JP2015053973A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of discovering the abnormality of an operation detection in an operation part early and reliably.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: an operation part 22 movable between a non-operation position and an operation position; operation detection means 24 for changing from a non-detection state to a detection state when the operation part 22 is moved by an external operation from the non-operation position to the operation position; and performance control means 93 for controlling a performance containing an operation performance based on whether or not the operation detection means 24 becomes a detection state or not during a predetermined period. The game machine further comprises: drive means 23 for driving the operation part 22, for example, so that the operation part 22 and the operation detection means 24 take substantially the same relative position relationship as that at the external operation; operation determination means 94 for determining whether or not the operation detection means 24 changes from the non-detection state to the detection state by operating the drive means 23; and error processing means 95 for performing predetermined error processing in the case where the operation detection means 24 is not changed into the detection state by the operation determination means 94.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrange ball machine, and a slot machine.

  In game machines such as pachinko machines, in order to increase the player's awareness of participation in the game and increase interest, a separate operation button (operation unit) is provided separately from the launch handle, etc., for a predetermined period of time when the symbol is changing Many of them are equipped with a so-called button effect (operation effect) function that performs different effect processing depending on whether or not the player operates the operation button (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-65378 A

  In a conventional gaming machine, for example, with respect to a movable effect unit that performs drive control on the gaming machine side, it is possible to detect an abnormality such as a failure early by performing an operation check process when the power is turned on, for example. .

  On the other hand, since it is necessary to perform an operation from the outside in order to confirm the operation of the operation button, it is practically impossible to confirm the operation when the power is turned on. In addition, even if the player performs button operations during button production, there is no effect on the internal lottery such as jackpots, so it seems that many players do not appeal to the hall side even if the operation button breaks down. . Due to these factors, operation button abnormalities are likely to be left unattended for a long period of time, but in such a state, the original effect of the button effect (operation effect) cannot be exhibited, so the player is shunned and compared to a normal stand. There was a risk that the operating rate would be low.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can detect an abnormality in operation detection of an operation unit early and reliably.

  The present invention relates to an operation unit 22 that can be moved between a non-operation position and an operation position, and when the operation unit 22 is moved from the non-operation position to the operation position by an external operation. There are provided operation detecting means 24 and 24 'that change, and an effect control means 93 that controls effects including operation effects based on whether or not the operation detecting means 24 and 24' are in the detection state during a predetermined period. In the gaming machine, at least one of the operation unit 22 and the operation detection unit 24, 24 'so that the operation unit 22 and the operation detection unit 24, 24' have substantially the same relative positional relationship as in the external operation. Operation means for determining whether or not the operation detection means 24, 24 'is changed from the non-detection state to the detection state by operating the drive means 23, 23'. means 4, in which a error processing unit 95 for performing a predetermined error process when the said operation determination means 94 is the operation detection unit 24, 24 'is determined not to change the detection state.

  The driving unit 23 may be a first driving unit that drives the operation unit 22 from the non-operation position to the operation position. In this case, the error process may include a process of holding the operation unit 22 at the operation position by the driving unit 23.

  The driving means 23 'may be a second driving means for driving the operation detecting means 24' to a position where the operating portion 22 in the non-operating position can be detected.

  The error process may include a process for preventing the operation effect from appearing. In addition, an operation guide notification unit 57 that performs an operation guide notification that prompts the operation of the operation unit 22 during the predetermined period may be provided, and the error process may include a process that prevents the operation guide notification.

  The operation determination unit 94 may be operated at a predetermined timing before the predetermined period, for example, a main process executed when the power is turned on.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the operation detection of the operation unit early and reliably.

1 is an overall front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view of the front plate of the pachinko machine. It is sectional drawing of the operation means for production of the pachinko machine, and its vicinity. It is a block diagram of a control system of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of the main process of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of the notice effect control processing of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of the operation effect control process of the pachinko machine. It is a flowchart of the operation determination process of the pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the display to the notice effect display means and the operation guidance display means in the operation effect of the pachinko machine. It is sectional drawing of the operation means for presentation of the pachinko machine in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and its vicinity. It is sectional drawing of the operation means for production of the pachinko machine, and its vicinity. It is a flowchart of the operation determination process of the pachinko machine.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 to 9 illustrate a first embodiment in which the present invention is employed in a pachinko machine. In FIG. 1, a gaming machine main body 1 includes a rectangular outer frame 2 and a front frame 4 pivotally attached to a front side of the outer frame 2 by a hinge 3 on one side, for example, the left side. . On the front side of the front frame 4, a glass door 5 and a front plate 6 are arranged vertically and are pivotally supported by the front frame 4 by hinges 7 on the same side as the hinges 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the front side of the front plate 6, there is an upper plate 8 that stores the game balls paid out from the paying-out means (not shown) and supplies them to the firing means (not shown). Further, for example, when the upper plate 8 is full, a lower plate 9 for storing the surplus balls is placed on the left end side, and a firing handle 10 for operating the firing means is placed on the right side. It is provided on each side. Further, on the upper plate cover 11 that covers the upper plate 8 and the like from the front side, a push button type effect operating means 12 is disposed, for example, obliquely upward in the front direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the effect operation means 12 includes a case body 21, an operation button (operation unit) 22 disposed in the case body 21, and the operation button 22 as a non-operation position and an operation position. Driving means (first driving means) 23 that can move between the non-operation position and the operation position, and an operation detection means that detects that the operation button 22 has moved from the non-operation position to the operation position. 24 is formed in a unit shape, for example, and is detachably attached to the mounting hole 11a formed in the upper plate cover 11 from the outside, for example.

  The case body 21 is integrally provided with, for example, a cylindrical guide frame 21a and a flange portion 21b extending outward along an edge portion on the distal end side of the guide frame 21a, and the guide frame 21a is attached to the mounting hole 11a. It is detachably fixed by, for example, screwing or the like from the back side of the upper plate cover 11 with the flange portion 21b being in contact with the outer surface side of the upper plate cover 11 from the outside. In the guide frame 21a, a plurality of slits 25 having a predetermined length formed from the rear end side to the front end side are provided, for example, on the circumference thereof. For example, a mounting plate 26 is detachably fixed to the case body 21 on the rear end side of the guide frame 21a.

  The operation button 22 includes a button cover 27, a button base 28, a decorative sheet 29, a diffuse reflection plate 30, a light emitting substrate 31, and the like, and is guided by a guide frame 21a so as to be slidable in a substantially vertical direction. The button cover 27 is integrally provided with a pressing portion 27a having a predetermined shape (here elliptical shape) and a peripheral wall portion 27b extending along the inner surface of the guide frame 21a from the outer edge side of the pressing portion 27a. The button base 28 supports the button cover 27, is formed in a plate shape having substantially the same shape as the pressing portion 27 a of the button cover 27, and a base plate whose outer edge abuts against the edge of the button cover 27 from below. 28a and a support wall 28b that is erected along the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion 27b of the button cover 27 from the base plate 28a. The button base 28 and the button cover 27 are fixed by, for example, an engagement claw 28c on the button base 28 side being detachably engaged with an engagement hole 27c on the button cover 27 side from the inside.

  In the operation button 22, the decorative sheet 29 and the irregular reflection plate 30 are mounted on the inner side of the pressing portion 27 a of the button cover 27 and supported from the back side by the support wall 28 b of the button base 28. Further, in the operation button 22, a light emitting substrate 31 including an LED 31a facing the decorative sheet 29 and the irregular reflection plate 30 is disposed, and is detachably fixed to the base plate 28a, for example.

  The operation button 22 is integrally formed with, for example, a base plate 28a with a protrusion 32 that is slidably inserted into the slit 25 on the guide frame 21a side. The protrusion 32 abuts against one end of the slit 25 when the operation button 22 reaches the non-operation position, and prevents the operation button 22 from moving outward in the axial direction, that is, substantially upward. On the operation button 22, a detected portion 33 corresponding to the operation detecting means 24 is provided so as to protrude from the base plate 28a toward the back side, for example.

  The drive means 23 drives the operation button 22 so that the operation button 22 and the operation detection means 24 have substantially the same relative positional relationship as that during external operation. The drive means 23 is composed of, for example, an electromagnetic solenoid and is connected via a mounting plate 26. The case body 21 is fixed to the rear end side, and the front end side of the drive shaft 23 a is fixed to the button base 28 of the operation button 22 from the back side. The drive shaft 23a is held in a state of protruding outward (substantially upward) by the biasing force of the spring 34 when the drive means 23 is OFF (non-energized state), and when the drive means 23 is ON (energized state). Retreating against the biasing force of the spring 34, the operation button 22 is driven from a non-operation position (shown by a solid line in FIG. 3) to an operation position (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3).

  The operation detection means 24 is, for example, a substantially U-shaped transmissive photosensor provided with a light transmitting portion 24a and a light receiving portion 24b facing each other, and is mounted, for example, so as to face the detected portion 33 on the operation button 22 side. It is fixed to the rear end side of the case body 21 via the plate 26. When the operation button 22 moves from the non-operation position to the operation position, the operation detection unit 24 detects the detected portion 33 that has moved along with the operation button 22, changes from the non-detection state to the detection state, and outputs an operation detection signal. It is supposed to be.

  For example, the operation button 22 protrudes outward from the flange portion 21b of the case body 21 in the non-operation position, and is recessed substantially inward or inward of the flange portion 21b in the operation position.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a game board 41 is disposed on the rear side of the glass door 5 and is detachably fixed to the front frame 4 from the front side, for example. On the front side of the game board 41, a guide rail 42 for guiding a game ball launched from the launching means is annularly mounted, and a center case 44 and a normal symbol start are provided in a game area 43 inside the guide rail 42. Various game parts such as means 45, special symbol starting means 46, special winning means 47, and normal winning means 48 are arranged.

  The center case 44 is provided with a normal symbol display means 50, a special symbol display means 51, a normal reserved number display means 52, a movable body 53 and the like in addition to an image display device 49 such as a liquid crystal type. The image display device 49 constitutes an effect symbol display means 54, a special reserved number display means 55, a notice effect display means 56, an operation guidance display means (operation guidance notification means) 57, and the like.

  The normal symbol starting means 45 is for starting the symbol variation by the normal symbol display means 50. For example, a game ball detection for detecting a passing gate 45a through which a game ball can pass and a game ball passing through the passing gate 45a. Means (not shown), for example, disposed on the left side of the center case 44.

  The normal symbol display means 50 is for variably displaying normal symbols, and is composed of, for example, two light emitters (for example, LEDs) corresponding to two types of normal symbols “O” and “X”. Under the condition that the symbol starting means 45 detects a game ball, the two light emitters blink alternately for a predetermined time, and a hit determination random number value acquired when the normal symbol starting means 45 detects the gaming ball is predetermined. When the value matches the hit determination value, the “○” side illuminant corresponding to the hit state emits light, and in other cases, the “×” side illuminant corresponding to the disengagement state emits light. The flashing will end.

  Further, when the normal symbol starting means 45 detects a game ball during the fluctuation display of the normal symbol display means 50 or during the normal profit state described later, a hit determination random number value acquired at the time of detection is determined in advance. The upper limit number, for example, four is stored as a limit, and the normal number-of-holds display means 52 made of, for example, the same number of light emitters as the upper limit number of reservations determines the number of stored random numbers for the hit determination (hereinafter referred to as the normal number of reservations). Is displayed, and the player is notified of the number of normally reserved items at that time.

  The special symbol starting means 46 is for starting the symbol variation by the special symbol display means 51. The special symbol starting means 46 includes two upper and lower special starting openings 46a and 46b, an opening / closing means 58 for opening and closing the lower special starting opening 46b, and a special starting opening. The game ball detecting means (not shown) for detecting the game balls won in 46a and 46b, respectively, is provided, for example, disposed below the center case 44.

  The upper special start opening 46a is a non-opening / closing type winning opening having no opening / closing means or the like. The lower special start port 46b is an open / closed type winning opening that can be switched between an open state in which a game ball can be won by the opening / closing means 58 and a closed state in which a prize cannot be won. When the normal profit state occurs in the form, the opening / closing means 58 is configured to change from the closed state to the open state for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times.

  The special symbol display means 51 is composed of one or a plurality of display means such as a 7-segment type capable of variably displaying one special symbol, for example, and the special symbol starting means 46 detects a game ball, In other words, a special symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time on the condition that a game ball wins in one of the two upper and lower special start openings 46a and 46b, and the jackpot determination random number value acquired when winning the special start openings 46a and 46b. Is in a predetermined jackpot mode when it coincides with a predetermined jackpot determination value, and in other cases it is stopped in a losing mode.

  The special symbol is provided with, for example, one or more types of jackpots and disengages. Each of these aspects may be assigned a numerical symbol or the like, or a special combination of arbitrary lines and points so that the player cannot easily distinguish the type of the special symbol. You may assign a design that has no meaning.

  In addition, when a game ball wins a special start opening 46a, 46b during a special symbol change display or a special profit state to be described later, the jackpot determination random number obtained at the time of the winning is retained at a predetermined upper limit. The number of pieces, for example, four each is stored as a limit, and the special reserved number display means 55 displays the stored number of jackpot determination random numbers (hereinafter referred to as special reserved number), and the special reserved number at that time is played. The person is notified.

  The effect symbol display means 54 displays, for example, a variety of effect symbols in parallel with the change display of the special symbol by the special symbol display means 51, for example, one or a plurality of effect symbols, for example, three effect symbols in the left-right direction. The display image 49a of the image display device 49 can be displayed in a variable manner together with the effect image of the above, and the special symbol starting means 46 detects a game ball, that is, a game is played in one of the two upper and lower special starting ports 46a, 46b. On the condition that the ball wins the prize, the design of the effect is changed to the left, right, middle, etc. Are stopped in a predetermined order.

  For example, 10 kinds of numerical symbols from “0” to “9” are used for the production symbol, and all three symbols, such as “6, 6, 6” and “7, 7, 7”, are all in the same pattern. Is a big hit mode, and at least one pattern is different. In the present embodiment, when the special symbol is a jackpot mode, the effect symbol is also a jackpot mode, and when the special symbol is a miss mode, the effect symbol is also a miss mode.

  The notice effect display means 56 performs a predetermined notice effect display during the change of the effect symbol by the effect symbol display means 54, and displays an effect image corresponding to the notice effect at the time of the notice effect on the image display device 49. The screen 49a is configured to be displayed.

  The operation guide display means (operation guide notification means) 57 displays an operation guide image prompting the operation of the operation button 22 on the display screen 49a of the image display device 49 during the operation effective period in which the operation of the operation button 22 is valid. It is configured.

  The big winning means 47 is an open / close-type winning means provided with an open / close plate 59 that can switch the big winning opening 47a between an open state in which a game ball can win and a closed state in which a prize cannot be won. When a special profit state occurs based on the fact that the later special symbol becomes a big hit mode, the opening / closing plate 59 opens to the front side in accordance with a predetermined opening pattern, and the game ball that has fallen on the opening ball 59a It is designed to win a prize inside.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control system of the pachinko machine. In FIG. 4, 61 is a main control board, 62 is an effect control board, and each of these control boards 61, 62 collects the center case 44 mounted on the game board 41 and a plurality of other game parts from the back side. Each of them is housed in a substrate case that is detachably mounted at appropriate positions on the back side of the gaming machine main body 1 including the front frame 4 and the game board 41 such as the back side of the back cover to be covered. In FIG. 4, sub-control boards other than the effect control board 62, such as a payout control board, are omitted.

  The main control board 61 controls the game operation in an integrated manner, and includes a normal random number generation processing means 71, a normal start port check processing means 72, a normal random number storage means 73, a normal symbol, which are constituted by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and the like. Processing means 74, normal symbol display control means 75, normal profit state generation means 76, special random number creation processing means 81, special start port check processing means 82, special random number storage means 83, special symbol processing means 84, special symbol display control means 85, special profit state generation means 86, special game state generation means 87, control command transmission means 88, and the like.

  The normal random number generation processing means 71 is configured to repeatedly generate a hit determination random number or the like used for determining whether or not the changed normal symbol is set to be a hit state at predetermined time intervals. The normal starting port check processing means 72 performs processing based on the detection of the game ball by the normal symbol starting means 45. Based on the detection of the game ball by the normal symbol starting means 45, the normal random number generating processing means 71 is used. One hit determination random number value is obtained, and the hit determination random number value is stored in the first-in first-out normal random number storage means 73 with a predetermined upper limit reserved number (for example, four) as a limit. Yes.

  The normal symbol processing means 74 performs processing related to the normal symbol fluctuation display. The normal symbol display means 50 is in a state capable of variable display, and one or more hit determination random number values are stored in the normal random number memory means 73. On the condition that the number of ordinary holdings is 1 or more, the first hit determination random number value is extracted from the queue of hit determination random number values stored in the normal random number storage means 73, and the hit determination random number value is obtained. A hit determination function for determining hit / miss according to whether or not matches a predetermined hit determination value, and the type of stop symbol after fluctuation of the normal symbol is selected based on the hit / miss determination result A normal stop symbol selection function, a variable time selection function for selecting a normal symbol variation time, and the like are provided.

  The normal symbol display control means 75 controls the display of the normal symbol display means 50 on the basis of the normal symbol processing by the normal symbol processing means 74. The normal symbol display means 50 is in a state in which the normal symbol display means 50 can be variably displayed and the normal random number storage means. On the condition that one or more hit determination random number values are stored in 73 (the number of normal holdings is 1 or more), the normal symbol display means 50 starts the variation of the normal symbols, and the normal symbol processing means 74 Based on the elapse of the selected variation time, the variation of the normal symbol is stopped at the stop symbol selected by the normal symbol processing means 74.

  The normal profit state generating means 76 constitutes the special symbol starting means 46 when the determination result by the normal symbol processing means 74 is a hit determination and the stop symbol after the fluctuation of the normal symbol display means 50 is in a hit state. A normal profit state is generated in which the opening / closing means 58 of the special start port 46b is changed to an open state according to any of a plurality of types of opening / closing patterns.

  The special random number creation processing means 81 is a jackpot determination random number used for determining whether the special symbol after change is a jackpot mode or a dismissal mode, as well as a stop symbol when the special symbol after change is a jackpot mode The jackpot symbol random number used for selection, the off symbol random number used for selection of the stop symbol when the special symbol after variation is out of mode, the variation pattern random number used for selecting the variation pattern of the production symbol, and other predetermined random numbers are repeatedly generated. It is configured to perform special random number generation processing.

  The special start opening check processing means 82 performs processing based on the winning of a game ball to the special symbol start means 46. When the special symbol start means 46 detects a game ball, that is, the special start opening 46a, 46b has a game. Based on the winning of the ball, the jackpot determination random number value and the jackpot symbol random number value created by the special random number generation processing means 81 are obtained one by one, and the hit determination random number value and the bonus symbol random number value are predetermined. The first-in first-out special random number storage means 83 is configured to store the upper limit holding number (for example, 4 each) as a limit.

  The special symbol processing means 84 performs processing related to the special symbol fluctuation display. The special symbol display means 51 is in a state in which the special symbol display means 51 can be variably displayed, and the special random number storage means 83 stores one or more jackpot determination random numbers. The special jackpot determination random number value is extracted from the jackpot determination random value queue stored in the special random number storage means 83, and the jackpot determination random number value is obtained. Is a jackpot determination function for determining jackpot / miss according to whether or not matches a predetermined jackpot determination value, a jackpot determination / decision result, and a special jackpot determination random number stored in the special random number storage means 83 The special stop symbol selection function that selects the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol based on the jackpot symbol random number value, based on the jackpot / outage determination result There are, a change pattern selection function for selecting one of a plurality of types of special symbol variation pattern as a variation pattern of performance symbols.

  The special symbol display control means 85 controls the display of the special symbol display means 51. Based on the special symbol processing by the special symbol processing means 84, the special symbol display means 51 starts the variation of the special symbol and is predetermined. Based on the elapse of the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern, the variation of the special symbol is stopped at a predetermined stop symbol.

  The special profit state generating means 86 receives a big prize when the determination result of the big win / loss by the special symbol processing means 84 is a big hit determination and the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol by the special symbol display means 51 becomes a big hit mode. A special profit state is generated in which the means 47 is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern. The opening pattern of the present embodiment is based on the condition that a predetermined time (for example, 28 seconds) elapses from the opening of the winning means 47 or that a predetermined number (for example, 9) of game balls have won. Is set to repeat a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds), but a plurality of types of opening patterns are provided, and for example, one of them is selected based on a jackpot symbol random number value. You may comprise.

  The special gaming state generation means 87 generates a special gaming state advantageous to the player in a predetermined period after the occurrence of the special profit state. For example, the big hit determination random number stored in the special random number storage means 83 is a jackpot determination value. Depending on the jackpot symbol random number value in the case of coincidence, for example, a special game state of either a short time state or a probability variation state is generated.

  During the short time state, the variation time of the special symbol display means 51 is switched to a shortened variation time shorter than the normal variation time for the special symbol, and the hit probability for the normal symbol is a normal probability (for example, 1/10) to a high probability (for example, 1/10) For example, the fluctuation time is changed from a normal fluctuation time (for example, 27 seconds) to a shortened fluctuation time (for example, 2.7 seconds), and the opening / closing pattern of the lower special start port 46b is a normal opening / closing pattern (for example, 0.2). Second opening × 1 time) to a special opening / closing pattern (for example, 2 seconds × 3 opening). The time-short state is terminated when, for example, the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times) after the start or when the next special profit state has occurred so far.

  During the probability variation state, the number of jackpot determination values is increased from 1 to 10, for example, compared to other normal probability states, so that the probability that the special symbol is a jackpot mode is a normal probability (for example, 1/350). Is switched to a higher probability (for example, 1/35) than that, and for example, processing similar to the time-short state is also performed. The probability variation state ends when the next special profit state occurs, for example.

  The control command transmitting means 88 is for transmitting a predetermined control command to the sub-control board side such as the effect control board 62 by one-way communication and giving a control command. Based on the special symbol processing by the special symbol processing means 84. At the start of the special symbol variation, this command includes a hold decrease command that indicates a decrease in the number of special reserved symbols, a variation pattern command that specifies the variation pattern of the production symbol, and a stop symbol command that instructs the stop symbol lottery after the variation of the production symbol. A function to transmit to the effect control board 62 side in order, and to send a change stop command to the effect control board 62 side instructing to stop changing the effect symbol at the end of the change of the special symbol. Increased when the special symbol starting means 46 detects the game ball Function to send a hold increase command indicating the number of special hold afterwards to the effect control board 62 side, a game state command when the game state changes And a function of transmitting the performance control board 62 side.

  In the main control board 61 configured as described above, main processing as shown in FIG. 5 is started when power is turned on from the outside. It should be noted that, when the power is turned on, the power is turned on with the initialization switch (not shown) being turned on, for example, when the game hall is opened (hereinafter referred to as “when the power is initially turned on”). ) And when the power is turned on while the initialization switch is in the OFF state (hereinafter referred to as “when power is restored”), such as when recovering from a power failure state.

  In the main process (FIG. 5), an initial setting process (S1) is first executed. In this initial setting process, for example, the RAM is set to write-protection, and the peripheral circuits such as the input / output ports and the random number generating means are set to the initial state. Then, after setting the predetermined interrupt mode, the value of the RAM clear signal is confirmed (S2). The RAM clear signal is a signal indicating whether or not the entire area of the RAM is to be initialized, and has a value corresponding to, for example, the ON / OFF state of the initialization switch.

  When the RAM clear signal is OFF as in the case of power-off recovery (S2: No), it is determined whether the backup data stored in the backup RAM is valid (S3). Whether or not the backup data is valid is determined based on, for example, the error detection code stored in the backup RAM together with the backup data immediately before the power is shut off. It is done by judging whether or not.

  When it is determined that the backup is valid (S3: Yes), a backup return command is transmitted to the sub control board such as the effect control board 62 (S4), and the backup data stored in the backup RAM is stored. Based on the above, a game return process necessary for resuming the game from the state before the power interruption is executed (S5), and the process proceeds to the processes after S8 described later.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear signal is ON in S2 (S2: Yes), or if it is determined in S3 that the backup data is not valid (S3: No), the storage contents of the RAM are initialized (S6). At the same time, an initialization command is transmitted to the sub control board such as the effect control board 62 (S7).

  Following the processing of S5 or S7, an operation confirmation start command is transmitted to the effect control board 62. On the side of the effect control board 62, based on the reception of this operation check start command as will be described later, an operation determination process for determining an abnormality in the operation detection of the operation button 22 is executed.

  Next, the CTC that outputs an interrupt signal for starting the timer interrupt operation is initialized (S9), and the CPU sets the interrupt enabled state. Thereafter, the interrupt disabled state and the interrupt enabled state are repeated until an interrupt occurs, and various random number update processes are executed during that time (S10 to S12).

  The effect control board 62 controls various effect means based on a control command or the like transmitted from the main control board 61. The effect symbol control means 91, the special reserved number display control means 92, the notice effect control means 93, the operation A determination unit 94, an error processing unit 95, and the like are provided.

  The effect symbol control means 91 controls the display of the effect symbol display means 54 and the accompanying sound output means 96, the illumination means 97, etc., receives the variation pattern command from the main control board 61, and then for a predetermined time. On the condition that the stop symbol command is received, the stop symbol after the change of the effect symbol is determined by lottery, and the effect symbol display means 54 changes the effect symbol based on the change pattern designated by the change pattern command. When the change stop command is received, the change of the effect symbol is stopped at the stop symbol determined by the lottery, and a predetermined sound effect is output from the sound output means 96 in accordance with the change symbol display of the effect symbol. The illumination means 97 emits light in a predetermined pattern.

  The special reserved number display control means 92 controls the display of the special reserved number by the special reserved number display means 55, and a new game ball is detected by the special symbol starting means 46, and a reserved increase command is issued from the main control board 61. When received, the special hold number display means 55 additionally displays one hold display image X (see FIG. 1) based on the number of the hold storage corresponding to the hold increase command. In addition, when the hold reduction command is received from the main control board 61 at the start of the change of the special symbol, the hold display image X corresponding to the first hold is deleted, for example, and the hold corresponding to the second and subsequent holds is held. The display image X is shifted to the front side.

  The notice effect control means (effect control means) 93 controls the notice effect produced during the symbol change by the special symbol display means 51 and the effect symbol display means 54. The operation effect control means 93a and the step-up effect control means 93b. 6 includes a movable body effect control means 93c and the like, and is configured to execute a notice effect control process as shown in FIG. 6 in response to reception of a control command from the main control board 61, for example. The operation effect control means 93a includes an operation guidance notification control means 98 and the like.

  In the notice effect control process (FIG. 6) by the notice effect control means 93, it is first determined whether or not a variation pattern command has been received (S21). If the change pattern command has not been received (S21: No), the notice effect control process ends here, but if the change pattern command has been received (S21: Yes), whether or not the notice effect is to be performed, and When performing the notice effect, the notice effect lottery process (S22) for selecting the type is executed.

  In the present embodiment, an “operation effect” that displays a predetermined notice effect image on the notice effect display means 56 based on the operation button (operation unit) 22 being operated during a predetermined operation effective period (predetermined period). The “step-up effect” for displaying a notice effect image that develops according to the reliability that is a big hit on the notice effect display means 56 and the “movable effect” that operates the movable body 53 according to the reliability that becomes a big hit The following three types of notice effects are provided.

  In the notice effect lottery process (S22), when the operation effect is won (S23: Yes), the operation effect control process (S24) by the operation effect control means 93a is won as the step-up effect (S25: Yes). ), The step-up effect control process (S26) by the step-up effect control means 93b is performed, and when the movable body effect is won (S27: Yes), the movable body effect control process (S28) by the movable body effect control means 93c is performed. Each is executed, and when any of the notice effects is not won (S27: No), the notice effect control process is terminated as it is.

  The operation effect control process (S24) by the operation effect control means 93a will be specifically described. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the operation effective period of the operation button 22 is set at a predetermined timing at the same time as or after the start of the change of the effect symbol. On the condition that it is started (S31: Yes → S32: Yes), for example, an image when the button is not operated, for example, an image of a turning target and a bow and arrow aiming at it is displayed on the notice effect display means 56 (FIG. 9). (A)) and operation guidance notification are executed (S33). That is, under the control of the operation guidance notification control means 98, an operation guidance image made up of an animation image indicating that the operation button 22 is being pressed is displayed on the operation guidance display means 57 together with a wording such as "PUSH!" 9 (b)), the LED 31a in the operation button 22 is caused to emit light in a predetermined pattern.

  In principle, until the predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the operation valid period (S35), it is monitored whether or not the operation detection means 24 has changed from OFF to ON, that is, whether or not the operation button 22 has been operated successfully. (S34). The condition for determining that the operation of the operation button 22 has been successful is arbitrary, and when the operation button 22 is operated more than a predetermined number of times within a certain time (so-called continuous hitting), or the state in which the operation button 22 is operated is constant. You may determine with operation success, when it continues for more than time (what is called a long press).

  When the operation of the operation button 22 is successful before the predetermined time elapses from the start of the operation effective period (S34: Yes), for example, the operation effective period is ended at that time (S37) and the notice effect display means 56 is displayed. When the operation is successful, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 (c), an arrow is shot to rotate and hit, and then the target stops and hits (for example, a number indicating the reliability of the jackpot) An image that can be visually recognized is displayed (S38).

  On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the operation effective period without successful operation of the operation button 22 (S35: Yes), the operation effective period ends (S36), and the operation effect control process is performed as it is. finish. Note that even when the operation of the operation button 22 is successful within the operation valid period, the image at the time of successful operation may not be displayed.

  The operation determination unit 94 determines whether or not the operation detection unit 24 of the production operation unit 12 is normal. For example, when the operation check start command is received from the main control board 61, the operation determination process shown in FIG. Is configured to run.

  In the operation determination process (FIG. 8) by the operation determination unit 94, the drive unit 23 is operated (S41), the operation button 22 is moved from the non-operation position to the operation position, and the detection state change by the operation detection unit 24 is detected. Monitor (S42). If the operation detection means 24 is changed from OFF to ON (S42: Yes) in accordance with the operation of the drive means 23, it is determined normal (S43), and otherwise (S42: No). It is determined as abnormal (S44).

  In this way, by operating the drive means 23 when the power is turned on, the operation button 22 is forcibly moved from the non-operation position to the operation position, and the operation detection means is based on the change in the detection state of the operation detection means 24 at that time. By determining whether 24 is normal or abnormal, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the operation detection of the operation button 22 early and reliably without operating the operation button 22 with a human hand.

  The error processing means 95 performs a predetermined error process when an abnormality relating to the effect means occurs. If the action determination means 94 determines that an abnormality has occurred, the error processing means 95 is, for example, a notice effect lottery process (S22) by the notice effect control means 93. The selection rate of the operation effect is set to 0% (an example of error processing). As a result, the operation effect does not appear, so that a situation in which the operation is not recognized even though the player operates the operation button 22 during the operation effective period does not occur, and is based on the player's distrust. Decrease in operating rate can be suppressed.

  10 to 12 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention, and show an example in which the operation detection means 24 is driven instead of the operation button 22 by the drive means 23 '. Hereinafter, the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment will be described focusing on the components that are different from the first embodiment. Note that the configuration of parts not particularly mentioned in the following description is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  In the production operation means 12 ′ of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a spring 101 is disposed between the operation button 22 and the mounting plate 26, and the operation button 22 is not covered by the case body 21. While being slidably held between the operation position and the operation position, the spring 101 is biased toward the non-operation position side.

  The drive means (second drive means) 23 'drives the operation detection means 24' so that the operation button 22 and the operation detection means 24 'have substantially the same relative positional relationship as that during external operation. The drive shaft 23a is fixed to the rear end side of the case body 21 via the mounting plate 26, the fixed plate 102, and the like so that the drive shaft 23a is parallel to the moving direction of the operation button 22.

  The operation detecting means 24 'is, for example, a substantially U-shaped transmissive photosensor having a light transmitting portion 24a and a light receiving portion 24b facing each other, and corresponds to the detected portion 33 on the operation button 22 side. A drive member 23 ′ is detachably fixed to the distal end side of the drive shaft 23 a via a support member 103. When the operation button 22 is operated from the outside and moved from the non-operation position to the operation position, the operation detection unit 24 ′ detects the detected portion 33 that has moved with the operation button 22 and changes from the non-detection state to the detection state. The operation detection signal is output. Note that the operation detection unit 24 ′ is disposed sideways with respect to the detected portion 33 so as to be U-shaped when viewed in the moving direction of the operation button 22.

  The drive means 23 'is held in a state where the drive shaft 23a is retracted inward (substantially downward) by the urging force of the spring 34' when OFF (non-energized), and the spring 34 is turned ON (energized). To the position (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIGS. 10 and 11) that protrudes outward (substantially upward) against the urging force of ′ and can detect the detected portion 33 of the operation button 22 in the non-operation position. The operation detecting means 24 'is moved.

  The operation determination unit 94 (FIG. 4) of the present embodiment is configured to execute the operation determination process shown in FIG. 12 when an operation check start command is received from the main control board 61, for example. In the operation determination process (FIG. 12) by the operation determination means 94, the drive means 23 'is operated (S41'), and the operation detection means 24 is moved to a position where the detected portion 33 of the operation button 22 in the non-operation position can be detected. 'And the change of the detection state by the operation detection means 24' is monitored (S42 '). When the operation detecting means 24 'is changed from OFF to ON (S42': Yes) in accordance with the operation of the driving means 23 '(S42': Yes), it is determined as normal (S43), and otherwise (S42 ': No) is determined to be abnormal (S44).

  In this way, by operating the drive means 23 'when the power is turned on, the operation detection means 24' is moved to a position where the detected portion 33 of the operation button 22 in the non-operation position can be detected, and the operation detection at that time is detected. By determining whether the operation detection means 24 'is normal or abnormal based on the change in the detection state of the means 24', it is possible to quickly detect abnormal operation detection of the operation button 22 without operating the operation button 22 with a human hand. It is possible to discover it reliably and reliably.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, A various change is possible in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. For example, the error processing performed by the error processing unit 95 when it is determined to be abnormal by the operation determination unit 94 is arbitrary. For example, an operation guidance notification (for example, display of an operation guidance image by the operation guidance display unit 57, Such as the light emission of the LED 31a in the operation button 22), the operation means 22 held in the operation position by the driving means 23 in the first embodiment, and the operation by the player is impossible. There may be.

  The drive means 23, 23 'may be any means that can electrically drive the operation button 22, the operation detection means 24, etc., and a motor or the like may be used instead of the electromagnetic solenoid. Further, the operation button 22 and the operation detection unit 24 are driven together by one or a plurality of drive units so that the operation button 22 and the operation detection unit 24 have substantially the same relative positional relationship as that during external operation. Good.

  The operation unit only needs to be movable from the non-operation position to the operation position by an external operation, and is not limited to a push button type, and may be a lever type, a rotary type, or the like. Also, a plurality of operation units may be provided and used depending on the production.

  In the embodiment, the production operation means 12 and 12 ′ are connected to the production control board 62 and the production control board 62 is provided with an operation determination unit 94, and an operation confirmation start command transmitted from the main control board 61 is turned on when the power is turned on. The operation determination process (FIGS. 8 and 12) is executed based on the above. For example, the operation means 12 and 12 ′ for production are connected to the main control board 61 and the operation determination means 94 is provided on the main control board 61. The operation determination process may be performed on the main control board 61 side.

  The operation determination process (FIGS. 8 and 12) by the operation determination unit 94 may be performed at a predetermined timing thereafter, for example, at the start of a customer waiting demonstration, in addition to when the power is turned on.

  Further, the present invention can be similarly implemented in game machines other than ball game machines such as slot machines, in addition to various ball game machines such as arrange ball machines and sparrow ball game machines.

22 Operation buttons (operation unit)
23 driving means 23 'driving means 24 operation detecting means 24' operation detecting means 57 operation guidance display means (operation guidance notification means)
93 Notice effect control means (effect control means)
94 Operation determining means 95 Error processing means

Claims (8)

An operation unit movable between a non-operation position and an operation position;
Operation detecting means for changing from a non-detection state to a detection state when the operation unit is moved from the non-operation position to the operation position by an external operation;
In a gaming machine comprising an effect control means for controlling an effect including an operation effect based on whether or not the operation detection means is in the detection state during a predetermined period,
Drive means for driving at least one of the operation section and the operation detection means so that the operation section and the operation detection means have substantially the same relative positional relationship as in the external operation;
An operation determination unit that operates the driving unit to determine whether the operation detection unit changes from the non-detection state to the detection state;
A game machine comprising: error processing means for performing predetermined error processing when the operation determination means determines that the operation detection means does not change to the detection state. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is a first driving unit that drives the operation unit from the non-operation position to the operation position. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the error process includes a process of holding the operation unit at the operation position by the driving unit. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is a second driving unit that drives the operation detection unit to a position where the operation unit at the non-operation position can be detected. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the error process includes a process for preventing the operation effect from appearing. An operation guidance notification means for performing an operation guidance notification for prompting the operation of the operation unit during the predetermined period;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the error process includes a process of not performing the operation guidance notification. The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the operation determination unit is operated at a predetermined timing before the predetermined period. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the operation determination unit is operated in a main process executed when power is turned on.

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