JP2013135774A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which has a function of capturing images of a player and increases accuracy in determination of a position or a direction of a face of the player based on the acquired images.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: an image acquisition means 330 which captures images of a player and acquires the images; a lighting means 340 which irradiates the player with light at a specific angle when the image acquisition means 330 captures the images of the player; and a presentation control section 300 as a face image extraction means that extracts the face image from among the acquired images acquired by the image acquisition means 330. The presentation control section 300 as the face image extraction means extracts the face image at least based on a shape and relative positional relationship of specific components of the face and the luminance distribution generated in a face of the player by the lighting means 340. Illumination lamps 341 (board lamp 116 and frame lamp 157) used for presentation are utilized as the lighting means 340.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that produces effects according to the game situation.

  In a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, various effects are performed as the game progresses. For the production, various means such as image display by an image display unit such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), operation of a movable accessory, lighting of various lamps, and sound output by a speaker are used.

  In this type of production, conventionally, an input from a player is received and reflected in the content of the production. Also, a gaming machine is proposed in which an imaging device such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera is mounted on a gaming machine to capture a player's image, and the captured image is combined with an effect image and displayed on the image display unit. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). A gaming machine has been proposed in which an image of a player acquired by this type of imaging device is used as an input and reflected in the effect (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-757 A JP-A-2005-52418

  The lighting state of the place where the gaming machine is installed varies depending on the hall, and also varies depending on the positional relationship between each gaming machine and the lighting in the same hall. In addition, there is a limit to the performance such as resolution in an imaging device mounted on a gaming machine. Therefore, when using the position and orientation of the player's face as an input for reflecting the effect, it may be difficult to determine the face position and orientation.

  In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to improve accuracy in determining the position and orientation of a player's face based on an acquired image in a gaming machine having a function of imaging a player.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine
In gaming machines that produce effects according to the progress of the game,
Image obtaining means 330 for photographing a player and obtaining an image;
When the image acquisition means 330 takes a picture of a player, an illuminating means 340 that irradiates the player with light at a specific angle;
A face image extracting means 300 for extracting a face image from the acquired images acquired by the image acquiring means 330;
The face image extraction unit 300 extracts the face image based on at least the shape and relative positional relationship of a specific component of the face and the luminance distribution generated in the player's face by the illumination unit 340. It is characterized by performing.
In the above-described configuration, only the shape and relative positional relationship of a specific component of the face are used for extracting the face image by using the luminance distribution generated in the player's face by the light irradiated by the illumination means 340. Compared with, the identification accuracy of the face image can be improved.

More preferably, the illumination unit 340 uses an electric lamp 341 (116, 157) used for production as a light source.
By adopting such a configuration, it is not necessary to separately prepare a light source for illumination at the time of photographing, and an increase in cost can be avoided.
Then, by using the lighting lamp 341 (116, 157) for production, it becomes difficult for the player to distinguish between lighting for production and illumination for shooting, so the player's attention is separated from the game. Can be prevented.

Furthermore, in the above gaming machine,
The illumination unit 340 causes the plurality of electric lamps 341 (116, 157) provided at different positions to emit light in a specific pattern,
The image acquisition unit 330 shoots the player in accordance with the light emission pattern of the illumination lamp 341 (116, 157) by the illumination unit 340,
The face image extraction unit 300 may be configured to detect the face image based on a plurality of acquired images acquired by the image acquisition unit 330.
With such a configuration, it is possible to expect further improvement in facial image identification accuracy by using a plurality of acquired images of different illumination modes of the illumination means 340. Further, when the lighting lamps 341 (116, 157) are issued a plurality of times, it becomes more difficult to distinguish from lighting for production, and it is difficult for the player's attention to leave the game.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in the game machine provided with the function which images a player, the precision in judgment of the position and direction of a player's face based on the acquired image can be improved.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a partial plane enlarged view of the pachinko gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect selection processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during completion | finish of a fluctuation production. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. It is a figure which shows the functional block for acquiring the image of a player in this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the mode of the shadow when light is applied to a human face from various angles, and is a figure which shows the state of the shadow when light is applied from the left side of the figure. It is a figure which shows typically the mode of the shadow when light is applied to a person's face from various angles, and is a figure which shows the state of the shadow when light is applied from the upper part of the figure. It is a figure which shows typically the mode of the shadow when light is applied to a human face from various angles, and is a figure which shows the state of the shadow when light is applied from the lower part of the figure. It is a figure which shows the example of the solid figure displayed on an image display part. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a player's viewpoint and eyes | visual_axis, and the display mode of a three-dimensional map system, and is a figure which shows a relationship when seeing a solid figure to the right. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a player's viewpoint and eyes | visual_axis, and the display mode of a three-dimensional map system, and is a figure which shows a relationship when seeing a solid figure wrapping around to the left side. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a player's viewpoint and eyes | visual_axis, and the display mode of a stereographic system, and is a figure which shows the relationship when seeing a solid figure from upper direction. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a player's viewpoint and eyes | visual_axis, and the display mode of a stereographic system, and is a figure which shows the relationship when seeing a solid figure from the downward direction. It is a figure which shows the relationship between a player's gaze position and production.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in the figure is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

  The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member (not shown) for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.

In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player. An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item is displayed.
In addition, the image display unit 114 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to display a 3D video that the player can see stereoscopically. Then, the display of the 3D video with a sense of depth is performed on the image display unit 114, and the player can enjoy a further sense of depth, or the display of the 3D video that feels popping out on the screen of the image display unit 114. It is possible to enjoy the realism of 3D images by performing the production.

The 3D video display method is not particularly limited, and various methods may be used. For example, there are a player who can view 3D images by wearing special glasses and a player who can view 3D images without using special glasses. Or non-spectacles).
Also, as parallax video display methods, left-eye video and right-eye video are alternately displayed on the display screen, and time-division display, and by arranging a pattern phase difference plate on the display screen, odd-numbered video light is displayed. There is a space-divided display that is for the right eye, and the even-numbered image light is for the left eye, but either method may be used.

  In the present embodiment, the front of the game board 110 is provided with a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light. As the light source of the panel lamp 116, for example, an LED light source can be used. Further, as will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the panel lamp 116 is used as one of light sources for applying light to the player.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 that win when a game ball enters and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) starts, A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 that starts a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) upon passing, is provided on the game board 110. Here, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 refer to a winning port related to winning a game ball that activates one predetermined special symbol display.
The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

  In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 100, when the jackpot probability of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery varies under a predetermined condition (from a low probability state (for example, 1/300) to a high probability state (for example, 1/30)) Variation). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can reduce the special symbol variation time during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning during the normal symbol lottery, or the normal symbol variation time during the normal symbol lottery. It may be shortened, the opening time of the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be extended, or the number of times the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be opened.

In the present embodiment, the other prize-winning and lottery items include the special prize opening 125 that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and the lottery starts even if the game ball wins. A normal winning opening 126 that is not to be played is provided on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are disposed in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which only one of them is disposed or another start port is disposed. A configuration example is also conceivable. In the present embodiment, one big prize opening 125 is arranged in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which a plurality of big prize openings 125 are arranged is also conceivable.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

  Further, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the game board 110 is provided with a camera 140. The camera 140 is an imaging (photographing) means for acquiring a player's image, and is composed of, for example, a CCD camera. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the camera 140 is installed in the upper area of the image display unit 114 in the game area 111 and photographs the player from a position close to the front. However, the position of the camera 140 is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be appropriately provided in the area below the image display unit 114, the frame member 150, or the like according to the purpose of use of the acquired player image. .

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, there are a game control board that performs internal lottery and determination of winning, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. And an upper plate 153 (see FIG. 2) for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the upper plate 153.
In addition, the frame member 150 includes a lower plate 160 that can temporarily store overflowing game balls when the upper plate 153 is filled with game balls. The lower plate 160 is located below the upper plate 153. In this Embodiment, the structure which isolate | separates the upper plate 153 and the lower plate 160 is employ | adopted, and the structure which unites an upper and lower plate is not employ | adopted. For this reason, it becomes possible to accumulate more game balls as prize balls.
A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

Further, the frame member 150 includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151. In addition, an upper ball removal button (not shown) for dropping the game balls stored in the upper plate 153 to the lower plate 160 and a game ball stored in the lower plate 160 are dropped into a box (not shown) and taken out. And a lower ball removal button (not shown).
The frame member 150 includes a transparent plate 159 for separating the game board 110 from the player. The transparent plate 159 covers the board surface of the game board 110 (see FIG. 7).

  Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on a pattern or light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. As the light source of the frame lamp 157, for example, an LED light source can be used. Note that the frame lamp 157 may be configured so that the light irradiation direction can be changed according to the effect. Further, as will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, the frame lamp 157 is used as one of the light sources for applying light to the player.

  The frame member 150 includes a frame effect unit 165 that is located outside the transparent plate 159 and performs a predetermined effect. The frame effect unit 165 is formed with a face as a motif, and performs, for example, an effect of opening eyes or opening a mouth or changing an expression. In addition, the frame effect unit 165 includes a frame effect unit light source 165L. And the frame effect part 165 is comprised so that it may illuminate entirely, when the frame effect part light source 165L lights. For example, an LED light source can be used as the frame effect unit light source 165L.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. In the present embodiment, each of the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223 is configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and each lottery result is represented by its lighting mode. A symbol is displayed.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holds depending on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If there is a prize with another game ball while the special symbol or normal symbol fluctuation display operation is being performed (while the fluctuation display for one prize is being performed), the symbol is changing, The symbol variation display operation cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is stored up to a predetermined number (for example, four), and the symbol variable display operation for the winning game ball is suspended until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball is completed. . The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which two LEDs are arranged. One of the two LEDs notifies whether or not the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation gaming state, which is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery varies (probability variation). Is. The other one is whether or not the game state is advantageous to the player who is likely to win the big winning opening 125 or the second starting port 122 by hitting right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball). Is notified by lighting.

The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, an effect button 161 is disposed on the frame member 150 as an example of an input device. Further, a ball lending button 163 and a ball return button 164 are disposed on the frame member 150 in the vicinity of the effect button 161.
A configuration example in which an effect key (not shown) is disposed on the frame member 150 is also conceivable. This production key (not shown) is composed of, for example, a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape. One central key is arranged at the center, and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. It is arranged. The player, for example, indicates one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating four surrounding keys, and selects the specified image by operating the center key. Is possible. As the form of the input device, in addition to the effect button 161 shown and the effect key (not shown), various input forms such as a lever and a dial can be adopted depending on the contents of the effect.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls the effect, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls an effect using images and sound, an effect using various light sources, a movable accessory 115, and the like A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of paid-out prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination, and a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. And a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201.
The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and sends a determination result as to whether or not it is a win in the special symbol lottery to the effect control unit 300. Also, fluctuation setting of winning probability at special symbol lottery (for example, fluctuation setting from 1/300 to 1/30), special symbol fluctuation time shortening at special symbol lottery, and normal symbol at normal symbol lottery The variable time is set to be shortened, and the setting content is sent to the effect control unit 300.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 sets the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123, which is a normal electric accessory, the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened, and the setting of the opening / closing operation interval when the blades are opened. Control. In addition, the game control unit 200 holds up to the limit number (for example, 4) for the undrawn lots when the game balls continuously win the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and the game balls continue. Thus, the suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) of the undrawn lots when passing through the gate 124.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 keeps the open state until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control is performed so that the round to be maintained is repeated a predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 2, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, and a second start. A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the mouth 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and a game ball to the gate 124 A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 that detects passage is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 displays the reserved number for the undrawn special symbol lottery (big win lottery) started by winning the game ball at the first start port 121 within the limit number (for example, four). A special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219 for displaying the number of unsold lots in the special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second start port 122 within the limit number, A normal symbol hold indicator 220 is connected to the normal symbol lottery display (open / close lottery) started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 and displays the number of unsettled hold numbers within the limit number.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first start port 121, and a game ball to the second start port 122. A second special symbol display 222 for displaying the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning, a normal symbol display 223 for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery, and a status indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 , Is connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information about the number of paid-out prize balls, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like acquired from the payout control unit 400 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. To do.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The production control unit 300 sets the production content based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the winning is a special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the like, there may be a case where the effect content corresponding to the operation input is set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
Furthermore, the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment acquires an image by controlling the camera 140, and processes the acquired image as necessary. Details of control of the camera 140 and image processing by the effect control unit 300 will be described later.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Furthermore, when the game control unit 200 changes the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery, shortens the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery, and shortens the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the production control unit 300 sets the production content corresponding to the set content.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored.
The ROM 312 further stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 includes a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the operation and light emission of the panel lamp 116, the frame lamp 157, the movable accessory 115, and the frame effect unit 165, and programs and various data executed by the CPU 321. Is stored, and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 and the like.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. In addition, the lamp control unit 320 controls the operations of the movable accessory 115 and the frame effect unit 165.
Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 and the frame effect unit 165 according to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 and the frame effect unit 165 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of the payout ball, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

Also, the payout control unit 400 includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout driving unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 that detects whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the lower plate 160 that holds a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prize ball that is paid out is full. Connected to the full tank detecting unit 414. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 is a special symbol lottery unit 231, a normal symbol lottery unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol lottery result determination as functional units for executing various lottery processes. A unit 234 and a normal symbol control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 and a game progress control unit 236 as functional units that execute processing associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122.
The normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
The special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol according to the lottery result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

  The special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 17 when the special symbol lottery is performed, and the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “ The type of jackpot "and" whether the jackpot is lost or not when the jackpot is not won "are determined. Details of the random number table will be described later.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined by a combination of the presence / absence of a short-time gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the presence / absence of a probability-changing gaming state in which the winning probability of the jackpot varies with high probability. In other words, the types of jackpots include jackpots in which both a short-time gaming state and a probability variable gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends, a jackpot in which only a short-time gaming state occurs, a jackpot in which only a probability-changing gaming state occurs, a short-time gaming state and There can be a jackpot where none of the probable gaming states occur. Hereinafter, when distinguishing these jackpots, they are distinguished by describing as “with time reduction”, “without time reduction”, “with certainty change”, “without certainty change”, etc., based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the “short win”, a round in which the big prize opening 125 is opened for a predetermined time is repeated a predetermined number of times. Usually, a jackpot where a short-time gaming state occurs (with time saving) after the jackpot game ends is a long win, and a jackpot where no short-time gaming state occurs (no time saving) is a short win.

  Note that a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state occurs (with probability change) after the jackpot game ends is also referred to as a “probability change jackpot”, and a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state does not occur (without probability change) is also referred to as a “normal jackpot”. In addition, depending on the mode of the game, the jackpot that occurs only after the jackpot game is finished, only the probability variation gaming state occurs and the time-short gaming state does not occur (there is probability variation + no time shortening) is also referred to as “latency probability variation jackpot”. In addition, “probability jackpot” may be distinguished as “15 round (15R) probability jackpot”, “2 round (2R) probability jackpot” or the like based on the number of rounds in which the winning prize opening 125 is open. is there.

In addition, the “small winning” in the case where the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game in which the opening and closing of the big winning opening 125 is performed a predetermined number of times is performed, and the gaming state at the time of winning the small winning is continued even after the winning. It is a hit. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the probability variation game state, the probability variation game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the game state does not shift. Similarly, if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is a normal gaming state (normal gaming state) in which neither probability fluctuation nor time reduction is made, the normal gaming state is continued even after the end of the small hitting game, The gaming state does not transition.
Further, in the “out of game”, neither “big hit” nor “small win” is set, and none of the above-described gaming states advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 displays the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”. Select.
Further, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines whether or not to perform a reach effect. The “reach effect” here is an effect performed by the image display unit 114 or the like for causing the player to expect a big hit.
The game progress control unit 236 controls the progress of the game in each game state.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or lost”. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is controlled according to the lottery result. The winning probability of this normal symbol lottery is the case where there is no winning support when there is a winning support (so-called electric Chu support) to the second starting port 122 by opening the electric tulip 123 which is mainly performed in the short-time gaming state. Higher than (when not in short-time gaming state).
When it is determined as “winning”, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a specified time and a specified number of times, and a state in which the winning probability of the game ball to the second start port 122 is increased is generated. In the above-described winning support (electricity chew support), the specified number of times and the specified time are increased as compared with the case where there is no winning support. In addition, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 does not occur.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123.
The prize ball processing unit 240 controls the management of the number of prizes received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and controls the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit and the sub control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, controls the game effect, and the payout control unit 400 controls the payout of the prize ball.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 4, random number update processing, switch processing, symbol processing, electric accessory processing, prize ball processing, and output processing are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

  In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit and the sub control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. Processing for symbol lottery is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3 and executes a process for the normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, the variation pattern selection unit 235, and the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 perform special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation. Done.
In the normal symbol process, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol variation and a process associated with the symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (step 504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the special prize opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
The detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

In the prize ball processing (step 505), the prize ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 controls the management of the number of winning prizes and the payout of prize balls according to the winning prize.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first starting port 121 and the first starting port switch 211 is turned on (step). 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned ON, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U1 of the unlotted hold in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step). 602). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), the winnings for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 602), the special symbol lottery unit 231 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 603). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value. The random value here is a jackpot random value that determines jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (presence / absence of short-time gaming state after jackpot game, presence / absence of probabilistic gaming state, jackpot / short hit) A design random number value to be determined (a jackpot symbol random number value), a variation pattern random number for specifying a variation pattern in symbol variation, a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform a reachable effect, and the like are included.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 605). In this pre-determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect of the lottery result, this prior determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U1 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U1 in Step 603 in the RAM 203 (Step 606), and wins a prize at the first start port 121. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number U1 increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U2 of unreserved hold numbers in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit (step). 608). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the special symbol lottery unit 231 next adds 1 to the value of the reserved number U2 (Step 609). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery (a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc.) is acquired as in step 604 above. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This pre-determination process may also be omitted in gaming machines that do not perform the notice effect of the lottery result.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U2 for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and wins a prize at the second starting port 122. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the normal symbol lottery unit 232 determines whether or not the number of holds G for the undrawn lot is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in Step 702), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 702), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (Step 703). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random number value is acquired in step 704, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 sets a command for increasing the number of held G to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 705). Then, the process for winning in the gate 124 is finished.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big win or a small win, the win game flag is a flag that is set to identify a game state corresponding to these wins. Depending on the hit type, one of the long hit game flag, the short hit game flag, and the small hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a gaming state due to some kind of hitting (a state where the special symbol is selected and stopped), the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation. (Yes in step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . When the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number of holdings U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) for the undrawn special symbol (steps 803 to 806). . In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (step 803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (Step 804). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (step 805). . When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 806). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting for a different routine is set. The process is executed and the process is terminated (step 816).

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (step 816, see FIG. 12).

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, setting information (design, game state, variation pattern, etc.) included in the variation start command sent to the effect control unit 300 is determined by the jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information (symbol, gaming state, change pattern, etc.) indicating the setting contents is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), or after the change start command is set in step 811, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. (Step 812). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol at step 810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process at step 809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the special symbol variation in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit in step 808. Stop at the symbol determined in the determination process (step 813). A change stop command including the information of the symbol when the change of the special symbol is stopped is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit is made. (Steps 902 and 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the jackpot whether the jackpot or the jackpot It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (any of probability variation + time reduction, probability variation + no time shortage, no probability variation + time shortage, no probability variation + no time shortness) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches one of the preset values for each jackpot type (FIG. 17B). )reference).

  After the above determination, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

  When the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 next displays a symbol indicating a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). ) As setting information in the RAM 203 (step 906).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 indicates that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol). Is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1001). This determination is similar to steps 901 and 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9) (the determination result of step 902 may be used). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot is not won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number to determine whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (Step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches a preset value (see FIG. 17C).
As a result of determination using random numbers, when a reach effect is performed (Yes in step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads a variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random number using the variation pattern random number acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1005, and 1006 ( Step 1007). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern tables are different, the determined variation pattern may be different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1008). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1008 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the time reduction flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). The short time flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the short time gaming state. When the time-short flag is ON (Yes in Step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time-short game state (Step 1102), and the number of lotteries J becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). Note that the operation for turning on the time flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in step 1104, or if the value of the number of times of lottery J is not 0 (No in step 1103), then the game progress control unit 236 Checks whether or not the probability variation flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1105). The probability variation flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a probability variation game. If both the probability change flag and the previous time reduction flag are ON, the game state has a probability change and a time reduction. If the probability change flag is ON and the time reduction flag is OFF, the probability change has occurred. It is a gaming state with no time savings.

  When the probability change flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the probability variation game state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X is set to 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in step 1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in step 1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in step 1107), then the game progress control unit 236 Determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 next determines whether or not the type of big hit is a long win (Step 1110).

  Here, it can be determined based on the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17B described later is set, “Yes” is determined in step 1109. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in step 1109. Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. Here, the presence / absence of probability fluctuation is not distinguished in the per unit length. The presence / absence of the probability change is specified by turning on the corresponding flag in the gaming state setting process (FIG. 15) in the special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish the presence or absence of probability fluctuation.

  After the winning game flag is turned ON in step 1111 or step 1112, the game progress control unit 236 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (step 1113). That is, since the special symbol lottery was a big win (step 1109), the lottery times J and X are reset to 0 and newly counted again. Further, the game progress control unit 236 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1114). Similarly, if the probability variation flag is ON in step 1105 and the lottery count X is not 0 in step 1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (Step). 1115). If it is not a small hit (No in step 1115), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in step 1115), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the small hit game flag (step 1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in step 1113 and turning on the small hit game flag in step 1116, the game progress control unit 236 starts an opening operation (step 1117). Here, the contents of the opening operation differ depending on which of steps 1111, 1112, and 1116 the winning game flag is turned on. In other words, depending on the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game, the short winning game, and the small winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game progress control unit 236 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation corresponding to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1118), and ends the in-stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game progress control unit 236 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set in order to identify a game state (auxiliary game state) corresponding to a normal symbol lottery when winning. In the auxiliary gaming state, the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later, and it is easy to win (assistant) the second starting port 122.

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, the normal symbol is already selected and stopped, so the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in Step 1301), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changing the normal symbol (Step 1302). When the normal symbol is not changing (No in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the holding number G (see FIG. 7) for the undrawn of the normal symbol is 1 or more (step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in step 1303), the normal symbol control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery is calculated. A determination is made to determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won (step 1305). Whether or not the winner is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value in the table shown in FIG. Determined by.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the normal symbol in accordance with the result of the normal symbol lottery (step 1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, step 1506 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents of Step 1307 (Step 1308).

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1309). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step 1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has ended (Yes in step 1309), the normal symbol control unit 237 stops the variation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 (step 1310). Then, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1311). If it is elected (Yes in Step 1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1311), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (step 1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0) (step 1405), the value of the number of operation rounds R of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (step 1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (step 1407).

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. In the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same for the case of short win and the case of small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. .9 seconds are opened twice, and with a small hit, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hit.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, when trying to make it difficult to visually distinguish the operation with a small hit and the operation with a short hit as described above, within the range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in Step 1404 has elapsed (Step 1408). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then determines that the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, It is determined whether or not (9) or more (step 1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (opening state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, so that the big winning opening process is terminated (step 1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in Step 1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in Step 1409), the special winning opening operation controller 238 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 ( (Step 1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in Step 1404 (Step 1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in Step 1411), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 then starts the ending operation (Step 1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of long hit game, short hit game, and small hit game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets an ending command for performing the effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1413). This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in Step 1417), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 then performs a game state setting process by the game progress control unit 236 (Step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag. Thus, the special winning opening process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in step 1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step 1415). If ending is in progress (Yes in step 1415), the operations after step 1417 are executed.

  On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the contents of the game state setting process (step 1418) performed by the game progress control unit 236, which is executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, the winning game flag is set to ON in step 1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the game progress control unit 236 first determines the type of winning (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If the win type is a small win (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the winning type is a jackpot with no probability change and a short time (No in step 1501, Yes in steps 1502 and 1503), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short time flag (step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the short-time gaming state. In addition, the game progress control unit 236 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (step 1505), and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the short-time gaming state is performed 100 times, the short-time gaming state ends.

  On the other hand, if the winning type is a big hit with no probability change + no time reduction (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the game progress control unit 236 performs processing without turning on both the time reduction flag and the probability change flag. Exit. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot does not result in a short-time game state or a probabilistic game state.

  When the winning type is a positive hit with a certain change + short time (No at Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes at Step 1506), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short time flag (Step 1507), and the lottery number J is initial. A value is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. In addition, the game progress control unit 236 sets the probability variation flag to ON (step 1509), and sets an initial value of the number of lotteries X (step 1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a time-varying probability changing gaming state. If the lottery is performed 10,000 times in the time-varying probability variation game state, the time-variable probability variation game state ends.

  On the other hand, if the winning type is a big hit with a probability change + no time reduction (No in steps 1501, 1502, and 1506), the game progress control unit 236 turns on only the probability change flag (step 1509), An initial value (10000 times) is set (step 1510). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to a probabilistic gaming state in which time is not set. If the lottery in the timeless probability change game state is performed 10,000 times, the timeless probability change game state ends.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1503 and 1506 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. As described above, normally, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second starting port 122 (electric chewing support) ) Is performed.

  When it is determined in step 1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in step 1602), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in step 1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 opens in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether time has passed (step 1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (step 1606).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a random number (random number table) used in the present embodiment.
17A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number, FIG. 17B shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number, FIG. 17C shows a configuration example of a reach random number, and FIG. Configuration examples are shown respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 17 (a), the jackpot random number is set to two types, that is, a jackpot at normal time when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not change, a jackpot at the time of probability change, and a jackpot. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) during normal times, only one winning value is set and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of special symbol lottery at the time of probability change, ten winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, when the special symbol lottery is performed by winning at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 at the time of the probability change, the winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed at the normal time. . In addition, three winning values are set regardless of whether or not the probability changes, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 17B, there are five types of jackpot symbols: normal symbol A, normal symbol B, probability variation symbol A, probability variation symbol B, and latent probability symbol. Here, the normal symbol A and the normal symbol B are symbols representing a big hit without any probability change. Among them, the normal symbol A has a long hit (with a short time), and the normal symbol B has a short hit (without a short time). Represent. The probability variation symbol A and the probability variation symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot with certain probability variation. Of these symbols, the probability variation symbol A represents a long winning (with time reduction), and the probability variation symbol B represents a short winning (without time shortening). The latent pattern is a pattern that represents a jackpot with certainty + short time. Therefore, the probability variation symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is provided separately from the probability variation symbol B in order to make it a condition for performing the probability variation latent effect. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the normal symbol A, 35 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol A (no change in probability + short time) is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the normal symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning a jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol B (no probability change + no time reduction) is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the probability variation symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when the first starting port 121 is won. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probability variation symbol A (with certain variation + short time) is 25/250 (= 1/1 /) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121. 10).
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probable variation symbol A (with certain variation + short time) is 175/250 (= 7 /) when a big win is won in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122. 10).

In the probability variation symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probability variation symbol B (with probability variation + no time reduction) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3 / 10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the probability variation symbol B (with certain variation + no short time) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1 / 10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol (with certainty + no time) is 100/250 (= 2 /) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121. 5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 17B, the jackpot when winning the first start port 121 is highly likely to be a jackpot (probability variation symbol B, latent probability symbol) with probability variation + no time reduction, There is a high probability that the jackpot when winning at the second start port 122 will be a jackpot with probability variation + short time (probability variation symbol A). In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the reach random number will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is not performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

Next, the winning random numbers used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17D, the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and as the winning value when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state has not occurred, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state is occurring, the winning is performed with a probability of 9/10.

Random numbers used for various types of lotteries start from a predetermined initial value and are incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, winning value ratio, and winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 17 are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300 when a command is received from the game control unit 200.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 18A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the period set in step 1802. Referring to FIG. 18B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 1811). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 or the like by the player (step 1812). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1813). As a result, effects such as image display and sound output on the image display unit 114, operations of the movable accessory 115 and the frame effect unit 165, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, and the like are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (step 1811 in FIG. 18B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (step 1901). This pending number increase command is set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 in the game control unit 200 (steps 606 and 612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG. Is done. If the command is an increase command for the number of holdings (Yes in Step 1901), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (Step 1902), and shows the value of the number of holdings after the addition. A number command is set in the RAM 303 (step 1903).

When the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in step 1901), or when a command is received after setting the pending number increase command in step 1903, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change start command. Is determined (step 1904). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in Step 1904), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (Step 1905). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command (No in Step 1901 and Step 1904), or when a command is received after the execution selection process in Step 1905 is executed, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change stop command. Is determined (step 1906). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 814), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a variation stop command (Yes in Step 1906), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the variation effect (Step 1907). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in Step 1901, Step 1904, and Step 1906), or when the command is received after the execution of the changing effect end process in Step 1907, the effect control unit 300 It is determined whether or not the received command is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect (step 1908). This opening command is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (step 1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in Step 1908), the effect control unit 300 executes a hit effect selection process (Step 1909). Details of the winning effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a change start command, change stop command, or opening command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, and step 1908), or if a command is received after the hit effect selection process in step 1909, Control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (step 1910). This ending command is set in the big prize opening process shown in FIG. 14 (step 1413), and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
If the received command is an ending command (Yes in Step 1910), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (Step 1911). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a variation start command, variation stop command, opening command, or ending command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, step 1908, and step 1910), or after the end of the ending effect selection process in step 1911 Next, the effect control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (step 1912). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the operation mode set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. This operation mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. In the example shown in FIG. 20, five types of modes from A mode to E mode are set, and mode flag values 0 to 4 are assigned to each mode. The B mode is a jackpot of probability variation symbol A, the C mode is a bonus symbol of normal symbol A, the D mode is a jackpot of probability variation symbol B and normal symbol B, and the E mode is a jackpot of small probability symbols and small bonuses. Each win is assigned. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. No hit is assigned to the A mode. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (step 1905) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (step 2101). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2102), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (step 2103). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the variation start command and the operation mode determined by the mode flag. Then, a design variation effect pattern (variation effect pattern) is selected based on the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the operation mode (step 2104). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads from the ROM 302 image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern, and sets a change effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. Then, the effect selection process ends (step 2105).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (step 1907) of FIG.
In the process during the end of the change effect, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received change stop command (step 2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2202). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command is stopped (big hit or small hit). It is determined whether or not (step 2203). If it is any hit (Yes in Step 2203), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 20 according to the type of hit (Step 2204).

  On the other hand, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not successful (No in Step 2203), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (Step 2205). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in Step 2205), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (Step 2206), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (Step 2207). If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in Step 2207), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (Step 2208).

  If the mode flag is 0 in Step 2205 (Yes in Step 2205), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in Step 2207 (No in Step 2207), or the mode flag is set to 0 in Step 2208 After or after changing the mode flag in step 2204, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of symbol change in the RAM 303, and ends the process during the end of the change effect ( Step 2209). Here, referring to FIG. 20, when the mode flag is changed in step 2204, the operation mode after the end of the changing effect is an operation mode corresponding to the winning type. When the mode flag is 0 in step 2205 and when the mode flag is set to 0 in step 2208, the operation mode after the end of the changing effect is the A mode. On the other hand, if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in step 2207, the operation mode so far is continued.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hit effect selection process (step 1909) of FIG.
In this winning effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (step 2301), and selects an effect pattern (winning effect pattern) according to the contents of the opening operation obtained from the analysis result. (Step 2302). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets a hit effect start command instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2303). This winning effect is also called an opening effect.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (step 1911) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (step 2401), and refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2402). Next, the effect control unit 300 selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the content of the ending operation obtained from the analysis result of the ending command (step 2403). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2404).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (step 1912) of FIG.
The production control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (step 2501). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in step 2501), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (step 2502) and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303 (step 2503). On the other hand, if the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in step 2501), it is determined whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON (step 2504). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in step 2504), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

  When the measurement flag is ON (Yes in step 2504 or after being turned ON in step 2503), the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time ( Step 2505). If the time is not up (No in step 2505), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, when the time is up (Yes in Step 2505), the effect control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 (Step 2506), and sets a customer waiting effect command for performing the customer waiting effect in the RAM 303. Then, the customer waiting command reception process ends (step 2507).

  When the command reception process is completed as described above, the RAM 303 is set with any one of a variation effect start command, a variation effect end command, a hit effect start command, an ending effect start command, and a customer waiting effect command.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (step 1812 in FIG. 18B).
In the process during the end of the variable effect, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the effect button 161 is operated by the player (step 2601). Here, the operation of the effect button 161 means that the effect button 161 is pressed and turned on. Note that when an operation device other than the effect button 161 such as an effect key (cross key) or a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in step 2601), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the effect button 161 in the RAM 303 and ends the effect button process (step). 2602).

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (step 1813) of FIG. 18B, and the command set in the RAM 303 by the above-described command reception process and effect button process is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 310 and Transmit to the lamp controller 320. Based on the received commands, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, output sound, operation of the movable accessory 115 and the frame effect unit 165, the panel lamp 116 and the frame. The set effect is executed by controlling the light emission and the like of the lamp 157.

[Acquisition of player images]
Next, acquisition of a player's image in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
In the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, in the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 controls the camera 140 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to photograph the player and obtain an image. Further, when an image is acquired by the camera 140, the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are turned on to illuminate the player. The acquired image of the player can be reflected in the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and used for production, or can be used to determine the presence or absence of the player.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing functional blocks for acquiring a player image in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 27, this function includes an image acquisition unit 330 and an illumination unit 340. Here, the image acquisition means 330 is realized by the camera 140 and the effect control unit 300, for example.
The camera 140 shoots the player under the control of the effect control unit 300 and sends the obtained image to the effect control unit 300.
The effect control unit 300 sends an instruction for acquiring an image to the camera 140 at a predetermined timing. Various processes are performed according to the purpose of use of the image acquired from the camera 140. That is, the effect control unit 300 functions as a control unit that controls the camera 140 and also functions as an image processing unit that processes an image acquired by the camera 140 (hereinafter, acquired image).

  As the image processing by the effect control unit 300, for example, processing for identifying and extracting image portions such as a player's face, body, and hand from the acquired image is performed. Specifically, for example, in the case of controlling effects such as image display based on the position and orientation of the player's face, the player's face image (hereinafter referred to as a face image) is extracted from the acquired image and extracted. A process of analyzing the position and orientation of the player's face based on the face image is performed. That is, in this specific example of image processing, the effect control unit 300 functions as a face image extraction unit that extracts a face image from an image acquired by the camera 140.

  As a process for extracting a face image from an acquired image, for example, existing face recognition such as face contour, eye, nose, mouth shape and relative positional relationship is recognized and the face image is recognized. A processing method for face recognition can be applied. In addition, when combining the player's face with the effect image, the extracted face image is analyzed in more detail, and information that characterizes each person's face, such as a specific shape such as eyes, nose, mouth, eyebrows, hairstyle, etc. Processing to extract is performed.

  Here, the effect control unit 300 performs processing of an image (acquired image) acquired by the camera 140, but the actual processing is not necessarily performed by the CPU 301 illustrated in FIG. An image processing processor may be provided separately. Furthermore, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which an image processing device is mounted separately from the effect control unit 300.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the illumination means 340 is realized by, for example, an effect control unit 300, a lamp control unit 320, a panel lamp 116, and a frame lamp 157. When the image acquisition unit 330 acquires the player's image, the illumination unit 340 lights the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 (hereinafter, the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are collectively referred to as an electric decoration lamp 341). Let the player shine light.

  When the effect control unit 300 controls the camera 140 to acquire an image, the effect control unit 300 instructs the lamp control unit 320 to turn on the lamp for photographing. The lamp control unit 320 turns on the illumination lamp 341 with a predetermined light emission pattern at the time when the camera 140 acquires an image. Thereby, when the player is photographed by the camera 140, the player is illuminated with a specific light emission pattern. As the light emission pattern, for example, which of the plurality of illumination lamps 341 is lit, the order of lighting, the length of lighting time, the color of light emission, and the like are specified.

  The human face has undulations based on the nose, eyebrows and cheekbones. Therefore, when light is directed toward the face from a predetermined angle, a shadow having a shape corresponding to the undulations is formed. The position and shape of these undulations can be said to be the same regardless of the individual, although there are subtle differences in each individual in detail. Therefore, it is considered that the shadow generated on the face surface when light is applied to a human face is greatly affected by the positional relationship between the light source and the face, and the influence due to the difference in the appearance of each individual face is small. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the player is photographed in a state where the player is illuminated at a specific angle. A face image is detected in consideration of a shadow generated on the surface of the face (specifically, based on a luminance distribution on the face surface).

FIG. 28 to FIG. 30 are diagrams schematically showing shadows when light is applied to a human face from various angles.
28 to 30 show a person's face displayed in an acquired image 141 that is an image acquired by the camera 140. FIG. 28 shows a shaded state when light is applied from the left side of the figure (in the direction along the arrow in the figure), and FIG. 29 illustrates when light is applied from above (in the direction of the arrow in the figure). FIG. 30 shows the state of the shadow when light is applied from below (the direction along the arrow in the figure). The hatched portion in each figure represents the shadow generated on the face. As shown in the figure, a characteristic shadow is generated on the face of a person according to the direction in which light strikes. Specifically, in FIG. 28 showing a state in which light is applied from the left side, a shadow is generated on the nose, the forehead, the right side of the cheek, etc. (the left side of the face for the player). Further, in FIG. 29 showing a state where light is applied from above, shadows are generated under the nose, under the eyebrows, under the lips, and the chin. Further, in FIG. 30 showing a state in which light is applied from below, shadows are generated on the nose and lips, the upper eyelid, the forehead, and the like. Therefore, by identifying a part estimated as the face outline from the acquired image 141 and examining the luminance distribution of the part, it can be used for identification of the face image. In addition to the face recognition based on the shape and position of the face component, the identification by the luminance distribution not depending on the face component can be performed, so that the identification accuracy of the face image can be improved. In particular, it is expected to improve the identification accuracy of the face image when the player's face is not facing the camera 140.

  As a specific method of face image identification based on the luminance distribution, for example, a luminance distribution pattern when light is applied to a human face from a specific direction is stored in advance, and the face specified from the acquired image 141 is stored. It is conceivable to compare it with the brightness distribution of the estimated part. That is, the illumination lamp 341 is made to emit light so that the player's face shines from a specific direction, an image is acquired by the camera 140, and the acquired image 141 is analyzed to identify a portion that is estimated as the face contour. . Then, the luminance distribution in the identified portion is acquired, and when the luminance distribution pattern that is held in advance is similar to a certain range, the portion is determined to be a face image. The similarity in the luminance distribution may be determined using a general method for pattern recognition.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 28 to 30, the luminance distribution has been described as an example in which light is applied to the face facing the front from the left side, the upper side, and the lower side. Similarly, the luminance distribution pattern can be specified based on the face direction and the position of the light source. Accordingly, by determining the orientation (angle) of the face with respect to the camera 140 and setting in advance the pattern of the luminance distribution when light is applied to the face by the illumination means 340, detection of face images in faces with various orientations is performed. Can be used. Moreover, the irradiation direction of the light shown in FIGS. 28-30 is only an illustration, and the direction which irradiates light to a player's face is not limited to three directions shown in figure.

  By the way, when the face image is actually acquired, only the luminance distribution generated on the face surface by light from one specific direction may be used for the detection of the face image. However, the illumination unit 340 uses a predetermined light emission pattern. The illumination lamp 341 may be turned on sequentially to acquire an image, and a face image may be detected using a luminance distribution generated each time. That is, a plurality of acquired images 141 are acquired in accordance with a plurality of times of lighting of the illumination lamp 341 based on a predetermined light emission pattern, and a face image is detected for each of the plurality of acquired images 141 using a luminance distribution. Based on the result, detection with high accuracy is performed.

  As the light emission pattern, for example, a pattern of lighting a plurality of times by changing the position and number of the illumination lamps 341 to be turned on can be considered. Further, the illumination lamp 341 may be turned on a plurality of times by changing the emission color. By investigating the luminance distribution by sequentially applying light from multiple directions to the face, it is possible to specify the state of undulation of the face in more detail than when using only the luminance distribution generated by light from a single direction. .

[Specific examples of effects based on player images]
Next, as an example of the effect based on the player's image according to the present embodiment, the effect of specifying the position and orientation of the player's face and reflecting the effect on the display mode of the effect image by the image display unit 114 will be described.
In this application example, the effect control unit 300 as the image acquisition unit 330 extracts a player's face image from an image (acquired image) acquired by the camera 140. Then, based on the acquired image and the face image, the position and orientation of the player's face are specified.

  In this application example, the effect control unit 300 serving as the image acquisition unit 330 further determines a player's viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction based on the identified player's face position and orientation. Function as. And in the image display of the image display part 114, the display according to the estimated player's viewpoint and eyes | visual_axis is performed. The image display unit 114 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to display a 3D image that is viewed stereoscopically by the player. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 performs an effect of performing display so that the angle of the displayed three-dimensional object (content) changes according to the player's viewpoint and line of sight. The effect image based on the 3D video is generated using the image data read from the ROM 312 by the image / sound control unit 310 under the control of the effect control unit 300. That is, the image / sound control unit 310 functions as an image generation unit that generates an effect image using 3D video.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a three-dimensional figure displayed on the image display unit 114. 32 to 35 are diagrams showing the relationship between the player's viewpoint and line of sight and the display mode of the three-dimensional map system.
The solid figure shown in FIG. 31 has a shape in which a triangular prism is placed horizontally, and the surface on the arrow A side (one triangular surface) shown in the figure is the front (FIG. 31A). In the initial state (the state in which the player's viewpoint and line of sight are not reflected), the solid figure is directed frontward to the player (that is, the direction of the player's line of sight coincides with the arrow A). It is assumed that the image is displayed on the image display unit 114 (FIG. 31B). The same display is performed when the effect control unit 300 detects a viewpoint and line of sight such that the player looks at the screen display unit 114 from the front from the image acquired by the camera 140. In this application example, it is assumed that the position of the player's viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight are specified only by the position and orientation of the player's face (that is, the movement of the eyeball is not considered). Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the viewpoint and line of sight are specified by detecting the position and orientation of the face.

FIG. 32A shows a face image extraction result when the player turns and sees the three-dimensional figure displayed on the image display unit 114 to the right. FIG. 32B shows a display form of the solid figure at this time. In FIG. 32A, the cross broken line written in the acquired image 141 is an imaginary auxiliary line for indicating the position of the face image 142. Further, in FIG. 32B, the figure of the eye shape and the broken arrow schematically show the position of the player's viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight.
When the player turns and sees the three-dimensional figure displayed on the image display unit 114 to the right, as shown in FIG. 32A, the position of the player's face in the acquired image 141 by the camera 140 is the acquired image. It is detected that the face is biased to the left and the face is directed to the right (center direction of the acquired image 141) (the position and orientation of the face image 142 extracted from the acquired image are considered, so the player's own It is the opposite of sensation). In this case, the effect control unit 300 controls the display of the image display unit 114 so that the right side surface of the three-dimensional figure can be seen as shown in FIG.

FIG. 33A shows a face image extraction result when the player turns around and sees the three-dimensional figure displayed on the image display unit 114 to the left. FIG. 33B shows a display form of the solid figure at this time. In FIG. 33A, the crossed broken line written in the acquired image 141 is an auxiliary line hypothesized to indicate the position of the face image 142. In FIG. 33 (b), the figure of the eye shape and the broken arrow schematically show the position of the player's viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight.
When the player looks around the left side of the solid figure displayed on the image display unit 114, as shown in FIG. 33A, in the acquired image by the camera 140, the position of the player's face is the right of the acquired image. It is detected that the face is facing left (the center direction of the acquired image) (the position and orientation of the face image extracted from the acquired image is considered, so the player's own sense is Vice versa). In this case, the effect control unit 300 controls the display of the image display unit 114 so that the left side surface of the three-dimensional figure can be seen as shown in FIG.

FIG. 34A shows a face image extraction result when the player views the three-dimensional figure displayed on the image display unit 114 from above. FIG. 34 (b) schematically shows the position of the viewpoint at this time, and FIG. 34 (c) shows a display form of a three-dimensional figure in the image display unit 114. FIG. In FIG. 34A, the crossed broken line written in the acquired image 141 is an imaginary auxiliary line for indicating the position of the face image 142. In FIG. 34 (b), the figure of the eye shape and the broken arrow schematically show the position of the player's viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight.
When the player views the three-dimensional figure displayed on the image display unit 114 from above, as shown in FIG. 34A, in the acquired image by the camera 140, the position of the player's face is biased above the acquired image, It is detected that the face is facing downward (center direction of the acquired image). In this case, the effect control unit 300 controls the display of the image display unit 114 so that the upper surface of the three-dimensional figure can be seen, as shown in FIG.

FIG. 35A shows a face image extraction result when the player views the solid figure displayed on the image display unit 114 from below. FIG. 35B schematically shows the position of the viewpoint at this time, and FIG. 35C shows the display form of the three-dimensional figure in the image display unit 114. In FIG. 35A, the cross broken line written in the acquired image 141 is an auxiliary line hypothesized to indicate the position of the face image 142. In FIG. 35 (b), the figure of the eye shape and the broken arrow schematically show the position of the player's viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight.
When the player views the three-dimensional figure displayed on the image display unit 114 from below, as shown in FIG. 35A, in the acquired image by the camera 140, the position of the player's face is biased below the acquired image. It is detected that the face is facing upward (center direction of the acquired image). In this case, the effect control unit 300 controls the display of the image display unit 114 so that the lower surface of the three-dimensional figure can be seen as shown in FIG.

  As described above, in this application example, the position of the player's viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight are detected based on the face image acquired by the image acquisition unit 330, and the third order is determined according to the detected position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight. The display mode of the original image is changed. As a result, the player can feel as if he is looking into the inside of the 3D video, and it is expected to further enhance the interest of the production by the 3D display.

  In the above example, the position of the viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight are specified based on the position and orientation of the player's face detected from the face image acquired by the image acquisition means 330. On the other hand, when the resolution of the camera 140 and the analysis accuracy of the effect control unit 300 are sufficiently high and the movement of the eyeball of the player can be identified, the direction of the line of sight is specified based on the movement of the eyeball, The display mode may be controlled.

  In the above example, as an example of display mode control, an example in which the orientation of the stereoscopic image displayed on the image display unit 114 is simply changed according to the position of the player's viewpoint and the direction of the line of sight has been described. Control to which this embodiment is applicable is not limited to the above example. For example, an effect may be performed in which the face of the displayed character is directed in the direction in which the identified player's viewpoint is located, or in the identified player's viewpoint position and line-of-sight direction. Accordingly, it is possible to perform an effect of displaying different background images such as the scenery in the room or the city.

[Other specific examples of effects based on player images]
As another example of the effect based on the player's image, an effect of controlling the image display based on the position on the screen of the image display unit 114 viewed by the player (hereinafter referred to as a gaze position) will be described.
As described above, in this effect, the player's gaze position is specified. Therefore, it is desirable to use the image acquisition means 330 that can identify not only the face image extraction but also the movement of the eyeball. However, although the accuracy is lowered, as described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 35, the gaze position may be estimated from the viewpoint and the line of sight specified based on the face image, and the effect may be performed. For example, when the face image is located in the lower left region of the acquired image obtained by the camera 140, it is estimated that the player is looking (gazing) at the lower right region of the screen of the image display unit 114. And can produce a performance.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the gaze position of the player and the effect.
FIG. 36A shows an image that is displayed when the initial state (the state in which the player's gaze position is not taken into consideration) or the player's gaze position is near the center of the screen of the image display unit 114 (hereinafter, display screen). Indicates. In the example shown in the figure, a three-dimensional object based on a 3D image is displayed on the display screen. FIG. 36B shows the gaze position of the player. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the lower right position of the display screen (the area surrounded by the broken line) is the gaze position. This gaze position is a position estimated based on the image of the player acquired by the camera 140 as described above. FIG. 36C shows an example in which a specific image is displayed at the gaze position on the display screen. In the illustrated example, a character image is displayed at the gaze position, and a message is displayed on the surface close to the gaze position of the three-dimensional object displayed in the initial state. In this control example, an image that is not displayed in the initial state is displayed at the gaze position as in the illustrated example, and the character that is displayed in the initial state is moved to look into the player's gaze position together. Various effects can be performed on the condition of the gaze position.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the display of the image display unit 114 is controlled based on the image acquired by the camera 140 that is an imaging unit, and an effect is performed. In the present embodiment, the player's face image is extracted from the image acquired by the camera 140, and the player's viewpoint, line of sight and gaze position are specified (estimated) from the face image, and the image display unit 114 is in accordance with this. Control the display. Further, in addition to the information such as the face image and the gaze position, information on the position and posture of the player's body is extracted from the image acquired by the camera 140, and the display of the image display unit 114 is controlled based on the information. However, the production may be performed.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the camera 140 is fixedly provided near the image display unit 114. That is, the relative relationship between the position of the imaging means and the position where the player turns his / her line of sight is determined. Therefore, the direction of the player's line of sight and the gaze position in the 3D video displayed on the image display unit 114 can be easily and accurately specified based on the face image extracted from the image acquired by the camera 140.

  In addition, the present embodiment can be applied to various effects that can be performed on the condition of a player image including a face image extracted from an image acquired by the camera 140. In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 100 is described as an example, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine other than a pachinko gaming machine such as a slot machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Pachinko machine, 111 ... Game area, 114 ... Image display part, 115 ... Movable accessory, 116 ... Board lamp, 140 ... Camera, 141 ... Acquisition image, 142 ... Face image, 157 ... Frame lamp, 200 ... Game Control unit, 300 ... Production control unit, 310 ... Image / sound control unit, 320 ... Lamp control unit, 330 ... Image acquisition means, 340 ... Illumination means

Claims (3)

In gaming machines that produce effects according to the progress of the game,
Image obtaining means for photographing a player and obtaining an image;
An illuminating means for irradiating the player with light at a specific angle when the image acquisition means photographs the player;
A face image extracting means for extracting a face image from the acquired image acquired by the image acquiring means,
The face image extraction means extracts the face image based on at least the shape and relative positional relationship of a specific component of the face and the luminance distribution generated on the player's face by the illumination means. A gaming machine characterized by that.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the illumination unit uses an electric lamp used for production as a light source. The illumination means causes a plurality of the illumination lamps provided at different positions to emit light in a specific pattern,
The image acquisition means shoots a player according to the light emission pattern of the electric lamp by the illumination means,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the face image extracting unit detects the face image based on a plurality of acquired images acquired by the image acquiring unit.

Images