JP5861759B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular, a game machine called a pachinko gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, a feather object, or a right-handed machine, a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine) or a so-called pachislot machine. It relates to a machine (cylinder-type game machine).

In gaming machines, sound effects are output from the speakers as the stage progresses, such as during symbol-fluctuating games or big hit games, and the level of output of the speakers is required by volume control switches. It can be adjusted accordingly. As such a volume adjustment switch, it is known to use a rotary switch that includes an operation unit that can be rotated and can adjust an output volume from a speaker in accordance with a set position (set position) of the operation unit (Patent Document 1). reference). In the rotary switch, the speaker volume can be gradually increased or decreased by rotating the operation unit within the operation range from the minimum volume position to the maximum volume position.
There is also known a gaming machine provided with a dip switch for changing a game mode and capable of changing a game mode in accordance with a set position of an operation unit (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-264321 A JP 2004-313648 A

In the configuration of the conventional gaming machine, a game mode setting switch and a volume adjustment switch are required, and the number of parts is increased. In addition, although the volume adjustment switch is usually mounted on all gaming machines, there is a game that does not require a game mode setting switch. In such a case, it is difficult to share parts between a gaming machine that requires a game mode setting switch and a gaming machine that does not. Then, it is conceivable to provide a switch that combines the game mode setting function and the volume adjustment function. However, multiple levels (eg, 8 levels)
When some of the switches that can be set to (for example, 1 to 6 levels) are used for volume setting and the rest (for example, 7 or 8 levels) are used for game mode setting, when adjusting the volume When the game mode cannot be set and the game mode is set, the volume cannot be adjusted, and it is structurally difficult to use both the volume adjustment function and the game mode setting function as one switch. It was.
In view of the above, the present invention has an object to reduce the number of parts by a novel switch having both a volume adjustment function and a game mode setting function.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention provides:
An audio output means capable of outputting audio;
An operation unit capable of changing a setting position in a predetermined setting area;
Voice output control means for setting the output volume of the voice output means corresponding to the setting position of the operation unit, and controlling voice output from the voice output means;
A display device capable of displaying effects;
A game mode setting means capable of setting a first game mode capable of displaying a predetermined effect on the display device and a second game mode capable of displaying an effect different from the first game mode on the display device; With
In the predetermined setting area, a first output volume setting area and a second output volume setting area are provided,
In the first output volume setting area and the second output volume setting area, the output volume can be set in a plurality of stages,
The minimum output volume setting position in the first output volume setting area and the minimum output volume setting position in the second output volume setting area are arranged adjacent to each other,
The game mode setting means sets the first game mode when the output volume is set in the first output volume setting area, and sets the output volume in the second output volume setting area. In this case, the second game mode is set.

According to the present invention, a plurality of output volume setting areas are provided in the setting area (operation area) of the operation unit,
Different game modes (first game mode and second game mode) are associated with each output volume setting area, so that it is possible to use both the volume adjustment function and the game mode setting function with a single switch. did. Specifically, the output volume can be set in both the output volume setting areas of the first output volume setting area and the second output volume setting area. And the gaming mode of the gaming machine is set to the first
If you want to set the game mode of the first, set the output volume in the first output volume setting area,
When it is desired to set the gaming mode of the gaming machine to the second gaming mode, the output volume setting is executed in the second output volume setting area.
Thereby, the game mode with different effects (background, character design, reach effect, etc.) executed on the display device can be changed by a simple operation of changing the position for adjusting the volume with one switch. The adjustment switch can be used both as a volume adjustment function and a game mode change function.
In addition, the game mode can be changed efficiently by arranging the minimum volume position in the first output volume setting area and the minimum volume position in the second output volume setting area adjacent to each other.

The other first gaming machine is
An audio output means capable of outputting audio;
An operation unit capable of changing a setting position in a predetermined setting area;
Voice output control means for setting the output volume of the voice output means corresponding to the setting position of the operation unit, and controlling voice output from the voice output means;
A game mode setting means capable of setting a normal mode in which the power consumption is normal and a labor saving mode in which the power consumption is set lower than the normal mode, and
In the predetermined setting area, a first output volume setting area and a second output volume setting area are provided,
In the first output volume setting area and the second output volume setting area, the output volume can be set in a plurality of stages,
The maximum output volume setting position in the first output volume setting area and the maximum output volume setting position in the second output volume setting area are arranged adjacent to each other,
The game mode setting means sets the normal mode when the output volume is set in the first output volume setting area, and sets the output volume when the output volume is set in the second output volume setting area. The power saving mode is set.

According to the first gaming machine, a plurality of output volume setting areas are provided in the setting area (operation area) of the operation unit, and different game modes (normal mode and labor saving mode) are associated with each output volume setting area. Therefore, it is possible to use both the volume adjustment function and the game mode setting function with a single switch. Specifically, the output volume can be set in both the output volume setting areas of the first output volume setting area and the second output volume setting area. If the gaming mode of the gaming machine is to be set to the normal mode, the output volume is set in the first output volume setting area, and if the gaming mode of the gaming machine is to be set to the labor saving mode, the second output is set. Set the output volume in the volume setting area. Further, the setting position of the maximum output volume in the first output volume setting area and the setting position of the maximum output volume in the second output volume setting area are arranged adjacent to each other.
Thus, by a simple operation of changing the position for adjusting the volume with one switch, the power saving mode can be set when power consumption is to be suppressed, and the normal mode can be set when power consumption is not required to be suppressed. In addition, the game mode can be changed efficiently.
Here, the power saving mode is a mode set to lower the power consumption of the gaming machine as compared to the normal mode. For example, when the same situation occurs in the normal mode and the power saving mode (during a specific reach production, during a demonstration, during a big hit), in the power saving mode, the number of lighting decoration members is reduced, The power consumption is set to be lower than that in the normal mode by lowering the brightness, reducing the number of operations and the operation amount of the movable member, or reducing the output sound.

In addition to the configuration of the first gaming machine, the other second gaming machine has a minimum output volume setting position in the first output volume setting area and a minimum output in the second output volume setting area. The volume setting position is adjacently arranged. According to the present invention, the game mode can be changed efficiently.

In addition to the configuration of the first gaming machine or the second gaming machine, the other third gaming machine is
An illumination member that is controlled to be turned on according to a gaming state is provided. In the power saving mode, the illumination member is controlled in a mode in which power consumption is lower than that in the normal mode. According to the present invention, the lighting mode of the electric decoration member provided in the gaming machine is made different between the normal mode and the power saving mode, and the power consumption is set lower in the power saving mode than in the normal mode. Thereby, when setting an output volume in a 2nd output volume setting area, the lighting mode of an electrical decoration member turns into a power saving mode rather than the case where an output volume is set in a 1st output volume setting area. Specifically, in the same situation (during specific reach production, during demonstration, during big hit), the number of illumination members that are lit in the normal mode is large, and the number of illumination members that are lit in the labor-saving mode is small (electricity). This includes not lighting the decoration member (turning it off). Further, in the power saving mode, the lighting time of the electric decoration member may be shortened, or the luminance of the electric decoration member may be decreased by reducing the duty ratio. The electric decoration member of the present invention is mounted on a board surface or a frame member of a gaming machine.
Decorative members that consume power such as LEDs, fluorescent tubes, liquid crystals, and cold cathode tubes are included.

In addition to the configuration of the third gaming machine, the other fourth gaming machine includes a game execution determining means for determining whether or not a game is being executed, and the game execution determining means executes the game. If it is determined that the gaming machine is not in a predetermined state, the gaming machine is in a state of executing a predetermined demonstration. The demonstration includes a first demonstration in which the lighting member is controlled to be turned on in a predetermined mode. , And a second demonstration that reduces power consumption by suppressing lighting control of the electric decoration member more than the first demonstration, wherein the first demonstration is executed in the normal mode, and the labor saving In the mode, the second demonstration is executed.

According to the fourth gaming machine, in the gaming machine in which a demonstration (hereinafter simply referred to as “demo”) is executed when it is determined that the game is not being executed, a plurality of demonstrations having different power consumption are stored. By doing so, different demonstrations can be set depending on the game mode (normal mode, labor saving mode). Demonstration is executed in a gaming machine that is determined not to be played, and displays predetermined information (model information, manufacturer information, store information, etc.) on a liquid crystal display device, or a frame lamp It is executed for decorating the gaming machine and attracting the player by lighting up and displaying an electric decoration member such as a board lamp or the like in a predetermined manner. In the second demonstration executed in the power saving mode, the power consumption is set to be lower than that in the first demonstration by suppressing lighting of the electric decoration member.

Specifically, in the normal mode, the number of illumination members that are lit is large, and in the power saving mode, the number of illumination members that are lit is small (including the case where the illumination members are not lit (turned off)). Also,
In the power saving mode, the lighting time of the electric decoration member may be shortened, or the luminance of the electric decoration member may be decreased by reducing the duty ratio. Moreover, when there are a plurality of illumination members, only some of the illumination members (liquid crystal) may be turned on and the other illumination members may be turned off. And it may alert | report that it has set to the power saving mode in the illumination member (liquid crystal) to light.

Here, “determining whether or not a game is being executed” means whether or not the player touches the launcher, whether or not the game ball is being fired, whether or not the symbol is being displayed, and whether or not the symbol display is changing Then, it may be determined by combining a plurality of (including all) factors such as whether or not a predetermined time has passed without a start winning prize, or any one of them may be determined alone.

According to the above gaming machine of the present invention, a plurality of volume setting areas are provided in the output volume operation area,
By associating different game modes with each other, the number of parts can be reduced.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a block diagram which shows the structure centering on a sub control part. It is a front view of a volume adjustment switch. It is a perspective view of a volume adjustment switch. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the setting position of a volume control switch and a volume. It is a flowchart which shows the game mode and volume setting process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the demonstration execution process of 1st Example. It is a flowchart which shows the demonstration completion | finish process of 1st Example. It is a front view which shows the volume control switch of 2nd Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure centering on a sub control part.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type (so-called “seven machine type”) in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the special symbol variation display, and the jackpot game is triggered by this. Examples to which the present invention is applied will be described.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. The middle frame 3 is a front frame 4.
Etc. are not shown in FIG. 1 because they are arranged on the front side.

The outer frame 2 is a wooden plate-like body assembled into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic and constitutes the main body frame of the gaming machine 1, and is installed inside the outer frame 2,
The outer frame 2 is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable. The middle frame 3 includes a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part. Note that the game board 20 is detachably attached to the frame body portion (the middle frame 3). The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit.

The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed.
The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4. Lamps such as LEDs (not shown) are provided around the game board 20 in the front frame 4. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the game effect. These lamps correspond to the electric decoration member of the present invention.

The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed.
The upper dish part 5 includes a dish outer edge part 5a, a discharge port 5b for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and a ball release button 5c for discharging the game balls of the upper dish part 5 to the lower dish part 6. It has. Dish outer edge 5
On the upper surface of a, an effect button 5d (operation means), a ball rental button 5e, and the like are provided.

The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 6 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate portion 6. An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower dish portion 6. At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed.

The gaming machine 1 also has speakers 10a to 10 for generating sound effects corresponding to the gaming state.
10d is provided. The speakers 10 a to 10 d are composed of upper speakers 10 a and 10 b provided at the upper part of the gaming machine 1 and lower speakers 10 c and 10 d provided at the lower part of the gaming machine 1. Furthermore, on the left side of the gaming machine 1, a prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit)
Is installed.

Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular gaming area 21 is formed in the gaming board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface of the gaming board 20. In the game area 21, there are a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a start port 28, a special winning device (special electric accessory) 33,
Game devices such as the left winning ports 34 and 35, the right winning ports 36 and 37, the first decoration device 50, and the second decoration device 60 are arranged. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the game area | region 21, many obstacle nails are arrange | positioned in consideration of the positional balance with each game device. In addition, a large number of LEDs are arranged on the back surfaces of the first decoration device 50 and the second decoration device 60, and the first decoration device 50 and the second decoration are controlled by lighting the LEDs in a predetermined manner. The device 60 is controlled to be turned on. The first decoration device 50 and the second decoration device 60 correspond to the electric decoration member of the present invention.

The central device 24 is arranged at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and is provided with a symbol display device 25. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the symbol display device 25, and the symbol display device 2 is used.
In the display area 5, normal symbols and special symbols (variation display, stop display) and other effects are displayed. In addition, a central decorative member 201 (center accessory) is disposed around the symbol display device 25, and a number of LEDs are disposed inside the central device member 201. The lighting is controlled in accordance with the effect mode executed at 25. In addition, a movable member 202 that can move up and down is disposed on the top of the symbol display device 25, and is driven and controlled in accordance with the game state and the effect mode executed by the symbol display device 25. In a normal state, the movable member 202 is fixed to the upper part of the liquid crystal display device 25 and covered with the central device member 201. Then, when a notice or reach effect with a high probability of winning is executed, the movable member 202 in the covered state falls and changes from the covered state to the visible state (the state shown in FIG. 2). After the visual recognition state is reached, drive control is performed to return to the original position (covered state) before ending the variable display.
The central device member 201 corresponds to the electrical decoration member of the present invention.

The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the second decoration device 60.
Is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50 and 60 constitute a so-called side decoration. The first decoration device 50 has unitized left winning ports 34 and 35, and the second decoration device 60 has unitized right winning ports 36 and 37.

The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be changed.

The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The starting port 28 has two entrance ports 28a and 28b arranged in the vertical direction. The upper start port 28a is always open, and the lower start port 28b is a so-called tulip type so that a pair of wing piece portions 28c are opened and closed on the left and right. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the wing piece portion 28c is opened and the lower start port 28b is opened. That is, the lower start port 28b functions as an ordinary electric accessory.

When the pair of wing piece portions 28c of the starting opening 28 are opened to the left and right, the lower side entry port 28c is in an open state in which the possibility of entering a game ball is increased, and the pair of wing piece portions 28c are erected. In this case, the lower side entrance 28c is in a normal state where the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced. When the game ball enters the start port 28, the symbol variation game in which the special symbol starts to be varied is performed.

The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the big winning device 33 is
A grand prize opening 33a that is opened in a band shape, and an opening / closing plate 33b that opens and closes the grand prize opening 33a.
And is composed mainly of. Left winning openings 34 and 35 are provided obliquely above and to the left of the big winning device 33, and right winning openings 36 and 37 are provided obliquely above and to the right of the large winning device 33.

As a result of the symbol variable game, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, and the big hit game in which the big prize winning device 33 operates is started. In the big hit game, the grand prize device 33 is activated,
The big prize opening 33a is opened to enter a game ball receiving state. Then, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 prize balls for one entry) are paid out in accordance with the entry of the game balls into the big prize opening 33a. The game ball receiving state of the big winning device 33 is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the opened big winning port 33a is closed.

In the case where one round is from the start to the end of the game ball receiving state, the big hit game is ended by performing a predetermined number of rounds. In the grand prize winning device 33, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the game ball acceptance state is finished, the big prize opening 33a is opened to enter the game ball acceptance state again.
The next round begins. Such a game ball receiving state in which one round is from the opening start to the opening end of the special winning opening 33a is repeated until a predetermined number of continuous rounds (for example, 15 rounds) is ended.

Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic control device includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280.
The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 serve as peripheral control boards, a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 28.
0a is provided. Each of these control boards and other boards (a power board, a relay board, a drive board, a decoration board, an amplifier board, an effect button board, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1.

Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). When the power is turned on, the system reset signal is sent to each control unit 200, 230, 2
60, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game.
A command signal (command data) for instructing processing contents is transmitted to 30, 260, and each sub-control unit 2
Reference numerals 30, 260, and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM, a built-in ROM, and the like, and the RAM is controlled by a control program stored in the ROM.
Is used as a work area to control the operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game).

The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 is a CPU 200 of the main control unit 200.
CPU 230b having the same configuration as b is provided. To the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 250, the CR unit 13, and the like are connected. Further, the launch control unit 250 includes a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is in contact with the launch handle, a launch stop switch 8b for stopping the launch of the game ball, and a launch volume switch for detecting the operation amount of the launch handle. 8
c. A launching device 250b for launching a game ball is connected. The firing control unit 250 is in a state where the signal from the touch switch 250b is on (a state in which it is detected that the player is in contact) and the signal from the firing stop switch is off (launching). In a state where the stop switch is not operated), the firing volume switch 250c
When it is detected that the firing handle 8 has been rotated more than a predetermined amount, the game ball is fired toward the game board surface with an intensity corresponding to the operation amount.

Note that the operation state (on or off) of the touch switch 250b depends on the firing control unit 250,
It is input to the main control unit 200 via the payout control unit 230. This touch switch 25
A signal (operation state) from 0b is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 and used for display control of the demonstration image.

From the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction command for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like. When the CPU 230b of the payout control board 230a receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control unit 200, the CPU 230b of a game ball payout device (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 based on the number of prize balls indicated by the command. By paying off the payout motor, game balls are paid out (prize ball payout) for the designated number of prize balls.

The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses, and the sub-control board 260a has a built-in ROM and a built-in RAM.
0b is provided and is connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output port. The sub-control unit 260 is configured to control symbol display control using various lamps, voice output control from the speakers 10a to 10d, symbol display by the symbol display device 25, and the like. The speakers 10a to 10d correspond to “audio output means” of the present invention, and the sub-control unit 260 corresponds to “audio output control means” of the present invention.

The effect display control board 280a of the effect display control unit 280 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) including a CPU 280b having a built-in ROM and a built-in RAM, an input / output port, a VDP (video display processor), and the like. The port is connected to the sub-control unit 260, and the symbol display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280.
In addition, the sub-control unit 260 has various LEDs / lamps 262 via a decorative drive board 261.
Are connected, and various types of LEDs and lamps 262 are driven by the decorative drive board 261. Speakers 10a to 10d are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via an amplifier board 263, and sound amplified by the amplifier board 263 is output from the speakers 10a to 10d.
From the speakers 10a to 10d, as the game progresses, a sound effect on the performance for improving the game entertainment is output. Such a sound effect is output, for example, during a special symbol variation display or a big hit game associated with a game ball entering the start opening 28 (start opening prize). The various types of LEDs and lamps 262 correspond to the electric decoration member of the present invention.

In addition, the sub-control unit 260 includes a volume adjustment switch 264 that adjusts the output volume (hereinafter also referred to as “speaker volume”) from the speakers 10 a to 10 d and a volume display device 265 that displays the current output volume. It is connected. Furthermore, the effect button 5d is connected to the sub-control unit 260. The sub-control unit 260 selects / selects lighting / flashing patterns of various LEDs / lamps based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and the production button 5d (reception of a variation pattern designation command, input of a production button operation signal, etc.). Execution processing and speakers 10a-10
Selection / output processing of sound effect data output from d is performed.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the sub-control unit 260 and its peripheral configuration. Sub-control unit 260
The CPU 260b acquires the volume signal output from the volume adjustment switch 264, sets the volume setting value based on the value indicated by the volume signal, and stores these values in the built-in RAM. The value of the volume signal is a value corresponding to the set position of the volume adjustment switch 264, and the volume setting value is a value (speaker volume) used when outputting sound from the speakers 10a to 10d. Yes. The volume display device 265 is configured to display the value of the volume setting value, and for example, a 7-segment display device can be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control unit 260 includes a sound source IC 260c and a sound source ROM 26.
0d is provided. The sound source ROM 260d stores sound data of sound effects that are output as the game progresses. When outputting sound from the speakers 10a to 10d,
The CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 transmits to the sound source IC 260c a voice designation signal for designating voice data to be output from the speakers 10a to 10d and a volume designation signal indicating a volume setting value for outputting the voice data. The The sound source IC 260c is a sound source ROM 260.
The audio data designated by the audio designation signal is read out from the audio data stored in d and reproduced, and the audio data reproduced by the sound source IC 260c is output from the speakers 10a to 10d.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the volume adjustment switch 264, FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the volume adjustment switch 264, and FIG. 6 shows the setting position (setting position) of the volume adjustment switch 264 and the volume. It is a chart which shows a relationship. The volume adjustment switch 264 is disposed on the back surface of the game board 20. As shown in FIG. 5A, the volume adjustment switch 264 is configured as a rotary switch and includes a housing 264a and an operation unit 264b. The operation unit 264d
It can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the housing 264a. By rotating the operation unit 264b, the speaker volume can be adjusted in a plurality of stages according to the set position that is a stop position when the operation unit 264b is rotated. As will be described in detail later, the speaker volume is adjusted and the game mode is set according to the volume signal output from the volume adjustment switch 264.

In the volume adjustment switch 264 of this embodiment, 16 levels of setting positions (volume setting positions) “0” to “F” corresponding to different speaker volumes are set, and these 16 levels are set in the normal output volume setting area 264c. And a labor-saving output volume setting area 264d. In the normal output volume setting area 264c, the speaker volume can be adjusted to 8 levels, and the speaker volume is set to 8 in the labor saving output volume setting area 264d.
It is configured so that it can be adjusted in stages. In the volume adjustment switch 264 configured as a rotary switch, the setting positions “0” to “F” of the operation unit 264b are annularly arranged, and these setting positions “0” to “F” are “0” clockwise. "1" ... "7""8" ...
・ "E" and "F" are arranged in this order. “0” to “7” are the normal output volume setting area 2.
64c, and “8” to “F” are the labor-saving output volume setting area 264d. The normal output volume setting area 264c corresponds to the first output volume setting area of the present invention, and the labor saving output volume setting area 264d corresponds to the second output volume setting area of the present invention.

From the volume adjustment switch 264 to the sub-control unit 260, a setting position (volume setting position) “0” to
Volume signals “0” to “F” corresponding to “F” are output. When the volume signal is “0” to “7”, the sub control unit 260 that has received the volume signal sets the game mode to the normal mode, and the volume signal is “8” to “F”. Sets the game mode to the labor-saving mode.
The volume adjustment switch 264 of this embodiment is configured to output a volume signal of 16 levels (8 levels + 8 levels) as a digital signal. The CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 that sets the game mode based on the volume signal corresponds to the “game mode setting means” of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the speaker volume of this embodiment is the minimum volume “0” to the maximum volume “1” in both the normal output volume setting area 264 c and the labor-saving output volume setting area 264 d.
It is possible to set 8 levels between “00” and the minimum volume “0” is muted. The setting positions “0” to “7” and “8” to “F” of the volume adjustment switch 264 and the speaker volumes “0” to “100” have the correspondence shown in FIG. The setting positions “0” and “F” of the switch 264 are minimum volume positions corresponding to the minimum volume “0”, and the setting positions “7” and “8” of the volume adjustment switch 264 are set to the maximum volume “100”. The corresponding maximum volume position. That is, in the normal output volume setting area 264c and the power saving output volume setting area 264d, the minimum volume (
Any output volume can be set from mute) to the maximum volume (100).

For example, when the gaming machine is set to the normal mode volume setting position “5” (volume 80) and the game machine is to be changed to the power saving mode with the same volume setting, the operation unit 264b is operated to set the setting position. Is changed from “5” to “B”. At this time, the volume signal (operation signal) whose setting position is changed to “B” is input to the sub-control unit 260, and the sub-control unit 260
It is determined that the output volume is set (the volume is adjusted) in the labor saving output volume setting area 264c,
Control is performed to switch the game mode from the normal mode to the labor-saving mode.

In the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260, the volume adjustment switch 264 is set to the minimum volume position “0”.
When the operation is performed clockwise or counterclockwise within the operation range (normal output volume setting area 264c) from clockwise to the maximum volume position “7”, the output volume is set to the output volume corresponding to the set position. At the same time, the game mode is set to the normal mode (the game mode flag is off).
Then, the volume adjustment switch 264 turns clockwise from the maximum volume position “8” to the minimum volume position “F”.
”In the operation range (normal output volume setting area 264c) until“ ”is set, the output volume is set to the output volume corresponding to the set position, and the game mode is set to the power saving mode. Set (game mode flag on).
For example, when the operation unit 264b is operated to the setting position “1” while the volume setting value is “0” and the volume signal “1” is output from the volume adjustment switch 264, the volume setting value is set to “0”. To “1” which is the value of the volume signal. As described above, as a result of changing the volume setting value, the speaker volume changes. In this embodiment, the speaker volume is increased by rotating the operation unit 264b of the volume adjustment switch 264 clockwise from the minimum volume position “0” to the maximum volume position “7” in the normal output volume setting area 264c. To do. Then, by further operating the operation unit 264b in the clockwise direction, the maximum volume position “in the power saving output volume setting area 264d”
The speaker volume decreases toward the minimum volume position “F” with 8 ”as a peak.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the maximum volume position “7” in the normal output volume setting area 264c and the maximum volume position “8” in the labor saving output volume setting area 264d are adjacent to each other, and the minimum volume in the normal output volume setting area 264c. By arranging the position “0” and the minimum volume position “F” in the labor-saving output volume setting area 264d adjacent to each other, the game mode can be changed efficiently. Usually, when it is desired to change the game mode, it is often considered that only the game mode is changed while maintaining the sound volume. Therefore, for example, the maximum volume position “7” in the normal mode.
If the player wants to change the game mode to the labor-saving mode from the state set to “”, the user can set the desired setting by moving the operation unit 264b only one step clockwise. . If only the game mode is desired to be changed from the volume 20 (setting position “2”) in the normal mode, the desired setting can be obtained by moving the operation unit 264b counterclockwise by only five steps.

Further, the setting position “0” in the normal output volume setting area 264c is the minimum volume position and the setting position “7”.
”As the maximum volume position, the setting position“ 8 ”of the labor saving output volume setting area 264d is the minimum volume position, and the setting position“ F ”is the maximum volume position, the minimum volume position of the normal output volume setting area 264c The maximum volume position of the labor saving output volume setting area 264d is adjacent, and the maximum volume position of the normal output volume setting area 264c is adjacent to the minimum volume position of the labor saving output volume setting area 264d. When it is desired to change only the game mode from the volume 10 (setting position “1”), it is inefficient in that the operation unit 264b needs to be rotated 180 °. Moreover, even if it is going to set the volume 10 (setting position “E”) in the power saving mode from either the counterclockwise direction or the clockwise direction, the maximum volume position must be passed.
Since there is a situation where the volume cannot be increased (does not want to be increased), the maximum volume may be temporarily output even though the volume is set to 10 (relatively low volume), which is not desirable. . These can be solved by the configuration of the present embodiment.

It should be noted that the volume adjustment switch 264 of the present embodiment has “7” and “F” between the setting positions “0” and “F”.
There is no stopper or the like between “8”, and the structure can be freely rotated clockwise and counterclockwise from any of the set positions “0” and “7”.

By the way, when the volume adjustment switch 264 is operated during the output of the sound effect and the sound volume setting value is changed, the volume of the sound effect being output is changed, and the sound volume adjustment switch 2 is being output while the sound effect is not being output.
64 is operated and the sound volume setting value is changed, an operation sound corresponding to the sound volume setting value is output from the speakers 10a to 10d. The operation sound is output only for a short time to indicate to the operator that the volume adjustment switch 264 has been operated and the volume level after the operation (after change). In the present embodiment, the same sound data as the sound effect that is output as the game progresses is used as the operation sound (for example, a sound during symbol variation or a sound during a big hit game).

Next, the game mode and volume setting processing performed by the sub-control unit 260 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a sound volume setting process performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260, and is executed as a subroutine of a main routine (not shown). FIG.
The game mode and volume setting process shown in FIG. 3 is performed by the CPU 260 mounted on the sub-control board 260a.
b executes according to a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub-control board 260a).

As shown in FIG. 7, first, it is determined whether or not the volume adjustment switch 264 has been operated (S
10). As a result, when it is determined that the volume adjustment switch 264 is not operated, (
S10: NO), the game mode and volume setting processing is terminated. On the other hand, the volume adjustment switch 26
When it is determined that 4 has been operated (S10: YES), the value of the volume signal output from the volume adjustment switch 264 (signal corresponding to the set position) is acquired (S11).

Next, a process of changing the volume setting value (0 to F) to the value of the volume signal (0 to F) is executed (S
12). Next, it is determined whether or not the volume setting area is the normal output volume setting area 264c, that is, whether or not the value of the volume signal is a value corresponding to the setting positions “0” to “7” (S13). As a result, when it is determined that the volume setting area is the normal output volume setting area 264c (S13:
YES), it is determined whether the game mode flag is on or off (S14). Incidentally, when the game mode is set to the normal mode, the game mode flag is turned off (OFF), and when the game mode is set to the power saving mode, the game mode flag is turned on (ON). Yes.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the volume setting area is not the normal output volume setting area 264c (S13).
: NO), that is, the volume setting area is the labor saving output volume setting area 264d (the setting position is “8” to
If it is determined that the game mode flag is "F"), it is next determined whether or not the game mode flag is on or off (S16).

If it is determined in S14 that the game mode flag is set to ON (S
14: YES), assuming that the operator has switched from the labor-saving mode setting to the normal mode setting (assuming the volume adjustment and the game mode change, or the game mode change alone), the game mode flag A process of setting the to OFF is executed (S15). After the game mode flag setting process is finished, the game mode and volume setting process is finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game mode flag is not set to ON (S14: NO), it is assumed that the operator performs only the volume adjustment in the normal mode without switching the game mode. Exit.

In S16, when it is determined that the game mode flag is set to ON (S16: YES), the operator performs only the volume adjustment in the power saving mode without switching the game mode. Then, the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game mode flag is not set to ON (S16: NO), it is assumed that the operator has switched from the normal mode setting to the labor saving mode setting (volume adjustment and game mode change and Or a game mode change is executed alone), and a process for setting the game mode flag to ON is executed (S17). After the game mode flag setting process is finished, the game mode and volume setting process is finished.

Next, the normal mode (game mode flag OFF) and the labor saving mode (game mode flag ON) set by the game mode flag will be described.
The normal mode and the power saving mode are set so that the power consumption of the decoration members such as the LED and the liquid crystal display device provided on the gaming machine frame and the game board surface is different (the power consumption is lower than the normal mode in the power saving mode). Set low).

In this embodiment, a demonstration executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied (
Demonstration storage means for storing a plurality of demos).
Usually, demonstrations and labor-saving demonstrations are stored. Demonstration is executed in a game machine waiting for a game (the player is not executing a game), and various modes of LEDs, lamps, and liquid crystal display devices provided on the game machine frame and the game board surface are used. This is performed in order to attract the player by controlling the lighting and display.

By executing this demonstration, it is possible to decorate the gaming machine and attract a player who is wondering which gaming machine is to be played to the gaming machine that is running the demonstration. However, despite the fact that it is a non-game machine, the lighting control of the LED etc.
During this time, considerable power is consumed. Therefore, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, if the local power is tight or if you want to save the power due to the situation of the amusement store, you can set the game to a labor-saving demonstration with less power consumption. The machine can be put into a power saving mode.

When the power saving mode is set, the control mode of the LED, the lamp, and the liquid crystal display device provided on the gaming machine frame and the game board surface is power saving as compared with the normal mode.
Specifically, in the normal mode, when the CPU 260a of the sub-control unit 260 determines that a demonstration execution condition described later is satisfied, the normal demonstration is selected as a demonstration. Then, LEDs (frame lamps) provided on the gaming machine frame and LEDs (central decoration unit 202LED, first and second decoration devices 50, 60LED, etc.) provided on the game board are controlled in a predetermined manner. Is repeatedly executed. For example, a series of control is performed repeatedly such that a large number of full-color LEDs are turned on sequentially or simultaneously to be variably displayed or blinked. In addition, on the liquid crystal display device, predetermined model information (characters are displayed, game methods are described, model specifications are described, etc.) and manufacturer introduction images are repeatedly displayed.

Next, when the gaming machine is set in the power saving mode, the CPU of the sub-control unit 260
When 260a determines that the demonstration execution condition is satisfied, the labor-saving demonstration is selected as the demonstration. The purpose of this labor-saving demonstration is to reduce the power of the game machine waiting for gaming (standby power) as much as possible. Therefore, the LED (frame lamp) provided on the gaming machine frame and the gaming board are provided. LED (central decoration 202LED,
The first and second decoration devices 50, 60LED, etc.) are set to be turned off. The liquid crystal display device is also set to turn off.

In addition, as another aspect of the labor-saving demonstration, when the labor-saving demonstration is executed, the LEDs and the like (including the LED, the lamp, the liquid crystal display device, and the like here) are not turned off immediately, but in a predetermined manner (a series of lighting states) ) Is executed a predetermined number of times (one or more times), and when the predetermined mode is executed a predetermined number of times, the lighting control may be terminated and the light may be switched off. If the demo end condition is satisfied before the predetermined number of times is executed (when it is determined that the player has started the game), the labor-saving demo is of course ended at that time. Since the game is started by the end of the labor-saving demonstration, a predetermined lighting mode is executed on the LED or the like according to the result of the determination of success or failure and the selected effect.

Further, in the normal mode, the predetermined lighting mode is repeatedly executed until the demonstration end condition is satisfied (until the player determines that the game has started). The power saving mode that is in the state is set to have different power consumption.
Even in the power saving mode, since a predetermined demonstration is executed for a certain period after the player finishes the game, the player is informed that the gaming machine is empty for a certain period of time (game) Attract the person).
In this case, the LED lighting mode (predetermined mode) repeatedly executed in the normal demonstration is the same as the LED lighting mode (predetermined mode) executed in the labor-saving demonstration for a certain period of time. It may be different.

As another aspect, in the power saving mode, not all the LEDs are turned off,
Some LEDs may be turned off. That is, in the labor-saving demonstration, the number of LEDs to be turned on may be smaller than that in the normal demonstration.

Further, as another aspect of the labor-saving demonstration, when the LED and the liquid crystal display device are provided, a part or all of the LEDs may be turned off and the liquid crystal display device may be turned on. At this time, the liquid crystal display device may display (notify) that the power saving mode is set. For example, the characters “power saving” can be displayed on the display screen. Also, if the player is L
In order to avoid misidentifying that the ED or the like is turned off, it is possible to switch from the power saving mode to the normal mode in which the LEDs are controlled to light up on the display screen (or other display devices may be used). The return method may be displayed. For example, the display can return to the normal state (the state where the LED is lit) by a predetermined method, specifically, “can return to the normal state by touching the operation handle”. Also in this embodiment, the touch sensor 8
A signal from a is input to the main control unit 200, and information on whether or not there is contact with the touch sensor 8a is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260. When the touch sensor 8a is touched, the CPU 260a of the sub-control unit 260 ends the labor-saving demonstration and resumes the lighting control of the LEDs and the like. The CPU 26 of the sub-control unit 260
0a corresponds to “game execution determining means” of the present invention for determining whether or not a game is being executed. Further, since the signal from the touch sensor 8a is also input to the main control unit 200, the CPU 200a of the main control unit 200 can be used as a “game execution determination unit”.

As still another aspect of the labor-saving demonstration, the duty ratio of the LED that is controlled to be turned on during the demonstration may be reduced as compared with the normal demonstration. Thereby, it can be set as power saving.

Further, as yet another aspect of the labor-saving demonstration, the normal demonstration includes an aspect in which the movable material 202 operates, and the labor-saving demonstration does not include an aspect in which the movable member 202 operates (an aspect in which it does not operate). ).

Next, a demonstration execution process (demonstration execution process) performed by the sub-control unit 260 is shown in FIG.
It demonstrates based on the flowchart of these. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a demonstration execution process performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260, and is executed as a subroutine of a main routine (not shown). The demonstration execution process shown in FIG. 8 is executed by the CPU 260b mounted on the sub control board 260a in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub control board 260a).

First, it is determined whether a demonstration is currently being executed (S20). As a result, if it is determined that a demonstration of either the normal demonstration or the labor-saving demonstration is being executed (S20: YES), the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that no demonstration is executed (S20: NO), it is determined whether a preset demonstration execution condition (demo execution condition) is satisfied (S21). If it is determined that the demonstration execution condition is not satisfied (S21: NO), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the demonstration execution condition is satisfied (S21: Y
ES), it is determined whether the game mode flag is on or off (S22).

Here, in this embodiment, the demonstration execution condition is that there is no change in the special symbol after the power is turned on or after the change is finished, and there is no signal from the touch sensor 8a (
The player's contact is not detected), and this state is established when the state continues for a predetermined time. Further, in the present embodiment, such a condition is set as a demonstration execution condition, but as another example, it may be a time when a predetermined time elapses after the change of the special symbol ends (except during the big hit game). , Provided with a launch ball detection means for detecting a game ball to be launched on the surface of the game board, the condition is satisfied if the variation of the special symbol is completed and the state where the launch ball detection means does not detect the game ball continues for a predetermined time or more. Also good.

As a result, when it is determined that the game mode flag is on (S22: YES), a labor-saving demonstration (labor-saving demonstration) is executed assuming that the game mode is set to the labor-saving mode (S23). The execution mode of the labor-saving demonstration is as described above. The labor-saving demonstration is continued until the demonstration end condition (demonstration end condition) is satisfied. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game mode flag is OFF (S22: NO), a normal demonstration (normal demonstration) is executed (S24).
The execution mode of the normal demonstration is as described above. The normal demonstration is continued until the demonstration end condition (demonstration end condition) is satisfied.

Next, a demonstration execution process (demonstration execution process) performed by the sub-control unit 260 is shown in FIG.
It demonstrates based on the flowchart of these. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a demonstration end process performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260, and is executed as a subroutine of a main routine (not shown). The processing shown in FIG. 9 is executed by the CPU 260b mounted on the sub control board 260a in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub control board 260a). Therefore, the CPU 260b mounted on the sub-control board 260a corresponds to a demonstration execution control unit that controls the start and end of the execution of the demonstration.

First, it is determined whether a demonstration is currently being executed (S30). As a result, when it is determined that neither the normal demonstration nor the labor-saving demonstration is executed (S30: NO), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that any one of the demonstrations is being executed (S30: YES), it is determined whether or not a preset demonstration end condition (demo end condition) is satisfied (S31). If it is determined that the demonstration termination condition is not satisfied (S31: NO), the process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the demonstration end condition is satisfied (S31: Y
ES), and ending the demonstration (ordinary demonstration or labor-saving demonstration) being executed (S32)
.

Here, the demonstration end condition in the present embodiment is that the touch signal is input from the touch sensor 8a, that is, the player touches the launch handle (touch sensor 8a). Accordingly, in the gaming machine that is executing the demonstration, when the player touches the touch sensor 8a, the demonstration that is being performed is terminated,
Lighting control / display control of the ED or the like is performed in a predetermined manner.

Further, as another aspect of the demonstration end condition, the demonstration end condition may be that a game ball enters the start port 28, that is, that the special symbol starts changing display. Then, as described above, the demonstration end condition set for this gaming machine is displayed on the display screen in the labor saving mode, so that the player can be notified of the method for canceling the labor saving demonstration.

Next, sound output processing for volume adjustment when the operator performs volume adjustment by operating the volume adjustment switch 264 will be described. When adjusting the volume (when operating the operation unit 264b), a sound output process for volume adjustment is executed. When the operation unit 264b is operated, the speakers 10a to 10
It is determined whether or not a sound effect is being output from 10d. As a result, if it is determined that any sound effect (sounding big hit, fluctuating sound of a pattern, etc.) is being output, the sound volume is adjusted. The process ends. In this case, the volume of the sound effect being output is changed to the value of the volume setting value that has been set and changed by operating the operation unit 264b. On the other hand, when it is determined that no sound effect is being output, an operation sound (sound for adjusting the sound volume) corresponding to the volume setting value changed by the operation of the operation unit 264b is output from the speakers 10a to 10d. Thus, the operator can adjust the sound volume to a desired level based on the operation sound (sound for volume adjustment) output in response to the operation of the volume adjustment switch 264 even when no sound is being output. Can do.

When it is determined that the value of the volume signal is “0” (the operation unit 264b of the volume adjustment switch 264 is operated to the setting position “0” or “F”), the operation sound is actually generated. Not output. If it is determined that the value of the volume setting value is “7” or “8” and no sound effect is being output, the operation sound of the maximum volume “100” corresponding thereto is output from the speaker 10.
Output from a to 10d.

According to the present embodiment described above, when the operation unit 264b of the volume adjustment switch 264 is operated clockwise from the minimum volume position “0” to the maximum volume position “7” in the normal output volume setting area 264c. In addition to increasing the speaker volume, the normal output volume setting area 264
The speaker volume is lowered when operated in a clockwise direction from the maximum volume position “8” to the minimum volume position “F” in the labor-saving output volume setting area 264d arranged adjacent to c. That is, in this embodiment, the operation unit 2 of the volume adjustment switch 264 configured as a rotary switch.
A plurality of (two) volume setting areas are set in the annular volume setting area while structurally allowing 64b to be operated clockwise from "F" to "0".

Further, the maximum volume of the normal output volume setting area 264c and the maximum volume of the labor saving output volume setting area 264d are arranged adjacent to each other (adjacent), and the minimum volume of the normal output volume setting area 264c and the labor saving output volume setting area 264d are arranged. By arranging the minimum volume next to (adjacent to), the output volume from the speakers 10a to 10d changes from the maximum volume “100” to the minimum volume “0” when an operation to change the game mode is executed. To prevent that. As a result, the output volume of the speakers 10a to 10d suddenly changes from the maximum volume “100” to the minimum volume “0”, and the maximum volume is output by changing the game mode setting in a situation where the maximum volume is not desired to be output. Can be avoided.

Further, in this embodiment, when the operation unit 264b of the volume adjustment switch 264 is operated while no sound effect is output, an operation sound having a volume corresponding to the set position of the operation unit 264b is output from the speaker 10a.
-10d. Thus, only to see how the volume is adjusted, by launching a game ball or opening the glass door and cleaning it, forcing the game ball to enter the start port 28 and forcibly starting the symbol variation game, etc. There is no need to generate sound effects. Then, it is possible to grasp the speaker volume that is changed by the operation of the operation unit 264b. As a result, the speaker volume can be easily adjusted by the volume adjustment switch 264.

In this embodiment, the operation sound accompanying the operation of the operation unit 264b of the volume adjustment switch 264 is output using the same sound data as the sound effect output as the game progresses. As a result, the volume can be adjusted while confirming how the volume of the sound effect to be actually adjusted changes according to the operation of the operation unit 264b of the volume adjustment switch 264.

(Second embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the volume adjustment switch 264 has been described as a rotary switch, but it may be a slide switch.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the volume adjustment switch 2640 of the second embodiment has eight setting positions “0” to “7” corresponding to different speaker volumes. These are divided into two output volume setting areas, a normal output volume setting area 2640c (4 stages) and a labor-saving output volume setting area 2640d (4 stages). Then, the normal output volume setting area 2640
In c, the speaker volume can be adjusted in four stages, and in the labor-saving output volume setting area 2640d, the speaker volume can be adjusted in four stages. A volume adjustment switch 2640 configured as a slide switch is provided on the operation unit 26.
The set positions “0” to “7” of 40b are arranged on a straight line, and these set positions “0” to “7”.
Are arranged in the order of “0”, “1”... “6” “7” from one end to the other end. “0” to “3” are normal output volume setting areas 2640c, and “4” to “7” are labor saving output volume setting areas 2640d. The normal output volume setting area 2640c corresponds to the first output volume setting area of the present invention, and the labor saving output volume setting area 2640d is the second output volume setting area of the present invention.
Corresponds to the output volume setting area.

Volume signals “0” to “7” corresponding to the setting positions “0” to “7” are output from the volume adjustment switch 2640 to the sub-control unit 260. Then, the sub-control unit 260 that has received the volume signal
When the volume signal is “0” to “3”, the game mode is set to the normal mode, and when the volume signal is “4” to “7”, the game mode is set to the power saving mode. The volume control switch 2640 of the second embodiment is configured to output an 8-level (4 level + 4 level) volume signal as a digital signal.

The speaker volume of the second embodiment is 4 between the minimum volume “0” and the maximum volume “100” in both the normal output volume setting area 264 c and the labor-saving output volume setting area 264 d.
The level can be set, and the minimum volume “0” is muted. The setting positions “0” and “7” of the volume adjustment switch 264 are the minimum volume position corresponding to the minimum volume 0 (silence), the setting positions “1” and “6” are the volume 30, and the setting positions “2” and “2”. “5” is the maximum volume position corresponding to the volume 70, and the setting positions “3” and “4” are the maximum volume 100. That is,
In the normal output volume setting area 2640c, any output volume from the minimum volume (silence) to the maximum volume (100) can be set similarly in any area of the labor saving output volume setting area 2640d. Other than the first embodiment, the volume adjustment stage and the structure of the volume adjustment switch are different, and the volume adjustment control and game mode change control are the same.

(Third embodiment)
In the first embodiment, in the demonstration that is executed when the game machine is not executed, whether the gaming machine is set to the normal mode or the power saving mode,
He gave a demonstration of different power consumption (normal demonstration, labor-saving demonstration). In the third embodiment, other modes can be executed separately or in addition to this.

Specifically, in the case where the gaming machine is set in the power saving mode, the power consumption of the effect executed when the game is executed is made lower than in the normal mode. For example, when the game mode is set to the normal mode, it is provided on the game board surface or the frame member in accordance with the special symbol variation effect, the reach effect, or the big hit game effect (hereinafter also simply referred to as “game effect”). It is assumed that lighting control is performed (variable display such as lighting / flashing) on the LED or the like in a normal manner.

On the other hand, when the game mode is set to the power saving mode, the LEDs and the like that are controlled to be lighted in accordance with the game effect are controlled in a power saving mode (power saving mode) rather than the normal mode. For example, in the power saving mode, the number of LEDs and the like whose lighting is controlled is made smaller than in the normal mode. Also,
It is also possible to reduce the duty ratio of the LED and the like that are controlled to be lit and to shorten the lighting time.

Lighting patterns such as LEDs are stored for each game mode. Specifically, a plurality of LED lighting patterns, a normal lighting pattern determination table, and a labor-saving lighting pattern determination table are stored in the LED lighting pattern storage means of the sub-control unit 260, and are determined based on the start winning prize. The lighting pattern of the LED is determined by the game effect pattern and the lighting pattern determination table selected by the game mode.

Accordingly, the gaming machine can be operated in the power saving mode not only during non-gaming but also during gaming.

(Fourth embodiment)
As another mode of the normal mode and the power saving mode, when the game mode is set to the normal mode, it is determined that the movable member 202 operates with a predetermined probability based on the start winning. On the other hand, when the game mode is set to the power saving mode, the probability that the movable member 202 operates can be set to be lower than the normal mode. For example, in the power saving mode, the movable member 202 may not operate, or the probability of operation may be reduced by half. Further, in the normal mode, the operation is performed both when the result of the determination is successful and when the result is out of place. However, in the power saving mode, the operation may be performed only when the result is successful. Further, the operation mode of the movable member 202 may be changed between the normal mode and the power saving mode. In the power saving mode, the power consumption can be reduced by reducing (or making smaller) the movement (movement distance, operation time) of the movable member 202 than in the normal mode. In addition, if the movement of the movable member 202 associated with the symbol variation game is reduced, there is a possibility that the player's interest may be reduced. Therefore, it is also possible to reduce the operation executed other than the symbol variation game, for example, the operation during the big hit game. it can.

(5th Example)
In the first to fourth embodiments, the game mode with different power consumption is divided into the normal output volume setting area (normal mode) and the labor saving output volume setting area (labor saving mode) in the output volume setting area of the volume adjustment switch. I made it correspond. In the fifth embodiment, it is not a game mode with different power consumption,
Game modes (first game mode and second game mode) having different reach probabilities can be associated. That is, when the game mode is set to the first game mode, the reach occurrence probability is set to the normal probability (for example, 1/40), and the game mode is set to the second game mode. Is set to a high probability (for example, 1/30) where the probability of reach is higher than the normal probability.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 5A, the volume adjustment switch 264 of the fifth embodiment has 16 setting positions “0” to “F” corresponding to different speaker volumes.
The 16 stages are divided into two output volume setting areas, a first game mode output volume setting area 264c (8 stages) and a second game mode output volume setting area 264d (8 stages). In the first game mode output volume setting area 264c, the speaker volume can be adjusted to 8 levels, and in the second game mode output volume setting area 2640d, the speaker volume can be adjusted to 8 levels. It is configured.

Volume signals “0” to “F” corresponding to the setting positions “0” to “F” are output from the volume adjustment switch 2640 to the sub-control unit 260. Then, the sub-control unit 260 that has received the volume signal
When the volume signal is “0” to “7”, the game mode is set to the first game mode, and when the volume signal is “8” to “F”, the game mode is set to the second game mode. Set to.

As a result, the volume adjustment switch can be used both as a volume adjustment function and a game mode change function.

In addition, as another aspect, the third game mode and the fourth game mode with different effects (background, character design, reach effect, etc.) executed on the display device are supported instead of the first game mode and the second game mode. Can be made.
As a result, the volume adjustment switch can be used both as a volume adjustment function and a game mode change function.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this,
As long as it does not deviate from the scope described in each claim, it is not limited to the wording of each claim, the scope is easily replaced by those skilled in the art, and improvements based on the knowledge that those skilled in the art normally have are made as appropriate. Can be added.
For example, in each of the above embodiments, the speaker volume corresponding to the minimum volume position “0” of the volume adjustment switch 264 is set to “0” (silence), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the minimum volume position “0” of the volume adjustment switch 264 is not limited thereto. The speaker volume corresponding to “” may be larger than “0” (silence).

Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the volume adjustment switch 264 is configured to output a plurality of stages of digital signals to the sub-control unit 260. You may comprise so that it may output to the part 260. FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, an A / D conversion unit 264e is provided in the sub-control unit 260, and an analog signal output from the volume adjustment switch 264 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion unit 264e. What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may input into CPU260b of the sub-control part 260.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the same sound data as the sound effect output as the game progresses as the operation sound output from the speakers 10a to 10d when the operation unit 264b of the volume adjustment switch 264 is operated. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and sound data different from the sound effect may be used as the operation sound. In this case, a plurality of types of sound data of operation sounds can be prepared, and sound data selected randomly or sequentially from the sound data can be used.

In each of the above embodiments, the volume adjustment switch 264 is provided on the back side of the game board. However, the volume adjustment switch 264 is disposed on the front side of the gaming machine, for example, a part of the upper plate, and is set by the player. You may make it changeable.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 10a-10d ... Speaker (audio | voice output means), 260 ... Sub-control part (Audio | voice output control means, Game mode setting means, Game execution judgment means), 264, 2640 ... Volume adjustment switch (Volume adjustment means) 264b, 2640b ... operation unit, 265 ... volume display device

Claims (1)

An audio output means capable of outputting audio;
An operation unit capable of changing a setting position in a predetermined setting area;
Voice output control means for setting the output volume of the voice output means corresponding to the setting position of the operation unit, and controlling voice output from the voice output means;
A display device capable of displaying effects;
A game mode setting means capable of setting a first game mode capable of displaying a predetermined effect on the display device and a second game mode capable of displaying an effect different from the first game mode on the display device; With
In the predetermined setting area, a first output volume setting area and a second output volume setting area are provided,
In the first output volume setting area and the second output volume setting area, the output volume can be set in a plurality of stages,
The minimum output volume setting position in the first output volume setting area and the minimum output volume setting position in the second output volume setting area are arranged adjacent to each other,
The game mode setting means sets the first game mode when the output volume is set in the first output volume setting area, and sets the output volume in the second output volume setting area. In this case, the gaming machine is set to the second gaming mode.

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