mode, high accuracy mode and AT mode.
The normal mode is a game mode in which notification of the pressing order of the correct answer is not executed.
The high probability mode is a game mode in which the degree of expectation for winning the AT mode transition lottery is higher than in the normal mode.
The AT mode is a game mode in which the notification of the correct pressing order corresponding to the AT combination (including the pressing order bell) is always performed during the stay.
In this embodiment, the AT mode corresponds to the advantageous mode, and the advantageous mode display LED 25h is illuminated during the stay.

The error management unit 125 determines whether or not to set the error state as described above, and also determines whether or not to set the error state using the detection results of the various sensors 40a, etc., and determines that the error state is set. If so, the progress of the game is stopped as necessary, and the gaming machine 10 is placed in an error state.
In the case of an error state, preparation for transmission of a control command indicating the occurrence of the error state is made, the control command transmission unit 131 is caused to transmit the control command, and the effect device (effect display area 62, decoration LED 36, speaker 49, etc.) ) may be used to notify the occurrence of the error condition.

In this embodiment, the error states determined by the error management unit 125 include, for example, a main board error due to an update error in the random number circuit 104 of the main board 100, a radio wave error due to detection of an unauthorized radio wave, and a storage error sensor. There is a full tank error due to the detection of medals, and a pressing order error when pressing in the wrong order with respect to the correct pressing order corresponding to the AT role during the AT mode, which will be described later.
Of these error states, the main board error, radio wave error, full tank error, etc. are handled as error states that can be resolved by the hall staff (hereinafter simply referred to as "error for staff"). In the event of these staff error conditions, the effect device is used to notify the occurrence of the error condition.
Note that the error state for staff is an example, and other error modes may be provided as the error state.

On the other hand, the pressing order error, which is one of the error states that can be resolved by the player's response (hereinafter simply referred to as "player-oriented error state"), is maintained in a state in which the game can be progressed. In addition, in the event of these player-oriented error states, the effect device is used to notify the occurrence of the error state.
Note that the error state for players is an example, and other error modes may be provided as the error state.
In the error state for staff, the error cannot be resolved unless the hall staff responds, and in the error state for players, the error can be resolved even if the hall staff does not respond. It is positioned as an error state with a higher degree of importance than the error state for users.

The control command transmission unit 131 performs processing for transmitting the control command ready for transmission to the sub board 200 .
In addition to control commands that are sent when an error occurs, control commands include control commands that are sent as the game progresses, and each control command specifies the type of the control command. In addition to possible information, it has information corresponding to the type. A specific example of the control command will be described in the flow described later as necessary.
Further, in the following description, preparation for transmission of a control command and causing the control command transmission unit 131 to transmit the control command may be expressed simply as transmission of the control command.

The external signal transmission unit 132 transmits a signal (outer end signal) indicating the internal state of the gaming machine 10 to an external device (for example, a hall computer or a data display) outside the gaming machine 10 .
Specifically, the information transmitted by the outer end signal includes information indicating that one game has started, information indicating that a game has been started, information indicating that a special game state has been entered, or information indicating that a player has stayed in a special game state, which will be described later. information indicating that an advantageous mode has been started, information indicating that an advantageous mode, which will be described later, has been started, or information indicating that an error has occurred, and the like.

Next, the functional configuration of the sub-board 200 is roughly divided into a sub-communication section 210, an effect management section 220 that manages game-related effects, and a sub-state management section 230.
Furthermore, the sub communication unit 210 is configured with a control command receiving unit 211, and the effect management unit 220 includes a performance mode management unit 221, a performance control unit 222, a performance display control unit 223, a sound control unit 224, and a decoration LED control. 225. The details of these functional configurations are as follows.

The control command receiving unit 211 receives the control command transmitted from the main board 100, analyzes the received control command, and uses the information included in the control command to update the information stored in the RAM 202. .

The effect mode management unit 221 controls a plurality of types of effect modes that can stay over a plurality of consecutive games based on control commands and the like transmitted from the main board 100 .
The effect mode in this embodiment is mainly changed based on the game mode controlled by the game mode management unit 124, and the game mode during stay and the effect mode correspond in principle. In principle, the transition of the effect mode often accompanies the change of the background display displayed in the effect display area 62 .

As for the performance modes controlled by the performance mode management unit 221, a plurality of performance modes may correspond to one game mode, and one performance mode may correspond to a plurality of game modes.
However, it is preferable to distinguish between the production mode associated with the normal mode and the production mode associated with the advantageous mode (AT mode). In other words, the plurality of types of production modes controlled by the production mode management unit 221 include a first production mode that can be transferred in the advantageous mode and cannot be transferred in the normal mode, and a first production mode that cannot be transferred in the advantageous mode and A second production mode that can be shifted in the normal mode is preferably included. This is because clearly indicating to the player the distinction between the normal mode and the advantageous mode makes the difference in the degree of advantage clearer, and gives the game more contrast.

In addition to the control command transmitted from the main board 100, the effect control unit 222 controls the effect device (effect display area 62, decoration LED 36, speaker 49, etc.) based on the effect mode controlled by the effect mode management unit 221. A process for determining the content of the effect to be performed is performed.

When there is an effect to be performed by the effect display device 63, the effect display control part 223 reads device data corresponding to the effect from the ROM 203 and causes the effect display device 63 to perform the effect using the device data.

The audio control unit 224 transmits an audio control command to the audio control board 310 when there is an effect to be performed by the speaker 49 . In addition, it also adjusts the volume level of the sound output from the sound output means. Detailed adjustment contents of the volume level will be described later.

When there is an effect to be performed by the decoration LED board 41, the decoration LED control section 225 reads device data corresponding to the effect from the ROM 203 and causes the decoration LED board 41 to perform the effect using the device data.

The sub-state management unit 230 determines the state of the sub-board onboard switch 205 when the power is turned on, and shifts the state of the game machine to the maintenance state or another state.
When the power is turned on, the sub-state management unit 230 shifts to the maintenance state if both of the sub-board onboard switches 205 are in the ON state, and if at least one of the sub-board onboard switches 205 is in the OFF state, switches to another state. transition to state.
Also, in the maintenance state, at least one of the sub-board on-board switches 205 is turned off to satisfy the second transition condition, and when shifting to another state, at least power failure and power recovery must be performed. to As a result, in the event that maintenance work has been illegally performed, it is difficult to return to another state, thereby facilitating discovery of the illegality.
Furthermore, the hall staff or the person in charge of development of the manufacturer can set the maximum/standard sound volume by operating the menu selection button 24, but even if the menu selection button 24 is operated in the state where the game can be played, the state is not shifted to the maintenance state. In other words, management is performed so that the first transition condition is not satisfied. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from shifting to the maintenance state.

Next, the audio control board 310 will be described.
The audio control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various arithmetic processing related to audio effects based on audio control commands from the sub-board 200, a ROM 312 that stores audio control programs and audio data, and a work area and buffer that serve as temporary storage areas. It is equipped with a RAM 313 functioning as a memory and an I/O port 314 for inputting/outputting signals between peripheral boards and devices. configured to run. Therefore, the audio control board 310 reads the audio data stored in the ROM 312 according to the audio control command received from the sub-board 200, synthesizes the read audio data, and outputs the final synthesized audio data to the amplifier. can be transmitted to the speaker 49 via and the speaker 49 can output sound.

More specifically, the RAM 313 stores storage areas corresponding to each of a plurality of audio reproduction channels (in this embodiment, a total of 32 audio reproduction channels CH1 to CH32), and synthesized audio data (described later). A storage area is provided for storing unit audio data). A storage area corresponding to each audio reproduction channel contains audio data read from the ROM 312, data specifying the volume of the audio reproduction channel (hereinafter referred to as "volume identification data"), the number of times the audio reproduction channel has been reproduced (loop reproduction). ) (hereinafter referred to as "playback number specifying data"), and data specifying the playback state (playing, paused, playback stopped) of the audio playback channel (hereinafter referred to as "playback state specifying data ”). Note that the volume in this embodiment can be set in a range of nine levels from volume 1 to volume 9, and the volume output from the speaker 49 increases in this order. Further, each data corresponding to each audio reproduction channel stored in the RAM 313 can be read by the sub-board 200 as necessary.

Here, the sound data stored in the ROM 312 includes a security sound as the first sound data and a game sound as the second sound data. Stored in a corresponding storage area, the second audio data is stored in an audio reproduction channel different from the specific audio channel.
In addition, "security sound" mainly corresponds to a sound that notifies that the hall staff is operating, such as a sound indicating that the door is open or a sound indicating that the setting is being changed. .
As described above, the "game sound" is the sound used in the game, and corresponds to sound effects, BGM, etc. that are emitted according to the change of the pattern. This corresponds to a sound that mainly notifies that the hall staff is performing an operation, such as a notification sound that indicates that the setting is being changed or a sound that indicates that the setting is being changed.

The above-described audio control command is composed of audio control data for each audio reproduction channel, and each audio control data specifies the presence or absence of various data corresponding to the audio reproduction channel, and instructs the audio data to be reproduced (specification data). data (hereinafter referred to as "voice instruction data"), data indicating the volume of the audio data (hereinafter referred to as "volume instruction data"), data indicating the number of times the audio data is played (hereinafter referred to as " (referred to as "playback number instruction data") and data for instructing the playback state. When the CPU 311 receives an audio control command, it checks whether or not there is audio control data for each audio reproduction channel. Update various data of the audio playback channel corresponding to .
The audio data is data in which unit audio data separated by one frame (24 milliseconds in this embodiment) are continuously arranged. While referring to the specific data, the unit audio data at the current reproduction position of the audio reproduction channel identified as being reproduced by the reproduction state identification data is synthesized according to the volume identification data corresponding to the audio reproduction channel, and after synthesis is stored in the corresponding storage area.
Further, when the received audio control command includes audio control data including reproduction state instruction data instructing to stop reproduction, the CPU 311 deletes various data of the audio reproduction channel corresponding to the audio control data. At the same time, data indicating stop of reproduction is set in the reproduction state specifying data of the audio reproduction channel, and the reproduction of the audio of the audio reproduction channel is stopped.

It should be noted that the sound output of the sound in this embodiment means that the sound is output from the speaker 49 and can actually be recognized by the player's sense of hearing. On the other hand, reproduction of audio means that various data (audio data, volume identification data, reproduction number identification data, and reproduction state identification data) are stored in a storage area corresponding to an audio reproduction channel related to the audio. It does not matter whether the sound is actually output or not.

Further, as described above, the sub-board 200 is configured to be able to generate a volume adjustment command and transmit the volume adjustment command to the audio control board 310 in addition to the voice control command. This volume adjustment command is composed of data specifying whether or not there is volume instruction data corresponding to each audio reproduction channel, and volume instruction data for each audio reproduction channel. Then, when the volume adjustment command is received, the CPU 311 confirms the presence or absence of volume instruction data for each audio reproduction channel, and if there is volume instruction data, adjusts the volume of the audio reproduction channel according to the volume instruction data. update the volume specific data of

As described above, in the present embodiment, the sub-board 200 can control the sound to be output from the speaker 49 and control the volume of each reproduced sound (audio reproduction channel) via the sound control board 310. can.
It should be noted that the method of controlling the sound and volume to be emitted by the speaker 49 is not limited to the method of the present embodiment, and any method may be adopted. Also, the functions of the audio control board 310 may be provided in the sub-board 200 .

<Volume level setting screen>
Next, the volume stage setting screen displayed in the effect display area 62 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG.
FIG. 7 shows a screen used when the hall staff, the developer of the manufacturer, or the like sets the volume level.
Hall staff, manufacturer developers, etc. can also set the time, brightness, etc., in addition to the volume stage during setting confirmation for confirming game setting values. During confirmation of the setting, a staff menu screen is displayed (not shown). When the maximum/standard volume setting is selected by operating the menu selection button 24 for the displayed staff menu, the effect display area 62 displays the The maximum and standard volume settings shown in are displayed. In addition, including the maximum and standard volume setting screen, when the staff menu screen and various setting screens used by hall staff and manufacturer developers to set various information that can be moved from the staff menu screen are displayed , a notification indicating that the door is open or a notification indicating that the setting is being confirmed is performed.

FIG. 7(1) is a screen image displayed when setting the maximum volume on the maximum/standard volume setting screen displayed in the effect display area 62, and FIG. 7(2) is displayed in the effect display area 62. It is a screen image displayed when setting the standard volume on the maximum/standard volume setting screen.
Here, the "maximum volume" refers to the stage (range) in which the player can change the volume, and the "standard volume" refers to when the power is turned on and when the game is played for a certain period of time as will be described later. It refers to the stage (range) that is set when it is not divided.
As shown in FIGS. 7(1) and 7(2), the maximum volume and standard volume can be set in 9 levels. Note that the steps that can be set are not limited to nine steps, and may be other steps.

When the staff menu screen is displayed and the maximum/standard volume setting is selected by the menu selection button 24, the maximum/standard volume setting screen of FIG. You can change the volume level by operating . Each time the button on the right side of the cross key button 24a is pressed once, the volume level moves in the MAX direction by one level, and each time the button on the left side of the cross key button 24a is pressed once, the level of volume increases by one level. Move in the MIN direction. Here, as is clear from a comparison of FIGS. 7(1) and 7(2), in FIG. 7(1), the maximum volume setting area 62B is wider than the standard volume setting area 62C. While each character and line are thick, in FIG. 7(2), the standard volume setting area 62C is wider than the maximum volume setting area 62B, and each character and line are thick. This enables the hall staff, manufacturer developers, etc. to grasp whether the volume to be changed is the maximum volume or the standard volume.
When the decision button 24b is pressed while the maximum/standard volume setting screen of FIG. When the decision button 24b is pressed while the screen is displayed and the maximum/standard volume setting screen of FIG.

Here, the setting of the maximum volume will be explained.
When the screen shown in FIG. 7(1) is displayed in the effect display area 62, the "user volume", which is the volume set by the player, is set to the "standard volume", and the door opening notification or setting confirmation is performed. The volume of the security sound used for medium notification is also set to the user volume.
Also, when the maximum volume is lower than the standard volume by lowering the maximum volume, the "standard volume" is set to the "maximum volume".
When the decision button 24b is pressed, the maximum volume, standard volume, and user volume are set to the selected values. Note that if the maximum/standard volume setting screen is terminated without pressing the enter button 24b, the maximum volume and standard volume remain the values before change and are not updated.

Next, setting the standard volume will be described.
The standard volume should be changed only within the range below the maximum volume. Further, when the volume of the standard volume is changed, the volume of the security sound used for the door open notification or the setting confirmation notification is also set to the changed standard volume. When the cross key button 24a is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 7(2) is displayed in the effect display area 62, the standard volume value selected at the time of pressing is set. Note that if the maximum/standard volume setting screen is terminated without pressing the enter button 24b, the maximum volume and standard volume remain the values before change and are not updated.

FIG. 8 shows a volume adjustment screen displayed in the effect display area 62 when the player adjusts the volume. The player can browse the user menu screen by operating the menu selection button 24 . For example, when the decision button 24b is pressed in the standby state, a user menu list (not shown) is displayed in the effect display area 62. FIG. Then, when the player operates the cross key button 24a to move the cursor to the position indicating volume adjustment and press the enter button 24b, the effect display area 62 displays a volume adjustment screen 62E shown in FIG. In addition to adjusting the volume, the menu list allows confirmation of the reel arrangement and payout table.

A volume adjustment screen for the player to adjust the volume displayed in the effect display area 62 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 8, the volume can be adjusted in nine steps. A gauge is then displayed for the player to ascertain the current volume level and to designate the volume level. In this embodiment, the gauge is divided into 9 pieces, and the white portions are changed according to the set volume level. FIG. 8 shows that the volume level is adjusted to level 5 because the five parts are outlined. Then, when the player operates the cross key button 24a to the right twice, the volume level is adjusted to level 7, and the seven gauges on the volume adjustment screen 62E change to a blank state. On the other hand, when the player operates the cross key button 24a to the left once in the state of the volume adjustment screen 62E of FIG. Change.
In order for the player to easily recognize the maximum volume level and the standard volume level, a downward pointing triangle is placed near the maximum volume level level 9 and an upward pointing triangle near the standard volume level level 7. it's shown.

Here, the initial value of the user volume will be described.
As the initial value of the user volume, the standard volume value set on the standard volume setting screen shown in FIG. 7(2) is set. Even if the player changes the volume using the volume adjustment screen of FIG. 8, the standard volume value set on the standard volume setting screen shown in FIG. 7(2) is returned under the following conditions.
a) When the power is turned on b) When 10 minutes have passed between the end of one game (after receiving a game state command from the main game) and the insertion of medals. However, if there is an operation performed by the hall staff, such as opening the door, during an error, changing settings, confirming settings, or during test mode, the measurement for the 10 minutes is interrupted and the operation is completed. Measurement is restarted from the point in time.
c) When the staff menu screen is displayed and the maximum/standard volume is selected by the menu selection button 24, and then the decision button 24b is pressed. As shown in FIG. If the game is not played, the sound volume will return to the standard volume." is displayed to inform the player that the sound volume will return to the standard volume value when the above condition b) is satisfied.

Next, setting values for the maximum volume and standard volume will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the "game sound" is the sound used in the game, and corresponds to sound effects, BGM, etc. that are emitted according to the change of the pattern. This corresponds to a sound that mainly notifies that the hall staff is performing an operation, such as a notification sound that indicates that the setting is being changed or a sound that indicates that the setting is being changed.
"When OFF" corresponds to when at least one of the two sub-board on-board switches 205 mounted on the sub-board 200 is in the OFF state.
"When ON" corresponds to when both of the two sub-board on-board switches 205 mounted on the sub-board 200 are in the ON state.
"Volume level" refers to the volume level (in this embodiment, from 1 to 9 of 9) corresponds.
The value written at the intersection of the volume stage, the state of the sub-board on-board switch 205, and the type of sound indicates the volume. For example, volume level 1, when the state of the sub-board on-board switch 205 is OFF and the volume of the game sound is "1", and volume level 5, when the state of the sub-board on-board switch 205 is ON and The volume of the game sound/security sound is "9". As shown in FIG. 9, when the sub-board on-board switch 205 is in the ON state, the game sound and the security sound are set to the same sound volume, but they do not have to be the same. It is preferable that the difference between the sound and the security sound is small.

Here, the setting contents of the sound volume setting value will be described.
1) When the same volume level is set, the volume of the sound emitted from the sound output means in the ON state (maintenance state) is the same as the sound output from the sound output means in the OFF state (other state). lower the volume of the audio that is being played. By reducing the sound volume emitted during the maintenance of the game machine, it is possible to reduce the auditory burden during the maintenance work and facilitate the maintenance work.
2) The difference between the game sound and the security sound in the OFF state (other state) differs depending on the volume level, and the higher the volume level, the smaller the difference between the game sound and the security sound. Since the OFF state (other state) is a state other than the maintenance state, the game is mainly played and the player can change the sound volume. Even if the sound volume is reduced according to the player's preference, the sound volume necessary for the security sound can be emitted, or even if the sound volume is increased, the sound volume unnecessary as the security sound is prevented from being emitted.
3) If the volume level is the same in the ON state (maintenance state) and the OFF state (other states), the security sound is read and emitted in the ON state (maintenance state), and the volume and game sound are read and emitted. The difference in volume is smaller than the difference between the volume at which the security sound is read out and the game sound is read out in other states, or there is no difference. Since the ON state (maintenance state) is operated by the hall staff, the developer of the manufacturer, etc., there is no need to provide a difference in volume between the game sound and the security sound.
4) The volume of a specific sound (e.g., game sound) when the first volume level (e.g., volume level 5) is set in the ON state (maintenance state) is set to the first level in the OFF state (other state). Reduce the volume of the particular voice when a second volume step (eg, volume step 4) corresponding to a lower volume than the first volume step is set. Since the ON state (maintenance state) is operated by the hall staff, the developer of the manufacturer, etc., it is sufficient if the sound volume necessary for the work is output, so the second volume level in the OFF state (other state) can reduce the hearing burden during maintenance work.
5) In the ON state (maintenance state) and in the OFF state (other states), the volume step corresponding to the highest volume (e.g. volume step 9) to the lowest volume (e.g. volume step 1) ), both the volume of the game sound and the volume of the security sound are set to decrease. In addition, the volume in the case where the volume level corresponding to the maximum volume (for example, , 128) is set to the volume level corresponding to the maximum volume (for example, 1) when the volume level corresponding to the minimum volume is set for the sound that causes the game sound to be emitted. It is set smaller than the ratio of the volume (for example, 127) in the case. By setting such a ratio, the security sound can be easily recognized. Note that the tendency to decrease does not necessarily mean that the volumes of adjacent volume stages (for example, volume stage 4 and volume stage 5) are different, and the same volume may be set for the volume of adjacent volume stages. It is sufficient if it tends to decrease as a whole.
6) The plurality of volume steps includes a first volume step (e.g., volume step 4), a second volume step corresponding to a volume greater than the first volume step (e.g., volume step 5), and a second volume step (e.g., volume step 5). There is a third volume step (e.g., volume step 6) corresponding to a volume greater than the first volume step (e.g., 90 ) when the second volume step is set (e.g. 108) is the difference between the volume when the second volume step is set and the volume when the third volume step is set (for example, 113) is set larger than the difference. By setting in this way, the volume can be lowered more steeply by selecting the first volume stage. As for the difference in volume when the third volume level is set with respect to the volume when the second volume level is set, the difference is 0, and the volume when the second volume level is set and the volume when the third volume level is set may be the same.
7) A third volume level (e.g., volume level 6) is set relative to the volume (e.g., 60) when the second volume level (e.g., volume level 5) is set for the sound that outputs the game sound. The difference in volume (e.g., 80) when the security sound is set to the third volume step relative to the volume (e.g., 108) when the second volume step is set for the sound that emits the security sound. Set it to be larger than the difference in volume (for example, 113) when By setting in this way, the volume of the security sound is more likely to be maintained, and is set so as to be less affected by the volume adjustment.

Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the security sound and confirmation sound that are output when the volume setting operation is performed by operating the menu selection button 24 will be described.

FIG. 10(1) shows the security sound when the staff menu screen that can be browsed by the hall staff, the developer of the manufacturer, or the like by operating the menu selection button 24 is displayed.
As shown in FIG. 10(1), the security sound is emitted during the first period in which the staff menu screen is displayed. This security sound is output at the volume level of the standard volume that was set when the staff menu screen was displayed.
When the hall staff or the like operates the cross key button 24a to raise the volume by one step, the volume of the emitted security sound is raised.
FIG. 10(1) shows an example in which the hall staff or the like raises the volume, but if an operation to lower the volume level is performed, the volume of the security sound to be emitted is lowered. Further, unless the hall staff or the like performs an operation to change the volume level, the volume of the security sound to be emitted is not changed.

FIG. 10(2) shows the confirmation sound when the user menu screen that the player can view by operating the menu selection button 24 is displayed.
As shown in FIG. 10(2), during the second period in which the user menu screen is displayed, if the user changes the volume level based on the operation of the cross key button 24a, a confirmation sound is emitted. be.
Here, after accepting the player's operation of the cross key button 24a, the player's operation of the cross key button 24a is disabled for a predetermined period. After the player operates the cross key button 24a, the volume of the confirmation sound becomes 0 after the confirmation sound is emitted at the maximum volume of the volume level specified by the operation for a certain period of time. Also, as shown in FIG. 10(2), the period during which the confirmation sound is output at the maximum volume is set to be shorter than the predetermined period during which the operation is disabled.
With this configuration, the player can reliably confirm the volume to be adjusted by the cross key button 24a.
Although FIG. 10(2) shows an example in which the player increases the volume, if the player performs an operation to decrease the level of the volume, the volume of the confirmation sound to be emitted is decreased. Also, regardless of whether or not the confirmation sound is emitted, the sound effect that is emitted when the user menu screen is displayed, such as BGM, may be emitted. , BGM may not be output.

The setting contents when the hall staff or the like sets the maximum/standard volume level are arranged together with FIGS. 7 and 9. FIG.
As described above, the gaming machine 10 includes sound output means for outputting sound (for example, corresponding to the speaker 49 and the speaker mouth 38) and sound output control means for controlling the sound output means (for example, the sub-board 200). (equivalent to the provided audio control unit 224 and the audio control board 310), and by setting one volume level among a plurality of predetermined volume levels, the volume of the sound output from the audio output means is adjusted. possible volume control means (for example, the sound control unit 224 provided on the sub-board 200 and the sound control board 310 correspond) and a first transition condition (for example, two sub-boards on-board provided on the sub-board 200) When the switch 205 is in the ON state when the power is turned on) is established, the maintenance state (for example, setting change, error cancellation, etc.) is in progress. or during a development test by the manufacturer performed before being installed in the hall), and a second transition condition (for example, at least one of the two sub-board on-board switches 205 provided on the sub-board 200 is state management means (e.g., the sub-state management unit 230 provided on the sub-board 200) that shifts to another state (equivalent to a state other than the maintenance state) when the power-on state is established. .
Then, when the same volume level is set (for example, corresponding to volume level 5 shown in FIG. 9), the volume of sound emitted from the sound output means in the maintenance state (for example, shown in FIG. 9) volume 9) is smaller than the volume of sound output from the sound output means in other states (for example, volume 60 or volume 108 shown in FIG. 9 corresponds).
Further, the first transition condition is established upon power-on.
By doing so, by reducing the sound volume emitted during maintenance of the gaming machine, the auditory burden during the maintenance work can be reduced, and the maintenance work can be facilitated. In addition, by making it difficult for the player to satisfy the conditions for transition to the maintenance state, it is possible to maintain the sound volume necessary for hole management such as error notification.

As described above, the storage means (for example, the RAM 313 corresponds) that stores the audio data read by the sound output control means for each storage area corresponding to each of the plurality of audio channels.
Further, the audio data stored in the storage means includes first audio data (corresponding to, for example, a security sound) stored in a storage area corresponding to a specific audio channel, and a specific audio reproduction channel. and second audio data (e.g., corresponding to game sounds) stored in storage areas corresponding to different audio playback channels.
Then, when the same volume level is set (for example, corresponding to the case where volume level 5 shown in FIG. 9 is set), the sound output control means reads out the first audio data and sends it to the sound output means. The volume of the sound to be emitted is equal to or higher than the volume of the sound that the sound output control means reads out the second audio data and causes the sound output means to output (for example, in other states, the first audio data is the volume 108 shown in FIG. 9, the volume of the second audio data is the volume 60 shown in FIG. When the same volume level is set (for example, when volume level 5 shown in FIG. 9 is set), the sound output control means is set to the first level in the maintenance state. The sound volume (e.g., corresponding to volume 9 shown in FIG. 9) of the sound output by the sound output means by reading the sound data and the sound output control means reads out the second sound data and is output by the sound output means. If the difference (for example, the difference corresponds to 0) in the sound volume (for example, the sound volume 9 shown in FIG. 9) is in another state, the sound output control means reads the first sound data and outputs it to the sound output means. Volume of sound to be produced (e.g. volume 108 shown in FIG. 9 corresponds) and volume of sound output by the sound output control means reading the second audio data and output by the sound output means (e.g. volume shown in FIG. 9) 60) is smaller than the difference (for example, the difference is 48).
By doing so, it is possible to enhance the effect of reducing the burden on hearing during maintenance work.

As described above, when the same volume level is set (for example, corresponding to the case where volume level 5 shown in FIG. 9 is set), the sound output control means reads the first audio data in the maintenance state. In the maintenance state, the sound output control means reads out the second audio data and causes the sound output means to output sound. It becomes the same as the sound volume (for example, volume 9 shown in FIG. 9 corresponds).
By doing so, it is possible to strengthen the effect of reducing the burden on hearing during maintenance work, and since the maintenance state is operated by the hall staff, the developer of the manufacturer, etc., there is no difference in volume between the game sound and the security sound. control can be simplified because there is no need to provide

As described above, when the second transition condition (e.g., turning off at least one of the sub-board on-board switches 205) is established in the maintenance state to shift to another state, at least power failure restoration is performed. Make sure the electricity needs to be done.
As a result, in the event that maintenance work has been illegally performed, it is difficult to return to another state, thereby facilitating discovery of the illegality.

<Main flow related to game progress>
Next, the main flow relating to game progress in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. However, since the constituent elements described above are also referred to, please refer to them as appropriate. In particular, in the following description, the function shown in FIG. 6 may be mentioned as an entity that performs processing, but the processing is not necessarily realized by that entity alone.

11 to 13 are flow charts showing the main flow of the main board 100 relating to game progress in this embodiment.
The main board 100 performs one game while performing a series of processes from steps S102 to S145 shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, and repeats the game by repeatedly performing the series of processes.
It should be noted that each process shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is a specific example, and processes other than the processes mentioned here may be performed by the main board 100 .

First, steps S101 to S119 will be described with reference to FIG.

Initial setting processing is performed in the first step S101.
The initialization process is performed when the power supply is started, and after being performed once, is not performed until the power supply is cut off and the power supply is started again.
More specifically, in this process, if the setting key switch 48a is operated, the backup information held when the power supply is turned off is discarded, and the setting change process described above is performed. After that, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the setting key switch 48a is not operated, the process determines that there is no abnormality in the backup information held when the power supply is turned off (in this embodiment, the checksum value is normal). on the condition that the power supply is turned off based on the backup information, and then the process proceeds to step S103. If there is an abnormality in the backup information, the game cannot be returned to the game (RAM error state), and the setting change process described above is to be awaited.

In the first step S103, game start processing necessary in advance for starting the next game is performed.
In the game start process, various information relating to the previous game is saved, and information indicating the stop positions of the reels 65 stopped in the previous game and the combination of symbols stopped on the activated line is cleared. Also, processing for acquiring game setting values is performed.

In step S105, the medal management unit 114 performs medal acceptance start processing, which is preparatory processing for setting the bet amount for the next game.
In the medal acceptance start process, a process of activating the medal blocker 47b, a process of setting the same bet number as that set in the previous game when the replay combination was won in the previous game, and the like are performed.

In step S107, the medal management unit 114 determines whether or not the replay is activated. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S111, otherwise, the process proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, medal management processing, which is processing related to medals and is performed based on the detected operation or the state of the gaming machine 10, is performed by the medal management unit 114. FIG.
In the medal management process, when it is detected that a medal has been inserted from the medal slot 31, a process for checking whether the inserted medal has normally passed through the inserted medal passage 51, and a process for checking whether the medal that has passed normally has passed. Processing to set the number of bets for the next game, processing to add normally passed medals to the number of credits when the number of bets for the next game has already reached the maximum number, processing for adding the number of bets for the next game to the number of credits Processing for stopping the operation of the medal blocker 47b when the maximum number is reached and the credit amount also reaches the upper limit, and crediting the number of medals corresponding to the pressed bet button 23 when the pressing of the bet button 23 is detected. A process of subtracting from the number to set the number of bets, and a process of paying out the medals (credits or number of bets) that can be settled when it is detected that the settlement button 32 has been pressed.
In this embodiment, when the replay is activated, the medal blocker 47b is not activated and the credit is not added. The medals obtained may be added to the number of credits.

In step S111, a reel rotation start check is performed to check whether or not the game start condition is satisfied.
In the reel rotation start check, on the premise that the operation of the start lever is detected, for example, it is checked whether or not the number of bets reaches the maximum number.

At step S113, it is determined whether or not the condition for starting the game is established in the reel rotation start check.

In step S115, the internal lottery section 111 performs an internal lottery using the internal lottery table.

At step S117, the internal lottery section 111 sets a winning combination flag to store the winning combination derived at step S115 or the winning combination "lost" in the case of non-winning in the corresponding area of the RAM 102. FIG.

In step S119, the game mode management section 124 performs a game mode management process at the time of game start.
In the game start mode management process when staying in the normal mode, the above-described high-probability mode transition lottery is performed. In addition, in the game start mode management process when staying in the high probability mode, the above-mentioned AT mode transition lottery is performed.
In addition, in the game start mode management process when staying in the advantageous mode (AT mode), in addition to the process of subtracting 1 from each of the number of games to be initialized and the number of games in the advantageous mode, the instruction display LED 25d is indicated by pressing the correct answer. A process of controlling the lighting mode in which the order can be specified is also performed.
In addition, in the game mode management process at the start of the game, a process of transmitting an internal winning command is also performed regardless of the game mode in which the player is staying. In addition to information that can identify the replay time during the stay and the game mode during the stay, the result of the advantage mode transition lottery (when staying in the normal mode), information that can identify the variables updated in the advantage mode and the order of pressing the correct answer (when staying in advantageous mode) is included at least.

Steps S121 to S135 will now be described with reference to FIG.

In the first step S121, it is determined whether or not the wait time has elapsed. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S123, otherwise, the process returns to the determination of step S121.

In step S123, the reel control unit 112 changes the reel control state of each of the reels 65. The acceleration control state is set, and the rotation of the reel set in the acceleration control state is started.
Thus, when returning to the determination of step S121, the rotation of the reel 65 is not started.

In step S125, the reel control unit 112 causes the rotational speeds of all of the reels 65 set in the acceleration control state to reach a predetermined speed (output pulse signals according to the excitation pattern corresponding to the acceleration control state). is completed), and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S127; otherwise, the process returns to step S125.
In this determination, when the rotation speed of the reel set in the acceleration control state reaches a predetermined speed, the acceleration control state is sequentially switched to the constant speed control state. Further, in the determination, after all of the reels have been switched to the constant speed control state, the process waits without proceeding to step S127 until the sensors corresponding to the reels out of the reel sensors 66 detect all of the respective detection pieces. , after the standby, all stop buttons corresponding to the reel are activated, and the process proceeds to step S127.

In step S127, the above-described step-out check is performed by the reel control unit 112 on the reels set to the constant speed control state among the reels 65. FIG.

In step S129, the reel control unit 112 determines whether or not a step-out has occurred in the step-out check. If the condition is satisfied, the process returns to step S123, and if not, the process proceeds to step S129.
In this way, when it is determined that the rotating reel of the reels 65 has stepped out, the processing of step S123 (reel restart) is performed again for the rotating reel.

In step S131, the reel control unit 112 determines whether or not there is an operation (stop operation) on the activated stop button, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S135; The process proceeds to step S139.

In step S133, the reel control unit 112 performs reel stop processing.
The reel stop processing disables the stop buttons other than the stop button that has been stopped, switches the reel corresponding to the stop button that has been stopped from the constant speed control state to the pull-in control state, It is a process of deriving a symbol number that is different from the symbol number, and switching the reel from the drawing control state to the brake control state at the timing when the symbol position of the reel advances to the derived stop position to stop the reel. After outputting the pulse signal in accordance with the excitation pattern corresponding to the brake control state, the state is switched to the stop control state, and the reel is held at the stop position.
In addition, in the reel stop process, a process of transmitting a stop command to the sub-communication unit 210 via the control command transmission unit 131 is also performed, and the control command includes the type of stopped reel (reel 65L, reel 65C, Any of the reels 65R) and the position (symbol number) where the reel is stopped are included at least.

In step S135, the reel control unit 112 determines whether or not all the reels 65 are stopped. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S137, otherwise, the process returns to step S127. Thus, when all the reels 65 are not stopped, the processing from step S127 to step S135 is repeated.

Steps S137 to S145 will now be described with reference to FIG.

In the first step S137, the above-described winning determination is performed by the winning determining unit 113, and the winning combination is determined.

In step S139, the game state management section 122 and the replay time management section 123 perform state transition processing for shifting the game state and the replay time based on predetermined transition conditions.

In step S141, the game mode management section 124 performs a game mode management process at the time of game termination.
In the game mode management process at the end of the game when staying in the normal mode, if the advantageous mode transition lottery in the game mode management process at the start of the game (step S119 in FIG. 11) is won, the mode is shifted to the advantageous mode. Then, a process for controlling the advantageous mode display LED 25h to light up is performed.
On the other hand, in the game mode management process at the end of the game when staying in the advantageous mode, it is determined whether or not the number of initialized games is 0, and whether or not the number of advantageous mode games is 0 is performed. If any one of the conditions is satisfied, the normal mode is entered and the advantageous mode display LED 25h is turned off.
Furthermore, in the game mode management process at the end of the game, regardless of the staying mode, a process of transmitting a control command from the state update command is also performed. At least information that can specify the state, the updated replay time, and the updated game mode is included.

In step S143, the prize determination section 113 awards medals in a number corresponding to the winning combination.
In principle, the medals given in step S143 are stored and stored in the number of credits. However, when the number of credits reaches the upper limit, the medal management unit 114 controls a payout mechanism (not shown) built into the hopper 93 to remove medals corresponding to the number exceeding the number of credits from the hopper 93. Pay out the medal to the medal outlet 35. - 特許庁

In step S145, an overflow check is performed by the error management unit 125 to check the storage error sensor provided in the auxiliary medal storage 95. When the storage error sensor detects medals, a full tank error state is detected. set, stop the progress of the game, and send an error control command indicating the error condition.

<Other Modifications>
Modifications not described in the above description are listed below.

In the present embodiment, the method of setting the maximum and standard volume of the reel-type gaming machine has been described. may be applied to the machine.
In this case, the error state for staff corresponds to a full tank error, which is an error state when the full tank detection sensor detects that the tank is full, or a magnetism detection error, which is an error state when a predetermined magnetism is detected. do. Also, the error state for players corresponds to a right hitting error determined according to the number of times a predetermined gate sensor provided on the game board is passed in a predetermined game state.
In addition, the timing for returning the user sound volume to the initial value is when 10 minutes elapse between the end of one game and a new start winning, or when the signal of the touch sensor provided on the operation handle is detected after the end of one game. This corresponds to the case where 10 minutes have passed between

The above embodiments are not limited to the above description, and various modifications, improvements, and the like are possible.

<Appendix>
This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) sound output means for outputting a sound, sound output control means for controlling the sound output means, and setting one volume level among a plurality of predetermined volume levels to control the sound A volume control means capable of adjusting the volume of sound output from the sound output means, and a state for shifting to a maintenance state when a first transition condition is satisfied and transitioning to another state when a second transition condition is satisfied. and a management means, wherein when the same volume level is set, the volume of the sound output from the sound output means in the maintenance state is the same as that output from the sound output means in the other state. A gaming machine characterized in that the volume of the voice to be played is lower than that of the sound, and the first transition condition is satisfied when the power is turned on.
(2) Storage means for storing the audio data read by the sound output control means for each storage area corresponding to each of the plurality of audio reproduction channels, wherein the audio data stored in the storage means includes: first audio data stored in a storage area corresponding to a specific audio reproduction channel, and second audio data stored in a storage area corresponding to an audio reproduction channel different from the specific audio reproduction channel , and when the same volume level is set, the volume of the sound that the sound output control means reads out the first audio data and causes the sound output means to output is set by the sound output control If the volume of the sound that the means reads out the second sound data and causes the sound output means to output is equal to or higher than the volume of the sound and the same sound volume level is set, the sound output control means in the maintenance state the volume of the sound which reads out the first audio data and causes the sound output means to output sound; and the volume of the sound which the sound output control means reads the second audio data and causes the sound output means to output. is the volume of the sound that the sound output control means reads out the first sound data and causes the sound output means to output in the other state, and the sound output control means outputs the second sound data. The game machine according to (1), wherein the difference in volume of the sound read out and output by the sound output means is small.
(3) When the same volume level is set, the sound output control means reads the first audio data in the maintenance state and causes the sound output means to output the sound volume, The gaming machine according to (2), wherein in the state, the sound output control means reads out the second sound data and makes the sound volume the same as the sound output by the sound output means.
(4) According to any one of (1) to (3), wherein when the second transition condition is satisfied in the maintenance state and the state is shifted to the other state, at least a power failure and power restoration is required. game machine.

10 gaming machine 20 front door 21 upper panel 22 lower panel 23 bet button 23a maximum bet button 23b single bet button 24 menu selection button 24a cross key button 24b decision button 25 status display LED
25a Input number display LED
25b Storage number display LED
25c Obtained number display LED
25d Instruction display LED
25e Replay display LED
25f Game start display LED
25g input possible display LED
25h Advantageous mode display LED
26 Start lever 27 (27L, 27C, 27R) Stop button 27a Stop possible indicator LED
31 medal slot 32 checkout button 33 medal return button 34 door lock 35 medal ejection slot 36 (36a to 36h) decoration LED
37 Lower plate 38 (38a-38d) Speaker ports 40a, 40b Various sensors 41 (41a-41h) Decoration LED board 42 Status display LED board 43 Stop button board 43a Stop button sensor 44 Start lever sensor 45 Bet button board 45a Maximum bet button Sensor 45b Single bet button sensor 45c Production button sensor 46 Menu selection button board 46a Cross key button sensor 46b Decision button sensor 47 Medal selector 47a Medal selector body 47b Medal blocker 47c Medal passing sensor 48 Setting change device 48a Setting key switch 48b Setting change Switch 48c Setting display LED
48d Setting key cover 49 (49a to 49d) Speaker 51 Inserted medal passage 52 Discharged medal passage 53 Returned medal passage 54 Stored medal passage 60 Gaming machine body 62 Effect display area 63 Effect display device 64 Reel frame 65 (65L, 65C, 65R ) Reel 66 (66L, 66C, 66R) Reel sensor 67 Reel lighting board 68 Reel motor 90 Outer frame 91 Power supply device 92 Power switch 93 Hopper 95 Medal auxiliary storage 96 Hinge part 96a Upper hinge part 96b Middle hinge part 96c Lower hinge part 100 main board 101 CPU
102 RAMs
103 ROMs
104 Random number circuit 110 Game progress management unit 111 Internal lottery unit 112 Reel control unit 113 Winning determination unit 114 Medal management unit 115 Status display LED control unit 120 Main state management unit 121 Setting change management unit 122 Game state management unit 123 Replay time management unit 124 game mode management unit 125 error management unit 130 main communication unit 131 control command transmission unit 132 external signal transmission unit 200 sub board 201 CPU
202 RAMs
203 ROMs
204 random number circuit 210 sub communication unit 211 control command receiving unit 220 production management unit 221 production mode management unit 222 production control unit 223 production display control unit 224 sound control unit 225 decoration LED control unit 230 sub state management unit L1 to L5 line

Claims (2)

an audio output means for outputting audio;
sound output control means for controlling the sound output means;
volume control means capable of adjusting the volume of the sound output from the sound output means by setting one of a plurality of predetermined volume levels;
state management means for transitioning to a maintenance state when a first transition condition is satisfied when power is turned on, and transitioning to another state when a second transition condition is satisfied when power is turned on;
The volume control means controls the standard volume, which is the volume level set at least when the power is turned on, during the period in which the setting confirmation process for displaying the already set game setting value on the predetermined display means is performed, can be set from among the plurality of volume levels;
When the power is turned off and restored after the standard volume is set by the volume control means,
When the first transition condition is satisfied and the maintenance state is entered when the power is turned on after the power is restored, the sound volume level setting in the maintenance state is started with the standard sound volume set before the power failure. is,
When the second transition condition is satisfied and the state is shifted to the other state when the power is turned on when the power is restored, the setting of the volume level in the other state is the standard volume set before the power failure. started by
When the same standard volume is set in the maintenance state and the other state, the volume of the sound output from the sound output means in the maintenance state is the same as that of the sound output means in the other state. is small compared to the volume of the sound emitted from the
storage means for storing the audio data read by the sound output control means for each storage area corresponding to each of a plurality of audio reproduction channels;
The audio data stored in the storage means includes first audio data stored in a storage area corresponding to a specific audio reproduction channel;
and second audio data stored in a storage area corresponding to an audio reproduction channel different from the specific audio reproduction channel,
When the same standard volume is set in the maintenance state and the other state, the volume of the sound that the sound output control means reads the first sound data and causes the sound output means to output is The sound output control means reads out the second sound data and has a volume equal to or higher than the sound volume of the sound output by the sound output means, and the same standard sound volume is set in the maintenance state and the other states. If so, in the maintenance state, the sound output control means reads the first sound data, and the volume of the sound to be output by the sound output means, and the sound output control means reads the second sound data. and the difference in the volume of the sound output by the sound output means is the difference between the sound volume of the sound output by the sound output control means reading the first audio data and output by the sound output means in the other state. The sound output control means reads out the second sound data and makes the sound output means output sound, which is smaller than the difference in sound volume, and based on the standard sound volume set in the maintenance state. The volume of the sound to be output by the sound output means is audible for both the volume of the sound output by reading the first audio data and the volume of the sound output by reading the second audio data. A game machine characterized by: When the same standard sound volume is set in the maintenance state and the other state, the sound output control means reads the first sound data in the maintenance state and causes the sound output means to output the sound. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the volume of the sound becomes the same as the volume of the sound that the sound output control means reads out the second sound data and causes the sound output means to output in the maintenance state.

Images