JP2015202239A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which can appropriately perform abnormality notification.SOLUTION: There are provided: response performance control means which executes response performance in accordance with detection of an object in an operable period; first monitoring means which monitors that the object is detected for a first time longer than the operable period; abnormality determination means which determines that abnormality has occurred in accordance with the determination that the object is detected for the first time; second monitoring means which monitors that the object already detected by object detection means is further detected for a second time after it is determined that the abnormality has occurred; and abnormality notification control means which notifies that the abnormality has occurred in accordance with the determination that the object is further detected for the second time.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine played by a player.

  Conventionally, there is a pachinko gaming machine that detects an abnormality such as fraud by a player (for example, Patent Document 1). When such an abnormality is detected, an abnormality is notified by sounding an alarm sound through a speaker.

JP 2010-29391 A

  As described above, when abnormality such as fraud by a player is detected, how to perform abnormality notification is an important issue.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a main object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately performing abnormality notification.

  In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention employs the following configuration. In addition, reference numerals in parentheses, explanations, and the like indicate correspondence relationships with embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of one aspect of the present invention. Absent.

A gaming machine,
Object detection means (400, Detecting an operation by the player by detecting an object (player's hand) located in a predetermined area (surface area of a transparent plate arranged in front of the game area 20; see FIG. 19) 50a-50c),
Production control means (400, 500, etc.) for performing the production by the production means (6 etc.),
The production control means includes
A response effect (in response to an operation by the player in response to the fact that the object is detected in a predetermined detection mode by the object detection means during an operable period (manual input period) in which an operation by the player can be accepted. A response effect control means (400, 500, FIG. 16, FIG. 18, FIG. 19) for executing a jackpot reliability suggestion effect);
First monitoring means (see 400, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18) for monitoring that the object detection means detects the object in a predetermined detection manner for a first time longer than the operable period;
Abnormality determining means (400, FIG. 17, FIG. 18) for determining that an abnormality has occurred in response to determining that the object has been detected by the monitoring means in the predetermined detection mode for the first time;
After the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred, the object detection means monitors whether the object already detected by the object detecting means is further detected by the object detecting means for a second time in a predetermined detection mode. 2 monitoring means (see 400, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18);
An abnormality notification control means (400, FIG. 5) for notifying that an abnormality has occurred (this notification) when the second monitoring means determines that the object is further detected in the predetermined detection mode for the second time. 17 and FIG. 18).

  In addition, when the abnormality determination unit determines that an abnormality has occurred, prior to the abnormality notification by the abnormality notification control unit, the abnormality notification (temporary notification) is performed in a manner different from the abnormality notification. An abnormality notification control unit (400, see FIGS. 17 and 18) may be provided.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately notify abnormality.

Schematic front view showing an example of a pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 4 provided in the pachinko machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of FIG. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the control apparatus provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100 An example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of a variable time determination table set An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart of the big prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400 An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing command reception processing in step S11 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. An example of a detailed flowchart showing the input effect setting process in step S703 of FIG. An example of a flowchart showing hand detection effect processing An example of a flowchart showing abnormality notification processing The figure for demonstrating concretely the characteristic process in this embodiment The figure for demonstrating concretely the characteristic process in this embodiment

  Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Hereinafter, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be simply referred to as a gaming machine 1.

[Schematic configuration of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Hereinafter, a schematic configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by a player's operation wins a prize, for example. This gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 5 surrounding the game board 2. The frame member 5 is configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main part of the gaming machine 1 around a hinge provided on the shaft support side. And the lock part 43 is provided in the predetermined position (for example, edge part on the opposite side to a shaft support side) which becomes the front side of the frame member 5, and the frame member 5 is unlocked by unlocking the lock part 43. Can be opened.

  The game board 2 is provided with a transparent plate on the front surface thereof, so that a game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 4) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 6 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 6 notifies the player of the result of the special symbol lottery (big hit lottery), for example, by displaying a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, the appearance of a character, the appearance of an item, etc. Or a reserved image showing the number of times the special symbol lottery is held. The image display unit 6 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, or the like, but any other display device may be used. Furthermore, a movable accessory 7 and a board lamp 8 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 7 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2, and produces an effect by performing a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game or in accordance with the operation of the player. The board lamp 8 emits light according to the progress of the game, thereby performing various effects by light.

  In the game area 20, a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the falling direction of the game ball are arranged. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the gate 25, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24 are arranged on the game board 2 as an example of various prizes related to winning and lottery. It is installed. In addition, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 26 through which game balls that have not been won in any of the game areas of the game balls launched into the game area 20 are discharged out of the game area 20. . Further, in the present embodiment, infrared sensors 50a to 50c for detecting an operation in which a player holds a hand or the like over the surface of the transparent plate are disposed at the upper end portion of the transparent plate disposed on the player side of the game area 20. It is arranged. The infrared sensors 50a to 50c will be described in detail later.

  The first start port 21 and the second start port 22 are awarded when a game ball enters, respectively, and a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is started. The first start port 21 operates a predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 23) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (first special symbol display 4a described later). It is a winning opening related to winning a game ball. Further, the second start opening 22 operates the special electric accessory and / or a predetermined special symbol display device (second special symbol display device 4b described later), and wins related to winning a game ball. The mouth. When the game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol lottery (the open / close lottery of the electric tulip 27 described below) starts. The lottery is not started even if a game ball wins the normal winning opening 24.

  The 2nd starting port 22 is provided in the lower part of the 1st starting port 21, and is equipped with the electric tulip 27 in the vicinity of the entrance of a game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 27 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid) described later. When the pair of blade portions are closed, the electric tulip 27 is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter the second start port 22 because the opening width guided to the entrance of the second start port 22 is extremely narrow. On the other hand, the electric tulip 27 is in an open state in which the game ball can easily enter the second starting port 22 because the opening width guided to the inlet of the second starting port 22 increases when the pair of wings open to the left and right. . When the electric tulip 27 passes through the gate 25 and the normal symbol lottery is won, the pair of blades opens for a specified time (for example, 0.10 seconds) and opens and closes for a specified number of times (for example, once). To do.

  The big winning opening 23 is located at the lower center of the second starting opening 22 and is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The big prize opening 23 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the special winning opening 23 repeats a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or a winning of 10 game balls) is satisfied a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times).

  Further, on the lower right side of the game board 2, a display 4 for displaying the results of the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery described above and the number of reserved items is arranged. Details of the display 4 will be described later.

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters (wins) the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, a predetermined number per game ball is determined according to the place where the game ball has won. The prize ball is paid out. For example, when one game ball is won at the first start port 21 and the second start port 22, three prize balls are awarded, and when one game ball is won at the big prize port 23, thirteen prize balls are given to the normal prize slot 24. When one game ball is won, ten prize balls are paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The frame member 5 on the front surface of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a handle 31, a lever 32, a stop button 33, a take-out button 34, a speaker 35, a frame lamp 36, an effect button 37, an effect key 38, a dish 39, and the like. Yes.

  When the player touches the handle 31 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 32 clockwise, the launching device 211 (100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). 4) electrically fires the game ball. The tray 39 (see FIG. 3) is provided so as to protrude in front of the gaming machine 1 and temporarily stores game balls supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize balls are paid out to the plate 39. The game balls stored in the tray 39 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 32.

  The stop button 33 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 31, and even when the player touches the handle 31 and rotates the lever 32 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 34 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 39 is provided, and when the player presses it, the game balls accumulated in the tray 39 are dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 35 and the frame lamp 36 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 35 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. In addition, the frame lamp 36 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing or a difference in emission color.

  Next, the display 4 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 4 includes a first special symbol display 4a, a second special symbol display 4b, a first special symbol hold indicator 4c, a second special symbol hold indicator 4d, a normal symbol indicator 4e, and a normal symbol indicator 4e. A symbol hold display 4f and a game status display 4g are provided.

  The first special symbol display 4a is displayed with the display symbol varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the first starting port 21. For example, the first special symbol display 4a is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball is won at the first starting port 21, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and then the lottery result is displayed. Further, the second special symbol display 4b is displayed with the display symbols varying corresponding to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 22. For example, the second special symbol display 4b is similarly composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the second starting port 22, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped and the lottery result is displayed. To do. In the normal symbol display 4e, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 25. For example, the normal symbol display 4e is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 25, the normal symbol is variably displayed and then stopped and displayed.

  The first special symbol hold indicator 4c displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when a game ball wins at the first start port 21. The second special symbol hold indicator 4d displays the number of times that the special symbol lottery is held when the game ball wins at the second start port 22. The normal symbol hold display 4f displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, the first special symbol hold indicator 4c, the second special symbol hold indicator 4d, and the normal symbol hold indicator 4f are each composed of LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode. The

  The game state display 4g displays a game state (such as a short time state) when the gaming machine 1 is powered on.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 37 and an effect key 38 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 37 is provided on the side of the upper surface of the tray 39 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 38 has a center key and four direction keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 39 adjacent to the production button 37. The effect button 37 and the effect key 38 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can enjoy a predetermined effect by pressing the effect button 37 at a predetermined timing. Further, the player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 6 by operating the four direction keys of the effect key 38. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect key 38.

  In addition, on the back side of the gaming machine 1, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out the game balls to the tray 39 are provided, and various substrates are attached. ing. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. Specifically, a main control board on which a main control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) that performs internal lottery and determination of winning is configured is disposed on the main board. The sub-board includes a firing control board 200 (see FIG. 4) configured to control a launching device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20, and a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of a prize ball. A payout control board configured with an effect control board configured with an effect control section 400 for overall control of effects, an image control board configured with an image acoustic control section 500 for controlling effects with images and sounds, and various types The lamp control board etc. in which the lamp control part 600 which controls the effect by the lamp (frame lamp 36, panel lamp 8) and the movable accessory 7 are arranged. In addition, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, the power source of the gaming machine 1 is switched on / off, and 24V (volt) AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 is converted into DC power of various voltages. A switching power supply is provided for outputting the direct current power to the various substrates described above.

[Configuration of control device of pachinko gaming machine 1]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  4, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, a lamp control unit 600, and the like.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101 and various data. The RAM 103 is used as a working memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) when a game ball wins at the first starting port 21 or the second starting port 22, and effects control is performed on determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won. Send to part 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 27 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 executes the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the first start port 21, the special symbol lottery execution suspension number when the game ball wins the second start port 22, In addition, the number of execution suspensions of the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 25 is managed, and data related to the number of suspensions is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 23 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main controller 100 repeats a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) in which the big winning opening 23 projects and inclines and opens. (16 times). Further, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 23 opens and closes.

  The main control unit 100 changes the game state in accordance with the progress of the game, and according to the progress of the game, the winning probability of the special symbol lottery, the execution interval of the special symbol lottery (the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4) In other words, it may be said that it is a time to stop and display), and the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 27 is changed.

  When a game ball wins the first start port 21, the second start port 22, the big winning port 23, and the normal winning port 24, the main control unit 100 determines a predetermined amount per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 300 is instructed to pay out a number of prize balls. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 25, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a first start port switch 111a, a second start port switch 111b, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big prize opening switch 114, a big prize opening opening / closing. 115, normal winning opening switch 116, display 4 (first special symbol display 4a, second special symbol display 4b, first special symbol hold indicator 4c, second special symbol hold indicator 4d, normal symbol display 4e, a normal symbol hold display 4f, and a game status display 4g) are connected.

  The first start port switch 111 a detects that a game ball has won the first start port 21 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The second start port switch 111 b detects that a game ball has won the second start port 22 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 27 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 detects that a game ball has passed through the gate 25 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that the game ball has won the big prize opening 23 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 23 in accordance with a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 24 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  In addition, the main control unit 100 displays the result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first starting port 21 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a first special symbol lottery) on the first special symbol display 4a. indicate. The main control unit 100 displays on the second special symbol display 4b the result of the special symbol lottery started by the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 22 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second special symbol lottery). . The main control unit 100 displays the number of times the first special symbol lottery is on hold on the first special symbol hold display 4c. The main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings for which the second special symbol lottery is held on the second special symbol holding display 4d. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 25 on the normal symbol display 4e. The main control unit 100 displays the number of times of holding the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol hold display 4f. Further, the main control unit 100 displays the gaming state at that time on the gaming state display 4g when the gaming machine 1 is turned on.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a working memory for the CPU 201.

  When the lever 32 is in the neutral position, the lever 32 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the player is rotated clockwise by the player, the lever 32 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the firing control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 so that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 32 increases. When the signal indicating that the stop button 33 is pressed is output, the launch control unit 200 stops the operation of the launch device 211 firing the game ball.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data. A RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301.

  The payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100. Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. The effect control unit 400 is connected to the effect key 38 operated by the player, and the effect control unit 400 acquires operation data output from the effect key 38 in accordance with the operation of the effect key 38 by the player. To do. In addition, the effect control unit 400 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 and the infrared sensors 50 a to 50 c via the lamp control unit 600. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401 and various data. The RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. The effect control unit 400 responds to the operation input or the detection result when the player presses the effect button 37 or the effect key 38 or when the player's hand is detected by the infrared sensors 50a to 50c. In some cases, the contents of the production are set.

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data. The RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 6 and the sound output from the speaker 35 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a decorative symbol image for notifying a special symbol lottery result, an image of a character or item for displaying a notice effect or a pre-read notice effect, a special symbol lottery The image data for displaying on the image display unit 6 a reserved image indicating that the image is held, various background images, and the like are stored. The ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 stores various types of sound data such as music and sound output from the speaker 35 in synchronization with the image displayed on the image display unit 6 or independently of the displayed image. It is remembered. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. The CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, decorative symbol image display, character / item display, and the like using the read image data, and performs various processes corresponding to commands sent from the effect control unit 400. Perform production display. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 6. In addition, the CPU 501 performs sound processing using the read sound data, and outputs the sound indicated by the sound processing sound data from the speaker 35.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the operation of the movable accessory 7. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data. The RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 and the emission color based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. The lamp controller 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the command sent from the effect controller 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. ) Is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 8 and the frame lamp 36 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 7 corresponding to the effect contents set by the effect control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 7 based on the read operation pattern data.

  The lamp control unit 600 is connected to an effect button 37 operated by the player, and the lamp control unit 600 acquires operation data output from the effect button 37 in response to the operation of the effect button 37 by the player. Then, the operation data is transmitted to the effect control unit 400. The lamp control unit 600 is connected to infrared sensors 50a to 50c for detecting an operation in which a player holds a hand or the like on the surface of the transparent plate. The lamp control unit 600 receives the infrared sensor in response to the operation detection. The operation data output from 50 a to 50 c is acquired, and the operation data is transmitted to the effect control unit 400.

  The effect control unit 400 controls the image sound control unit 500 based on the operation data of the effect button 37 and the infrared sensors 50a to 50c transmitted from the lamp control unit 600 and the operation data output from the effect key 38. The operation state of the effect button 37, the infrared sensors 50a to 50c, and the effect key 38 is notified. Here, the operation state of the effect button 37, the infrared sensors 50a to 50c, and the effect key 38 is whether or not an operation is being performed and what operation is being performed (for example, the length of the effect button 37). Information including pressing, detection of a player's hand by the infrared sensors 50a to 50c, and pressing of the left key of the effect key 38). Therefore, for example, when the effect button 37 is operated by the player, the operation state of the effect button 37 detected by the lamp control unit 600 is transmitted to the image sound control unit 500 via the effect control unit 400. For this reason, the image sound control unit 500 can change the content of the effect based on the operation state of the effect button 37 transmitted from the effect control unit 400 (or the detection state of the infrared sensors 50a to 50c).

[Outline of gaming state in this embodiment]
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 in this embodiment will be described. The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a high probability state, a low probability state, an electric support state, a non-electric support state, a short-time state, a non-short-time state, and a big hit gaming state. The low probability state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a normal low probability (for example, 1/300), and the high probability state is that the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is lower than the low probability state. The gaming state is set to a high probability (for example, 1/50). In the non-electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is a normal low probability (for example, 1/10), and even if the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is short (for example, 0.10 seconds). Is a game state in which the release control is performed only once), and therefore, it is a game state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second start port 22. In the electric support state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than the non-electric support state (for example, 10/10), and when the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip 27 is long (for example, 2.00 seconds). 3), the electric tulip 27 is frequently opened for a long period of time, and it is easy for the game balls to enter the second start port 22 frequently (winning). A gaming state. The non-short-time state is a gaming state in which the execution time of the special symbol lottery is a normal predetermined time (see FIG. 8 (1)), and the short-time state is the execution time of the special symbol lottery than the non-short-time state. The game state is shortened (see FIG. 8B). The jackpot game state is a game state in which a jackpot game is executed in which a special symbol lottery is won (winning) and the jackpot 23 is opened. In the present embodiment, the electric support state and the short-time state are controlled at the same time. However, in this gaming state, the gaming ball is likely to win a prize at the second starting port 22, so that the gaming ball is mostly Many special symbol lotteries can be executed in a short time without decreasing. In the following, a gaming state that is controlled in a low-probability state, a non-electric support state, and a non-short-time state is referred to as a normal gaming state, and a gaming state that is controlled in a high-probability state, an electric support state, and a short-time state That's it. In the present embodiment, a latent game state that is a gaming state controlled in a highly accurate state, a non-electric support state, and a non-time-saving state is not provided, but a latent game state may be provided.

  Below, the process which the pachinko game machine 1 performs in order to implement | achieve control which performs the characteristic operation | movement by this embodiment mentioned later using FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 is demonstrated.

[Main operation of main control unit]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit 100. The timer interrupt process performed in the main control unit 100 will be described below with reference to FIG. The main control unit 100 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 5 at regular intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) during a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Note that processing performed by the main control unit 100 described based on the flowcharts of FIG. 5 and the subsequent steps is executed based on a program stored in the ROM 102.

  First, in step S1, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 executes a random number update process for updating various random numbers such as a jackpot random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number. Here, the big hit random number is a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol lottery is won or lost (that is, performing a special symbol lottery). The symbol random number is a random number for determining the type of jackpot when the special symbol lottery is won. The jackpot random number and the design random number are random numbers used in the process of step S407 in FIG. The reach random number is a random number for determining whether or not a reach effect is performed when a special symbol lottery is lost. The variation pattern random number is a random number for determining the variation time (variation pattern) of the special symbol. Here, the variation time of the special symbol is equal to the execution time of the notification effect (variation effect) executed in synchronization with the variation of the special symbol. The reach random number and the fluctuation pattern random number are used in the process of step S408 in FIG. 7 described later. In the random number update process of step S1, the big hit random number, the design random number, the reach random number, the variation pattern random number, etc. are each added and updated by one. That is, it is counted up. Each random number is acquired in the start port switch (SW) process in step S2 and the gate switch (SW) process in step S3, and is used in the special symbol process in step S4 and the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. Note that the counter that performs the processing of step S1 is typically a loop counter, and returns to 0 (that is, circulates) again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). ). In addition, in the random number update process in step S1, each counter such as a big hit random number, a design random number, a reach random number, and a variation pattern random number updates the initial value (the value that becomes the starting point of circulation) at random once it circulates. . As a result, the counter values (count values) can be prevented from synchronizing between these random numbers.

  Next, in step S2, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the first start port switch 111a and the second start port switch 111b, and when one of the switches is turned on (the first start port switch 111a or the second start port switch 111b). When a game ball detection signal is output from the mouth switch 111b), a start opening switch that performs processing relating to the number of holdings U1 for the first special symbol lottery, the number of holdings U2 for the second special symbol lottery, and processing for obtaining various random numbers. Execute the process. Details of the start port switch process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the CPU 101 monitors the state of the gate switch 113, and when the gate switch 113 is turned on (when a game ball detection signal is output from the gate switch 113), the normal symbol lottery is suspended. If it is determined whether the number is less than the upper limit (for example, 4) and it is determined that the number of holds is less than the upper limit, a gate switch process is performed to obtain a random number used in the normal symbol process in step S5 described later. To do.

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 executes the first special symbol lottery or the second special symbol lottery, and after the special symbols are variably displayed on the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b, these are displayed. The stop symbol display process showing the lottery result of the above and the special symbol process for transmitting various commands to the effect control unit 400 are executed. This special symbol process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S5, the CPU 101 executes a normal symbol process for determining whether or not the random number acquired in the gate switch process in step S3 matches a predetermined hit random number. Then, the CPU 101 stops and displays the normal symbol indicating the determination result after the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol display 4e. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the normal symbol change time to be stopped and displayed after the normal symbol is variably displayed to 10 seconds in the non-time-short state and to 0.5 seconds in the time-short state. Further, the CPU 101 sets the probability that the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e becomes a predetermined winning symbol (that is, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery) is set to a low probability (1/10) in the non-short-time state. In the short time state, the probability is increased to a high probability (10/10).

  Next, in step S6, when it is determined that the special symbol lottery is won in the special symbol processing in step S4 (when the big win is made), the CPU 101 controls the big prize opening / closing unit 115 to control the big prize opening 23. The player performs a predetermined opening / closing operation, and executes a big prize opening process for transmitting various commands related to the so-called big hit game effect to the effect control unit 400. By this processing, the big hit game (special game) is progressed, and the player can acquire a large amount of prize balls. This special winning opening process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU 101 performs electric driving when the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 4e by the normal symbol processing in step S5 is a predetermined winning symbol (that is, when the normal symbol lottery is won). An electric tulip process for operating the tulip 27 is executed. At that time, the CPU 101 controls the opening of the electric tulip 27 for a very short period (once for 0.10 seconds) in the non-electric support state, and the electric tulip 27 for a long period (three times for 2.00 seconds) in the electric support state. Open control. In addition, when the electric tulip 27 is controlled to be in the open state, a game ball can be won at the second start port 22, and when the game ball wins at the second start port 22, a second special symbol lottery is performed. Will be.

  Next, in step S <b> 8, the CPU 101 executes prize ball processing for managing the number of winning game balls and controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.

  Next, in step S9, the CPU 101 executes various commands and effects set in the RAM 103 by the start opening switch process in step S2, the special symbol process in step S4, the big winning opening process in step S6, the prize ball process in step S8, and the like. Output processing for outputting information necessary for the production control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300 is executed. The CPU 101 notifies each winning opening that a gaming ball has won each time the gaming ball wins the first starting opening 21, the second starting opening 22, the big winning opening 23, and the normal winning opening 24. Are set in the RAM 103, and the winning command is output to the effect control unit 400 or the payout control unit 300.

[Start-up switch processing]
FIG. 6 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. Hereinafter, the start port switch process in step S2 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S201, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 receives a game ball in the first start port 21 based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the first start port switch 111a, and the first start port switch 111a is turned on. It is determined whether or not. If the determination in step S201 is YES, the process proceeds to step S202. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S 202, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax 1 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the first special symbol lottery number from the ROM 102, and the first special symbol lottery number U 1 stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit value. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax1. If the determination in step S202 is YES, the process proceeds to step S203, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S <b> 203, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the first starting port 21. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S204.

  In step S204, the CPU 101 acquires a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the first special symbol lottery and the like, and each set of random numbers acquired (game information) Are stored in the RAM 103 in chronological order. It should be noted that each time the value of the first special symbol lottery holding number U1 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S406 of FIG. 7 described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. From this, for example, when the value of the number of holdings U1 of the first special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the process of the last three steps S204 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.

  In step S205, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number obtained in the latest processing of step S204 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the first special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the first special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S206.

  In step S <b> 206, the CPU 101 sets a first hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the first special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the first pending number increase command includes information (hereinafter referred to as “preliminary determination information”) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S205. In addition, the 1st reservation number increase command containing this prior determination information is output by the output process of step S9 of FIG. 5, and the lottery result with respect to the holding | maintenance of the 1st special symbol lottery becomes the symbol in the 1st special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S207.

  In step S207, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a game ball has won the second start port 22 and the second start port switch 111b is turned on based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the second start port switch 111b. To do. If the determination in step S207 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S208, the CPU 101 reads the upper limit value Umax2 (“4” in the present embodiment) of the number of second special symbol lotteries held from the ROM 102, and the upper limit U2 of the second special symbol lottery stored in the RAM 103 is the upper limit. It is determined whether or not the value is less than Umax2. If the determination in step S208 is YES, the process proceeds to step S209. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

  In step S209, the CPU 101 updates the value of the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding 1. Further, the CPU 101 sets a winning command in the RAM 103 for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the second starting port 22. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, the CPU 101 obtains a set of random numbers (big hit random number, symbol random number, reach random number, and variation pattern random number) used for the second special symbol lottery, etc. They are stored in the RAM 103 in order. Note that each time the value of the second special symbol lottery holding number U2 is decremented by 1 in the process of step S404 of FIG. 10 to be described later, the random number set stored in the RAM 103 is one set in order from the earliest storage time. Deleted one by one. For this reason, for example, when the value of the holding number U2 of the second special symbol lottery is “3”, the last three random number sets acquired by the processing of the last three steps S210 are stored in the RAM 103 in time series order. It will be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S211, the CPU 101 performs a preliminary determination process. Specifically, the CPU 101 acquires a random number set such as a big hit random number acquired in the process of the latest step S210 and stored in the RAM 103 (that is, a random number set such as a big hit random number for the second special symbol lottery stored most recently. ) And whether or not the result of the second special symbol lottery using the jackpot random number is a jackpot based on whether or not the jackpot random number or the like matches a predetermined value or the like stored in the ROM 102, reach It is determined in advance whether or not to execute the production. That is, the determination necessary for executing the pre-reading notice effect and the hold change notice effect is determined in advance prior to the processing of steps S407 and S408 in FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S212.

  In step S <b> 212, the CPU 101 sets a second hold number increase command for notifying that the hold number of the second special symbol lottery has increased by 1 in the RAM 103. Here, the second pending number increase command includes information (preliminary determination information) indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in the process of step S211. It should be noted that the second reserved number increase command including this pre-determination information is output by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, so that the lottery result for the second special symbol lottery is the symbol in the second special symbol lottery. The main control unit 100 notifies the effect control unit 400 before the change starts. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S3 (gate switch process) in FIG.

[Special symbol processing]
FIG. 7 is an example of a detailed flowchart of the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 7, the special symbol process in step S4 of FIG. 5 is demonstrated.

  First, in step S401, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game (a big hit game state) based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information by a flag). It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the big hit game (special game) that is executed when the special symbol lottery is won. If the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 5, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S402.

  In step S <b> 402, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol change display is being performed by the first special symbol display 4 a or the second special symbol display 4 b. If the determination in step S402 is yes, the process proceeds to step S411. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S403.

  In step S403, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U2 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the second special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S403 is YES, the process proceeds to step S404. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S405.

  In step S <b> 404, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At this time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 and acquired in step S210 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  On the other hand, in step S405, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the holding number U1 stored in the RAM 103 is 1 or more (that is, whether or not the first special symbol lottery is held). If the determination in step S405 is YES, the process proceeds to step S406. If this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S415 assuming that there is no special symbol lottery to be executed.

  In step S <b> 406, the CPU 101 updates the hold number U <b> 1 stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by subtracting one. At that time, the CPU 101 reads out the random number set stored in the RAM 103 acquired in step S204 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S407.

  The second special symbol lottery is executed in preference to the first special symbol lottery by the processing of steps S403 to S406 described above.

  In step S407, the CPU 101 executes a big hit determination process for determining whether the special symbol lottery is a big win or a loss. Specifically, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S404, the CPU 101 matches the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S404 with the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Whether the result of the second special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss is determined based on whether or not to do so. On the other hand, when executing the process of step S407 following the process of step S406, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the jackpot random number read from the RAM 103 in the process of step S406 matches the jackpot winning value stored in the ROM 102. Based on this, it is determined whether the result of the first special symbol lottery is a big hit or a loss. When the result of the special symbol lottery is determined to be lost, the CPU 101 sets a lost symbol indicating that the special symbol lottery has been lost in the RAM 103 as a special symbol stop symbol in the setting information. On the other hand, when the CPU 101 determines that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, which of the predetermined values stored in the ROM 102 matches the symbol random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used for this determination? Based on this, the type of jackpot of this time is determined. In the present embodiment, as an example, there are a probabilistic big hit that is set to a probable change game state until the next big hit after the big hit game, and a normal big hit that is set to a normal game state until the next big hit after the big hit game. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the second special symbol lottery has a higher probability of winning the odds of having a relatively large profit for the player than the first special symbol lottery. Specifically, in the second special symbol lottery, 70% is a promising big hit and 30% is a normal big hit, while in the first special symbol lottery, 40% is a promising big hit and 60% is a normal big hit. Then, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, information on the jackpot symbol representing the jackpot and the type of jackpot as information on the stop symbol of the special symbol in the setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S408, the CPU 101 executes variation pattern selection processing. Specifically, when the CPU 101 is controlled in the normal gaming state, the CPU 101 sets TS1, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 8A, as a variable time table set to be used. , TS2, which will be described later using FIG. 8B, is set as a variable time table set to be used.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a variable time table set used in each gaming state. The variation time table set is a table set used to determine a special symbol variation time which is a time from when the special symbol is variably displayed on the display 4 until it is stopped and displayed. The gaming machine 1 determines the special symbol variation time for each special symbol lottery using one of the variation time table sets TS1 and TS2 shown in FIG. Here, the special symbol change time is equal to the execution time of the notification effect that notifies the big hit lottery result with the effect. In the following description, the variable time table sets TS1 and TS2 are simply referred to as TS1 and TS2. As shown in FIG. 8 (1), TS1 is a table set that is used in a normal gaming state, and includes a jackpot variation time table, a reach variation time variation table, and a reach loss variation time table. Become. The jackpot variation time table is composed of special symbol variation times of “30 seconds”, “60 seconds”, and “90 seconds”. After winning the special symbol lottery (big hit) and executing the reach effect in the notification effect, it was a big hit It is a table used when notifying this. The probability of using the jackpot variation time table is 1/300, and among these 1/300, the probability of “30 seconds”, “60 seconds”, and “90 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. Is done. The reach variation time table for reach is composed of special symbol variation times of “30 seconds”, “60 seconds” and “90 seconds”. The special symbol lottery was lost (lost) and the reach effect was executed in the notification effect. It is a table used when notifying that it has lost later. The probability of using the reach variation time table with reach is 20/300, and among these 1/300, the probability of “30 seconds”, “60 seconds”, and “90 seconds” are the special symbol change times. As determined. The reach-less variation time table consists of special symbol variation times of “12 seconds”, “10 seconds”, “8 seconds”, and “4 seconds”, and is lost (lost) in the special symbol lottery. It is a table used when notifying that it has lost without executing the reach effect. The probability that the fluctuation time table for non-reach loss will be used is 279/300, and if the total number of holdings of the first and second special symbol lotteries is 0 or 1, “12 seconds” is determined as the special symbol fluctuation time. If this total is 2, “10 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. If this total is 3, “8 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. If this total is 4 or more, “4 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. As described above, the big hit fluctuation time table and the reach-losing fluctuation time table are used when the reach effect is executed in the notification effect, and thus are composed of a relatively long special symbol change time. On the other hand, since the reach-less variation time table is used when the reach effect is not executed in the notification effect, it consists of a relatively short special symbol change time. Become. Next, as shown in FIG. 8 (2), TS2 is a table set used in the probability variation gaming state. For TS1 described above, the variation time table for reachless loss is “12 seconds”, “ It consists of special symbol variation times of “5 seconds”, “4 seconds” and “3 seconds”, and when the total number of holdings of the first and second special symbol lottery is 2, “5 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time When the total is 3, “4 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time, and when the total is 4 or more, “3 seconds” is determined as the special symbol variation time. TS2 has a probability of using the big hit variation time table of 10/300 with respect to TS1 described above, and the probability of using the reachable loss variation time table is 11/300. As described above, the TS2 used in the probability-changing gaming state is a table set in which it is easier to determine a short special symbol variation time than the TS1 used in the normal gaming state.

  In step S408, when the CPU 101 determines that it is a big hit in the big hit determination process in step S407, the CPU 101 uses the big hit variation time table included in the variable time table set (TS1 or TS2) set as a use target. Based on whether the fluctuation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the big hit random number used in the big hit determination process matches a predetermined value stored in the ROM 102 (a predetermined value for determining a fluctuation pattern when the big hit occurs). The variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that a loss has occurred in the jackpot determination process in step S407, the reach random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used in the jackpot determination process is a predetermined value stored in the ROM 102 (reach at the time of a loss) Whether or not the reach effect is to be executed is determined based on whether or not the predetermined value for execution determination is the same. When the CPU 101 determines to execute the reach effect, the current jackpot determination process uses the reachable loss variation time table included in the variation time table set (TS1 or TS2) set as the use target. Based on whether the variation pattern random number read from the RAM 103 together with the jackpot random number used matches a predetermined value stored in the ROM 102 (a predetermined value for determining a variation pattern when a reach effect is executed at the time of a loss). The variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the reach effect is not executed, the CPU 101 stores it in the RAM 103 using the non-reach loss variation time table included in the change time table set (TS1 or TS2) set as the use target. A variation pattern (special symbol variation time) is determined based on the number of holdings U1 and U2.

  Information on the variation pattern determined as described above and information indicating whether or not to execute reach production are set in the RAM 103 as setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  In step S409, the CPU 101 generates a notification effect start command including the setting information set by the jackpot determination process in step S407 and the setting information set by the variation pattern selection process in step S408, and sets the notification effect start command in the RAM 103. Here, the notification effect start command is a command for instructing the effect control unit 400 to start the notification effect by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, and the like. The setting information included in the notification effect start command includes information indicating which of the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery has been executed. Further, the CPU 101 sets a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state (for example, a probable variation gaming state) in the RAM 103. The notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command described above are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S410.

  In step S410, the CPU 101 changes the special symbol by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b based on the setting information included in the notification effect start command set in the process of step S409. Start displaying. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S411.

  In step S411, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the variation pattern selection processing in step S408 has elapsed since the start of the special symbol variation display in step S410. If the determination in step S411 is YES, the process proceeds to step S412. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 412, the CPU 101 sets a notification effect stop command instructing the end of the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S413. Note that the notification effect stop command set in step S412 is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 of FIG.

  In step S413, the CPU 101 ends the special symbol variation display by the first special symbol display 4a or the second special symbol display 4b started in the process of step S410, and displays the stopped symbol. At this time, the CPU 101 sets a symbol determination command in the RAM 103. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S414.

  In step S414, the CPU 101 executes a stop process. Specifically, when the CPU 101 determines that the big hit is determined in step S407, the information stored in the RAM 103 (typically information based on a flag) is in the big hit game (the big hit game state). And an opening command for instructing the start of the big hit game effect is set in the RAM 103. Note that the process in step S414 is terminated when a predetermined fixed time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses, and then the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. For this reason, the timing at which the special symbol processing shown in FIG. 7 is executed again by the next timer interrupt processing has passed a fixed time (0.5 seconds) after the special symbol variation display is completed in the processing of step S413. Timing (strictly speaking, an interrupt timing that arrives only after a fixed time has elapsed). Note that the opening command described above is output in step S9 of FIG. 8 when a predetermined fixed time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the processing of step S414 was started (after the processing of step S413 was completed). The process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400, and the big hit game effect is started.

  In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command indicating the current gaming state have already been transmitted in the process of step 416 (described later). Here, the customer waiting command is the time when the specified fixed time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed since the processing in step S414 was started (in other words, the special symbol variation display was terminated in the processing in step S413). This is a command that is sent when there is no special symbol lottery hold at the time 0.5 seconds have passed since the notification effect that informs the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not executed (so-called customer waiting state) ) Is a command to notify that If the determination in step S415 is yes, the process proceeds to step S5 (normal symbol process) in FIG. 5, and if this determination is no, the process proceeds to step S416.

  In step S <b> 416, the CPU 101 sets a customer waiting command and a gaming state notification command in the RAM 103. The customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command are transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and a predetermined stop effect (for example, an effect of displaying a decorative symbol stop display) is started based on the customer waiting command. The When a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) elapses after the stop effect described above is started, the customer waiting effect is started. Here, the customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect in which a video related to the content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 is displayed on the image display unit 6, for example, a predetermined effect ( For example, the image display unit 6 displays a part of the reach effect). Thereafter, the processing moves to step S5 (normal symbol processing) in FIG.

[Large winning prize processing]
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the special prize opening process in step S6 of FIG. Hereinafter, the special winning opening process in step S6 of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG.

  First, in step S601, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit game based on information stored in the RAM 103 (typically, information based on a flag). judge. If the determination in step S601 is YES, the process proceeds to step S602. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 602, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the state of the gaming machine 1 is a jackpot game opening effect. If the determination in step S602 is YES, the process proceeds to step S603, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S609.

  In step S <b> 603, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a set opening time that defines the execution time of the opening effect has elapsed. If the determination in step S603 is YES, the process proceeds to step S604. If the determination is NO, the opening effect has not ended, and the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 sets the total number of rounds Rmax for the jackpot game and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 for the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. Specifically, the CPU 101 sets the number of rounds included in the jackpot game (Rmax: “16” in this embodiment) and the operation pattern of the jackpot 23 during the jackpot game, and sets the setting information in the RAM 103. To do. By the process of step S604, the total number of rounds Rmax of the jackpot game, the interval time between rounds in the jackpot game, the set ending time that is the time for performing the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game, and the like are set. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S605.

  In step S <b> 605, the CPU 101 resets the winning number C of game balls to the big winning opening 23 stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S606.

  In step S <b> 606, the CPU 101 updates the round number R of the big hit game stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S607.

  In step S <b> 607, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to start the opening control of the special winning opening 23. By this processing, a big hit game round (round game) is started and the opening operation (one opening operation) of the big winning opening 23 is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S608.

  In step S <b> 608, the CPU 101 sets a round start notification command for notifying a round start (round game start) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the round effect is started. The round start notification command includes information indicating the total number of rounds Rmax set in step S604 and information indicating the current number of rounds R updated by the process in step S606. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

  In step S609, the CPU 101 determines based on the information stored in the RAM 103 whether or not the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game interval. If the determination in step S609 is yes, the process proceeds to step S610. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S611.

  In step S610, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set interval time during the jackpot game set in the process of step S604 has elapsed from the time when the big prize opening 23 is closed at the end of the previous round during the jackpot game. To do. If the determination in step S610 is YES, it is time to start the next round in the jackpot game, so the process moves to step S605. If this determination is NO, the next round in the jackpot game is started. Since the timing is not reached, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S <b> 611, the CPU 101 determines whether the state of the gaming machine 1 is executing the jackpot game ending effect based on the information stored in the RAM 103. If the determination in step S611 is YES, the process proceeds to step S621 in FIG. 14, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S612.

  In step S612, the CPU 101 determines that the state of the gaming machine 1 is in the big hit game round, and based on the presence / absence of a detection signal from the big prize opening switch 114, whether the big prize opening switch 114 is turned on. Determine whether or not. If the determination in step S612 is YES, the process moves to step S613. If the determination is NO, the process moves to step S614.

  In step S <b> 613, the CPU 101 determines that a winning of game balls to the big winning opening 23 has been detected, and updates the winning number C of game balls stored in the RAM 103 to a value obtained by adding one. By executing the process of step S613 every time the big prize opening switch 114 is turned ON, the total number of game balls (winning number C) won in the big prize opening 23 during one round is accumulated and stored in the RAM 103. Go. In addition, the CPU 101 sets a winning command for notifying the effect control unit 400 that a game ball has won the big winning opening 23 in the RAM 103. This winning command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process in step S9 in FIG. 5, and the winning process in step S125 in FIG. 13 is executed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S614.

  In step S614, the CPU 101 determines whether or not a specified opening control time (29.5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the opening control of the special winning opening 23 was started in the process of step S607. If the determination in step S614 is yes, the process moves to step S616. If the determination is no, the process moves to step S615.

  In step S615, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the number C of winning game balls in the current round has reached an upper limit number of gaming balls Cmax (“10” in the present embodiment) that defines the timing at which the big winning opening 23 is closed. Determine. If the determination in step S615 is YES, the process proceeds to step S616, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S616, the CPU 101 controls the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to end the opening control of the special winning opening 23 started in step S607. In this way, the CPU 101 counts the total number of game balls (winning number C) detected by the big prize opening switch 114 until 29.5 seconds elapse after the big prize opening 23 is opened in each round during the big hit game. ) Has reached 10 (Cmax), or 29.5 seconds have passed without winning 10 game balls since opening the grand prize opening 23, and the big prize opening 23 is closed. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S617.

  In step S617, the CPU 101 sets a round end notification command for notifying the end of round (round game end) in the RAM 103. This round start notification command is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, and the round effect is ended. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S618.

  In step S618, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current round number R stored in the RAM 103 has reached the maximum round number Rmax of the big hit game set in the process of step S604. If the determination in step S618 is YES, the process proceeds to step S619 in FIG. 14, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S619 in FIG. 10, the CPU 101 resets the round number R stored in the RAM 103 to “0”. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S620.

  In step S620, the CPU 101 sets, in the RAM 103, an ending command that instructs the effect control unit 400 to execute the ending effect of the big hit game. The ending command set in this process is transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in step S9 (output process) in FIG. As the ending command, a command corresponding to the jackpot symbol and the gaming state controlled after the end of the jackpot game is transmitted, and the effect control unit 400, based on this ending command, after the end of the ending effect (the end of the jackpot game effect) Control the production of (after). Specifically, when the ending command corresponding to the jackpot symbol indicating the probability variation jackpot is transmitted, the effect control unit 400 executes the mode effect indicating the probability variation gaming state after the jackpot game effect based on the ending command. To do. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S621.

  In step S621, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the set ending time set in the process of step S604 in FIG. 9 has elapsed since the ending command was set in the RAM 103 in step S620. If the determination in step S621 is YES, the process proceeds to step S622. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

  In step S622, the CPU 101 ends the jackpot game being executed. Specifically, the CPU 101 cancels the setting information (typically, information based on a flag) indicating that a big hit game stored in the RAM 103 is in progress, and ends the big hit game. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S623.

  In step S623, the CPU 101 executes a game state setting process. Specifically, when the jackpot game is ended in step S622, the CPU 101 switches the gaming state according to the type of jackpot (hit symbol) of this time (that is, the winning probability setting of the special symbol lottery and the electric tulip 27). Switch open settings). More specifically, when the current big hit is a normal big hit, control is performed in the normal gaming state, and when the current big hit is a probable big hit, control is performed in the positive variation gaming state. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S7 (electric tulip process) in FIG.

[Production control processing by production control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing performed by the effect control unit 400. Below, with reference to FIG. 11, the timer interruption process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 is demonstrated. The effect control unit 400 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 11 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off. In addition, the process performed in the production | presentation control part 400 demonstrated based on the flowchart after FIG. 11 is performed based on the program memorize | stored in ROM402.

  First, in step S11, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 receives various commands output from the main control unit 100 by the output process of step S9 in FIG. 5, sets the effect contents according to the received command, A command reception process for setting various commands in the RAM 403 for instructing the image sound control unit 500 or the like to execute the effect of the set effect content is executed. This command reception process will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS.

  Next, in step S12, the CPU 401 executes an output process for outputting various commands set in the RAM 403 in the process of step S11 to the image sound control unit 500 or the like. By this process, various effects determined to be executed in the process of step S11 are executed by the image display unit 6, the speaker 35, the panel lamp 8, and the like by the execution control of the image sound control unit 500 and the like.

  Note that each time the timer interrupt process described above is executed, the CPU 401 performs a random number update process for updating various effect random numbers used for the lottery for determining the effect. In this random number update process, similarly to the random number update process in step S1 in FIG. 5, a loop counter is typically used, and the count value (updated random number value) is set to the maximum value (for example, 99). After reaching, it returns to 0 again (that is, it circulates). Also, in this random number update process, each effect random number counter updates the initial value (the value that is the starting point of circulation) at random once it circulates. As a result, the counter value (count value) can be prevented from synchronizing between these effect random numbers.

[Command reception processing]
12 and 13 are examples of detailed flowcharts of the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. Hereinafter, the command reception process in step S11 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG.

  First, in step S111, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether a hold increase command (first hold number increase command or second hold number increase command) is received from the main control unit 100 (FIG. 6). (See steps S206 and S212). If the determination in step S111 is YES, the process proceeds to step S112. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S112, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 in response to the hold increase command received in the process of step S111, and displays a hold image additional display process indicating the hold of the special symbol lottery on the image display unit 6. Then, the hold image display process for changing the hold image to the prefetch display mode is performed. The displayed on-hold image is digested in turn when the notification effect is started in the process of step S115 described later. Also, the instruction to the image sound control unit 500 is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. In addition, when the CPU 401 receives the first hold number increase command, the RAM 403 causes the RAM 403 to store one piece of data (hold data) indicating the hold of the first special symbol lottery in time series, while the second hold number When the increase command is received, the RAM 403 stores one piece of data (holding data) indicating the holding of the second special symbol lottery in time series order. At that time, the CPU 401 extracts pre-determination information included in the hold increase command, includes it in the above-described hold data, and stores it in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S113.

  In step S113, the CPU 401 performs a prefetch notice effect setting process. Specifically, the CPU 401 stores the special symbol lottery hold number (the number of hold data) stored in the RAM 403 more than 2 including the hold added in step S112, and stores it in the RAM 403 most recently. Whether or not to execute the pre-reading notice effect is determined by lottery or the like based on the prior determination information (that is, included in the latest pending data). For example, the CPU 401 determines that the prior determination information indicates “big hit”, “losing” and “reach effect” (reach effect), or “losing” and “reach effect”. In each of the cases indicating “None” (no reach reach), a prefetch random number is acquired, and when the prefetch random number matches a predetermined prefetch winning value, it is determined to perform the prefetch notice effect. It should be noted that different numbers may be set for the pre-reading winning values depending on whether the pre-determination information is “big hit”, “losing with reach”, or “losing without reach”. Specifically, by setting the number of prefetch winning values in the case of “big hit” larger than the number of prefetching winning values in the case of “losing with reach”, a prefetching notice effect is easily performed in the case of “big hit”. It may be a thing. If it is determined to execute the pre-reading notice effect, the CPU 401 performs a pre-reading notice to be executed by lottery or the like from a number of pre-reading notice effect patterns that satisfy the conditions of the prior determination information (such as the condition of whether or not a big hit) Set the contents of the production. That is, as the pre-reading notice effect, what kind of notice effect is performed in each notification effect is set. Note that the pre-reading notice effect is a notice effect that suggests the possibility of a big hit over a plurality of notification effects, for example. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S114.

  In step S114, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect start command and the gaming state notification command set in step S409 of FIG. 7 have been received. If the determination in step S114 is YES, the process proceeds to step S115, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S115, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like according to the notification effect start command received in the process of step S114, and performs notification effect execution processing for starting the notification effect by the image display unit 6 or the like. Do. Here, the notification effect (variation effect) is an effect that is executed in the image display unit 6 or the like in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol and suggests the result of the special symbol lottery, for example, a decorative symbol (for example, the number 1) (9 to 9 effect symbols) are variably displayed, and the variably displayed decorative symbols are stopped and displayed to notify the result of the special symbol lottery. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. This notification effect execution process will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the notification effect stop command set in the process of step S412 in FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S116 is YES, the process proceeds to step S117, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S117, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the notification effect started to be executed in the process of step S115, and finally stops all the decorative symbols that have been variably displayed (confirmed). Stop the display) and inform the effect of the special symbol lottery. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120 in FIG.

  In step S120 in FIG. 13, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the opening command set in the stopping process in step S414 in FIG. 7 has been received. If the determination in step S120 is yes, the process proceeds to step S121. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S121, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the opening effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the big hit game effect is started. Here, the opening effect of the jackpot game effect is an effect of informing the start of the jackpot game, and is typically an image effect that prompts the player to fire a game ball toward the big prize opening 23. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S122.

  In step S122, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round start notification command set in the process of step S608 in FIG. 9 has been received. If the determination in step S122 is YES, the process proceeds to step S123, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S123, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start a round effect of the big hit game effect. Here, the round effect is an effect executed during a round game of the big hit game, for example, an effect by an image or the like in which the main character is fighting an enemy character. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S124.

  In step S124, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a winning command set in the process of step S613 in FIG. 9 or the like and output in the output process of step S9 in FIG. 8 has been received. If the determination in step S124 is YES, the process proceeds to step S125, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S125, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 to start a winning process. Here, the winning process is, for example, a process of counting the number of winning balls paid out based on the game balls won in the big winning opening 23 that is opened during the big hit game (during the round). The CPU 501 of the instructed image sound control unit 500 receives a winning command based on a game ball winning to the big winning port 23 among the winning commands received via the effect control unit 400 (that is, the big winning port) 23 each time one game ball is won), the number of prize balls “13” corresponding to the big prize opening 23 is added to the total number of prize balls stored in the RAM 503 and updated, and the updated number of prize balls is displayed as an image. It is displayed on the display unit 6. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S126.

  In step S126, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the round end notification command set in the process of step S617 in FIG. 9 has been received. If the determination in step S126 is YES, the process proceeds to step S127, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S127, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to end the round effect of the big hit game effect. Note that an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S128.

  In step S128, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the ending command set in the process of step S620 in FIG. 10 has been received. If the determination in step S128 is YES, the process proceeds to step S129, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S129, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to start the ending effect of the big hit game effect. That is, the jackpot game effect is ended. Here, the ending effect is an effect of notifying the end of the big hit game, and is typically an effect of displaying the manufacturer name of the gaming machine 1. The instruction to the image sound control unit 500 or the like is performed by setting a command in the RAM 403. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S130.

  In step S130, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command set in the process of step S416 in FIG. 7 have been received. If the determination in step S130 is YES, the process proceeds to step S131. If this determination is NO, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

  In step S131, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 based on the customer waiting command and the gaming state notification command received in step S130 to start the stop state process. Here, the stop state process is a process that is started when a so-called customer waiting state is entered, and the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 instructed to start the stop state process has a predetermined value corresponding to the game state. A stop effect (for example, an effect in which a decorative symbol is stopped and displayed) is displayed on the image display unit 6. When the CPU 501 does not receive an instruction for another effect from the CPU 401 when a predetermined time (for example, 90 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stop effect described above, the CPU 501 starts the customer waiting effect. The customer waiting effect is, for example, an effect of displaying video related to content (animation, story, etc.) that is the subject of the gaming machine 1 on the image display unit 6, or a predetermined effect (for example, executed during the game) This is an effect of displaying a part of the reach effect) on the image display unit 6. Then, the command reception process is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

[Notification effect execution processing]
FIG. 14 is a detailed flowchart showing an example of the notification effect execution process in step S115 of FIG. Below, with reference to FIG. 14, the notification effect execution process which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated.

  First, in step S701, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 analyzes the notification effect start command received in step S114 of FIG. 12, and acquires setting information included in the notification effect start command. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S702.

  In step S702, the CPU 401 uses an effect random number from a number of effect patterns that satisfy the conditions of the setting information analyzed in step S701 (whether it is a big hit, whether to execute reach, a special symbol variation time, etc.). The effect pattern of the notification effect to be executed is determined by lottery. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S703.

  In step S703, the CPU 401 executes an input effect setting process described with reference to FIG.

[Input effect setting processing]
FIG. 15 is an example of a detailed flowchart showing the input effect setting process in step S703 of FIG. The input effect setting process will be described below with reference to FIG.

  In step S800, if the execution time of the current notification effect determined in step S702 of FIG. 14 is 10 seconds or longer by lottery using the effect random number, the CPU 401 executes the button effect in the current notification effect. Decide whether or not. Here, the button effect is, for example, causing the image display unit 6 to display an image (typically, a button-shaped image) that prompts the player to press the effect button 37 during the notification effect. In this display period (that is, during the button operable period), there is a possibility of a big hit at the timing when the presentation button 37 is pressed (or the end timing of the button operable period when there is no pressing operation) ( This is an effect of executing an effect (for example, a cut-in image display) suggesting a big hit reliability. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S801.

  In step S801, the CPU 401 executes a manual input effect in the current notification effect when the execution time of the current notification effect determined in step S702 of FIG. 14 is 10 seconds or more by lottery using the effect random number. Determine whether or not. Here, the manual input effect will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19, but the surface of the transparent plate disposed in front of the game area 20 for the player during the execution of the notification effect. A hand input suggestion image (a character image “Hold your hand!”) Prompting an input operation (hand input operation) to be held over is displayed on the image display unit 6 and during this display period (that is, during a manual input period) At the timing of manual input operation (or the end timing of the manual input possible period when there is no manual input operation), an effect (eg, cut-in image display) suggesting the possibility of jackpot (hit reliability) It is an effect to perform. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S704 in FIG.

  In step S704 of FIG. 14, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to execute the notification effect of the effect pattern determined in step S702. Here, if the CPU 401 is set to execute the pre-reading notice effect in the current notification effect by the processing in step S113 of FIG. 12, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to notify the present notification effect. The pre-reading notice effect is executed at. In addition, when the button effect and / or the manual input effect is set to be executed by the process of step S703, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 or the like to perform the button effect and the current effect effect. / Or causing a manual input effect to be executed. Thereafter, the notification effect execution process ends, and the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG. The manual input effect process performed by the image sound control unit 500 will be described below.

[Manual input effect processing by image sound control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a manual input effect process performed by the image sound control unit 500. Hereinafter, the manual input effect process performed in the image sound control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. The image sound control unit 500 repeatedly executes a series of processes shown in FIG. 16 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off.

  First, in step S300, the CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 determines whether or not it is the start timing of a manually input enabled period in the manual input effect. In the present embodiment, the manual input possible period is 6 seconds. If the determination in step S300 is yes, the process proceeds to step S301. If the determination is no, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S <b> 301, the CPU 501 causes the image display unit 6 to start displaying a manually input suggestion image (“Hold your hand!” In FIG. 19). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the CPU 501 determines whether or not it is during the manual input possible period in the manual input effect. If the determination in step S302 is YES, the process proceeds to step S303. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S304.

  In step S303, the CPU 501 determines whether or not there has been an operation (manual input) for placing a hand or the like over the transparent plate surface described later with reference to FIG. If the determination in step S303 is YES, the process proceeds to step S305, and if this determination is NO, the process returns to step S300.

  In step S <b> 304, the CPU 501 determines whether it is the end timing of the manual input possible period in the manual input effect. If the determination in step S304 is YES, the process moves to step S305, and if this determination is NO, the process returns to step S300.

  In step S305, the CPU 501 ends the display of the manual input suggestion image started in the process of step S301. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S306.

  In step S306, the CPU 501 displays an image (cut-in image or the like) indicating the big hit reliability in the notification effect, and suggests the big hit reliability. Thereafter, the process returns to step S300.

  The manual input effect is executed by the manual input effect process described above, and the big hit reliability is suggested (notice) in the notification effect.

[Abnormality notification processing by production control unit]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the abnormality notification process performed by the effect control unit 400. Hereinafter, the abnormality notification process will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S350, the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not manual input is detected continuously for the first time (9 seconds) by the infrared sensors 50a to 50c. If the determination in step S350 is YES, the process proceeds to step S351, and if this determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S353.

  In step S351, the CPU 401 determines that an abnormality has occurred. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S352.

  In step S352, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to temporarily notify (preliminary notification) that an abnormality has occurred. This provisional notification is smaller than the main notification in step S354, which will be described later. For example, by flashing the frame lamp 36 (see FIG. 1) in a predetermined manner, the temporary notification of the pachinko parlor where the gaming machine 1 is installed is provided. It is executed in a notification mode in which the occurrence of abnormality is known only to the store clerk. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S353.

  In step S353, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the infrared sensor 50a to 50c continuously detects the manual input for the second time (5 seconds) after detecting the manual input for the first time. If the determination in step S353 is yes, the process proceeds to step S354. If the determination is no, the process returns to step S350.

  In step S354, the CPU 401 instructs the image sound control unit 500 and the like to notify the occurrence of abnormality. This notification is executed in a notification mode in which an abnormality is found around the gaming machine 1 by, for example, outputting a warning sound to the speaker 35 (see FIG. 1). Thereafter, the process returns to step S350.

[Characteristic operation according to this embodiment]
Next, the characteristic operation according to the present embodiment described above with reference to the flowchart will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 18 is a time chart regarding the manual input effect described with reference to FIG. 16 and the abnormality notification described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a diagram for describing a state in which manual input is detected by the infrared sensors 50a to 50c (state of manual input operation).

  First, the manual input effect will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, a case is considered where the notification effect of this time in which the execution time is 10 seconds or more and the manual input effect is executed is disclosed at time t1. In this case, at t2 after elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) from t1, display of the manual input suggestion image 61 (“hold your hand!”) On the image display unit 6 is started as shown in FIG. A 6 second manual input period is started. Thereafter, for example, at t3 during display of the manual input suggestion image 61 (that is, during the manual input possible period), as shown in FIG. 19, the surface of the transparent plate (for example, from 0 mm to 20 mm on the surface) When the infrared sensors 50a to 50c detect that the player holds his / her hand or the like over (region) (that is, manual input operation), as shown in FIG. Display of the manual input suggestion image 61 is terminated. Here, in FIG. 19, the decorative symbols are variably displayed in the notification effect by three downward arrows, and the detectable areas of the infrared sensors 50 a to 50 c are indicated by dotted lines. As shown in FIG. 18, when a manual input operation is not detected until the end of the manual input period, an effect suggesting the big hit reliability is executed at the end timing t4 of the manual input period. The display of the input suggestion image 61 is terminated.

  Next, abnormality notification will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, when the manual input is detected continuously for the first time (9 seconds) which is longer than the manual input possible period (6 seconds), the infrared sensors 50a to 50c may be broken. Or, it is considered that there is a possibility that the player may perform an illegal act (for example, an illegal act of operating a game nail or a game ball in the game area 20 by inserting a wire or the like into the outer peripheral portion of the transparent plate). Then, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the abnormality occurrence is provisionally notified. This temporary notification is smaller than the main notification described later. For example, by flashing the frame lamp 36 (see FIG. 1) in a predetermined manner, only the clerk of the pachinko parlor where the gaming machine 1 is installed is used. It is executed in a notification mode in which the occurrence of abnormality is known. In the example of FIG. 18, manual input is detected continuously for a first time from t3, and provisional notification is executed at t6. After that, if manual input is further detected for a second time (5 seconds), it is considered that there is a high possibility of failure of the infrared sensors 50a to 50c, etc., or that a player is highly likely to perform an illegal act. To notify the occurrence of abnormality. This notification is executed in a notification mode in which an abnormality is found around the gaming machine 1 by, for example, outputting a warning sound to the speaker 35 (see FIG. 1). In the example of FIG. 18, manual input is further detected for a second time from t6, and this notification is executed at t7. The provisional notification described above is executed during a period from t6 to t7 (that is, the second time), and the main notification described above is started from t7 and executed at the same time as the provisional notification.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the manual input for a predetermined first time longer than the manual input enabling period of the manual input effect is continuously detected, this is not the main notification of the occurrence of an abnormality. A temporary notification (preliminary notification) is made on a small scale (only known to the store clerk), and then this notification is performed for the first time when manual input for a predetermined second time is further detected. In this way, by performing provisional notification (preliminary notification) that can be understood only by the store clerk, the store clerk can confirm the site when the player has been cheating.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration example in which provisional notification that can be understood only by the store clerk is executed. However, the provisional notification is not limited to this, and may be known to a store clerk and a player, for example. For example, temporary notification for displaying the character image “Please return your hand” on the image display unit 6 may be performed. As a result, since the bona fide player returns his hand, this notification is not executed, and a warning can be given to the malicious player who was trying to perform an illegal act before this notification.

  Moreover, in this embodiment mentioned above, the provisional alerting | reporting was performed for 2nd time, and the example of a structure which performs this alerting | reporting for the same time as temporary alerting | reporting was given. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the provisional notification may be configured to end at a timing before the end of the second time at which the main notification may be executed. In addition, the effectiveness of the notification may be increased by performing the notification for a longer period than the provisional notification. Furthermore, this notification is continuously executed at least until the control portion (production control unit 400) of the notification is turned off (or until a reset operation is performed), and a normal game is executed until the store clerk operates. It may not be possible.

  Moreover, in this embodiment mentioned above, it is good also as a structure by which this alerting | reporting is performed after a temporary notification is performed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. For example, using the RCT 404 of the production control unit 400, the temporary notification is executed four times within one day (that is, from 0:00 to 24:00), and the second time manual input is continued from the end of the fourth temporary notification. It is good also as a structure which performs this alert | report for the first time when it detects. In addition, for example, the provisional notification is executed four times during the period from the time when the gaming machine 1 is turned on until the gaming machine 1 is turned off (typically, the one-day business period of the pachinko parlor), and the fourth provisional notification ends. When the second time manual input is further detected from the time point, the notification may be executed for the first time. In addition, for example, the RCT 404 of the effect control unit 400 may be used to execute the main notification at the time when the fifth temporary notification is completed and the fifth temporary notification is completed within one day. In addition, for example, the provisional notification may be executed five times in a period from when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on until the gaming machine 1 is shut off, and this notification is executed when the fifth provisional notification ends. As described above, the provisional notification is executed a plurality of times before the main notification is executed, so that the main notification (strong abnormality notification) is prevented from being frequently executed, and the temporary notification is counted as described above. The notice is suddenly executed for a bona fide player by setting a period of time (typically, the provisional notice is executed four times on the previous day and once for a bona fide player on the day. This notification can be effectively avoided after the provisional notification is executed.

  Moreover, in this embodiment mentioned above, after execution of this notification (refer FIG. 18) is complete | finished, by stopping a part or all of control operation of the production | presentation control part 400 etc. which control production comprehensively, a part of production | presentation Alternatively, the entire execution may be stopped. Furthermore, instead of executing the main notification described with reference to FIG. 18, a part or all of the effect can be obtained by stopping part or all of the control operation of the effect control unit 400 or the like that comprehensively controls the effect. The occurrence of abnormality may be notified in advance by stopping execution.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration example is described in which a hand input operation is detected when a hand or the like is detected even for a moment. However, the detection of the manual input operation is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured such that the continuous detection for a predetermined time (for example, 2.0 seconds) or more is the detection of the manual input operation, or a predetermined number of intermittent operations. It is good also as a structure which makes detection (for example, 5 intermittent detections within 3 seconds) detection of manual input operation.

  Moreover, in this embodiment mentioned above, the structural example which detects the manual input operation in the transparent plate surface arrange | positioned in front of the game area | region 20 was given. However, the region for detecting the manual input operation is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the region above or around the effect button 37, or the hand is held over the movable accessory 7 on the surface of the transparent plate. It may be a region.

  Moreover, in this embodiment mentioned above, the example of a structure which detects operation which simply puts a hand on the transparent plate surface arrange | positioned in front of the game area | region 20 as manual input operation was given. However, the manual input operation is not limited to this, and a specific movement may be detected as a manual input operation. For example, an operation of stroking the surface of the light board from the top to the bottom as a manual input operation. It may be detected.

  Moreover, in this embodiment mentioned above, you may perform this alert | report several times in steps. For example, when a relatively small first book notification is executed at t7 in FIG. 18 and further a manual input is detected for a predetermined third time (for example, 5 seconds), a relatively large second book is detected. Notification may be executed. Furthermore, temporary notification may be executed a plurality of times stepwise.

  In the above-described embodiment, it goes without saying that an infrared sensor may be used instead of an infrared sensor as a sensor for detecting a manual input operation.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention has been described by taking a pachinko gaming machine as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to a pachinko gaming machine, and may be applied to, for example, a slot machine (cylinder type gaming machine, pachislot machine) within an applicable range. In this case, game information (random number; determination information) for determining a win is acquired by turning on the lever with a medal inserted in the slot machine (that is, the game information is acquired). The condition to be fulfilled). Further, in this case, the “notification effect” in the present embodiment described above corresponds to an effect from when the reel is changed by the turning-on operation of the lever in the slot machine until it stops.

  Further, it goes without saying that various features described in the above-described embodiment (and modifications thereof) may be combined so as to achieve the intended effect.

  Further, the shape, number, installation position, and the like of each component provided in the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to other shapes, numbers, and installation positions. It goes without saying that the present invention can be realized without departing from the above. Further, it goes without saying that the numerical values and the like used in the above-described processing are merely examples, and the present invention can be realized even with other numerical values.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail using embodiment, the above-mentioned description is only the illustration of this invention in all the points, and does not intend to limit the range. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, it is to be understood that the terms used in the present specification are used in the meaning normally used in the art unless otherwise specified. Thus, unless defined otherwise, all technical and technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 4 ... Display 5 ... Frame member 6 ... Image display part 7 ... Movable accessory 8 ... Board lamp 20 ... Game area 21 ... 1st start opening 22 ... 2nd start opening 23 ... Grand prize Mouth 24 ... Normal winning port 25 ... Gate 26 ... Discharge port 27 ... Electric tulip 31 ... Handle 32 ... Lever 33 ... Stop button 34 ... Eject button 35 ... Speaker 36 ... Frame lamp 37 ... Production button 38 ... Production key 39 ... Dish 43 ... lock part 50a-50c ... infrared sensor 60 ... hand 61 ... hand input suggestion image 100 ... main control part 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111a ... 1st start port switch 111b ... 2nd start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control part 211 ... Launching device 300 ... payout control unit 311 ... payout drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500 ... Image sound control unit 600 ... Lamp control unit

Claims (2)

Object detection means for detecting an operation by a player by detecting an object located in a predetermined area;
Production control means for performing the production by the production means,
The production control means includes
Response effect control means for executing a response effect in response to an operation by the player in response to the detection of the object in a predetermined detection mode by the object detection means during an operable period in which an operation by the player can be accepted When,
First monitoring means for monitoring that the object is detected by the object detection means in a predetermined detection mode for a first time longer than the operable period;
An abnormality determining means for determining that an abnormality has occurred in response to determining that the object has been detected in the predetermined detection mode by the monitoring means;
After the abnormality determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred, the object detection means monitors whether the object already detected by the object detecting means is further detected by the object detecting means for a second time in a predetermined detection mode. 2 monitoring means;
A gaming machine, comprising: an abnormality notification control means for notifying that an abnormality has occurred in response to a determination that the second monitoring means has further detected the object in a predetermined detection mode for the second time.   Prior abnormality notification by the abnormality notification control means when the abnormality determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred, a prior abnormality notification control means for notifying abnormality in a manner different from the abnormality notification is provided. The gaming machine according to claim 1.

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