Gaming 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 Art

[0002] In conventional gaming machines, it is common to determine whether to execute a special game advantageous to the player based on the determination information obtained by the establishment of the acquisition conditions, and to execute a variable display of the production symbol on the image display device based on the determination result.

[0003] In such a gaming machine, there are a plurality of types of variation patterns of the variable display of the production symbol, and one is selected from the plurality of types of variation patterns based on the determination result, and the variable display of the production symbol in the selected variation pattern is displayed on the image display device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 above, there is room for improvement in the mode of the variable display of the production symbol, and there is a risk of causing a decrease in the interest of the game.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interest of the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] [Application Example 1] The gaming machine according to the present disclosure is a gaming machine including a main control means (main control unit 110m) capable of controlling the progress of a special game, and a performance control means (performance control unit 130m) for controlling a performance in response to a signal from the main control means (main control unit 110m). The main control means (main control unit 110m) is a starter. Determination information obtained by means The performance control means (performance control unit 130m) can store the reserved memory based on the start Determination information obtained by means Based on this, a performance pattern (70a) is displayed on the display means (first image display device 70, second image display device 71) along a first variation path (for example, vertical scrolling). and , the starting Determination information obtained by means Based on this, the performance pattern (70a) is displayed on the display means (first image display device 70, second image display device 71) in a second variation path (e.g., circular scroll) different from the first variation path (e.g., vertical scroll). and , execute It is possible, At a predetermined timing during the variation start period of the variation effect, a variation start effect can be executed, and the variation start effect includes a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode. The variation start effects of different modes can be executed for the variation effect of the first variation path and the variation effect of the second variation path. The first moving path (e.g., vertical scrolling) or the second variation path (for example, an annular scroll) During the stop suggestion period in the variable performance, a specific sound is generated to suggest that the performance pattern (70a) will be stopped. It is possible to execute a specific sound effect that outputs (a losing stop sound), and the display symbol can be displayed by a first column (left column or right column) that can form a reach in the variation effect and a second column (middle column) that can be temporarily stopped when a reach different from the first column ends. It is possible to execute a special effect (SP reach end eye catch effect) that covers all or part of the display area of the display means as the reach ends. When a losing variation effect is executed, the specific sound (losing stop sound) can be output when temporarily stopped in the first column or the second column. First fluctuation stop indication performance, or The special play is expected to occur in a certain performance (SP reach , a preview effect, a continuous effect, a preview reading effect, a pseudo - continuous effect, etc. ) is executed , when suggesting a temporary stop including the second column A second fluctuation stop suggestion effect different from the first fluctuation stop suggestion effect can be executed, For the case of the first variation path and the case of the second variation path, specific sound effects of different modes can be executed. The specific sound includes a first sound (for example, a losing stop sound) and a second sound (for example, an SP stop sound) different from the first sound. In the variation performance of the first variation path (for example, vertical scrolling), the first variation stop suggestion performance is executed. of the vari Rather than the moving performance, the second fluctuation stop suggestion performance is executed. of the vari The animation is better. , vari In the dynamic performance, a change performance in which the display position of the performance pattern (70a) changes (for example, a change in the pattern position of the left column or the right column during a reach performance) is easily executed, variation path or the second variation path In accordance with the transition to the above, a specific effect (e.g., due to variation path switchingIt is possible to execute a specific effect (e.g., an eye-catching switching effect), and during the period when an operation suggestion effect that prompts an operation of an operation means (operation button 17) is executed in the variation effect of the first variation path, it is possible to limit the execution of the specific effect (e.g., a switching effect such as an eye-catching effect). , in the variation effect of the first variation path, during the variation start period including the execution period of the variation start effect, the second mode of the variation start effect is more likely to execute the predetermined effect (SP reach) than when the first mode of the variation start effect is executed. When a losing variation effect is executed in the variation effect of the first variation path, the second column is more likely to output the second sound when temporarily stopped before the execution of the special effect (SP losing eye catch) than the first column. When a variation effect in which a losing reach occurs in the first variation path is executed, the second sound is more likely to be output when the display symbol including the second column is temporarily stopped before the execution of the special effect than after the execution of the special effect (SP losing eye catch). It is characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve the amusement of the game.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0011] [Explanation of the Gaming Machine 100 of the First Embodiment] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, first, the configuration of the gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment. FIG. 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 the inner frame 170 are opened with respect to the outer frame 160. The gaming machine 100 is a pachinko gaming machine that fires a gaming ball based on the player's firing operation, and when the gaming ball wins a specific winning device, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out to the player based on the winning.

[0012] In the following description, as necessary, the left - right direction of the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "X direction", in particular, the right direction of the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "+X direction", and the left direction of the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "-X direction". Also, the up - down direction of the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "Y direction", in particular, the up direction of the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "+Y direction", and the down direction of the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "-Y direction". Furthermore, the depth direction of the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "Z direction", in particular, the direction toward the back side with respect to the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "+Z direction", and the direction toward the front side with respect to the gaming machine 100 is also referred to as the "-Z direction".

[0013] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 100 includes an outer frame 160 attached to the island equipment in the game parlor, an inner frame 170 rotatably supported by the outer frame 160 on the front side of the outer frame 160, and a glass frame 150 rotatably supported by the inner frame 170 on the front side of the inner frame 170. A glass member 151 is detachably provided on the back side of the glass frame 150. Further, at a predetermined position of the glass frame 150, a lock unit 190 is provided to enable the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 to be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 160 and to enable the upper unit 180, which will be described later, to be attached and detached. Details will be described later. Furthermore, at a predetermined position of the glass frame 150, a glass frame opening switch (not shown) for detecting that the glass frame 150 has been opened is provided, and at a predetermined position of the inner frame 170, an inner frame opening switch (not shown) for detecting that the inner frame 170 has been opened is provided.

[0014] The inner frame 170 is provided with the main mechanisms, various components, and substrates that make up the gaming machine 100, and a game board unit 102 is detachably provided. A game area 106 is provided between the glass member 151 and the game board unit 102. This game area 106 includes a game ball flowing area where game balls flow down and a display screen area of the main display device 131.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the game board unit 102 includes a game board 102A that constitutes the game area 106, an accessory unit 102B that includes various movable accessories, etc., a main display device 131, an effect control board unit 102C that includes an effect control board 320, and a main control board unit 102D that includes a main control board 300. Details of these components that make up the game board unit 102 will be described later. Note that the game board 102A of the game board unit 102 has an opening 102AZ. The main display device 131 is disposed in this opening 102AZ. This makes it easier for the player to visually recognize the main display device 131. Also, in the game board unit 102, the surface on the player side is also referred to as the front side, and the surface on the back side (the side opposite to the front side) is also referred to as the back side.

[0016] On the lower side of the glass frame 150, an effect operation unit BSU is provided. The effect operation unit BSU is provided with a knife handle unit 135 and an effect operation stick 136. Also, on the back side of the effect operation unit BSU, an upper plate 128 is provided, and on the lower right side of the effect operation unit BSU, a firing handle device 103 is provided. Further, on the upper side of the glass frame 150, an upper unit 180 that executes a predetermined related operation when in a predetermined gaming state is provided so as to cover a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150. Note that, although details will be described later, the upper unit 180 is attached to the outer frame 160 and is configured to engage with the glass frame 150. And on both left and right side surfaces of the glass frame 150, a first side display device 132 and a second side display device 133 for performing effect displays during gaming and non-gaming are provided.

[0017] The upper tray 128 has a ball flow path which is a flow path for game balls supplied from a ball lending machine (not shown) arranged side by side with the gaming machine 100 and game balls such as prize balls at the time of winning, and is a tray for storing game balls to be launched into the game area 106. Further, in the middle of the ball flow path, a full cup detection switch 314 for detecting the occurrence of a tray full cup error in which the upper tray 128 is full of game balls is provided. Note that while the full cup of the upper tray 128 is detected by the full cup detection switch 314, the payout of game balls by a prize ball payout device or the like described later is stopped. Furthermore, the game balls stored in the upper tray 128 are led out to a launch rail (not shown), and are guided by the launch handle device 103 to an induction rail (not shown) via the launch rail with a predetermined launch intensity, and are launched into the game area 106 (game ball flow-down area). In this case, depending on the rotation operation state of the launch handle device 103 by the player, the game balls launched from the launch handle device 103 pass through the left route 106a or the right route 106b of the game ball flow-down area included in the game area 106. Specifically, when the player rotates the launch handle device 103 relatively weakly, the game balls launched from the launch handle device 103 can pass through the left route 106a. On the other hand, when the player rotates the launch handle device 103 relatively strongly, the game balls launched from the launch handle device 103 can pass through the right route 106b.

[0018] At the center of the effect operation unit BSU, a handle unit 135 imitating the form of the handle part of a sword is arranged. The handle unit 135 is for changing the effect mode by the operation of the player, and also functions as a device that operates in various modes according to a predetermined game state and performs various effects. Further, on the left side of the effect operation unit BSU, an effect operation stick 136 which is a joystick operated when the player adjusts the volume etc. of the gaming machine 100 is provided.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, in the game area 106, there are provided an upper accessory unit 154 at the back of the upper part, a lower accessory unit 156 at the lower part of the game ball flow-down area, and a light guide panel unit 181 disposed at a position sandwiched between these units and the game board 102A and covering these movable accessories and the main display device 131.

[0020] The upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 are movable accessories (so-called gimmicks) provided in the accessory unit 102B, and various effects are performed by moving these units 154 and 156 in a predetermined operation according to the progress of the game by the player. Further, the light guide panel unit 181 includes a light guide panel made of a resin such as transparent acrylic, and a light emitting part for allowing light to enter the light guide panel. In the light guide panel unit 181, the effect display displayed on the main display device 131 can be visually recognized through the light guide panel, and patterns and the like can be displayed by causing a part of the panel to emit light by the light incident from the light emitting part. In the conventional light guide panel unit, the light emitting part was provided in a structure that covers the end part of the light guide panel, but in the light guide panel unit 181, since the light emitting part is provided so as to receive light from the side surface part of the light guide panel without substantially covering the end part of the light guide panel, the light emitting area of the light guide panel can be made wider than the conventional one. In the present application, the "movable accessory" is interpreted to mean an accessory that moves. Further, the "accessory" is interpreted in a broad sense to include both a movable accessory and a stationary accessory that does not move.

[0021] In the lower region approximately at the center of the gaming area 106, a first starting device 112 having a starting area into which game balls can enter is provided. This first starting device 112 is a winning device of the general winning device type. When a game ball wins, a jackpot random number is acquired and a jackpot determination is made, and a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 3) are paid out. Also, above the first starting device 112, there is provided a stage 140 where game balls warp in the main left route 106a of the game ball flow-down area without passing between pins, making it easier for the game balls to enter the first starting device 112. Note that game balls that enter the stage 140 may return to the game ball flow-down area from a predetermined notch in the stage 140 after staying in the stage 140.

[0022] Further, in the lower right region of the gaming area 106, a second starting device 115 having a starting area into which game balls can enter is provided. The second starting device 115 is a so-called attacker type electric accessory. At its lower part, a starting port is provided, and a movable piece 115b is provided above the starting port. This movable piece 115b is movable-controlled between a protruding state protruding from the game board 102A and a retracted state retracted into the game board 102A. When the movable piece 115b is in the retracted state, game balls are guided from the starting port into the second starting device 115, making it easier for the game balls to enter the second starting device 115. Conversely, when the movable piece 115b is in the protruding state, game balls do not enter the starting port and the game balls cannot win in the second starting device 115. That is, in the second starting device 115, there is no winning chance for game balls when the movable piece 115b is in the protruding state, and the winning chance for game balls increases when the movable piece 115b is in the retracted state. Note that when a game ball wins in the second starting device 115, similar to the first starting device 112, a jackpot random number is acquired and a jackpot determination is made, and for example, the same number of prize balls (3) as the first starting device 112 are paid out.

[0023] On the right side of the game area 106, there are a normal symbol operation gate 113b with a normal area through which the game balls can pass, a first major winning device 117 into which the game balls can enter, and a second major winning device 127 into which the game balls can enter. When a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 113b, a winning random number is acquired and a winning determination is made. Note that even if a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 113b, no bonus balls are paid out based on such passage.

[0024] The first major winning device 117 is a so-called attacker-type electric accessory. An opening is provided at its lower part, and a movable piece 117b is provided above the opening. This movable piece 117b is movable-controlled between a protruding state protruding from the game board 102A and a retracted state retracted into the game board 102A. When the movable piece 117b is in the retracted state, the game ball is guided from the opening into the first major winning device 117, and the game ball can win in the first major winning device 117 (this state is also referred to as "open" or "open state"). Also, when a game ball wins in the first major winning device 117, a predetermined number of bonus balls (for example, 15 balls) are paid out. Conversely, when the movable piece 117b is in the protruding state, the game ball does not enter the opening, and the game ball cannot win in the first major winning device 117 (this state is also referred to as "closed" or "closed state").

[0025] The second major winning device 127 is a so-called attacker-type electric accessory. An opening is provided at its lower part, and a movable piece 127b is provided above the opening. This movable piece 127b is movable-controlled between a protruding state protruding from the game board 102A and a retracted state retracted into the game board 102A. When the movable piece 127b is in the retracted state, the game ball is guided from the opening into the second major winning device 127, and the game ball can win in the second major winning device 127 (this state is also referred to as "open" or "open state"). Also, when a game ball wins in the second major winning device 127, a predetermined number of bonus balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out. Conversely, when the movable piece 127b is in the protruding state, the game ball does not enter the opening, and the game ball cannot win in the second major winning device 127 (this state is also referred to as "closed" or "closed state").

[0026] Above the second major winning device 127, there is a winning assistance device (not shown). When a plurality of game balls that have passed through the right route 106b of the game area 106 pass through the movable piece 127b in the closed state, this winning assistance device is configured to stay on the movable piece 127b for a predetermined time. The movable piece 127b is opened every predetermined time, and the plurality of game balls staying thereon are made to enter the second major winning device 127 at once, thereby enhancing the interest for the player.

[0027] At the lowermost part of the game area 106, there is an out port 111 for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the first starting device 112, the second starting device 115, the first major winning device 117, and the second major winning device 127. In the area on the right side of the game area 106, there is a cover 116 that covers the normal symbol operation gate 113b, the second starting device 115, the first major winning device 117, and the second major winning device 127 from the front side. On this cover 116, a guiding portion protruding toward the game board 102A side is formed to guide game balls to the second starting device 115, the first major winning device 117, and the second major winning device 127.

[0028] In a substantially central portion of the game area 106, there is a main display device 131 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like. This main display device 131 displays an image during standby when the game is not being played, or displays an image according to the progress of the game. Among other things, based on the winning of game balls by the first starting device 112 and the second starting device 115, a plurality of decorative symbols for notifying the determination result of a big win are variably displayed, and when a specific combination of decorative symbols (for example, 777, etc.) stops and is fixedly stopped and displayed, a big win is notified as the big win determination result.

[0029] That is, when a game ball wins a prize in the first starting device 112 and the second starting device 115, the decorative symbol is variably displayed in accordance with the variable display of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 120 and the second special symbol display device 122, which will be described later, and is stopped and displayed in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol after a predetermined variable time has elapsed. That is, the timing of the variable display of the decorative symbol by the main display device 131 and the variable display of the special symbol by the first special symbol display device 120 and the second special symbol display device 122 is synchronized. Also, during the variable display of this decorative symbol, various images, characters, etc. are produced and displayed, or a prediction production of the hold display related to the special symbol is displayed, etc., so as to give the player a sense of expectation that they may win a big hit.

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

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a display device 125 is provided below the left side of the game area 106. The display device 125 includes a normal symbol display device 118, a normal symbol hold display device 119, a first special symbol display device 120, a second special symbol display device 122, a first special symbol hold display device 123, and a second special symbol hold display device 124. Details of the display device 125 will be described later.

[0032] The main display device 131 is disposed substantially at the center of the game board unit 102, and three decorative symbols are variably displayed and various effects are displayed. The effects displayed by such a main display device 131 are executed based on the effect patterns described later. Hereinafter, the effects displayed by the main display device 131 are also simply referred to as "display effects". In the present embodiment, the decorative symbols include the numbers 1 to 9 and special symbols.

[0033] In the display effect of the main display device 131, in the jackpot determination described later, if the player wins, that is, in the case of a jackpot, finally, three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed, and a jackpot symbol arrangement representing a jackpot (for example, a triple such as "7, 7, 7") is displayed. Also, in the display effect, in the jackpot determination described later, if the player loses, that is, in the case of a loss, finally, three decorative symbols are stopped and displayed, and a loss symbol arrangement representing a loss (for example, a scattered pattern such as "2, 5, 1") is displayed. Thereby, the player can recognize the result of the jackpot determination.

[0034] When the player performs a so-called "left hit" to maintain the state in which the launch handle device 103 is rotated at a small rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively weak hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down in the left area in the game area 106. On the other hand, when the player performs a so-called "right hit" to maintain the state in which the launch handle device 103 is rotated at a large rotation angle, the game ball is launched with a relatively strong hitting force. In this case, the game ball flows down in the right area in the game area 106. Therefore, "right hit" is required when the game ball enters the normal symbol operation gate 113b, the second start device 115, the first big winning device 117, or the second big winning device 127.

[0035] The first start device 112 is a start device that is always open. On the other hand, the second start device 115 is normally closed by the movable piece 115b. The movable piece 115b opens the second start device 115 based on the determination result on the condition that the game ball enters the normal symbol operation gate 113b. In this case, a state in which the game ball easily enters is created. When the game ball enters the first start device 112 or the second start device 115, a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number are acquired, and the following four determinations can be executed. (1) Determination of whether to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player (hereinafter also referred to as jackpot determination). (2) In the display 125, a determination of whether a symbol (hereinafter also referred to as a special symbol) indicating whether it is a jackpot to notify the result of the jackpot determination (hereinafter also referred to as the jackpot symbol determination). (3) This is executed in the case of a jackpot in the jackpot symbol determination, and is a determination of a symbol (hereinafter also referred to as a jackpot symbol) representing the type of the jackpot. (4) In the display effect on the main display device 131, a determination of whether to perform a reach (hereinafter also referred to as a reach determination), and a determination of which of a plurality of variation patterns to use (hereinafter also referred to as a variation pattern determination).

[0036] Here, the "jackpot game" is a special game that opens the first large winning device 117 or the second large winning device 127. Also, "reach" means that in the main display device 131, when two of the three decorative symbols that are variably displayed stop displaying, and the two decorative symbols constitute two of the three decorative symbols that make up the jackpot symbol arrangement. For example, in the main display device 131, when two of the three decorative symbols that are variably displayed stop displaying and the two decorative symbols are in the same state. In this case, the decorative symbols that constitute two of the three decorative symbols that make up the jackpot symbol arrangement are also referred to as reach symbols.

[0037] In the following description, the above four determinations executed on the condition of the winning of the game ball that has passed through the first starting device 112 are also referred to as the "first special symbol determination", and the above four determinations executed on the condition of the winning of the game ball in the second starting device 115 are also referred to as the "second special symbol determination", and these determinations are collectively also referred to as the "special symbol determination".

[0038] Also, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 113b, a normal symbol random number is acquired, and a determination is made as to whether or not to release the movable piece 115b of the second starting device 115. Hereinafter, the determination executed on the condition that the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 113b is also referred to as "normal symbol determination". In the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the probability of winning in the normal symbol determination, that is, the probability of determining to release the movable piece 115b, is a specification that changes according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 100.

[0039] The first big winning device 117 has its movable piece 117b released according to the result of the big winning symbol determination. The first big winning device 117 is normally blocked by this movable piece 117b. On the other hand, when the determination result of the big winning determination is a big win, a big winning game is executed in which the above-mentioned movable piece 117b is actuated to open the first big winning device 117. Therefore, the player can obtain more prize balls by performing "right hitting" during the big winning game than when the big winning game is not being played. Note that the second big winning device 127 operates its movable piece 127b in substantially the same manner as the first big winning device 117 and is opened during a big winning game according to the determination result of the big winning determination.

[0040] [Explanation of the display 125] As shown in FIG. 1, the display 125 mainly displays information related to the big winning symbol determination and the normal symbol determination, and has a first special symbol display 120, a second special symbol display 122, a first special symbol hold display 123, a second special symbol hold display 124, a normal symbol display 118, and a normal symbol hold display 119.

[0041] When the first special symbol determination is made, the first special symbol display 120 variably displays a special symbol and then stops displaying it, and the stopped special symbol notifies the determination result of the big winning symbol determination in the first special symbol determination. On this first special symbol display 120, as the determination result of the big winning symbol determination, a big winning symbol indicating a big win or a losing symbol indicating that the result of the first special symbol determination is a loss is stopped and displayed.

[0042] When the second special symbol determination is made, the second special symbol display device 122 variably displays the special symbol and then stops the display, and notifies the determination result of the jackpot symbol determination in the second special symbol determination based on the stopped special symbol. In this second special symbol display device 122, as the determination result of the jackpot symbol determination, a jackpot symbol indicating a jackpot or a losing symbol indicating that the result of the second special symbol determination is a loss is stopped and displayed.

[0043] Incidentally, when a game ball newly wins in the first start device 112 during the variable display of the special symbol related to the special symbol determination or during the jackpot game in the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the gaming machine 100 is configured not to immediately execute the first special symbol determination and the variable display of the symbol triggered by this winning. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 has a hold function of holding the first special symbol determination and storing four pieces of random number information for the first special symbol determination as a set of hold information. The first special symbol hold display device 123 displays the number of pieces of hold information for the first special symbol determination stored in this way. Similarly, when a game ball newly wins in the second start device 115 during the variable display of the special symbol related to the special symbol determination or during the jackpot game in the gaming machine 100, the gaming machine 100 also has a hold function of holding the second special symbol determination and storing four pieces of random number information for the second special symbol determination as a set of hold information. The second special symbol hold display device 124 displays the number of pieces of hold information for the second special symbol determination stored in this way.

[0044] When the normal symbol determination is made, the normal symbol display device 118 variably displays the normal symbol and then stops the display, and notifies the determination result of the normal symbol determination based on the stopped normal symbol. Incidentally, even when a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 113b during the variable display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display device 118, the gaming machine 100 is configured not to immediately execute the normal symbol determination and the variable display of the normal symbol related to the normal symbol determination. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 has a hold function of holding the normal symbol determination and storing the information of the normal symbol random number for the normal symbol determination as hold information. The normal symbol hold display device 119 displays the number of pieces of hold information for the normal symbol determination stored in this way.

[0045] In addition, the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment includes a right-hit lamp (not shown) and a round lamp (not shown). The right-hit lamp lights up during the jackpot gaming state and the time-saving gaming state described later, and recommends that the player perform a right-hit (details will be described later). The round lamp is composed of one or more lamps. The round lamp transitions from the off state to the on state during a jackpot. The round lamp suggests the number of times of the round game according to the type of jackpot during the jackpot by lighting up. For example, when there are two round lamps, when one round lamp lights up, it suggests that the round game is executed 4 times (that is, it suggests that it is a 4R jackpot), and when the other round lamp lights up, it suggests that the round game is executed 16 times (that is, it suggests that it is a 16R jackpot).

[0046] [Internal Configuration of Gaming Machine 100] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 4-3, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described. 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. (A) is a special 1 jackpot determination table for determining (jackpot determination) the special drawing determination information obtained based on the winning (entry) of the game ball into the first starting device 112, and (B) is a special 2 jackpot determination table for determining (jackpot determination) the special drawing determination information obtained based on the winning (entry) of the game 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, an effect 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, the main control board 300 controls the basic operations of the gaming machine. The main control board 300 includes a one-chip microcomputer 301. The one-chip microcomputer 301 includes a main CPU 301a, a main ROM 301b, and a main RAM 301c. Further, the main control board 300 is provided with input ports and output ports for main control (both not shown). Furthermore, 302a for inputting a signal for clearing the stored content of the main RAM 301c or updating a set value (the probability of being determined as a big win), which is a level of the advantage degree of the game, a setting key switch 302b for inputting a signal for shifting to a setting change mode or a setting confirmation mode, which will be described later, by an operation using a setting key, an information display 302c for displaying performance information and set values that enable the actual performance of the gaming machine to be grasped, and other electronic components are mounted thereon.

[0048] The information display 302c is composed of four 7-segment displays arranged in the left-right direction. Then, an identification segment for displaying identification information indicating the type (data type) of the performance information is constituted by the two 7-segment displays from the left, and a numerical segment for displaying numerical information indicating the set value and the numerical value of the performance information is constituted by the two 7-segment displays from the right. When displaying the set value, static lighting is performed, and when displaying the performance information, dynamic lighting is performed.

[0049] Connected to this input port for main control are a gate detection switch 303 for detecting entry of a game ball into the normal symbol operation gate 113b, a first start device detection switch 304a for detecting entry of a game ball into the first start device 112, a second start device detection switch 304b for detecting entry of a game ball into the second start device 115, a first prize device detection switch 306a for detecting entry of a game ball into the first major prize device 117, a second prize device detection switch 306b for detecting entry of a game ball into the second major prize device 127, and a payout control board 310. Also connected are a magnetic detection sensor 305a for detecting abnormal magnetism from outside the gaming machine or the like, a radio wave detection sensor 305b for detecting abnormal radio waves from outside the gaming machine or the like, and a vibration detection sensor 305c for detecting abnormal vibrations applied to the gaming machine from outside or the like. Various signals are input to the main control board 300 through this input port for main control.

[0050] Also connected to this output port for main control are a start device opening / closing solenoid 307 for opening and closing the movable piece 115b, a first major prize device opening / closing solenoid 308 for opening and closing the movable piece 117b, a second major prize device opening / closing solenoid 370 for opening and closing the movable piece 127b, symbol displays 118, 120, 122 for displaying special symbols and normal symbols, symbol hold displays 119, 123, 124 for displaying the number of hold information for special symbol determination and the number of hold information for normal symbol determination, a game information output terminal board 309 for outputting an external information signal, a payout control board 310, and an effect control board 320. Various signals are output from the main control board 300 through this output port for main control.

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

[0052] In the one-chip microcomputer 301 of the main control board 300, the main CPU 301a reads out the program stored in the main ROM 301b based on the input signals from the respective detection switches and timers, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device, or transmits commands to other boards according to the results of the arithmetic processing.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4-1, the main ROM 301b stores a game control program and various tables necessary for various games. For example, it stores 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 performing jackpot determination 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, in the jackpot determination table, the current setting value, the current probability state, the random number value for jackpot determination, and the jackpot determination result (jackpot, loss) are associated with each other, and the approximate winning probability when it is "jackpot" is described in the rightmost column for reference. The main CPU 110a refers to the special 1 jackpot determination table or the special 2 jackpot determination table, and determines whether it is "jackpot" or "loss" based on the current setting value, probability state, and random number value for jackpot determination. For example, according to the special 1 jackpot determination table, when the setting value is "1" and it is in the normal game state, 200 random number values for jackpot determination from "100" to "299" are determined as "jackpot". And the random number values for jackpot determination other than those determined as jackpot are determined as "loss".

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

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

[0057] The first variation pattern table T4 is a table for performing variation pattern determination based on a variation pattern random number. The first variation pattern table T4 includes four variation pattern tables, namely, the first special 1 normal-time variation pattern table T4A, the first special 1 sure-win variation pattern table T4B, the first special 2 normal-time variation pattern table T4C, and the first special 2 sure-win variation pattern table T4D. These four variation pattern tables can be selected according to the game state and the type of special symbol. Specifically, the first special 1 normal-time variation pattern table T4A is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entry into the first starting device 112 in a non-sure-win game state. The first special 1 sure-win variation pattern table T4B is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entry into the first starting device 112 in a sure-win game state. The first special 2 normal-time variation pattern table T4C is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the second special symbol based on the ball entry into the second starting device 115 in a non-sure-win game state. The first special 2 sure-win variation pattern table T4D is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the second special symbol based on the ball entry into the second starting device 115 in a sure-win game state.

[0058] The second variation pattern table T5 is a table for performing variation pattern determination based on a variation pattern random number. The second variation pattern table T5 includes four variation pattern tables, namely, the second special 1 normal time variation pattern table T5A, the second special 1 sure change time variation pattern table T5B, the second special 2 normal time variation pattern table T5C, and the second special 2 sure change time variation pattern table T5D. These four variation pattern tables can be selected according to the game state and the type of special symbol. Specifically, the second special 1 normal time variation pattern table T5A is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entry into the first starting device 112 in a non-sure change game state. The second special 1 sure change time variation pattern table T5B is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the first special symbol based on the ball entry into the first starting device 112 in a sure change game state. The second special 2 normal time variation pattern table T5C is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the second special symbol based on the ball entry into the second starting device 115 in a non-sure change game state. The second special 2 sure change time variation pattern table T5D is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the second special symbol based on the ball entry into the second starting device 115 in a sure change game state.

[0059] Either one of the first variation pattern table T4 and the second variation pattern table T5 is selected during variation pattern determination, and they are not selected simultaneously. The first variation pattern table T4 is a table with an average variation second count (average production time) shorter than that of the second variation pattern table T5, and is selected when the acquisition time hold order information described later is "3" or "4". The second variation pattern table T5 is a table with an average variation second count longer than that of the first variation pattern table T4, and is selected when the acquisition time hold order information described later is "1" or "2".

[0060] These first variation pattern table T4 and second variation pattern table T5 have various variation patterns. Specifically, they are variation patterns combined with various performances such as pseudo continuous performance, normal losing performance, normal reach (losing or winning) performance, SP reach (losing or winning) performance (development performance after the execution of reach formation performance), SPSP reach (losing or winning) performance (development performance after the execution of SP reach performance), SPSP reach revival (winning) performance, performance in which a losing symbol arrangement is formed, performance in which a big win symbol arrangement with specific symbols is formed, and the like. Here, the pseudo continuous performance (or pseudo continuous variation performance) is a performance in which, during the variable display of special symbols, a decorative symbol is variably displayed, and after temporarily stopping the decorative symbol, it is variably displayed again to pseudo continuously repeat the variable display of the decorative symbol. In this case, in the pseudo continuous performance, the decorative symbol is temporarily stopped, but it is not limited to this, and after slowing down without temporarily stopping the decorative symbol, the decorative symbol may then be variably displayed.

[0061] The normal symbol determination table T6 is a table for performing normal symbol determination based on a normal symbol random number. Details regarding the above-described big win determination table T1, big win symbol determination table T2, and normal symbol determination table T6 will be described later.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4-3(A), the main RAM 301c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 301a and has a plurality of storage areas. For example, it has a pending information storage area 301cx and a pending information determination area 301cy. Further, the main RAM 301c has a storage area (not shown) in which various flags (such as a probability variable game flag, a time shortening game flag, and a big win game flag described later) and various recorded values are stored.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4-3(B), the hold information storage area 301cx includes four hold information areas (a first hold information area, a second hold information area, a third hold information area, and a fourth hold information area) capable of storing hold information related to the first starting device 112 and acquisition-time hold order information in association with each other, and four hold information areas (a first hold information area, a second hold information area, a third hold information area, and a fourth hold information area) capable of storing hold information related to the second starting device 115.

[0064] In the hold information area corresponding to the first special symbol of the hold information storage area 301cx, the priority order of storing hold information is such that the first hold information area is the most prioritized storage target. If hold information is stored in the first hold information area, then next, the second hold information area is the prioritized storage target, then the third hold information area is the prioritized storage target, and finally, the fourth hold information area is selected as the storage target. The same applies to the hold information area corresponding to the second special symbol. In FIG. 4-3(B), an "〇" is shown in the hold information area where hold information is stored, and a "-" is shown in the hold information area where hold information is not stored.

[0065] The acquisition-time hold order information stored in the hold information area of the hold information storage area 301cx is information representing the hold order when the hold information is acquired. Specifically, the acquisition-time hold order information corresponds to the number of the hold information area to be stored at that time when the hold information is acquired. For example, when the hold information is acquired and 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 acquisition-time hold order information is "2". When the hold information is acquired and 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 acquisition-time hold order information is "4". The hold information determination area 301cy is a determination area where a special symbol determination is executed based on the hold information.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 3, the payout control board 310 controls the launch of game balls and the payout of bonus balls. This payout control board 310 includes a one-chip microcomputer composed of a payout CPU, a payout ROM, and a payout RAM that are not shown in the figure, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be communicable bidirectionally. The payout CPU reads out the program stored in the payout ROM based on the payout ball measurement switch 311 that detects whether or not a game ball has been paid out, the door open switch 312, the full detection switch 314, and the input signal from the timer, performs arithmetic processing, and based on the said processing, transmits the corresponding data to the main control board 300. Also, on the output side of the payout control board 310, a payout motor 313 of a bonus ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of bonus balls from the storage section of the game balls to the player is connected. The payout CPU reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 300, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 313 of the bonus ball payout device to pay out a predetermined bonus ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the payout CPU.

[0067] The effect control board 320 mainly controls each effect during the game, standby, etc. This effect control board 320 includes a sub-CPU 320a, a sub-ROM 320b, and a sub-RAM 320c, and is connected to the main control board 300 so as to be communicable unidirectionally from the main control board 300 to the effect control board 320. The sub-CPU 320a reads out the program stored in the sub-ROM 320b based on various commands received from the main control board 300, various units, the effect operation stick 136, and the input signal from the timer, performs arithmetic processing, and based on the said processing, transmits the corresponding data to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340.

[0068] For example, when the sub-CPU 320a receives a variation start command from the main control board 300, it determines a performance 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 tool holder unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper accessory unit 154, the lower accessory unit 156, the accessory mechanism unit 158, the light guide panel unit 181, the stage panel lighting device 341 (panel lamp), and the stage frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp), etc. to execute a game performance, and transmits a performance pattern specification command for executing the performance pattern to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. Details regarding the determination of this performance pattern will be described later. Further, the sub-ROM 320b stores a program for performance control, data necessary for determining various games, and a plurality of tables. Details regarding these tables will be described later. Furthermore, the sub-RAM 320c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub-CPU 320a, and stores game states, performance patterns, decorative symbols, count counters, and firing operation information, etc. Note that a plurality of storage areas are provided in the sub-RAM 320c. Details regarding these storage areas will be described later.

[0069] The image control board 330 includes an image CPU (not shown), a control ROM, a control RAM, a CGROM, a VRAM, a VDP for performing image display control of the main display device 131, and an audio CPU, an audio ROM, and an audio RAM. This image control board 330 is connected to the performance control board 320 so as to enable two-way communication, and the main display device 131, the first side display device 132, the second side display device 133, and the audio output device 331 are connected to its output side.

[0070] The image CPU controls the VDP to display a predetermined image based on the commands received from the production control board 320. The control RAM functions as a work area for data during the arithmetic processing of the image CPU and temporarily stores the data read from the control ROM. The control ROM stores the program for the control processing of the image CPU, the animation patterns for displaying animations based on the production patterns, the animation scene information, and the like. The CGROM stores a large number of image data such as decorative patterns and backgrounds to be displayed on the main display device 131 and the like. The image CPU reads out a predetermined program based on the various commands transmitted from the production 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 and the like, thereby realizing the display production. The voice ROM stores a large number of voice data for output from the voice output device 331. The voice CPU reads out a predetermined program based on the various commands transmitted from the production control board 320 and performs voice output control for the voice output device 331 such as the speakers provided in the glass frame 150, the first side display device 132, and the second side display device 133, thereby realizing the voice production.

[0071] The lamp control board 340 controls the handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper accessory unit 154, the lower accessory unit 156, and the light guide panel unit 181, controls the effect board lighting device 341 (board lamp), such as the lamps provided on the decorative members of the game board unit 102, and controls the effect frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp), such as the lamps built into the firing handle device 103 and the lamps of the decorative members provided on the glass frame 150. Specifically, the lamp control board 340 drives and controls motors and the like provided in each of the handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper accessory unit 154, the lower accessory unit 156, and the accessory mechanism unit 158, thereby realizing the accessory movement effect by the movable accessories (movable bodies) of the units. In addition, at the time of power recovery or the like, for example, the movable accessories and the like perform an initial operation that is a series of movements from an initial position → a protruding position → an initial position as described later. Further, the lamp control board 340 realizes the light emission effect by the light guide panel by controlling the light emitting part of the light guide panel unit 181, realizes the lighting effect by controlling the lighting / flash of the handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the upper accessory unit 154, the lower accessory unit 156, and the effect board lighting device 341 (board lamp), and realizes the lighting effect by the effect frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp) by controlling the lighting / flash of the effect frame lighting device 342 (frame lamp). Note that the lamp control board 340 is connected so as to be able to receive predetermined signals described later from the handle unit 135, the upper unit 180, the accessory mechanism unit 158, and the like.

[0072] The launch control board 350 inputs the touch signal from the touch sensor 351 provided in the launch handle device 103, and based on the voltage supplied from the launch volume 352, performs energization control for the launch solenoid 353 and the ball feed solenoid 354. The touch sensor 351 is composed of a capacitance-type proximity switch that utilizes the change in capacitance due to the 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 permit energization of the launch solenoid 353. The launch volume 352 is composed of a variable resistor, divides the constant voltage (for example, 5V) applied to the launch volume 352 by the variable resistor, and supplies the divided voltage to the launch control board 350. Here, the rotation speed of the launch solenoid 353 is set to approximately 99.9 (rotations / minute) based on the frequency of the output cycle of the crystal oscillator provided in the launch control board 350. As a result, since one game ball is launched every time the launch solenoid rotates once, the number of game balls launched per minute is approximately 99.9 (balls / minute). That is, one game ball is launched approximately every 0.6 seconds. Note that the touch signal from the touch sensor 351 and the voltage signal from the launch volume 352 are input to the effect control board 320. Thereby, the effect control board 320 can detect the launch of the game ball.

[0073] The power supply board 360 is equipped with a backup power supply composed of a capacitor and supplies the power supply voltage to the gaming machine 100. Specifically, it supplies the power supply voltage to the main control board 300, the payout control board 310, the effect control board 320, and the launch control board 350. Also, it monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine 100, and when the power supply voltage becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, it outputs a power-off detection signal to the main control board 300. More specifically, when the power-off detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 301a becomes operable, and when the power-off detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 301a stops operating. The backup power supply is not limited to a capacitor; for example, a battery may be used, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

[0074] [List of Processes in the Main Control Board 300] Referring to FIG. 4-4, the processing executed by the main control board 300 will be described. FIG. 4-4 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic flow of the processing executed by the main control board 300.

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

[0076] [Explanation of Main Processing] The main process is a process for starting the control of the game and initializing various drive sources such as movable accessory devices. For example, it includes a power-on process, a power recovery process, a RAM clear process, a setting change process, and a setting confirmation process. The power-on process is a process executed when the power is turned on. In this process, the control state of the game is initialized, and a power-on designation command indicating the current game state (here, the non-time-limited game state as the normal game state) is transmitted to the payout control board 310 and the effect control board 320. As a result, the effect control board 320 will perform a process for executing a power-on notification indicating that the control state of the game has been initialized. The power recovery process is a process executed when the progress state (control state) of the game returns (recovers) to the state before the power-off and the game can be restarted from the state before the power-off. In this process, a power recovery designation command indicating that the control state of the game has been recovered and the game state before the power failure is transmitted to the effect control board 320. As a result, the effect control board 320 will perform a process for executing a power recovery notification indicating that the control state of the game has returned to the state before the power-off. The RAM clear process is a process for initializing the control state of the game (initializing areas other than the set value area in the game RAM area) based on the operation of the RAM clear switch 302a. In this process, a RAM clear designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 320. As a result, the effect control board 320 will perform a process for performing a RAM clear notification. The setting change process is a process of shifting to a setting change mode for changing (updating) the set value of the degree of advantage of the game (the probability of being determined as a big win in the big win determination) based on the operation of the setting key switch 302b or the RAM clear switch 302b. In this process, a setting change designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 320. As a result, the effect control board 320 will perform a process for executing a setting change notification for notifying that the set value is being changed (the setting change mode). The setting confirmation process is a process of shifting to a setting confirmation mode for the game store staff or the like to confirm the set value. In this process, a setting confirmation designation command is transmitted to the effect control board 320.As a result, a process for executing setting confirmation notification for notifying that setting confirmation is being performed by the effect control board 320 (that it is in the setting confirmation mode) will be performed.

[0077] [Explanation of Timer Interrupt Processing] The random number update process is a process for updating various random number values such as the jackpot random number, jackpot symbol random number, reach random number, variation pattern random number, and normal symbol random number. The switch process is a process executed when a detection signal from each switch is input, and includes a start device switch process that acquires the jackpot random number etc. and stores it as held information when the entry of a game ball into the first start device 112 or the second start device 115 is detected, a gate switch process that acquires and stores the normal symbol random number when a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 113b, a first big winning device switch process that detects a game ball that has won in the first big winning device 117 during the execution of a jackpot game (when in the jackpot game state), and a second big winning device switch process that detects a game ball that has won in the second big winning device 127 during the jackpot game state. Note that the start device switch process includes a pre-determination process for executing jackpot determination, jackpot symbol determination, etc. based on the held information.

[0078] The special symbol process is a process related to special symbols according to the processing results in the switch process (the first starting device 112, the second starting device 115). When the variable display of the special symbol ends, it includes a hold information shift process that shifts the hold information and the acquisition order information at the time of acquisition in the hold information storage area 301cx of the main RAM 301c, a big win determination process that executes a big win determination based on the big win random number and the big win determination table T1 of the hold information shifted to the hold information determination area 301cy in the hold information shift process, a big win symbol determination process that determines a big win symbol (special symbol) based on the big win symbol random number included in the hold information and the big win symbol determination table T2 when the result of the big win determination is a big win, a reach determination process that executes a reach determination based on the reach random number included in the hold information and the reach determination table T3, a variable pattern setting process that sets a variable pattern based on the variable pattern table and the variable pattern random number of the hold information, and a special symbol stop process that stops and displays the variable display of the first special symbol display 120 or the second special symbol display 122.

[0079] The normal symbol process is a process related to normal symbols according to the processing results in the switch process (the normal symbol operation gate 113b). When there is hold information for the normal symbol, it includes a normal symbol determination process that determines the normal symbol based on the normal symbol random number and the normal symbol determination table T6, an operation pattern setting process that sets the operation pattern of the movable piece 115b when it is determined to be a win in the normal symbol determination, and an opening and closing member control process 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 process.

[0080] The big winning device opening control process is a process related to the opening and closing control of the first big winning device 117 and the second big winning device 127, and includes an opening pattern setting process for setting an opening pattern during the opening performance at the beginning of the jackpot game, and a game state setting process for turning off the jackpot game flag or turning on the time-saving game flag, etc. when the ending performance at the end of the jackpot game ends, and setting the number of time-saving fluctuations to a predetermined number (for example, 8000 times). The payout process is a process for controlling 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 for transmitting various commands generated in the above process and information necessary for determining the production content to the production control board 320.

[0081] The abnormality determination process is a process for determining whether various errors, etc. have occurred, and for transmitting an error system designation command corresponding to the occurred error, etc. to the production control board 130. As a result, a process for performing various error system notifications by the production control board 320 will be executed. Various errors, etc. include, for example, a door opening error when the door opening switch 313 changes from the OFF state to the ON state, a switch connection error in the case of an abnormal state where various switches such as the gate detection switch 303 are not connected (incorrect connection), a magnetic error when abnormal magnetism is detected by the magnetic detection sensor 305a for a predetermined period, a radio wave error when abnormal radio waves are detected by the radio wave detection sensor 305b for a predetermined period, a vibration error when abnormal vibration is detected by the vibration detection sensor 305c for a predetermined period, an abnormal winning error when a game ball wins in the big winning opening when not in a special game, a discharge error when the number of game balls winning in various winning openings does not match the number of game balls discharged from the winning ball flow path for flowing down the winning balls, a ball removal error when the upper tray 128 is detected to be full by the full cup detection switch 314, an operation error when the RAM clear switch 302a or the setting key switch 302b is operated during the control of the game, and a right hitting state when a game ball passes through the right route 106b in a non-probability variable game state, etc.

[0082] [Electrical Configuration of the Performance Control Board 320] With reference to FIGS. 4-5 and 4-6, the electrical configuration of the performance control board 320 will be described. 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 variable patterns, etc.) transmitted from the main control board 300, and transmits a performance pattern specification 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 etc. are electrically connected to the image control board 330, and the handle unit 135 etc. are electrically connected to the lamp control board 340. With such a configuration, the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340 can execute display performances, audio performances, lighting performances, and prop movement performances based on the performance pattern specification commands transmitted from the performance control board 320.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the sub-ROM 320b stores a main display effect designation table TS1, a decorative symbol determination table TS2, and a chance-up determination table TS3. The main display effect designation table TS1 is a table for designating, based on the variation pattern transmitted from the main control board 300, any one of the above-described normal losing effects, normal reach (losing or winning) effects, SP reach (losing or winning) effects, SPSP reach (losing or winning) effects, and SPSP reach revival (winning) effects as the main effect (hereinafter also referred to as the main display effect) in the display effect. In the present embodiment, the variation pattern transmitted from the main control board 300 and the main display effect correspond one-to-one. Note that a plurality of main display effects may be associated with the variation pattern, and the sub-CPU 320a of the effect control board 320 may select the main display effect by lottery. In this way, even if it is the same variation pattern, the content of the effect can be changed. Also, one main display effect may be associated with a plurality of variation patterns. The decorative symbol determination table TS2 is a table for determining, in the display effect based on the effect pattern, the combination of decorative symbols for the temporary stop display and the confirmed stop display, and the reach symbol in the case of executing a reach. 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 for executing a display effect in a mode different from the normal effect and increasing the expectation of a big win as compared with the normal effect.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the sub-RAM 320c is provided with a reservation memory area 320c1 and a pre-determination information memory area 320c3. The sub-RAM 320c also has a flag memory area (not shown) where a predetermined flag or the like is stored. For example, a continuous execution effect flag, a pseudo-continuous execution flag, etc., which will be described later, are stored in this flag memory area. The reservation memory area 320c1 is divided into eight areas, namely, a first reservation area, a second reservation area, a third reservation area, and a fourth reservation area corresponding to the first special symbol, and a first reservation area, a second reservation area, a third reservation area, and a fourth reservation area corresponding to the second special symbol, and one reservation flag can be stored in each area. In the reservation area corresponding to the first special symbol of the reservation memory area 320c1, the priority order of storing the reservation flag is that the first reservation area is the most prioritized storage target. If a reservation flag is stored in the first reservation area, then the second reservation area is the prioritized storage target next, then the third reservation area is the prioritized storage target next, and finally, the fourth reservation area is selected as the storage target. The same applies to the reservation area corresponding to the second special symbol. When the effect control board 320 receives a reservation command from the main control board 300, it identifies the reservation area in the reservation memory area 320c1 where the reservation flag is stored, and stores the reservation flag in the reservation area that should be stored preferentially next to the said reservation area. However, when a reservation command is received while a reservation flag is stored in the fourth reservation area, the storage of the reservation flag is not performed. Also, the priority order of erasing the reservation flag is the reverse of the priority order when storing, that is, the fourth reservation area is the most prioritized erasing target. If a reservation flag is not stored in the fourth reservation area, then the third reservation area is the prioritized erasing target next, then the second reservation area is the prioritized erasing target next, and finally, the first reservation area is selected as the erasing target. When the effect control board 320 receives a symbol determination command from the main control board 300, it identifies the reservation area in the reservation memory area 320c1 where the reservation flag is stored, and erases the reservation flag in the reservation area that should be erased preferentially. If no reservation flag is stored in the first reservation area, the erasing process is not performed.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 4 - 6, the pre - determination information storage area 320c3 is a storage area for storing pre - determination information (special symbols for pre - determination, variable patterns for pre - determination, and acquisition - time hold order information). Corresponding to the types of special symbols, four storage areas (the first storage area, the second storage area, the third storage area, and the fourth storage area) are provided respectively. Further, in each storage area, there are provided a jackpot determination information column for storing jackpot determination information based on the special symbol for pre - determination, a jackpot symbol information column for storing jackpot symbol information based on the pre - determination symbol, a variable pattern information column for storing variable pattern information based on the variable pattern for pre - determination, an acquisition - time hold order information column for storing acquisition - time hold order information, and a continuous effect presence / absence information column for storing continuous effect presence / absence information indicating the presence or absence of the activation of the continuous effect. Although details will be described later, the continuous effect presence / absence information includes continuous effect activation information and continuous effect non - activation information.

[0086] The hold commands transmitted from the main control board 300 include pre - determination information (special symbols for pre - determination, variable patterns for pre - determination, and acquisition - time hold order information). These pre - determination information are stored in the pre - determination information storage area 320c3 in an associated manner. In the storage area for the first special symbol, the priority for storing pre - determination information is that the first storage area is the most - prioritized storage target. If pre - determination information is stored in the first storage area, then next, the second storage area is the prioritized storage target, then the third storage area is the prioritized storage target, 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 storing new pre - determination information (specific symbol A, variable pattern 7B, acquisition - time hold order information "4") for the first special symbol in a state where pre - determination information is already stored in the third storage area of the first special symbol (see FIGS. 4 - 6), information representing "4" is stored in the acquisition - time hold order information column of the fourth storage area, information representing "variable pattern 7B" is stored in the variable pattern information column of the fourth storage area, information representing "specific symbol A" is stored in the jackpot symbol 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 addition, in FIGS. 4 to 6, as the pre-determination information of the first storage area related to the first special symbol, information of "loss" is stored in the big win determination information column, information of "none" is stored in the big win symbol information column, information of "variation pattern 1" is stored in the variation pattern information column, and information representing "3" is stored in the acquisition time hold order information column. As the pre-determination information of the second storage area, information of "loss" is stored in the big win determination information column, information of "none" is stored in the big win symbol information column, information of "variation pattern 2AX" is stored in the variation pattern information column, and information representing "1" is stored in the acquisition time hold order information column. As the pre-determination information of the third storage area, information of "loss" is stored in the big win determination information column, information of "none" is stored in the big win symbol information column, information of "variation pattern 4BX" is stored in the variation pattern information column, and information representing "2" is stored in the acquisition time hold order information column. Further, in the continuous effect presence / absence information column, continuous effect activation information indicating whether to execute a continuous effect in the pre-reading process described later is stored. In FIGS. 4 to 6, "〇" is shown as the continuous effect activation information indicating the activation of the continuous effect in the continuous effect presence / absence information column corresponding to the fourth storage area related to the first special symbol, and "-" is shown as the continuous effect non-activation information indicating that the continuous effect is not activated in the other storage areas.

[0088] [List of Processes on the Effect Control Board 320] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the processes executed on the effect control board 320 will be described. FIGS. 4 to 7 are explanatory diagrams showing a list of processes executed on the effect control board 320.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 4 to 7, when power is supplied, the sub-CPU 320a of the effect control board 320 executes the effect main process based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 320b. Further, during the execution of the effect main process, the sub-CPU 320a repeatedly executes the effect timer interrupt process at a fixed cycle (for example, 2 milliseconds). Hereinafter, various processes of the effect main process and the effect timer interrupt process will be described.

[0090] [Explanation of the Effect Main Process] The main performance process is a process corresponding to the main process on the main control board 300, and includes, for example, a power-on notification process, a power recovery notification process, a RAM clear notification process, a setting change notification process, and a setting confirmation notification process. The power-on notification process is a process for executing a power-on notification based on a power-on designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The power recovery notification process is a process for executing a power recovery notification based on a power recovery designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The RAM clear notification process is a process for executing a RAM clear notification based on a RAM clear designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The setting change notification process is a process for executing a setting change notification based on a setting change designation command transmitted from the main CPU 301a. The setting confirmation notification process is a process 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 of updating various random numbers used in the presentation (for example, the decoration pattern determination random number, the chance-up random number). The command reception process is a process based on various commands and the like transmitted from the main control board 300, and includes a look-ahead process for determining whether to perform continuous presentation or pseudo-continuous presentation based on the queued commands, a presentation pattern determination process for determining a presentation pattern based on the main display presentation designation table TS1, the decoration pattern determination table TS2, and the chance-up determination table TS3, a queuing process for storing a queuing flag in the queuing storage area 320c1 of the sub-RAM 320c and setting a queuing display command for queuing display on the main display device 131 when a queued command is received, a pre-determination information shift process for executing a shift process of the pre-determination information in the pre-determination information storage area 320c3 of the sub-RAM 320c when a variation start command is received, a normal symbol presentation process which is a process for performing a presentation corresponding to the variation of the normal symbol on the main display device 131 according to the determination result of the normal symbol determination, a symbol determination process which is a process for causing the main display device 131 to display the decoration pattern in variation in a fixed stop manner based on the symbol determination command, a jackpot process for executing an opening presentation, an ending presentation, or a round presentation during a jackpot game, and an error notification process described later. The presentation button process is a process of detecting an input via the handle unit 135 or the presentation operation stick 136 and performing a predetermined presentation. The command transmission process is a process of transmitting the various commands generated in the above various processes to the image control board 330 and the lamp control board 340. Here, the continuous presentation is a presentation that can be executed on the main display device 131 and can be executed during the variation start presentation over a plurality of variation displays of the special symbol. This continuous presentation may be composed of only one type of presentation or may include a plurality of types of presentations. When the continuous presentation includes a plurality of types of presentations, one of the plurality of types of presentations may be selected and executed. Also, the continuous presentation may be executed for one variation display of the special symbol. Also, the pseudo-continuous presentation may be composed of only one type of presentation or may include a plurality of types of presentations. When the pseudo-continuous presentation includes a plurality of types of presentations, one of the plurality of types of presentations may be selected and executed.

[0092] The error notification process is a process for executing error notifications in various modes according to an error-related specified command or the like received by the sub-CPU 320a, and is a process for generating a notification instruction command for executing an error notification according to the type of the error-related specified command or the like. Here, the "error-related specified command" includes a door opening error specified command, a switch connection error specified command, a magnetic error specified command, a radio wave error specified command, a vibration error specified command, an abnormal winning error specified command, a discharge error specified command, a ball removal error specified command, an operation error specified command, a left-handed state specified command, and the like. Details of the modes of each error notification according to each error-related specified command will be described later.

[0093] [Configuration of the upper unit 180] With reference to FIGS. 5-1 to 5-3, the configuration of the upper unit 180 will be described. FIG. 5-1 is a perspective view of the upper unit 180, and (A) is a view of the state where the upper unit 180 is fixed to the outer frame 160 so as to cover a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150, and (B) is a view of the state where the upper unit 180 is fixed only to the outer frame 160. FIG. 5-2 is a perspective view of the back surface of the upper unit 180, and (A) is a perspective view of the right back surface, and (B) is a perspective view of the left back surface. FIG. 5-3 is a schematic view of the lantern member 1580 in the upper unit 180, and (A) is a perspective view of the lantern member 1580, and (B) is a schematic view showing the state where the lantern member 1580 is disassembled.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 5-1, the upper unit 180 includes a first side portion 1510 and a second side portion 1530 in which LEDs are provided inside, a character accessory 1550 which is an accessory formed with a logo of a predetermined character and configured to be movable, and a first support portion 1515 and a second support portion 1535 in which the first side portion 1510 and the second side portion 1530 are movably connected and fixed to the outer frame 160.

[0095] The character device 1550 is composed of a main body part 1555 on which a logo of a predetermined character is formed, and a drive part 1570 for operating the main body part 1555 in an effect according to the game state. The main body part 1555 has a logo member on which the logo is formed movable, and a movable device (not shown) is housed inside. The drive part 1570 includes a motor for operating the logo member and the movable device of the main body part 1580, a link mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the motor to the logo member and the movable device, and a unit control part (not shown) for controlling the operation of the upper unit 180 such as transmission and reception of various signals from the lamp control board 340 and power supply from the power supply board 360. Note that the main body part 1555 is provided with LEDs (not shown), and various light emission effects are performed in an effect according to the game state.

[0096] The first side part 1510 is slidably connected to the first support part 1515 and the character accessory 1550 is fixed thereto. Also, the second side part 1530 is slidably connected to the second support part 1535 and the character accessory 1550 is fixed thereto. Further, each of the first side part 1510 and the second side part 1530 is provided with lantern members 1580 and 1585, which are members for decoration that emit light according to the gaming state and are in the form of a lantern as described later. And, an identification display part 1532 is provided on the side surface part of the second side part 1530. The identification display part 1532 includes a code part on which a code (for example, a QR code (registered trademark), etc., a code on which information such as the model name is displayed on a predetermined terminal device that reads it) is displayed, a caution part on which a cautionary note at the time of wearing (for example, "Caution! Finger pinching", etc.) is displayed, and a model name part on which the name of the correct model to be worn (for example, "Model ABC", etc.) is displayed. Note that the first side part 1510 and the second side part 1530 are provided with LEDs (not shown), and various light emission effects are performed in the effect according to the gaming state. And, the first support part 1515 is provided with a first rail part provided with a rail (not shown), and a first sliding part (not shown) to which the first side part 1510 is fixed and which is slidable along the rail of the first rail part. Also, the second support part 1535 is provided with a second rail part provided with a rail (not shown), and a second sliding part (not shown) to which the second side part 1530 is fixed and which is slidable along the rail of the second rail part.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 5-1(B), when removing the upper unit 180 (see Fig. 5-1(A)) fixed to the outer frame 160 so as to cover a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150 (when bringing it into a state where it does not cover a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150 although it is fixed to the outer frame 160), 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 member 1550 fixed to the first side portion 1510 and the second side portion 1530 are integrated and moved obliquely forward upward on the front surface 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. In this way, by making the upper unit 180 in the state shown in Fig. 5-1(B), the glass frame 150 is in a state of not being covered by the character member 1550 of the upper unit 180 and can be made into an openable and closable state. Note that the details of the opening and closing structure of the glass frame 150 will be described later.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 5-2(A), at the end of the first support portion 1515, a first support attachment portion 1517 attached to the outer frame 160 is provided. This first support attachment portion 1517 is provided with a first support attachment pin 1520 inserted into the outer frame 160 and a first support attachment piece 1525 extending in the same direction as the first support attachment pin 1520. Further, the first support attachment pin 1520 has a tapered shape at the tip and is provided with a notch portion 1521 at a portion where no taper is formed. In the left region of the back surface attached to the glass frame 150 in the drive portion 1570 of the character member 1550, a first main body attachment pin 1590 inserted into the glass frame 150 and a first main body fitting hole 1593 that fits with a first glass frame raised portion to be described later are provided. Further, the first main body attachment pin 1590 has a tapered shape at the tip and is provided with a notch portion 1591 at a portion where no taper is formed.

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

[0100] Furthermore, in the right region of the back surface covering the glass frame 150 in the drive portion 1570 of the character accessory 1550, an upper unit connector 1575 for electrically connecting to a control board or the like in the game board unit 102 is provided. Also, a spring (not shown) is provided on the upper unit connector 1575, and it has a structure that is movable in the attachment / detachment direction. In the upper unit connector 1575 having such a structure, it has a structure that allows pulling or pressing in the attachment / detachment direction with a predetermined force.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 5-3(A), the lantern member 1580 is fixed to the front side portion of the first side portion 1510. Although not described in detail, the lantern member 1585 is fixed to the front side portion of the second side portion 1530. The lantern member 1580 is a translucent member with a decoration of the character "U" on the front side, and it is a member for performing a light emission effect by causing an LED provided inside to emit light. Note that the lantern member 1585 has the same configuration as the lantern member 1580 and is for performing the same light emission effect.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 5-3(B), the lantern member 1580 includes a back lantern case portion 1581a, a front lantern case portion 1581b, and a lantern substrate 1582. The back lantern case portion 1581a and the lantern substrate 1582 are fixed to the first side portion 1510. When the front lantern case portion 1581b is fitted to the back lantern case portion 1581a, the lantern substrate 1582 is enclosed. That is, the front lantern case portion 1581b is a detachable member in the upper unit 180. Further, the lantern substrate 1582 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, six reflection type sensors 1583a to 1583f that irradiate a detection object with signal light and receive and detect reflected light from the detection object, and a lantern control unit for controlling operations such as transmission and reception of various signals between these LEDs and reflection type sensors and the unit control unit. Inside the front lantern case portion 1581b, five reflection portions 1584a to 1584e are provided with detection objects (for example, aluminum members) that can be detected by the reflection type sensors 1583a to 1583f. Then, the lantern control unit of the lantern substrate 1582 receives a signal for effect from the lamp control substrate 340 via the unit control unit, causes the LEDs to execute a predetermined light emission effect, and operates the reflection type sensors 1583a to 1583f so that the detection results can be transmitted to the lamp control substrate 340 via the unit control unit.

[0103] [Configuration of the upper part of the glass frame 150, the outer frame 160, and the inner frame 170] Referring to FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2, the upper structures of the glass frame 150, the outer frame 160, and the inner frame 170, and the structure of the lock unit 190 provided on the glass frame 150 will be described. FIG. 6-1 is a schematic diagram of the structure at the upper part of the glass frame 150 and the outer frame 160. (A) is a schematic diagram of the structure at the upper part of the glass frame 150 and the outer frame 160 with the upper unit 180 removed. (B) is a perspective view showing a schematic of the structure at the upper right part of the glass frame 150 and the outer frame 160 with the upper unit 180 removed. FIG. 6-2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lock unit 190 of the glass frame 150. (A) is a diagram showing the lock unit 190 in the locked state, and (B) is a diagram showing the lock unit 190 in the unlocked state. Note that in FIG. 6-1, since the upper unit 180 is removed from the gaming machine 100, the game board connector 1620 provided in the accessory unit 102B of the game board unit 102 is exposed from the connector opening 1615.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 6-1(A), the glass frame 150 is provided with a first glass frame insertion hole portion 1600 into which the first main body mounting pin 1590 of the upper unit 180 is inserted, a second glass frame insertion hole portion 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 when opening the glass frame 150. The outer frame 160 is provided with a first support fixing portion 1650 to which the first support mounting portion 1517 is attached, a second support fixing portion 1660 to which the second support mounting portion 1537 is attached, and an outer frame lock release operation portion 1675 that is operated when switching from the locked state to the unlocked state in the outer frame lock mechanism described later.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6-1(B), the second glass frame insertion hole portion 1610 is provided with a second glass frame insertion hole 1630 having a chamfered portion with a rounded opening edge, and a second glass frame raised portion 1635. The second glass frame insertion hole 1630 has a structure in which, due to the formation of the chamfered portion at the opening edge, it is easier to insert the second main body mounting pin 1595 along the chamfered portion compared to those without the chamfered portion. Further, the second glass frame raised portion 1635 is composed of a protrusion that fits into the second main body fitting hole 1598 and a semi-circular protrusion provided below the second glass frame insertion hole 1630. In this second glass frame raised portion 1635, due to the formation of the semi-circular protrusion, when the second main body mounting pin 1595 is inserted into the second glass frame insertion hole 1630, it is prevented from sliding out downward along the chamfered portion of the opening edge. That is, the chamfered portion at the opening edge of the second glass frame insertion hole 1630 and the second glass frame raised portion 1635 have a function as a guide for positioning when the second main body mounting pin 1595 is inserted into the second glass frame insertion hole 1630.

[0106] Note that the first glass frame insertion hole portion 1600 has a structure substantially the same as that of the second glass frame insertion hole portion 1610, and will not be described in detail, but is provided with a first glass frame insertion hole and a first glass frame raised portion. Further, in the connector opening 1615, since the game board connector 1620 in the game board unit 102 attached to the inner frame 170 is disposed, when the character accessory 1550 is attached to the glass frame 150, the upper unit connector 1575 can be fitted to the game board connector 1620. Furthermore, the release lever 1625 is connected to the lock unit 190, and when the release lever 1625 is operated, the glass frame 150 can be opened. Note that the release lever 1625 is disposed between the character accessory 1550 and the glass frame 150 when the character accessory 1550 covers a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150, so that the operation is difficult.

[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 at the opening edge, which makes it easier to insert the second support mounting pin 1540 along the chamfered portion compared to those without the chamfered portion. Also, 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 it prevents the second support mounting pin 1540 from entering a portion other than the second outer frame insertion hole 1662 when the second support portion 1535 is attached. Furthermore, the second outer frame pressing portion 1670 is a member connected to an outer frame locking mechanism described later, and it is pressed by the second support mounting piece 1545 when the second support portion 1535 is attached.

[0108] Also, the second outer frame receiving portion 1667 has a 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 it is also a member that enables the second support mounting pin 1540 to be inserted into the second outer frame insertion hole 1662 while following the bottom surface of the second support portion 1535 when the second support portion 1535 is attached. That is, the second outer frame insertion hole 1662, the second outer frame insertion piece 1665, and the second outer frame receiving portion 1667 have a function as a positioning guide when inserting the second support mounting pin 1540 into the second outer frame insertion hole 1662. Note that 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 the Locking Mechanism of the Upper Unit 180] As the locking mechanism in the upper unit 180, there are a glass frame locking mechanism by a lock unit 190 capable of switching between a locked state and an unlocked state with respect to the glass frame 150, and an outer frame locking mechanism capable of switching 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 letter fixture 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 part 1515 and the second support column part 1535 of the upper unit 180. Hereinafter, the glass frame locking mechanism and the outer frame locking mechanism will be described.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6-2, the lock unit 190 constituting the glass frame locking 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 on the glass frame 150, and is a member that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of a predetermined key inserted into the keyhole of the keyhole member. The first link member 1681 is a member provided on the right side surface of the glass frame 150 so as to be operable 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 interlock the third link member 1690 in response to the operation of the first link member 1681. The third link member 1690 is a member provided on the upper side surface of the glass frame 150 so as to be operable in the horizontal direction, and the operation of the first link member 1681 is provided so as to be able to act via the second link member 1685. In addition, 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 that a downward biasing force is applied 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 in response 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 portion 1693 of the third link member 1690 fits into the notch portion 1591 of the first main body mounting pin 1590 inserted into the first glass frame insertion hole portion 1600, and the right end portion 1695 of the third link member 1690 fits into the notch portion 1596 of the second main body mounting pin 1595 inserted into the second glass frame insertion hole portion 1610. That is, when the lock unit 190 is in the locked state, the character accessory 1550 cannot be removed. When the lock unit 190 has no character accessory 1550 attached, a biasing force in the left direction acts on the third link member 1690 by a spring (not shown), thereby maintaining the locked state as described above.

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

[0113] Here, in the glass frame locking mechanism by the tablet unit 190, the operation of each member when changing from the locked state to the unlocked state will be described. First, when a predetermined key inserted into the keyhole member is turned to the left, the rotating member 1680 rotates to the left, and the first link member 1681 is actuated upward. The movement of this first link member 1681 acts on the third link member 1690 via the second link member 1685, and the third link member 1690 is actuated to the right. In this way, when the third link member 1690 is actuated to the right, the fitting of the left end portion 1693 of the third link member 1690 into the notch portion 1591 of the first main body mounting pin 1590 and the fitting of the right end portion 1695 of the third link member 1690 into the notch portion 1596 of the second main body mounting pin 1595 are released. On the other hand, when attaching the character accessory 1550 to the glass frame 150, the tablet unit 190 is in the 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 portion 1600 and the second glass frame insertion hole portion 1610. At this time, since the first main body mounting pin 1590 and the second main body mounting pin 1595 to be inserted are tapered in shape as described above, the third link member 1690 itself moves to the right so that the left end portion 1693 and the right end portion 1695 of the third link member 1690 escape to the right. Then, when the first main body mounting pin 1590 and the second main body mounting pin 1595 are inserted, the third link member 1690 moves to the left by the biasing force, and the left end portion 1693 and the right end portion 1695 of the third link member 1690 are fitted into the notch portion 1591 and the notch portion 1596, and the first main body mounting pin 1590 and the second main body mounting pin 1595 are locked.

[0114] The outer frame locking mechanism is a link mechanism composed of a first outer frame pressing part, a second outer frame pressing part 1670, and a plurality of members (see Fig. 6-1). When the outer frame unlocking operation part 1675 is operated, the first support part 1515 and the second support part 1535 of the upper unit 180 can be switched between a non-removable locked state and a removable unlocked state with respect to the outer frame 160. The outer frame locking mechanism is provided at a position sandwiched between the first support fixing part 1650 and the second support fixing part 1660 in the outer frame 160 with respect to the outer frame 160. When the upper unit 180 is attached to the glass frame 150, the outer frame unlocking operation part 1675 is not exposed by the character accessory 1550 and thus is provided so as not to be operable. That is, when removing the upper unit 180 from the outer frame 160, after moving the character accessory 1550 in the upper diagonal forward direction on the front surface of the gaming machine so as not to cover a part of the upper part of the glass frame 150, the exposed outer frame unlocking operation part 1675 is operated, whereby the first support fixing part 1650 and the second support fixing part 1660 are in an unlocked state, and the operation of the procedure of removing the entire upper unit 180 is executed.

[0115] Here, the electrical connection between the upper unit 180 and the game board unit 102 will be described. First, when the upper unit 180 and the game board unit 102 are in a non-electrically connected state, 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 provided on the back surface of the upper unit 180 (see Fig. 5-2(B)), and the game board connector 1620 is a female connector provided on the upper part of the game board unit 102 (device unit 102B) (see Figs. 9-1 and 9-4). The upper unit connector 1575 and the game board connector 1620 are shaped to fit with each other. Also, as described above, although the upper unit connector 1575 has a movable structure, the game board connector 1620 does not have a movable structure like the upper unit connector 1575. When the upper unit 180 is attached in a state of covering a part of the upper part of the glass frame 150, the upper unit connector 1575 is in a state of being fitted to the game board connector 1620 exposed from the connector opening 1615, and the upper unit 180 can be supplied with power from the power supply board 360 via the game board unit 120, and the unit control unit of the upper unit 180 and the lamp control board 340 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive various signals.

[0116] In addition, as described above, the upper unit connector 1575 has a predetermined movable range in the detaching direction by a spring (not shown), and thus is structured to be pullable. Therefore, simply putting the lock unit 190 in the unlocked state and separating the character member 1550 from the glass frame 150 slightly does not cause the upper unit connector 1575 to disengage from the game board unit 102. The upper unit connector 1575 will not disengage from the game board connector 1620 unless the character member 1550 is separated from the glass frame 150 by a predetermined distance (such that the range is larger than the movable range of the upper unit connector 1575). That is, in the gaming machine 100, for example, if the configuration is such that inserting a predetermined key into the keyhole of the lock unit 190 and turning it to the left cuts off the power supply from the power supply board 360 to the upper unit 180, when moving the character member 1550 obliquely forward upward on the front surface of the gaming machine to a state where a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150 is not covered, after the power supply to the upper unit 180 is cut off by turning the predetermined key to the left, the upper unit connector 1575 will be pulled and withdrawn from the game board connector 1620. Therefore, with such a configuration, momentary interruption to the upper unit 180 is prevented. Thus, for example, a configuration can be adopted that prevents a failure due to momentary interruption in the upper unit 180 caused by the character member 1550 being accidentally removed.

[0117] [Configuration of the tool handle unit 135] With reference to FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2, the configuration of the tool handle unit 135 will be described. FIG. 7-1 is a front view of the tool handle unit 135. FIG. 7-2 is a schematic diagram of the tool handle unit 135, where (A) is a schematic diagram of the back of the tool handle unit 135 and (B) is a schematic diagram of the bottom of the tool handle unit 135.

[0118] As shown in FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2, the handle unit 135 is provided with a handle portion 1700, an outer cover 1750, and a mechanism portion 1755. The handle portion 1700 has a shape imitating the form of the handle part of a sword, and performs effects in the form of vibration or the like according to the game state, and is configured to be operable by an operation such as pressing by a player. The outer cover 1750 is configured in a shape that covers the opening 1880 formed in the glass frame 150 when attached to the lower part of the glass frame 150 described later. The mechanism portion 1755 includes a motor for operating the handle portion 1700, a control portion for controlling driving of the motor, transmission and reception of various signals between the motor and an LED (not shown) for light emission and the lamp control board 340, and a case containing them. Further, the mechanism portion 1755 is provided with a handle connector 1760 for connecting to the glass frame connector 1860 of the glass frame 150 described later for transmission and reception of various signals between the control portion and the lamp control board 340 and power supply from the power supply board 360. Furthermore, the case of the mechanism portion 1755 is provided with a first handle lock hole 1780 and a second handle lock hole 1770 for locking the handle unit 135 to the glass frame 150.

[0119] [Configuration of the lower part of the glass frame 150] Referring to FIGS. 8-1 and 8-2, the configuration of the portion where the handle unit is attached at the lower part of the glass frame 150 will be described. FIG. 8-1 is a schematic top view of the configuration at the lower part of the glass frame 150. FIG. 8-2 is a schematic view of the configuration at the lower part of the glass frame 150, (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] As shown in FIGS. 8-1 and 8-2, at the lower part of the glass frame 150, there are provided two speakers 1820 and 1825, an effect operation stick 136, an upper plate 128, and an opening 1880 for fitting the mechanism part 1755 of the knife handle unit 135. A glass frame lower decoration part 1810 having a shape that encloses the mechanism part 1755 of the knife handle unit 135 is formed inside. Further, on the glass frame lower decoration part 1810, a first knife handle fixing part 1885 on the bottom surface, a second knife handle fixing part 1895 on the back surface of the glass frame 150, and an internal glass frame connector 1860 are provided. Furthermore, the first knife handle fixing part 1885 includes a first knife handle fixing pin 1887a composed of a pin-shaped part protruding upward from the bottom surface inside the opening 1880 and two protruding parts extending radially from the center of the pin-shaped part, and a first knife handle fixing switching part 1887b provided on the bottom surface outside the glass frame 150. The first knife handle fixing part 1885 has a structure such that when the first knife handle fixing switching part 1887b is rotated, the connected first knife handle fixing pin 1887a also rotates. Note that the second knife handle fixing part 1895 has the same structure as the first knife handle fixing part 1885 and is composed of a second knife handle fixing pin 1897a and a second knife handle fixing switching part 1897b.

[0121] When attaching the handle unit 135 to the glass frame 150 configured as described above, first connect the glass frame connector 1860 to the handle connector 1760, and insert the mechanism part 1755 of the handle unit 135 from the opening 1880 into the inside of the lower decorative part 1810 of the glass frame. At this time, insert the mechanism part 1755 into the inside of the lower decorative part 1810 of the glass frame 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, by rotating the first handle fixing switching part 1887b and the second handle fixing switching part 1897b, the handle unit 135 is locked to the lower decorative part 1810 of the glass frame 150. In this way, when the handle unit 135 is attached to the glass frame 150, since the glass frame connector 1860 and the handle connector 1760 are connected, the handle unit 135 can be supplied with power from the power supply board 360, and the control part of the handle unit 135 and the lamp control board 340 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive various signals. When removing the handle unit 135 from the lower decorative part 1810 of the glass frame 150, it is necessary to operate the second handle fixing switching part 1897b provided on the back surface of the glass frame 150 (see Fig. 8-2(B)), so it is necessary to insert a predetermined key into the keyhole member of the lock unit 190 described above to open the glass frame 150.

[0122] [Configuration of the game board unit 102] Referring to Figs. 9-1 to 9-5, the configuration of the game board unit 102 will be described. 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 accessory unit 102B. Fig. 9-5 is a perspective view of the back side of the main display device 131 provided with the effect 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 device unit 102B, a main display device 131, an effect control board unit 102C, and a main control board unit 102D. The game board 102A is detachably attached to the device unit 102B on the front side surface of the game board unit 102. Further, the main display device 131 is detachably attached to the device unit 102B on the back side surface of the game board unit 102. Furthermore, the effect 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 surface of the game board unit 102.

[0124] As shown in Fig. 9-1, on the front surface of the game board 102A of the game board unit 102, there are one game board fixing parts 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a respectively at each of the four corners. These game board fixing parts 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a have substantially the same structure in each case, and are composed of a fixing switching part rotatably provided on the surface of the game board 102A, a pin-shaped part protruding from the back surface of the game board 102A, and a fixing pin composed of two protruding parts extending radially from the center of the pin-shaped part. When each of these fixing switching parts of the game board fixing parts 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a is rotated, the respective fixing pins connected to the back surface of the game board 102A also rotate. Incidentally, the lock holes 1912b, 1914b, 1916b, and 1918b provided in the accessory unit 102B for the respective fixing pins of these game board fixing parts 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, and 1918a to fit into will be described later. Also, on the upper part of the accessory unit 102B of the game board unit 102, a game board connector 1620 having a shape that fits with the upper unit connector 1575 as described above is provided. Different from the upper unit connector 1575, the game board connector 1620 has a non-movable structure. Further, on the front surface of the accessory unit 102B of the game board unit 102, unit engaging parts 1922, 1924, 1926, and 1928 which are parts pressed by unit pressing parts 2022, 2024 and unit fixing parts 2026, 2028 to be described later are provided at each of the four corners.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 9-2, on the back side of the game board unit 102, a main display device 131 is detachably provided for the accessory unit 102B, and an effect control board unit 102C and a main control board unit 102D are detachably provided for the main display device 131. Further, a relay board 1950 for relaying the supply and reception of power supplied from the power supply board 360 in the gaming machine 100 and various signals from the main control board 300 and the like is provided in the accessory unit 102B. The relay board 1950 is provided in a non-detachable manner with respect to the accessory unit 102B, and each unit in the gaming machine 100 is connected by a cable (not shown). Further, in the accessory unit 102B, a space is formed for providing the main display device 131 between the relay board 1950 and various movable accessories, and in that space, a display device frame for fitting in by sliding the main display device 131 is provided. Furthermore, on the main display device 131, in a state of being fitted into the display device frame, lock switching parts 1970, 1975 that can be switched between a non-locked state where it is detachable or a locked state where it is non-detachable by fitting with respect to the accessory unit 102B are provided.

[0126] [Configuration of the game board 102A] As shown in FIG. 9-3, the game board 102A is made of a transparent acrylic member, and a plurality of pins (not shown) and windmills (not shown) are arranged thereon. These pins and windmills have functions of changing the movement of the game balls and guiding them to a predetermined winning opening. In addition, game board fixing parts 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, 1918a, a first starting device 112, a normal symbol operation gate 113b, a second starting device 115, a first big winning device 117, a second big winning device 127, and movable pieces 115b, 117b, 127b are provided. Note that, as described above, on the game board 102A where each starting device and the like are provided, there are also provided a gate detection switch 303 (not shown), 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, and a starting device opening / closing solenoid 307, a first big winning device opening / closing solenoid 308, and a second big winning device opening / closing solenoid 370. Further, on the game board 102A, there is also provided a display cover 1925A which is a cover on which descriptions of the contents suggested by various displays on the display 125 are written.

[0127] Note that in this embodiment, the game board 102A is formed transparently, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the game board 102A only needs to be formed with light transmissibility and may be translucent. Also, the game board 102A may be formed of a member other than an acrylic member, for example, a transparent plastic member.

[0128] [Configuration of the accessory unit 102B] As shown in FIG. 9-4, the accessory unit 102B is provided with an upper accessory unit 154, a lower accessory unit 156, an accessory mechanism unit 158 for operating the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 in various modes, a light guide panel unit 181, and unit engagement portions 1922, 1924, 1926, 1928. Further, in the accessory unit 102B, a light emitting member 1925B, which is a member composed of a plurality of LEDs in the display 125, is provided at a position covered by the display cover 1925A of the game board 102A. Furthermore, the accessory unit 102B is provided with lock holes 1912b, 1914b, 1916b, 1918b. Here, a locking mechanism including the game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, 1918a of the game board 102A and the lock holes 1912b, 1914b, 1916b, 1918b of the accessory unit 102B will be described. When attaching the game board 102A to the accessory unit 102B, first, each fixing pin in the game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, 1918a is attached so as to fit into the lock holes 1912b, 1914b, 1916b, 1918b. Then, by rotating each of the game board fixing portions 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, 1918a, the game board 102A can be locked to the accessory unit 102B. In the accessory mechanism unit 158, a rail portion for operating the upper accessory unit 154 is covered by mechanism covers 155a, 155b with predetermined decorations so as not to be exposed.

[0129] [Configuration of Main Display Device 131, etc.] As shown in FIG. 9-5, the effect control board unit 102C is such that the effect control board 320 is enclosed in the effect control board case 1990, and the main control board unit 102D is such that the main control board 300 is enclosed in the main control board case 1980. Also, the effect control board case 1990 is fixed to the main display device 131 by a sub-fixing part (not shown), and is configured to be detachable by operating the sub-fixing part. Further, the main control board case 1980 is also fixed to the main display device 131 by a main-fixing part (not shown), and is configured to be detachable by operating the main-fixing part. That is, the effect control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D are each configured to be detachable from the main display device 131. Note that, from the back side of the main display device 131, the information display 302c mounted on the main control board 300 can be visually recognized in a state of being enclosed in the main control board case 1980, and operations of the RAM clear switch 302a and the setting key switch 302b provided on the main control board 300 are possible.

[0130] [Configuration and Operating Mode of the Fixture Mechanism Unit 158] Referring to FIGS. 10-1 and 10-2, the configuration and operating mode of the fixture mechanism unit 158 will be described here. FIG. 10-1(A) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the fixture mechanism unit 158 in a state where the upper fixture unit 154 and the lower fixture unit 156 are in their initial positions, and FIG. 10-1(B) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the fixture mechanism unit 158 in a state where the upper fixture unit 154 is in its first position. FIG. 10-2(A) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the fixture mechanism unit 158 in a state where the upper fixture unit 154 is in its second position, and FIG. 10-2(B) is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the fixture mechanism unit 158 in a state where the lower fixture unit 156 is in its advanced position.

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

[0132] The top left link part 415 connects the top left motor 410 and the upper accessory unit 154 and is configured to be interlocked with the drive of the top left motor 410 by a gear (not shown). The left connecting part 435 connects the upper accessory unit 154 and the left rail part 430 and is configured to slide in the vertical direction along the rail of the left rail part 430. The top right link part 465 connects the top right motor 460 and the upper accessory unit 154 and is configured to be interlocked with the drive of the top right motor 460 by a gear (not shown). The right connecting part 485 connects the upper accessory unit 154 and the right rail part 480 and is configured to slide in the vertical direction along the rail of the right rail part 480. The bottom link part 565 connects the bottom base part 530 and the lower accessory unit 156 and is configured to be interlocked with the drive of the bottom motor 510 by a gear (not shown) provided on the bottom base part 530. The bottom base part 530 has a control part (not shown) capable of transmitting and receiving various signals with the effect control board 320 and the like. The bottom connecting part 585 connects the lower accessory unit 156 and the right rail part 480 and is configured to slide in the vertical direction along the rail of the right rail part 480 and has a relay board (not shown) that is connected to the control part of the lower accessory unit 156 described later so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving various signals. The connection belt part 550 connects the control part of the bottom base part 530 and the relay board of the bottom connecting part 585 so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving various signals.

[0133] The connection strip portion 550 is composed of a flat strip-shaped connection line and a cover member that covers the connection line. The connection line is a so-called flexible flat cable, and by electrically connecting the control unit of the lower base portion 530 and the relay substrate of the lower connection portion 585, the effect control substrate 320 and the control unit of the lower accessory main body portion 750 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive various signals. The cover member is a member formed of a resin having flexibility and permeability, and a plurality of cuts extending across one plane and both side surfaces are formed so as to be substantially orthogonal to the extending direction. Further, the cuts have a shape that is curved toward the extending direction of the cover member. Furthermore, in the connection strip portion 550 having such a configuration, when connecting the control unit of the lower base portion 530 and the relay substrate of the lower connection portion 585, it is provided so as to be the outer peripheral surface when one plane on which the cuts of the cover member are formed bends, and is provided so as to be the inner peripheral surface when the other plane on which no cuts are formed bends. With such a connection strip portion 550, in the cover member, although the one plane side on which the cuts are formed is easily bent when bending, the connection line on the other plane side on which no cuts are formed is prevented from being excessively bent when bending. Also, when performing the replacement work of the lower accessory decoration portion and the like in the lower accessory unit 156 and performing the electrical wiring connection work by the connection strip portion 550, since the connection line of the connection strip portion 550 is covered with the cover member, it is possible to prevent damage to the connection line during the replacement work.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 10-1(A), first, when the upper working unit 154 and the lower working unit 156 are in their initial positions, the upper working unit 154 is at the uppermost position and the lower working unit 156 is at the lowermost position, and a part of each is visible from the opening 102AZ (see, for example, Fig. 1). Next, as shown in Fig. 10-1(B), when the upper working unit 154 is in the first position, the upper working unit 154 moves substantially parallel from its state in the initial position to a position lower than the initial position, and the whole is visible from the opening 102AZ. When the upper working unit 154 moves from the initial position to the first position, by driving the upper left motor 410, the upper left link portion 415 extends downward, so that the left connecting portion 435 slides downward along the left rail portion 430, and by driving the upper right motor 460, the upper right link portion 465 extends downward, so that the right connecting portion 485 slides downward along the right rail portion 480.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 10-2(A), next, when the upper accessory unit 154 is in the second position, the upper accessory unit 154 is in a position where only the right side has moved downward from the state in the initial position or only the left side has moved upward from the state in the first position and is inclined diagonally, and the whole is visible from the opening 102AZ. When the upper accessory unit 154 moves from the initial position to the second position, although the upper left motor 410 does not drive, by driving the upper right motor 460, the upper right link portion 465 extends downward, so that the right connecting portion 485 slides downward along the right rail portion 480. Also, when the upper accessory unit 154 moves from the first position to the second position, by driving the upper left motor 410, the upper left link portion 415 bends upward, so that the left connecting portion 435 slides upward along the left rail portion 430, but the upper right motor 460 does not drive. Next, as shown in FIG. 10-2(B), when the lower accessory unit 156 is in the extended position, the lower accessory unit 156 has moved substantially parallel from the state in the initial position to a position higher than the initial position, and the whole is visible from the opening 102AZ. When the lower accessory unit 156 moves from the initial position to the extended position, by driving the lower motor 510, the lower link portion 565 rises upward so as to lift the lower accessory unit 156, so that the lower connecting portion 585 slides upward along the right rail portion 480.

[0136] In the above description, the upper accessory unit 154 has been described in terms of movement from the initial position to the first position, movement from the initial position to the second position, and movement from the first position to the second position. However, it may move in various modes. For example, the upper accessory unit 154 may move from the second position to the first position or move from the first position or the second position to the initial position. Further, the upper accessory unit 154 may execute a so-called fanning effect in an operating mode where the process up to the middle of the movement from the second position to the first position is repeated a plurality of times. Furthermore, the lower accessory unit 156 may also move in various modes. For example, it may execute a so-called fanning effect in an operating mode where the process up to the middle of the movement from the initial position to the advancement position is repeated a plurality of times. Note that the upper accessory unit 154 at the first position or the second position and the lower accessory unit 156 at the advancement position are configured not to contact or interfere with each other, and an effect where the movement of the upper accessory unit 154 and the movement of the lower accessory unit 156 are performed substantially simultaneously may be executed.

[0137] [Configuration of Upper Accessory Unit 154 and Lower Accessory Unit 156] With reference to FIGS. 11-1 to 11-4, the configurations of the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 will be described here. FIG. 11-1(A) is a schematic view of the surface of the upper accessory decoration part 600 of the upper accessory unit 154, and FIG. 11-1(B) is a schematic view of the back surface of the upper accessory decoration part 600. FIG. 11-2(A) is a schematic view of the surface of the upper accessory main body part 650 of the upper accessory unit 154, and FIG. 11-2(B) is a schematic view of the internal configuration of the upper accessory main body part 650. FIG. 11-3(A) is a schematic view of the surface of the lower accessory decoration part 700 of the lower accessory unit 156, and FIG. 11-3(B) is a schematic view of the back surface of the lower accessory decoration part 700. FIG. 11-4(A) is a schematic view of the surface of the lower accessory main body part 750 of the lower accessory unit 156, and FIG. 11-4(B) is a schematic view of the internal configuration of the lower accessory main body part 750.

[0138] As shown in FIGS. 11-1 and 11-2, the upper accessory unit 154 is composed of an upper accessory decoration part 600 with a predetermined decoration, and an upper accessory main body part 650 connected to the upper left link part 415, left connecting part 435, upper right link part 465, and right connecting part 485 of the accessory mechanism part 158. Also, as shown in FIGS. 11-3 and 11-4, the lower accessory unit 156 is composed of a lower accessory decoration part 700 with a predetermined decoration, and a lower accessory main body part 750 connected to the lower link part 565 and lower connecting part 585 of the accessory mechanism part 158. Furthermore, although details will be described later, the upper accessory decoration part 600 in the upper accessory unit 154 is detachably provided with respect to the upper accessory main body part 650 connected to the accessory mechanism part 158, and the lower accessory decoration part 700 in the lower accessory unit 156 is detachably provided with respect to the lower accessory main body part 750 connected to the accessory mechanism part 158.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 11-1(A), the upper accessory decoration part 600 includes a first upper decoration member 605, a second upper decoration member 610, and a third upper decoration member 615, each having a predetermined decoration. The first upper decoration member 605 is configured to transmit light from a plurality of LEDs 653 of the upper accessory main body part 650 described later. The second upper decoration member 610 is a decoration in the form of a tire motif and is configured to be rotatable. The third upper decoration member 615 is a decoration in the form of a motorcycle exhaust pipe motif and is configured to operate repeatedly up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the second upper decoration member 610.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 11-1(B), the upper part decorative portion 600 includes, on the back surface, an upper decorative rotating shaft portion 620, four reflecting portions 630a to 630d, a first upper decorative locking portion 640, a second upper decorative locking portion 645, and two upper decorative fitting portions 647 and 648. The upper decorative rotating shaft portion 620 is a rotating shaft configured to be interlocked with the second upper decorative member 610 and the third upper decorative member 615 by a gear portion (not shown). When the upper decorative rotating shaft portion 620 rotates, the second upper decorative member 610 rotates and the third upper decorative member operates repeatedly up and down. The first upper decorative locking portion 640 and the second upper decorative locking portion 645 are members that lock to the upper part main body portion 650 when the upper part decorative portion 600 is attached to the upper part main body portion 650. The detailed configuration will be described later. The two upper decorative fitting portions 647 and 648 are portions where a part of the upper part main body portion 650 fits when the upper part decorative portion 600 is attached to the upper part main body portion 650. The four reflecting portions 630a to 630d are locations where a detection object (for example, an aluminum member) detectable by the reflecting sensors 680a to 680d described later is provided. Further, an identification display portion 632 is provided on the back surface of the upper part decorative portion 600. The identification display portion 632 has the same configuration as the identification display portion 1532 of the upper unit 180 described above, and is composed of a code portion, a caution portion, and a model name portion.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 11-2(A), next, the upper part main body portion 650 has a plurality of LEDs 653 on the upper main body surface portion 651 covered by attaching the upper part decorative portion 600, and four reflecting sensors 680a to 680d that irradiate a detection object with signal light and receive and detect the reflected light from the detection object. At the same time, a part of the first upper main body sliding portion 660, the second upper main body sliding portion 665, the upper main body pressing portion 670, the upper main body rotating shaft portion 675, the first upper main body locking portion 690, and the second upper main body locking portion 695 is exposed. Note that on the back surface of the upper main body surface portion 651 where a plurality of LEDs 653 and the like are not provided, a control portion (not shown) connected to be able to transmit and receive various signals to and from the effect control board 320 is provided.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 11-2(B), the upper accessory body 650 also includes an upper main body motor 655 and an upper main body gear mechanism 678 composed of a plurality of gears inside. When the upper main body motor 655 is driven, the upper main body gear mechanism 678 is configured such that the first upper main body sliding portion 660, the second upper main body sliding portion 665, and the upper main body rotating shaft portion 675 operate. The first upper main body sliding portion 660 and the second upper main body sliding portion 665 are formed with rack gears that mesh with a gear connected to the upper main body pressing portion 670, and are configured to move horizontally 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 portion 670 is a member extending from one of the plurality of gears constituting the upper main body gear mechanism 678, and is provided so as to be able to press from the surface of the upper main body surface portion 651. The upper main body rotating shaft portion 675 is a member extending from one of the plurality of gears constituting the upper main body gear mechanism 678, and is provided so as to fit with the upper decoration rotating shaft portion 620 of the upper accessory decoration portion 600 attached from the surface of the upper main body surface portion 651. The first upper main body locking portion 690 and the second upper main body locking portion 695 are members that lock to the upper accessory decoration portion 600 when the upper accessory decoration portion 600 is attached, and the detailed configuration will be described later. Note that the upper main body pressing portion 670 is configured such that the driving force transmission mode of the upper main body motor 655 in the upper main body gear mechanism 678 can be switched, for example, the upper main body rotating shaft portion 675 operates when not pressed, and the first upper main body sliding portion 660 and the second upper main body sliding portion 665 operate when pressed.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 11-3(A), next, the lower accessory decoration portion 700 includes a first lower decoration member 705 and a second lower decoration member 710, each of which is provided with a predetermined decoration on the surface. The first lower decoration member 705 is configured to transmit light from a plurality of lower accessory light source portions 783 of the lower accessory body 750 described later. The second lower decoration member 710 is a decoration in the form of a belt buckle motif and is configured to be rotatable.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 11-3(B), the subordinate part decoration portion 700 further includes, on its back surface, a lower decoration rotating shaft portion 720, four reflecting portions 730a to 730d, a first lower decoration locking portion 740, a second lower decoration locking portion 745, and two lower decoration fitting portions 747 and 748. The lower decoration rotating shaft portion 720 is a rotating shaft configured to be interlocked with the second lower decoration member 710, and rotation of the lower decoration rotating shaft portion 720 causes the second lower decoration member 710 to rotate. The first lower decoration locking portion 740 and the second lower decoration locking portion 745 are members that lock to the subordinate part main body portion 750 when the subordinate part decoration portion 700 is attached to the subordinate part main body portion 750. Details of their configurations will be described later. The two lower decoration fitting portions 747 and 748 are portions into which a part of the subordinate part main body portion 750 fits when the subordinate part decoration portion 700 is attached to the subordinate part main body portion 750. The four reflecting portions 730a to 730d are locations where a detection object (for example, an aluminum member) detectable by the reflection type sensors 780a to 780d described later is provided. Further, an identification display portion 732 is provided on the back surface of the subordinate part decoration 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 superior part decoration portion 600 described above, and includes a code portion, a caution portion, and a model name portion.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 11-4(A), on the front side of the subordinate part main body portion 750, a plurality of LEDs 753 and four reflection type sensors 780a to 780d for irradiating a detection object with signal light and receiving and detecting the reflected light from the detection object are provided on the lower main body surface portion 751 that is covered when the subordinate part decoration portion 700 is attached. At the same time, a part of the first lower main body rotating shaft portion 770, the second lower main body rotating shaft portion 775, the first lower main body locking portion 790, and the second lower main body locking portion 795 is exposed. Note that on the back surface of the lower main body surface portion 751 where the plurality of LEDs 753 and the like are not provided, a control portion (not shown) that is connected to the effect control substrate 320 via the relay substrate of the lower connection portion 585 and the control portion of the lower base portion 530 so as to be capable of transmitting and receiving various signals is provided.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 11-4(B), the lower accessory body portion 750 includes a lower main body motor 755 and a lower main body gear mechanism 778 composed of a plurality of gears inside. The lower main body gear mechanism 778 is configured such that when the lower main body motor 755 is driven, the first lower main body rotating shaft portion 770 and the second lower main body rotating shaft portion 775 operate. The first lower main body rotating shaft portion 770 is a member extending from one of the plurality of gears constituting the lower main body gear mechanism 778. The second lower main body rotating shaft portion 775 is a member extending from one of the plurality of gears constituting the lower main body gear mechanism 778, and is provided so as to fit with the lower decoration rotating shaft portion 720 of the lower accessory decoration portion 700 attached on the surface of the lower main body surface portion 751. The first lower main body locking portion 790 and the second lower main body locking portion 795 are members that lock to the lower accessory decoration portion 700 when the lower accessory decoration portion 700 is attached, and the detailed configuration will be described later.

[0147] Referring to FIG. 11-5, here, the method of attaching and detaching the upper accessory decoration portion 600 to and from the upper accessory body portion 650 in the upper accessory unit 154 will be described. In the upper accessory unit 154, when attaching and detaching the upper accessory decoration portion 600 to and from the upper accessory body portion 650, it is necessary to switch the states of the first upper decoration locking portion 640 and the first upper main body locking portion 690, and the second upper decoration locking portion 645 and the second upper main body locking portion 695 between the locked state and the unlocked state. FIG. 11-5(A) is a perspective view showing a state in which the second upper decoration locking portion 645 and the second upper main body locking portion 695 in the upper accessory unit 154 are in the locked state, and FIG. 11-5(B) is a perspective view showing a state in which the second upper decoration locking portion 645 and the second upper main body locking portion 695 are in the unlocked state. Note that the locking mechanism by the second upper decoration locking portion 645 and the second upper main body locking portion 695 described below is the same configuration as the locking mechanism by the first upper decoration locking portion 640 and the first upper main body locking portion 690, the locking mechanism by the first lower decoration locking portion 740 and the first lower main body locking portion 790, and the locking mechanism by the second lower decoration locking portion 745 and the second lower main body locking portion 795.

[0148] As shown in Fig. 11-5(A), when the upper fitting unit 154 is in a locked state with the upper fitting decorative part 600 attached to the upper fitting main body part 650, the second upper decorative locking part 645 locks to the second upper main body locked part 696 of the upper fitting main body part 650, and the second upper main body locking part 695 locks to the second upper decorative locked part 646 of the second upper decorative locking part 645. Note that since biasing forces are applied to the second upper decorative locking part 645 and the second upper main body locking part 695 in the direction to be in the locked state by springs (not shown) respectively, the locked state is maintained. Also, a part of the upper fitting main body part 650 is fitted into the two upper decorative fitting parts 647, 648 of the upper fitting decorative part 600.

[0149] As shown in Fig. 11-5(B), also, when the upper fitting decorative part 600 is to be removed from the upper fitting main body part 650 in the upper fitting unit 154 and changed from the locked state to the unlocked state, after making the second upper main body locking part 695 not lock to the second upper decorative locked part 646 of the second upper decorative locking part 645, the second upper decorative locking part 645 is made not lock to the second upper main body locked part 696 of the upper fitting main body part 650. And also in the locking mechanism by the first upper decorative locking part 640 and the first upper main body locking part 690, after making it in the unlocked state, by extracting a part of the upper fitting main body part 650 fitted into the two upper decorative fitting parts 647, 648, the upper fitting decorative part 600 can be removed from the upper fitting main body part 650. That is, when attaching and detaching the upper fitting decorative part 600 from the upper fitting main body part 650 in the upper fitting unit 154, the locking mechanisms by the first upper decorative locking part 640 and the first upper main body locking part 690, and by the second upper decorative locking part 645 and the second upper decorative locking part 695 must be switched between the locked state and the unlocked state. Also, when attaching and detaching the lower fitting decorative part 700 from the lower fitting main body part 750 in the lower fitting unit 156, the locking mechanisms by the first lower decorative locking part 740 and the first lower main body locking part 790, and by the second lower decorative locking part 745 and the second lower main body locking part 795 must be switched between the locked state and the unlocked state.

[0150] [Configuration of the upper accessory decoration part 800 and the lower accessory decoration part 900] As described above, in the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156, since the upper accessory decoration part 600 and the lower accessory decoration part 700 can be attached and detached, the upper accessory decoration part 600 and the lower accessory decoration part 700 can be exchanged as attachment members. Here, with reference to FIGS. 12-1 and 12-2, the configuration of the upper accessory decoration part 800, which has a different configuration from the upper accessory decoration part 600, and the lower accessory decoration part 900, which has a different configuration from the lower accessory decoration part 700, will be described. FIG. 12-1(A) is a schematic view of the front surface of the upper accessory decoration part 800, FIG. 12-1(B) is a schematic view of the back surface of the upper accessory decoration part 800 in the state shown in (A), FIG. 12-1(C) is a schematic view of the front surface of the upper accessory decoration part 800, and FIG. 12-1(D) is a schematic view of the back surface of the upper accessory decoration part 800 in the state shown in (C). FIG. 12-2(A) is a schematic view of the front surface of the lower accessory decoration part 900, FIG. 12-2(B) is a schematic view of the back surface of the lower accessory decoration part 900 in the state shown in (A), FIG. 12-2(C) is a schematic view of the front surface of the lower accessory decoration part 900, and FIG. 12-2(D) is a schematic view of the back surface of the lower accessory decoration part 900 in the state shown in (C).

[0151] As shown in FIG. 12-1(A), the upper accessory decoration part 800 includes a first upper decoration member 805 and a second upper decoration member 810, each of which is provided with a predetermined decoration. The first upper decoration member 805 is configured to transmit light from a plurality of LEDs 653 of the upper accessory main body part 650, and is provided with a decoration in the form of light (see FIG. 12-1(C)). The second upper decoration member 810 is a diamond-shaped decoration provided so as to cover a part of the first upper decoration member 805, and is configured to be movable so as to be divided into four parts.

[0152] As shown in Fig. 12-1(B), the upper-role member decoration part 800 further includes, on its back surface, an upper decoration protrusion part 820, a first upper decoration sliding part 823, a second upper decoration sliding part 825, four reflection parts 830a - 830d, a first upper decoration locking part 840, a second upper decoration locking part 845, and two upper decoration fitting parts (not shown). The upper decoration protrusion part 820 is a member that presses the upper body pressing part 670 when the upper-role member decoration part 800 is attached to the upper-role member main body part 650. The first upper decoration sliding part 823 and the second upper decoration sliding part 825 are slidable members configured to be interlocked with the second upper decoration member 810 by a gear part (not shown), and when they slide, the second upper decoration member 810 will operate to be divided into four parts. The first upper decoration locking part 840 and the second upper decoration locking part 845 have the same configuration as the first upper decoration locking part 640 and the second upper decoration locking part 645 of the above-described upper-role member decoration part 600, and the four reflection parts 830a - 830d have the same configuration as the four reflection parts 630a - 630d of the above-described upper-role member decoration part 600. That is, when the upper-role member decoration part 800 with such a configuration is attached to the upper-role member main body part 650, the upper body pressing part 670 of the upper-role member main body part 650 is pressed by the upper decoration protrusion part 820, and at the same time, the first upper decoration sliding part 823 fits into the first upper body sliding part 660, and the second upper decoration sliding part 825 fits into the second upper body sliding part 665.

[0153] As shown in Figs. 12-1(C) and (D), further, when the upper-role member decoration part 800 is attached to the upper-role member main body part 650, since the upper body pressing part 670 of the upper-role member main body part 650 is pressed by the upper decoration protrusion part 820, the first upper body sliding part 660 and the second upper body sliding part 665 of the upper-role member main body part 650 will slide in the left-right direction. Also, in the upper-role member decoration part 800, since the first upper decoration sliding part 823 fits into the first upper body sliding part 660 and the second upper decoration sliding part 825 fits into the second upper body sliding part 665, the first upper decoration sliding part 823 and the second upper decoration sliding part 825 slide in the left-right direction, and the second upper decoration member 810 operates to be divided into four parts, making a part of the first upper decoration member 805 that was covering it visible.

[0154] As shown in FIG. 12-2(A), next, the subordinate object decoration part 900 includes a first lower decoration member 905 and a second lower decoration member 910, each of which is given a predetermined decoration. The first lower decoration member 905 is configured to transmit light from a plurality of subordinate object light source parts 783 of the subordinate object main body part 750. The second lower decoration member 910 has a decoration in a predetermined form and is configured to rotate and deform.

[0155] As shown in FIG. 12-2(B), also, on the back surface, the subordinate object decoration part 900 includes a lower decoration rotation shaft part 920, four reflection parts 930a to 930d, a first lower decoration locking part 940, a second lower decoration locking part 945, and two lower decoration fitting parts (not shown). The lower decoration rotation shaft part 720 is a rotation shaft configured to be interlocked with the second lower decoration member 910 by a gear part (not shown), and when it rotates, the second lower decoration member 910 rotates and deforms. The first lower decoration locking part 940 and the second lower decoration locking part 945 have the same configuration as the first lower decoration locking part 740 and the second lower decoration locking part 745 of the above-described subordinate object decoration part 700, and the four reflection parts 930a to 930d have the same configuration as the four reflection parts 730a to 730d of the above-described subordinate object decoration part 700. That is, when the subordinate object decoration part 900 having such a configuration is attached to the subordinate object main body part 750, the lower decoration rotation shaft part 920 fits into the first lower main body rotation shaft part 770.

[0156] As shown in FIGS. 12-2(C) and (D), further, when the upper object decoration part 800 is attached to the upper object main body part 650, since the lower decoration rotation shaft part 920 fits into the first lower main body rotation shaft part 770, the lower decoration rotation shaft part 920 rotates, and the second lower decoration member 910 rotates and deforms.

[0157] [Attachment and detachment of various members in the gaming machine 100] Referring to FIGS. 13-1 to 13-5, the attachment and detachment of various members in the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 13-1 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the character accessory 1550 in the attachment and detachment operation of the upper unit 180. (A) is a schematic view showing a state in which a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150 is covered by the character accessory 1550, and (B) is a schematic view showing a state in which a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150 is not covered by the character accessory 1550. FIG. 13-2 is a schematic view of the state where the glass frame 150 is opened. FIG. 13-3 is a schematic view of the state where the glass frame 150 is opened. (A) is a schematic view of the state where only the game board 102A is removed, and (B) is a schematic view of the state where the game board unit 102 is removed. FIG. 13-4 is a schematic view of the state where the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 are opened. FIG. 13-5 is a schematic view of the state where the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 are opened. (A) is a schematic view of the state where the effect control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D are removed, and (B) is a schematic view of the state where the main display device 131 is removed.

[0158] [Attachment and Detachment of Upper Unit 180] As shown in FIG. 13-1(A), the upper unit 180 is attached to the outer frame 160 with the character unit 1550 covering a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150. In the upper unit 180, when the character accessory 1550 covers a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150, the first support portion 1515 and the second support portion 1535 are attached to the outer frame 160. In this way, when the upper unit 180 is attached, a part of the upper portion of the glass frame 150 is covered by the character accessory 1550, and the character accessory 1550, the first side portion 1510, the second side portion 1530, the first support portion 1515, and the second support portion 1535 are connected so as to be integrated. Therefore, the glass frame 150 cannot be opened.

[0159] As shown in Fig. 13-1(B), when removing the attached upper unit 180, first turn the predetermined key inserted into the keyhole member to the left to unlock the lock unit 190, and then move the character accessory 1550 obliquely forward upward in the front of the gaming machine. At this time, the character accessory 1550 moves integrally with the first side portion 1510 and the second side portion 1530 and is lifted 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 in a state of being attached to the outer frame 160. In this way, when the first side portion 1510, the second side portion 1530, and the character accessory 1550 are moved integrally, the glass frame 150 can be opened. Also, when the predetermined key inserted into the keyhole member is turned to the left, the power supply from the game board unit 102 to the upper unit 180 is cut off. In addition, when only the character accessory 1550 is moved in this way, the character accessory 1550 may return to its original position (the position shown in Fig. 13-1(A)). Therefore, a character accessory fixing member (not shown) may be provided to fix the moved character accessory 1550 (to prevent it from returning to its original position). By using such a character accessory fixing member, when detaching the upper unit 180 from the gaming machine 100 after moving the character accessory 1550, the operator can work while preventing the character accessory 1550 from falling, etc., and can prevent the fingers from being pinched by the falling of the character accessory, etc.

[0160] [Attachment and detachment of the game board unit 102] As shown in FIG. 13-2, in the gaming machine 100, after moving the character unit 1550 of the upper unit 180 and then releasing the glass frame 150, the game board fixing parts 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, 1918a, the unit pressing parts 2022, 2024, and the unit fixing parts 2026, 2028 are exposed and become operable. In such a state, when operating the game board fixing parts 1912a, 1914a, 1916a, 1918a, only the game board 102A can be removed from the game board unit 102, and when operating the unit fixing parts 2026, 2028, the game board unit 102 can be removed from the inner frame 170. Here, the configurations of the unit pressing parts 2022, 2024 and the unit fixing parts 2026, 2028 will be described. The unit pressing parts 2022, 2024 are members that fix the left side of the accessory unit 102B so that it cannot come out of the inner frame 170 by pressing the unit engaging parts 1922, 1924 provided on the left side of the accessory unit 102B disposed in the inner frame 170 and sandwiching the left side of the accessory unit 102B. On the other hand, the unit fixing parts 2026, 2028 are lever-shaped members that lock to prevent the accessory unit 102B from coming off the inner frame 170 by pressing the unit engaging parts 1926, 1928 provided on the right side of the accessory unit 102B of the game board unit 102. It has a configuration that can be switched to a locked state by pushing in the lever and to 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 accessory decoration part 600 in the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory decoration part 700 in the lower accessory unit 156 can be attached and detached. Also, as shown in Figs. 13-3(A) and (B), when removing the accessory unit 102B from the inner frame 170, first, the unit fixing parts 2026 and 2028 of the inner frame 170 are operated to make it in an unlocked state, so that the right side of the accessory unit 102B can be removed from the inner frame. Then, by moving the accessory unit 102B diagonally forward to the right, it changes from the state of being pinched by the unit pressing parts 2022 and 2024 to a state where it is not pinched, and the accessory unit 102B can be removed from the inner frame 170. Note that the accessory unit 102B can be removed integrally with the effect control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D attached. Also, even when the game board 102A is attached to the accessory unit 102B, when the glass frame 150 is opened, the unit fixing parts 2026 and 2028 are operably exposed, so it is also possible to remove the entire game board unit 102 from the inner frame 170.

[0162] As shown in FIG. 13-4, in the gaming machine 100, after moving the character unit 1550 of the upper unit 180 and then opening the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170, the back side of the game board unit 102 is exposed, and the effect control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D can be removed. In such a state, it is possible to remove only one of the effect control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D, or to remove both the effect control board unit 102C and the main control board unit 102D. Even when only the inner frame 170 is opened with the glass frame 150 integrated with the inner frame 170, the same state as described above is obtained, and the back side of the game board unit 102 is exposed. Further, an inner frame board unit 2030 having a power supply board 360 and the like is provided at the lower part of the inner frame 170. Further, when the glass frame 150 and the inner frame 170 are opened in this way, the information display 302c (see FIG. 9-5) mounted on the main control board 300 can be visually recognized in a state of being enclosed in the main control board case 1980, and the operation of the RAM clear switch 302a and the setting key switch 302b (see FIG. 9-5) provided on the main control board 300 and the operation of the power switch provided on the power supply board 360 become possible. The operation of the setting key switch 302b is an operation such as switching to ON or OFF by rotating a predetermined key inserted into the keyhole provided in the setting key switch 302b.

[0163] Here, the procedures for the operations to execute the RAM clear process, the operations to execute the setting change process, and the operations to execute the setting confirmation process will be described. First, for the RAM clear process, it can be executed by turning the setting key switch 302b to the OFF state, keeping the RAM clear switch 302a in the ON state, and then turning on the power switch (maintaining the RAM clear switch 302a in the ON state for about 3 seconds even after turning on the power switch). After these operations, the execution of the RAM clear notification described later is started, and the information display 302c executes an initial operation (repeating full lighting and full extinguishing for 5 seconds), and then displays the numerical values regarding the current performance information. Next, for the setting change process, it can be started (transitioned to the setting change mode) by turning the setting key switch 302b to the ON state, keeping the RAM clear switch 302a in the ON state, and then turning on the power switch (maintaining the RAM clear switch 302a in the ON state for about 3 seconds even after turning on the power switch). After these operations, the execution of the setting change notification described later is started, and the information display 302c displays the current setting value. At this time, the setting value can be changed according to the operation of the RAM clear switch 302a, and the information display 302c displays the changed setting value. Then, when the setting key switch 302b is turned to the OFF state, the setting change notification (setting change mode) described later ends, and the RAM clear notification described later is started. The information display 302c executes the same initial operation as described above, and then displays the numerical values regarding the current performance information. Next, for the setting confirmation process, it can be started (transitioned to the setting confirmation mode) by turning the setting key switch 302b to the ON state, keeping the RAM clear switch 302a in the ON state, and then turning on the power switch. After these operations, the execution of the setting confirmation notification described later is started, and the information display 302c displays the current setting value. At this time, the setting value can be changed according 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 later ends, and the power recovery process (power recovery notification described later) is started. The information display 302c executes the same initial operation as described above, and then displays numerical values regarding 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 for executing the RAM clear process, the setting change process, and the setting confirmation process become possible. Also, when only the inner frame 170 is in the open state with the glass frame 150 integrated with the inner frame 170, operations for executing the RAM clear process, the setting change process, and the setting confirmation process become possible. That is, even when the glass frame 150 is closed, if the inner frame 170 is open, operations for executing the RAM clear process, the setting change process, and the setting confirmation process become possible. Therefore, in other words, when the inner frame 170 is open and the glass frame 150 is open, when the inner frame 170 is closed but the glass frame 150 is open, when the inner frame 170 is open and the glass frame 150 is open, and when the inner frame 170 is open but the glass frame 150 is closed, operations for executing the RAM clear process, the setting change process, and the setting confirmation process become possible.

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

[0165] [Replacement of the Upper Accessory Decoration Part and the Lower Accessory Decoration Part] In the gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment configured as described above, various detachably provided members can be replaced. In particular, various members that are not fixed with screws or the like and can be detached without using tools such as a driver can be replaced. For example, when changing the gaming machine 100 to a different model, the glass frame 150, outer frame 160, inner frame 170, etc. of the gaming machine remain as they are. After replacing the main control board 300 and the effect control board 320, the upper accessory decoration part 600 and the lower accessory decoration part 700 can also be replaced from those of the model before the change to the members corresponding to the gaming machine 100. When replacing in this way, as described above, the power of the gaming machine is turned off for the replacement work. When the replacement work is completed and the power is turned on, a predetermined signal is transmitted from the control part on the upper main body surface part 651 and the control part on the lower main body surface part 751 to the effect control board 320 via the lamp control board 340. Then, the effect control board 320 executes a determination process based on the received predetermined signal, and determines whether the upper accessory decoration part 600 and the lower accessory decoration part 700 replaced by the replacement work are properly attached and accurate. Note that after the effect control board 320 executes the determination process, it executes the effect main process etc. when the power of the gaming machine 100 is turned on as it is. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, for example, when a game ball enters the first starting device 112 etc., a variable decoration pattern etc. is displayed on the main display device 131, and the gaming machine becomes in a state where gaming can be executed.

[0166] Here, a more detailed explanation of the determination process for the upper accessory decoration part 600 and the lower accessory decoration part 700 described above will be given below. First, the predetermined signal is a 4-bit signal generated by the control units of the upper main body surface part 651 and the lower main body surface part 751. This is a signal indicating the detection result of which position of the reflection type sensors 680a to 680d (see Fig. 11-2) on the upper main body surface part 651, etc. irradiate signal light to the back surface of the upper accessory decoration part 600, etc. and which reflection type sensors 680a to 680d the reflected light corresponding to is irradiated from the side of the upper accessory decoration part 600, etc. In the 4-bit signal, for example, when the reflection type sensor 680a detects the reflected light, the 0th bit becomes "1", when the reflection type sensor 680b detects the reflected light, the 1st bit becomes "1", when the reflection type sensor 680c detects the reflected light, the 2nd bit becomes "1", and when the reflection type sensor 680d detects the reflected light, the 3rd bit becomes "1". Note that the bit corresponding to the reflection type sensor that did not detect the reflected light indicates "0".

[0167] In such a configuration, more specifically, the generation of a predetermined signal and the determination of the effect control unit 320 will be described below. For example, in the four reflecting parts 630a to 630d (see FIG. 11-1) of the upper-rank object decoration part 600, detection objects are provided in three reflecting parts 630a to 630c, and no detection object is provided in the reflecting part 630d. In this case, when signal light is irradiated from the reflection sensors 680a to 680d onto the back surface of the upper-rank object decoration part 600, as long as there is no false detection due to the intrusion of external light, etc., the reflection sensors 680a to 680c other than the reflection sensor 680d will detect the reflected light from the reflecting parts 630a to 630c. Then, the control unit of the upper-rank object main body part 650 generates a 4-bit signal of "0111" based on the detection results of the respective reflection sensors 680a to 680d. The generated signal is transmitted from the control unit of the upper-rank object main body part 650 to the effect control board 320 via the lamp control board 340. That is, since the reflection sensors 680a to 680d can detect without directly contacting the reflecting parts 630a to 630d, it can be said that the detection method using the reflection sensors 680a to 680d and the reflecting parts 630a to 630c in this way is also a so-called non-contact detection method.

[0168] And, the production control board 320 stores numerical data "0111" in advance in the sub-ROM 320d as lighting information when the upper part decoration 600 is mounted. When the production control board 320 receives the 4-bit signal "0111" generated by the control unit of the upper part main body 650 as described above, it uses the lighting information "0111" to execute determination processing on whether the upper part decoration 600 is properly mounted and whether it is the correct mounting part. In this case, since all the bit-corresponding numerical values of the received 4-bit signal "0111" and the lighting information "0111" match, the production control board 320 determines that the mounted upper part decoration 600 is properly mounted and is correct. Also, for example, when the upper part decoration 600 is not mounted or the lock mechanism in the upper part decoration 600 is in an unlocked state, all or any of the reflection sensors 680a to 680d may not be able to detect reflected light, and the control unit of the upper part main body 650 may not be able to generate a 4-bit signal. In such a case, the production control board 320 determines that the mounted upper part decoration 600 is not properly mounted and generates an upper decoration non-mounting error designation command for executing an upper decoration non-mounting error notification (mounting error notification) described later. Further, for example, assume that the lighting information stored in the sub-ROM becomes "0011" corresponding to the upper part decoration 800 because the production control board 320 is replaced due to a model change, a specification change, etc. In this case, when the upper part decoration 600 is mounted, a 4-bit signal "0111" is generated by the control unit of the upper part main body 650 as before, and the signal is transmitted to the production control board 320. The production control board 320 that has received this 4-bit signal "0111" determines, as a result of comparing the signal with the lighting information "0011", that the corresponding numerical value of the third bit is different, and determines that the mounted upper part decoration 600 is different from the original upper part decoration 800 and is not correct, and generates an upper decoration mis-mounting error designation command for executing an upper decoration mis-mounting error notification (mounting error notification) described later. Note that the determination processing in the replacement of the lower part decoration 700, etc. is substantially the same as the determination processing in the replacement of the upper part decoration 600, etc. described above.

[0169] [Modes of Error Notification for the Upper Service Part Decoration Section] Referring to FIG. 14-1, the modes of the non-installation error notification of the upper decoration section and the mis-installation error notification of the upper decoration section, which are error notifications regarding the upper service part decoration section 600 in the gaming machine 100 described above, will be specifically described. FIG. 14-1 is a diagram showing the modes of error notification. (A) is a diagram showing the mode of the non-installation error notification of the upper decoration section, (B) is a diagram showing the mode of the mis-installation error notification of the upper decoration section, and (C) is a diagram for explaining the output timing in the non-installation error notification of the upper decoration section and the mis-installation error notification of the upper decoration section.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 14-1(A), in the non-installation error notification of the upper decoration section, an installation error display 2020a is displayed on the main display device 131 together with the decorative pattern, the hold icon display area, and the icon display area. The installation error display 2020a is displayed at a position (for example, the upper left corner) where the visibility of the decorative pattern and the like on the main display device 131 is not obstructed, and an error code "○○-□" represented by a number or the like indicating that the upper service part decoration section 600 is not properly installed is displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio for identifying the determined member such as "There is an upper service part error" is output. Further, in the non-installation error notification of the upper decoration section, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) blinks, and the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is turned off. Then, the upper service part unit 154 and the lower service part unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 blinks. Note that the non-installation error notification of the upper decoration section is continuously executed until the upper service part decoration section 600 is properly installed (the error is resolved). Also, the frame lamp and the upper unit 180 may blink at a predetermined emission color and a predetermined interval of the non-installation error mode of the upper decoration section corresponding to the non-installation error notification of the upper decoration section. When such a non-installation error notification of the upper decoration section is executed, the operator of the component replacement can easily recognize that the replaced component is not securely installed.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 14-1(B), in the case of the upper decorative part misattachment error notification, on the main display device 131, a mounting error display 2020b is displayed together with the decorative pattern, the reservation icon display area, and the icon display area. The mounting error display 2020b is displayed at a position (for example, the upper right corner) where the visibility of the decorative pattern and the like on the main display device 131 is not obstructed, and an error code "○○-△" represented by a number or the like indicating that the upper accessory decorative part 600 is not the correct member is displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio for specifying the determined member such as "There is an upper accessory error" is output. Further, in the upper decorative part misattachment error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) blinks, and the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is turned off. Then, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 blinks. Note that the upper decorative part misattachment error notification is continuously executed until the correct upper accessory decorative part is normally attached (the error is resolved). Also, the frame lamp and the upper unit 180 may execute blinking at a predetermined emission color and a predetermined interval in the upper decorative part misattachment error mode corresponding to the upper decorative part misattachment error notification. When such an upper decorative part misattachment error notification is executed, the operator for member replacement can easily recognize that the replaced member is not the correct member.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 14-1(C), the above-described upper decoration part non-mounting error notification and upper decoration part mis-mounting error notification may be executed at a predetermined timing and then terminated. For example, when the effect control board 130 receives an error system designation command corresponding to the upper decoration part non-mounting error or the upper decoration part mis-mounting error (t0), the output of the mounting error display 2020a or the mounting error display 2020b on the main display device 131 is started, the output of a voice such as "There is a top part error" from the voice output device 331 is started, the panel lamp is turned off, and the frame lamp is caused to blink (in a mode of repeating on and off at intervals of 250 ms) and the upper unit is caused to light up. Then, when 1 second has elapsed (t2) since the upper decoration part non-mounting error or the upper decoration part mis-mounting error has been resolved and the effect control board 130 has received a command corresponding to the resolution of the error (t1), the output of the mounting error display 2020a or the mounting error display 2020b on the main display device 131 is terminated, the output of the voice or the like from the voice output device 331 is terminated, the blinking of the frame lamp is terminated, and the upper decoration part non-mounting error notification or the upper decoration part mis-mounting error notification may be terminated. That is, in the upper decoration part non-mounting error notification and the upper decoration part mis-mounting error notification, even if the error is resolved, the notification may be executed for a predetermined period. When such upper decoration part non-mounting error notification and upper decoration part mis-mounting error notification are executed, since the notification continues for a predetermined period after the error is resolved and then ends, the operator who replaces the member can surely recognize that although the replaced member was not surely mounted or was not the correct member, the error has been resolved.

[0173] Also, the upper decoration part non-mounting error notification and the upper decoration part mis-mounting error notification were executed in different modes on the main display device 131 and the like, but they may be in the same mode. For example, in the upper decoration part mis-mounting error notification, the same mounting error display 2020a as in the upper decoration part non-mounting error notification may be displayed on the main display device 131. With such a mode of notification, the operator can easily recognize that some error has occurred based on the replacement work of the upper part decoration part 600 of the upper part unit 154.

[0174] [Aspect of mounting error notification for the lower accessory decoration part] Referring to FIG. 14-2, the aspects of the non-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part and the mis-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part, which are the mounting error notifications regarding the lower accessory decoration part 700 in the gaming machine 100 described above, will be specifically described. FIG. 14-2 is a diagram showing the aspect of the mounting error notification, (A) is a diagram showing the aspect of the non-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part, and (B) is a diagram showing the aspect of the mis-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part.

[0175] As shown in FIG. 14-2(A), in the non-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part, an error code "××-□" represented by numbers or the like indicating that the lower accessory decoration part 700 is not properly mounted is displayed on the main display device 131 together with the decorative pattern, the hold icon display area, and the icon display area. The mounting error display 2030a is displayed at a position (for example, above the hold icon display area and at the lower left corner) where the visibility of the decorative pattern and the like on the main display device 131 is not hindered. Also, the voice output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) outputs a voice for specifying the determined member, such as "There is a lower accessory error". Further, in the non-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) blinks, and the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is turned off. Then, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 blinks. Note that the non-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part is continuously executed until the lower accessory decoration part 700 is properly mounted (the error is resolved). Also, the frame lamp and the upper unit 180 may blink at a predetermined emission color and a predetermined interval of the non-mounting error aspect of the lower decoration part corresponding to the non-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part. When such a non-mounting error notification of the lower decoration part is executed, the operator of the member replacement can easily recognize that the replaced member is not securely mounted.

[0176] As shown in FIG. 14-2(B), in the case of the lower decorative part misattachment error notification, on the main display device 131, a decoration pattern, a hold icon display area, and together with the icon display area, a mounting error display 2030b is displayed. The mounting error display 2030b is displayed at a position (for example, the lower right corner) where the visibility of the decoration pattern and the like on the main display device 131 is not obstructed, and an error code "××-△" represented by numbers or the like suggesting that the lower accessory decorative part 700 is not the correct member is displayed. Also, in the voice output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), a voice for specifying the determined member such as "There is a lower accessory error" is output. Further, in the lower decorative part misattachment error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) blinks, and the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is turned off. Then, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 blinks. Note that the lower decorative part misattachment error notification is continuously executed until the correct lower accessory decorative part is normally mounted (the error is resolved). Also, the frame lamp and the upper unit 180 may blink at a predetermined emission color and a predetermined interval in a lower decorative part misattachment error mode corresponding to the lower decorative part misattachment error notification. When such a lower decorative part misattachment error notification is executed, the operator can easily recognize that the replaced member is not the correct member.

[0177] Also, in the lower decorative part non-mounting error notification and the lower decorative part misattachment error notification, they were executed in different modes on the main display device 131 and the like, but they may be in the same mode. For example, in the lower decorative part misattachment error notification, on the main display device 131, a mounting error display 2030a similar to the lower decorative part non-mounting error notification may be displayed. With such a mode of notification, the operator can easily recognize that some error has occurred based on the replacement operation of the lower accessory decorative part 700 of the lower accessory unit 156. Further, also in the lower decorative part non-mounting error notification and the lower decorative part misattachment error notification, similar to the above-described upper decorative part non-mounting error notification, even if the error is resolved, the notification may be executed at a predetermined period.

[0178] [Modes of Replacement of the Front Lantern Case Part and Notification of Mounting Error] Next, regarding the replacement, determination process, and mounting error notification of the front lantern case part 1581b and the like described above, a more detailed explanation will be given below. Similar to the above-mentioned upper accessory decoration part 600 and the like, for example, when changing the model of the gaming machine 100 to a model other than the gaming machine 100, the glass frame 150, outer frame 160, inner frame 170, etc. of the gaming machine remain as they are. After replacing the main control board 300 and the effect control board 320, the front lantern case part 1581b and the like can also be replaced from those of the previous model to the members corresponding to the gaming machine 100. Note that since the procedure for the replacement work and the mode of the mounting error notification in the front lantern case part 1581b and the like are substantially the same as those in the above-mentioned upper accessory decoration part 600 and the like, a detailed explanation will be omitted, and a detailed explanation will be given for different matters. The predetermined signal in the determination process when replacing the front lantern case part 1581b and the like is a 6-bit signal generated by the lantern control unit, which is different from the above-mentioned upper accessory decoration part 600 and the like. Six reflection sensors 1583a to 1583f irradiate signal light on the back surface of the front lantern case part 1581b, and it is a signal indicating the detection result of which position of the reflection sensors 1583a to 1583f on the front lantern case part 1581b side the reflected light corresponding to is irradiated. Specifically, in the 6-bit signal, when the reflection sensor 1583a detects the reflected light, the 0th bit becomes "1", when the reflection sensor 1583b detects the reflected light, the 1st bit becomes "1", when the reflection sensor 1583c detects the reflected light, the 2nd bit becomes "1", when the reflection sensor 1583d detects the reflected light, the 3rd bit becomes "1", when the reflection sensor 1583e detects the reflected light, the 4th bit becomes "1", and when the reflection sensor 1583f detects the reflected light, the 5th bit becomes "1". Note that the bit corresponding to the reflection sensor that did not detect the reflected light indicates "0". Then, similar to the above-mentioned upper accessory decoration part 600 and the like, the effect control board 320 executes a mounting error notification such as a lantern non-mounting error notification or a lantern mis-mounting error notification based on the result of the determination process. When such a lantern non-mounting error notification or a lantern mis-mounting error notification is executed, the operator of the member replacement can easily recognize that the replaced member is not securely mounted or that the replaced member is not the correct member.

[0179] [Mode of Replacement of Upper Unit etc. and Notification of Mounting Error] Next, regarding the replacement, determination processing, and mounting error notification of the above-described upper unit 180 and tool holder unit 135, more detailed explanations will be given below. Similar to the above-described upper-class item decoration part 600 etc., for example, when changing the model of the gaming machine 100 to a model other than the gaming machine 100, the glass frame 150, outer frame 160, and inner frame 170 etc. of the gaming machine remain as they are, and after replacing the main control board 300 and the effect control board 320, the upper unit 180 etc. can also be replaced from the unit of the model before the change to the unit corresponding to the gaming machine 100. Note that since the procedure for the replacement work in the upper unit 180 etc. is substantially the same as the procedure for the replacement work in the above-described upper-class item decoration part 600 etc., detailed explanations are omitted. The predetermined signal in the determination processing at the time of replacement of the upper unit 180 etc. is a 6-bit configuration signal, and is a signal corresponding to the model-specific information stored in the ROM in the control unit (or the control unit of the tool holder unit 135) of the upper unit 180. When each unit is mounted on the glass frame 150, outer frame 160, and inner frame 170 etc. of the gaming machine and the power supply to the gaming machine is started, the IC provided in the control unit in each unit reads the model-specific information from the ROM, and transmits a 6-bit length signal corresponding to the model-specific information to the effect control board 320 via the unit control unit and the lamp control board 340. For example, the 6-bit length signal corresponding to the model-specific information of the upper unit 180 is "011111".

[0180] Here, the determination process and the mode of attachment error notification in the replacement of the upper unit 180 will be described. The effect control board 320 stores, for example, numerical data "011111" in advance in the sub-ROM 320d as verification information when the upper unit 180 is attached. When the effect 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 execute a determination process on whether the upper unit 180 is properly attached and whether it is the correct attachment part. In the case of this example, since all the bit-corresponding numerical values of the received 6-bit signal "011111" and the verification information "011111" match, the effect control board 320 determines that the attached upper unit 180 is properly attached and is the correct one. Also, for example, when the upper unit 180 is not attached or when the upper unit connector 1575 in the upper unit 180 is not securely fitted to the game board connector 1620, the effect control board 320 may not be able to receive the 6-bit signal. In such a case, the effect control board 320 determines that the upper unit 180 is not properly attached and generates an upper unit non-attachment error designation command for executing an upper unit non-attachment error notification (attachment error notification) described later. Further, in contrast to this, for example, assume that the verification information stored in the sub-ROM 320d becomes "001111" because the effect control board 320 is replaced due to a model change or a specification change. Even in this case, when the upper unit 180 is attached, the 6-bit signal "011111" is transmitted from the control unit of the upper unit 180 to the effect control board 320 as before. As a result of comparing the 6-bit signal "011111" received by the effect control board 320 with the verification information "001111", it determines that the corresponding numerical value of the 5th bit is different, and determines that the attached upper unit 180 is different from the original upper unit and is not the correct one, and generates an upper unit mis-attachment error designation command for executing an upper unit mis-attachment error notification (attachment error notification) described later.

[0181] [Mode of Attachment Error Notification Regarding Upper Unit] Referring to FIG. 14-3, the modes of the non-mounted error notification of the upper unit and the mis-mounted error notification of the upper unit, which are the mounting error notifications regarding the upper unit 180 in the gaming machine 100 described above, will be specifically described. FIG. 14-3 is a diagram showing the mode of the mounting error notification, (A) is a diagram showing the mode of the non-mounted error notification of the upper unit, and (B) is a diagram showing the mode of the mis-mounted error notification of the upper unit. Note that the mode of the mounting error notification described below is regarding the upper unit 180, but the same mode of the mounting error notification may also be executed for members and units such as the handle unit 135, the first side display device 132, the second side display device 133, etc., which are detachable and replaceable from the gaming machine.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 14-3(A), in the case of the upper unit not mounted error notification, on the main display device 131, a mounting error display 2050a is displayed together with a decorative pattern, a hold icon display area, and the icon display area. The mounting error display 2050a is displayed at a position (for example, the center of the upper end) where the visibility of the decorative pattern or the like on the main display device 131 is not hindered, and an error code "●●-□" represented by a number or the like indicating that the upper unit 180 is not properly mounted is displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio for specifying the determined member such as "There is an upper unit error" is output. Further, in the case of the upper unit not mounted 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 panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is blinking. Then, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation (for example, an operation in a mode that covers (superimposes) a part of the mounting error display 2050a), but the upper unit 180 is turned off. Note that the upper unit not mounted error notification is continuously executed until the upper unit 180 is properly mounted (the error is resolved). Also, the frame lamp and the panel lamp may execute a predetermined emission color or blinking at a predetermined interval in the upper unit not mounted error mode corresponding to the upper unit not mounted error notification. When such an upper unit not mounted error notification is executed, the operator who replaces the member can easily recognize that the replaced member is not securely mounted. Also, since the mounting error display 2050a in the upper unit not mounted error notification is in the upper area of the main display device 131 and is displayed at a position close to the upper unit 180, it can also be easily recognized that it is an error notification regarding the upper unit 180. Further, in the case of the upper unit not mounted error notification, since the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, it can also be easily recognized that even if there is a mounting error regarding an exchangeable member or the like, it is not a mounting error regarding the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 14-3(B), in the case of upper unit misattachment error notification, on the main display device 131, a mounting error display 2050b is displayed together with the decorative pattern, the hold icon display area, and the icon display area. The mounting error display 2050b is displayed at a position (for example, the upper center part) where the visibility of the decorative pattern or the like on the main display device 131 is not obstructed, and an error code "●●-△" represented by a number or the like indicating that the upper unit 180 is not the correct member is displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio for specifying the determined member such as "There is an upper unit error" is output. Further, in the upper unit misattachment 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 panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is blinking. Then, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation (for example, an operation in a mode of covering (superimposing) a part of the mounting error display 2050b), but the upper unit 180 is turned off. Note that the upper unit misattachment error notification is continuously executed until the correct upper unit is normally attached (the error is resolved). Also, the panel lamp may execute blinking at a predetermined emission color and a predetermined interval in the upper unit misattachment error mode corresponding to the upper unit misattachment error notification. When such an upper unit misattachment error notification is executed, the operator for member replacement can easily recognize that the replaced member is not the correct member. Also, since the mounting error display 2050b in the upper unit misattachment error notification is in the upper area of the main display device 131 and is displayed at a position close to the upper unit 180, it is also possible to easily recognize that it is an error notification regarding the upper unit 180. Further, in the upper unit misattachment error notification, since the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, it is also possible to easily recognize that even in the case of a mounting error regarding a replaceable member or the like, it is not a mounting error regarding the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156.

[0184] Also, the notification of the upper unit not being attached and the notification of the upper unit being misattached were executed in different manners on the main display device 131 or the like, but they may be in the same manner. For example, in the notification of the upper unit being misattached, the main display device 131 may display a mounting error display 2050a similar to the notification of the upper unit not being attached. With such a notification, the operator can easily recognize that some error has occurred based on the replacement work of the upper unit 180. Further, also in the notification of the upper unit not being attached and the notification of the upper unit being misattached, similar to the above-described notification of the upper decoration part not being attached, even if the error is resolved, the notification may be executed within a predetermined period.

[0185] [Other aspects of mounting error notification] Referring to FIG. 14-4, other aspects of the mounting error notification regarding the upper accessory decoration part 600 in the gaming machine 100 described above will be specifically described. FIG. 14-4 is a diagram showing other aspects of the mounting error notification, (A) is a diagram showing other aspects of the notification of the upper decoration part not being attached, (B) is a diagram showing other aspects of the notification of the upper decoration part being misattached, and (C) is a diagram showing other aspects of the notification of the upper decoration part not being attached.

[0186] As shown in FIG. 14-4(A), first, in this upper decorative part non-attached error notification, on the main display device 131, an attachment error display 2060a is displayed at the same position as the above-described upper decorative part non-attached error notification (see FIG. 14-1). However, the attachment error display 2060a may be such that, for example, "Upper accessory: not attached" is displayed to specifically suggest that the upper accessory decorative part 600 is not properly attached. Note that the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, the panel lamp, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156, and the upper unit 180 shall operate in the same manner as the above-described upper decorative part non-attached error notification. When such an upper decorative part non-attached error notification is executed, the operator for member replacement can specifically and more easily recognize that the replaced member is not securely attached. Also, in the attachment error displays of the above-described lower decorative part non-attached error notification, lantern non-attached error notification, and upper unit non-attached error notification, similarly, contents that specifically suggest that each member or the like is not properly attached may be displayed.

[0187] Next, as shown in FIG. 14-4(B), in this upper decoration misattachment error notification, an attachment error display 2060b may be displayed on the main display device 131 in a size that covers the decorative pattern. Further, the attachment error display 2060b may be configured to specifically suggest that the model of the gaming machine and the attached member are incorrect. For example, "This gaming machine is of the'model ABC'. The 'upper accessory' is for the'model XYZ' and is not correct." may be displayed. Note that the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, the panel lamp, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156, and the upper unit 180 shall operate in the same manner as the above-described upper decoration misattachment error notification. When such an upper decoration misattachment error notification is executed, not only can the operator who exchanges the members specifically and more easily recognize that the exchanged members are not the correct ones, but also can recognize the correct members that should have been exchanged originally. That is, it is possible to prompt the operator of the replacement work to exchange again with the correct members and lead to the replacement work with the correct members. Further, similarly, in the attachment error displays of the above-described lower decoration misattachment error notification, lantern misattachment error notification, and upper unit misattachment error notification, content that specifically suggests that the model of the gaming machine and the attached member are incorrect may also be displayed.

[0188] Here, for the determination process to enable error notification due to a mounting error by a mounting error display that specifically suggests that the model of such a gaming machine and the mounted member are inaccurate, a processing procedure different from the above-described determination process will be described. First, for example, on the effect control board, a plurality of pieces of verification information corresponding to each of a plurality of specifications are stored in advance, and correct verification information is defined. Then, a predetermined signal received from the replaced member is compared with the verification information to determine whether the member is accurate. If the received predetermined signal does not match the correct verification information, the model corresponding to the verification information that matches the received predetermined signal is specified, and the above-described notification is executed. More specifically, in the above-described first embodiment, in the sub-ROM 320d of the effect control board 320, as verification information, a table of numerical data associated with each of a plurality of models such as "011111" for "Model ABC", "011110" for "Model OPQ", and "011100" for "Model XYZ" is stored, and it is defined that the control board 320 is of "Model ABC". Then, for example, when the upper accessory decoration part of "Model XYZ" is mounted, the effect control board 320 compares the predetermined signal "011100" received from the control part of the upper accessory main body part with the verification information, and processes the predetermined signal as being different from "011111" of "Model ABC" and matching "011100" of "Model XYZ". Then, the effect control board 320 causes a mounting error display 2260b to be displayed on the main display device 131.

[0189] Next, as shown in FIG. 14-4(C), in the case of the upper decoration part non-mounting error notification, the main display device 131 may display the mounting error display 2060c in a large size without displaying any of the decorative pattern, the hold icon display area, and the display of such icon display areas. With such a display of the mounting error display 2060c, an error code represented by numbers or the like suggesting that the upper accessory decoration part is not properly mounted is displayed in white characters on a black background with the entire display area of the main display device 131 being black, so that attention can be focused only on the mounting error display 2060c. It should be noted that the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, the panel lamp, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156, and the upper unit 180 shall operate in the same manner as the above-described upper decoration part non-mounting error notification. Also, in the mounting error displays of the above-described lower decoration part non-mounting error notification, the lantern non-mounting error notification, and the upper unit non-mounting error notification, similarly, the content specifically suggesting that each member or the like is not properly mounted may be displayed in white characters on a black background. Further, in the mounting error displays of the above-described lower decoration part mis-mounting error notification, the lantern mis-mounting error notification, and the upper unit mis-mounting error notification, a similar manner may be adopted. And in this mounting error display, the content displayed in white characters may be the content specifically suggesting that each member or the like is not properly mounted, or the content specifically suggesting that the model of the gaming machine and the mounted member are not appropriate.

[0190] Here, a case will be described where mounting error notification is executed for two or more units among the upper fixture unit 154, the lower fixture unit 156, the upper unit 180, and the like. First, in the mounting error display shown on the main display device 131, since the mounting error display 2020a (2020b) for the upper fixture unit 154, the mounting error display 2030a (2030b) for the lower fixture unit 156, and the mounting error displays 2050a and 2050b for the upper unit 180 have different display positions on the main display device 131, they can be displayed simultaneously. Specifically, when the power is turned on after the replacement work, if the lower fixture decoration part 700 is not properly mounted and an upper unit different from the correct upper unit 180 is mounted, on the main display device 131, the mounting error display 2030a is displayed at the lower left corner above the hold icon display area, and the mounting error display 2050b is displayed at the center of the upper end. In this case, the sound output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) may alternately repeat and output voices saying "There is a lower fixture error" and "There is an upper unit error". With such mounting error notification, the operator of the member replacement can easily recognize which member or the like among the replaced multiple members is in error.

[0191] Also, when executing a plurality of mounting error notifications, the priorities may be made different for each mounting error notification. For example, the mounting error notifications regarding the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 may have a higher priority than the mounting error notification regarding the upper unit 180. Specifically, when the power is turned on after the replacement work, if the lower accessory decoration part 700 is not properly mounted and an upper unit different from the correct upper unit 180 is mounted, on the main display device 131, a mounting error display 2030a is displayed at the upper left corner above the hold icon display area, and on the sound output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), a voice "There is a lower accessory error" may be output. Then, after that, when the mounting error regarding the lower accessory unit 156 is resolved, on the main display device 131, the mounting error display 2030a disappears, and a mounting error display 2050b is displayed at the center of the upper end, and on the sound output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), a voice "There is an upper unit error" may be output. With such mounting error notifications, the operator who performs the component replacement can not only surely and easily recognize which of the plurality of replaced components, etc. has an error, but also prompt the operator to surely execute the replacement work again.

[0192] Furthermore, for example, when replacing the mounting member or the like as described above, there may be an exchange mode in which the state of the gaming machine 100 is set to a state where the mounting member or the like can be exchanged. Or, after replacing the mounting member or the like, there may be a check mode for operating and checking a unit or the like to which an exchangeable mounting member or the like is mounted. For example, as the exchange mode, in the gaming machine 100, immediately after turning on the power, by pressing the RAM clear switch 302a for a predetermined number of seconds (for example, 3 seconds) or more, the machine may shift to the exchange mode. More specifically, for example, when the gaming machine 100 enters the exchange mode, a display such as "In exchange mode." is output to the main display device 131, and a unit or the like where an exchange member or the like is mounted or exchanged may be moved to an exchange position (for example, an intermediate position between the initial position and the advanced position) where the exchange operation can be easily performed. Also, by pressing the RAM clear switch for a predetermined number of seconds (for example, 3 seconds) or more during the exchange mode after the completion of the exchange operation, the exchange mode may be terminated and the machine may shift to a check mode for a predetermined period (for example, 15 seconds). More specifically, for example, when the gaming machine 100 enters the check mode, a display such as "In check mode." is output to the main display device 131, and the unit or the like where an exchange member or the like is mounted or exchanged may be operated for a predetermined period to determine whether it operates normally (including various solenoids other than the unit). Note that during the exchange mode, the operation of the gaming machine 100 other than the predetermined operation (such as movement to the exchange position) of the unit or the like where the exchange member or the like is mounted or exchanged may be restricted. Also, the movement of the unit or the like to the exchange position during the exchange mode may be at a slower speed compared to the speed of normal movable effects.

[0193] And in the above-described multiple mounting error notifications, the frame lamp, panel lamp, etc. during the execution of the mounting error notification may emit light in a specific light emission mode (a mode combining lighting, blinking, and extinguishing) corresponding to each mounting error notification. However, when a game is started during the execution of the mounting error notification (when a special symbol or decorative symbol starts to change based on a winning, etc.), a light emission mode different from that during the execution of the mounting error notification may be executed. Specifically, for example, during the execution of the mounting error notification, the frame lamp, panel lamp, etc. that are lit or blinking may be turned off when the game is started. Also, in the light emission mode during the execution of the mounting error notification and the light emission mode after the start of the game, only a part of the frame lamp or panel lamp may be lit and the remaining frame lamp or panel lamp may be turned off. That is, the light emission modes of the frame lamp, panel lamp, etc. may be different in each of during the mounting error notification, during the game while the mounting error notification is being executed, and during the game in the normal state (when the mounting error notification is not being executed). In such a mode, since the light emission mode of the frame lamp is different between during the execution of the mounting error notification and during the game, the player can easily recognize that the mounting error notification is being executed.

[0194] And also, as described above, in the upper unit 180, the upper accessory decoration part 600, the lower accessory decoration part 700, etc. which are replaceable members, etc., an identification display part composed of a code part, a caution part, and a model name part is provided. Therefore, the operator can perform the work while checking the display of the identification display part. Specifically, the operator can perform the work carefully by checking the display of the caution part of the identification display. Also, for example, in a mounting error notification (refer to FIGS. 14-1 to 14-3) in which it is notified that the mounted member, etc. such as the upper decoration part mismounting error notification is not the correct member, in the mounting error display in which an error code is displayed, there may be a case where the operator cannot determine the model name, etc. corresponding to the member, etc. that the operator has mounted. Even in such a case, by checking the output display of a predetermined terminal that reads the code part or the model name part, the operator can confirm the model name, etc. corresponding to the member, etc. that the operator has mounted and can connect it to the work of being able to mount the correct member, etc.

[0195] [Relationship between various notifications and mounting error notifications] Referring to FIGS. 15-1 to 15-9, the relationship between various notifications and the above-described mounting error notifications will be described. FIG. 15-1 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between power recovery notification and mounting error notification. FIG. 15-2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between RAM clear notification and mounting error notification. FIG. 15-3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between setting change notification and setting confirmation notification and mounting error notification. FIG. 15-4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between door open error notification and mounting error notification. FIG. 15-5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between magnetic error notification and radio wave error notification and mounting error notification. FIG. 15-6 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between switch connection error notification and mounting error notification. FIG. 15-7 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between vibration error notification and the like and mounting error notification. FIG. 15-8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between dish full error notification and mounting error notification. FIG. 15-9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between left-handed notification and mounting error notification.

[0196] First, the various notifications for explaining the relationship with the mounting error notification are, among the various notifications described above, power recovery notification, RAM clear notification, setting change notification, setting confirmation notification, and error notifications corresponding to error-related specified commands. Further, as the notifications corresponding to the error-related specified commands, among the above-described error-related specified commands, door open error notification corresponding to the door open error specified command, switch connection error notification corresponding to the switch connection error specified command, magnetic error notification corresponding to the magnetic error specified command, radio wave error notification corresponding to the radio wave error specified command, vibration error notification corresponding to the vibration error specified command, abnormal winning error notification corresponding to the abnormal winning error specified command, discharge error notification corresponding to the discharge error specified command, ball extraction error notification corresponding to the ball extraction error specified command, and left-handed notification corresponding to the left-handed state specified command. Hereinafter, the relationship between the mounting error notification and these various notifications will be described in detail.

[0197] [Relationship between power recovery notification and mounting error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-1(A), for example, when power is restored after a power failure in response to the occurrence of a magnetic error or the like during a game such as during the variation of special symbols or during a round game, the effect control board 320 executes a power restoration notification in order to make the game control state recognize that it has returned to the state before the power failure. In the power restoration notification, on the main display device 131, a power restoration display 2081 is displayed together with the decorative symbol, the hold icon display area, and the icon display area. The power restoration display 2081 is displayed in a size that covers most of the decorative symbol on the main display device 131, and characters such as "Power is being restored" suggesting that the power is being restored are displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio or the like suggesting that the power is being restored, such as "Power is being restored" (for example, it may be a power restoration notification sound such as a buzzer sound), is output. Further, in the power restoration notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) blinks, and the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game panel unit 102 or the like) also blinks. Then, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is lit. Note that the power restoration notification may display the power restoration display 2081 on the main display device 131 for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds), output the audio or the like from the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) for a predetermined period (for example, 30 seconds), or blink the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit 180 for a predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds). Also, the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit 180 may execute blinking at a predetermined emission color or a predetermined interval, such as a power restoration mode corresponding to the power restoration notification.

[0198] As shown in FIG. 15-1(B), for example, when an operator operates a power switch or the like for power recovery and touches the upper fixture unit 154 and it is determined that the upper fixture decoration part 600 is not properly installed, the upper decoration part not installed error notification is preferentially executed even during the period when the power recovery notification is being executed. Note that the mode of the upper decoration part not installed error notification is the same as described above, so detailed description thereof is omitted. At this time, in terms of the display mode on the main display device 131, the output mode on the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), the light emission mode of the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit, and the operation mode of the upper fixture unit 154 and the lower fixture unit 156, the mode in the upper decoration part not installed error notification is preferentially executed. And, for example, if the error is resolved, such as when the upper fixture decoration part 600 is properly installed within the period when the power recovery notification is originally to be executed, the above-described power recovery notification (FIG. 15-1(A)) is shifted to. That is, the upper fixture not installed error notification is a notification with a higher priority than the power recovery notification. Note that here, the relationship between the power recovery notification and the upper decoration part not installed error notification has been described, but the same priority may be set for the power recovery notification and other installation error notifications (such as the installation error notification in the upper unit 180). When the installation error notifications such as the upper decoration part not installed error notification are preferentially executed over the power recovery notification in this way, the operator can surely and easily recognize that an installation error has occurred, such as that a replaceable member is not properly installed.

[0199] On the other hand, it may be configured such that power recovery notification is preferentially executed over attachment error notification such as upper decoration part non-attachment error notification. Specifically, during the period when power recovery notification is executed, power recovery notification (FIG. 15-1(A)) is preferentially executed, and after the end of this period, attachment error notification (for example, FIG. 15-1(B), etc.) may be executed. That is, power recovery notification may be a notification with a higher priority than upper component non-attachment error notification. Even if power recovery notification is preferentially executed over attachment error notification in this way, the operator can surely and easily recognize that an attachment error such as a replaceable member not being securely attached has occurred. Further, even when attachment error notification is preferentially executed over power recovery notification, it may be executed in a manner corresponding to power recovery notification in at least one of the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, and the panel lamp. On the other hand, even when power recovery notification is preferentially executed over attachment error notification, it may be executed in a manner corresponding to attachment error notification in at least one of the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, and the panel lamp. In such a manner, the operator can easily recognize that the power is being recovered and that an attachment error has occurred.

[0200] [Relationship between RAM Clear Notification and Attachment Error Notification] As shown in FIG. 15-2(A), for example, when the RAM clear switch is pressed at power-on, the effect control board 320 executes a RAM clear notification to recognize that the RAM is being cleared. In the RAM clear notification, on the main display device 131, a RAM clear display 2082 is displayed together with a decorative pattern (for example, an initial decorative pattern "135" at power-on, etc.), a hold 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 characters such as "RAM clearing" indicating that the RAM clear process is in progress are displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio such as "The RAM is being cleared" (a RAM clear notification sound such as a buzzer sound) indicating that the RAM clear process is in progress is output. Further, in the RAM clear notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150, etc.) lights up, and the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102, etc.) also lights up. Then, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 lights up. Note that the RAM clear notification may display the RAM clear display 2082 on the main display device 131 for a predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds), output an audio or the like from the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) for a predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds), or blink the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit 180 for a predetermined period (for example, 60 seconds). Also, the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit 180 may execute lighting or blinking in a predetermined emission 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, a RAM clear switch, etc. for RAM clearing and touches the upper fixture unit 154 and it is determined that the upper fixture decorative part 600 is not properly attached, on the main display device 131, a mounting error display 2020a for upper decorative part non - attachment error notification is displayed together with a RAM clear display 2082 for RAM clear notification. At this time, in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820, etc.), which is a mode other than the main display device 131, and in the light emission mode of the frame lamp, the panel lamp, the upper unit, and the upper unit 180, although the mode for RAM clear notification is preferentially executed, the upper fixture unit 154 and the lower fixture unit 156 may not execute initial operations, etc. That is, the RAM clear notification is a notification with a higher priority than the upper fixture non - attachment error notification. And, for example, if the error is resolved, such as when the upper fixture decorative part 600 is properly attached during the period when the RAM clear notification is being executed, the mounting error display 2020a on the main display device 131 becomes non - display. Here, the relationship between the RAM clear notification and the upper decorative part non - attachment error notification has been described, but the RAM clear notification and other mounting error notifications (such as the mounting error notification in the upper unit 180) may have the same priority. In this way, even during the RAM clear notification, if at least a part of the mounting error notifications such as the upper decorative part non - attachment error notification is executed, the operator can surely and easily recognize that a mounting error has occurred, such as a replaceable member not being properly attached, and that the RAM is being cleared. Also, on the other hand, similar to the case where the power - on recovery notification is preferentially executed over the above - mentioned mounting error notification, the mounting error notification may be executed after the RAM clear notification.

[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 executes a setting change notification to make it recognized that the setting value is being changed (i.e., in the setting change mode). In the setting change notification, on the main display device 131, a setting change display 2083a of a size covering the entire screen, which is composed of characters such as "Setting is being changed" suggesting that the setting value is being changed, is displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio such as "The setting is being changed" (a setting change notification sound such as a buzzer sound), suggesting that the power is being changed, is output. Further, in the setting change notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 etc.) is turned off, but the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 etc.) is blinking. Then, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as the initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. Note that the setting change notification continues until the setting key switch 302b is turned to the OFF state as described above. Also, the panel lamp may execute blinking at a predetermined emission color and a predetermined interval, such as a setting change mode corresponding to the setting change notification.

[0203] As shown in FIG. 15-3(B), when the setting confirmation process is executed, the effect control board 320 executes a setting confirmation notification to make the user recognize that the setting value is being confirmed (i.e., in the setting confirmation mode). In the setting confirmation notification, on the main display device 131, a setting confirmation display 2083b covering the entire screen and composed of characters such as "Setting Confirmation In Progress" that suggest that the setting value is being confirmed is displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio such as "Setting Confirmation In Progress" (a setting confirmation notification sound such as a buzzer sound) that suggests that the power is being changed is output. Further, in the setting confirmation notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 etc.) is turned off, but the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 etc.) is blinking. And the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. Note that the setting confirmation notification continues until the setting key switch 302b is turned to the OFF state as described above. Also, the panel lamp may execute blinking at a predetermined emission color and a predetermined interval such as a setting confirmation mode corresponding to the setting confirmation notification. Also, when the handle unit 135 (the effect button) etc. is operated during the execution of the setting confirmation notification, a history list regarding the change of the setting value (for example, a list table of the changed date and time and the setting values before and after the change) may be displayed on the main display device 131.

[0204] Here, for example, when an operator operates the setting key switch 302b, the RAM clear switch 302a, etc. for setting change or setting confirmation, even if it is determined that the upper accessory unit 154 has been touched and the upper accessory decoration part 600 is not properly mounted, a mounting error notification such as an upper decoration part non - mounting error notification is not executed. After the setting change notification or the setting confirmation notification is executed, the mounting error notification is executed. That is, the setting change notification and the setting confirmation notification are notifications with a higher priority than the upper accessory non - mounting error notification. After the setting change notification ends, since the RAM clear notification is executed as described above, if the mounting error has not been resolved, on the main display device 131 during the RAM clear notification, the mounting error display 2020a of the upper decoration part non - mounting error notification is displayed (see Fig. 15 - 2(B)). In this way, the operator can surely and easily recognize that a mounting error such as a replaceable member not being properly mounted has occurred. Also, after the setting confirmation notification ends, since the power - on recovery notification is executed as described above, if the mounting error has not been resolved, the upper decoration part non - mounting error notification is preferentially executed (see Fig. 15 - 1(B)). In this way, the operator can surely and easily recognize that a mounting error such as a replaceable member not being properly mounted has occurred. Here, the relationship between the setting change notification, the setting confirmation notification, and the upper decoration part non - mounting error notification has been described, but the same may apply to other mounting error notifications (such as the mounting error notification in the upper unit 180). During the execution of the setting change notification and the setting confirmation notification, since it is in the setting change mode, etc. and the setting change process, etc. is being executed, the game cannot be executed.

[0205] [Relationship between door opening error notification and mounting error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-4(A), for example, when the glass frame 150 or the like is opened due to clogging of the game balls or the like during a game such as during the variation of the special symbol or during the round game (when the door open switch 312 is in the ON state), the effect control board 320 executes a door open error notification in order to recognize that the glass frame 150 or the like is being opened. In the door open error notification, on the main display device 131, a door open display 2084 is displayed together with the decorative symbol, the hold 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 characters such as "The door is open", which suggest that the glass frame 150 or the like is being opened, are displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), audio or the like that suggests that the glass frame 150 or the like is being opened, such as "The door is open" (which may be a door open notification sound such as a buzzer sound), is output. Further, in the door open error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) blinks, and the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 or the like) is turned off. And the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 blinks. Note that the door open error notification is continuously executed until the opened glass frame 150 or the like is closed (the door open switch 312 is in the OFF state). Also, the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit 180 may execute blinking or the like at a predetermined emission color or 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, when the door is opened and it is determined that the upper decorative part 600 is not properly attached because it touches the upper fixture unit 154, the non-attachment error notification of the upper decorative part is preferentially executed even during the period when the door open error notification is being executed. Note that the mode of the non-attachment error notification of the upper decorative part is the same as described above, so a detailed description is omitted. At this time, in terms of the display mode on the main display device 131, the output mode on the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), the light emission mode of the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit, and the operation mode of the upper fixture unit 154 and the lower fixture unit 156, the mode in the non-attachment error notification of the upper decorative part is preferentially executed. And, for example, when the error is resolved because the upper fixture decorative part 600 is properly attached while the door is open, it shifts to the above-described door open error notification (FIG. 15-4(A)). That is, the non-attachment error notification of the upper fixture is a notification with a higher priority than the door open error notification. Here, the relationship between the door open error notification and the non-attachment error notification of the upper decorative part has been described, but the same priority may also be set for the door open error notification and other attachment error notifications (such as the attachment error notification in the upper unit 180). When the attachment error notifications such as the non-attachment error notification of the upper decorative part are preferentially executed over the door open error notification in this way, the operator can surely and easily recognize that an attachment error has occurred, such as that the replaceable member is not properly attached.

[0207] On the other hand, the door opening error notification may be preferentially executed over the mounting error notification such as the upper decoration part non-mounting error notification. Specifically, during the period when the mounting error notification can be executed, the door opening error notification (Fig. 15-4(A)) is preferentially executed, and after the end of the period, the mounting error notification (for example, Fig. 15-4(B), etc.) may be executed. Even if the door opening error notification is preferentially executed over the mounting error notification in this way, the operator can surely and easily recognize that a mounting error such as a replaceable member not being securely mounted has occurred. Further, even when the mounting error notification is preferentially executed over the door opening error notification, it may be executed in a manner corresponding to the door opening error notification in at least one of the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, and the panel lamp. On the other hand, even when the door opening error notification is preferentially executed over the mounting error notification, it 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 panel lamp. In such a manner, the operator can easily recognize that the power is being restored and that a mounting error has occurred.

[0208] As shown in FIG. 15-4(C), for example, in the same manner as described above, when it is determined that the upper fixture decoration unit 600 is not properly attached during the door opening error notification, the main display device 131 may display the attachment error display 2020a of the upper decoration unit not attached together with the door opening display 2084 of the door opening error notification. At this time, in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820 etc.), which is a mode other than the main display device 131, the light emission mode of the frame lamp, the panel lamp, or the upper unit 180, etc., the mode in the door opening error notification is preferentially executed, and the upper fixture unit 154 and the lower fixture unit 156 may not execute the initial operation etc. That is, the door opening error notification may be a notification with a higher priority than the upper fixture not attached error notification. And, for example, if the error is resolved, such as the upper fixture decoration unit 600 being properly attached, during the period when the door opening error notification is being executed, the attachment error display 2020a on the main display device 131 may be turned off. Here, the relationship between the door opening error notification and the upper decoration unit not attached error notification has been described, but the same priority may be set for the door opening error notification and other attachment error notifications (such as the attachment error notification in the upper unit 180). In this way, even during the door opening error notification, if at least a part of the attachment error notifications such as the upper decoration unit not attached error notification is executed, the operator can surely and easily recognize that an attachment error has occurred, such as a replaceable member not being properly attached, and that the glass frame 150 etc. is open.

[0209] [Relationship between Magnetic Error Notification, Radio Wave Error Notification, and Attachment Error Notification] As shown in FIG. 15-5(A), for example, when abnormal magnetism from outside the gaming machine or the like is detected by the magnetic detection sensor 305a during the game, or when an abnormality such as unconnection or incorrect connection is detected in the magnetic detection sensor 305a, the effect control board 320 executes a magnetic error notification in order to make the player recognize that a magnetic error has occurred. In the magnetic error notification, on the main display device 131, a magnetic error display 2085a covering the entire screen, composed of characters such as "Magnetic Sensor Error" suggesting that a magnetic error is occurring, is displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio suggesting that a magnetic error is occurring, such as "There is a magnetic error" (for example, it may be a magnetic error notification sound such as a buzzer sound), is output. Further, in the magnetic error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 or the like) is blinking, but the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game panel unit 102 or the like) is turned off. And the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. Note that the magnetic error notification continues until the power is turned off. Also, in the magnetic error notification when the magnetic detection switch 305a is unconnected or the like, the magnetic error notification may be terminated by normally connecting the magnetic detection switch 305a, but the magnetic error notification may continue to be executed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) even after normal connection. Further, in the magnetic error notification, since the magnetic error display 2085a covers all of the decorative patterns and the like, the decorative patterns and the like are not visible, but at least a part of the decorative patterns and the like may be made visible in such a manner that the magnetic error display 2085a covers at least a part of the decorative patterns and the like. And during the execution of the magnetic error notification, the operation sound of the knife handle unit 135 or the like (effect button), the effect sound of the pending change at the time of winning, and the light emission of the frame lamp, the panel lamp, etc. in the normal game state may be restricted. Also, when a magnetic error occurs during the game, for example, the upper accessory unit 154 or the like during the movable effect may be stopped or may continue, but on the main display device 131, it may be set to a full-screen black display.Furthermore, the frame lamp and the panel lamp may execute blinking at a predetermined emission color or at a predetermined interval, such as a magnetic error mode corresponding to magnetic error notification, or may be the same as the emission modes such as the various attachment error notifications described above. Also, regarding the timing of output of voice or the like in the voice output device 331, it may be a predetermined timing, such as a magnetic error mode corresponding to magnetic error notification, or may be the same as the timing of the various attachment error notifications described above.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 15-5(B), further, the above-described magnetic error notification may be executed and terminated at a predetermined timing. For example, when magnetism is detected by the magnetic detection sensor 305a for a period of 500 ms (the magnetic detection signal is detected for 500 ms) and the effect control board 130 receives an error system designation command corresponding to a magnetic error (t0), the output of the magnetic error display 2085a on the main display device 131 is started, the output of the voice "There is a magnetic error" and the siren sound by the voice output device 331 is started, the panel lamp is turned off, and red blinking (a mode of repeating on and off at an interval of 250 ms) is executed with the frame lamp. Incidentally, in the period from when the effect control board 130 receives the error system designation command corresponding to the magnetic error until 0.4 seconds have elapsed (t0 to t1), the game information output terminal board 309 may repeatedly execute an output such that it outputs on for 200 ms and then outputs off for 200 ms. Then, when 30 seconds have elapsed (t2) since the effect control board 130 received the error system designation command corresponding to the magnetic error, the output of the magnetic error display 2085a on the main display device 131 is terminated, the output of the voice "There is a magnetic error" and the siren sound by the voice output device 331 is terminated, the red blinking of the frame lamp is terminated, and the magnetic error notification may be terminated. Incidentally, also in this magnetic error notification, similar to the above-described upper decoration part non-attachment error notification, even if the error is resolved, the notification may be continuously executed for a predetermined period.

[0211] As shown in FIG. 15-5(C), when abnormal radio waves from outside the gaming machine or the like are detected by the radio wave detection sensor 305b during the game, or when an abnormality such as unconnection or incorrect connection is detected in the radio wave detection sensor 305b, the effect control board 320 executes a radio wave error notification to make the player recognize that a radio wave error has occurred. In the radio wave error notification, on the main display device 131, a radio wave error display 2085b of a size covering the entire screen, composed of characters such as "RADIO SENSOR ERROR" suggesting that a radio wave error is occurring, is displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), an audio such as "There is a radio wave error" (for example, it may be a radio wave error notification sound such as a buzzer sound) suggesting that a radio wave error is occurring is output. Furthermore, in the radio wave error notification, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 etc.) is blinking, but the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game panel unit 102 etc.) is turned off. And the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. Note that the radio wave error notification continues until the power is turned off. Also, in the radio wave error notification when the radio wave detection switch 305b is unconnected etc., the radio wave error notification may be terminated by normally connecting the radio wave detection switch 305b, but the radio wave error notification may be continuously executed for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) even after normal connection. Furthermore, in the radio wave error notification, since the radio wave error display 2085b covers all of the decorative symbols etc., the decorative symbols etc. were not visible, but at least a part of the decorative symbols etc. may be made visible in such a manner that the radio wave error display 2085b covers at least a part of the decorative symbols etc. And during the execution of the radio wave error notification, the operation sound of the handle unit 135 etc. (effect button), the effect sound of the hold change at the time of winning, and the light emission of the frame lamp, panel lamp, etc. in the normal game state may be restricted. Also, when a radio wave error occurs during the game, for example, the upper accessory unit 154 etc. during the movable effect may be stopped or continued, but on the main display device 131, it may be set to a full-screen black display.Furthermore, the frame lamp and the panel lamp may execute blinking at a predetermined emission color or at a predetermined interval, such as a radio wave error mode corresponding to radio wave error notification, or may be the same as the emission modes such as the various attachment error notifications described above. Also, regarding the timing of output of voice or the like in the voice output device 331, it may be a predetermined timing, such as a radio wave error mode corresponding to radio wave error notification, or may be the same as the timing of the various attachment error notifications described above.

[0212] Here, for example, even if it is determined that the upper fixture decorative part 600 is not properly attached due to a defect in the upper fixture unit 154 over time during the occurrence of a magnetic error or a radio wave error, attachment error notifications such as upper decoration part non-attachment error notification are not executed, and after magnetic error notification or radio wave error notification is executed, attachment error notification is executed. That is, since abnormalities related to the magnetic detection switch 305a and the radio wave detection switch 305b, such as magnetic errors and radio wave errors, are more serious errors than attachment errors, the priority of magnetic error notification and radio wave error notification is higher than that of attachment error notification. During the execution of magnetic error notification and radio wave error notification, since a serious error such as a magnetic error is occurring, the game cannot be executed.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 15-5(D), when a radio wave error occurs during the occurrence of a magnetic error, the main display device 131 may display a magnetic error display 2085c and a radio wave error display 2085d. Specifically, during the occurrence of only a magnetic error, only the magnetic error notification (FIG. 15-5(A)) is executed. When a radio wave error occurs during the occurrence of a magnetic error, the magnetic error display 2085c and the radio wave error display 2085d are displayed. At this time, the voice output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) alternately outputs two types of voices such as "Magnetic error" and "Radio wave error". Also, the frame lamp (the effect frame lighting device 342 provided on the glass frame 150 etc.) is blinking, but the panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 etc.) is turned off. And the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. Incidentally, when a magnetic error occurs during the occurrence of a radio wave error, the mode will shift from the mode of the radio wave error notification to the mode in which the magnetic error display 2085c and the radio wave error display 2085d are displayed. That is, since both the magnetic error and the radio wave error are serious errors, the priorities of the magnetic error notification and the radio wave error notification are substantially the same, and the error notification corresponding to the error that occurred first is executed first. With such a notification mode, even if two or more serious errors occur, the player and the game administrator can surely and easily recognize the occurrence of two or more serious errors. Incidentally, as an abnormality such as unconnection or misconnection in the magnetic detection sensor 305a and the radio wave detection sensor 305b, for example, specifically, on the main control board 300, the radio wave detection sensor 305b may be connected to the terminal to which the magnetic detection sensor 305a is originally connected, and the magnetic detection sensor 305a may be connected to the terminal to which the radio wave detection sensor 305b is originally connected.

[0214] Also, assuming that a magnetic error is more serious than a radio wave error, the magnetic error notification may have a higher priority than the radio wave error notification. Specifically, when a magnetic error occurs during the occurrence of a radio wave error, the execution of the radio wave error notification may be aborted and only the magnetic error notification may be executed. Also, at this time, although the main display device 131 is in a mode where the magnetic error display 2085c and the radio wave error display 2085d are displayed, the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) may output only an audio such as "Magnetic error". In such a mode, regarding the occurrence of a more serious error, the player and the game administrator can surely and easily recognize it.

[0215] In addition, during the execution of the magnetic error notification or the radio wave error notification, while executing the error notification on the main display device 131 or the like, it is also possible not to display the hold display on the symbol hold indicators 119, 123, 124 (sub-hold indicators (not shown) that display the presence or absence of hold, etc.). Also, when the power is turned on after the power is turned off, the effects that were held without executing the error notification may be executable as a normal game. Furthermore, on the other hand, in a state where a magnetic error or a radio wave error is detected, it is also possible to continuously execute the hold display on the symbol hold indicators 119, 123, 124 (sub-hold indicators (not shown) that display the presence or absence of hold, etc.). And even when the power is turned off during the execution of the magnetic error notification or the radio wave error notification and then returns to the restored state, the error notification in the above-described mode may be executed on the main display device 131, the audio output device 331, the frame lamp, the panel lamp, etc. Also, when a reset recovery occurs during the execution of the error notification, it may be recovered normally.

[0216] [Relationship between Switch Connection Error Notification and Mounting Error Notification] As shown in FIG. 15-6(A), for example, when an abnormality such as unconnection or misconnection is detected in any of various switches such as the gate detection switch 303, the effect control board 320 executes a switch connection error notification to recognize that any of the various switches is abnormal. In the switch connection error notification, on the main display device 131, a switch error display 2086 is displayed together with the decorative pattern, the hold 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 characters such as "switch abnormality" suggesting that an abnormality is occurring in any of the various switches are displayed. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), audio such as "There is a switch error" (for example, a switch error notification sound such as a buzzer sound may be used) suggesting that an abnormality is occurring in any of the various switches is output. Further, 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 panel lamp (the effect panel lighting device 341 provided on the game board unit 102 etc.) is blinking. And the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. Note that the switch connection error notification is continuously executed until the abnormality of the switch in which the abnormality was detected is resolved (the abnormalities of all switches are resolved). Also, the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit 180 may execute lighting or blinking at a predetermined emission color or a predetermined interval such as a switch connection error mode corresponding to the switch connection error notification. Further, during the execution of the switch connection error notification, since an abnormality is occurring in any of the various switches, a normal game cannot be executed.

[0217] As shown in FIG. 15-6(B), the above-described switch connection error notification may also be executed and terminated at a predetermined timing. For example, when a disconnection or the like of various switches occurs (when the magnetic detection sensor 305a is ON for 1 second), when 100 ms has elapsed (t1) since the production control board 130 receives an error system designation command corresponding to the switch connection error (t0), the main display device 131 starts outputting the switch error display 2086, and the audio output device 331 starts repeatedly outputting the voice "There is a switch error" and a 5-second siren sound, turns off the panel lamp, and executes a red blinking of the frame lamp (a mode of repeating ON and OFF at intervals of 250 ms). Then, when the disconnection of various switches is resolved and the production control board 130 receives an error system termination designation command corresponding to the switch connection error (t2), the output of the switch connection error display 2086 on the main display device 131 is terminated, the repeated output of the voice "There is a switch error" and the 5-second siren sound on the audio output device 331 is terminated, the red blinking of the frame lamp is terminated, and the switch connection error notification may be terminated.

[0218] As shown in FIG. 15-6(C), for example, during the replacement operation of the production control board 320 or the like, if any of the various switches is misconnected and it is determined that the upper decorative unit 600 is not properly attached because the upper accessory unit 154 has been touched, the main display device 131 displays a switch error display 2086 for switch connection error notification and a mounting error display 2020a for upper decoration unit non-mounting error notification. At this time, in the output mode of the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820) which is a mode other than the main display device 131, the lighting mode of the frame lamp, the panel lamp, the upper unit, or the upper unit 180, for example, the mode for switch connection error notification is preferentially executed, and the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 may not execute the initial operation or the like. That is, the switch connection error notification is a notification with a higher priority than the upper accessory non-mounting error notification. And, for example, if only this error is resolved, such as when the upper accessory decoration unit 600 is properly attached during the period when the switch connection error notification is being executed, the mounting error display 2020a on the main display device 131 becomes non-displayed. Here, the relationship between the switch connection error notification and the upper decoration unit non-mounting error notification has been described, but the switch connection error notification and other mounting error notifications (such as the mounting error notification in the upper unit 180) may also have the same mode (priority). In this way, even during the switch connection error notification, if at least a part of the mounting error notifications such as the upper decoration unit non-mounting error notification is executed, the operator can surely and easily recognize that a mounting error has occurred, such as the replaceable member not being properly attached, and that an abnormality has occurred in any of the various switches. Also, on the other hand, similar to the case where the power recovery notification is preferentially executed over the above-described mounting error notification, the mounting error notification may be executed after the switch connection error notification.

[0219] Note that, as described above, when there is a disconnection or the like in various switches, the switch connection error notification described above is executed. However, the mode and priority of the error notification may be set to be different according to the type of the disconnected switch. For example, the switch connection error notification when the magnetic detection sensor 305a and the radio wave detection sensor 305b are disconnected or the like may be set to have a higher priority than the switch connection error notification when other switches are disconnected or the like. Further, when the reflection sensors 680a to 680d and the reflection sensors 780a to 780d are disconnected or the like from the main control board 300 or the effect control board 320, an error notification in the same mode as the above-described switch connection error notification may be executed. Furthermore, the above-described switch connection error notification is a mode when various switches are disconnected or the like during the game, but when various switches are disconnected or the like at the time of power-on, the switch connection error notification in the same mode may be executed. And, as the timing when various switches become disconnected or the like, there are during the execution of the customer waiting demo effect, during the execution of various effects such as the SP reach effect including the operation of the movable accessory, during the execution of the big hit effect, etc. Even when various switches become disconnected or the like at such timing, in the same mode as the above-described switch connection error notification, the display of the switch error display 2086 on the main display device 131, the output from the audio output device 331, etc. may be executed. On the other hand, when the main control board 300 and the effect control board 320 are disconnected or the like, when the main display device 131 and the main control board 300 or the effect control board 320 are disconnected or the like, when the main control board 300 and the game information output terminal board 309 are disconnected or the like, when the payout control board 310 and the main control board 300 are disconnected or the like, when the payout control board 310 or the main control board 300 and the ball lending machine are disconnected or the like, the above-described switch disconnection error notification may not be executed.

[0220] [Relationship between vibration error notification, etc. and attachment error notification] As shown in FIG. 15-7(A), for example, when abnormal vibration from outside the gaming machine or the like is detected by the vibration detection sensor 305c during the game, the effect control board 320 executes vibration error notification to recognize that abnormal vibration is occurring. Specifically, in the vibration error notification, on the main display device 131, a vibration error display 2087a composed of characters such as "Abnormal Vibration Error" is displayed in a size that covers most of the front decoration pattern, together with the decoration pattern, the hold icon display area, and the icon display area. Also, in the audio output device 331 (such as the speaker 1820), audio or the like suggesting that abnormal vibration is occurring, such as "There is an abnormal vibration error" (for example, it may be a vibration error notification sound such as an alarm sound), is output. Further, in the vibration error notification, the frame lamp blinks, the panel lamp is turned off, the upper accessory unit 154 and the lower accessory unit 156 do not execute a predetermined operation such as an initial operation, and the upper unit 180 is turned off. Note that the vibration error notification may be executed for a predetermined period (for example, 10 seconds) after the abnormal vibration is detected, and the frame lamp, the panel lamp, and the upper unit 180 may execute lighting or blinking at a predetermined emission color or a predetermined interval such as a vibration error mode corresponding to the vibration error notification. Note that during the execution of the vibration error notification, the game can proceed, but since abnormal vibration has occurred, the game may be made impossible to proceed for a predetermined period. And, for example, when it is detected that abnormal vibration is occurring and it is determined that the upper accessory decoration part 600 of the upper accessory unit 154 has shifted due to the abnormal vibration or the like and is not properly attached, a mounting error display 2020a of the upper decoration part non - mounting error notification is displayed on the main display device 131 together ...

Claims

【Claim 1】 A gaming machine comprising main control means capable of controlling the progress of a special game, and effect control means for controlling an effect according to a signal from the main control means, wherein the main control means is capable of storing a hold memory based on determination information acquired by start means, and the effect control means is capable of executing a variation effect in which an effect symbol varies along a first variation path on a display means based on determination information acquired by the start means, and is capable of executing a variation effect in which the effect symbol varies along a second variation path different from the first variation path on the display means based on determination information acquired by the start means, is capable of executing a variation start effect at a predetermined timing during a variation start period of the variation effect, wherein the variation start effect has a first mode and a second mode different from the first mode, and different modes of variation start effects can be executed for the variation effect along the first variation path and the variation effect along the second variation path, is capable of executing a specific sound effect for outputting a specific sound indicating that the effect symbol is temporarily stopped during a stop suggestion period in the variation effect along the first variation path or the second variation path, the effect symbol can be displayed by a first column capable of forming a reach in the variation effect and a second column capable of being temporarily stopped when a reach different from the first column ends, is capable of executing a special effect that covers all or part of the display area of the display means when the reach ends, when a losing variation effect is executed, a first variation stop suggestion effect capable of outputting the specific sound when temporarily stopped in the first column or the second column, or when a predetermined effect that anticipates the special game is executed, a second variation stop suggestion effect different from the first variation stop suggestion effect when suggesting a temporary stop including the second column can be executed, different modes of the specific sound effect can be executed for the case of the first variation path and the case of the second variation path, wherein the specific sound has a first sound and a second sound different from the first sound, in the variation effect along the first variation path, a variation effect in which the display position of the effect symbol changes in the variation effect is more likely to be executed for the variation effect in which the second variation stop suggestion effect is executed than for the variation effect in which the first variation stop suggestion effect is executed, and a specific effect that covers all or part of the display area of the display means can be executed when shifting to the first variation path or the second variation path. In the variation effect of the first variation path, it is possible to restrict the execution of the specific effect during a period in which an operation suggestion effect for prompting an operation of the operation means is executed. In the variation effect of the first variation path, in a variation start period including the execution period of the variation start effect, when the variation start effect of the second aspect is executed rather than when the variation start effect of the first aspect is executed, the predetermined effect is more likely to be executed. When a losing variation effect is executed in the first variation path, the second sound is more likely to be output when temporarily stopping before the execution of the special effect in the second column than in the first column. A gaming machine characterized in that when a variation effect in which a losing reach is performed in the first variation path is executed, the second sound is more likely to be output when the winning combination symbols including the second column temporarily stop before the execution of the special effect than after the execution of the special effect.

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