JP2023123941A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To display information appropriately.SOLUTION: A game machine of the present invention includes a collective light emitter composed of a plurality of light emitters, and a lighting control unit that controls lighting of the collective light emitter. The lighting control unit executes a data setting process to set data indicating the lighting mode of the collective light emitter, and executes a data output process to output data set in the data setting process. The execution timing of the data setting process and the data output process may be overlapped. While the data setting process is executed, the execution of the data output process is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

In the game machine, various effects are executed according to the progress of the game. For example, the result of a game may be notified by a numerical value lit up through a 7-segment display device. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-200000 discloses a technique for using the dots of a 7-segment display as a decimal point.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-029968

A player can grasp information based on the progress of the game, such as the state of progress of the game and the result of the game, through various effects on the display device. However, if such information is not properly displayed, the player may feel uncomfortable.

An object of the present invention is to appropriately display information in view of such problems.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a collective light emitter composed of a plurality of light emitters, and a lighting control section for controlling lighting of the collective light emitter, wherein the lighting control section executing a data setting process for setting data indicating the lighting mode of the collective light emitting body, executing a data output process for outputting the data set by the data setting process, and performing the data setting process and the data output process; may overlap in execution timing, and the execution of the data output process is restricted while the data setting process is being executed.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to display information appropriately.

1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a smart pachislot; FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a smart pachislot machine and a dedicated unit; FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a smart pachislot machine and a dedicated unit; FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the display unit with the housing removed; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the display unit with the housing attached; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the count switch in a state where the button portion is not pressed; It is a perspective view which shows the accommodating part which accommodates a button part. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the counting switch in a state where the center of the pressing surface portion of the button portion is pressed; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the counting switch in a state where the back side end of the pressing surface portion of the button portion is pressed; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a counting switch according to a comparative example; 1 is a perspective view of a gaming machine showing a state in which a door according to a first reference example is opened; FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to a kind of reference example; FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a game machine according to a kind of reference example; FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the control mode of the main effect display section, the effect accessory device, the effect lighting device, the audio output device, and the effect operation device in the sub control board; 4 is a configuration diagram for explaining lighting control by a lighting control means; FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of data setting processing and data output processing; FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of data setting processing and data output processing; 4 is a flowchart showing lighting control processing of a lighting control means; It is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism in the first state. It is a partial enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism in the second state. It is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism in the third state. FIG. 10 is an external view for explaining another mechanical configuration of the smart pachislot;

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these examples are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are given the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements that are not directly related to the present invention are omitted from the drawings. do.

(First Embodiment: Smart Pachislot 100)
The smart pachi-slot 100 can progress the game without the intervention of real medals while maintaining the playability of the slot machine. In the smart pachislot 100, instead of real medals, electronic medals are used as electronic game values for games.

(Mechanical Configuration of Smart Pachislot 100)
As shown in the external view of FIG. 1, a smart pachislot 100 as a gaming machine includes a housing 102, a front upper door 104 and a front lower door rotatably arranged vertically at one end of the front surface of the housing 102. 106 are provided. A colorless and transparent design display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided at substantially the center of the lower portion of the upper front door 104 . Three reels 110 (a left reel 110a, a middle reel 110b, and a right reel 110c) are independently rotatable at positions corresponding to the symbol display windows 108 in the housing 102 . A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each area divided into, for example, 20 areas on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c. Through the symbol display window 108, the player can visually recognize a total of nine symbols, which are three consecutive symbols of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c located in the upper, middle and lower stages.

An operation unit installation table 111 is formed on the upper part of the lower front door 106, and the operation unit installation table 111 includes a counting switch 112, a game medal number display device 114, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a stop switch 120, and an adjustment switch. 121, production switches 122, and the like are provided.

The counting switch 112 consists of a push switch, and detects an operation to transfer some or all of the electronic medals electronically held in the smart pachislot 100 that can be used for games to a dedicated unit 350 described later. do. For operation of the counting switch 112, a short press for less than 500 msec and a long press for 500 msec or more are prepared. When the count switch 112 is pressed for a short time, one electronic medal is counted for each operation, and when the count switch is pressed for a long time, 50 electronic medals are counted at the timing of notifying the counting every 300 msec. The total number of electronic medals electronically held by the smart pachislot 100 that can be used in games is called the "number of game medals", and the storage unit holding the electronic medals is called the "medal holding unit". sometimes referred to as

The game medal number display device 114 displays the total number of electronic medals held in the medal holding section, that is, the number of game medals. However, the number of game medals does not include bet electronic medals. Therefore, the game medal number display device 114 displays the number obtained by subtracting the number of electronic medals bet from the electronic medals won by the player. The display of the number of game medals is indicated by a 5-digit or 6-digit 7-segment display or the like arranged at a position visible to the player, as follows. That is, the numerical value range is represented by 0 to 16368 in consideration of the maximum difference in the number of sheets in one business day, and when the significant numerical value has a higher digit of 0, the numerical value is blanked (turned off). Here, when the numerical value reaches 15000 or more, the player is notified to count, the lending process of electronic medals is restricted, and a test count signal is output for about 3500 msec. However, the player can continue playing the game. Then, when the numerical value becomes 16369 or more, the progress of the game is restricted. Specifically, acceptance of the bet switch 116, the start switch 118, and the settlement switch 121 is prohibited. Instead of the case where the numerical value becomes 16369 or more, when the numerical value is likely to become 16369 or more, the payout of electronic medals may be prohibited until the player counts the numbers. For example, if the number is 16357 or more by subtracting 12 cards (maximum payout number (eg 15 cards) - specified number (eg 3 cards)) from 16369, which is the maximum difference number that can be obtained in one game The game may be stopped. Further, the game medal number display device 114 reflects and displays the updated number of game medals within approximately 300 msec after the number of game medals held by the smart pachislot 100 is updated.

The bet switch 116 inserts (bets) a predetermined number of electronic medals among the electronic medals held in the medal holding portion. The bet switch 116 includes a max bet switch that inserts (bets) a prescribed number of electronic medals required for one game, and additionally inserts one electronic medal within the prescribed number. Includes 1-bet switch.

The start switch 118 is composed of, for example, a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a game start operation by the player. The stop switches 120 (stop switch 120a, stop switch 120b, stop switch 120c) are provided corresponding to the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively, and detect a player's stop operation. The settlement switch 121 detects an operation of returning all the electronic medals betted by one operation of the bet switch 116 to the medal holder. The effect switch 122 is composed of, for example, a push switch and cross switches arranged vertically and horizontally, and detects a player's push operation and rotation operation.

A liquid crystal display section 124 for displaying various images associated with the performance is provided at approximately the center of the upper portion of the front upper door 104 . In addition, on the upper part and on the left and right of the front upper door 104, there are provided lamps 126 for effect, which are composed of, for example, high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Speakers 128 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower front door 106 to produce auditory effects such as sound effects and musical tones.

In smart pachi-slot 100, when a game can be started and a prescribed number of electronic medals are betted, the activated line is activated and the operation of the start switch 118 is activated. Here, for betting, electronic medals held in the medal holding section are inserted through operation of the bet switch 116, and electronic medals are automatically inserted based on the fact that a replay combination is displayed on the activated line. including both cases. Also, the activated line is a line for judging the winning of the winning combination.

Then, when the player operates the start switch 118, the game is started, various processes such as the lottery for winning types are executed, and the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c is controlled. After that, according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b and 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b and right reel 110c are respectively stopped. Then, when a winning combination capable of receiving the payout of electronic medals wins according to the combination of the drawing result of the winning type lottery and the symbols displayed on the activated line, the number of electronic medals corresponding to the winning combination is stored in the medal holding unit. are paid out (stored) to end the game. In the case where the winning type that can receive the payout of electronic medals is not won, or in the case of winning but not winning, the game ends when the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c all stop. .

In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned one game is the insertion of the electronic medals held in the medal holding portion through the operation of the bet switch 116, or the electronic medals based on the display of the replay combination on the activated line. , the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c is controlled according to the operation of the start switch 118 by the player, and the winning type lottery is executed. The left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c corresponding to the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are respectively stopped according to the lottery result of the lottery and the operation of the plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c by the player. It means a game until the payout of electronic medals is executed when a winning combination that is controlled and can receive the payout of electronic medals wins. In addition, when the winning type that can receive the payout of electronic medals is not won, or when winning is not won, one game ends when the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c all stop. do. However, the start of one game may be read as the operation of the start switch 118 by the player instead of inserting the electronic medals or winning the replay combination. Also, the number of times such one game is repeated is the number of games.

(Electrical Configuration of Smart Pachislot 100)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of smart pachislot 100 and dedicated unit 350. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the smart pachislot 100 and the dedicated unit 350 are electrically connected via a game ball lending device connection terminal plate 206 . The smart pachislot machine 100 includes a main control board 200 (main control section) for controlling the progress of the game, a sub-control board 202 (sub-control section) for controlling the effect according to the progress of the game, and a medal holding section. A control board including a medal number control board 204 for controlling the number of electronic medals (the number of game medals) is provided. Note that electrical signal transmission between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is limited to one direction only from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention. Also, the dedicated unit 350 is provided with a dedicated unit control board 360 for transmitting and receiving electronic tokens to and from the smart pachislot machine 100 .

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has a semiconductor integrated circuit including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs and the like, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, etc., and controls the entire smart pachislot machine 100. . The data in the main RAM 200c is retained without being erased, even when the power is turned off, unless the setting is changed and the RAM is cleared.

In addition, the main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b. 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, game state control means 312, effect state control means 314, command transmission means 316 and other functional units.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the bed switch 116, the start switch 118, the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and the settlement switch 121. Based on the received detection signals, the main CPU 200a performs various processes. to run.

The initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in the main control board 200 . The betting means 302 bets electronic medals to be used in games. Based on the operation of the start switch 118, the winning type lottery means 304 performs a winning type lottery for determining the suitability of the winning combination, more specifically, the suitability of the winning combination including the winning combination, as will be described in detail later.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c according to the operation of the start switch 118, and corresponds to the rotating left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c. Depending on the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are controlled to stop.

A reel drive control section 150 is also connected to the main control board 200 . The reel drive control unit 150 drives a stepping motor 152 based on a rotation start signal for the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, which is transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118. do. In addition, the reel drive control unit 150 detects the respective stop signals of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, which are transmitted from the reel control means 306, and the rotation position detection circuit 154 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 120. Drive of the stepping motor 152 is stopped based on the signal.

The determining means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line. Here, the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line may simply be called winning. Based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the activated line (that the winning combination has been won), the payout control means 310 distributes electronic medals by the number (amount of value) corresponding to the winning combination to the medal holding unit. pay out to

The game state control means 312 refers to the result of the winning type lottery and the determination result of the determination means 308, and shifts the game state to one of a plurality of types of game states. Also, the effect state control means 314 refers to the result of the winning type lottery, the determination result of the determination means 308, and the game state transition information, and shifts the effect state to one of a plurality of types of effect states. In the game state, a non-internal game state, an internal medium game state that is shifted by winning a bonus combination in the non-internal game state, and a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination in the internal medium game state are displayed on the activated line. It includes a bonus game state that is shifted by. In addition, in the production state, when a specific role (correct role) and another winning role (incorrect role) are won in a winning type that overlaps, a non-AT ( Assist time) production state and AT production state for executing auxiliary production are included. It should be noted that the special winning combination not only pays out electronic medals due to the winning of the winning combination, but also offers a winning combination that is more advantageous than other winning combinations, including all gaming profits obtained by winning the winning combination. To tell.

The command transmission means 316 is a game-related command associated with the operation of the betting means 302, the winning type lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the game state control means 312, the effect state control means 314, and the like. are sequentially determined, and the determined commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub control board 202 .

The main control board 200 is also provided with a random number generator (random number generating means) 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, and resets the count value (determines the initial value by changing the numerical sequence) after a predetermined number of counts, thereby looping the count value within a predetermined numerical range. The main control board 200 obtains a random number by extracting a count value from the random number generator 200d at a predetermined time. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as the winning type lottery random number) is used to determine the game profit to be given to the player, for example, the winning type lottery means 304 to determine the winning type. be done.

(Sub control board 202)
The sub-control board 202, like the main control board 200, has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 202a as a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 202b storing programs and the like, and a sub-RAM 202c functioning as a work area. , based on the command from the main control board 200, especially controls the performance. A backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the sub-RAM 202c as well as the main RAM 200c, so that data is retained without being erased even when the power is turned off. The sub control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator (random number generating means) 202d, similar to the main control board 200. Mainly used to determine the mode of production.

Also, in the sub-control board 202, the sub-CPU 202a functions by cooperating with the sub-RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 202b. It has a functional part.

The initialization determination means 330 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 202 . The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200 and processes the commands.

The effect control means 334 receives the detection signal from the effect switch 122, and determines the effect of the game performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 124, the speaker 128, and the effect lamp 126 based on the received command. Specifically, the effect control means 334 determines the image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 and the illumination data for the effect through the illumination equipment such as the effect lamp 126, and outputs the data from the speaker 128. Determine the audio data that constitutes the audio to be generated. And the production|presentation control means 334 performs the production|presentation of the determined game. Note that the production includes an auxiliary production.

(Medal number control board 204)
The medal number control board 204 is connected to the main control board 200 and has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a medal CPU 204a as a central processing unit, a medal ROM 204b storing programs and the like, and a medal RAM 204c functioning as a work area. and manage electronic medals to be used in games. Also, the medal number control board 204 is connected to the dedicated unit 350 through the game ball rental device connection terminal board 206 .

(dedicated unit 350)
The dedicated unit 350 is installed in the vicinity of the smart pachislot 100 and can lend electronic medals to the player and count the electronic medals won by the player. A dedicated unit control board 360 is provided in the dedicated unit 350 . The dedicated unit control board 360 is connected with a cash slot 362 , a card slot 364 , a lending switch 366 , a return switch 368 , a game switch 370 , a frequency display device 372 , and an earned medal number display device 374 .

Here, the game ball lending device connection terminal plate 206 is a connection terminal plate for connecting the smart pachislot 100 and the dedicated unit 350, and receives a signal related to lending of electronic tokens and receives the lending of electronic tokens. Transmission of results, transmission of signals related to the counting of electronic medals, and transmission of various information of the smart pachislot 100 are performed.

The cash insertion unit 362 functions as an insertion slot for inserting cash. The card insertion section 364 enables insertion and withdrawal of a card medium capable of storing electronic medals. The lending switch 366 is composed of a press switch and detects an operation to transfer electronic tokens corresponding to the number of cash held in the dedicated unit 350 to the smart pachislot machine 100 . The return switch 368 is composed of a press switch, and detects an operation of transferring the electronic medals held by the dedicated unit 350 to a card medium and pulling out the card medium from the dedicated unit 350 through the card insertion portion 364 . The game switch 370 is a press switch and detects an operation to transfer electronic medals held by the dedicated unit 350 to the smart pachislot 100 . The point display device 372 displays the point held by the dedicated unit 350, that is, the point corresponding to the cash inserted from the cash insert section. The won medal number display device 374 displays the number of won medals, which is the total number of electronic medals held in the dedicated unit 350 .

FIG. 3 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of smart pachislot 100 and dedicated unit 350. As shown in FIG. Here, the flow of starting a game and the flow of ending a game in the smart pachislot 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

When a player tries to play a game on the smart pachislot 100, he/she first inserts cash into the cash insert section 362 of the dedicated unit 350 shown in FIG. Then, the point display device 372 of the dedicated unit 350 displays the point corresponding to the amount of cash inserted (for example, "10" for the amount of 1,000 yen inserted). When the player operates the lending switch 366 , electronic medals (for example, “50”) corresponding to the number of points held in the dedicated unit 350 are transferred to the smart pachislot machine 100 . Then, the number of transferred electronic medals (for example, "50") is displayed on the game medal number display device 114 of the smart pachislot 100. FIG. Specifically, when smart pachi-slot 100 receives a lending notification, which will be described later, from dedicated unit 350, and if the lending notification is normal, the smart pachislot 100 receives the transfer of electronic tokens and notifies "normal" in the lending receipt result response. . On the other hand, if the message length and command values in the rental notification are normal, but the other information is abnormal, smart pachislot 100 notifies "abnormal" in the rental reception result response, which will be described later. Also, if the lending notification is not received normally, or if the message length and command values of the lending notification are abnormal, Smart Pachi-Slot 100 discards the received message without displaying an error, and at least Wait until the head and command can receive a successful loan notification. If the lending process cannot be performed, i.e., the game machine information notification described later is abnormal, and the number of counted medals in the counting notification described later (the number of electronic medals transferred to the dedicated unit 350 at one time) is "1" or more. The number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display device 114 is 15000 or more, the checksum of the received lending notification is abnormal, the lending serial number of the received lending notification is not consecutive, and the received lending When the number of loaned medals in the notification is "51" or more, or in the gaming machine information notification transmitted from the medal CPU 204a to the dedicated unit 350, which will be described later, information other than hall control/fraud monitoring information is notified, the smart pachislot 100 , notify "abnormality" in the loan receipt result response.

Subsequently, when the player operates the bet switch 116, electronic medals are betted. At this time, the game medal number display device 114 displays a value (for example, "47") obtained by subtracting the number of bet electronic medals (for example, "3"). Thus, the player can start the game. If, as a result of the game, a small winning combination with a payout number of 11 is won, the number of paid electronic medals (for example, "11") is added (for example, "58").

After the player operates the bet switch 116 to bet the electronic medals and before the start switch 118 is operated (game start), if the settlement switch 121 is operated, the bet is made. The number of electronic medals (for example, "3") is added to the game medal number display device 114 (for example, becomes "50"), and the bet state is canceled.

After finishing the game, the player operates the counting switch 112 to transfer the electronic medals held in the medal holding section to the dedicated unit 350 . Then, the number of game medals held in the medal holding portion is displayed on the acquired medal number display device 374 of the dedicated unit 350, and "0" is displayed on the game medal number display device 114. When the player operates the return switch 368 , electronic medals held in the dedicated unit 350 are transferred to a card, and the card is pulled out from the dedicated unit 350 through the card insertion portion 364 . In this way, the player can accumulate the acquired electronic tokens in the card medium.

When trying to play the game again, the player inserts a card medium in which electronic medals are accumulated into a card insertion part 364 instead of cash, and can play with the electronic medals accumulated in the card medium. Then, the electronic medals accumulated in the card medium are transferred to the dedicated unit 350, and the total number of electronic medals accumulated in the card medium is displayed on the acquired medal number display device 374. The player can transfer electronic medals held in the dedicated unit 350 to the smart pachi-slot 100 by operating the game switch 370 instead of the lending switch 366 .

When the lending switch 366 or the counting switch 112 is operated, the medal CPU 204a executes lending processing and counting processing of the electronic medals, and transmits a command to that effect to the main CPU 200a. The CPU 200a transmits a command to that effect to the sub CPU 202a. Then, the sub CPU 202a outputs a predetermined sound indicating movement of the electronic medals to the speaker 128 as the electronic medals are actually lent or counted in the lending process or the counting process. In the counting process, the sub CPU 202a may output a predetermined sound to the speaker 128 when the counting switch 112 is pressed for a short time or when the counting switch 112 is pressed for a long time. A predetermined sound may be output to the speaker 128 only at . Also, when the operation of the count switch 112 in the counting process is completed (for example, pressing and releasing), the sub CPU 202a outputs a predetermined sound indicating that the counting is completed, or, after the counting process is completed, the card insertion unit 364 A predetermined sound may be output to prevent the user from forgetting to pull out the card. In this way, the player can aurally confirm that the lending process and the counting process are properly executed. Further, the sub CPU 202a may notify that the lending process and the counting process are being executed not only through the speaker 128 but also through various devices such as the liquid crystal display unit 124 and the performance lamp 126. FIG. Note that here, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) is used as an example of the main body of control, but other computing devices such as MPU (Micro Processor Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. Various possible computing elements can be applied.

Since the smart pachislot machine 100 does not require real medals, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as inserting medals in a pseudo manner or using illegally brought medals. Also, since there is no need to provide a mechanism for inserting and dispensing game media in the game machine, design costs and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, unfairness can be prevented by centrally managing the lending of game media to players and the counting of acquired game media. In addition, by centrally managing data, it becomes possible to suppress gambling, and by extension, to strengthen measures against addiction.

Here, in the smart pachi-slot 100, devises for enabling the game to proceed appropriately will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 10. FIG. 4 to 10, the arrow F direction indicates the front direction of the smart pachislot 100, and the arrow B direction indicates the back direction of the smart pachislot 100. FIG. In the following description, the front direction, rear direction, left direction, right direction, upward direction, and downward direction of smart pachislot 100 are also simply referred to as front direction, rear direction, left direction, right direction, upward direction, and downward direction. .

First, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the display unit 400 that displays the number of game medals, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used in a game, is reduced in visibility or is suppressed from erroneous operation. I will explain the ingenuity of

A display unit 400 is shown in FIGS. The display unit 400 includes a counting switch 112 , a game medal number display device 114 and a housing 130 . FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the display unit 400 with the housing 130 removed. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the display unit 400 with the housing 130 attached. An example in which the counting switch 112 and the game medal number display device 114 are included in the display unit 400, which is one unit, will be described below. may be divided.

The display unit 400 is arranged in the upper right part of the smart pachislot 100 in the operation unit installation table 111 shown in FIG. In other words, the display unit 400 is provided at a position corresponding to a position where a medal slot is arranged in a slot machine in which a game is played using real medals. As a result, the space of the medal slot that becomes unnecessary due to the introduction of the smart pachislot 100 can be effectively utilized. Considering that the medal slot is used to add medals and the display unit 400 displays the number of game medals, the medal slot and the display unit 400 are common in that they relate to the number of available medals. Therefore, if the display unit 400 is provided at the above position, the player is less likely to feel discomfort. However, the arrangement of the display unit 400 in the smart pachislot machine 100 is not limited to the above example.

The game medal number display device 114 is, as described above, a display device that displays the number of game medals, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used in a game. Note that the number of game medals corresponds to an example of the number of game values, which is the total number of game values that can be offered in a game. The count switch 112 receives an operation for transmitting at least part of the number of game medals to the dedicated unit 350 as described above. The counting switch 112 and at least a part of the game medal number display device 114 (for example, a display device 114a to be described later) are housed in the housing 130 . The housing 130 corresponds to an example of an accommodating portion that accommodates the counting switch 112 and a display 114a, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the game medal count display device 114 includes a display 114a having a plurality of segments for displaying the game medal count. Each segment has seven light-emitting elements and can display any number from 0 to 9. The indicator 114a displays the number of game medals by lighting the segments. The indicator 114a can change the number of game medals displayed by changing the lighting state of each segment. A plurality of segments are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction of smart pachislot 100 . In the example of FIG. 4, display 114a has five segments. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 4, display 114a can display a maximum of five digits. This prevents the number of digits for displaying the number of game medals from becoming insufficient. However, the number of segments in the display 114a may be five or more.

As shown in FIG. 5, indicator 114a is housed by housing 130 . Here, the light emitted by the indicator 114a passes through the housing 130 and reaches the outside. Thereby, the player can visually recognize the number of game medals displayed by the display 114a through the housing 130. FIG. FIG. 5 shows a region R11 of the housing 130 facing the indicator 114a. At least the region R11 of the housing 130 is transmissive and allows light to pass therethrough. FIG. 5 schematically shows how the light emitted from the segment of the display 114a is transmitted through the region R11. The light emitted from the indicator 114a is visible from the outside through the housing 130, while the members inside the housing 130 are blocked by the housing 130 and are not visible from the outside. Therefore, the player can visually recognize the number of game medals without making the player aware that the display 114a is divided into five segments.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the count switch 112 includes a button portion 112a that is pressed by the player. The button portion 112a has a pressing surface portion 112a1 that is pressed by the player. The button portion 112a has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. The central axis of the button portion 112a extends in a direction that inclines upward toward the front side. The pressing surface portion 112a1 faces a direction that inclines upward toward the front side. In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the pressing surface portion 112a1 is circular. However, the shape of the pressing surface portion 112a1 may be other than the circular shape.

As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 130 is formed with an opening 130a. The opening 130a is circular. However, when the shape of the pressing surface portion 112a1 is other than circular, the shape of the opening portion 130a also has a shape corresponding to the shape of the pressing surface portion 112a1. The opening 130a is arranged coaxially with the pressing surface 112a1. Therefore, the pressing surface portion 112a1 is exposed through the opening 130a. The inner diameter of the opening 130a is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the button portion 112a, thereby preventing the button portion 112a from exceeding the opening 130a and coming out to the outside.

When the button portion 112a is not pressed, the pressing surface portion 112a1 is positioned inside the housing 130 relative to the portion surrounding the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the housing 130 (see the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, which will be described later). Here, in a state where the button portion 112a is not pressed, if the pressing surface portion 112a1 is located outside the housing 130 relative to the portion surrounding the pressing surface portion 112a1, the player's fingers, etc. There is a possibility that the button portion 112a may be pushed down by hitting the button portion 112a. Therefore, by arranging the pressing surface portion 112a1 as described above, the player accidentally presses the button portion 112a at a timing not intended to transmit at least part of the number of game medals to the dedicated unit 350. is suppressed. Therefore, erroneous operations are suppressed.

The button portion 112a of the count switch 112 is the button portion closest to the area R11 of the housing 130 corresponding to the display area of the number of game medals among the button portions provided in the smart pachislot 100. FIG. This prevents the player from pressing the button portion 112 a for purposes other than transmitting at least part of the number of game medals to the dedicated unit 350 . Therefore, erroneous operations are suppressed. However, the button portion closest to the region R11 of the housing 130 may be other than the button portion 112a of the counting switch 112. FIG.

The button portion 112a of the count switch 112 is arranged on the front side of the area R11 of the housing 130 corresponding to the display area of the number of game medals. As a result, when the player presses the button portion 112a, the area R11 is prevented from being hidden by the player's fingers. Therefore, deterioration of visibility is suppressed. Thereby, the player can press the button portion 112a while confirming the number of game medals. However, the button portion 112a of the count switch 112 may be arranged on the back side of the region R11 of the housing 130. FIG. For example, in this case, the button portion 112 a of the counting switch 112 may be arranged on the rearmost side among the button portions provided on the operation unit installation base 111 . As a result, it becomes difficult for the player to press the button portion 112a unless the player extends his or her fingers toward the back side, and thus the player presses the button portion 112a for purposes other than transmitting at least part of the number of game medals to the dedicated unit 350. is suppressed. Therefore, erroneous operations are suppressed.

The front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are not provided with a button portion having a pressing surface portion having the same shape as the pressing surface portion 112 a 1 of the button portion 112 a of the counting switch 112 . Here, button portions having pressing surface portions of the same shape are likely to be confused with each other. Therefore, by making the shape of the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a different from that of the other button portions, the player can press the button portion 112a for purposes other than transmitting at least part of the number of game medals to the dedicated unit 350. It is suppressed. Therefore, erroneous operations are suppressed. However, the front upper door 104 or the front lower door 106 may be provided with a button portion having a pressing surface portion having the same shape as the pressing surface portion 112 a 1 of the button portion 112 a of the counting switch 112 .

Although not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the display unit 400 is provided with a countable lamp indicating that counting (that is, transmitting the number of game medals to the dedicated unit 350) is possible. good too. As a result, the player can recognize that counting is possible by confirming that the countable lamp is turned on. For example, the countable lamp is provided in the vicinity of the light-emitting element that displays the number of game medals on the display 114a.

Among the button portions provided on the operation unit installation table 111, the button portion 112a of the counting switch 112 is the farthest from the stop switch 120c among the button portions arranged on the right side of the stop switch 120c, which is the right stop switch 120. ing. Among the button portions arranged on the right side of the stop switch 120c, the button portion 112a of the counting switch 112 may be the farthest in the left-right direction or the farthest in the front-rear direction from the stop switch 120c. . Here, the player tends to unintentionally press the button near the stop switch 120c. Therefore, by arranging the button portion 112a of the counting switch 112 as described above, the player is prevented from accidentally pressing the button portion 112a. Therefore, erroneous operations are suppressed. However, among the button portions arranged on the right side of the stop switch 120c, the button portions other than the button portion 112a of the counting switch 112 may be farthest from the stop switch 120c.

Among the pressing surface portions of the button portions provided on the operation unit installation base 111, the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a of the counting switch 112 has the smallest area. As a result, it becomes difficult for the player to press the button portion 112a unless the pressing surface portion 112a1 is carefully pressed with a finger. Pressing down is suppressed. Therefore, erroneous operations are suppressed. However, the pressing surfaces of the buttons other than the button 112 a of the counting switch 112 may have the smallest area among the pressing surfaces of the buttons provided on the operation unit installation base 111 .

As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 130 is marked with a first character portion C11, which is a character portion indicating the contents of the counting switch 112. As shown in FIG. For example, the first character portion C11 is written on the outer surface of the housing 130 . However, if the portion of the housing 130 on which the first character portion C11 is marked has transparency, the first character portion C11 may be marked on the inner surface of the housing 130 .

In the example of FIG. 5, the first character portion C11 is the character string "count". However, the first character portion C11 is not limited to this example as long as it is a character portion that indicates the contents related to the counting switch 112 . For example, the first character portion C11 may be a character portion that indicates the name of the counting switch 112, and includes content related to the function of the counting switch 112 (for example, sending at least part of the number of game medals to the dedicated unit 350). ) may be a character portion. Further, for example, the first character portion C11 may include a character string “short press” and a character string “long press”. In this case, the number of game medals (one) to be sent to the dedicated unit 350 by the "short press" may be written in parallel with the character string "short press", and may be sent to the dedicated unit 350 by the "long press". The number of game medals to be played (50) may be written in parallel with the character string "long press". Further, for example, the first character portion C11 may include a sentence indicating that part of the number of game medals is transmitted to the dedicated unit 350 when the button portion 112a is pressed.

The first character portion C11 is written on the portion of the housing 130 surrounding the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a. The reason why the first character portion C11 is written on the portion around the pressing surface portion 112a1 is that, for example, there are other characters other than the first character portion C11 between the writing position of the first character portion C11 and the pressing surface portion 112a1. means that the character part of is not displayed. This prevents the player from pressing the button portion 112 a for purposes other than transmitting at least part of the number of game medals to the dedicated unit 350 . Therefore, erroneous operations are suppressed. However, the first character portion C11 may be written on a portion of the housing 130 other than the portion around the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a. As shown in FIG. 5, the object such as the line connecting the first character portion C11 and the pressing surface portion 112a1 is displayed, so that the player can understand that the first character portion C11 indicates the contents of the counting switch 112. easier to recognize.

As shown in FIG. 5, the housing 130 is marked with a second character portion C12, which is a character portion indicating the contents of the display 114a (see FIG. 4) of the game medal number display device 114. As shown in FIG. For example, the second character portion C12 is written on the outer surface of the housing 130 . However, if the portion of the housing 130 on which the second character portion C12 is marked has transparency, the second character portion C12 may be marked on the inner surface of the housing 130 .

In the example of FIG. 5, the second character part C12 is a character string "number of possessions". However, the second character portion C12 is not limited to this example as long as it is a character portion that indicates the content related to the display 114a. For example, the second character portion C12 may be a character portion indicating the name of the display 114a, or may be a character portion indicating the meaning of the number of game medals displayed by the display 114a. For example, the second character portion C12 may be a character string such as "CREDIT" instead of the character string "Possession".

The second character portion C12 is written on a region of the housing 130 other than the region R11 through which the light emitted from the indicator 114a is transmitted. This prevents the light emitted from the display 114a from being blocked by the second character portion C12. Therefore, deterioration of visibility is suppressed. However, the second character portion C12 may be written on the housing 130 at a position facing the indicator 114a.

In particular, the first character portion C11 is marked on the portion of the housing 130 surrounding the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a, and the second character portion C12 is the region of the housing 130 that transmits light emitted from the indicator 114a. A decrease in visibility and an erroneous operation are suppressed by being written in an area other than R11. As a result, the game can be properly progressed.

The second character portion C12 is written on the portion surrounding the area R11 of the housing 130 corresponding to the display area for the number of game medals. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that the second character portion C12 indicates the content related to the display 114a. Here, the second character portion C12 is provided with a distance D11 in the horizontal direction with respect to the region R11 of the housing 130 corresponding to the display region of the number of game medals. Distance D11 is equal to or greater than the width of one segment of display 114a. As a result, as will be described later, when the number of segments of the display 114a in the display unit 400 is increased from five to six in order to apply to a smart pachinko machine, which is an enclosed circulation type pachinko machine, the second character This prevents the portion C12 from facing the display 114a. Therefore, deterioration of visibility is suppressed. As will be described later, in the case of smart pachinko, the number of segments is six, which prevents the number of digits that can be displayed from running out. The substrate connected to the display 114a is formed so that the number of segments of the display 114a can be increased from five to six.

In addition, in the example of FIG. 5, the second character portion C12 is arranged on the left side of the region R11. Also, the first character portion C11 is arranged on the left side of the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a. Also, the first character portion C11 is arranged on the front side with respect to the second character portion C12. If the positional relationship between the first character portion C11, the second character portion C12, the area R11, and the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a is such a regular positional relationship, the player is displayed in the area R11. Since it is easy to recognize the content of the button portion 112a and the function of the button portion 112a, erroneous operations are suppressed. However, the positional relationship between the first character portion C11, the second character portion C12, the region R11, and the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a is not limited to this example.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, a device for suppressing deterioration in operability of the counting switch 112 in the display unit 400 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the counting switch 112 with the button portion 112a not pressed. 6 and FIGS. 8 to 10, which will be described later, are sectional views taken along the line XX in FIG. The XX cross section is a cross section orthogonal to the left-right direction of the smart pachislot 100 and passing through the button portion 112a. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an accommodating portion 112b that accommodates the button portion 112a.

As shown in FIG. 6, the count switch 112 includes a button portion 112a, a housing portion 112b, and a pressed portion 112c. The button section 112a receives the pressing operation of the player, as described above. The accommodation portion 112b accommodates the button portion 112a. The pressed portion 112c is pressed by the button portion 112a as the button portion 112a is moved by being pressed by the player. The pressed portion 112c is, for example, part of a tact switch provided on the substrate. When the pressed portion 112c is pressed, it is detected that the button portion 112a has been pressed, and counting processing is performed based on the detection result.

As shown in FIG. 6, the button portion 112a has a pressing surface portion 112a1, an outer peripheral surface portion 112a2, and a bottom surface portion 112a3. The bottom surface portion 112a3 is a surface on the back side of the pressing surface portion 112a1. The bottom surface portion 112a3 faces the lower side of the back surface. A projecting portion 112a4 is provided in the center of the bottom portion 112a3. The projecting portion 112a4 extends in the axial direction of the button portion 112a. That is, the projecting portion 112a4 extends downward on the rear surface.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the housing portion 112b includes a peripheral wall portion 112b1, a bottom wall portion 112b2, a notch portion 112b3, and an opening portion 112b4. The peripheral wall portion 112b1 covers the outer peripheral surface portion 112a2 of the button portion 112a. The outer peripheral surface portion 112a2 covered with the peripheral wall portion 112b1 is specifically the outer peripheral surface portion of the portion of the button portion 112a that has the largest outer diameter. The peripheral wall portion 112b1 has a substantially cylindrical shape. A notch portion 112b3 is formed on the front side of the peripheral wall portion 112b1. Therefore, the peripheral wall portion 112b1 covers the portion other than the front side of the outer peripheral surface portion 112a2 of the button portion 112a. Specifically, the peripheral wall portion 112b1 is provided at predetermined intervals from portions other than the front side of the outer peripheral surface portion 112a2 of the button portion 112a.

The bottom wall portion 112b2 faces the bottom surface portion 112a3 of the button portion 112a. Specifically, the bottom wall portion 112b2 extends radially inward of the peripheral wall portion 112b1 from the lower portion of the peripheral wall portion 112b1. That is, the peripheral wall portion 112b1 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion 112b2 toward the front upper side. An opening 112b4 is formed in the center of the bottom wall 112b2. In the example of FIG. 7, the opening 112b4 has a substantially rectangular shape. However, the shape of the opening 112b4 may be a shape other than a rectangular shape (for example, a circular shape, etc.). As shown in FIG. 6, the pressed portion 112c is arranged in the opening 112b4. The pressed portion 112c faces the projecting portion 112a4 of the button portion 112a. The protrusion 112a4 can enter the opening 112b4. Therefore, the pressed portion 112c is pressed by the projecting portion 112a4 as the button portion 112a moves, as will be described later.

Here, the bottom wall portion 112b2 is provided with a plane portion P11 and a slope portion P12. The plane portion P11 is formed so as to be orthogonal to the moving direction of the button portion 112a. Specifically, the planar portion P11 is a planar portion orthogonal to the moving direction of the button portion 112a. The moving direction of the button portion 112a coincides with the axial direction of the peripheral wall portion 112b1. The slope portion P12 is formed so as to be inclined with respect to the plane portion P11 so as to separate from the bottom surface portion 112a3 of the button portion 112a toward the outer peripheral side. As shown in FIG. 7, the slope portion P12 is provided on the back side of the bottom wall portion 112b2. Specifically, the slope portion P12 is provided on the rear side of the rear end of the opening 112b4, and the flat portion P11 is provided on the front side of the rear end of the opening 112b4. The slope portion P12 is parallel to a plane obtained by rotating the plane including the plane portion P11 about the horizontal axis. The sloped portion P12 is inclined so as to be separated from the plane including the plane portion P11 toward the lower side of the rear surface as it proceeds toward the rear side. In addition, in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 8 and 9 to be described later, a plane including the plane portion P11 is indicated by a broken line.

However, the arrangement and number of sloped portions P12 may be different from the example in FIG. For example, the slope portion P12 may be provided on the front side of the bottom wall portion 112b2. However, in the display unit 400, as will be described later, it is assumed that the back end of the push surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a is pushed more often than the front end of the push surface portion 112a1. In order to suppress deterioration in operability when the back side end of 112a1 is pressed, it is preferable that the slope portion P12 is provided on the back side of the bottom wall portion 112b2. Further, for example, the bottom wall portion 112b2 may be provided with a plurality of slope portions P12 having different inclination directions.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the counting switch 112 in a state where the center of the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a is pressed. In FIG. 8, the arrow A1 indicates the force applied to the pressing surface portion 112a1 by the player's fingers. As indicated by arrow A1, when the center of pressing surface portion 112a1 is pressed in the axial direction, button portion 112a is guided by peripheral wall portion 112b1 and moves downward on the back surface along the axial direction of peripheral wall portion 112b1. As a result, the front side of the bottom surface portion 112a3 of the button portion 112a comes into contact with the flat surface portion P11 of the bottom wall portion 112b2. Therefore, the projecting portion 112a4 enters the opening 112b4, and the pressed portion 112c is pressed by the projecting portion 112a4. Thereby, it is detected that the button portion 112a has been pressed.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the counting switch 112 in a state where the back side end of the pressing surface portion 112a1 of the button portion 112a is pressed. In FIG. 9, the arrow A2 indicates the force applied to the pressing surface portion 112a1 by the player's fingers. As indicated by an arrow A2, when the back side end of the pressing surface portion 112a1 is pressed, the button portion 112a moves downward on the back side while rotating toward the back side around the projection portion 112a4. Here, since the bottom wall portion 112b2 is provided with the slope portion P12, the back side of the bottom surface portion 112a3 of the button portion 112a comes into contact with the slope portion P12 of the bottom wall portion 112b2.

Here, the counter switch 112A of the display unit 400A according to the comparative example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a count switch 112A of a display unit 400A according to a comparative example. In the counting switch 112A according to the comparative example, unlike the counting switch 112 described above, the bottom wall portion 112b2 is not provided with the slope portion P12, and the entire portion of the bottom wall portion 112b2 excluding the opening portion 112b4 is flat. Part P11. Therefore, as indicated by arrow A2, when the back side end of the pressing surface portion 112a1 is pressed, the back side end of the bottom surface portion 112a3 of the button portion 112a contacts the back side of the bottom wall portion 112b2. There is no state. Therefore, the projecting portion 112a4 is in a state of not entering the opening 112b4, or entering a small amount even if it enters the opening 112b4. Therefore, the pressed portion 112c is not pressed by the projecting portion 112a4, or even if pressed, the pressing amount is small. As a result, it may not be detected that the button portion 112a has been pressed.

On the other hand, as described above, in the counting switch 112 of the display unit 400, the bottom wall portion 112b2 is provided with the slope portion P12, so that the back side of the bottom wall portion 112a3 of the button portion 112a is the slope portion of the bottom wall portion 112b2. It will be in a state of being in contact with P12. Therefore, the protrusion 112a4 enters the opening 112b4 with a sufficient amount of penetration. Therefore, the pressed portion 112c is pressed with a sufficient pressing amount by the projection portion 112a4. Thereby, it is detected that the button portion 112a has been pressed. Therefore, the deterioration of the operability of the counting switch 112 is suppressed, so that the game can be properly progressed.

Note that, in the above description, a device for suppressing deterioration in visibility or erroneous operation and a device for suppressing deterioration in operability of the counting switch 112 have been described. However, in the display unit 400, both of the above two types of devices may be implemented, or only one of the devices may be implemented. In either case, the game can be properly progressed as described above.

(Second embodiment: gaming machine 500)
In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, first, as a kind of reference example, the mechanical configuration and electrical configuration of a so-called kind of game machine, and specific processing in each substrate will be described. Next, as a reference example of effects, specific effects that can be executed in a type game machine and specific processes related to the effects will be described. After that, as an example of the present invention, a configuration different from the first reference example will be specifically described.

<A kind of reference example>
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gaming machine 500 according to a first reference example, showing a state in which the door is opened. As shown, the game machine 500 includes an outer frame 502 in which a space is formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, a middle frame 504 attached to the outer frame 502 by a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable, and this A front frame 506 attached to the middle frame 504 by a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable is provided.

Similarly to the outer frame 502, the middle frame 504 has a surrounding space formed by four sides assembled in a substantially rectangular shape, and a game board 508 is held in this surrounding space. Further, the front frame 506 holds a transmission plate 510 made of glass or resin. When the middle frame 504 and the front frame 506 are closed with respect to the outer frame 502, the game board 508 and the transmission plate 510 face each other substantially parallel to each other while maintaining a predetermined distance. , the game board 508 becomes visible through the transparent plate 510 .

FIG. 12 is a front view of a gaming machine 500 according to a reference example. As shown in this figure, an operation handle 512 projecting toward the front side of the gaming machine 500 is provided at the lower portion of the front frame 506 . The operating handle 512 is provided so that the player can rotate it, and when the player rotates the operating handle 512 to perform a shooting operation, the strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the operating handle 512 is applied (not shown). A game ball is shot by the shooting mechanism. The game ball thus launched rises between rails 514 a and 514 b provided on the game board 508 and is guided to the game area 516 .

The game area 516 is a space formed between the game board 508 and the transmission plate 510, and is an area in which game balls can flow down or roll. The game board 508 is provided with a large number of nails and windmills, and the game balls guided to the game area 516 collide with the nails and the windmills to flow down and roll in irregular directions.

The game area 516 is provided with a first game area 516a and a second game area 516b in which the degree of entry of game balls differs from each other according to the firing intensity of the shooting mechanism. The first game area 516a is located on the left side of the game area 516 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 500, and the second game area 516b is located on the left side of the game area 516 when viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 500. located on the right side of the Since the rails 514a and 514b are located on the left side of the game area 516, the game ball fired by the shooting mechanism with a shooting intensity less than a predetermined intensity enters the first game area 516a and is shot with a shooting intensity equal to or higher than the predetermined intensity. The played game ball enters the second game area 516b.

In addition, the game area 516 is provided with a general winning opening 518, a first starting opening 520, and a second starting opening 522 into which game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the second start port 522, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. The number of prize balls may be any number as long as it is one or more, and the number of prize balls to be paid out may be different for each of the general prize winning opening 518, the first starting opening 520, and the second starting opening 522. , may be set to the same number of prize balls. At this time, it is also possible to set the number of winning balls to be put out by entering the first starting port 520 to be smaller than the number of winning balls to be paid out by entering the game balls into the second starting port 522. be.

Although details will be described later, a first starting region is provided within the first starting port 520 and a second starting region is provided within the second starting port 522 . Then, when the game ball enters the first start port 520 or the second start port 522 and enters the first start area or the second start area, one of a plurality of special symbols provided in advance is selected. A lottery is held to determine 1 special symbol. Each special symbol is associated with various game benefits such as whether or not a big winning game or a small win game that is advantageous to the player can be executed, and what kind of game state the subsequent game state should be. Therefore, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 520 or the second starting hole 522, the player can obtain a predetermined prize ball and at the same time obtain an opportunity to obtain rights to receive various game benefits. becomes.

The first starting port 520 is the lower part of the game area 516, and only the game balls flowing down the first game area 516a can be entered, or the game balls that have entered the first game area 516a , is arranged at a position where it is easier to enter than the game ball that has entered the second game area 516b.

In addition, the second starting port 522 is located in the second game area 516b, only the game ball flowing down the second game area 516b can be entered, or the game that entered the second game area 516b The ball is arranged at a position where it is easier to enter than the game ball that has entered the first game area 516a. The second starting port 522 is configured by a variable starting port (starting variable winning device) having a movable piece 522b, and the ease with which a game ball enters the second starting port 522 is variable. Specifically, the second starting port 522 is provided with a movable piece 522b that can be opened and closed. It is difficult.

On the other hand, when the game ball passes through the gate 524 provided in the second game area 516b, the presence or absence of execution of the auxiliary game in which the second start port 522 is opened is determined, and the execution of the auxiliary game is determined. Then, an auxiliary game in which the opening and closing of the second starting port 522 is controlled is executed. More specifically, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the gate 524, a lottery for a normal symbol, which will be described later, is performed. In this way, when the movable piece 522b is in the open state, the movable piece 522b functions as a tray that guides the game ball to the second starting hole 522, making it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 522.

Furthermore, a first big prize winning port 526 and a second big winning prize port 528 are provided in the lower part of the game area 516 . The first big winning hole 526 and the second big winning hole 528 are arranged at positions where game balls flowing down at least the second game area 516b can enter. The opening and closing door 526b is provided in the first big winning opening 526 so that it can be opened and closed. Ball is not possible. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned small winning game is executed, the opening/closing door 526b is opened, the opening/closing door 526b functions as a tray, and the entry of the game ball into the first big winning hole 526 becomes possible. . Then, when a game ball enters the first big winning hole 526, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player.

In addition, the opening and closing door 528b is provided in the second big winning opening 528 so that it can be opened and closed. It is impossible to enter the ball. On the other hand, when the above-mentioned big win game is executed, the opening/closing door 528b is opened, the opening/closing door 528b functions as a tray, and the game ball can enter the second big winning hole 528.例文帳に追加Then, when a game ball enters the second big winning hole 528, a predetermined prize ball is paid out to the player. Incidentally, the first big prize opening 526 and the second big prize opening 528 are collectively referred to simply as the big prize opening.

In addition, at the bottom of the game area 516, the ball did not enter any of the general winning opening 518, the first starting opening 520, the second starting opening 522, the first big winning opening 526, and the second big winning opening 528. A discharge port 530 for discharging game balls from the game area 516 to the back side of the game board 508 is provided.

The gaming machine 500 includes an effect display device 600 comprising a liquid crystal display device as an effect device for performing an effect during the progress of a game, an effect display device 600 comprising a movable device, and an effect comprising lamps controlled to various lighting modes and emission colors. A lighting device 604, an audio output device 606 consisting of a speaker, and an effect operating device 608 for receiving player's operations are provided.

The effect display device 600 includes a main effect display section 600a and a sub-effect display section 601a each having an image display section for displaying an image. The main effect display section 600 a is arranged in a substantially central portion of the game board 508 so as to be visible from the front side of the gaming machine 500 . Effect symbols 610a, 610b, and 610c are variably displayed on the main effect display portion 600a as shown in the figure, and the player is informed of the result of the big role lottery by the stop display mode of each of these effect symbols 610a, 610b, and 610c. The performance will be executed. Also, the sub effect display portion 601a is provided above the main effect display portion 600a, and an auxiliary effect image is displayed during the variable effect.

The effect accessory device 602 is arranged in front of the main effect display portion 600a and normally retreats to the back side of the game board 508. It is movable up to the front of the main effect display part 600a to give the player a feeling of anticipation of a big win.

The effect lighting device 604 is provided in the effect accessory device 602, the game board 508, etc., and is variously controlled to be lit according to the image displayed on the main effect display section 600a.

The sound output device 606 is provided at an upper position of the front frame 506 or a lowermost position of the outer frame 502, and outputs various sounds toward the front side of the gaming machine 500 according to the image displayed on the main effect display section 600a. Output audio.

The effect operation device 608 is composed of a button that receives a player's pressing operation, and is provided at a substantially central position in the width direction of the gaming machine 500 and at a position lower than the transmission plate 510 . This effect operation device 608 is activated in accordance with the image displayed on the main effect display section 600a, and when the player's operation is received within the operation effective time, various operations are performed according to the operation. A performance is performed.

The cross key 609 is composed of four buttons, ie, an up button, a down button, a left button, and a right button, and is provided near the effect operation device 608 for receiving the pressing operation of the player. The effect operation device 608 and the cross key 609 may be used when performing various settings.

In addition, reference numeral 532 in the figure is an upper plate into which prize balls paid out from the gaming machine 500 and game balls rented from the game ball lending device are guided. It will be guided to the lower plate 534 . Also, the bottom surface of the lower tray 534 is formed with a ball extraction hole (not shown) for ejecting game balls from the lower tray 534 . This ball extraction hole is normally closed by an opening/closing plate (not shown), but when the ball removal knob 534a is pushed in, the opening/closing plate slides integrally with the ball removal knob 534a to open the ball removal hole. It is possible to discharge the game ball from the lower tray 534 from the bottom.

In addition, on the game board 508, a first special symbol display device 560, a second special symbol display device 562, and a first special symbol reserve are placed outside the game area 516 and at positions visible to the player. A display device 564, a second special design reservation display device 566, a normal design display device 568, a normal design reservation display device 570, and a right hitting information display device 572 are provided. Each of these displays 560 to 572 is a device for displaying various game-related situations, and the details thereof will be described later.

(Internal configuration of control means)
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of control means for controlling the progress of a game according to a first reference example.

The main control board 700 controls the basic operations of the game. The main control board 700 includes a main CPU 700a, a main ROM 700b, and a main RAM 700c. The main CPU 700a reads the program stored in the main ROM 700b based on the input signals from the detection switches and timers and performs arithmetic processing, and directly controls each device and display, or the result of the arithmetic processing. Send commands to other boards accordingly. The main RAM 700c functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing of the main CPU 700a.

A game machine 500 of a kind reference example is a special game that is started mainly by entering a game ball into a first start port 520 or a second start port 522, and by a game ball passing through a gate 524. It is roughly divided into ordinary games. The main ROM 700b of the main control board 700 stores various programs for progressing special games and normal games, data necessary for various games, and tables.

The main control board 700 includes a general winning hole detection switch 518s for detecting that a game ball has entered the general winning hole 518, and a first starting hole for detecting that a game ball has entered the first starting hole 520. Detection switch 520s, second starting hole detection switch 522s for detecting that the game ball has entered the second starting hole 522, gate detection switch 524s for detecting that the game ball has passed through the gate 524, first big winning hole A first big winning hole detection switch 526s for detecting that a game ball has entered 526, a second big winning hole detection switch 528s for detecting that a game ball has entered a second big winning hole 528, and a game area 516. Out-ball detection switches 530s for detecting game balls discharged from are connected, and detection signals are input to the main control board 700 from each of these detection switches.

In addition, a confluence passage is provided on the back of the game board 508, and the player can enter the general prize winning port 518, the first starting port 520, the second starting port 522, the first big winning port 526, and the second big winning port 528, respectively. It is configured such that the played game ball and the game ball guided to the rear side from the discharge port 530 are merged in a confluence passage and guided to the facilities of the game hall. The out ball detection switch 530s is provided in the confluence passage, and all game balls discharged from the game area 516, in other words, all game balls shot to the game area 516 are detected by the out ball detection switch 530s. detected.

In addition, the main control board 700 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 522c that operates the movable piece 522b of the second starting port 522, and a first prize winning port solenoid that operates the opening/closing door 526b that opens and closes the first prize winning port 526. 526c is connected to a second big prize winning solenoid 528c that operates an open/close door 528b that opens and closes the second big prize winning port 528, and the main control board 700 controls the second starting port 522 and the first big prize winning port. 526, the opening and closing control of the second big prize opening 528 is performed.

Furthermore, the main control board 700 includes a first special symbol display 560, a second special symbol display 562, a first special symbol reservation display 564, a second special symbol reservation display 566, a normal symbol display 568, and a normal symbol display. A symbol holding display 570 and a right hitting information display 572 are connected, and the main control board 700 controls the display of each of these displays.

In addition, in the game machine 500, there is a possibility that the radio wave detection sensor that detects radio waves, the magnetic detection sensor that detects magnetism, the door open sensor that detects the open state of the middle frame 504 and the front frame 506, etc. are abnormal or fraudulent. A plurality of abnormality detection sensors 574 are provided to detect this, and an abnormality detection signal is input to the main control board 700 from each abnormality detection sensor 574 .

Further, on the back surface of the game board 508, a setting change switch 580s is provided. The setting change switch 580s is configured to be accessible with a dedicated key. On the condition that the setting change switch 580s is turned on, the setting value can be changed and confirmed. Although details will be described later, in the gaming machine 500 of a kind of reference example, one of six levels of setting values with different degrees of advantage is stored as a registered setting value in a setting value buffer, and a game is played according to the stored registered setting value. progresses.

Further, a RAM clear button is provided on the back surface of the game board 508 so that it can be pressed, and the RAM clear switch 582s detects the pressing operation of the RAM clear button. The RAM clear switch 582s is connected to the main control board 700, and a RAM clear operation signal is input to the main control board 700 from the RAM clear switch 582s. If a RAM clear operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 582s when power is turned on, the main CPU 700a clears the main RAM 700c.

A performance display monitor 584 is provided on the back of the game board 508 . The main control board 700 displays the registered set values and the base ratio on the performance display monitor 584 .

A payout control board 710 and a sub control board 730 are connected to the main control board 700 .

The payout control board 710 performs control for shooting game balls and payout prize balls. This payout control board 710 also includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and is connected to the main control board 700 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. A game information output terminal board 712 is connected to the payout control board 710 , and various information on the progress of the game output from the main control board 700 is transmitted via the payout control board 710 and the game information output terminal board 712 . , is output to a hall computer or the like of the amusement arcade.

The payout control board 710 is also connected to a payout motor 714 for paying out the game balls stored in the storage portion to the player as prize balls. The payout control board 710 controls the payout motor 714 based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 700 to pay out predetermined prize balls to the player. At this time, the number of put-out game balls is detected by the put-out ball counting switch 716s, and it is grasped whether the prize balls to be put out have been put out to the player.

Further, the payout control board 710 is connected with a tray full detection switch 718s for detecting the full state of the lower tray 534 . This full-dish detection switch 718s is provided in a passage leading game balls paid out as prize balls to the lower tray 534, and every time a game ball passes through the passage, a game ball detection signal is sent to the payout control board 710. It is designed to be entered.

Then, when the lower tray 534 is filled with a predetermined amount or more of game balls, the game balls stay in the passage toward the lower tray 534, and are directed toward the payout control board 710 from the tray full detection switch 718s. , the game ball detection signal is continuously input. The payout control board 710 determines that the lower tray 534 is full when the game ball detection signal is continuously input for a predetermined period of time, and transmits a full tray command to the main control board 700 . On the other hand, when the continuous input of the game ball detection signal is interrupted after the full-dish command is transmitted, it is determined that the full-drained state is cancelled, and the full-dish full-drain release command is transmitted to the main control board 700 .

A launch control circuit 720 is connected to the payout control board 710 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The firing control circuit 720 permits firing when receiving the firing control data from the payout control board 710 . The shooting control circuit 720 is connected to a touch sensor 512s provided on the operating handle 512 for detecting that the player touches the operating handle 512, and an operation volume 512a for detecting the operating angle of the operating handle 512. It is When a signal is input from the touch sensor 512s and the operation volume 512a, the shooting control circuit 720 controls the shooting solenoid 512c provided in the game ball shooting device to energize and shoot the game ball.

The sub-control board 730 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or during standby. The sub-control board 730 includes a sub-CPU 730a, a sub-ROM 730b, a sub-RAM 730c, and an RTC 730d. ing. The sub CPU 730a reads the program stored in the sub ROM 730b based on the command transmitted from the main control board 700, the input signal from the timer, etc., performs arithmetic processing, and executes and controls the performance. At this time, the sub-RAM 730c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the sub-CPU 730a.

<Device management>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining the control mode of the main effect display section 600a, the effect accessory device 602, the effect lighting device 604, the sound output device 606, and the effect operation device 608 in the sub control board 730. As shown in FIG. A sub-CPU 730a provided on the sub-control board 730 cooperates with a program stored in a sub-ROM 730b and a sub-RAM 730c to control state management means (state management task) 731, device control means (device task) 732, and display control means. It functions as (drawing task) 733 , sound control means (sound task) 734 , operation control means (operation task) 735 , lighting control means (lighting task) 736 , and character object control means (movable object task) 737 . The state management means 731, device control means 732, display control means 733, sound control means 734, operation control means 735, lighting control means 736, and character object control means 737 are executed in accordance with predetermined interrupt processing.

The state management means 731 manages the state of the performance. Specifically, the state management means 731 is activated immediately upon receiving a command (main command) from the main CPU 700a of the main control board 700, analyzes the command transmitted from the main control board 700, and converts it into a predetermined effect table. Based on this, a production pattern such as a variable production corresponding to the command (contents indicating a series of production flows) is determined, and each device (main production display unit 600a, production accessory device 602, production lighting device 604, voice A message is generated for each of the output device 606 and the effect operation device 608) and added to the operation buffer. Here, the message indicates the output timing to each device and the operation pattern of each device.

The device control means 732 analyzes each message accumulated in the operation buffer and generates effect data for operating each device based on the operation pattern included in the message according to the output timing included in the message. . Here, the rendering data has contents that instruct specific operations of each device. For example, the device control means 732 generates effect data for instructing the lighting control means 736 about the object to be lit, the lighting time, and the blinking cycle of the effect lighting device 604 .

The display control means 733, the sound control means 734, the lighting control means 736, and the character object control means 737 convert the effect data generated by the device control means 732 into commands for operating each device, and convert them to the specifications of each device. At the same time, commands are output periodically. Here, the command is information consisting of ON (“1”) and OFF (“0”) predetermined for each device. Each device operates according to such a command. For example, the lighting control means 736 periodically outputs commands to the controller 742 to control lighting of the production lighting device 604 . Hereinafter, the lighting control by the lighting control means 736 will be described as a specific control of the device.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram for explaining lighting control by the lighting control means 736. As shown in FIG. Here, an example in which the illumination control means 736 displays decimal Arabic numerals on the 7-segment display device L via the controller 742 and the driver circuit Q is taken. Such a 7-segment display device L (collective illuminator) is composed of 7 segments capable of representing numbers and a dot segment (DP) located at the bottom right of them. Here, the 7-segment display device L as the production lighting device 604 is placed on the display substrate 750 and arranged in the central part of the production accessory device 602 in FIG. Then, when the production accessory device 602 moves to the front of the main production display unit 600a, such as during the variable display of the production patterns 610a, 610b, and 610c, the 7-segment display device L is displayed at the center of the production accessory device 602, By displaying information based on the progress of the game, such as the state of progress of the game and the result of the game, the player is given a sense of expectation for a big win.

The lighting control means 736 sends a command ( lighting commands). For example, the illumination control means 736 sets the brightness of each of the seven segments ag and one dot segment dp in the seven segment display device L. FIG. The brightness can be set in 128 steps from 0 to 127, and the higher the number, the higher the brightness. Therefore, a data area of at least 8 bytes is required to represent the brightness of all the seven segments ag and one dot segment dp in one seven-segment display device L. FIG. If one segment is composed of LEDs of three primary colors (Red, Green, and Blue), one 7-segment display device L requires a data area of 24 bytes (8 bytes×3 primary colors).

When the lighting control means 736 determines the numerical value for lighting control of the 7-segment display device L according to the effect data, the brightness of the seven segments a to g and one dot segment dp for representing the numerical value is adjusted to the brightness of the segment. The identifiers are set in order from a to g. For example, if the numerical value is "6", the segments a, c to g are lit, and the segment b and the dot segment dp are extinguished. are set to "7FH", "00H", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "00H". The illumination control means 736 outputs such 8-byte data to the controller 742 periodically (for example, at a 33 msec cycle (30 fps)) as a command indicating updating of luminance.

Controller 742 functions as a FIFO buffer and serial interface. Specifically, upon receiving a command from lighting control means 736, controller 742 retains the command in a FIFO buffer. Then, the controller 742 transmits the commands held in the FIFO buffer to the driver circuit Q byte by byte in the order of reception through serial communication. A clock signal is transmitted from the controller 742 to the driver circuit Q together with the serial signal.

The driver circuit Q analyzes commands received through serial communication, and controls the currents flowing through each of the seven segments a to g and one dot segment dp of the seven-segment display device L based on the commands. For example, if the received commands are "7FH", "00H", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", and "00H", the maximum , and no current in segment b and dot segment dp. Thus, the player can visually recognize the numerical value "6" on the 7-segment display device L as shown in FIG.

The driver circuit Q maintains the current value and the lighting mode unless the lighting mode changes due to a new command. Therefore, while the command is not received, the lighting mode of the previous command (for example, numerical value "6") is held. Further, here, an example in which the driver circuit Q controls the currents of seven segments a to g and one dot segment dp has been described. The brightness may be changed by control.

As described above, when the illumination control means 736 determines the numerical value for lighting control of the 7-segment display device L according to the data generated by the device control means 732, the seven segments a to g and Data indicating the luminance of one dot segment dp is set in order from a to g (hereinafter, the process of setting such data is referred to as "data setting process"). Also, the lighting control means 736 periodically (for example, every 33 msec) outputs such 8-byte data as a command to the controller 742 (hereinafter, the process of outputting data is referred to as "data output process"). Here, if the frequency of the data setting process is higher than the frequency of the data output process, the data may not be output even though it is set. On the other hand, if the frequency of the data setting process is lower than the frequency of the data output process, the set data will be output multiple times unintentionally. In either case, the data displayed on the 7-segment display device L will not change smoothly. Therefore, the data setting process and the data output process are executed at a one-to-one frequency. For example, the data setting process and the data output process are executed at different timings in the same interrupt process (33 msec cycle). Therefore, the execution timings of the data setting process and the data output process do not overlap while the processes are properly performed.

As described above, the data setting process and the data output process are executed in the same interrupt process, but the processing order is data output process→data setting process. This is to strictly maintain the data output interval by executing the data output process with priority. Therefore, in the data output process, the data set in the data setting process in the previous interrupt process is output.

Here, data output processing and data setting processing are repeatedly executed for each interrupt processing. However, if the time occupied by the data setting process becomes long and the next interrupt process occurs before the data setting process is completed and the data output process is executed, the numerical value may not be displayed properly on the 7-segment display device L. There is

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of data setting processing and data output processing. For example, it is assumed that the lighting control means 736 has set the numerical value for lighting control of the 7-segment display device L to "5". Therefore, the data areas of the seven segments a to g and one dot segment dp contain "7FH", "00H", "7FH", "7FH", "00H" as shown in (1) of FIG. , “7FH”, “7FH”, and “00H” are held. This corresponds to the numerical value "5" as shown on the right side of (1) in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the lighting control means 736 determines "6" instead of "5" as the numerical value for lighting control of the 7-segment display device L according to the data generated by the device control means 732. FIG. Then, the illumination control means 736 overwrites each information in the data areas of the seven segments a to g with the information corresponding to the numerical value "6".

Specifically, the illumination control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment a with "7FH" as shown in FIG. 16(2). Subsequently, the lighting control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment b with "00H" as shown in (3) of FIG. Subsequently, the illumination control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment c with "7FH" as shown in (4) of FIG. Subsequently, the lighting control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to segment d with "7FH" as shown in (5) of FIG. Subsequently, the illumination control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment e with "7FH" as shown in (6) of FIG. Subsequently, the lighting control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment f with "7FH" as shown in (7) of FIG. Subsequently, the lighting control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment g with "7FH" as shown in (8) of FIG. Since only the numerical value is changed here, the data of the dot segment dp is not overwritten. Thus, the data areas of the seven segments a to g and one dot segment dp contain "7FH", "00H", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH" as shown in (8) of FIG. , "7FH", "7FH", and "00H" are retained.

Illumination control means 736 changes "7FH", "00H", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH" shown in (8) of FIG. 8-byte data of "7FH" and "00H" are output to the controller 742 as a command. Thus, the player can visually recognize the number "6" on the 7-segment display device L, as shown in FIG. 16(8).

Here, in the data areas of the seven segments a to g and one dot segment dp, as shown in (9) of FIG. , "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", and "00H" are held. Here, it is assumed that the illumination control means 736 determines "7" instead of "6" as the numerical value for lighting control of the 7-segment display device L according to the data generated by the device control means 732. FIG. Then, the illumination control means 736 overwrites each information in the data areas of the seven segments a to g with the information corresponding to the numerical value "7".

Specifically, the lighting control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment a with "7FH" as shown in (10) of FIG. Subsequently, the lighting control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment b with "7FH" as shown in (11) of FIG. Subsequently, the illumination control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to segment c with "7FH" as shown in (12) of FIG. Subsequently, the illumination control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment d with "00H" as shown in (13) of FIG. Subsequently, the lighting control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment e with "00H" as shown in (14) of FIG. Subsequently, the illumination control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment f with "00H" as shown in (15) of FIG. Subsequently, the lighting control means 736 overwrites the data area corresponding to the segment g with "00H" as shown in (16) of FIG. Since only the numerical value is changed here, the data of the dot segment dp is not overwritten. Thus, the data areas of the seven segments a to g and one dot segment dp contain "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "00H", "00H" as shown in (16) of FIG. , "00H", "00H", and "00H" are held. Therefore, originally, the illumination control means 736 should be set to "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "00H", and "" shown in (16) of FIG. 00H", "00H", "00H", and "00H" are output as commands to the controller 742, and thus the numerical value "7" should be visible on the 7-segment display device L.

However, if the time occupied by the data setting process becomes long and the next interrupt process occurs before the data setting process is completed (when the execution timing of the data setting process and the data output process overlap), the lighting control Means 736 preferentially executes data output processing. For example, if an interrupt process occurs at the timing of (12) in FIG. 16 instead of the timing of (16) in FIG. 8-byte data of "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", and "00H" shown in , are output to the controller 742 as commands. . Then, as shown on the right side of (12) in FIG. 16, the numerical value "8" is visually recognized on the 7-segment display device L, which is different from the intended numerical value "7". After executing the data output process, the illumination control means 736 restarts the data setting process across frames. This is because at the timing of (12) in FIG. 16, only the segments a to c of the numerical value "7" are reflected, and the information of the numerical value "6" remains in the segments d to g. there is

The lighting mode of the 7-segment display device L returns to the original lighting mode when the interrupt period is appropriately executed next time. . In particular, unlike the image displayed on the main effect display section 600a, the presence or absence of lighting of each segment of the 7-segment display device L is easy to grasp, so the player is more likely to feel a sense of discomfort.

In this way, when the execution timings of the data setting process and the data output process overlap, the 7-segment display device L may not perform appropriate display. Therefore, in this embodiment, execution of the data output process is restricted (prohibited) while the data setting process is being executed.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the flow of data setting processing and data output processing. In FIG. 17, according to the data generated by the device control means 732, the lighting control means 736 determines "6" instead of "5" as the numerical value for controlling the lighting of the 7-segment display device L as in FIG. Also, assume that "7" is determined instead of "6". The operation of the data setting process in FIG. 17 is the same as the data setting process in FIG. 16, so detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

Here, if the time occupied by the data setting process becomes long and the next interrupt process occurs before the data setting process is completed, the lighting control means 736 attempts to execute the data output process at that time. For example, when an interrupt process occurs at the timing of (12) in FIG. 17, the lighting control means 736 changes "7FH", "7FH", and "7FH" shown in (12) in FIG. An attempt is made to output 8-byte data of "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", "7FH", and "00H" to the controller 742 as a command. However, here, execution of the data output process is restricted while the data setting process is being executed. Therefore, the lighting control means 736 does not output a command to the controller 742 at the time of (12) in FIG. 17 when the data setting process is not completed.

As described above, the driver circuit Q maintains the lighting mode unless the lighting mode is changed by a new command. Therefore, while no command is received, the lighting mode of the previous command is maintained, and the 7-segment display device L maintains the lighting control of the previous value "6".

Here, while the data setting process is being executed, the execution of the data output process may be restricted, and the data setting process in the interrupt process may also be restricted. With such a configuration, when the next interrupt period is properly executed, the lighting mode of the 7-segment display device L returns to its original appropriate lighting mode.

Further, here, while the data setting process is being executed, an output prohibition flag (flag) is used to restrict (prohibit) execution of the data output process.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the lighting control processing of the illumination control means 736. As shown in FIG. The numerical values of step S in the description of FIG. 18 are used only in the description of this figure. Here, an example will be described in which data output processing and data setting processing are executed in response to timer interrupt processing with a cycle of 33 msec. In practice, timer interrupt processing with a period of 33 msec (521 μ×64) is realized by counting 64 times of timer interrupt processing with a cycle of 521 μsec and executing the lighting control processing once every 64 times.

(Step S1)
When a timer interrupt occurs, lighting control means 736 determines whether or not the output prohibition flag is ON. As a result, if the output prohibition flag is ON (YES in S1), the lighting control process is terminated, and if the output prohibition flag is not ON (NO in S1), the process proceeds to step S2. Here, the output prohibition flag indicates the execution state of the data setting process. When the output prohibition flag is ON, the data setting process is being executed, and when the output prohibition flag is OFF, the data setting process is not being executed. . Here, if the output prohibition flag is ON, the information is appropriately displayed by not executing new data output processing and data setting processing.

(Step S2)
The lighting control means 736 outputs data (commands) to the controller 742 .

(Step S3)
The lighting control means 736 turns on the output prohibition flag in order to limit the execution of the data output process while the data setting process is being executed.

(Step S4)
The lighting control means 736 sets data indicating the lighting mode of the 7-segment display device L as a command according to the data generated by the device control means 732 .

(Step S5)
The illumination control means 736 turns off the output prohibition flag upon completion of the data setting process.

Here, by restricting the execution of the data output process using the output inhibition flag while the data setting process is being executed, it is possible to prevent the 7-segment display device L from changing to the lighting mode during the data setting process. . Therefore, through the 7-segment display device L, it is possible to appropriately display information based on the progress of the game.

Here, the 7-segment display device L configured with 7 segments and dot segments has been described as an object of lighting control, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. It may be a collective luminous body composed of a plurality of luminous bodies such as LEDs, lamps, etc., such as a plurality of LEDs arranged in parallel or a plurality of LEDs arranged concentrically.

Further, here, the illumination control means 736 of the sub-control board 730 has been described as the main body that controls the lighting of the 7-segment display device L, but the present invention is not limited to such a case. , a lighting control unit that performs lighting control of the collective light emitter is sufficient.

In addition, the sub control board 730 actuates the performance accessory device 602 and controls the lighting of the performance lighting device 604, and performs voice output control for outputting voice from the voice output device 606. Furthermore, when an operation detection signal is input from the effect button detection switch 608s that detects that the effect operation device 608 has been pressed and the cross key detection switch 609s that detects that the cross key 609 has been pressed. , a predetermined process is performed.

A power supply board (not shown) is connected to each board, and power is supplied to each board from a commercial power supply via the power supply board. Also, the power supply board is provided with a backup power supply comprising a capacitor. The RTC 730d provided on the sub-control board 730 receives power supply from this backup power supply and measures the current time.

Here, in the gaming machine 500, a device for making it possible to suppress clogging of game balls will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21. FIG. 19 to 21 are partially enlarged views enlarging a part of FIG. 12. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the game machine 500 is provided with a ball return prevention mechanism 800. As shown in FIG. The ball return prevention mechanism 800 is a mechanism for preventing the game ball PB shot to the game area 516 from returning toward a shooting mechanism (not shown). Hereinafter, the rail 514a is also called the inner rail 514a, and the rail 514b is also called the outer rail 514b.

A guide region R21 is formed between the inner rail 514a and the outer rail 514b. In the guide area R21, a game ball PB shot by a shooting mechanism (not shown) is guided to the game area 516. As shown in FIG. The ball return prevention mechanism 800 prevents the game ball PB from returning from the game area 516 to the guide area R21. The anti-ball return mechanism 800 has a displaceable displacement member 802 .

The displacement member 802 has a side portion 802a facing the outer rail 514b and a tip portion 802b on the tip side of the side portion 802a. The displacement member 802 can be displaced between a first state, a second state, and a third state. Hereinafter, the first state, the second state and the third state of the displacement member 802 are also referred to as the first state, the second state and the third state of the anti-ball return mechanism 800 . FIG. 19 is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in the first state. FIG. 20 is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in the second state. FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged view showing the ball return prevention mechanism 800 in the third state.

For example, the displacement member 802 is rotatable about the lower end of the displacement member 802, as shown in FIGS. 19-21. When no load is applied, the displacement member 802 is maintained in the first state shown in FIG. 19 by being biased by the biasing member. For example, in the first state, the displacement member 802 is held in the posture shown in FIG. 19 by being biased by a biasing member and pressed against a stopper (not shown). The displacement member 802 is biased counterclockwise in FIG. 19 by a biasing member. The game ball PB shot by a shooting mechanism (not shown) can move to the game area 516 by pushing the displacement member 802 against the biasing force of the biasing member.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the first state, the specific distance D21, which is the distance from the tip 802b of the displacement member 802 to the outer rail 514b, is shorter than the diameter of the game ball PB. Therefore, in the first state, the game ball PB trying to return from the game area 516 to the guide area R21 is blocked by the displacement member 802 and cannot enter the guide area R21. Specifically, in the first state, the angle formed by the side surface portion 802a of the displacement member 802 and the outer rail 514b is an acute angle. Therefore, the game ball PB that has collided with the displacement member 802 from the game area 516 side is repelled in a direction away from the outer rail 514b and appropriately returned to the game area 516 side. The first state is a state in which the specific distance D21 is shorter than the second state, as will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 20, in the second state, the specific distance D21 is approximately the same as the diameter of the game ball PB or longer than the diameter of the game ball PB. The second state is a state in which the game ball PB shot by a shooting mechanism (not shown) pushes the displacement member 802 and moves beyond the displacement member 802 . In the second state, the game ball PB is guided to the game area 516 from the guide area R21. The second state is a state in which the specific distance D21 is longer than the first state. After the game ball PB moves from the guide area R21 to the game area 516 beyond the displacement member 802, the ball return prevention mechanism 800 returns from the second state to the first state. Thereby, the return of the game ball PB from the game area 516 to the guide area R21 is suppressed.

A first game ball PB1 shown in FIG. 21 is a game ball PB guided to the game area 516 from the guide area R21. The second game ball PB2 shown in FIG. 21 is a game ball PB that tries to return from the game area 516 to the guide area R21. As shown in FIG. 21, the third state is the timing when the second game ball PB2, which was shot earlier than the first game ball PB1, returns to the displacement member 802, and the timing when the first game ball PB1 reaches the displacement member 802. This is a state in which the first game ball PB1 and the second game ball PB2 collide with each other. In the third state, the first game ball PB1 is in contact with the side portion 802a of the displacement member 802, the outer rail 514b, and the second game ball PB2. Also, the second game ball PB2 is in contact with the tip portion 802b of the displacement member 802, the outer rail 514b, and the first game ball PB1. Thereby, the specific distance D21 is longer than the first state and shorter than the second state, and is shorter than the distance D22 from the lowest point P21 of the second game ball PB2 to the outer rail 514b.

As described above, even if the second game ball PB2 tries to return to the guide area R21 after the collision between the first game ball PB1 and the second game ball PB2, the ball return prevention mechanism 800 is in the third state. , the tip portion 802b of the displacement member 802 is contacted from the game area 516 side. Therefore, the displacement member 802 is more likely to be rotated counterclockwise by being given a contact force directed from the game area 516 side to the guide area R21 side. Therefore, the displacement member 802 can make it difficult for the second game ball PB2 to return to the guide area R21. As a result, even when the first game ball PB1 and the second game ball PB2 collide as shown in FIG. 21, the second game ball PB2 can be prevented from returning to the guide area R21. In other words, it is possible to prevent two game balls PB from returning to the guide area R21 in succession, and to prevent the game balls PB from clogging in the guide area R21 and the launching device.

(Third Embodiment: Smart Pachinko)
In the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine (Pachinko machine) 500 has been described. Instead of such a game machine 500, a smart pachinko machine is being studied that uses an enclosed circulation type pachinko machine so that the player can proceed with the game without touching the game balls.

In smart pachinko, by applying a frame control board, a counting switch, and a game ball number display device having the same functions as the medal number control board 204, the counting switch 112, and the game medal number display device 114 in the smart pachislot machine 100, smart As in the pachislot 100, the smart pachinko and the dedicated unit 350 enable the game to progress without distributing the game balls. The game ball number display device is a display device that displays the number of game balls, which is the total number of electronic game balls that can be used in a game. Incidentally, the number of game balls corresponds to an example of the number of game values, which is the total number of game values that can be provided for a game.

Further, in smart pachinko, the same configuration as the display unit 400 described above may be applied as the configuration of the display unit provided with the counting switch and the game ball number display device. That is, the present invention may be applied to smart pachinko. Also in this case, the same effects as those of the display unit 400 described above can be obtained. In this case, the number of segments included in the display device of the number-of-game-balls display device is six, for example. This prevents the number of digits for displaying the number of game balls from becoming insufficient.

In the smart pachislot 100, the counting switch 112 and the game medal count display device 114 are provided on the operating unit installation base 111, respectively. A plate 532 may be provided near the cross key 609, for example. Further, in smart pachinko, the second character part C12 may be a character string such as "balls in possession" instead of the character string "number of possessions". Further, in smart pachinko, when the first character portion C11 includes the character string "short press" and the character string "long press", the number of game balls transmitted to the specific unit by the "short press" ( For example, 1 ball) may be written in parallel with the character string "short press", and the number of game balls (for example, 250 balls) sent to the specific unit by "long press" may be written as "long press". It may be written in parallel with the character string. Note that the first character portion C11 may include text indicating that pressing the button portion 112a will transmit part of the number of game balls to a specific unit.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or modifications within the scope of the claims, and it should be understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. be done.

12 to 18, the game machine 500 is provided with the effect lighting device 604 including the 7-segment display device L, and the lighting control means (lighting task) 736 of the sub CPU 730a. performs the lighting control of the production lighting device 604 . However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and as shown in FIG. 22, an effect lamp 126 including a plurality (here, four) of 7-segment display devices L is arranged below the symbol display window 108 of the smart pachislot 100 or slot machine. , the illumination control means (illumination task) of the sub CPU 202a may control lighting of the production lamp 126. FIG. Then, the lighting control means restricts (prohibits) the execution of the data output process while the data setting process is being executed.

In the smart pachislot 100 and the slot machine, there are devices such as a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, and a stop switch 120 that are directly operated by the player during the progress of the game. Since processes such as winning type lottery, transition processing of game state and effect state are concentrated, the time occupied by data setting processing becomes long, and the next interrupt processing occurs before data setting processing is completed, and data output processing is interrupted. more likely to be executed. Here, the illumination control means restricts the execution of the data output process using the output prohibition flag while the data setting process is being executed, so that the 7-segment display device L is in a lighting mode during the data setting process. can prevent it from happening. Therefore, through the 7-segment display device L, it is possible to appropriately display information based on the progress of the game.

100 smart pachislot (game machine)
500 game machine 736 lighting control means (lighting control unit)
L 7-segment display device (collective light emitter)

Claims (1)

a collective luminous body composed of a plurality of luminous bodies;
a lighting control unit that performs lighting control of the collective light emitter;
with
The lighting control unit
executing a data setting process for setting data indicating the lighting mode of the collective light emitter;
executing a data output process for outputting the data set in the data setting process;
The execution timing of the data setting process and the data output process may overlap,
A game machine that restricts execution of the data output process while the data setting process is being executed.

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