Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest in a game.SOLUTION: A game machine 100 includes: main control means 110m for controlling progress of a game; and performance control means 130m for controlling a performance corresponding to signals from the main control means 110m. The performance control means 130m can be controlled to a first mode for executing a variation performance in which a performance pattern 70a is varied in a first variable path in display means 131 and a second mode for executing a variation performance in which the performance pattern 70a is varied in a second variable path differing from the first variable path in the display means 131.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional gaming machines, it is common to determine whether or not to execute a special game that is advantageous to the player based on the judgment information obtained when the acquisition conditions are met, and then to execute a variation display of the performance pattern on an image display device based on the judgment result.

[0003] In such gaming machines, there are multiple patterns for the change of the display symbols, and a selection is made from the multiple patterns based on the judgment results, and the change of the display symbols in the selected pattern is displayed on an image display device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-018225 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement in the manner in which the presentation symbols are changed, which may lead to a decrease in the enjoyment of the game.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] [Application example 1] The gaming machine according to the present disclosure is a gaming machine equipped with a main control means (main control unit 110m) for controlling the progress of a game, and a presentation control means (presentation control unit 130m) for controlling presentations in response to signals from the main control means (main control unit 110m), wherein the main control means (main control unit 110m) is capable of storing a reserved memory based on the establishment of a start condition, and is capable of executing a judgment as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to a player based on the reserved memory, and the presentation control means (presentation control unit 130m) performs a variable presentation in which a presentation pattern (70a) on a display means (first image display device 70, second image display device 71) changes along a first variation path (for example, vertical scrolling) based on the judgment, and a variable presentation in which the presentation pattern (70a) on the display means (first image display device 70, second image display device 71) changes along a first variation path (for example, vertical scrolling) based on the judgment, and and a second mode in which a variation effect is performed that varies along a second variation path (for example, circular scroll) different from the variation path (for example, vertical scroll), and in the variation effect of the first variation path (for example, vertical scroll), during a variation stop suggestion period that suggests that the presentation pattern (70a) will stop in a predetermined manner, a first variation stop suggestion effect in which a specific sound (such as a stop sound) is output or a second variation stop suggestion effect in which the output of the specific sound is restricted can be executed, and it is characterized in that in the variation effect of the first variation path (for example, vertical scroll), the variation effect in which the second variation stop suggestion effect is executed is more likely to execute a change effect (for example, a promotion effect) in which the presentation pattern (70a) that is the target of reach in the reach effect in the variation effect changes than the variation effect in which the first variation stop suggestion effect is executed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 100 showing the state in which the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 are open relative to the outer frame 160. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing functional blocks of a gaming machine 100. FIG. [Figure 4-1] 10 is a diagram for explaining the main ROM 301b of the main control board 300. FIG. [Figure 4-2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot determination table. [Figure 4-3] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main RAM 301c of the main control board 300. FIG. [Figure 4-4] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow of processing executed by the main control board 300. FIG. [Figure 4-5] A block diagram showing details of the performance control board 320. [Figure 4-6] 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically illustrating a pre-determination information storage area 320c3 provided in the sub-RAM 320c. FIG. [Figure 4-7] An explanatory diagram showing a list of processes executed on the performance control board 320. [Figure 5-1] These are oblique views of the upper unit 180, where (A) shows the upper unit 180 fixed to the outer frame 160 so as to cover part of the top of the glass frame 150, and (B) shows the upper unit 180 fixed only to the outer frame 160. [Figure 5-2] 10A and 10B are perspective views of the rear of the upper unit 180, where (A) is a perspective view of the right rear and (B) is a perspective view of the left rear. [Figure 5-3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a lantern member 1580 in the upper unit 180, in which (A) is a perspective view of the lantern member 1580, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the lantern member 1580 in an exploded state. [Figure 6-1] These are schematic diagrams of the configuration at the top of the glass frame 150 and outer frame 160, where (A) is a schematic diagram of the configuration at the top of the glass frame 150 and outer frame 160 with the upper unit 180 removed, and (B) is an oblique view showing the schematic configuration of the upper right part of the glass frame 150 and outer frame 160 with the upper unit 180 removed. [Figure 6-2] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of a lock unit 190 of a glass frame 150, in which (A) shows the lock unit 190 in a locked state, and (B) shows the lock unit 190 in an unlocked state. [Figure 7-1] FIG. 10 is a front view of the handle unit 135. [Figure 7-2] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a handle unit 135, in which (A) is a schematic diagram of the rear surface of the handle unit 135, and (B) is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of the handle unit 135. [Figure 8-1] 1 is a schematic diagram of the top view of the configuration at the bottom of the glass frame 150. FIG. [Figure 8-2] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing the configuration of the lower part of the glass frame 150, in which (A) is a bottom view of the lower part of the glass frame 150 and (B) is a rear view of the lower part of the glass frame 150. FIG. [Figure 9-1] 1 is a perspective view of the front side of the game board unit 102. FIG. [Figure 9-2] 1 is a perspective view of the back side of the game board unit 102. FIG. [Figure 9-3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the front side of the game board 102A. [Figure 9-4] 10 is a perspective view of the front side of the accessory unit 102B. [Figure 9-5] 10 is a perspective view of the rear side of the main display device 131 provided with a performance control board unit 102C and a main control board unit 102D. [Figure 10-1] (A) is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the reel mechanism 158 when the upper reel unit 154 and the lower reel unit 156 are in their initial positions, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the reel mechanism 158 when the upper reel unit 154 is in its first position. [Figure 10-2] (A) is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the reel mechanism 158 when the upper reel unit 154 is in the second position, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the outline of the reel mechanism 158 when the lower reel unit 156 is in the advanced position. [Figure 11-1] (A) is a schematic diagram of the front surface of the upper role decoration part 600 of the upper role unit 154, and (B) is a schematic diagram of the back surface of the upper role decoration part 600. [Figure 11-2] (A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the upper role main body 650 of the upper role unit 154, and (B) is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the upper role main body 650. [Figure 11-3] (A) is a schematic diagram of the front surface of the lower role decoration part 700 of the lower role unit 156, and (B) is a schematic diagram of the back surface of the lower role decoration part 700. [Figure 11-4] (A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the lower role main body 750 of the lower role unit 156, and (B) is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the lower role main body 750. [Figure 11-5] (A) is an oblique view showing the state in which the second upper decorative locking portion 645 and the second upper main body locking portion 695 of the upper role unit 154 are locked, and (B) is an oblique view showing the state in which the second upper decorative locking portion 645 and the second upper main body locking portion 695 are unlocked. [Figure 12-1] (A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the upper part decorative part 800, (B) is a schematic diagram of the back surface of the upper part decorative part 800 in the state shown in (A), (C) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the upper part decorative part 800, and (D) is a schematic diagram of the back surface of the upper part decorative part 800 in the state shown in (C). [Figure 12-2] (A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the lower part decorative part 900, (B) is a schematic diagram of the back of the lower part decorative part 900 in the state shown in (A), (C) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the lower part decorative part 900, and (D) is a schematic diagram of the back of the lower part decorative part 900 in the state shown in (C). [Figure 13-1] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the movement of the character reel 1550 during the operation of attaching or detaching the upper unit 180, in which (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which part of the upper part of the glass frame 150 is covered by the character reel 1550, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which part of the upper part of the glass frame 150 is not covered by the character reel 1550. [Figure 13-2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the glass frame 150 is open. [Figure 13-3] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams showing the state in which the glass frame 150 is open, where (A) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which only the game board 102A has been removed, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the game board unit 102 has been removed. [Figure 13-4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 are open. [Figure 13-5] These are schematic diagrams of the state in which the glass frame 150 and inner frame 170 are open, (A) is a schematic diagram of the state in which the performance control board unit 102C and main control board unit 102D are removed, and (B) is a schematic diagram of the state in which the main display device 131 is removed. [Figure 14-1] The figures show the manner in which an attachment error is notified, where (A) shows the manner in which an upper decorative part is not attached, (B) shows the manner in which an upper decorative part is incorrectly attached, and (C) explains the timing of output in the upper decorative part not-attached error notification and the upper decorative part incorrectly attached error notification. [Figure 14-2] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the manner of notifying an attachment error, in which FIG. 10A shows the manner of notifying an error that the lower decorative part is not attached, and FIG. 10B shows the manner of notifying an error that the lower decorative part is incorrectly attached. [Figure 14-3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modes of notification of an attachment error, in which FIG. 10A shows a mode of notification of an upper unit not-attached error, and FIG. 10B shows a mode of notification of an upper unit incorrectly attached error. [Figure 14-4] Figures showing other aspects of attachment error notification, where (A) is a figure showing other aspects of upper decorative part not-attached error notification, (B) is a figure showing other aspects of upper decorative part incorrect attachment error notification, and (C) is a figure showing other aspects of upper decorative part not-attached error notification. [Figure 15-1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between power restoration notification and attachment error notification, where FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating the manner in which power restoration notification is performed, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the relationship between power restoration notification and attachment error notification. [Figure 15-2] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between RAM clear notification and mounting error notification, where FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the manner of RAM clear notification, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the relationship between RAM clear notification and mounting error notification. [Figure 15-3]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between setting change notification, setting confirmation notification, and mounting error notification, where FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the manner of setting change notification, and FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating the manner of setting confirmation notification. [Figure 15-4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between a door opening error notification and an installation error notification, where (A) is a diagram illustrating the manner in which a door opening error notification is made, (B) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a door opening error notification and an installation error notification, and (C) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a door opening error notification and an installation error notification. [Figure 15-5] 10A and 10B are diagrams explaining the relationship between magnetic error notification, radio wave error notification, and attachment error notification, where (A) is a diagram explaining the manner of magnetic error notification, (B) is a diagram explaining the timing of output in magnetic error notification, (C) is a diagram explaining the manner of radio wave error notification, and (D) is a diagram explaining the relationship between magnetic error notification and radio wave error notification. [Figure 15-6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between a switch connection error notification and an attachment error notification, where (A) is a diagram illustrating the manner in which a switch connection error notification is made, (B) is a diagram illustrating the timing of output in a switch connection error notification, and (C) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a switch connection error notification and an attachment error notification. [Figure 15-7] These are diagrams explaining the relationship between vibration error notifications, etc. and mounting error notifications, where (A) is a diagram explaining the relationship between vibration error notifications and mounting error notifications, (B) is a diagram explaining the relationship between abnormal winning notifications and mounting error notifications, and (C) is a diagram explaining the relationship between ejection error notifications and mounting error notifications. [Figure 15-8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between a tray full error notification and a mounting error notification, where (A) is a diagram illustrating the manner in which a tray full error notification is made, and (B) is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a tray full error notification and a mounting error notification. [Figure 15-9] These are diagrams explaining the relationship between left-hit notification and mounting error notification, where (A) is a diagram explaining the manner of left-hit notification, (B) is a diagram explaining the relationship between left-hit notification and mounting error notification, and (C) is a diagram explaining the relationship between left-hit notification and mounting error notification. [Figure 15-10] 1A and 1B are diagrams explaining the priority of output of various notifications, etc., where (A) is a diagram explaining the priority of output of frame lamps / board lamps for various notifications, etc., and (B) is a diagram explaining the priority of output of audio output devices for various notifications, etc. [Figure 15-11] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining the output mode of the main display device 131 for various notifications, etc. (A) is a diagram for explaining the output mode of the main display device 131 for various notifications, and (B) is a diagram for explaining the output mode of the main display device 131 for a mounting error notification. [Figure 16-1] FIG. 10 is a front view of a gaming machine 200 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16-2] 1 is an exploded perspective view of the gaming machine 200, showing the configuration of the gaming machine 200. FIG. [Figure 16-3] 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the gaming machine 200. FIG. [Figure 16-4] 1 is a schematic diagram of the entire management system in a gaming machine 200. FIG. [Figure 16-5] 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 200 showing a state in which the glass frame 2150 is open relative to the outer frame 2160. FIG. [Figure 16-6] 10A and 10B are rear views of the gaming machine 200, in which (A) shows the state in which the rear cover 2600 is attached, and (B) shows the state in which the rear cover 2600 is removed. [Figure 16-7] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of a decorative unit 2180, in which (A) is a perspective view of the decorative unit 2180, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing the decorative unit 2180 removed. [Figure 17] 10 is a table illustrating various detection methods according to other embodiments. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transition of a game state. [Figure 19] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a variation presentation of the first variation path. [Figure 20] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the variation presentation of the second variation path. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a preview performance. [Figure 21-2]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a preview performance. [Figure 21-3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a preview performance. [Figure 21-4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a preview performance. [Figure 21-5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a preview performance. [Figure 21-6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a preview performance. [Figure 21-7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a preview performance. [Figure 22] An explanatory diagram showing the change start period of the change performance. [Figure 22-2] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a change start effect. [Figure 23] An explanatory diagram showing the fluctuation start period and fluctuation stop suggestion period according to the number of reserved memories. [Figure 24] An explanatory diagram showing the suggested period for the fluctuation effect to stop. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching of a variation path. [Figure 25-2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching of a variation path. [Figure 25-3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching of a variation path. [Figure 25-4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching of a variation path. [Figure 25-5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching of a variation path. [Figure 25-6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of switching of a variation path. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a continuous effect. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation presentation of a movable member. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an operation suggestion effect for an operation button. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pseudo consecutive effect. [Figure 29-2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pseudo consecutive effect. [Figure 29-3]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pseudo consecutive effect. [Figure 29-4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a pseudo consecutive effect. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a normal reach effect. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an SP reach effect. [Figure 31-2] 31 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the SP reach effect. [Figure 31-3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an SP reach effect. [Figure 31-4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a promotion effect. [Figure 32] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a change presentation of an advantageous gaming state. [Figure 33] An explanatory diagram showing an example of a normal reach presentation in a favorable gaming state. [Figure 34] An explanatory diagram showing an example of an SP reach presentation in a favorable gaming state. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship of the fluctuation paths. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an SP reach effect. [Figure 37] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a revival effect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a gaming machine 100 and a gaming machine 200 will be described as embodiments of the gaming machine of the present invention, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Note that the embodiments described below do not limit the present invention, and not all of the elements and combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0011] [Description of the gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment] First, the configuration of a gaming machine 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine frame of the gaming machine 100, showing a state in which the glass frame 150 and inner frame 170 are open relative to the outer frame 160. The gaming machine 100 is a pachinko gaming machine that launches gaming balls based on a player's launching operation, and when the gaming balls win in a specific winning device, pays out a predetermined number of gaming balls to the player based on the winning.

[0012] In the following description, the left-right direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "X direction," and in particular, the right direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "+X direction," and the left direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "-X direction," as necessary. The up-down direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "Y direction," and in particular, the upward direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "+Y direction," and the downward direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "-Y direction." Furthermore, the depth direction of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "Z direction," and in particular, the direction toward the back of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "+Z direction," and the direction toward the front of the gaming machine 100 will also be referred to as the "-Z direction."

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 160 that is attached to an island facility in an amusement parlor, an inner frame 170 that is rotatably supported on the front side of the outer frame 160 relative to the outer frame 160, and a glass frame 150 that is rotatably supported on the front side of the inner frame 170 relative to the inner frame 170. A glass member 151 is detachably attached to the back side of the glass frame 150. A lock unit 190 is provided at a predetermined position on the glass frame 150 to enable the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 to be opened and closed relative to the outer frame 160 and to enable the upper unit 180, which will be described later, to be detachable; details of this will be described later. A glass frame opening switch (not shown) is provided at a predetermined position on the glass frame 150 to detect when the glass frame 150 is opened, and an inner frame opening switch (not shown) is provided at a predetermined position on the inner frame 170 to detect when the inner frame 170 is opened.

[0014] The inner frame 170 is provided with the main mechanisms, various parts, and circuit boards that make up the gaming machine 100, and also has a detachable gaming board unit 102. A gaming area 106 is provided between the glass member 151 and the gaming board unit 102. This gaming area 106 includes a gaming ball flow-down area where gaming balls flow down, and a display screen area for the main display device 131.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the game board unit 102 is composed of a game board 102A that constitutes the play area 106, a role unit 102B that has various movable role units, a main display device 131, a performance control board unit 102C that has a performance control board 320, and a main control board unit 102D that has a main control board 300. Details of these components that make up the game board unit 102 will be described later. The game board 102A of the game board unit 102 has an opening 102AZ. The main display device 131 is placed in this opening 102AZ. This makes it easier for the player to view the main display device 131. The surface of the game board unit 102 facing the player is also referred to as the front side, and the surface at the back (the surface opposite the front side) is also referred to as the back side.

[0016] A presentation operation unit BSU is provided on the lower side of the glass frame 150. The presentation operation unit BSU is provided with a sword handle unit 135 and a presentation operation stick 136. An upper tray 128 is provided at the back of the presentation operation unit BSU, and a launch handle device 103 is provided to the lower right of the presentation operation unit BSU. An upper unit 180, which performs a predetermined associated operation when a predetermined game state is reached, is provided on the upper side of the glass frame 150 so as to cover a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150. The upper unit 180 is attached to the outer frame 160 and is configured to engage with the glass frame 150, as will be described in detail later. A first side display device 132 and a second side display device 133 are provided on both the left and right sides of the glass frame 150 to display presentations during game and non-game play.

[0017] The upper tray 128 is a tray for storing game balls to be launched into the game area 106, and is formed with a ball flow path that is a flow path for game balls supplied from a ball dispensing machine (not shown) installed alongside the game machine 100, game balls that are prize balls when a prize is won, etc. In addition, a full detection switch 314 is provided midway along the ball flow path to detect the occurrence of a tray full error in which the upper tray 128 is full of game balls. Note that while the full detection switch 314 detects that the upper tray 128 is full, the payout of game balls by the prize ball payout device, etc., described below, is stopped. Furthermore, the game balls stored in the upper tray 128 are led to a launch rail (not shown), and are guided by the launch handle device 103 via the launch rail to a guide rail (not shown) at a predetermined launch strength, and are launched into the game area 106 (game ball flow area). In this case, depending on the degree to which the player rotates the launch handle device 103, the game ball launched from the launch handle device 103 will pass through either the left route 106a or the right route 106b of the game ball flow area included in the game area 106. Specifically, if the player rotates the launch handle device 103 relatively weakly, the game ball launched from the launch handle device 103 may pass through the left route 106a. On the other hand, if the player rotates the launch handle device 103 relatively strongly, the game ball launched from the launch handle device 103 may pass through the right route 106b.

[0018] A sword handle unit 135, which resembles the handle of a sword, is located in the center of the effect operation unit BSU. The sword handle unit 135 is used to change the effect mode through the player's operation, and also functions as a gadget that operates in various modes according to the specified game state to perform various effects. In addition, a effect operation stick 136, which is a joystick that the player operates to adjust the volume of the gaming machine 100, is provided on the left side of the effect operation unit BSU.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the game area 106 is provided with an upper role unit 154 at the back of the upper part, a lower role unit 156 at the bottom of the game ball flow area, and a light guide panel unit 181 having a light guide panel positioned between these units and the game board 102A so as to cover these movable role units and the main display device 131.

[0020] The upper and lower gimmick units 154 and 156 are movable gimmicks (so-called gimmicks) provided in the gimmick unit 102B. Various effects are produced by moving these units 154 and 156 in accordance with predetermined movements by the player as the game progresses. The light-guiding panel unit 181 includes a light-guiding panel made of a resin such as transparent acrylic and a light-emitting unit for illuminating the light-guiding panel. The light-guiding panel unit 181 allows the display of effects displayed on the main display device 131 to be visible through the light-guiding panel, and also allows parts of the panel to be illuminated by the light incident from the light-emitting unit, thereby displaying designs and the like. While conventional light-guiding panel units have light-emitting units that cover the edges of the light-guiding panel, the light-emitting unit in the light-guiding panel unit 181 is designed so that light is incident from the side of the light-guiding panel without substantially covering the edges of the light-guiding panel. This allows the light-emitting area of ​​the light-guiding panel to be wider than conventional light-guiding panels. In this application, the term "movable gimmick" is interpreted to mean a moving gimmick. Furthermore, the term "props" is broadly interpreted to include both movable and immovable props.

[0021] A first starting device 112 having a starting area into which a gaming ball can enter is provided in an area approximately below the center of the gaming area 106. This first starting device 112 is a winning device of a general winning device type, and when a gaming ball enters, a jackpot random number is obtained, a jackpot determination is made, and predetermined prize balls (e.g., three balls) are paid out. In addition, above the first starting device 112, a stage 140 is provided, which allows gaming balls to warp, mainly along the left route 106a of the gaming ball flow area, without passing between the nails, making it easier for the gaming ball to enter the first starting device 112. Note that a gaming ball that enters the stage 140 may remain in the stage 140 and then return to the gaming ball flow area through a predetermined notch in the stage 140.

[0022] Also, a second starting device 115 having a starting area into which a gaming ball can enter is provided in an area on the lower right side of the gaming area 106. The second starting device 115 is a so-called attacca-type electric device, and has a starting opening at its bottom and a movable piece 115b above the starting opening. This movable piece 115b is movable between a protruding state in which it protrudes from the gaming board 102A and a retracted state in which it is retracted into the gaming board 102A. When the movable piece 115b is in the retracted state, it guides the gaming ball from the starting opening into the second starting device 115, making it easier for the gaming ball to enter the second starting device 115. Conversely, when the movable piece 115b is in the protruding state, the gaming ball does not enter the starting opening, and the gaming ball cannot win a prize in the second starting device 115. That is, in the second starting device 115, when the movable piece 115b is in the protruding state, there is no chance of the game ball winning, and when the movable piece 115b is in the retracted state, the chance of the game ball winning increases. When a game ball wins, the second starting device 115, like the first starting device 112, obtains a jackpot random number and determines whether or not there is a jackpot, and pays out, for example, the same prize balls (3 balls) as the first starting device 112.

[0023] In addition, in the area to the right of the gaming area 106, there are provided a normal symbol activation gate 113b having a normal area through which gaming balls can pass, a first special prize device 117 into which gaming balls can enter, and a second special prize device 127 into which gaming balls can enter. When a gaming ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, a winning random number is obtained and a win determination is made. Note that even if a gaming ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, no prize balls based on that passage are paid out.

[0024] First special prize device 117 is a so-called attacca-type electric device, and has an opening at its bottom and movable piece 117b above the opening. This movable piece 117b is controlled to move between a protruding state in which it protrudes from game board 102A and a retracted state in which it is retracted into game board 102A. When movable piece 117b is in the retracted state, it guides the gaming ball from the opening into first special prize device 117, making it possible for the gaming ball to win in first special prize device 117 (this state is also called "open" or "open state"). When a gaming ball wins in first special prize device 117, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 balls) are paid out. Conversely, when movable piece 117b is in the protruding state, the gaming ball cannot enter the opening, and the gaming ball cannot win in first special prize device 117 (this state is also called "blocked" or "blocked state").

[0025] Second special prize winning device 127 is a so-called attacca-type electric device, and has an opening at its bottom and movable piece 127b above the opening. This movable piece 127b is controlled to move between a protruding state in which it protrudes from game board 102A and a retracted state in which it is retracted into game board 102A. When movable piece 127b is in the retracted state, it guides the gaming ball from the opening into second special prize winning device 127, making it possible for the gaming ball to win in second special prize winning device 127 (this state is also called "open" or "open state"). When a gaming ball wins in second special prize winning device 127, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out. Conversely, when movable piece 127b is in the protruding state, the gaming ball cannot enter the opening and cannot win in second special prize winning device 127 (this state is also called "blocked" or "blocked state").

[0026] In addition, a prize-winning assisting device (not shown) is provided above the second special prize-winning device 127. This prize-winning assisting device is configured so that when multiple game balls that have passed through the right route 106b of the game area 106 pass through the closed movable piece 127b, they remain on the movable piece 127b for a predetermined time, and the movable piece 127b is opened every predetermined time, allowing the multiple game balls that have remained to enter the second special prize-winning device 127 at once, thereby increasing the player's interest.

[0027] At the bottom of the gaming area 106, there is provided an outlet 111 for discharging gaming balls that do not enter the first starting device 112, the second starting device 115, the first special prize device 117, or the second special prize device 127. Also, in the area on the right side of the gaming area 106, there is provided a cover 116 that covers the normal symbol activation gate 113b, the second starting device 115, the first special prize device 117, and the second special prize device 127 from the front side. This cover 116 has a guide portion that protrudes toward the gaming board 102A in order to guide gaming balls to the second starting device 115, the first special prize device 117, and the second special prize device 127.

[0028] A main display device 131 consisting of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like is provided in the approximate center of the gaming area 106, and this main display device 131 displays images during standby when no game is being played, and displays images according to the progress of the game. Among other things, multiple decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner to notify the result of the jackpot determination based on the winning of game balls in the first starting device 112 and the second starting device 115, and a jackpot is notified as the result of the jackpot determination when a specific decorative symbol combination (for example, 777) stops and is displayed as a fixed stop.

[0029] In other words, when a gaming ball enters the first starting device 112 or the second starting device 115, the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner in accordance with the variable display of the special symbols displayed on the first special symbol display device 120 and the second special symbol display device 122, which will be described later, and are also displayed stationary in accordance with the static display of the special symbols after a predetermined variable time has elapsed. In other words, the timing of the variable display of the decorative symbols by the main display device 131 and the variable display of the special symbols by the first special symbol display device 120 and the second special symbol display device 122 is synchronized. Also, during the variable display of the decorative symbols, various images, characters, etc. are displayed in a dramatic manner, or a preview display of the reserved display related to the special symbols is displayed, thereby giving the player a sense of anticipation that they may win a jackpot.

[0030] In this embodiment, the main display device 131 is used as a liquid crystal display device, but a plasma display, an organic EL display, a projector, a so-called 7-segment LED, a dot matrix, a rotating drum, or other display device may also be used.

[0031] 1, a display 125 is provided on the lower left side of the gaming area 106. The display 125 has a normal symbol display 118, a normal symbol reserved display 119, a first special symbol display 120, a second special symbol display 122, a first special symbol reserved display 123, and a second special symbol reserved display 124. Details of the display 125 will be described later.

[0032] The main display device 131 is disposed approximately in the center of the gaming board unit 102, and displays three variably displayed decorative symbols, and various effects. The effects displayed on the main display device 131 are executed based on the effect patterns described below. Hereinafter, the effects displayed on the main display device 131 will also be simply referred to as "display effects." In this embodiment, the decorative symbols include the numbers 1 to 9 and special symbols.

[0033] In the display effect on the main display device 131, if the player wins in the jackpot determination described below, i.e., if there is a jackpot, three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed to finally display a jackpot symbol arrangement (for example, a repeating number such as "7, 7, 7") that indicates a jackpot. Also, in the display effect, if the player loses in the jackpot determination described below, i.e., if there is a loss, three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed to finally display a loss symbol arrangement (for example, a scattered number such as "2, 5, 1") that indicates a loss. This allows the player to recognize the result of the jackpot determination.

[0034] When a player performs a so-called "left hit," in which the launch handle device 103 is rotated at a small rotation angle and maintained in a state where it is hit, the gaming ball is launched with a relatively weaker hitting force. In this case, the gaming ball flows down the left side of the gaming area 106. On the other hand, when a player performs a so-called "right hit," in which the player maintains a state where the launch handle device 103 is rotated at a large rotation angle, the gaming ball is launched with a relatively stronger hitting force. In this case, the gaming ball flows down the right side of the gaming area 106. Therefore, a "right hit" is required to cause the ball to enter the normal symbol activation gate 113b, the second starting device 115, the first big prize device 117, or the second big prize device 127.

[0035] The first starting device 112 is a starting device that is always open. On the other hand, the second starting device 115 is normally closed by a movable piece 115b. The movable piece 115b opens the second starting device 115 based on the result of a determination that is made on the condition that a gaming ball has entered the normal symbol activation gate 113b. In this case, a condition is created in which the gaming ball is likely to enter. When a gaming ball enters the first starting device 112 or the second starting device 115, a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, and a variable pattern random number are obtained, and the following four determinations can be made. (1) Determining whether or not to execute a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player (hereinafter also referred to as jackpot determination). (2) In the display 125, a determination of a pattern (hereinafter also referred to as a special pattern) indicating whether or not a jackpot has been reached in order to notify the result of the jackpot determination (hereinafter also referred to as a jackpot pattern determination). (3) This is executed in the case of a jackpot in this jackpot pattern determination, and determines the pattern (hereinafter also referred to as the jackpot pattern) that represents the type of jackpot. (4) In the display performance on the main display device 131, a decision is made as to whether or not to make a reach (hereinafter also referred to as reach decision), and which of multiple fluctuation patterns to use (hereinafter also referred to as fluctuation pattern decision).

[0036] Here, a "jackpot game" is a special game that opens the first big prize device 117 or the second big prize device 127. Furthermore, a "reach" refers to a situation in which two of the three decorative symbols displayed variably on the main display device 131 are displayed stationary, and these two decorative symbols constitute two of the three decorative symbols that make up the jackpot symbol array. For example, this refers to a situation in which two of the three decorative symbols displayed variably on the main display device 131 are displayed stationary, and these two decorative symbols are in the same state. In this case, the decorative symbols that make up two of the three decorative symbols that make up the jackpot symbol array are also called reach symbols.

[0037] In the following explanation, the above four judgments that are executed on the condition that the gaming ball that has passed through the first starting device 112 has won will also be referred to as the "first special pattern judgment," and the above four judgments that are executed on the condition that the gaming ball has won the second starting device 115 will also be referred to as the "second special pattern judgment," and these judgments will be collectively referred to as the "special pattern judgment."

[0038] Furthermore, when the gaming ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, a normal symbol random number is obtained, and a determination is made as to whether or not to open the movable piece 115b of the second starting device 115. Hereinafter, the determination made on the condition that the gaming ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b is also referred to as a "normal symbol determination." In the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, the probability of winning in the normal symbol determination, i.e., the probability of determining to open the movable piece 115b, is designed to change depending on the gaming state of the gaming machine 100.

[0039] The first special prize device 117 has a movable piece 117b that opens depending on the result of the special prize symbol determination. The first special prize device 117 is normally blocked by this movable piece 117b. In contrast, if the result of the special prize determination is a special prize, a special prize game is executed in which the movable piece 117b is activated to open the first special prize device 117. Therefore, by "hitting to the right" during a special prize game, the player can obtain more prize balls than when a special prize game is not being played. The second special prize device 127 has a movable piece 127b that operates in substantially the same manner as the first special prize device 117, and is opened during a special prize game that corresponds to the result of the special prize determination.

[0040] [Explanation of display 125] As shown in FIG. 1, the display 125 mainly displays information regarding the jackpot pattern determination and the normal pattern determination, and has a first special pattern display 120, a second special pattern display 122, a first special pattern reserved display 123, a second special pattern reserved display 124, a normal pattern display 118, and a normal pattern reserved display 119.

[0041] When the first special symbol determination is made, the first special symbol display 120 variably displays the special symbol and then displays it still, and notifies the result of the jackpot symbol determination in the first special symbol determination by the special symbol that has been statically displayed. As the determination result of the jackpot symbol determination, the first special symbol display 120 statically displays a jackpot symbol indicating a jackpot, or a losing symbol indicating that the result of the first special symbol determination is a losing symbol.

[0042] When the second special symbol determination is made, the second special symbol display 122 variably displays the special symbol and then displays it still, and notifies the result of the jackpot symbol determination in the second special symbol determination by the special symbol that is still displayed. As the determination result of the jackpot symbol determination, the second special symbol display 122 displays a jackpot symbol indicating a jackpot, or a losing symbol indicating that the result of the second special symbol determination is a losing symbol.

[0043] The gaming machine 100 of this embodiment is configured so that if a new gaming ball enters the first starting device 112 during, for example, the display of a variable special symbol related to the special symbol determination or during a jackpot game, the first special symbol determination and the variable symbol display triggered by the entry are not immediately executed. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 is provided with a hold function that holds the first special symbol determination and stores four pieces of random number information for the first special symbol determination as a set of hold information. The first special symbol hold indicator 123 displays the number of hold information pieces for the first special symbol determination stored in this manner. Similarly, the gaming machine 100 is also provided with a hold function that holds the second special symbol determination and stores four pieces of random number information for the second special symbol determination as a set of hold information when a new gaming ball enters the second starting device 115 during, for example, the display of a variable special symbol related to the special symbol determination or during a jackpot game. The second special symbol pending display 124 displays the number of pieces of pending information for determining the second special symbol stored in this manner.

[0044] When a normal symbol determination is made, the normal symbol display 118 variably displays the normal symbol and then displays it in a static state, and the result of the normal symbol determination is announced by the statically displayed normal symbol. Incidentally, even if the gaming ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, such as while the normal symbol display 118 is displaying a normal symbol in a dynamic state, the normal symbol determination and the variable display of the normal symbol related to the normal symbol determination are not immediately executed. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 is provided with a hold function that holds the normal symbol determination and stores information on the normal symbol random number for the normal symbol determination as hold information. The normal symbol hold display 119 displays the number of hold information for the normal symbol determination stored in this manner.

[0045] The gaming machine 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a right-hit lamp (not shown) and a round lamp (not shown). The right-hit lamp lights up during a jackpot game state (described later) and a time-saving game state (described later), and encourages the player to make a right hit (details of which will be described later). The round lamp is composed of one or more lamps. When a jackpot is hit, the round lamp transitions from an off state to an on state. When the round lamp is lit, it indicates the number of rounds of play depending on the type of jackpot. For example, if there are two round lamps, lighting one round lamp indicates that four rounds of play will be played (i.e., indicating a 4R jackpot), and lighting the other round lamp indicates that 16 rounds of play will be played (i.e., indicating a 16R jackpot).

[0046] [Internal configuration of gaming machine 100] The internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4-3. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the functional blocks of the gaming machine 100. FIG. 4-1 is a diagram for explaining the main ROM 301b of the main control board 300. FIG. 4-2 is a diagram showing an example of a jackpot determination table, where (A) is a special 1 jackpot determination table for determining (jackpot determination) special symbol determination information acquired based on the winning (entry) of a gaming ball into the first starting device 112, and (B) is a special 2 jackpot determination table for determining (jackpot determination) special symbol determination information acquired based on the winning (entry) of a gaming ball into the second starting device 115. FIG. 4-3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the main RAM 301c of the main control board 300. The gaming machine 100 includes a main control board 300, a payout control board 310, a performance control board 320, an image control board 330, a lamp control board 340, a launch control board 350, and a power supply board 360.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, a main control board 300 controls the basic operation of the gaming machine. The main control board 300 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 301. The one-chip microcomputer 301 includes a main CPU 301a, a main ROM 301b, and a main RAM 301c. The main control board 300 also has input and output ports (neither of which is shown) for main control. Furthermore, the board is equipped with a setting key switch 302a for inputting a signal to clear the contents stored in the main RAM 301c or to update a setting value (the probability of determining a jackpot), which indicates the degree of advantage in the game; a setting key switch 302b for inputting a signal to transition to a setting change mode or a setting confirmation mode (described later) by operating a setting key; an information display 302c for displaying performance information and setting values ​​that enable the actual performance of the gaming machine to be understood; and other electronic components.

[0048] The information display 302c is composed of four 7-segment displays aligned horizontally. The two 7-segment displays from the left form an identification segment for displaying identification information indicating the type of performance information (data type), and the two 7-segment displays from the right form a numeric segment for displaying numerical information indicating setting values ​​and numerical values ​​of the performance information. Static lighting is used to display setting values, and dynamic lighting is used to display performance information.

[0049] To this main control input port are connected a gate detection switch 303 that detects that a gaming ball has entered the normal symbol activation gate 113b, a first starter detection switch 304a that detects that a gaming ball has entered the first starter 112, a second starter detection switch 304b that detects that a gaming ball has entered the second starter 115, a first prize-winning device detection switch 306a that detects that a gaming ball has entered the first special prize-winning device 117, a second prize-winning device detection switch 306b that detects that a gaming ball has entered the second special prize-winning device 127, and a payout control board 310. Also connected are a magnetic detection sensor 305a that detects abnormal magnetism from outside the gaming machine, a radio wave detection sensor 305b that detects abnormal radio waves from outside the gaming machine, and a vibration detection sensor 305c that detects abnormal vibrations applied to the gaming machine from outside. Various signals are input to the main control board 300 through this main control input port.

[0050] Also connected to the output port for main control are a starter device opening / closing solenoid 307 that opens and closes movable piece 115b, a first large prize device opening / closing solenoid 308 that opens and closes movable piece 117b, a second large prize device opening / closing solenoid 370 that opens and closes movable piece 127b, pattern indicators 118, 120, 122 that display special and normal patterns, pattern reserve indicators 119, 123, 124 that display the number of reserved information pieces for special pattern determination and the number of reserved information pieces for normal pattern determination, a game information output terminal board 309 that outputs external information signals, a payout control board 310, and a performance control board 320. Various signals are output from the main control board 300 via this output port for main control.

[0051] The game information output terminal board 309 is a board for outputting external information signals generated in the main control board 300 to a hall computer or the like of an amusement parlor. The game information output terminal board 309 is connected to the main control board 300 by wiring, and the game information output terminal board 309 is provided with a connector for connecting to a hall computer or the like of an amusement parlor.

[0052] In the one-chip microcomputer 301 of the main control board 300, the main CPU 301a reads out the programs stored in the main ROM 301b and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from each detection switch and timer, and also directly controls each device or sends commands to other boards depending on the results of the arithmetic processing.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4-1, the main ROM 301b stores game control programs and tables necessary for various games, such as a jackpot determination table T1, a jackpot symbol determination table T2, a reach determination table T3, a first variation pattern table T4, a second variation pattern table T5, and a normal symbol determination table T6. The jackpot determination table T1 is a table for determining a jackpot based on a jackpot random number. The jackpot determination table T1 includes two jackpot determination tables, namely, a special 1 jackpot determination table T1A and a special 2 jackpot determination table T1B.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 4-2, the jackpot determination table associates the current setting value, the current probability state, the random number value for jackpot determination, and the jackpot determination result (jackpot, miss), and for reference, the approximate probability of winning in the case of a "jackpot" is listed in the rightmost column. The main CPU 110a refers to the special 1 jackpot determination table or the special 2 jackpot determination table, and determines whether it is a "jackpot" or a "miss" based on the current setting value, the probability state, and the random number value for jackpot determination. For example, according to the special 1 jackpot determination table, when the setting value is "1" and the game is in the normal gaming state, 200 random number values ​​for jackpot determination from "100" to "299" are determined to be "jackpots." Any random number value for jackpot determination other than those determined to be a jackpot is determined to be a "miss."

[0055] The jackpot symbol determination table T2 is a table for determining a jackpot symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number. The jackpot symbol determination table T2 includes two jackpot symbol determination tables, namely, a special 1 jackpot symbol determination table T2A and a special 2 jackpot symbol determination table T2B.

[0056] The reach determination table T3 is a table for making a reach determination based on a reach determination random number. The reach determination table T3 includes four reach determination tables (not shown), namely, a special 1 normal time reach determination table, a special 1 special probability variable time reach determination table, a special 2 normal time reach determination table, and a special 2 special probability variable time reach determination table. These four reach determination tables are selected depending on the game state and the type of special symbol. Specifically, the special 1 normal time reach determination table is a table for selecting whether to execute a reach in a display effect based on a ball entering the first starting device 112 in a non-probability variable game state. The special 1 special probability variable time reach determination table is a table for selecting whether to execute a reach in a display effect based on a ball entering the first starting device 112 in a probability variable game state. The special 2 normal time reach determination table is a table for selecting whether to execute a reach in a display effect based on a ball entering the second starting device 115 in a non-probability variable game state. The special 2 probability variable time reach judgment table is a table for selecting whether or not to execute a reach using a decorative symbol in a display performance based on a ball entering the second starting device 115 in a probability variable game state. Details of various game states, such as a non-probability variable game state and a probability variable game state, will be described later.

[0057] The first fluctuation pattern table T4 is a table for determining a fluctuation pattern based on a fluctuation pattern random number. The first fluctuation pattern table T4 includes four fluctuation pattern tables: the first special 1 normal fluctuation pattern table T4A, the first special 1 special variable fluctuation pattern table T4B, the first special 2 normal fluctuation pattern table T4C, and the first special 2 special variable fluctuation pattern table T4D. These four fluctuation pattern tables can be selected based on the game state and the type of special symbol. Specifically, the first special 1 normal fluctuation pattern table T4A is a table for selecting a fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting device 112 in a non-variable game state. The first special 1 special variable fluctuation pattern table T4B is a table for selecting a fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting device 112 in a variable game state. The first special 2 normal time fluctuation pattern table T4C is a table for selecting a fluctuation pattern of the second special symbol based on a ball entering the second starting device 115 in a non-probability variable game state. The first special 2 probability variable time fluctuation pattern table T4D is a table for selecting a fluctuation pattern of the second special symbol based on a ball entering the second starting device 115 in a probability variable game state.

[0058] The second fluctuation pattern table T5 is a table for determining a fluctuation pattern based on a fluctuation pattern random number. The second fluctuation pattern table T5 includes four fluctuation pattern tables: a second special 1 normal time fluctuation pattern table T5A, a second special 1 special variable time fluctuation pattern table T5B, a second special 2 normal time fluctuation pattern table T5C, and a second special 2 special variable time fluctuation pattern table T5D. These four fluctuation pattern tables can be selected based on the game state and the type of special symbol. Specifically, the second special 1 normal time fluctuation pattern table T5A is a table for selecting a fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol based on a ball entering the first starting device 112 in a non-variable game state. The second special 1 special variable time fluctuation pattern table T5B is a table for selecting a fluctuation pattern of the first special symbol based on a ball entering the first starting device 112 in a variable game state. The second special 2 normal time fluctuation pattern table T5C is a table for selecting a fluctuation pattern of the second special symbol based on a ball entering the second starting device 115 in a non-probability variable game state. The second special 2 probability variable time fluctuation pattern table T5D is a table for selecting a fluctuation pattern of the second special symbol based on a ball entering the second starting device 115 in a probability variable game state.

[0059] When determining a fluctuation pattern, either the first fluctuation pattern table T4 or the second fluctuation pattern table T5 is selected, and they are never selected simultaneously. The first fluctuation pattern table T4 is a table whose average fluctuation time (average performance time) is shorter than that of the second fluctuation pattern table T5, and is selected when the hold order information at the time of acquisition, described below, is "3" or "4." The second fluctuation pattern table T5 is a table whose average fluctuation time is longer than that of the first fluctuation pattern table T4, and is selected when the hold order information at the time of acquisition, described below, is "1" or "2."

[0060] These first and second variation pattern tables T4 and T5 have various variation patterns. Specifically, they are variation patterns that combine various effects such as pseudo consecutive effects, normal miss effects, normal reach (miss or win) effects, SP reach (miss or win) effects (development effects after the execution of reach formation effects), SPSP reach (miss or win) effects (development effects after the execution of SP reach effects), SPSP reach revival (win) effects, effects in which a miss pattern arrangement is formed, and effects in which a jackpot pattern arrangement with a specific pattern is formed. Here, the pseudo consecutive effects (or pseudo continuous variation effects) are effects in which, during the variable display of special symbols, decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner, the decorative symbols are temporarily stopped, and then the decorative symbols are displayed in a variable manner again, thereby repeating the variable display of the decorative symbols in a pseudo manner. In this case, in the pseudo consecutive performance, the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped, but this is not limited to this, and the decorative pattern may not be temporarily stopped, but may be slowed down, and then the decorative pattern may be displayed in a variable manner.

[0061] The normal symbol determination table T6 is a table for determining a normal symbol based on the normal symbol random number. The details of the jackpot determination table T1, the jackpot symbol determination table T2, and the normal symbol determination table T6 will be described later.

[0062] 4-3(A), the main RAM 301c functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the main CPU 301a, and has multiple storage areas, such as a reserved information storage area 301cx and a reserved information determination area 301cy. The main RAM 301c also has storage areas (not shown) in which various flags (such as a probability variable game flag, a time-saving game flag, and a jackpot game flag, which will be described later) and various recorded values ​​are stored.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4-3 (B), the pending information storage area 301cx has four pending information areas (first pending information area, second pending information area, third pending information area, fourth pending information area) that can store pending information related to the first starting device 112 and pending order information at the time of acquisition in correspondence with each other, and four pending information areas (first pending information area, second pending information area, third pending information area, fourth pending information area) that can store pending information related to the second starting device 115.

[0064] In the reserved information area corresponding to the first special symbol in the reserved information storage area 301cx, the priority order for storing reserved information is as follows: the first reserved information area is the first reserved information area to be stored; if reserved information is stored in the first reserved information area, the second reserved information area is the first reserved information area to be stored; then the third reserved information area is the first reserved information area to be stored; and finally, the fourth reserved information area is selected as the storage area. The same is true for the reserved information area corresponding to the second special symbol. In Figure 4-3 (B), reserved information areas in which reserved information is stored are marked with a "◯", and reserved information areas in which reserved information is not stored are marked with a "-".

[0065] The hold order information at the time of acquisition stored in the hold information area of ​​the hold information storage area 301cx is information that represents the hold order when the hold information is acquired. Specifically, the hold order information at the time of acquisition corresponds to the number of the hold information area in which the hold information is stored when it is acquired. For example, when hold information is acquired and the hold information is stored only in the first hold information area, the hold information will be stored in the second hold information area, so the hold order information at the time of acquisition is "2." When hold information is acquired and the hold information is stored in the first hold information area, the second hold information area, and the third hold information area, the hold information will be stored in the fourth hold information area, so the hold order information at the time of acquisition is "4." The hold information determination area 301cy is a determination area in which special pattern determination is performed based on the hold information.

[0066] As shown in Figure 3, the payout control board 310 controls the launching of game balls and the payout of prize balls. This payout control board 310 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer consisting of a payout CPU, payout ROM, and payout RAM (not shown), and is connected to the main control board 300 for bidirectional communication. The payout CPU reads out a program stored in the payout ROM and performs arithmetic processing based on input signals from a payout ball measurement switch 311, which detects whether game balls have been paid out, a door opening switch 312, a full-count detection switch 314, and a timer, and transmits corresponding data to the main control board 300 based on the processing. In addition, a payout motor 313 of a prize ball payout device, which pays out a predetermined number of prize balls to a player from a game ball storage unit, is connected to the output side of the payout control board 310. The payout CPU reads a predetermined program from the payout ROM and performs calculations based on the payout number designation command sent from the main control board 300, and controls the payout motor 313 of the prize ball payout device to pay out the predetermined number of prize balls to the player. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area during the payout CPU's calculations.

[0067] The performance control board 320 mainly controls various performances during gameplay, standby, etc. This performance control board 320 is equipped with a sub-CPU 320a, sub-ROM 320b, and sub-RAM 320c, and is connected to the main control board 300 so that communication can be performed in one direction from the main control board 300 to the performance control board 320. The sub-CPU 320a reads out programs stored in the sub-ROM 320b and performs arithmetic processing based on various commands received from the main control board 300, various units, the performance operation stick 136, and input signals from the timer, and transmits corresponding data to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 based on this processing.

[0068] For example, when the sub-CPU 320a receives a variation start command from the main control board 300, it determines a presentation pattern for causing the main display device 131, the first side display device 132, the second side display device 133, the audio output device 331, the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper role unit 154, the lower role unit 156, the role mechanism unit 158, the light-guiding panel unit 181, the performance board illumination device 341 (board lamp), and the performance frame illumination device 342 (frame lamp) to execute a game presentation, and transmits a presentation pattern designation command for executing the presentation pattern to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. Details of this presentation pattern determination will be described later. The sub-ROM 320b also stores a presentation control program, data necessary for determining various games, and multiple tables. Details of these tables will be described later. Furthermore, the sub-RAM 320c functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the sub-CPU 320a, and stores game status, effect patterns, decorative symbols, counting counters, firing operation information, etc. The sub-RAM 320c is provided with multiple storage areas. Details of these storage areas will be described later.

[0069] The image control board 330 is equipped with an image CPU, control ROM, control RAM, CGROM, VRAM, VDP, and an audio CPU, audio ROM, and audio RAM (not shown) for controlling the image display of the main display device 131. This image control board 330 is connected to the performance control board 320 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally, and the main display device 131, first side display device 132, second side display device 133, and audio output device 331 are connected to its output side.

[0070] The image CPU controls the VDP to display a predetermined image based on commands received from the performance control board 320. The control RAM functions as a data work area during the image CPU's calculation processing and temporarily stores data read from the control ROM. The control ROM also stores programs for the image CPU's control processing, animation patterns for displaying animations based on performance patterns, animation scene information, and the like. The CGROM stores a large amount of image data such as decorative patterns and backgrounds to be displayed on the main display device 131, etc. The image CPU reads predetermined programs based on various commands sent from the performance control board 320, expands the predetermined image data stored in the CGROM into the VRAM, and controls the image data expanded in the VRAM to be displayed on the main display device 131, etc., thereby realizing the display performance. The audio ROM stores a large amount of audio data to be output from the audio output device 331, and the audio CPU reads out a predetermined program based on various commands sent from the performance control board 320, and controls the audio output of the audio output device 331, such as speakers provided in the glass frame 150, the first side display device 132, and the second side display device 133, to realize the audio performance.

[0071] The lamp control board 340 controls the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper role unit 154, the lower role unit 156, and the light guide panel unit 181, controls a performance board lighting device 341 (board lamp) such as a lamp provided on a decorative member of the game board unit 102, and controls a performance frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp) such as a lamp built into the launch handle device 103 or a lamp of a decorative member provided on the glass frame 150. Specifically, the lamp control board 340 drives and controls the motors and the like provided in each of the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper role unit 154, the lower role unit 156, and the role mechanism section 158, thereby realizing a role movement performance by the movable role (movable body) of the unit. Note that, for example, when power is restored, an initial operation is performed, which is a series of movements of the movable role, etc. from the initial position → advanced position → initial position as described below. Furthermore, the lamp control board 340 realizes a light-emitting effect by the light guide panel by controlling the light-emitting portion of the light guide panel unit 181, realizes a lighting effect by controlling the lighting / flashing of the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper accessory unit 154, the lower accessory unit 156, and the performance board lighting device 341 (board lamp), and realizes a lighting effect by the performance frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp) by controlling the lighting / flashing of the performance frame lighting device 342. The lamp control board 340 is connected so as to be able to receive predetermined signals, which will be described later, from the sword handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the accessory mechanism unit 158, etc.

[0072] The launch control board 350 receives a touch signal from a touch sensor 351 provided on the launch handle device 103 and controls the energization of the launch solenoid 353 and the ball-feeding solenoid 354 based on the voltage supplied from the launch volume 352. The touch sensor 351 is composed of a capacitance-type proximity switch that utilizes a change in capacitance caused by a player touching the launch handle device 103. When it detects that the player has touched the launch handle device 103, it outputs a touch signal to the launch control board 350 to allow energization of the launch solenoid 353. The launch volume 352 is composed of a variable resistor, and divides a constant voltage (e.g., 5 V) applied to the launch volume 352 using the variable resistor, and supplies the divided voltage to the launch control board 350. The rotation speed of the launch solenoid 353 is set to approximately 99.9 (rotations / minute) based on a frequency based on the output cycle of a crystal oscillator provided on the launch control board 350. As a result, the number of game balls fired per minute is approximately 99.9 (balls / minute), since one game ball is fired per rotation of the firing solenoid. In other words, one game ball is fired approximately every 0.6 seconds. The touch signal from the touch sensor 351 and the voltage signal from the firing volume 352 are input to the performance control board 320. This makes it possible for the performance control board 320 to detect the firing of game balls.

[0073] The power supply board 360 is equipped with a backup power supply consisting of a capacitor, and supplies power supply voltage to the gaming machine 100. Specifically, it supplies power supply voltage to the main control board 300, the payout control board 310, the performance control board 320, and the launch control board 350. It also monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 100, and outputs a power interruption detection signal to the main control board 300 when the power supply voltage drops below a predetermined value. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 301a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 301a becomes inoperative. The backup power supply is not limited to a capacitor, and may be, for example, a battery, or a combination of a capacitor and a battery.

[0074] [List of processes on the main control board 300] 4-4, the process executed by the main control board 300 will be described. FIG. 4-4 is an explanatory diagram showing the outline flow of the process executed by the main control board 300.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4-4, when power is supplied, the main CPU 301a of the main control board 300 executes main processing based on a program stored in the main ROM 301b. Furthermore, while executing the main processing, the main CPU 301a repeatedly executes timer interrupt processing at regular intervals (for example, every 4 milliseconds). Various processes in the main processing and timer interrupt processing will be described below.

[0076] [Main processing explanation] The main processing is processing for starting game control and initializing various drive sources such as movable gadgets, and includes, for example, power-on processing, power restoration processing, RAM clearing processing, setting change processing, and setting confirmation processing. The power-on processing is processing executed when the power is turned on, and in this processing, a power-on command indicating that the game control state has been initialized and the current game state (here, the non-time-saving game state as the normal game state) is sent to the payout control board 310 and the presentation control board 320. As a result, the presentation control board 320 executes processing for executing a power-on notification indicating that the game control state has been initialized. The power restoration processing is processing executed when the game progress state (control state) has returned (restored) to the state before the power was cut off, making it possible to resume game play from the state before the power was cut off. In this processing, a power restoration command indicating that the game control state has been restored and the game state before the power outage is sent to the presentation control board 320. As a result, the performance control board 320 performs processing to issue a power restoration notification indicating that the game control state has returned to the state before the power was cut off. The RAM clear processing is processing to initialize the game control state (initialize everything except the setting value area of ​​the game RAM area) based on the operation of the RAM clear switch 302a, and in this processing, a RAM clear designation command is sent to the performance control board 320. As a result, the performance control board 320 performs processing to issue a RAM clear notification. The setting change processing is processing to transition to a setting change mode in which the setting value, which is the stage of the game's advantage degree (the probability of determining a jackpot in the jackpot determination), is changed (updated) based on the operation of the setting key switch 302b or the RAM clear switch 302b, and in this processing, a setting change designation command is sent to the performance control board 320. As a result, the performance control board 320 performs processing to issue a setting change notification to notify that the setting value is being changed (the setting change mode is in effect). The setting confirmation process is a process of transitioning to a setting confirmation mode in which a game store clerk or the like can confirm the setting values, and in this process, a setting confirmation designation command is sent to the performance control board 320.This results in processing being performed to execute a setting confirmation notification to notify that the performance control board 320 is performing a setting confirmation (is in setting confirmation mode).

[0077] [Explanation of timer interrupt processing] The random number update process is a process for updating various random numbers such as the jackpot random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach random number, variable pattern random number, and normal symbol random number. The switch process is a process executed when a detection signal is input from each switch, and includes a starter switch process for acquiring a jackpot random number or the like and storing it as reserved information when a ball enters the first starter 112 or the second starter 115, a gate switch process for acquiring and storing a normal symbol random number when a gaming ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 113b, a first special prize device switch process for detecting a gaming ball that has entered the first special prize device 117 during execution of a jackpot game (in the jackpot game state), and a second special prize device switch process for detecting a gaming ball that has entered the second special prize device 127 during the jackpot game state. The starter switch process includes a pre-determination process for performing a jackpot determination, a jackpot symbol determination, etc. based on the reserved information.

[0078] The special symbol processing is a processing related to the special symbol according to the processing result in the switch processing (first starting device 112, second starting device 115), and includes a reserved information shifting processing for shifting the reserved information in the reserved information storage area 301cx of the main RAM 301c and the reserved order information at the time of acquisition when the variable display of the special symbol is finished, a jackpot determination processing for executing a jackpot determination based on the jackpot random number of the reserved information shifted to the reserved information determination area 301cy by the reserved information shifting processing and the jackpot determination table T1, and a jackpot determination processing for determining whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. The process includes a jackpot pattern determination process that determines a jackpot pattern (special pattern) based on the jackpot pattern random number included in the reserved information and a jackpot pattern determination table T2 in each case, a reach determination process that executes a reach determination based on the reach random number included in the reserved information and a reach determination table T3, a fluctuation pattern setting process that sets a fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern table and the fluctuation pattern random number of the reserved information, and a special pattern stop process that stops the fluctuation display of the first special pattern display device 120 or the second special pattern display device 122.

[0079] The normal pattern processing is processing related to the normal pattern according to the processing result in the switch processing (normal pattern activation gate 113b), and includes a normal pattern determination processing that determines the normal pattern based on the normal pattern random number and the normal pattern determination table T6 when there is pending information for the normal pattern, an operation pattern setting processing that sets the operation pattern of the movable piece 115b when the normal pattern determination determines that there is a win, and an opening / closing member control processing that controls the opening and closing of the movable piece 115b of the second starting device 115 based on the operation pattern set in the operation pattern setting processing.

[0080] The big prize device opening control process is a process related to the opening and closing control of the first big prize device 117 and the second big prize device 127, and includes an opening pattern setting process that sets an opening pattern during the opening performance at the beginning of a big prize game, and a game status setting process that turns the big prize game flag OFF and turns the time-saving game flag ON when the final ending performance of a big prize game ends, and sets the time-saving fluctuation count to a predetermined number (e.g., 8,000 times). The payout process is a process that controls the payout of prize balls according to the detection result (winning of game balls) in the switch process. The command transmission process is a process that transmits various commands generated in the above processes and information necessary to determine the performance content to the performance control board 320.

[0081] The abnormality determination process is a process for determining whether or not various errors have occurred, and for transmitting an error designation command corresponding to the occurred error to the performance control board 130. As a result, the performance control board 320 executes a process for notifying various error systems. Examples of various errors include a door open error when the door open switch 313 changes from an OFF state to an ON state, a switch connection error when various switches such as the gate detection switch 303 are in an abnormal state such as not being connected (incorrectly connected), a magnetic error when an abnormal magnetism is detected by the magnetic detection sensor 305a for a predetermined period of time, a radio wave error when an abnormal radio wave is detected by the radio wave detection sensor 305b for a predetermined period of time, and a vibration error when an abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration detection sensor 305c for a predetermined period of time. -, abnormal winning errors when a game ball enters the large winning port when a special game is not in progress, a discharge error when the number of game balls entering the various winning ports does not match the number of game balls discharged from the winning ball flow path through which the winning balls flow, a ball removal error when the full detection switch 314 detects that the upper tray 128 is full, an operation error when the RAM clear switch 302a or setting key switch 302b is operated while the game is being controlled, and a right-hand hit state when the game ball passes through the right-hand route 106b when the game is in a non-variable game state.

[0082] [Electrical configuration of performance control board 320] The electrical configuration of the performance control board 320 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4-5 and 4-6. FIG. 4-5 is a block diagram showing the details of the performance control board 320. FIG. 4-6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the pre-determination information storage area 320c3 provided in the sub-RAM 320c. The performance control board 320 determines a performance pattern based on commands (including variation patterns, etc.) sent from the main control board 300, and sends a performance pattern designation command based on the performance pattern to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. As described above, the main display device 131 and the like are electrically connected to the image control board 330, and the sword handle unit 135 and the like are electrically connected to the lamp control board 340. With this configuration, the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 can execute display effects, audio effects, lighting effects, and role object movement effects based on the performance pattern designation commands sent from the performance control board 320.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 4-5, the sub-ROM 320b stores a core display effect designation table TS1, a decorative symbol determination table TS2, and a chance-up determination table TS3. The core display effect designation table TS1 is a table for designating one of the above-mentioned normal miss effects, normal reach (miss or win) effects, SP reach (miss or win) effects, SPSP reach (miss or win) effects, and SPSP reach revival (win) effects as the core effect (hereinafter also referred to as the core display effect) of the display effect based on the variation pattern transmitted from the main control board 300. In this embodiment, the variation pattern transmitted from the main control board 300 corresponds one-to-one with the core display effect. Alternatively, multiple core display effects may be associated with a variation pattern, and the sub-CPU 320a of the effect control board 320 may select a core display effect by lottery. In this way, even if the variation pattern is the same, the effect content can be changed. Also, one core display effect may be made to correspond to a plurality of variation patterns. The decorative symbol determination table TS2 is a table for determining the combination of decorative symbols to be displayed as provisional stops or fixed stops in the display effect based on the effect pattern, and the reach symbol when a reach is executed. The chance-up determination table TS3 is a table for determining a predetermined chance-up effect in the display effect. Here, the chance-up effect is an effect that executes a display effect of a type different from the normal effect, and increases the expectation of a jackpot compared to the normal effect.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4-5, the sub-RAM 320c has a reserved memory area 320c1 and a preliminary determination information memory area 320c3. The sub-RAM 320c also has a flag memory area (not shown) in which predetermined flags and the like are stored. For example, this flag memory area stores a continuous execution effect flag and a pseudo-continuous execution flag, which will be described later. The reserved memory area 320c1 is divided into eight areas: a first reserved area, a second reserved area, a third reserved area, and a fourth reserved area corresponding to the first special symbol, and a first reserved area, a second reserved area, a third reserved area, and a fourth reserved area corresponding to the second special symbol, each of which can store one reserved flag. In the reserve area corresponding to the first special symbol in the reserve memory area 320c1, the priority for storing the reserve flag is as follows: the first reserve area is the top priority storage target; if a reserve flag is stored in the first reserve area, the second reserve area is the next priority storage target; then the third reserve area is the next priority storage target; and finally the fourth reserve area is selected as the storage target. The same applies to the reserve area corresponding to the second special symbol. When the performance control board 320 receives a reserve command from the main control board 300, it identifies the reserve area in the reserve memory area 320c1 where the reserve flag is stored, and stores the reserve flag in the reserve area that should be given the next priority after the reserve area. However, if a reserve flag is stored in the fourth reserve area and a reserve command is received, the reserve flag will not be stored. In addition, the priority order for deleting the reserved flag is the opposite of the priority order for storing, that is, the fourth reserved area is the top priority for deletion, and if no reserved flag is stored in the fourth reserved area, the third reserved area is next the priority for deletion, then the second reserved area is next the priority for deletion, and finally the first reserved area is selected as the deletion target. When the performance control board 320 receives a pattern determination command from the main control board 300, it identifies the reserved area in which the reserved flag is stored in the reserved memory area 320c1 and deletes the reserved flag of the reserved area that should be deleted with priority. If no reserved flag is stored in the first reserved area, the deletion process is not performed.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 4-6, the pre-determination information storage area 320c3 is a storage area for storing pre-determination information (pre-determination special symbols, pre-determination variable patterns, and acquisition hold order information), and four storage areas (first storage area, second storage area, third storage area, and fourth storage area) are provided corresponding to the types of special symbols. Each storage area includes a jackpot determination information column for storing jackpot determination information based on the pre-determination special symbols, a jackpot symbol information column for storing jackpot symbol information based on the pre-determination symbols, a variable pattern information column for storing variable pattern information based on the pre-determination variable patterns, an acquisition hold order information column for storing acquisition hold order information, and a continuous effect presence / absence information column for storing continuous effect presence / absence information indicating whether or not continuous effects are activated. Details will be described later, but the continuous effect presence / absence information includes continuous effect activation information and continuous effect non-activation information.

[0086] The hold command sent from the main control board 300 includes pre-determination information (pre-determination special symbol, pre-determination variable pattern, and acquisition hold order information). These pieces of pre-determination information are stored in association with each other in the pre-determination information memory area 320c3. In the storage area for the first special symbol, the priority order for storing pre-determination information is as follows: the first storage area is the storage target with the highest priority; if pre-determination information is stored in the first storage area, the second storage area is the storage target with the highest priority; then the third storage area is the storage target with the highest priority; and finally the fourth storage area is selected as the storage target. The same applies to the storage area for the second special symbol. For example, when pre-determination information for the first special pattern is already stored in the third storage area for the first special pattern, and pre-determination information for a new first special pattern (specific pattern A, variation pattern 7B, hold order information at time of acquisition "4") is to be stored (see Figure 4-6), information representing "4" is stored in the hold order information column at time of acquisition of the fourth storage area, information representing "variation pattern 7B" is stored in the variation pattern information column of the fourth storage area, information representing "specific pattern A" is stored in the jackpot pattern information column of the fourth storage area, and information representing "jackpot" is stored in the jackpot determination information column of the fourth storage area.

[0087] In FIG. 4-6, the pre-determination information for the first storage area relating to the first special symbol is stored as follows: "Miss" information in the jackpot determination information column, "None" information in the jackpot symbol information column, "Variation Pattern 1" information in the variation pattern information column, and information representing "3" in the hold order information column at the time of acquisition. The pre-determination information for the second storage area is stored as follows: "Miss" information in the jackpot determination information column, "None" information in the jackpot symbol information column, "Variation Pattern 2AX" information in the variation pattern information column, and information representing "1" in the hold order information column at the time of acquisition. The pre-determination information for the third storage area is stored as follows: "Miss" information in the jackpot determination information column, "None" information in the jackpot symbol information column, "Variation Pattern 4BX" information in the variation pattern information column, and information representing "2" in the hold order information column at the time of acquisition. Furthermore, the continuous effect presence / absence information column stores continuous effect activation information indicating whether or not continuous effects will be executed in the pre-reading process described below. In Figure 4-6, in the continuous performance information column corresponding to the fourth storage area related to the first special pattern, "〇" is displayed as continuous performance activation information, which is information indicating that continuous performance will be activated, and "-" is displayed in the other storage areas as continuous performance non-activation information, which is information indicating that continuous performance will not be activated.

[0088] [Processing list on the performance control board 320] 4-7, the processing executed by the performance control board 320 will be described. FIG. 4-7 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of processing executed by the performance control board 320.

[0089] As shown in Figure 4-7, when power is supplied, the sub-CPU 320a of the performance control board 320 executes a performance main process based on a program stored in the sub-ROM 320b. Furthermore, while the sub-CPU 320a is executing the performance main process, it repeatedly executes a performance timer interrupt process at regular intervals (for example, every 2 milliseconds). The various processes of the performance main process and the performance timer interrupt process are described below.

[0090] [Explanation of the main process] The main effect processing is processing corresponding to the main processing on the main control board 300, and is processing including, for example, power-on notification processing, power recovery notification processing, RAM clear notification processing, setting change notification processing, and setting confirmation notification processing. The power-on notification processing is processing for executing a power-on notification based on a power-on designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The power recovery notification processing is processing for executing a power recovery notification based on a power recovery designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The RAM clear notification processing is processing for executing a RAM clear notification based on a RAM clear designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The setting change notification processing is processing for executing a setting change notification based on a setting change designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The setting confirmation notification processing is processing for executing a setting confirmation notification based on a setting confirmation designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a.

[0091] [Explanation of the performance timer interrupt process] The random number update process is a process for updating various random numbers used in the performance (for example, decorative pattern determination random numbers, chance-up random numbers). The command reception processing is processing based on various commands etc. transmitted from the main control board 300, and includes a look-ahead processing which determines whether or not to perform a continuous performance or a pseudo consecutive performance based on a hold command, a performance pattern determination processing which determines a performance pattern based on the core display performance designation table TS1, the decorative pattern determination table TS2 and the chance-up determination table TS3, a hold processing which stores a hold flag in the hold memory area 320c1 of the sub-RAM 320c when a hold command is received and sets a hold display command for hold display on the main display device 131, a pre-determination information shift processing which executes shift processing of the pre-determination information in the pre-determination information memory area 320c3 of the sub-RAM 320c when a variation start command is received, a normal pattern performance processing which is processing for performing a performance corresponding to the variation of the normal pattern on the main display device 131 according to the determination result of the normal pattern determination, a pattern determination processing which is processing for displaying the decorative pattern currently varying on the main display device 131 as a fixed stop based on a pattern determination command, a jackpot processing which executes an opening performance, an ending performance and a round performance during jackpot play, and an error notification processing which will be described later. The effect button processing is a process for detecting input via the sword handle unit 135 or the effect operation stick 136 and performing a predetermined effect. The command transmission processing is a process for transmitting various commands generated by the various processes described above to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. Here, the continuous effect is an effect that can be executed in the main display device 131, and is an effect that can be executed during the change start effect across multiple variable displays of the special symbol. This continuous effect may consist of only one type of effect, or may include multiple types of effects. If the continuous effect includes multiple types of effects, one of the multiple types of effects may be selected and executed. Furthermore, the continuous effect may be executed for one variable display of the special symbol. Furthermore, the pseudo consecutive effect may consist of only one type of effect, or may include multiple types of effects. If the pseudo consecutive effect includes multiple types of effects, one of the multiple types of effects may be selected and executed.

[0092] The error notification process is a process for executing various types of error notifications according to the error specification commands received by the sub-CPU 320a, and is a process for generating notification instruction commands for executing error notifications according to the type of error specification command, etc. Here, "error specification commands" include a door open error specification command, a switch connection error specification command, a magnetic error specification command, a radio wave error specification command, a vibration error specification command, an abnormal winning error specification command, a discharge error specification command, a ball removal error specification command, an operation error specification command, a left-hit state specification command, etc. Details of the type of error notification according to each error specification command will be described later.

[0093] [Configuration of upper unit 180] The configuration of the upper unit 180 will be described with reference to Figs. 5-1 to 5-3. Fig. 5-1 is a perspective view of the upper unit 180, where (A) is a view showing the upper unit 180 fixed to the outer frame 160 so as to cover a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150, and (B) is a view showing the upper unit 180 fixed only to the outer frame 160. Fig. 5-2 is a perspective view of the rear of the upper unit 180, where (A) is a perspective view of the right rear face, and (B) is a perspective view of the left rear face. Fig. 5-3 is a schematic view of a lantern member 1580 in the upper unit 180, where (A) is a perspective view of the lantern member 1580, and (B) is a schematic view showing the lantern member 1580 in an exploded state.

[0094] As shown in Figure 5-1, the upper unit 180 comprises a first side portion 1510 and a second side portion 1530 each having an LED installed therein, a character reel 1550 which is a movable reel on which a logo of a predetermined character is formed, and a first support portion 1515 and a second support portion 1535 which movably connect the first side portion 1510 and the second side portion 1530 and are fixed to the outer frame 160.

[0095] The character role device 1550 is composed of a main body 1555 on which a predetermined character logo is formed and a drive unit 1570 for operating the main body 1555 in an effect corresponding to the game status. The main body 1555 has a movable logo member on which the logo is formed, and a movable role device (not shown) is housed inside. The drive unit 1570 is provided with a motor for operating the logo member and movable role device of the main body 1580, a link mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the motor to the logo member and movable role device, and a unit control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the upper unit 180, such as sending and receiving various signals from the lamp control board 340 and supplying power from the power supply board 360. The main body 1555 is provided with an LED (not shown) that generates various light-emitting effects in an effect corresponding to the game status.

[0096] The first side portion 1510 is slidably connected to the first support portion 1515, and has a character role object 1550 fixed thereto. The second side portion 1530 is slidably connected to the second support portion 1535, and has a character role object 1550 fixed thereto. Furthermore, the first side portion 1510 and the second side portion 1530 are each provided with lantern members 1580 and 1585, which are decorative members that emit light depending on the game status and are shaped like a lantern, as described below. An identification display portion 1532 is provided on the side surface of the second side portion 1530. The identification display unit 1532 is composed of a code unit displaying a code that can be read by a predetermined terminal (for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or the like, which displays information such as the model name on the terminal that reads it), a warning unit displaying warnings for when the device is attached (for example, "Caution! Fingers may get pinched"), and a model name unit displaying the name of the correct model to be attached (for example, "Model ABC"). The first side unit 1510 and the second side unit 1530 are provided with LEDs (not shown), which emit various light-emitting effects in response to the game status. The first support unit 1515 is provided with a first rail unit with a rail (not shown) and a first sliding unit (not shown) to which the first side unit 1510 is fixed and which is slidable along the rail of the first rail unit. The second support portion 1535 is also provided with a second rail portion having a rail (not shown) and a second sliding portion (not shown) to which the second side portion 1530 is fixed and which is capable of sliding along the rail of the second rail portion.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 5-1(B), when the upper unit 180 (see FIG. 5-1(A)), which is fixed to the outer frame 160 so as to cover a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150, is removed from the glass frame 150 (to be fixed to the outer frame 160 but not to cover a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150), the first side portion 1510 fixed to the first sliding portion, the second side portion 1530 fixed to the second sliding portion, and the character role device 1550 fixed to the first side portion 1510 and the second side portion 1530 are moved together in an upward diagonal forward direction in front of the gaming machine along the rails of the first rail portion of the first support portion 1515 and the second rail portion of the second support portion 1535. By setting the upper unit 180 in the state shown in FIG. 5-1(B) in this way, the glass frame 150 is not covered by the character role device 1550 of the upper unit 180, and can be opened and closed. The structure for opening and closing the glass frame 150 will be described in detail later.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 5-2(A), a first support column mounting portion 1517 that is attached to the outer frame 160 is provided at the end of the first support column portion 1515. This first support column mounting portion 1517 is provided with a first support column mounting pin 1520 that is inserted into the outer frame 160 and a first support column mounting piece 1525 that extends in the same direction as the first support column mounting pin 1520. The first support column mounting pin 1520 has a tapered shape formed at its tip, and a notch 1521 is provided in the portion where the tapered edge is not formed. A first main body mounting pin 1590 that is inserted into the glass frame 150 and a first main body fitting hole 1593 that fits with a first glass frame protrusion (described later) are provided in the left region of the back surface of the drive unit 1570 of the character role object 1550 that is attached to the glass frame 150. The first main body mounting pin 1590 has a tapered shape formed at the tip, and a notch 1591 is provided in the portion where the tapered portion is not formed.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 5-2(B), a second support column mounting portion 1537 having a configuration substantially similar to that of first support column mounting portion 1517 of first support column 1515 is provided at the end of second support column 1535. This second support column mounting portion 1537 is provided with a second support column mounting pin 1540 having a notch 1541 formed in substantially the same shape as first support column mounting pin 1520, and a second support column mounting piece 1545 having substantially the same shape as first support column mounting piece 1525. A second main body mounting pin 1595 having a notch 1596 formed in the same shape as first main body mounting pin 1590 and a second main body fitting hole 1598 that fits with a second glass frame protrusion 1735 (described later) is provided in the right region of the back surface covering glass frame 150 in drive unit 1570 of character role object 1550.

[0100] Furthermore, an upper unit connector 1575 for electrically connecting to a control board or the like in the game board unit 102 is provided in the right region of the back surface covering the glass frame 150 of the drive unit 1570 of the character role device 1550. The upper unit connector 1575 is also provided with a spring (not shown) and is structured to be movable in the attachment / detachment direction. The upper unit connector 1575 having such a structure is structured so that it can be pulled or pressed in the attachment / detachment direction with a predetermined force.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 5-3(A), lantern member 1580 is fixed to the front side of first side portion 1510, and although not described in detail, lantern member 1585 is fixed to the front side of second side portion 1530. Lantern member 1580 is a translucent member decorated with the letter "U" on the front side, and is a member for producing a light-emitting effect by illuminating an LED provided inside. Lantern member 1585 has the same configuration as lantern member 1580 and is for producing a similar light-emitting effect.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 5-3(B), the lantern member 1580 has a rear lantern case portion 1581a, a front lantern case portion 1581b, and a lantern base plate 1582. The rear lantern case portion 1581a and the lantern base plate 1582 are fixed to the first side portion 1510, and are configured so that the lantern base plate 1582 is enclosed when the front lantern case portion 1581b is fitted into the rear lantern case portion 1581a. In other words, the front lantern case portion 1581b is a detachable member of the upper unit 180. The lantern base plate 1582 is also provided with multiple LEDs, six reflective sensors 1583a to 1583f that irradiate a detection object with signal light and receive and detect the reflected light from the detection object, and a lantern control portion for controlling the operation of these LEDs and reflective sensors and the transmission and reception of various signals to and from the unit control portion. Five reflecting sections 1584a-1584e are provided inside the front lantern case section 1581b, on which detection objects (for example, aluminum members) that can be detected by the reflective sensors 1583a-1583f are provided. The lantern control section of the lantern board 1582 receives a signal for effecting from the lamp control board 340 via the unit control section, and causes the LEDs to perform a predetermined light emission effect, while also activating the reflective sensors 1583a-1583f and transmitting the detection results to the lamp control board 340 via the unit control section.

[0103] [Configuration of the Upper Parts of Glass Frame 150, Outer Frame 160, and Inner Frame 170] The configuration of the upper parts of glass frame 150, outer frame 160, and inner frame 170, and the configuration of lock unit 190 provided in glass frame 150 will be described with reference to Figures 6-1 and 6-2. Figure 6-1 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the upper parts of glass frame 150 and outer frame 160, where (A) is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the upper parts of glass frame 150 and outer frame 160 with upper unit 180 removed, and (B) is a perspective view showing the configuration of the upper right parts of glass frame 150 and outer frame 160 with upper unit 180 removed. Figure 6-2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of lock unit 190 of glass frame 150, where (A) is a diagram showing lock unit 190 in a locked state, and (B) is a diagram showing lock unit 190 in an unlocked state. In addition, since Figure 6-1 shows the gaming machine 100 with the upper unit 180 removed, the gaming board connector 1620 provided on the accessory unit 102B of the gaming board unit 102 is exposed from the connector opening 1615.

[0104] 6-1(A), the glass frame 150 is provided with a first glass frame insertion hole 1600 into which the first main body mounting pin 1590 of the upper unit 180 is inserted, a second glass frame insertion hole 1610 into which the second main body mounting pin 1595 is inserted, a connector opening 1615 into which the upper unit connector 1575 is inserted, and an opening lever 1625 that is operated to open the glass frame 150. The outer frame 160 is provided with a first support pillar fixing portion 1650 to which the first support pillar fixing portion 1517 is attached, a second support pillar fixing portion 1660 to which the second support pillar mounting portion 1537 is attached, and an outer frame lock release operation portion 1675 that is operated to switch the outer frame lock mechanism, which will be described later, from a locked state to an unlocked state.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6-1(B), second glass frame insertion hole portion 1610 is provided with second glass frame insertion hole 1630, which has a rounded chamfered portion formed on the opening edge, and second glass frame protrusion 1635. Because second glass frame insertion hole 1630 has a chamfered portion formed on the opening edge, it is easier to insert second main body mounting pin 1595 along the chamfered portion compared to a hole without a chamfered portion. Second glass frame protrusion 1635 is composed of a protrusion that fits into second main body fitting hole 1598 and a semicircular protrusion provided below second glass frame insertion hole 1630. The semicircular protrusion formed on second glass frame protrusion 1635 prevents second main body mounting pin 1595 from sliding out below the opening edge along the chamfered portion of the opening edge when inserting second glass frame insertion hole 1630. In other words, the chamfered portion of the opening edge of the second glass frame insertion hole 1630 and the second glass frame raised portion 1635 function as a guide for positioning when inserting the second main body mounting pin 1595 into the second glass frame insertion hole 1630.

[0106] The first glass frame insertion hole 1600 has substantially the same structure as the second glass frame insertion hole 1610, and although not described in detail, it is provided with a first glass frame insertion hole and a first glass frame protrusion. The connector opening 1615 is provided with a game board connector 1620 of the game board unit 102 attached to the inner frame 170, so that when the character role device 1550 is attached to the glass frame 150, the upper unit connector 1575 can be fitted into the game board connector 1620. The release lever 1625 is connected to the lock unit 190, and operating the release lever 1625 enables the glass frame 150 to be opened. When the character role device 1550 is in a state in which it covers a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150, the release lever 1625 is disposed between the character role device 1550 and the glass frame 150, making it difficult to operate.

[0107] The second support fixing portion 1660 is provided with a second outer frame insertion hole 1662, a second outer frame insertion piece 1665, a second outer frame receiving portion 1667, and a second outer frame pressing portion 1670. The second outer frame insertion hole 1662 has a chamfered portion formed on the opening edge, which makes it easier to insert the second support mounting pin 1540 along the chamfered portion compared to a hole without a chamfered portion. The second outer frame insertion piece 1665 is a wall portion extending upward from the opening of the second outer frame insertion hole 1662, and prevents the second support mounting pin 1540 from entering any part other than the second outer frame insertion hole 1662 when attaching the second support portion 1535. Furthermore, the second outer frame pressing portion 1670 is a member connected to an outer frame locking mechanism, which will be described later, and is pressed by the second support post mounting piece 1545 when the second support post portion 1535 is attached.

[0108] Furthermore, the second outer frame receiving portion 1667 has the function of supporting the upper unit 180 by contacting the bottom surface of the second support portion 1535 when the second support portion 1535 is attached, and is a component that enables the second support mounting pin 1540 to be inserted into the second outer frame insertion hole 1662 while aligning the bottom surface of the second support portion 1535 when attaching the second support portion 1535. In other words, the second outer frame insertion hole 1662, the second outer frame insertion piece 1665, and the second outer frame receiving portion 1667 function as a guide for positioning when inserting the second support mounting pin 1540 into the second outer frame insertion hole 1662. The first support fixing portion 1650 has the same configuration as the second support fixing portion 1660, and is provided with a first outer frame insertion hole, a first outer frame insertion piece, a first outer frame receiving portion, and a first outer frame pressing portion.

[0109] [Configuration of locking mechanism of upper unit 180] The locking mechanisms in the upper unit 180 include a glass frame locking mechanism using a lock unit 190 that can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state with respect to the glass frame 150, and an outer frame locking mechanism that can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state with respect to the outer frame 160. In particular, the glass frame locking mechanism is a locking mechanism for the glass frame 150 in the character element 1550 of the upper unit 180, and the outer frame locking mechanism is a locking mechanism for the outer frame 160 in the first support column 1515 and the second support column 1535 of the upper unit 180. The glass frame locking mechanism and the outer frame locking mechanism will be described below.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6-2, the lock unit 190 constituting the glass frame lock mechanism is a mechanism provided on the back surface of the glass frame 150 and includes a rotating member 1680, a first link member 1681, a second link member 1685, and a third link member 1690. The rotating member 1680 is connected to a keyhole member provided in the glass frame 150 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of a specific key inserted into the keyhole of the keyhole member. The first link member 1681 is a member provided on the right surface of the glass frame 150 so as to be movable in the vertical direction in response to the operation of the rotating member 1680, and is provided so as to be able to act on the second link member 1685. The second link member 1685 is a member provided so as to move the third link member 1690 in conjunction with the operation of the first link member 1681. The third link member 1690 is a member provided on the upper surface of the glass frame 150 so as to be movable in the left-right direction, and is provided so as to be able to operate the first link member 1681 via the second link member 1685. The biasing force supply unit 1688 is provided with a spring that generates a biasing force, and is connected to the first link member 1681 by a wire so as to apply a downward biasing force to the first link member 1681. The sensor 1698 is a sensor that detects whether the lock unit 190 is in a locked state or an unlocked state according to the movement of the third link member 1690.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 6-2(A), when the lock unit 190 is in the locked state, the left end 1693 of the third link member 1690 fits into the notch 1591 of the first main body mounting pin 1590 inserted into the first glass frame insertion hole 1600, and the right end 1695 of the third link member 1690 fits into the notch 1596 of the second main body mounting pin 1595 inserted into the second glass frame insertion hole 1610. In other words, when the lock unit 190 is in the locked state, the character reel 1550 cannot be removed. Note that, in the lock unit 190 when the character reel 1550 is not attached, a spring (not shown) applies a leftward biasing force to the third link member 1690, thereby maintaining the locked state as described above.

[0112] As shown in Figure 6-2 (B), when the lock unit 190 is in the unlocked state, the left end 1693 of the third link member 1690 is not fitted into the notch 1591 of the first main body mounting pin 1590, and the right end 1695 of the third link member 1690 is not fitted into the notch 1596 of the second main body mounting pin 1595. In other words, when the lock unit 190 is in the unlocked state, the character accessory 1550 can be removed.

[0113] Here, we will explain the operation of each component when changing from a locked state to an unlocked state in the glass frame lock mechanism using the lock unit 190. First, when a predetermined key inserted into the keyhole component is turned counterclockwise, the rotating component 1680 rotates counterclockwise, causing the first link component 1681 to move upward. This movement of the first link component 1681 acts on the third link component 1690 via the second link component 1685, causing the third link component 1690 to move rightward. As the third link component 1690 moves rightward in this manner, the left end component 1693 of the third link component 1690 is released from engagement with the notch component 1591 of the first main body mounting pin 1590, and the right end component 1695 of the third link component 1690 is released from engagement with the notch component 1596 of the second main body mounting pin 1595. On the other hand, when attaching the character accessory 1550 to the glass frame 150, the lock unit 190 is in a locked state, and the first main body mounting pin 1590 and the second main body mounting pin 1595 are inserted into the first glass frame insertion hole 1600 and the second glass frame insertion hole 1610. At this time, because the inserted first main body mounting pin 1590 and second main body mounting pin 1595 have tapered shapes as described above, the third link member 1690 itself moves to the right so that the left end 1693 and the right end 1695 of the third link member 1690 each move to the right. When the first body mounting pin 1590 and the second body mounting pin 1595 are inserted, the third link member 1690 moves to the left due to the spring force, and the left end 1693 and right end 1695 of the third link member 1690 fit into the cutout portions 1591 and 1596, locking the first body mounting pin 1590 and the second body mounting pin 1595.

[0114] The outer frame locking mechanism is a link mechanism made up of a first outer frame pressing portion, a second outer frame pressing portion 1670, and multiple other components (see FIG. 6-1), and can be switched between a locked state in which the first support portion 1515 and the second support portion 1535 of the upper unit 180 are not removable relative to the outer frame 160 and a non-locked state in which they are removable, by operating an outer frame lock release operation portion 1675. The outer frame locking mechanism is provided at a position sandwiched between the first support fixing portion 1650 and the second support fixing portion 1660 of the outer frame 160, and is provided so that when the upper unit 180 is attached to the glass frame 150, the outer frame lock release operation portion 1675 cannot be operated because it is not exposed by the character element 1550. In other words, when removing the upper unit 180 from the outer frame 160, the character device 1550 is moved diagonally upward in front of the gaming machine so that it does not cover part of the upper part of the glass frame 150, and then the exposed outer frame unlock operation part 1675 is operated to unlock the first support pillar fixing part 1650 and the second support pillar fixing part 1660, and the entire upper unit 180 is removed.

[0115] Here, the electrical connection between the upper unit 180 and the game board unit 102 will be described. First, the case where the upper unit 180 and the game board unit 102 are electrically disconnected, that is, the connection between the upper unit connector 1575 and the game board connector 1620 will be described. The upper unit connector 1575 is a male connector (see FIG. 5-2(B)) provided on the back of the upper unit 180, and the game board connector 1620 is a female connector (see FIGS. 9-1 and 9-4) provided on the top of the game board unit 102 (gimmick unit 102B). The upper unit connector 1575 and the game board connector 1620 are shaped to fit together. Also, as described above, the upper unit connector 1575 has a movable structure, but the game board connector 1620 has an immovable structure like the upper unit connector 1575. When the upper unit 180 is installed in a state where it covers part of the top of the glass frame 150, the upper unit connector 1575 is fitted into the game board connector 1620 exposed from the connector opening 1615, so that the upper unit 180 can be supplied with power from the power supply board 360 via the game board unit 120, and is connected so that various signals can be sent and received between the unit control unit of the upper unit 180 and the lamp control board 340.

[0116] As described above, the upper unit connector 1575 has a predetermined movable range in the attachment / detachment direction due to a spring (not shown), and is therefore structured so as to be able to be pulled. Therefore, the upper unit connector 1575 will not come off from the game board unit 102 simply by setting the lock unit 190 in an unlocked state and moving the character role device 1550 slightly away from the glass frame 150, and the upper unit connector 1575 will not come off from the game board connector 1620 unless the character role device 1550 is moved a predetermined distance away from the glass frame 150 (a range greater than the movable range of the upper unit connector 1575). That is, in the gaming machine 100, for example, if a predetermined key is inserted into the keyhole of the lock unit 190 and turned left, the power supply from the power supply board 360 to the upper unit 180 is cut off. When the character role device 1550 is moved diagonally upward in front of the gaming machine so that it does not cover a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150, the power supply to the upper unit 180 is cut off by turning the predetermined key left, and then the upper unit connector 1575 is pulled and pulled out from the game board connector 1620. Therefore, with such a configuration, a momentary power outage to the upper unit 180 is prevented, and therefore, a configuration can be adopted in which a failure due to a momentary power outage in the upper unit 180 caused by, for example, the erroneous removal of the character role device 1550 is prevented.

[0117] [Structure of Sword Handle Unit 135] The configuration of the handle unit 135 will be described with reference to Figures 7-1 and 7-2. Figure 7-1 is a front view of the handle unit 135. Figure 7-2 is a schematic view of the handle unit 135, where (A) is a schematic view of the back of the handle unit 135 and (B) is a schematic view of the bottom of the handle unit 135.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2, the sword handle unit 135 includes a sword handle 1700, an outer cover 1750, and a mechanism 1755. The sword handle 1700 is shaped to resemble the handle of a sword, and is configured to vibrate or otherwise produce effects depending on the game status and to be operable by the player, such as by pressing. The outer cover 1750 is shaped so as to cover an opening 1880 formed in the glass frame 150 when attached to the bottom of the glass frame 150 (described below). The mechanism 1755 includes a motor for operating the sword handle 1700, a control unit for controlling the motor's drive, the illumination of an LED (not shown), and the transmission and reception of various signals to and from the lamp control board 340, and a case that houses these components. The mechanism section 1755 is also provided with a blade connector 1760 for connection to a glass frame connector 1860 of the glass frame 150, which will be described later, for transmitting and receiving various signals between the control section and the lamp control board 340 and for supplying power from the power supply board 360. Furthermore, the case of the mechanism section 1755 is provided with a first blade handle locking hole 1780 and a second blade handle locking hole 1770 for locking the blade handle unit 135 to the glass frame 150.

[0119] [Configuration of the bottom of the glass frame 150] 8-1 and 8-2, the configuration of the portion of the lower part of the glass frame 150 where the sword handle unit is attached will be described. Fig. 8-1 is a schematic diagram of the top surface of the configuration of the lower part of the glass frame 150. Fig. 8-2 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of the lower part of the glass frame 150, where (A) is a bottom view of the lower part of the glass frame 150 and (B) is a rear view of the lower part of the glass frame 150.

[0120] 8-1 and 8-2, the lower part of the glass frame 150 is provided with two speakers 1820, 1825, the performance operation stick 136, the upper tray 128, and an opening 1880 into which the mechanism 1755 of the sword handle unit 135 fits, and inside this is formed a glass-frame lower decorative part 1810 shaped to contain the mechanism 1755 of the sword handle unit 135. In addition, the glass-frame lower decorative part 1810 is provided with a first sword handle fixing part 1885 on the bottom surface, a second sword handle fixing part 1895 on the back surface of the glass frame 150, and an internal glass frame connector 1860. Furthermore, the first handle fixing part 1885 is composed of a first handle fixing pin 1887a consisting of a pin-shaped part protruding upward from the bottom surface inside the opening 1880 and two protrusions extending radially from the center of the pin-shaped part, and a first handle fixing switch part 1887b provided on the bottom surface outside the glass frame 150. The first handle fixing part 1885 is structured so that when the first handle fixing switch part 1887b is rotated, the connected first handle fixing pin 1887a also rotates. The second handle fixing part 1895 has the same structure as the first handle fixing part 1885, and is composed of a second handle fixing pin 1897a and a second handle fixing switch part 1897b.

[0121] When attaching the handle unit 135 to the glass frame 150 configured as described above, first, the glass frame connector 1860 is connected to the handle connector 1760, and the mechanism part 1755 of the handle unit 135 is inserted into the glass-frame lower decorative part 1810 through the opening 1880. At this time, the mechanism part 1755 is inserted into the glass-frame lower decorative part 1810 so that the first handle fixing pin 1887a fits into the first handle lock hole 1780 and the second handle fixing pin 1897a fits into the second handle lock hole 1770. Then, the first handle fixing switch part 1887b and the second handle fixing switch part 1897b are rotated to lock the handle unit 135 to the glass-frame lower decorative part 1810 of the glass frame 150. In this way, when the sword handle unit 135 is attached to the glass frame 150, the glass frame connector 1860 and the sword handle connector 1760 are connected, so that the sword handle unit 135 can be supplied with power from the power supply board 360 and is connected so that various signals can be sent and received between the control unit of the sword handle unit 135 and the lamp control board 340. When removing the sword handle unit 135 from the glass frame under-decorative part 1810 of the glass frame 150, the second sword handle fixing switching part 1897b (see Figure 8-2 (B)) provided on the back surface of the glass frame 150 must be operated, and therefore a predetermined key must be inserted into the keyhole member of the lock unit 190 described above to open the glass frame 150.

[0122] [Configuration of game board unit 102] The configuration of the game board unit 102 will be described with reference to Figs. 9-1 to 9-5. Fig. 9-1 is a perspective view of the front side of the game board unit 102, and Fig. 9-2 is a perspective view of the back side of the game board unit 102. Fig. 9-3 is a perspective view of the front side of the game board 102A. Fig. 9-4 is a perspective view of the front side of the accessory unit 102B. Fig. 9-5 is a perspective view of the back side of the main display device 131 provided with the performance control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 9-1 and 9-2, the game board unit 102 is composed of a game board 102A, a role unit 102B, a main display device 131, a performance control board unit 102C, and a main control board unit 102D. The game board 102A is detachably attached to the role unit 102B on the front side of the game board unit 102. The main display device 131 is detachably attached to the role unit 102B on the back side of the game board unit 102. The performance control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D are each detachably attached to the main display device 131 on the back side of the game board unit 102.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 9-1, the front surface of the game board 102A of the game board unit 102 is provided with game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a, one at each of the four corners. Each of these game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a has a substantially identical structure, consisting of a fixed switching portion rotatably mounted on the front surface of the game board 102A and a fixing pin consisting of a pin-shaped portion protruding from the back surface of the game board 102A and two protrusions extending radially from the center of the pin-shaped portion. Each of these game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a is designed so that when the fixing switching portion is rotated, the fixing pin connected to the back surface of the game board 102A also rotates. Note that lock holes 1912b, 1914b, 1916b, and 1918b provided in the accessory unit 102B into which the fixing pins of these game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a fit will be described later. Also, at the top of the accessory unit 102B of the game board unit 102, a game board connector 1620 shaped to fit with the upper unit connector 1575 as described above is provided, and the game board connector 1620 has an immovable structure, unlike the upper unit connector 1575. Furthermore, unit engagement portions 1922, 1924, 1926, and 1928, which are portions pressed by unit pressing portions 2022 and 2024 and unit fixing portions 2026 and 2028, which will be described later, are provided at each of the squares on the front side of the accessory unit 102B of the game board unit 102.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9-2, a main display device 131 is detachably provided on the back side of the gaming board unit 102 relative to the accessory unit 102B, and a performance control board unit 102C and a main control board unit 102D are detachably provided relative to the main display device 131. A relay board 1950 is provided on the accessory unit 102B to relay power supplied from the power supply board 360 in the gaming machine 100 and various signals from the main control board 300, etc. The relay board 1950 is non-detachably provided on the accessory unit 102B and is connected to each unit in the gaming machine 100 by cables (not shown). A space for the main display device 131 is formed between the relay board 1950 and the various movable accessory devices in the accessory unit 102B, and a display device frame is provided in the space for the main display device 131 to slide into. Furthermore, the main display device 131 is provided with lock switching units 1970, 1975 that can be switched between an unlocked state, which is detachable, and a locked state, which is non-detachable, by fitting into the accessory unit 102B while fitted into the display device frame.

[0126] [Configuration of game board 102A] As shown in FIG. 9-3, the game board 102A is made of a transparent acrylic material and has multiple nails (not shown) and windmills (not shown) arranged on it. These nails and windmills have the function of changing the movement of the game ball and guiding it to a predetermined winning hole. The game board also includes game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a, a first starting device 112, a normal symbol activation gate 113b, a second starting device 115, a first special prize device 117, a second special prize device 127, and movable pieces 115b, 117b, and 127b. As described above, the game board 102A on which the various starting devices and the like are provided is also provided with a gate detection switch 303, a first starting device detection switch 304a, a second starting device detection switch 304b, a first winning device detection switch 306a, a second winning device detection switch 306b, a starting device opening / closing solenoid 307, a first special winning device opening / closing solenoid 308, and a second special winning device opening / closing solenoid 370 (not shown). Furthermore, the game board 102A is also provided with a display cover 1925A on which is written an explanation of the contents suggested by the various displays on the display 125.

[0127] In this embodiment, the game board 102A is formed to be transparent, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the game board 102A may be formed to be translucent as long as it is formed to be light-transmitting. Furthermore, the game board 102A may be formed from a material other than an acrylic material, for example, a transparent plastic material.

[0128] [Configuration of the accessory unit 102B] As shown in Fig. 9-4, the role unit 102B is provided with an upper role unit 154, a lower role unit 156, a role mechanism unit 158 ​​that operates the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 in various modes, a light guide panel unit 181, and unit engagement units 1922, 1924, 1926, and 1928. The role unit 102B also has a light emitting member 1925B, which is a member made up of a plurality of LEDs in the display 125, provided at a position covered by a display cover 1925A of the game board 102A. The role unit 102B also has lock holes 1912b, 1914b, 1916b, and 1918b. Here, the locking mechanism using the game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a of the game board 102A and the lock holes 1912b, 1914b, 1916b, and 1918b of the accessory unit 102B will be described. When attaching the game board 102A to the accessory unit 102B, first, the game board 102A is attached so that the fixing pins of the game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a fit into the lock holes 1912b, 1914b, 1916b, and 1918b. Then, by rotating each of the game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a, the game board 102A can be locked to the accessory unit 102B. In addition, in the accessory mechanism section 158, the rail section for operating the upper accessory unit 154 is covered by mechanism covers 155a and 155b with predetermined decorations so that it is not exposed.

[0129] [Configuration of main display device 131, etc.] As shown in FIG. 9-5, performance control board unit 102C has performance control board 320 housed in performance control board case 1990, and main control board unit 102D has main control board 300 housed in main control board case 1980. Furthermore, performance control board case 1990 is fixed to main display device 131 by a sub-fixing part (not shown), and is configured to be detachable by operating the sub-fixing part. Furthermore, main control board case 1980 is also fixed to main display device 131 by a main fixing part (not shown), and is configured to be detachable by operating the main fixing part. In other words, performance control board unit 102C and main control board unit 102D are each configured to be detachable from main display device 131. In addition, from the back of the main display device 131, the information display 302c mounted on the main control board 300 can be seen while enclosed in the main control board case 1980, and the RAM clear switch 302a and setting key switch 302b provided on the main control board 300 can be operated.

[0130] [Configuration and operation of the accessory mechanism 158] 10-1 and 10-2, the configuration and operation of the accessory mechanism 158 will be described. Fig. 10-1(A) is a schematic diagram showing the accessory mechanism 158 in a state where the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 are in the initial position, and Fig. 10-1(B) is a schematic diagram showing the accessory mechanism 158 in a state where the upper accessory unit 154 is in the first position. Fig. 10-2(A) is a schematic diagram showing the accessory mechanism 158 in a state where the upper accessory unit 154 is in the second position, and Fig. 10-2(B) is a schematic diagram showing the accessory mechanism 158 in a state where the lower accessory unit 156 is in the advanced position.

[0131] As shown in Figures 10-1 and 10-2, the reel mechanism 158 includes an upper left motor 410 provided at the upper left of the reel unit 102B, an upper left link section 415, a left rail section 430 provided on the left side of the reel unit 102B, a left connecting section 435, an upper right motor 460 provided at the upper right of the reel unit 102B, an upper right link section 465, a right rail section 480 provided on the right side of the reel unit 102B, a right connecting section 485, a lower motor 510 provided at the bottom of the reel unit 102B, a lower base section 530 provided at the bottom of the reel unit 102B, a connecting belt section 550, a lower link section 565, and a lower connecting section 585.

[0132] The upper left link 415 connects the upper left motor 410 and the upper role unit 154 and is configured to be interlocked with the drive of the upper left motor 410 via a gear (not shown). The left connecting portion 435 connects the upper role unit 154 and the left rail portion 430 and is configured to slide up and down along the rail of the left rail portion 430. The upper right link 465 connects the upper right motor 460 and the upper role unit 154 and is configured to be interlocked with the drive of the upper right motor 460 via a gear (not shown). The right connecting portion 485 connects the upper role unit 154 and the right rail portion 480 and is configured to slide up and down along the rail of the right rail portion 480. The lower link 565 connects the lower base portion 530 and the lower role unit 156 and is configured to be interlocked with the drive of the lower motor 510 via a gear (not shown) provided on the lower base portion 530. The lower base section 530 has a control section (not shown) that can send and receive various signals to and from the performance control board 320, etc. The lower connecting section 585 connects the lower role unit 156 and the right rail section 480, and is configured to slide up and down along the rail of the right rail section 480, and has a relay board (not shown) that is connected to the control section of the lower role unit 156 (described later) so that various signals can be sent and received. The connecting belt section 550 connects the control section of the lower base section 530 to the relay board of the lower connecting section 585 so that various signals can be sent and received.

[0133] The connecting belt 550 is composed of a flat connecting wire and a cover member covering the connecting wire. The connecting wire is a so-called flexible flat cable, and by electrically connecting the control unit of the lower base unit 530 to the relay board of the lower connecting unit 585, it connects the performance control board 320 and the control unit of the lower role main unit 750 so as to be able to transmit and receive various signals. The cover member is a member molded from a flexible and transparent resin, and has multiple notches formed on one flat surface and both side surfaces, approximately perpendicular to the extension direction. The notches are also curved in the extension direction of the cover member. Furthermore, in the connecting belt 550 configured as described above, when connecting the control unit of the lower base unit 530 to the relay board of the lower connecting unit 585, one flat surface of the cover member on which the notches are formed is configured to form the outer peripheral surface when the cover member is bent, and the other flat surface without the notches is configured to form the inner peripheral surface when the cover member is bent. With such a connecting belt 550, the flat side of the cover member on which the notch is formed is easily bent when bent, but the other flat side on which the notch is not formed prevents the connecting wire from bending excessively when bent. Furthermore, when replacing the lower accessory decorative part, etc. in the lower accessory unit 156 and connecting the electrical wiring using the connecting belt 550, the connecting wire of the connecting belt 550 is covered with the cover member, so that damage to the connecting wire during the replacement work can also be prevented.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 10-1(A), first, when the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 are in the initial position, the upper role unit 154 is in the uppermost position, and the lower role unit 156 is in the lowermost position, and a part of each is visible from the opening 102AZ (see Fig. 1, for example). Next, as shown in Fig. 10-1(B), when the upper role unit 154 is in the first position, the upper role unit 154 moves approximately parallel from the state in the initial position to a position lower than the initial position, and the entire upper role unit 154 is visible from the opening 102AZ. When the upper role unit 154 moves from the initial position to the first position, the upper left motor 410 is driven to extend the upper left link portion 415 downward, causing the left connecting portion 435 to slide downward along the left rail portion 430, and the upper right motor 460 is driven to extend the upper right link portion 465 downward, causing the right connecting portion 485 to slide downward along the right rail portion 480.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 10-2(A), when the upper role unit 154 is in the second position, only the right side of the upper role unit 154 moves downward from the initial position, or only the left side moves upward from the first position, resulting in a tilted position, and the entire upper role unit 154 is visible through the opening 102AZ. When the upper role unit 154 moves from the initial position to the second position, the upper-left motor 410 is not driven, but the upper-right motor 460 is driven to extend the upper-right link portion 465 downward, causing the right connecting portion 485 to slide downward along the right rail portion 480. When the upper role unit 154 moves from the first position to the second position, the upper-left motor 410 is driven to bend the upper-left link portion 415 upward, causing the left connecting portion 435 to slide upward along the left rail portion 430, but the upper-right motor 460 is not driven. 10-2(B), when the lower role unit 156 is in the advanced position, the lower role unit 156 moves approximately parallel from the initial position to a position higher than the initial position, and the entire unit is visible from the opening 102AZ. When the lower role unit 156 moves from the initial position to the advanced position, the lower motor 510 is driven to raise the lower link part 565 upward so as to lift the lower role unit 156, and the lower connecting part 585 slides upward along the right rail part 480.

[0136] In the above, the upper role unit 154 has been described as moving from the initial position to the first position, from the initial position to the second position, and from the first position to the second position, but it may move in various ways. For example, the upper role unit 154 may move from the second position to the first position, or from the first position or the second position to the initial position. Furthermore, the upper role unit 154 may perform a so-called excitement effect in an operating mode in which the process of moving from the second position to the first position is repeated multiple times. Furthermore, the lower role unit 156 may also move in various ways. For example, it may perform a so-called excitement effect in an operating mode in which the process of moving from the initial position to the advanced position is repeated multiple times. In addition, the upper reel unit 154 at the first or second position and the lower reel unit 156 at the advanced position are configured so as not to come into contact with or interfere with each other, and it is possible to perform a performance in which the movement of the upper reel unit 154 and the movement of the lower reel unit 156 occur approximately simultaneously.

[0137] [Configuration of upper role unit 154 and lower role unit 156] With reference to Figures 11-1 to 11-4, the configuration of the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 will now be described. Figure 11-1(A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the upper role decoration part 600 of the upper role unit 154, and Figure 11-1(B) is a schematic diagram of the back side of the upper role decoration part 600. Figure 11-2(A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the upper role main body part 650 of the upper role unit 154, and Figure 11-2(B) is a schematic diagram of the internal configuration of the upper role main body part 650. Figure 11-3(A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the lower role decoration part 700 of the lower role unit 156, and Figure 11-3(B) is a schematic diagram of the back side of the lower role decoration part 700. Figure 11-4(A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the lower role main body 750 of the lower role unit 156, and Figure 11-4(B) is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the lower role main body 750.

[0138] 11-1 and 11-2, the upper role unit 154 is composed of an upper role decoration part 600 with a predetermined decoration, and an upper role main body part 650 that is connected to the upper left link part 415, left connecting part 435, upper right link part 465, and right connecting part 485 of the role mechanism part 158. Also, as shown in Figs. 11-3 and 11-4, the lower role unit 156 is composed of a lower role decoration part 700 with a predetermined decoration, and a lower role main body part 750 that is connected to the lower link part 565 and lower connecting part 585 of the role mechanism part 158. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, the upper role decoration part 600 in the upper role unit 154 is detachably attached to the upper role main body part 650 connected to the role mechanism part 158, and the lower role decoration part 700 in the lower role unit 156 is detachably attached to the lower role main body part 750 connected to the role mechanism part 158.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 11-1(A), the upper structure decorative portion 600 comprises a first upper decorative member 605, a second upper decorative member 610, and a third upper decorative member 615, each decorated with a specific design. The first upper decorative member 605 is configured to transmit light from a plurality of LEDs 653 of the upper structure main body portion 650, which will be described later. The second upper decorative member 610 is decorated in the shape of a tire and is configured to be rotatable. The third upper decorative member 615 is decorated in the shape of a motorcycle exhaust pipe and is configured to repeatedly move up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the second upper decorative member 610.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 11-1(B), the upper accessory decorative part 600 is provided on its back with an upper accessory rotating shaft 620, four reflecting parts 630a-630d, a first upper accessory locking part 640, a second upper accessory locking part 645, and two upper accessory fitting parts 647, 648. The upper accessory rotating shaft 620 is a rotating shaft configured to be linked to the second upper accessory member 610 and the third upper accessory member 615 by a gear part (not shown). When the upper accessory rotating shaft 620 rotates, the second upper accessory member 610 rotates and the third upper accessory member moves up and down repeatedly. The first upper accessory locking part 640 and the second upper accessory locking part 645 are components that lock onto the upper accessory main body 650 when the upper accessory decorative part 600 is attached to the upper accessory main body 650; their detailed configurations will be described later. The two upper decorative fittings 647, 648 are portions into which a portion of the upper part main body 650 fits when the upper part decorative part 600 is attached to the upper part main body 650. The four reflective parts 630a-630d are locations where detection objects (e.g., aluminum members) that can be detected by reflective sensors 680a-680d, which will be described later, are provided. Furthermore, an identification display part 632 is provided on the back surface of the upper part decorative part 600. The identification display part 632 has the same configuration as the identification display part 1532 of the upper unit 180 described above, and is composed of a code part, a warning part, and a model name part.

[0141] 11-2(A), the upper unit main body 650 is provided with a plurality of LEDs 653 and four reflective sensors 680a-680d on the upper main body surface 651, which is covered by the attachment of the upper unit decorative part 600. The sensors 680a-680d detect the object by irradiating the object with signal light and receiving the reflected light from the object. The first upper main body sliding part 660, the second upper main body sliding part 665, the upper main body pressing part 670, the upper main body rotating shaft part 675, the first upper main body locking part 690, and the second upper main body locking part 695 are partially exposed. The upper main body surface 651 has a control part (not shown) on the back side where the plurality of LEDs 653, etc. are not provided, which is connected to the performance control board 320 so as to be able to send and receive various signals.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 11-2(B), the upper mechanism main body 650 includes an upper main body motor 655 and an upper main body gear mechanism 678 composed of multiple gears. The upper main body gear mechanism 678 is configured to operate the first upper main body sliding part 660, the second upper main body sliding part 665, and the upper main body rotation shaft 675 when the upper main body motor 655 is driven. The first upper main body sliding part 660 and the second upper main body sliding part 665 are formed with rack gears that mesh with gears connected to the upper main body pressing part 670, and are configured to move in parallel in the left-right direction via the upper main body gear mechanism 678 when the upper main body motor 655 is driven. The upper main body pressing part 670 is a member extending from one of the multiple gears that make up the upper main body gear mechanism 678 and is configured to be pressable from the surface of the upper main body surface 651. The upper main body rotation shaft 675 is a member extending from one of the multiple gears constituting the upper main body gear mechanism 678, and is configured to engage with the upper decoration rotation shaft 620 of the upper role decoration part 600 attached to the surface of the upper main body surface part 651. The first upper main body locking part 690 and the second upper main body locking part 695 are members that lock onto the upper role decoration part 600 when the upper role decoration part 600 is attached, and their detailed configurations will be described later. The upper main body pressing part 670 is configured to be able to switch the manner in which the driving force of the upper main body motor 655 in the upper main body gear mechanism 678 is transmitted, such that the upper main body rotation shaft 675 operates when not pressed, and the first upper main body sliding part 660 and the second upper main body sliding part 665 operate when pressed.

[0143] As shown in Figure 11-3(A), the lower part decorative part 700 has a first lower decorative member 705 and a second lower decorative member 710, each decorated with a specific design on the surface. The first lower decorative member 705 is configured to transmit light from multiple lower part light source units 783 of the lower part main body 750, which will be described later. The second lower decorative member 710 is decorated in the shape of a belt buckle and is configured to be rotatable.

[0144] As shown in Figure 11-3 (B), the lower accessory decorative part 700 is provided on its back side with a lower accessory rotating shaft part 720, four reflecting parts 730a to 730d, a first lower accessory locking part 740, a second lower accessory locking part 745, and two lower accessory fitting parts 747, 748. The lower accessory rotating shaft part 720 is a rotating shaft configured to be linked to the second lower accessory member 710, and its rotation causes the second lower accessory member 710 to rotate. The first lower accessory locking part 740 and the second lower accessory locking part 745 are members that lock onto the lower accessory member main body part 750 when the lower accessory decorative part 700 is attached to the lower accessory member main body part 750, and their detailed configurations will be described later. The two lower ornament fitting portions 747, 748 are portions into which a portion of the lower ornament main body portion 750 fits when the lower ornament decorative portion 700 is attached to the lower ornament main body portion 750. The four reflective portions 730a-730d are locations where detection objects (e.g., aluminum members) that can be detected by the reflective sensors 780a-780d described below are provided. Furthermore, an identification display portion 732 is provided on the back surface of the lower ornament decorative portion 700. The identification display portion 732 has the same configuration as the identification display portion 1532 of the upper unit 180 and the identification display portion 632 of the upper ornament decorative portion 600 described above, and is composed of a code portion, a warning portion, and a model name portion.

[0145] 11-4(A), on the front side of the lower role main body 750, a plurality of LEDs 753 and four reflective sensors 780a to 780d that irradiate a signal light onto a detection object and receive and detect reflected light from the detection object are provided on a lower main body surface 751 that is covered by attaching a lower role decorative part 700, and a first lower main body rotation shaft 770, a second lower main body rotation shaft 775, a first lower main body locking part 790, and a second lower main body locking part 795 are partially exposed. Note that, on the back side of the lower main body surface 751 where the plurality of LEDs 753 etc. are not provided, a control part (not shown) is provided that is connected to the performance control board 320 via the relay board of the lower connecting part 585 and the control part of the lower base part 530 so as to be able to send and receive various signals.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 11-4(B), the lower role main body 750 also includes a lower main body motor 755 and a lower main body gear mechanism 778 composed of multiple gears. The lower main body gear mechanism 778 is configured so that the first lower main body rotation shaft 770 and the second lower main body rotation shaft 775 are operated when the lower main body motor 755 is driven. The first lower main body rotation shaft 770 is an extension of one of the multiple gears that make up the lower main body gear mechanism 778. The second lower main body rotation shaft 775 is an extension of one of the multiple gears that make up the lower main body gear mechanism 778, and is configured to engage with the lower decoration rotation shaft 720 of the lower role decoration 700 attached to the surface of the lower main body surface 751. The first lower main body locking portion 790 and the second lower main body locking portion 795 are components that lock onto the lower part decorative portion 700 when the lower part decorative portion 700 is attached, and their detailed configuration will be described later.

[0147] Referring to Figure 11-5, we will now explain how to attach and detach the upper role decorative part 600 to and from the upper role main body part 650 in the upper role unit 154. In the upper role unit 154, when attaching or detaching the upper role decorative part 600 to and from the upper role main body part 650, it is necessary to switch the state of the first upper ornament locking part 640 and the first upper main body locking part 690, and the state of the second upper ornament locking part 645 and the second upper main body locking part 695, between locked and unlocked states. Figure 11-5(A) is a perspective view showing the state in which the second upper ornament locking part 645 and the second upper main body locking part 695 of the upper role unit 154 are in a locked state, and Figure 11-5(B) is a perspective view showing the state in which the second upper ornament locking part 645 and the second upper main body locking part 695 are in an unlocked state. The locking mechanism formed by the second upper decorative locking portion 645 and the second upper main body locking portion 695 described below has the same configuration as the locking mechanism formed by the first upper decorative locking portion 640 and the first upper main body locking portion 690, the locking mechanism formed by the first lower decorative locking portion 740 and the first lower main body locking portion 790, and the locking mechanism formed by the second lower decorative locking portion 745 and the second lower main body locking portion 795.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 11-5(A), when the upper role decorative part 600 is attached to the upper role main body part 650 in the upper role unit 154 and is in a locked state, the second upper ornament locking part 645 locks with the second upper main body locking part 696 of the upper role main body part 650, and the second upper main body locking part 695 locks with the second upper ornament locking part 646 of the second upper ornament locking part 645. Note that the second upper ornament locking part 645 and the second upper main body locking part 695 are each biased in the direction of the locked state by a spring (not shown), so the locked state is maintained. In addition, a portion of the upper role main body part 650 is fitted into the two upper ornament fitting parts 647, 648 of the upper role decorative part 600.

[0149] As shown in Figure 11-5 (B), when changing from a locked state to an unlocked state when removing the upper part decorative part 600 from the upper part main body part 650 in the upper part unit 154, the second upper main body engaging part 695 is disengaged from the second upper ornament engaging part 646 of the second upper ornament engaging part 645, and then the second upper ornament engaging part 645 is disengaged from the second upper main body engaging part 696 of the upper part main body part 650. Also, in the locking mechanism using the first upper ornament engaging part 640 and the first upper main body engaging part 690, after changing to the unlocked state, the upper part decorative part 600 can be removed from the upper part main body part 650 by pulling out the part of the upper part main body part 650 that is fitted into the two upper ornament fitting parts 647, 648. In other words, when attaching or detaching the upper part decorative part 600 from the upper part main body part 650 in the upper part unit 154, the locking mechanism formed by the first upper decoration engaging part 640 and the first upper main body engaging part 690, and the locking mechanism formed by the second upper decoration engaging part 645 and the second upper decoration engaging part 695 must be switched to a locked or unlocked state. Also, when attaching or detaching the lower part decorative part 700 from the lower part main body part 750 in the lower part unit 156, the locking mechanism formed by the first lower decoration engaging part 740 and the first lower main body engaging part 790, and the locking mechanism formed by the second lower decoration engaging part 745 and the second lower main body engaging part 795 must be switched to a locked or unlocked state.

[0150] [Configuration of upper part decorative section 800 and lower part decorative section 900] As described above, in the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156, the upper role decoration part 600 and the lower role decoration part 700 can be attached and detached, so the upper role decoration part 600 and the lower role decoration part 700 can be replaced as attachment parts. Here, with reference to Figures 12-1 and 12-2, the configurations of the upper role decoration part 800, which has a different configuration from the upper role decoration part 600, and the lower role decoration part 900, which has a different configuration from the lower role decoration part 700, will be explained. Figure 12-1(A) is a schematic diagram of the front of the upper role decoration part 800, Figure 12-1(B) is a schematic diagram of the back of the upper role decoration part 800 in the state shown in (A), Figure 12-1(C) is a schematic diagram of the front of the upper role decoration part 800, and Figure 12-1(D) is a schematic diagram of the back of the upper role decoration part 800 in the state shown in (C). Figure 12-2(A) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the lower part decorative part 900, Figure 12-2(B) is a schematic diagram of the back surface of the lower part decorative part 900 in the state shown in (A), Figure 12-2(C) is a schematic diagram of the surface of the lower part decorative part 900, and Figure 12-2(D) is a schematic diagram of the back surface of the lower part decorative part 900 in the state shown in (C).

[0151] As shown in Figure 12-1(A), the upper decorative part 800 comprises a first upper decorative member 805 and a second upper decorative member 810, each decorated with a specific design. The first upper decorative member 805 is configured to transmit light from the multiple LEDs 653 of the upper decorative member main body 650, and is decorated with a light-like design (see Figure 12-1(C)) as described below. The second upper decorative member 810 is a diamond-shaped decoration that covers a portion of the first upper decorative member 805, and is configured to be movable so that it can be divided into four parts.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 12-1(B), the upper decorative element 800 is provided on its back with an upper decorative protrusion 820, a first upper decorative sliding portion 823, a second upper decorative sliding portion 825, four reflecting portions 830a-830d, a first upper decorative locking portion 840, a second upper decorative locking portion 845, and two upper decorative fitting portions (not shown). The upper decorative protrusion 820 is a member that presses the upper body pressing portion 670 when the upper decorative element 800 is attached to the upper decorative element main body 650. The first upper decorative sliding portion 823 and the second upper decorative sliding portion 825 are slidable members configured to be linked to the second upper decorative element 810 by a gear portion (not shown), and by sliding, the second upper decorative element 810 operates to split into four. The first upper ornamental locking portion 840 and the second upper ornamental locking portion 845 have the same configuration as the first upper ornamental locking portion 640 and the second upper ornamental locking portion 645 of the above-mentioned upper part ornamental portion 600, and the four reflective portions 830a to 830d have the same configuration as the four reflective portions 630a to 630d of the above-mentioned upper part ornamental portion 600. In other words, when an upper part ornamental portion 800 having such a configuration is attached to an upper part ornamental main body portion 650, the upper ornamental protrusion portion 820 presses the upper body pressing portion 670 of the upper part ornamental main body portion 650, and the first upper ornamental sliding portion 823 fits into the first upper body sliding portion 660, and the second upper ornamental sliding portion 825 fits into the second upper body sliding portion 665.

[0153] 12-1(C) and (D), when the upper part decorative part 800 is attached to the upper part main body part 650, the upper part pressing part 670 of the upper part main body part 650 is pressed by the upper decorative protrusion part 820, causing the first upper part sliding part 660 and the second upper part sliding part 665 of the upper part main body part 650 to slide left and right. Also, in the upper part decorative part 800, the first upper part sliding part 823 is fitted into the first upper part sliding part 660, and the second upper part sliding part 825 is fitted into the second upper part sliding part 665, so the first upper part sliding part 823 and the second upper part sliding part 825 slide left and right, and the second upper decorative member 810 operates to split into four, making the part of the first upper decorative member 805 that it was covering visible.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 12-2(A), the lower accessory decorative part 900 comprises a first lower accessory member 905 and a second lower accessory member 910, each of which is decorated with a predetermined pattern. The first lower accessory member 905 is configured to transmit light from the plurality of lower accessory light source units 783 of the lower accessory main body 750. The second lower accessory member 910 is decorated with a predetermined pattern and is configured to rotate and deform.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 12-2(B), the lower ornament decorative part 900 is provided on its back surface with a lower ornament rotating shaft 920, four reflecting parts 930a-930d, a first lower ornament locking part 940, a second lower ornament locking part 945, and two lower ornament fitting parts (not shown). The lower ornament rotating shaft 720 is a rotating shaft configured to be linked to the second lower decorative member 910 by a gear part (not shown), and by rotating, the second lower decorative member 910 rotates and deforms. The first lower ornament locking part 940 and the second lower ornament locking part 945 have the same configuration as the first lower ornament locking part 740 and the second lower ornament locking part 745 of the lower ornament decorative part 700 described above, and the four reflecting parts 930a-930d have the same configuration as the four reflecting parts 730a-730d of the lower ornament decorative part 700 described above. In other words, when the lower part decorative part 900 having this configuration is attached to the lower part main body part 750, the lower decorative rotating shaft part 920 will fit into the first lower main body rotating shaft part 770.

[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12-2 (C) and (D), when the upper element decorative part 800 is attached to the upper element main body part 650, the lower decorative rotating shaft part 920 is engaged with the first lower main body rotating shaft part 770, so that the lower decorative rotating shaft part 920 rotates, causing the second lower decorative member 910 to rotate and deform.

[0157] [Attachment and detachment of various components in the gaming machine 100] Attachment and detachment of various members of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13-1 to 13-5. FIG. 13-1 is a diagram illustrating the movement of the character role element 1550 during the attachment and detachment operation of the upper unit 180, where (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150 is covered by the character role element 1550, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150 is not covered by the character role element 1550. FIG. 13-2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the glass frame 150 is opened. FIG. 13-3 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the glass frame 150 is opened, where (A) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which only the game board 102A has been removed, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the game board unit 102 has been removed. FIG. 13-4 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 have been opened. Figure 13-5 is a schematic diagram of the state in which the glass frame 150 and inner frame 170 are open, (A) is a schematic diagram of the state in which the performance control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D are removed, and (B) is a schematic diagram of the state in which the main display device 131 is removed.

[0158] [Attaching and detaching the upper unit 180] As shown in FIG. 13-1(A), the upper unit 180 is attached to the outer frame 160 with the letter unit 1550 covering a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150. In the upper unit 180, the letter part 1550 covers a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150, and the first support column 1515 and the second support column 1535 are attached to the outer frame 160. When the upper unit 180 is attached in this manner, the letter part 1550 covers a portion of the upper part of the glass frame 150, and the letter part 1550, the first side part 1510, the second side part 1530, the first support column 1515, and the second support column 1535 are connected to form a single unit, so that the glass frame 150 cannot be opened.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 13-1(B), when removing the attached upper unit 180, first, a predetermined key inserted into the keyhole member is turned counterclockwise to unlock the lock unit 190, and then the character role device 1550 is moved diagonally upward on the front of the gaming machine. At this time, the character role device 1550 moves upward together with the first side portion 1510 and the second side portion 1530 along the rails of the first support portion 1515 and the second support portion 1535. At this time, the first support portion 1515 and the second support portion 1535 are attached to the outer frame 160. When the first side portion 1510, the second side portion 1530, and the character role device 1550 are moved together in this manner, the glass frame 150 becomes openable. Furthermore, when a predetermined key inserted into the keyhole member is turned counterclockwise, the power supply from the gaming board unit 102 to the upper unit 180 is cut off. Note that when only the character role 1550 is moved in this manner, the character role 1550 may return to its original position (the position shown in FIG. 13-1(A)). Therefore, a character role fixing member (not shown) for fixing the moved character role 1550 (to prevent it from returning to its original position) may be provided. By using such a character role fixing member, when removing or attaching the upper unit 180 to the gaming machine 100 after moving the character role 1550, the operator can perform the work while preventing the character role 1550 from falling, etc., and can prevent fingers from being pinched by the character role falling, etc.

[0160] [Attaching and detaching the game board unit 102] As shown in FIG. 13-2, in the gaming machine 100, when the glass frame 150 is opened after the letter unit 1550 of the upper unit 180 is moved, the game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, 1918a, the unit pressing portions 2022, 2024, and the unit fixing portions 2026, 2028 are exposed and become operable. In this state, operating the game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, 1918a makes it possible to remove only the game board 102A from the game board unit 102, and operating the unit fixing portions 2026, 2028 makes it possible to remove the game board unit 102 from the inner frame 170. Here, the configurations of the unit pressing portions 2022, 2024 and the unit fixing portions 2026, 2028 will be described. The unit pressing portions 2022, 2024 are members that press the unit engaging portions 1922, 1924 provided on the left side of the role unit 102B arranged in the inner frame 170, thereby clamping the left side of the role unit 102B to fix the role unit 102B so that it does not come off from the inner frame 170. On the other hand, the unit fixing portions 2026, 2028 are lever-shaped members that press the unit engaging portions 1926, 1928 provided on the right side of the role unit 102B of the game board unit 102, thereby locking the role unit 102B to prevent it from coming off from the inner frame 170, and are configured to be switchable between a locked state by pushing in the lever and an unlocked state by pulling the lever.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 13-3(A), when only the game board 102A is removed from the game board unit 102, the upper role decoration part 600 in the upper role unit 154 and the lower role decoration part 700 in the lower role unit 156 can be attached and detached. Also, as shown in FIGS. 13-3(A) and (B), when removing the role unit 102B from the inner frame 170, first, the unit fixing parts 2026 and 2028 of the inner frame 170 are operated to unlock the unit, making the right side of the role unit 102B removable from the inner frame. Then, by moving the role unit 102B diagonally forward to the right, it is no longer sandwiched between the unit pressing parts 2022 and 2024, and the role unit 102B can be removed from the inner frame 170. The accessory unit 102B can be removed as a unit with the performance control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D attached. Even when the game board 102A is attached to the accessory unit 102B, the entire game board unit 102 can be removed from the inner frame 170 by opening the glass frame 150, because the unit fixing parts 2026 and 2028 are exposed and can be operated.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 13-4, in the gaming machine 100, after moving the character unit 1550 of the upper unit 180, opening the glass frame 150 and inner frame 170 exposes the back side of the game board unit 102, making it possible to remove the performance control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D. In this state, it is possible to remove only either the performance control board unit 102C or the main control board unit 102D, or both the performance control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D. Note that even if the glass frame 150 is integrated with the inner frame 170 and only the inner frame 170 is opened, the same state as described above is achieved, exposing the back side of the game board unit 102. An inner frame board unit 2030, which includes a power supply board 360 and other components, is provided at the bottom of the inner frame 170. Furthermore, when glass frame 150 and inner frame 170 are opened in this manner, information display 302c (see FIG. 9-5) mounted on main control board 300 becomes visible while housed within main control board case 1980, enabling operation of RAM clear switch 302a and setting key switch 302b (see FIG. 9-5) provided on main control board 300, as well as operation of the power switch provided on power supply board 360. Note that operation of setting key switch 302b involves inserting a predetermined key into a keyhole provided on setting key switch 302b and rotating it to switch it ON or OFF.

[0163] Here, the procedures for the operations for executing the RAM clear process, the operations for executing the setting change process, and the operations for executing the setting confirmation process will be described. First, the RAM clear process can be executed by turning the power switch ON while the setting key switch 302b is in the OFF state and the RAM clear switch 302a is left in the ON state (the RAM clear switch 302a is kept in the ON state for approximately three seconds after the power switch is turned ON). Then, after these operations, the RAM clear notification described below is started, and the information display 302c performs its initial operation (repeatedly turning all lights on and all lights off for five seconds), and then displays numerical values ​​related to the current performance information. Next, the setting change process can be started (transition to setting change mode) by turning the power switch ON while the setting key switch 302b is in the ON state and the RAM clear switch 302a is left in the ON state (the RAM clear switch 302a is kept in the ON state for approximately three seconds after the power switch is turned ON). After these operations, a setting change notification (described later) is initiated, and the information display 302c displays the current setting value. At this time, the setting value can be changed in response to the operation of the RAM clear switch 302a, and the information display 302c displays the changed setting value. When the setting key switch 302b is turned OFF, the setting change notification (setting change mode) (described later) ends, and a RAM clear notification (described later) is initiated. The information display 302c performs the same initial operation as described above, and then displays numerical values ​​related to the current performance information. Next, the setting confirmation process can be initiated by turning the setting key switch 302b ON, leaving the RAM clear switch 302a ON, and turning the power switch ON (to enter the setting confirmation mode). After these operations, a setting confirmation notification (described later) is initiated, and the information display 302c displays the current setting value. At this time, the setting value can be changed in response to the operation of the RAM clear switch 302a, and the information display 302c displays the changed setting value.When the setting key switch 302b is turned OFF, the setting confirmation notification (setting confirmation mode) described below ends and the power restoration process (power restoration notification described below) begins. The information display 302c performs the same initial operation as described above and then displays numerical values ​​related to the current performance information. In this way, in the gaming machine 100, if the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 are open, operations to execute the RAM clear process, setting change process, and setting confirmation process are possible. Furthermore, if the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 are integrated and only the inner frame 170 is opened, operations to execute the RAM clear process, setting change process, and setting confirmation process are possible. In other words, even if the glass frame 150 is closed, operations to execute the RAM clear process, setting change process, and setting confirmation process are possible as long as the inner frame 170 is open. Therefore, to rephrase the above, when the inner frame 170 is in an open state and the glass frame 150 is in an open state, when the inner frame 170 is in a closed state but the glass frame 150 is in an open state, when the inner frame 170 is in an open state and the glass frame 150 is in an open state, and when the inner frame 170 is in an open state but the glass frame 150 is in a closed state, operations for executing RAM clear processing, setting change processing, and setting confirmation processing are possible.

[0164] As shown in Figures 13-5(A) and (B), the performance control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D can be removed from the main display device 131. The main display device 131 can also be removed from the role unit 102B by sliding the main display device 131 toward the end opposite the end where the relay board 1950 is provided. Note that the performance control board unit 102C, the main control board unit 102D, and the main display device 131 can also be removed as a unit from the inner frame 170 by sliding the main display device 131 to which the performance control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D are attached.

[0165] [Replacing the upper and lower decorative parts] In the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment, which has the above-described configuration, various detachable components can be replaced. In particular, various detachable components that are not secured by screws or the like can be replaced without the use of tools such as a screwdriver. For example, when replacing a model other than the gaming machine 100 with the gaming machine 100, the glass frame 150, outer frame 160, and inner frame 170 of the gaming machine remain the same. After replacing the main control board 300 and the performance control board 320, the upper and lower role decoration units 600 and 700 of the previous model can also be replaced with those corresponding to the gaming machine 100. When performing such replacement, as described above, the gaming machine is powered off and the replacement work is performed. After the replacement work is completed and the power is turned on, a predetermined signal is sent from the control unit of the upper main body surface unit 651 and the control unit of the lower main body surface unit 751 to the performance control board 320 via the lamp control board 340. Then, the performance control board 320 executes a judgment process based on the received predetermined signal, and judges whether the upper role decoration part 600 and the lower role decoration part 700 replaced by the replacement work are installed properly and whether they are appropriate. After executing the judgment process, the performance control board 320 executes the main performance process when the gaming machine 100 is turned on, so that the gaming machine 100 is ready to play, for example, when a gaming ball enters the first starting device 112, etc., the main display device 131 displays a change in the decorative pattern, etc.

[0166] Here, the judgment process for the above-mentioned upper part decoration part 600 and lower part decoration part 700 will be explained in more detail below. First, the predetermined signal is a 4-bit signal generated by the control unit of the upper main body surface part 651 and the control unit of the lower main body surface part 751. This is a signal indicating the detection result of the four reflective sensors 680a to 680d, etc. (see Figure 11-2) on the upper main body surface part 651, etc. irradiating signal light onto the back surface of the upper part decoration part 600, etc., and indicating the position of the reflective sensor 680a to 680d at which the reflected light is irradiated from the upper part decoration part 600, etc. In this 4-bit signal, for example, when reflective sensor 680a detects reflected light, the 0th bit becomes "1," when reflective sensor 680b detects reflected light, the 1st bit becomes "1," when reflective sensor 680c detects reflected light, the 2nd bit becomes "1," and when reflective sensor 680d detects reflected light, the 3rd bit becomes "1." Note that the bit corresponding to a reflective sensor that did not detect reflected light indicates "0."

[0167] In this configuration, the generation of a predetermined signal and the determination by the performance control unit 320 will be described in more detail below. For example, of the four reflecting units 630a-630d (see FIG. 11-1) in the upper stage decoration unit 600, three reflecting units 630a-630c have detection objects, while the reflecting unit 630d has no detection object. In this case, when signal light is irradiated from the reflective sensors 680a-680d onto the back surface of the upper stage decoration unit 600, the reflective sensors 680a-680c other than the reflective sensor 680d will detect the reflected light from the reflecting units 630a-630c unless there is erroneous detection due to the intrusion of external light. The control unit of the upper stage main unit 650 then generates a 4-bit signal of "0111" based on the detection results of the reflective sensors 680a-680d. The generated signal is transmitted from the control unit of the upper device main body 650 to the performance control board 320 via the lamp control board 340. In other words, the reflective sensors 680a to 680d can perform detection without directly contacting the reflecting parts 630a to 630d, and therefore, the detection method using the reflective sensors 680a to 680d and the reflecting parts 630a to 630c in this way can also be said to be a so-called non-contact detection method.

[0168] The performance control board 320 stores the numerical data "0111" in advance in the sub-ROM 320d as verification information when the upper stage decoration unit 600 is installed. When the performance control board 320 receives the 4-bit signal "0111" generated by the control unit of the upper stage main unit 650 as described above, it uses the verification information "0111" to execute a determination process to determine whether the upper stage decoration unit 600 is installed correctly and whether it is the correct installed part. In this case, because all bit-corresponding numerical values ​​of the received 4-bit signal "0111" and the verification information "0111" match, the performance control board 320 determines that the installed upper stage decoration unit 600 is installed correctly and is the correct part. Furthermore, for example, if the upper stage decoration unit 600 is not installed or if the locking mechanism of the upper stage decoration unit 600 is unlocked, all or any of the reflective sensors 680a-680d may not be able to detect reflected light, and the control unit of the upper stage main unit 650 may not be able to generate a 4-bit signal. In such cases, the performance control board 320 determines that the installed upper stage decoration unit 600 is not installed properly and generates an upper stage decoration unit non-installation error designation command to execute the upper stage decoration unit non-installation error notification (installation error notification) described below. Furthermore, for example, assume that the performance control board 320 is replaced due to a change in model or specifications, and the matching information stored in the sub-ROM becomes "0011" corresponding to the upper stage decoration unit 800. In this case, when the upper stage decoration unit 600 is installed, the control unit of the upper stage main unit 650 generates a 4-bit signal of "0111" as described above, and transmits that signal to the performance control board 320. When the performance control board 320 receives this 4-bit signal "0111", it compares the signal with the matching information "0011" and determines that the corresponding value of the third bit is different, and determines that the installed upper decoration part 600 is different from the original upper decoration part 800 and is not appropriate, and generates an upper decoration part incorrect installation error designation command to execute the upper decoration part incorrect installation error notification (installation error notification) described below. Note that the judgment process when replacing the lower decoration part 700, etc. is approximately the same as the judgment process when replacing the upper decoration part 600, etc. described above.

[0169] [How to notify an installation error regarding the upper accessory decorative part] Referring to Figure 14-1, we will specifically explain the modes of the upper decorative part non-attachment error notification and the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error notification, which are attachment error notifications regarding the upper decorative part 600 in the gaming machine 100 described above. Figure 14-1 is a diagram showing modes of attachment error notification, (A) is a diagram showing modes of the upper decorative part non-attachment error notification, (B) is a diagram showing modes of the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error notification, and (C) is a diagram explaining the output timing of the upper decorative part non-attachment error notification and the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error notification.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 14-1(A), in the upper decoration unit not-attached error notification, the main display device 131 displays an attachment error display 2020a along with the decorative symbol, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The attachment error display 2020a is displayed in a position (e.g., the upper left corner) that does not obstruct the visibility of the decorative symbol, etc. on the main display device 131, and displays an error code "○○-□" expressed in numbers or the like, indicating that the upper decoration unit 600 is not properly attached. In addition, the audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) outputs a sound to identify the determined component, such as "Upper decoration unit error." Furthermore, in the upper decoration unit not-attached error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) flashes, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is turned off. Then, the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 do not perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 flashes. The upper decorative part not-installed error notification continues to be executed until the upper role decorative part 600 is properly installed (the error is resolved). In addition, the frame lamp and the upper unit 180 may flash in a predetermined light color or at a predetermined interval in an upper decorative part not-installed error mode corresponding to the upper decorative part not-installed error notification. When such an upper decorative part not-installed error notification is executed, the worker replacing the component can easily recognize that the replaced component is not securely installed.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 14-1(B), in the upper decoration part incorrect installation error notification, the main display device 131 displays an installation error display 2020b along with the decorative pattern, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The installation error display 2020b is displayed in a position (e.g., the upper right corner) that does not obstruct the visibility of the decorative pattern, etc. on the main display device 131, and displays an error code "○○-△" expressed in numbers or the like, indicating that the upper decoration part 600 is not the correct component. In addition, the audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) outputs a sound to identify the determined component, such as "Upper decoration part error." Furthermore, in the upper decoration part incorrect installation error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150, etc.) flashes, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102, etc.) is turned off. Then, the upper unit 180 flashes without the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 performing predetermined operations such as initial operation. The upper decorative part incorrect installation error notification continues until the correct upper accessory decorative part is properly installed (the error is resolved). The frame lamp and the upper unit 180 may also flash in a predetermined light color or at a predetermined interval in an upper decorative part incorrect installation error mode corresponding to the upper decorative part incorrect installation error notification. When such an upper decorative part incorrect installation error notification is executed, the worker replacing the part can easily recognize that the replaced part is not the correct part.

[0172] As shown in Figure 14-1 (C), the above-mentioned upper decoration part non-attachment error notification and upper decoration part incorrect attachment error notification may be executed and terminated at a predetermined timing. For example, when the performance control board 130 receives an error specification command corresponding to the upper decoration part non-attachment error or the upper decoration part incorrect attachment error (t0), the output of the attachment error display 2020a or the attachment error display 2020b on the main display device 131 may be started, the audio output device 331 may be started to output a voice such as "Upper unit error", the board lamp may be turned off, and the frame lamp may be flashed (repeatedly turned on and off at 250 ms intervals) and the upper unit may be lit. Then, when the upper decorative part non-attachment error or the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error is resolved and one second has elapsed (t2) since the performance control board 130 received a command corresponding to the elimination of the error (t1), the output of the attachment error display 2020a or the attachment error display 2020b on the main display device 131 may be terminated, the output of sound, etc. on the audio output device 331 may be terminated, the blinking of the frame lamp may be terminated, and the upper decorative part non-attachment error alert or the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error alert may be terminated. In other words, the upper decorative part non-attachment error alert and the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error alert may be executed for a predetermined period of time even if the error is resolved. When such an upper decorative part non-attachment error alert or the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error alert is executed, the alert continues for a predetermined period of time after the error is resolved and then terminates, so that the worker replacing the component can reliably recognize that the problem of the replaced component not being properly attached or the incorrect component has been resolved.

[0173] Furthermore, although the upper decorative part non-attachment error notification and the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error notification were previously executed in different ways on the main display device 131, etc., they may be executed in the same way. For example, in the upper decorative part incorrect attachment error notification, the main display device 131 may be configured to display an attachment error display 2020a similar to the upper decorative part non-attachment error notification. With such a notification, the worker can easily recognize that some kind of error has occurred due to the replacement work of the upper decorative part 600 of the upper role unit 154.

[0174] [How to notify mounting errors related to lower accessory decorations] 14-2, a specific description will be given of the modes of the lower decorative part non-attachment error notification and the lower decorative part incorrect attachment error notification, which are attachment error notifications regarding the lower decorative part 700 in the gaming machine 100 described above. Fig. 14-2 is a diagram showing modes of attachment error notification, where (A) is a diagram showing a mode of the lower decorative part non-attachment error notification, and (B) is a diagram showing a mode of the lower decorative part incorrect attachment error notification.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 14-2(A), in the lower decorative part not-installed error notification, the main display device 131 displays an installation error display 2030a along with the decorative symbol, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The installation error display 2030a is displayed in a position (e.g., above the reserved icon display area and in the lower left corner) that does not obstruct the visibility of the decorative symbol, etc. on the main display device 131, and displays an error code "XX-□" expressed in numbers or the like, indicating that the lower decorative part 700 is not installed properly. In addition, the audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) outputs a sound to identify the determined component, such as "lower decorative part error." Furthermore, in the lower decorative part not-installed error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) flashes, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is turned off. Then, the upper unit 180 flashes without the upper and lower unit 154 and 156 performing predetermined operations such as initial operation. The lower decorative part not installed error notification continues until the lower decorative part 700 is properly installed (the error is resolved). The frame lamp and the upper unit 180 may also flash in a predetermined light color or at a predetermined interval in a lower decorative part not installed error mode corresponding to the lower decorative part not installed error notification. When such a lower decorative part not installed error notification is executed, the worker replacing the component can easily recognize that the replaced component is not installed securely.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 14-2(B), in the lower decorative part incorrect installation error notification, the main display device 131 displays an installation error display 2030b along with the decorative pattern, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The installation error display 2030b is displayed in a position (e.g., the lower right corner) that does not obstruct the visibility of the decorative pattern, etc. on the main display device 131, and displays an error code "XX-△" expressed in numbers or the like, indicating that the lower decorative part 700 is not the correct component. In addition, the audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) outputs a sound to identify the determined component, such as "lower decorative part error." Furthermore, in the lower decorative part incorrect installation error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150, etc.) flashes, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102, etc.) is turned off. Then, the upper unit 180 flashes without the upper and lower unit 154 and 156 performing predetermined operations such as initial operation. The lower decorative part incorrect installation error notification continues until the correct lower decorative part is properly installed (the error is resolved). The frame lamp and the upper unit 180 may also flash in a predetermined light color or at a predetermined interval in a lower decorative part incorrect installation error mode corresponding to the lower decorative part incorrect installation error notification. When such a lower decorative part incorrect installation error notification is executed, the worker replacing the part can easily recognize that the replaced part is not the correct part.

[0177] Furthermore, although the lower decorative part non-attachment error notification and the lower decorative part incorrect attachment error notification were previously executed in different ways on the main display device 131, they may be executed in the same way. For example, in the lower decorative part incorrect attachment error notification, the main display device 131 may display an attachment error display 2030a similar to the lower decorative part non-attachment error notification. With such a notification, the worker can easily recognize that some kind of error has occurred due to the replacement work of the lower decorative part 700 of the lower accessory unit 156. Furthermore, in the lower decorative part non-attachment error notification and the lower decorative part incorrect attachment error notification, the notification may be executed at a predetermined time even if the error is resolved, as with the above-mentioned upper decorative part non-attachment error notification.

[0178] [Replacing the front lantern case and notifying of installation errors] Next, the replacement of the front lantern case 1581b, etc., the determination process, and the installation error notification will be described in more detail below. As with the upper role decoration 600, etc., for example, when changing a model other than the gaming machine 100 to the gaming machine 100, it is possible to leave the glass frame 150, outer frame 160, inner frame 170, etc. of the gaming machine as they are, and after replacing the main control board 300 and the performance control board 320, to replace the front lantern case 1581b, etc., from the model before the change with those corresponding to the gaming machine 100. Note that the replacement procedure for the front lantern case 1581b, etc. and the manner of installation error notification are substantially similar to the replacement procedure for the upper role decoration 600, etc., and therefore a detailed description will be omitted, and only the differences will be described in detail. The specified signal in the judgment process when replacing the front lantern case part 1581b, etc., is a 6-bit signal generated by the lantern control part, unlike the above-mentioned upper part decorative part 600, etc., and is a signal that indicates the detection result of the six reflective sensors 1583a to 1583f irradiating signal light onto the back surface of the front lantern case part 1581b, and the position of the reflective sensor 1583a to 1583f at which the reflected light is irradiated from the front lantern case part 1581b side. Specifically, in the 6-bit signal, when reflective sensor 1583a detects reflected light, bit 0 becomes "1," when reflective sensor 1583b detects reflected light, bit 1 becomes "1," when reflective sensor 1583c detects reflected light, bit 2 becomes "1," when reflective sensor 1583d detects reflected light, bit 3 becomes "1," when reflective sensor 1583e detects reflected light, bit 4 becomes "1," and when reflective sensor 1583f detects reflected light, bit 5 becomes "1." Note that the bit corresponding to a reflective sensor that did not detect reflected light indicates "0." Then, similar to the above-mentioned upper stage decoration unit 600, etc., based on the results of the determination process, the performance control board 320 issues an installation error notification, such as a lantern not-installed error notification or a lantern incorrectly installed error notification. When such a lantern not-installed error notification or lantern incorrectly installed error notification is issued, the worker replacing the component can easily recognize that the replaced component has not been installed securely or that the replaced component is not the correct component.

[0179] [Upper unit replacement and installation error notification] Next, the replacement of the upper unit 180 and the sword handle unit 135, the determination process, and the installation error notification will be described in more detail below. As with the upper unit decoration 600, etc., when changing a model other than the gaming machine 100 to the gaming machine 100, for example, the glass frame 150, outer frame 160, and inner frame 170 of the gaming machine remain the same, and after replacing the main control board 300 and the performance control board 320, the upper unit 180, etc., of the previous model can also be replaced with a unit compatible with the gaming machine 100. The replacement procedure for the upper unit 180, etc. is substantially the same as the replacement procedure for the upper unit decoration 600, etc., and therefore will not be described in detail. The predetermined signal used in the determination process when replacing the upper unit 180, etc., is a 6-bit signal corresponding to model-specific information stored in the ROM in the control unit of the upper unit 180 (or the control unit of the sword handle unit 135). When each unit is attached to the glass frame 150, outer frame 160, inner frame 170, etc. of the gaming machine and power supply to the gaming machine is started, an IC provided in the control unit of each unit reads out model-specific information from the ROM and transmits a 6-bit signal corresponding to the model-specific information to the performance control board 320 via the unit control unit and lamp control board 340. For example, the 6-bit signal corresponding to the model-specific information of the upper unit 180 is "011111".

[0180] Here, the determination process and mounting error notification when replacing the upper unit 180 will be described. The performance control board 320, for example, stores numerical data such as "011111" in advance in the sub-ROM 320d as verification information when the upper unit 180 is mounted. When the performance control board 320 receives the 6-bit signal "011111" transmitted from the control unit of the upper unit 180 as described above, it uses the verification information "011111" to perform a determination process to determine whether the upper unit 180 is properly mounted and whether it is the correct mounted part. In this example, because all bit-corresponding numerical values ​​of the received 6-bit signal "011111" and the verification information "011111" match, the performance control board 320 determines that the mounted upper unit 180 is properly mounted and the correct part. Furthermore, for example, if the upper unit 180 is not installed or if the upper unit connector 1575 of the upper unit 180 is not securely mated with the game board connector 1620, the performance control board 320 may not be able to receive the 6-bit signal. In such cases, the performance control board 320 determines that the upper unit 180 is not properly installed and generates an upper unit non-installation error designation command for executing an upper unit non-installation error notification (installation error notification) described below. Furthermore, in response to this, for example, assume that the performance control board 320 is replaced due to a change in model or specifications, and the verification information stored in the sub-ROM 320d becomes "001111." Even in this case, when the upper unit 180 is installed, the 6-bit signal "011111" is transmitted from the control unit of the upper unit 180 to the performance control board 320, as described above. When the performance control board 320 receives the 6-bit signal "011111", it compares the signal with the matching information "001111", and determines that the corresponding value of the 5th bit is different. It then determines that the installed upper unit 180 is different from the original upper unit and is not the correct one, and generates an upper unit incorrect installation error designation command to execute the upper unit incorrect installation error notification (installation error notification) described below.

[0181] [Upper unit installation error notification] Referring to FIG. 14-3, the manner of the upper unit non-installation error notification and the upper unit incorrect installation error notification, which are the installation error notifications related to the upper unit 180 in the gaming machine 100 described above, will be specifically described. FIG. 14-3 is a diagram showing the manner of the installation error notification, where (A) is a diagram showing the manner of the upper unit non-installation error notification and (B) is a diagram showing the manner of the upper unit incorrect installation error notification. Note that the manner of the installation error notification described below relates to the upper unit 180, but similar installation error notifications may also be made for components or units that can be removed and replaced from the gaming machine, such as the sword handle unit 135, the first side display device 132, the second side display device 133, etc.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 14-3(A), in the upper unit not-installed error notification, the main display device 131 displays an installation error display 2050a along with the decorative symbols, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The installation error display 2050a is displayed in a position (e.g., the center of the top edge) that does not obstruct the visibility of the decorative symbols, etc. on the main display device 131, and displays an error code "●●-□" expressed in numbers or the like, indicating that the upper unit 180 is not installed properly. In addition, the audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) outputs a sound to identify the determined component, such as "Upper unit error." Furthermore, in the upper unit not-installed error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) is turned off, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is flashing. The upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 then perform predetermined operations such as initial operation (for example, operations that cover (overlap) a portion of the installation error display 2050a), but the upper unit 180 remains unlit. The upper unit non-installation error notification continues until the upper unit 180 is properly installed (the error is resolved). The frame lamp and the board lamp may emit a predetermined light color or flash at a predetermined interval in an upper unit non-installation error mode corresponding to the upper unit non-installation error notification. When such an upper unit non-installation error notification is executed, the worker replacing the component can easily recognize that the replaced component is not securely installed. Furthermore, the installation error display 2050a in the upper unit non-installation error notification is displayed in the upper area of ​​the main display device 131, close to the upper unit 180, so that the worker can easily recognize that the error notification is related to the upper unit 180. Furthermore, when the upper unit is not installed error is notified, the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, so even if there is an installation error regarding a replaceable part, etc., it is easy to recognize that it is not an installation error regarding the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 14-3(B), in the upper unit incorrect installation error notification, the main display device 131 displays an installation error display 2050b along with the decorative symbols, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The installation error display 2050b is displayed in a position (e.g., the center of the top edge) that does not obstruct the visibility of the decorative symbols, etc. on the main display device 131, and displays an error code "●●-△" expressed in numbers or the like, indicating that the upper unit 180 is not the correct component. In addition, the audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) outputs a sound to identify the determined component, such as "Upper unit error." Furthermore, in the upper unit incorrect installation error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) is turned off, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is flashing. The upper unit 154 and the lower unit 156 then perform predetermined operations such as initial operation (for example, operations that cover (overlap) a portion of the installation error display 2050b), but the upper unit 180 remains unlit. The upper unit incorrect installation error notification continues until the correct upper unit is properly installed (the error is resolved). The panel lamp may also flash in a predetermined color or at a predetermined interval in an upper unit incorrect installation error mode corresponding to the upper unit incorrect installation error notification. When such an upper unit incorrect installation error notification is issued, the operator replacing the component can easily recognize that the replaced component is not the correct component. Furthermore, since the installation error display 2050b in the upper unit incorrect installation error notification is displayed in the upper area of ​​the main display device 131 and in a position close to the upper unit 180, it can be easily recognized that the error notification is related to the upper unit 180. Furthermore, in the upper unit incorrect installation error notification, the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, so even if there is an installation error regarding a replaceable part, etc., it is easy to recognize that it is not an installation error regarding the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156.

[0184] Additionally, although the upper unit non-attached error notification and the upper unit incorrectly attached error notification were previously executed in different ways on the main display device 131, etc., they may be executed in the same way. For example, in the upper unit incorrectly attached error notification, the main display device 131 may display an attachment error display 2050a similar to that of the upper unit non-attached error notification. With such a notification, the worker can easily recognize that some kind of error has occurred in the replacement work of the upper unit 180. Furthermore, in the upper unit non-attached error notification and the upper unit incorrectly attached error notification, the notification may be executed at a predetermined time even if the error is resolved, as with the above-described upper decorative part non-attached error notification.

[0185] [Other aspects of mounting error notification] With reference to Fig. 14-4, other modes of attachment error notification regarding the upper decorative part 600 in the gaming machine 100 described above will be specifically described. Fig. 14-4 is a diagram showing other modes of attachment error notification, (A) is a diagram showing other modes of upper decorative part not-attached error notification, (B) is a diagram showing other modes of upper decorative part incorrect attachment error notification, and (C) is a diagram showing other modes of upper decorative part not-attached error notification.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 14-4(A), in this upper decorative unit not-installed error notification, the main display device 131 first displays an installation error display 2060a in the same position as the above-described upper decorative unit not-installed error notification (see FIG. 14-1). However, the installation error display 2060a may also display, for example, "Upper decorative unit: not installed," to specifically indicate that the upper decorative unit 600 is not properly installed. The audio output device 331, frame lamp, board lamp, upper decorative unit 154, lower decorative unit 156, and upper unit 180 operate in the same manner as the above-described upper decorative unit not-installed error notification. When this upper decorative unit not-installed error notification is executed, the worker replacing the component can more clearly and easily recognize that the replaced component is not properly installed. Furthermore, the installation error displays for the above-described lower decorative unit not-installed error notification, lantern not-installed error notification, and upper unit not-installed error notification may also display content specifically indicating that each component is not properly installed.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 14-4(B), the upper ornament mis-installation error notification may then display an installation error indicator 2060b on the main display device 131, large enough to cover the ornamental symbols. The installation error indicator 2060b may also specifically indicate that the gaming machine model and the installed components are inappropriate, for example, "This gaming machine is model ABC. The 'upper accessory' is model XYZ, which is inappropriate." The audio output device 331, frame lamp, board lamp, upper accessory unit 154, lower accessory unit 156, and upper unit 180 operate in the same manner as the above-described upper ornament mis-installation error notification. When this upper ornament mis-installation error notification is issued, the operator replacing the component can more easily and specifically recognize that the replaced component is inappropriate, as well as identify the appropriate component that should have been replaced. In other words, the worker performing the replacement work can be prompted to replace the part with the correct part again, leading to the replacement work being carried out with the correct part. Similarly, in the installation error display for the above-mentioned lower decorative part incorrect installation error notification, lantern incorrect installation error notification, and upper unit incorrect installation error notification, content that specifically suggests that the model of the gaming machine and the installed part are not correct may be displayed.

[0188] Here, we will explain a procedure different from the above-described determination process for enabling an installation error notification by an installation error display that specifically indicates that the installed component is inappropriate for the gaming machine model. First, for example, a plurality of pieces of matching information corresponding to a plurality of specifications is pre-stored in the performance control board, and the correct matching information is determined. A predetermined signal received from the replaced component is then matched with the matching information to determine whether the component is appropriate. If the received signal does not match the correct matching information, the model corresponding to the matching information that matches the received signal is identified, and the notification is executed. More specifically, in the first embodiment described above, the sub-ROM 320d of the performance control board 320 stores a table of numerical data corresponding to multiple models as matching information, such as "011111" for "Model ABC," "011110" for "Model OPQ," and "011100" for "Model XYZ," and the control board 320 is defined as being for "Model ABC." For example, when the upper role decoration part of "Model XYZ" is attached, the performance control board 320 compares the predetermined signal "011100" received from the control part of the upper role main body part with the comparison information, and processes it as being different from the "011111" of "Model ABC" and matching the "011100" of "Model XYZ." The performance control board 320 then causes the main display device 131 to display an attachment error message 2260b.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 14-4(C), the upper ornamental unit not-installed error notification may be displayed in a large format, without displaying any decorative symbols, the reserved icon display area, or the icon display area on the main display device 131. In this type of display, the error code (numbers, etc.) indicating that the upper ornamental unit is not properly installed is displayed in white letters on a black background with the entire display area of ​​the main display device 131 black, thereby drawing attention to the installation error display 2060c alone. The audio output device 331, frame lamp, board lamp, upper ornamental unit 154, lower ornamental unit 156, and upper unit 180 operate in the same manner as the upper ornamental unit not-installed error notification. Similarly, the installation error notifications for the lower ornamental unit not-installed error notification, the lantern not-installed error notification, and the upper unit not-installed error notification may also be displayed in white letters on a black background, specifically indicating that each component is not properly installed. Furthermore, the same manner may be used for the mounting error display of the above-mentioned lower decorative part incorrect mounting error notification, lantern incorrect mounting error notification, and upper unit incorrect mounting error notification. In this mounting error display, the content displayed in white letters may specifically suggest that each component is not mounted correctly or that the model of the gaming machine and the mounted components are not appropriate.

[0190] Here, a case where an attachment error notification is executed for two or more units among the upper role unit 154, the lower role unit 156, the upper unit 180, etc. will be described. First, in the attachment error display displayed on the main display device 131, the attachment error display 2020a (2020b) for the upper role unit 154, the attachment error display 2030a (2030b) for the lower role unit 156, and the attachment error displays 2050a and 2050b for the upper unit 180 are displayed in different positions on the main display device 131, and therefore can be displayed simultaneously. Specifically, when the power is turned on after the replacement work, if the lower role decorative part 700 is not attached properly and an upper unit other than the correct upper unit 180 is attached, the attachment error display 2030a will be displayed in the lower left corner above the hold icon display area, and the attachment error display 2050b will be displayed in the center of the upper end. In this case, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) may be configured to alternately output the audio messages "Lower unit error" and "Upper unit error." With such an attachment error notification, the worker replacing the components can easily recognize which of the multiple replaced components has an error.

[0191] Furthermore, when multiple mounting error notifications are issued, the priority of each may be different. For example, the mounting error notification for the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 may be set to a higher priority than the mounting error notification for the upper unit 180. Specifically, when the power is turned on after the replacement work, if the lower role decorative part 700 is not properly mounted and an upper unit other than the correct upper unit 180 is mounted, the main display device 131 may display a mounting error display 2030a in the lower left corner above the hold icon display area, and the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) may output a voice message saying, "Lower role error." Then, if the mounting error for the lower role unit 156 is subsequently resolved, the main display device 131 may display the mounting error display 2030a in the center of the top edge, and the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) may output a voice message saying, "Upper unit error." With such an installation error notification, the worker replacing the components can not only reliably and easily recognize which of the multiple replaced components has an error, but also be encouraged to perform the replacement work again without fail.

[0192] Furthermore, for example, when replacing the above-mentioned attachments, there may be an exchange mode in which the gaming machine 100 is in a state where the attachments can be replaced, or there may be a check mode in which units to which the replaceable attachments are attached are operated and checked after the attachments have been replaced. For example, the gaming machine 100 may transition to the exchange mode by pressing the RAM clear switch 302a for a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 3 seconds) or more immediately after turning on the power. More specifically, for example, when the gaming machine 100 enters the exchange mode, a message such as "In exchange mode" may be displayed on the main display device 131, and the units to which the replacements are attached or replaced may be moved to an exchange position (e.g., an intermediate position between the initial position and the advanced position) where the replacement operation can be easily performed. Furthermore, after the replacement operation is completed, pressing the RAM clear switch for a predetermined number of seconds (e.g., 3 seconds) or more during the exchange mode may terminate the exchange mode and transition to a check mode for a predetermined period (e.g., 15 seconds). More specifically, for example, when the gaming machine 100 enters the check mode, a message such as "Check mode in progress" may be displayed on the main display device 131, and the unit to which the replacement part or the like is attached or replaced (including, for example, various solenoids other than the unit) may be operated for a predetermined period of time to determine whether the unit or the like (including, for example, various solenoids other than the unit) operates normally. Note that, during the exchange mode, operations of the gaming machine 100 other than predetermined operations (such as movement to the exchange position) of the unit to which the replacement part or the like is attached or replaced may be restricted. Furthermore, the movement of the unit or the like to the exchange position during the exchange mode may be slower than the speed of a normal moving effect.

[0193] In the above-described multiple insertion error notifications, the frame lamps and board lamps, etc., may emit light in a unique light-emitting mode (a combination of on, flashing, and off) corresponding to each insertion error notification. However, if a game is started during the execution of an insertion error notification (when a special symbol or decorative symbol starts to change based on a win, etc.), a different light-emitting mode may be used than during the execution of an insertion error notification. Specifically, for example, the frame lamps and board lamps, etc., that were lit or flashing during the execution of an insertion error notification, may be turned off when the game starts. Also, the light-emitting mode during the execution of an insertion error notification and the light-emitting mode after the start of the game may be such that only some of the frame lamps or board lamps are on, and the remaining frame lamps or board lamps are turned off. In other words, the light-emitting modes of the frame lamps and board lamps, etc., may be different during an insertion error notification, during game play while an insertion error notification is being made, and during normal game play (when an insertion error notification is not being made). In this manner, the frame lamp emits light in a different manner when an attachment error notification is being issued than when a game is being played, so the player can easily recognize that an attachment error notification is being issued.

[0194] Furthermore, as described above, the upper unit 180, upper decorative element 600, and lower decorative element 700, which are replaceable components, are provided with an identification display section consisting of a code section, a warning section, and a model name section, allowing workers to perform their work while checking the display on the identification display section. Specifically, workers can perform their work carefully by checking the display on the warning section of the identification display. Furthermore, for example, in an installation error notification (see Figures 14-1 to 14-3), which notifies workers that the installed component, such as an incorrect upper decorative element installation error notification, is not the correct component, the installation error display, which displays an error code, may not allow the worker to determine the model name, etc., corresponding to the component, etc., installed by the worker. Even in such cases, by checking the output display or model name section of a specified terminal that reads the code section, the worker can confirm the model name, etc., corresponding to the component, etc., installed by the worker, leading to the correct installation of the component, etc.

[0195] [Relationship between various notifications and wearing error notifications] The relationship between various notifications and the above-mentioned installation error notification will be described with reference to Figs. 15-1 to 15-9. Fig. 15-1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a power recovery notification and an installation error notification. Fig. 15-2 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a RAM clear notification and an installation error notification. Fig. 15-3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a setting change notification, a setting confirmation notification, and an installation error notification. Fig. 15-4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a door open error notification and an installation error notification. Fig. 15-5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a magnetic error notification, a radio wave error notification, and an installation error notification. Fig. 15-6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a switch connection error notification and an installation error notification. Fig. 15-7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a vibration error notification, etc., and an installation error notification. Fig. 15-8 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a tray full error notification and an installation error notification. Fig. 15-9 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a left hit notification and an installation error notification.

[0196] First, the various notifications that explain the relationship with the attachment error notification are, among the various notifications mentioned above, the power recovery notification, RAM clear notification, setting change notification, setting confirmation notification, and error notification in response to an error-related command. Furthermore, the notifications in response to error-related commands include, among the error-related commands mentioned above, the door open error notification in response to the door open error notification command, the switch connection error notification in response to the switch connection error notification command, the magnetic error notification in response to the magnetic error notification command, the radio wave error notification in response to the radio wave error notification command, the vibration error notification in response to the vibration error notification command, the abnormal winning error notification in response to the abnormal winning error notification command, the ejection error notification in response to the ejection error notification command, the ball removal error notification in response to the ball removal error notification command, and the left-hand hit notification in response to the left-hand hit state specification command. The relationship between the attachment error notification and these various notifications will be described in detail below.

[0197] [Relationship between power recovery notification and attachment error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-1(A), if power is restored after a power outage due to a magnetic error or other error during gameplay, such as during special symbol fluctuations or a round of play, the performance control board 320 issues a power restoration notification to inform the player that the game control state has returned to the state it was in before the power was lost. In this power restoration notification, a power restoration indicator 2081 is displayed on the main display device 131 along with the decorative symbol, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The power restoration indicator 2081 is displayed large enough to cover most of the decorative symbol on the main display device 131, and displays text such as "POWER RESTORING" to indicate that power is being restored. Additionally, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a sound or other message indicating that power is being restored, such as "POWER RESTORING" (which may be, for example, a power restoration notification sound such as a buzzer). Furthermore, in the power restoration notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) flashes, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) also flashes. The upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 remains lit. The power restoration notification may be achieved by displaying the power restoration display 2081 on the main display device 131 for a predetermined period (e.g., 30 seconds), outputting a sound from the audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) for a predetermined period (e.g., 30 seconds), or flashing the frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 for a predetermined period (e.g., 60 seconds). The frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 may flash in a predetermined light color or at a predetermined interval, representing a power restoration mode corresponding to the power restoration notification.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 15-1(B), for example, if an operator touches the upper accessory unit 154 when operating a power switch or the like to restore power and it is determined that the upper accessory decorative part 600 is not properly attached, the upper accessory not-attached error notification is executed first, even if the power restoration notification is being executed during that period. The manner in which the upper accessory not-attached error notification is executed is the same as described above, so a detailed description is omitted. At this time, the manner in which the upper accessory not-attached error notification is executed first is executed in the display manner on the main display device 131, the output manner on the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.), the light-emitting manner of the frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit, and the operation manner of the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156. Then, for example, if the error is resolved by the upper accessory decorative part 600 being properly attached within the period in which the power restoration notification would normally be executed, the above-mentioned power restoration notification (FIG. 15-1(A)) is executed. In other words, the upper component not-attached error notification has a higher priority than the power restoration notification. Note that although the relationship between the power restoration notification and the upper decorative part not-attached error notification has been described here, the same priority may be assigned to the power restoration notification and other attachment error notifications (such as attachment error notification for the upper unit 180). In this way, when an attachment error notification such as the upper decorative part not-attached error notification is given priority over the power restoration notification, the worker can reliably and easily recognize that an attachment error has occurred, such as a replaceable part not being securely attached.

[0199] On the other hand, the power restoration notification may be given priority over an attachment error notification, such as an upper decorative part not being attached error notification. Specifically, the power restoration notification (FIG. 15-1(A)) may be given priority during the period in which the power restoration notification is being executed, and an attachment error notification (e.g., FIG. 15-1(B)) may be executed after the end of the period. In other words, the power restoration notification may be a notification with higher priority than an upper component not being attached error notification. Even if the power restoration notification is given priority over the attachment error notification in this way, the worker can reliably and easily recognize that an attachment error has occurred, such as a replaceable part not being securely attached. Furthermore, even if the attachment error notification is given priority over the power restoration notification, at least one of the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, and the panel lamp may be executed in a manner corresponding to the power restoration notification. On the other hand, even if the power restoration notification is given priority over the mounting error notification, the notification may be executed in a manner corresponding to the mounting error notification in at least one of the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, and the board lamp. In this manner, the worker can easily recognize that the power is being restored and that a mounting error has occurred.

[0200] [Relationship between RAM clear notification and installation error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-2(A), for example, when the RAM clear switch is pressed when the power is turned on, the performance control board 320 issues a RAM clear notification to let the player know that the RAM is being cleared. In the RAM clear notification, the main display device 131 displays a RAM clear display 2082 along with a decorative pattern (for example, the initial decorative pattern "135" when the power is turned on, etc.), a reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The RAM clear display 2082 is displayed in a size that covers most of the decorative pattern on the main display device 131, and displays text such as "RAM clearing in progress," indicating that the RAM clear process is in progress. In addition, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a sound such as "RAM clearing in progress" (RAM clear notification sound such as a buzzer), indicating that the RAM clear process is in progress. Furthermore, in the RAM clear notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) is lit, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is also lit. The upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is lit. The RAM clear notification may be performed by displaying the RAM clear display 2082 on the main display device 131 for a predetermined period (e.g., 60 seconds), outputting sound from the audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) for a predetermined period (e.g., 60 seconds), or blinking the frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 for a predetermined period (e.g., 60 seconds). The frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 may also light up or blink in a predetermined light color or at a predetermined interval, such as a RAM clear mode corresponding to the RAM clear notification.

[0201] As shown in FIG. 15-2(B), for example, when an operator operates a power switch or RAM clear switch to clear the RAM, if the operator touches the upper role unit 154 and it is determined that the upper role decorative part 600 is not properly attached, the main display device 131 displays a RAM clear display 2082 for the RAM clear notification along with an attachment error display 2020a for the upper decorative part not being attached error notification. At this time, in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.), which is a mode other than the main display device 131, and the light-emitting mode of the frame lamp, board lamp, upper unit, and upper unit 180, the mode for the RAM clear notification is executed preferentially, but the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 may not execute initial operation, etc. In other words, the RAM clear notification is an alert with a higher priority than the upper role not being attached error alert. For example, if the error is resolved by properly attaching the upper decorative part 600 during the period in which the RAM clear notification is being issued, the installation error display 2020a on the main display device 131 will be hidden. While the relationship between the RAM clear notification and the upper decorative part not-installed error notification has been described here, the RAM clear notification and other installation error notifications (such as an installation error notification for the upper unit 180) may also be given the same priority. In this way, if at least some of the installation error notifications, such as the upper decorative part not-installed error notification, are executed even during the RAM clear notification, the worker can easily and reliably recognize that an installation error, such as an incomplete installation of a replaceable component, has occurred and that the RAM is being cleared. On the other hand, the installation error notification may be executed after the RAM clear notification, similar to the case in which the power restoration notification is given priority over the installation error notification as described above.

[0202] [Relationship between setting change notification, setting confirmation notification and mounting error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-3(A), when the setting change process is executed, the effect control board 320 issues a setting change notification to indicate that the setting value is being changed (the setting change mode is active). In the setting change notification, the main display device 131 displays a full-screen setting change display 2083a, which reads "Setting Change in Progress," indicating that the setting value is being changed. The audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) also outputs a sound, such as "Setting Change in Progress" (a setting change notification sound such as a buzzer), indicating that the power supply is being changed. Furthermore, in the setting change notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150) is turned off, but the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102) is flashing. The upper and lower role units 154 and 156 do not perform their initial operations, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. As described above, the setting change notification continues until the setting key switch 302b is turned OFF. The panel lamp may emit a predetermined light color or flash at a predetermined interval, which corresponds to the setting change mode corresponding to the setting change notification (setting change mode).

[0203] As shown in FIG. 15-3(B), when the setting confirmation process is executed, the effect control board 320 issues a setting confirmation notification to indicate that the setting values ​​are being confirmed (the setting confirmation mode is active). During the setting confirmation notification, the main display device 131 displays a full-screen setting confirmation display 2083b, which reads "Settings Confirming," indicating that the setting values ​​are being confirmed. The audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) also outputs a sound, such as "Settings Confirming" (a setting confirmation notification sound such as a buzzer), indicating that a power change is in progress. During the setting confirmation notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150) is turned off, but the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102) is flashing. The upper and lower role units 154 and 156 do not perform their initial operations, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. As described above, the setting confirmation notification continues until the setting key switch 302b is turned OFF. The panel lamp may flash in a predetermined color or at a predetermined interval, which is a setting confirmation mode corresponding to the setting confirmation notification (setting confirmation mode). If the sword handle unit 135 (performance button) or the like is operated while the setting confirmation notification is being executed, the main display device 131 may display a history list of changes to the setting values ​​(for example, a list of the date and time of the change and the setting values ​​before and after the change).

[0204] Here, for example, even if an operator touches the upper role unit 154 while operating the setting key switch 302b or RAM clear switch 302a to change or confirm settings and determines that the upper role decorative part 600 is not properly installed, an installation error notification such as an upper decorative part not being installed error notification is not executed. Instead, an installation error notification is executed after the setting change notification or setting confirmation notification is executed. In other words, the setting change notification and setting confirmation notification have a higher priority than the upper role not being installed error notification. Note that after the setting change notification is completed, a RAM clear notification is executed as described above. Therefore, if the installation error is not resolved, the installation error display 2020a for the upper decorative part not being installed error notification is displayed on the main display device 131 during the RAM clear notification (see Figure 15-2 (B)). This allows the operator to easily and reliably recognize that an installation error has occurred, such as an interchangeable part not being installed properly. Furthermore, after the setting confirmation notification is completed, the power restoration notification is executed as described above. Therefore, if the installation error is not resolved, the upper decorative part not-installed error notification is executed first (see Figure 15-1 (B)), allowing the operator to easily and reliably recognize that an installation error has occurred, such as an replaceable part not being securely installed. Note that while the relationship between the setting change notification and setting confirmation notification and the upper decorative part not-installed error notification has been described here, the same may also be true for other installation error notifications (such as an installation error notification for the upper unit 180). Note that while the setting change notification and setting confirmation notification are being executed, the game is not playable because the game is in setting change mode, etc., and setting change processing, etc., is being executed.

[0205] [Relationship between door open error notification and installation error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-4(A), for example, if the glass frame 150 or the like is opened due to a jam of game balls or the like during gameplay, such as during a special symbol variation or a round of play (when the door open switch 312 is turned ON), the performance control board 320 executes a door open error notification to inform the player that the glass frame 150 or the like is open. In the door open error notification, the main display device 131 displays a door open display 2084 along with the decorative symbol, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The door open display 2084 is displayed in a size that covers most of the decorative symbol on the main display device 131, and displays text such as "Door is open," indicating that the glass frame 150 or the like is open. Furthermore, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a sound such as "Door is open" (which may be a door open notification sound such as a buzzer), indicating that the glass frame 150 or the like is open. Furthermore, in the door open error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150, etc.) flashes, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102, etc.) is turned off. The upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 do not perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 flashes. The door open error notification continues until the open glass frame 150, etc. is closed (the door open switch 312 is turned OFF). The frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 may also flash in a predetermined light color or at a predetermined interval, such as a door open mode corresponding to the door open error notification.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 15-4(B), for example, if the upper role unit 154 is touched when the door is opened and it is determined that the upper role decorative part 600 is not properly installed, the upper role unit not installed error notification is executed first, even if the door open error notification is being executed during that period. The manner in which the upper role unit not installed error notification is executed is the same as described above, so a detailed description is omitted. At this time, the manner in which the upper role unit not installed error notification is executed first is executed in the display manner on the main display device 131, the output manner on the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.), the light-emitting manner of the frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit, and the operation manner of the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156. Then, for example, when the door is open and the error is resolved by the upper role decorative part 600 being properly installed, the above-mentioned door open error notification (FIG. 15-4(A)) is executed. In other words, the upper role unit not installed error notification has a higher priority than the door open error notification. Although the relationship between the door open error alert and the upper decorative part not-attached error alert has been described here, the door open error alert and other attachment error alerts (such as attachment error alerts for the upper unit 180) may also be given the same priority. In this way, if attachment error alerts such as the upper decorative part not-attached error alert are given priority over the door open error alert, the worker can reliably and easily recognize that an attachment error has occurred, such as a replaceable part not being securely attached.

[0207] On the other hand, the door opening error notification may be prioritized over an attachment error notification such as an upper decorative part not being attached error notification. Specifically, during a period in which an attachment error notification may be executed, the door opening error notification (FIG. 15-4(A)) may be prioritized, and after the period ends, an attachment error notification (e.g., FIG. 15-4(B)) may be executed. Even if the door opening error notification is prioritized over the attachment error notification, the worker can reliably and easily recognize that an attachment error has occurred, such as an attachment error in which a replaceable part is not securely attached. Furthermore, even if the attachment error notification is prioritized over the door opening error notification, at least one of the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, and the panel lamp may be executed in a manner corresponding to the door opening error notification. On the other hand, even if the door opening error notification is prioritized over the attachment error notification, at least one of the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, and the panel lamp may be executed in a manner corresponding to the attachment error notification. In this manner, the worker can easily recognize that the power supply is being restored and that an attachment error has occurred.

[0208] As shown in FIG. 15-4(C), for example, if it is determined that the upper gimmick decorative part 600 is not properly installed during a door opening error notification, similar to the above, the main display device 131 may display the door open display 2084 for the door opening error notification along with the installation error display 2020a for the upper gimmick not being installed error notification. In this case, the door opening error notification mode may be executed preferentially in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.), the light emission mode of the frame lamp, panel lamp, and upper unit 180, etc., other than the main display device 131, and the upper gimmick unit 154 and the lower gimmick unit 156 may not execute initial operation, etc. In other words, the door opening error notification may be a notification with a higher priority than the upper gimmick not being installed error notification. Furthermore, for example, if the error is resolved during the period in which the door opening error notification is being executed, such as by properly installing the upper gimmick decorative part 600, the installation error display 2020a on the main display device 131 may be hidden. Although the relationship between the door open error notification and the upper decorative part not-installed error notification has been described here, the door open error notification and other installation error notifications (such as the installation error notification for the upper unit 180) may also be given the same priority. In this way, if at least a part of the installation error notification, such as the upper decorative part not-installed error notification, is executed even during the door open error notification, the worker can reliably and easily recognize that an installation error has occurred, such as an exchangeable part not being securely installed, and that the glass frame 150, etc., is open.

[0209] [Relationship between magnetic error alert, radio wave error alert and wearing error alert] 15-5(A), for example, if the magnetic detection sensor 305a detects an abnormal magnetism from outside the gaming machine during play, or if the magnetic detection sensor 305a detects an abnormality such as disconnection or incorrect connection, the performance control board 320 issues a magnetic error notification to notify the player that a magnetic error has occurred. In the magnetic error notification, a full-page magnetic error display 2085a consisting of text such as "magnetic sensor error" is displayed on the main display device 131, indicating that a magnetic error is occurring. Furthermore, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a sound indicating that a magnetic error is occurring, such as "Magnetic error" (which may be, for example, a magnetic error notification sound such as a buzzer). Furthermore, during the magnetic error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150) flashes, but the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102) is turned off. The upper and lower role units 154 and 156 do not perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. The magnetic error notification continues until the power is turned off. Furthermore, during the magnetic error notification when the magnetic detection switch 305a is not connected, the magnetic error notification may be terminated by properly connecting the magnetic detection switch 305a. However, the magnetic error notification may continue for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) even after the normal connection. Furthermore, during a magnetic error notification, the magnetic error indicator 2085a completely covers the decorative symbols, making them invisible. However, the magnetic error indicator 2085a may cover at least a portion of the decorative symbols, making them at least partially visible. During a magnetic error notification, the operation sounds of the sword handle unit 135 (effect button), the sound effect of a pending change upon winning, and the illumination of the frame lamp and board lamp, which are typical during normal play, may be restricted. When a magnetic error occurs during play, for example, the upper gimmick unit 154, which is currently performing a moving effect, may be stopped or continued, but the main display device 131 may display a completely black screen. Furthermore, the frame lamp and board lamp may flash in a predetermined color or at a predetermined interval, as in a magnetic error mode corresponding to the magnetic error notification, or may be illuminated in the same manner as the various attachment error notifications described above. Furthermore, the timing of outputting sound etc. from the sound output device 331 may be a predetermined timing such as a magnetic error mode corresponding to a magnetic error notification, or may be the same as the timing of the various attachment error notifications etc. described above.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 15-5(B), the magnetic error notification may be executed and terminated at a predetermined timing. For example, when the magnetic detection sensor 305a detects a magnetic field for 500 ms (detecting the magnetic detection signal for 500 ms) and the performance control board 130 receives an error-related command corresponding to the magnetic error (t0), the main display device 131 may start outputting the magnetic error display 2085a, the audio output device 331 may start outputting the voice message "Magnetic error" and a siren sound, the board lamp may be turned off, and the frame lamp may flash red (repeatedly on and off at 250 ms intervals). Note that during the period from t0 to t1, when the performance control board 130 receives the error-related command corresponding to the magnetic error, the game information output terminal board 309 may repeatedly output an ON signal for 200 ms, followed by an OFF signal for another 200 ms. Then, when 30 seconds have passed since the performance control board 130 received the error-related designation command corresponding to the magnetic error (t2), the output of the magnetic error display 2085a on the main display device 131 may be terminated, the output of the voice "Magnetic error" and siren sound on the audio output device 331 may be terminated, the frame lamp may cease to flash red, and the magnetic error notification may be terminated. Note that, as with the above-mentioned upper decorative part not-attached error notification, this magnetic error notification may also be continued for a predetermined period of time even if the error is resolved.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 15-5(C), if the radio wave detection sensor 305b detects an abnormal radio wave from outside the gaming machine or if the radio wave detection sensor 305b detects an abnormality such as disconnection or misconnection during gameplay, the effect control board 320 issues a radio wave error alert to notify the user that a radio wave error has occurred. In this case, the main display device 131 displays a full-screen radio wave error display 2085b, which reads "Radio wave sensor error," indicating that a radio wave error is occurring. The audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) also outputs a sound, such as "Radio wave error" (which may be a radio wave error alert sound such as a buzzer). Furthermore, in this case, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150) flashes, while the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the gaming board unit 102) is turned off. The upper and lower role units 154 and 156 do not perform predetermined operations, such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. The radio wave error notification continues until the power is turned off. In addition, in the case of a radio wave error notification when the radio wave detection switch 305b is not connected, the radio wave error notification may be terminated by properly connecting the radio wave detection switch 305b. However, the radio wave error notification may continue for a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) even after the radio wave detection switch 305b is properly connected. Furthermore, during the radio wave error notification, the radio wave error display 2085b covers all of the decorative symbols, making them invisible. However, the radio wave error display 2085b may cover at least a portion of the decorative symbols, making them at least partially visible. During the radio wave error notification, the operation sounds of the sword handle unit 135 (effect button), the sound effect of the pending change when a prize is won, and the illumination of the frame lamp and board lamp, which are normally used during play, may be restricted. Furthermore, when a radio wave error occurs during play, for example, the upper role unit 154, etc., which is in the middle of a moving performance, may be stopped or continued, but the main display device 131 may display a completely black screen.Furthermore, the frame lamp and the board lamp may flash in a predetermined light color or at a predetermined interval, such as in a radio wave error mode corresponding to a radio wave error alert, or may be in the same light emission mode as the various mounting error alerts described above. Furthermore, the timing of outputting sound, etc. from the sound output device 331 may be in a predetermined timing, such as in a radio wave error mode corresponding to a radio wave error alert, or may be the same as the timing of the various mounting error alerts described above.

[0212] Here, for example, even if it is determined that the upper accessory decoration part 600 is not properly attached due to a malfunction of the upper accessory unit 154 caused by aging during the occurrence of a magnetic error or radio wave error, an attachment error notification such as an upper accessory part not being attached error notification is not executed, and instead, an attachment error notification is executed after the magnetic error notification or radio wave error notification is executed. In other words, since abnormalities related to the magnetic detection switch 305a or the radio wave detection switch 305b, such as magnetic errors or radio wave errors, are more serious errors than attachment errors, the magnetic error notification and radio wave error notification have a higher priority than the attachment error notification. Note that while the magnetic error notification and radio wave error notification are being executed, a serious error such as a magnetic error is occurring, and therefore the game cannot be played.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 15-5(D), if a radio wave error occurs during a magnetic error, the main display device 131 may display a magnetic error display 2085c and a radio wave error display 2085d. Specifically, when only a magnetic error occurs, only the magnetic error notification (FIG. 15-5(A)) is executed. If a radio wave error occurs during a magnetic error, the magnetic error display 2085c and the radio wave error display 2085d are displayed. At this time, the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.) alternately outputs two types of audio, such as "There is a magnetic error" and "There is a radio wave error." Furthermore, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150, etc.) is flashing, but the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102, etc.) is turned off. The upper and lower role units 154 and 156 do not perform predetermined operations, such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. If a magnetic error occurs during a radio error, the display transitions from the radio error notification mode to a mode in which the magnetic error display 2085c and the radio error display 2085d are displayed. Because both magnetic errors and radio errors are serious errors, the magnetic error notification and the radio error notification have substantially the same priority, and the error notification corresponding to the error that occurred first is executed first. This notification mode allows players and game managers to easily and reliably recognize the occurrence of two or more serious errors, even if two or more serious errors occur. An example of an abnormality, such as a disconnection or incorrect connection, between the magnetic detection sensor 305a and the radio wave detection sensor 305b may occur when, on the main control board 300, the radio wave detection sensor 305b is connected to a terminal to which the magnetic detection sensor 305a should normally be connected, and the magnetic detection sensor 305a is connected to a terminal to which the radio wave detection sensor 305b should normally be connected.

[0214] Furthermore, since a magnetic error is considered to be more serious than a radio wave error, a magnetic error notification may be given a higher priority than a radio wave error notification. Specifically, if a magnetic error occurs during a radio wave error, the radio wave error notification may be stopped and only the magnetic error notification may be executed. In this case, the main display device 131 may be configured to display the magnetic error display 2085c and the radio wave error display 2085d, but the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) may output only a voice message such as "Magnetic error." In this manner, a player or a gaming manager can easily and reliably recognize the occurrence of a more serious error.

[0215] It should be noted that, during the execution of a magnetic error alert or a radio wave error alert, the error alert may be executed on the main display device 131 or the like, and the hold indication on the symbol hold indicators 119, 123, 124 (sub-hold indicators (not shown) that display the presence or absence of a hold, etc.) may not be displayed. Furthermore, when the power is subsequently turned on after a power outage, the effect that was on hold may be executed as a normal game without executing an error alert. Furthermore, on the other hand, when a magnetic error or a radio wave error is detected, the hold indication on the symbol hold indicators 119, 123, 124 (sub-hold indicators (not shown) that display the presence or absence of a hold, etc.) may be continuously executed. Furthermore, even if a power outage occurs during the execution of a magnetic error alert or a radio wave error alert and then a recovery state is restored, the error alert of the above-described type may be executed on the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, the board lamp, etc. Furthermore, if a reset recovery is performed during the execution of the error alert, normal recovery may be achieved.

[0216] [Relationship between switch connection error notification and mounting error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-6(A), when an abnormality such as disconnection or incorrect connection is detected in one of the various switches, such as the gate detection switch 303, the performance control board 320 issues a switch connection error notification to notify the player that one of the various switches is abnormal. In the switch connection error notification, a switch error display 2086 is displayed on the main display device 131 along with the decorative pattern, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The switch error display 2086 is displayed in a size that covers most of the decorative pattern on the main display device 131, and displays text such as "Switch Abnormality," suggesting that an abnormality has occurred in one of the various switches. Furthermore, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a sound such as "Switch Error" (which may be, for example, a switch error notification sound such as a buzzer), suggesting that an abnormality has occurred in one of the various switches. Furthermore, in the switch connection error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150, etc.) is turned off, and the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102, etc.) is flashing. The upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 do not perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. The switch connection error notification continues until the abnormality of the switch in which the abnormality was detected is resolved (the abnormalities of all switches are resolved). The frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 may also light up or flash in a predetermined color or at a predetermined interval, which corresponds to the switch connection error mode corresponding to the switch connection error notification. Furthermore, while the switch connection error notification is being executed, an abnormality is occurring in one of the various switches, making it impossible to play normally.

[0217] As shown in Figure 15-6(B), the switch connection error notification may be executed and terminated at a predetermined timing. For example, when the performance control board 130 receives an error-related designation command corresponding to a switch connection error (t0) due to a disconnection of various switches (when the magnetic detection sensor 305a is ON for 1 second), and 100 ms have elapsed (t1) since then, the main display device 131 may start outputting a switch error display 2086, the audio output device 331 may start outputting a voice message saying "Switch error" and a 5-second siren sound repeatedly, the board lamp may be turned off, and the frame lamp may flash red (repeatedly on and off at 250 ms intervals). Then, when the disconnections in the various switches are resolved and the performance control board 130 receives an error system termination command corresponding to the switch connection error (t2), the output of the switch connection error display 2086 on the main display device 131 may be terminated, the audio output device 331 may terminate the repeated output of the voice message "Switch error" and a 5-second siren sound, the frame lamp may cease to flash red, and the switch connection error notification may be terminated.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 15-6(C), for example, if a misconnection occurs with one of the various switches during replacement of the performance control board 320, and the upper role unit 154 is touched and it is determined that the upper role decoration unit 600 is not properly installed, the main display device 131 displays a switch error display 2086 for a switch connection error notification along with an installation error display 2020a for an upper decoration unit not being installed error notification. At this time, in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.), which is a mode other than the main display device 131, and the light-emitting mode of the frame lamp, board lamp, upper unit, and upper unit 180, for example, the mode for the switch connection error notification is executed preferentially, and the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 may not execute initial operation, etc. In other words, the switch connection error notification has a higher priority than the upper role not being installed error notification. For example, if the error is resolved during the period in which the switch connection error notification is being issued, for example, by properly attaching the upper decorative part 600, the installation error display 2020a on the main display device 131 will be hidden. While the relationship between the switch connection error notification and the upper decorative part non-installation error notification has been described here, the same manner (priority) may be used for the switch connection error notification and other installation error notifications (such as an installation error notification for the upper unit 180). In this way, if at least a portion of an installation error notification, such as an upper decorative part non-installation error notification, is executed even during a switch connection error notification, the worker can reliably and easily recognize that an installation error, such as an incomplete installation of a replaceable component, has occurred and that an abnormality is occurring in one of the various switches. On the other hand, the installation error notification may be executed after the switch connection error notification, similar to the case in which the power restoration notification is executed with priority over the installation error notification as described above.

[0219] As described above, the switch connection error notification is executed when various switches are disconnected. However, the manner and priority of the error notification may be set to vary depending on the type of disconnected switch. For example, a switch connection error notification when magnetic detection sensor 305a and radio wave detection sensor 305b are disconnected may be set to have a higher priority than a switch connection error notification when other switches are disconnected. Furthermore, when reflective sensors 680a-680d and reflective sensors 780a-780d are disconnected from main control board 300 or performance control board 320, an error notification in the same manner as the switch connection error notification may be executed. Furthermore, while the switch connection error notification described above is executed when various switches are disconnected during gameplay, the same switch connection error notification may also be executed when various switches are disconnected at power-on. The various switches may become disconnected during the execution of a customer waiting demo effect, during the execution of various effects such as an SP reach effect including the operation of a movable role, during the execution of a jackpot effect, etc. If the various switches become disconnected during such timing, the main display device 131 may display a switch error message 2086, and the audio output device 331 may output an error, in the same manner as the switch connection error notification described above. On the other hand, if the main control board 300 and the performance control board 320 become disconnected, if the main display device 131 and the main control board 300 or the performance control board 320 become disconnected, if the main control board 300 and the game information output terminal board 309 become disconnected, if the payout control board 310 and the main control board 300 become disconnected, or if the payout control board 310 or the main control board 300 and the ball dispensing machine become disconnected, the switch disconnection error notification described above may not be executed.

[0220] [Relationship between vibration error alerts, etc. and wearing error alerts] As shown in FIG. 15-7(A), for example, if abnormal vibrations from outside the gaming machine are detected by the vibration detection sensor 305c during gameplay, the performance control board 320 issues a vibration error notification to alert the player that abnormal vibrations are occurring. Specifically, the main display device 131 displays a vibration error display 2087a consisting of the words "abnormal vibration error" in a size large enough to cover most of the decorative symbols, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The audio output device 331 (e.g., speaker 1820) also outputs a sound indicating that abnormal vibrations are occurring, such as "abnormal vibration error" (which may be, for example, a vibration error notification sound such as an alarm). Furthermore, during the vibration error notification, the frame lamp flashes, the board lamp is turned off, the upper and lower role units 154 and 156 do not perform their initial operations, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. The vibration error notification may be performed for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 seconds) after abnormal vibration is detected, and the frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 may illuminate or flash in a predetermined color or at a predetermined interval, such as a vibration error mode corresponding to the vibration error notification. While the vibration error notification is being performed, game progress may be possible, but the occurrence of abnormal vibration may make game progress impossible for a predetermined period. For example, if abnormal vibration is detected and it is determined that the upper role decoration part 600 of the upper role unit 154 has shifted due to the abnormal vibration or the like and is not properly attached, the main display device 131 displays a vibration error display 2087a and an attachment error display 2020a for an upper decoration part not being attached error notification. At this time, in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.), which is a mode other than the main display device 131, and the light emission mode of the frame lamp, board lamp, upper unit, and upper unit 180, for example, the mode of vibration error notification is executed preferentially, and the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 may not execute initial operation, etc. In other words, the vibration error notification is a notification with a higher priority than the upper role not-attached error notification.For example, when the mounting error display 2020a is displayed together with the vibration error display 2087a on the main display device 131, after a predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed, the vibration error notification may be stopped and an upper decorative part not-attached error notification may be executed. Note that while the relationship between the vibration error notification and the upper decorative part not-attached error notification has been described here, the same manner (priority) may also be applied to the vibration error notification and other mounting error notifications (such as a mounting error notification for the upper unit 180). In this way, if at least a portion of a mounting error notification, such as an upper decorative part not-attached error notification, is executed even during a vibration error notification, the worker can reliably and easily recognize that a mounting error, such as an incorrect mounting of a replaceable component, has occurred and that abnormal vibrations are occurring. On the other hand, the mounting error notification may be executed after the vibration error notification, similar to the case where the power restoration notification is executed with priority over the mounting error notification as described above.

[0221] As shown in FIG. 15-7(B), if a win is detected by the first winning device detection switch 306a or the like when a special game is not being played due to a malfunction of the first large winning device 117 or the like caused by aging, the performance control board 320 issues an abnormal winning notification to notify the player that an abnormal winning has occurred. Specifically, the abnormal winning notification displays an abnormal winning display 2087b on the main display device 131, which displays the decorative symbols, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area, along with the text "Abnormal Winning Error" in a size that covers most of the front decorative symbols. Additionally, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a sound or the like indicating that an abnormal winning has occurred, such as "Abnormal Winning Error" (which may be, for example, an abnormal winning notification sound such as an alarm). Furthermore, in the abnormal winning notification, the frame lamp flashes, the board lamp is off, the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 do not perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is off. The abnormal winning notification may be continued until the power is turned off. The frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 may light up or flash in a predetermined color or at a predetermined interval, corresponding to the abnormal winning notification. While the abnormal winning notification is being executed, game progress may be possible, but due to the occurrence of an abnormal winning, game progress may be disabled for a predetermined period of time. For example, if an abnormal winning is detected and it is determined that the upper role decoration part 600 of the upper role unit 154 is not properly installed due to a malfunction caused by aging, the main display device 131 displays the abnormal winning notification 2087b and the installation error notification 2020a for the upper decoration part not being installed error notification. At this time, in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.), which is a mode other than the main display device 131, the light emitting mode of the frame lamp, board lamp, upper unit, and upper unit 180, for example, the mode of abnormal winning notification is executed preferentially, and the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 may not execute initial operation, etc. In other words, the abnormal winning notification is a notification with a higher priority than the upper role not-installed error notification.For example, when the main display device 131 displays the abnormal winning indicator 2087b and the mounting error indicator 2020a, if the power is restored but the malfunction of the upper gimmick unit 154 is not resolved, the abnormal winning notification may be stopped and an upper ornament part not-mounted error notification may be executed. While the relationship between the abnormal winning notification and the upper ornament part not-mounted error notification has been described here, the same priority may be applied to the abnormal winning notification and other mounting error notifications (such as a mounting error notification for the upper unit 180). In this way, if at least a portion of the mounting error notification, such as the upper ornament part not-mounted error notification, is executed even during the abnormal winning notification, the operator can easily and reliably recognize that a mounting error, such as a replaceable component not being properly mounted, has occurred and that an abnormal winning has occurred. On the other hand, similar to the case where the power restoration notification is executed with priority over the mounting error notification as described above, the mounting error notification may be executed after the abnormal winning notification.

[0222] As shown in FIG. 15-7(C), if the number of game balls entering the various winning slots and the number of game balls being discharged from the winning ball channel through which the winning balls flow do not match, for example, due to a malfunction caused by aging in the winning ball channel, the presentation control board 320 issues a discharge error notification to notify the player that an abnormal discharge of game balls has occurred. Specifically, the discharge error notification displays a discharge error display 2087c on the main display device 131, consisting of the decorative pattern, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area, along with the text "Discharge Error" displayed in a size that covers most of the front decorative pattern. Additionally, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a sound, such as "Discharge Error" (which may be, for example, an alarm or other discharge error notification sound), indicating that an abnormal discharge of game balls has occurred. Furthermore, in the discharge error notification, the frame lamp flashes, the board lamp is off, the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 do not perform predetermined operations such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is off. The discharge error notification may be continued until the power is turned off. The frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 may light up or flash in a predetermined color or at a predetermined interval, corresponding to the discharge error notification. Furthermore, during the discharge error notification, an abnormal discharge of game balls has occurred, making it impossible to play the game. For example, if abnormal discharge of game balls due to such a malfunction caused by aging is detected and it is determined that the upper role decoration part 600 of the upper role unit 154 is not properly attached due to the malfunction caused by aging, the main display device 131 displays the discharge error display 2087c and the attachment error display 2020a for the upper decoration part not attached error notification. At this time, in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (speaker 1820, etc.), which is a mode other than the main display device 131, the light emitting mode of the frame lamp, board lamp, upper unit, and upper unit 180, for example, the mode of the discharge error notification is executed preferentially, and the upper role unit 154 and the lower role unit 156 may not execute the initial operation, etc. In other words, the discharge error notification is a notification with a higher priority than the upper role not-attached error notification.For example, when the main display device 131 displays the attachment error display 2020a along with the ejection error display 2087c, if the power is restored but the malfunction of the upper accessory unit 154 is not resolved, the ejection error notification may be stopped and an upper accessory part not-attached error notification may be executed. While the relationship between the ejection error notification and the upper accessory part not-attached error notification has been described here, the same priority may be applied to the ejection error notification and other attachment error notifications (such as the attachment error notification for the upper unit 180). In this way, if at least a portion of the attachment error notification, such as the upper accessory part not-attached error notification, is executed even during the ejection error notification, the operator can easily and reliably recognize that an attachment error, such as an incorrect attachment of a replaceable component, has occurred and that an abnormal ejection of game balls has occurred. On the other hand, similar to the case where the power restoration notification is executed with priority over the attachment error notification as described above, the attachment error notification may be executed after the ejection error notification.

[0223] [Relationship between tray full error notification and installation error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-8(A), for example, when the full detection switch 314 detects that the upper tray 128 is full of game balls, the performance control board 320 issues a full-tray error notification to prompt the player to remove game balls from the upper tray 128. When the full-tray error notification is issued, a full-tray display 2088 is displayed on the main display device 131 along with the decorative symbols, the reserved icon display area, and the icon display area. The full-tray display 2088 is displayed in a size that covers at least a portion of the decorative symbols on the main display device 131, and displays text such as "Please remove the balls" to prompt the player to remove the game balls from the upper tray 128. In addition, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a sound such as "Please remove the balls" to prompt the player to remove the game balls from the upper tray 128. Furthermore, in the tray full error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150, etc.), the board lamp (the effect board lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102, etc.), the upper and lower role units 154 and 156, and the upper unit 180 can perform effects in light emission and operation modes according to the game status at that time. The tray full error notification continues until game balls are removed from the upper tray 128 and the full state is detected to be resolved based on detection by the full tray detection switch 314. The frame lamp, board lamp, and upper unit 180 may also light up...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising a main control means capable of controlling the progress of a special game, and a performance control means for controlling a performance in response to a signal from the main control means, Obtaining determination information based on the establishment of a start condition; It is possible to execute a variable effect that determines the determination information and varies the effect pattern, A first mode in which the performance pattern fluctuates along a first variation path; A second mode in which the performance pattern fluctuates along a second variable path different from the first variable path, In the variation performance, switching of the first variation path or the second variation path can be executed in accordance with the transition to the first mode or the second mode, When the game mode is switched to the first mode or the second mode, a special effect that covers all or part of the display area of ​​the display means can be executed. In the variation performance of the second variation path, during a period in which an operation suggestion performance that prompts the operation of an operation means is executed, the execution of the special performance is limited; Whether it is the first variable path variable performance or the second variable path variable performance, it is possible to execute a specific sound performance that starts during a stop suggestion period that suggests that the performance pattern in the variable performance will be stopped and outputs a specific sound that suggests that the performance pattern will be stopped, In the case of the fluctuation performance of the first fluctuation path and the fluctuation performance of the second fluctuation path, it is possible to execute the specific sound performance of different modes, When starting the variable performance, the start performance can be executed, The opening performance includes: There is a first aspect and a second aspect different from the first aspect, The start performance can be made different in the first mode change performance and the second mode change performance, In the variable presentation of the first mode, a predetermined presentation that gives an expectation of the special game is more likely to be executed when the start presentation of the second mode is executed than when the start presentation of the first mode is executed.

Images