JP2023161026A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving convenience in using a function to change setting items.SOLUTION: A game machine 1 comprises: operation means 20 that can be operated by a player and that is not to be used for a presentation in which an operation is to be requested to the player; setting adjustment means for changing predetermined setting items regarding games upon a trigger of the operation of the operation means 20 being detected; and a light emission unit 32 emitting light when the setting items are changed due to the operation of the operation means 20 being performed. A structure in which the operation means 20 and the light emission unit 32 are both provided on the upper side of a support unit 30 is preferable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine that allows a player to arbitrarily adjust settings such as volume and light intensity is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-086319

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the usability of a function that changes settings.

A gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is provided with a first operating means and a second operating means on the upper side that protrude toward the player. a support part that has been adjusted, a setting adjustment means that changes predetermined settings related to the game in response to the detection of the operation of the second operation means, and a decorative pattern that notifies the result of the determination of validity after the change starts. A performance execution means for executing an operation performance that requests the player to operate the first operation means, which is a performance that can be generated in the notification performance until it is stopped in a manner according to the winning/failure lottery result. , when the setting item is changed by operating the second operating means, the light emitting section included in the first operating means emits light.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the usability of the function of changing setting items.

1 is an overall view of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. It is a figure which showed the identification pattern displayed on the display area. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an operation request performance. It is a diagram for explaining types of operation request performances (types of operation modes required of the player). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining that when the first operating means is actually operated in a single operation request performance that is started with the automatic operation function enabled, the automatic operation function becomes invalid. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that when the first operating means is actually operated in a continuous operation request performance that is started with the automatic operation function enabled, the automatic operation function becomes invalid. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining that when the first operating means is actually operated in an operation-free performance that is started with the automatic operation function enabled, the automatic operation function remains enabled. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a fixed mode. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a fixed mode setting method. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the support part, in which (a) is a view of the support part as seen from above, and (b) is a view of the support part as seen from the front. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining that the light emitting section emits light when a setting item (eg, volume) is changed by operating the second operating means. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the light emitting mode of the light emitting section differs depending on the operating mode of the second operating means. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example in which an operating means (eg, a first operating means) different from the second operating means is set as a light emitting section.

1) Overall Configuration Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The game board 90 is formed of approximately square plywood, and the guide rail 903, which constitutes a path for guiding the game ball fired by operating the firing device 908 (launching handle) to the gaming area 902, has a roughly arc shape. It is set up like this. The gaming area 902 is provided with a starting winning opening 904, a big winning opening 906, an out opening 907, and the like.

A display area 911 of the display device 91 is visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. Note that in some of the figures, the shape of the display area 911 exposed without being covered by the game board 90 is shown in a simplified manner (described as a rectangle), but the size and shape of the part can be changed as appropriate. be.

Further, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the manner in which the game balls flow down when they collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes into various modes depending on the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a gaming machine 1, a game ball is fired toward the gaming area 902 by operating the firing device 908. When the game balls flowing down the gaming area 902 enter a winning opening such as the starting winning opening 904 or the big winning opening 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

The jackpot lottery is executed by a propriety determining means provided on a control board (not shown) triggered by the winning of a game ball into the starting winning hole 904 (a plurality of such starting winning holes 904 may be provided). Specifically, when a game ball enters the starting prize opening 904, a numerical value (hereinafter sometimes referred to as win/fail determination information) is obtained from a random number source, and this numerical value is the same as a predetermined jackpot numerical value. If it is, it is a jackpot, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, similarly to known gaming machines, when a jackpot occurs, the identification symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91 are displayed in a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same symbols). A notification is given when the combination is a match), and if any other combination is displayed, the result is a loss. Although the description of the identification pattern 80 is omitted in some of the figures, basically, while the notification effect for notifying the result of the judgment is being executed, the identification pattern 80 (identification pattern group) continues to be displayed. In addition, illustration of the identification pattern 80 is omitted in some drawings other than FIG. 2.

In this embodiment, the notification of the validity determination result is started in the order in which the numerical values for the validity determination are acquired (the fluctuation of the identification symbol 80 (identification symbol group) is started), but when a certain numerical value is When a numerical value is acquired, if the validity judgment result based on the previously acquired numerical value is being reported, a control board (not shown) is installed until the notification of the validity determination result based on the certain numerical value starts. is stored in the stored storage means. The maximum number of numerical values for which notification of validity determination results has not yet started (the corresponding value is "pending (information)". Pending (information) can be said to be a subordinate concept of validity determination information). The number of memories (maximum number of reservations) can be set as appropriate. The maximum number of reservations that can be stored by the storage means in this embodiment is four per kind of starting winning hole 904. In addition, in this embodiment, it is determined whether the acquired numerical value is a numerical value that will be a jackpot at the time when the notification of the validity determination result is started, but the validity determination is not performed when the numerical value is acquired. The configuration may also be such that the judgment result itself is stored. Furthermore, the acquired numerical value is also used as a numerical value for determining the specific content of the performance that notifies the result of the validity determination.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, pending symbols (not shown) are marks corresponding to each acquired numerical value (correctness judgment information) for which notification of the judgment result stored in the storage means has not started. ) is displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. In this embodiment, the numerical values are displayed in order from the left in descending order of the timing at which they were acquired (in descending order of the earliest acquisition timing). A dedicated display device for displaying reserved symbols may be provided. The mode of the pending symbol may always be the same, or it may be a normal pending symbol that indicates that the probability that the corresponding win/fail determination result will be a jackpot (hereinafter sometimes referred to as (jackpot) reliability) has increased. may be set with one or more types of special symbols in different aspects.

Note that explanations of components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1, the lower tray and the upper tray for storing game balls, will be omitted. For these, structures similar to those of known gaming machines can be applied.

2) Automatic Operation Function The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes an operation means 10 (hereinafter, formally referred to as a first operation means 10 to distinguish it from a second operation means 20 described later). The first operation means 10 is a member provided for the player to participate in the performance. The first operating means 10 in this embodiment is a so-called "push button". The first operating means 10 is provided so as to be movable between an original position and an operating position that is displaced downward by a predetermined amount from the original position. At least, a sensor (not shown) detects that the first operating means 10 is located at the operating position. The first operating means 10 is not limited to a "push button". It may be any device that can be displaced within a predetermined range by the player applying force himself/herself, and that a sensor or the like can detect when the player is at the operating position. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of operation directions (operation modes) are set. For example, it may be a lever that can be pushed or pulled in the front-back direction. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of first operating means 10 are provided.

The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is one of various performances that make up the notification performance (the performance from when the identification symbol 80 starts changing until it stops at the combination indicating the result of the validity determination) that notifies the result of the determination of validity. As a first step, it is possible to execute an operation request effect. The operation request performance is a performance that urges (requests) the player to operate the first operation means 10. The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment generates a plurality of types of operation request performances that differ in the scenes to be executed and the required operation modes (described later). In the operation request performance, an operation validity period is set during which the operation of the first operating means 10 is reflected in the performance. During the valid operation period, a meter 11 (see FIG. 3) or numbers (countdown numbers) indicating the remaining time or elapsed time of the valid operation period may be displayed. In addition, in order to enable the player to easily understand when the timing (opportunity) to operate the first operating means 10 has arrived, an operating image 12 (see FIG. 3) representing the first operating means 10 (see FIG. 3) is provided. As long as it is determined that the image represents the operating means 10, it may take any form), or a display 13 indicating that the first operating means 10 should be operated (see FIG. !” display). Note that the mode of the operation request performance is merely an example. It is assumed that all performances that request the player to operate the first operating means 10 are included in the operation request performance.

There are various possible operating modes of the first operating means 10 required in the operation request performance. A single operation in which the first operating means 10 is changed from the original position to the operating position only once, and a continuous operation (so-called Examples include a "repeat press"), a maintenance operation in which the first operating means 10 is moved from its original position to an operating position and maintained in that state (so-called "long press"), and the like. The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes an operation request performance that prompts a single operation (see FIG. 4(a); hereinafter also referred to as a single operation request performance), an operation request performance that encourages continuous operations (see FIG. 4(b) ) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a continuous operation request performance), and an operation request performance that prompts a maintenance operation (see FIG. 4C; hereinafter sometimes referred to as a maintenance operation request performance).

The automatic operation function is a function in which, in various operation request performances, even if the first operating means 10 is not actually operated during the valid operation period, it is reflected in the performance as being virtually operated. In this embodiment, except for special cases that will be described in detail later, when the automatic operation function is enabled, the virtual operation It is reflected in the performance as something that has been done. That is, in the single operation request performance, a virtual single operation is reflected in the performance, in the continuous performance, a virtual continuous operation is performed, and in the maintenance operation request performance, a virtual maintenance operation is performed. Specifically, in a performance requiring a single operation, the output of sounds and images, the movement of movable accessories, etc. occur during a virtual single operation (hereinafter referred to as the output of sounds and images caused by the virtual operation or the actual operation). (Events that produce a production effect) may be collectively referred to as "production elements" (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)). In the continuous operation request performance, a performance element is output every time one virtual operation is performed (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(b)). In the maintenance operation request performance, a performance element is output every time the virtual maintenance operation elapses for a predetermined period of time. At the time of the continuous operation request performance or the maintenance operation request performance, the performance element is essentially output every time the operation valid period passes for a predetermined period of time. By doing so, the burden on the player who feels it is a burden to operate the first operating means 10 in various operation request performances is reduced.

The player may use any method to turn the automatic operation function from disabled (OFF) to enabled (ON). Equipped with an automatic operation function as one of the customizable functions for setting and changing various functions related to the gaming machine 1, and configured so that the automatic operation function can be disabled and enabled by operations on the customization screen. (This customization function itself is well known, so the explanation will be omitted). Further, when the operation request performance is not executed (operation valid period) is not set, the automatic operation function is changed from disabled to enabled by operating the first operating means 10 in a predetermined manner. is possible. For example, when the operation request performance is not executed (operation valid period) is not set, and the maintenance operation of the first operation means 10 is performed for a predetermined period of time, the automatic operation function is changed from disabled to enabled. It is possible to do so.

On the other hand, as at least one method for the player to turn the automatic operation function from valid (ON) to invalid (OFF), it is set that the player actually operates the first operation means 10 in the operation request performance. Specifically, when an actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected during the valid operation period in the operation request presentation, the automatic operation function is changed from valid to invalid (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(c)). . The fact that the first operating means 10 is actually operated in the operation request performance means that the player has the intention to operate the first operating means 10, so the automatic operation function is disabled to respect this. shall be. When an operation request performance in which the automatic operation function is enabled occurs and an actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in the certain operation request performance, the automatic operation is performed in the certain operation request performance. Not only is the function disabled, but (unless an operation to enable the automatic operation function is performed) the automatic operation function is also invalidated in subsequent operation request performances.

In this embodiment, in a single operation request performance that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, a virtual single operation is prevented from occurring at the same time or immediately after the operation valid period starts. In other words, a virtual single operation is prevented from occurring during a specific period from the start of the operation validity period to an intermediate point before the end of the operation validity period, and the actual first operation is not performed during the specified period. It is assumed that when the means 10 is not operated, a virtual single operation occurs at the intermediate point in time (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b)). In this embodiment, the intermediate point in time is approximately the middle point in the valid operation period. If a virtual single operation occurs at the same time or immediately after the operation valid period starts, the single operation request performance will end at that point (the operation valid period will end), This means that there is no room (time) for actually operating the first operating means 10. In other words, even if the player has the intention of actually operating the first operating means 10, there is not enough time to actually perform the operation. In this embodiment, since the specific period is set, it is possible to actually operate the first operating means 10 even in a single operation request performance that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled. Then, when the first operating means 10 is actually operated during the specific period, the automatic operation function becomes invalid with this as a trigger (see FIGS. 5(a) and 5(c)).

In this embodiment, the specific period as described above is not set in the continuous operation request performance and the maintenance operation request performance. In the continuous operation request performance and the maintenance operation request performance, the performance does not end immediately after the virtual operation is performed, so there is sufficient time for the player to actually operate the first operation means 10. be. Even in a continuous operation request performance or a maintenance operation request performance that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, the actual operation of the first operation means 10 is detected (the first operation is performed for the first time after the operation validity period starts). The automatic operation function becomes invalid when the operation of the operation means 10 is detected (see FIGS. 6(a) and 6(c)). Therefore, since no virtual operation is performed after that, no reflection on the performance occurs unless the operation means is actually operated. Note that a specific period as described above may also be set for the continuous operation request performance and the maintenance operation request performance. In this way, if the player has the intention to actually operate the first operating means 10, the player can actually operate the first operating means 10 (during a specific period) before the virtual operation is performed. You can switch the automatic operation function from enabled to disabled by operating it.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when an actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in the operation request presentation that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled (ON), the automatic operation function is activated. The automatic operation function is disabled (OFF) as shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 6(c). In other words, when the first operating means 10 is actually operated, it is assumed that the player has an intention to operate the first operating means 10, and the automatic operation function is invalidated. From the player's point of view, there is no need to take any action to disable the automatic operation function, which improves the usability of the automatic operation function.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in an operation request performance that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, a performance element is output using this as a trigger (Fig. 5 (c) and FIG. 6(c)). In other words, the operation that triggers switching the automatic operation function from valid to invalid is also set to be reflected in the performance. The fact that the first operating means 10 is actually operated means that the player himself/herself intends to operate the first operating means 10 to reflect the effect on the performance. If the operations are not reflected in the performance, the player may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, when an actual operation is detected, not only is the automatic operation function switched, but it is also reflected in the performance (output of the performance element).

Hereinafter, specific examples in which the matters related to the automatic operation function in the above embodiment are improved, embodied, modified, etc. will be described. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

○First specific example: Although the player is not prompted to operate the first operating means 10, it is possible to perform an operation-free performance (see FIG. 7) in which the operation of the first operating means 10 is reflected in the performance. . The above-mentioned operation request performance includes a meter 11 indicating the operation validity period, an operation image 12, and a display 13 indicating that the first operation means 10 should be operated. While this is the effect that prompts the operation of 10, such a display is not made in the effect that does not require an operation. However, when the first operating means 10 is operated, the operation-required performance and the non-operation-required performance are similar in that it is reflected in the performance. The operation-free performance is a so-called "hidden performance" that only a specific player is made aware of. Because of this kind of "hidden effect," even if a non-operation required effect occurs when the automatic operation enable function is enabled (ON), virtual operation by the automatic operation function will not be performed (see Figure 7). a) (see b)). This is because if a virtual operation is performed, the user will notice that an operation-unrequired effect has occurred, and the term "hidden effect" will be meaningless. Such a performance that does not require operation includes changing a predetermined performance element (for example, the color of a predetermined image displayed in the display area 911) by continuously operating the first operating means 10 during a so-called reach performance. It is possible to exemplify a performance in which the reliability of jackpot is suggested by the performance element.

Assume that a non-operation request effect occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled. Even when the first operating means 10 is actually operated during such a non-operation-required performance (operation valid period in a non-operation-required performance), the automatic operation function is not disabled (OFF) and remains valid. The state is maintained (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(c)). That is, although the actual operation in the operation-request performance is used as a trigger to invalidate the automatic operation function, the actual operation in the non-operation-required performance is not used as a trigger to invalidate the automatic operation function. As mentioned above, since a performance that does not require operation is a "hidden performance," the fact that an actual operation is performed during the performance that does not require operation does not mean that there is an intention to enjoy the effects of the "hidden performance." Therefore, it is possible that the player does not think that the automatic operation in the operation request performance is unnecessary. Moreover, in this example, even if the automatic operation function is enabled, no virtual operation is performed in the non-operation-requesting performance (see FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b)). In order to enjoy the effect of the performance, it is necessary to perform the actual operation. Therefore, the actual operation during the non-operation-required performance is not considered to indicate that the player intends to operate the first operation means 10, and the automatic operation function is maintained in an effective state. In addition, in cases where multiple types of non-operation-required effects are installed, the automatic operation function will not be disabled and will remain effective for some of the non-operation-required effects when the actual operation is triggered, but other operations will not be disabled. Regarding non-requested performances, the automatic operation function may be disabled upon actual operation.

○Second specific example In the above embodiment, when an actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in an operation request production (operation valid period) that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, the automatic operation function is disabled. I explained what was said. However, some players may dislike this switching from valid to invalid. For example, I basically want the automatic operation function to be effective (I want it to be in a state where I don't have to operate it myself), but in some operation request performances, I want to operate the first operation means 10 myself. There is a possibility that a player exists. For such players, it is undesirable for the automatic operation function to be invalidated every time they actually perform an operation in the operation request presentation.

Based on this, in a state where the automatic operation function is enabled, even if the first operation means 10 is actually operated in the operation request performance, the automatic operation function is not invalidated and is maintained in a valid state. (See FIG. 8, hereinafter referred to as fixed mode) is configured so that it can be set arbitrarily by the player. In this way, oneself can operate the first operating means 10 for some operation request performances, while virtual operations are performed for other operation request performances (oneself operates the first operation means 10) You can create a situation where you don't have to do it.

The player may choose any method to set the fixed mode, but when the automatic operation function is enabled (see Figure 9(a)), the player must decide whether or not to select the fixed mode. It can be said that it is preferable to have a configuration in which the value is determined (see FIG. 9(b)). In other words, by asking the player who has enabled the automatic operation function whether to fix the automatic operation function, a situation where the existence of the fixed mode is not known can be avoided.

Third Specific Example In the above embodiment, when an actual operation of the first operating means 10 is detected in an operation request production (operation valid period) that occurs while the automatic operation function is enabled, the automatic operation function is disabled. Although it has been explained that the automatic operation function is switched from valid to invalid even if the first operating means 10 is actually operated at a time other than when the operation request effect is being executed during the notification effect. (However, this excludes operations to switch the automatic operation function from enabled to disabled using the so-called customization function.) Since the operation of the first operating means 10 when the operation request performance is not being performed is likely to be an operation that is not based on the player's own intention, such as an erroneous operation, the operation during the notification performance is To maintain an effective state of an automatic operation function even if an operation of a first operation means 10 is detected at a time other than when a requested performance is being executed.

3) Support function when adjusting settings The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a second operating means 20 that is different from the first operating means 10 described above (see FIGS. 1 and 10). The second operating means 20 in this embodiment is a so-called "cross key". Such second operating means 20 is provided on the support section 30. Specifically, the second operating means 20 is supported by the supporting section 30 such that a part of the second operating means 20 is exposed on the upper surface of the supporting section 30 . The support portion 30 is a part of the housing (frame body) of the gaming machine 1, and is a portion provided so as to protrude toward the front. A game ball storage space 31 (a so-called "upper tray" portion), which is a concave portion recessed downward, is formed above the support portion 30 (see FIG. 10(a)). The game balls stored in the game ball storage space 31 are fired by the firing device 908. The second operating means 20 is provided in a portion of the upper surface of the support portion 30 where the game ball storage space 31 is not formed (see FIG. 10(a)). In addition, in this embodiment, the first operation means 10 is also provided on the upper surface of the support part 30.

The support portion 30 is provided with a light emitting portion 32 (a portion including a light emitting body such as an LED) that can emit light in a predetermined manner. The light emitting section 32 may be directly supported by the support section 30, or the light emitting section 32 may be supported by the support section 30 via another member. The light emitting part 32 is provided on the upper surface of the support part 30 so that the light emission direction is directed upward (see FIG. 10(a)). The light emitting section 32 may emit light in any manner. It may be possible to emit light in multiple types of modes.

In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, by operating the second operating means 20, it is possible to change the predetermined setting items to those desired by the player. The second operating means 20 is an operating means used for changing setting items, and is not an operating means used for production. That is, no operation request performance that prompts the player to operate the second operation means 20 occurs. The above-mentioned setting items may be of any kind as long as they are not related to the player's direct profits (balls played). Setting items include those related to the gaming environment, such as the volume of the sound output from the speaker 40 (see Figure 1) and the amount of light output from various illuminations, and the music that is output as background music during the notification performance. Examples include things related to performances such as selection of types and types (eg, main characters) of various performances that constitute the notification performances. Below, the support function by the light emitting section 32 will be explained using volume adjustment as an example.

When adjusting the volume, the second operating means 20 is operated. In this embodiment, pressing the "up" button on the cross key (second operating means 20) increases the volume, and pressing the "down" button decreases the volume. In other words, the direction in which the setting items change differs depending on the operating mode of the second operating means 20. Further, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can adjust the volume even while the notification effect is being executed (while the identification symbol 80 is changing). From the player's point of view, it is possible to adjust the volume to a desired level while continuing the game (while continuing to shoot the game balls).

When the second operating means 20 is operated and the volume changes, the light emitting section 32 emits light. Specifically, when the volume changes by one step (including both an increase and a decrease in the volume), the light emitting section 32 temporarily (for a predetermined period of time) emits light (see FIG. 11). It is difficult to tell whether the volume has actually changed due to the operation of the second operation means 20, and even if the player intends to operate the second operation means 20, the operation may not have been detected and the volume may not have changed. Situations may arise. In this embodiment, the light emitting unit 32 is caused to emit light in order to clearly indicate that the operation of the second operation means 20 has been detected and the volume has been changed. Since the player can see that the volume (setting item) is changing due to the light emission from the light emitting unit 32, it can be said that the usability of the function for changing the setting item is improved.

Further, the light emitting section 32 in this embodiment is provided on the support section 30 (on the upper side of the support section 30) together with the second operating means 20. A player who wishes to change the volume operates the second operating means 20 while looking into the support section 30 from above. Since the light emitting part 32 is provided on the upper side of the support part 30, it is possible to check whether or not the volume has been changed by checking whether the light emitting part 32 is emitting light while operating the second operating means 20. It is possible to judge. Note that in this embodiment, when the volume changes, the change in volume is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIGS. 11(b) and 11(c)). There is no need to look at the display area 911 while doing so. In other words, rather than looking at the display area 911 to check whether a change in volume has been performed, the light emitting section 32 provided on the upper side of the support section 30 together with the second operating means 20 is checked to see if a change in volume has been performed. It is easier to check whether

Hereinafter, specific examples will be described in which the matters related to the support function in the above embodiment are improved, materialized, modified, etc. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

○First Specific Example It is assumed that the direction in which the setting items change differs depending on the operation mode of the second operation means 20. In the above embodiment, the direction of change of the setting items is different between the first operation mode in which the ``up'' button of the cross key that is the second operation means 20 is operated, and the second operation mode in which the ``down'' button is operated. . For example, if the setting item is volume or light intensity, when the first operation mode is operated, the setting item increases, and when the second operation mode is operated, the setting item decreases. It shall change. When the setting item is to select one element from multiple types of candidate elements, such as a song, the multiple types of candidate elements are arranged in a predetermined order, and when the operation in the first operation mode is performed, a predetermined element is selected. It is assumed that the setting items (selectable items) are changed in order, and when the operation in the second operation mode is performed, the setting items (selected items) are changed in an order opposite to the predetermined order.

Based on this assumption, the light emission mode of the light emitting unit 32 is configured to be different when the setting item is changing (switching) in one direction and when it is changing (switching) in the opposite direction. . In other words, when an operation is performed in the first operation mode and the settings are changed to one side, the light emitting section 32 emits light in the first light emission mode (see FIG. 12(a)). When the matter has changed to the other side, the light emitting section 32 emits light in a second light emitting mode (a light emitting mode different from the first light emitting mode) (see FIG. 12(b)). By doing so, the player is able to grasp not only that a change in the settings has occurred because the light emitting section 32 is emitting light, but also the direction of the change.

○Second specific example A light emitting section 32 is provided in an operating means different from the operating means (second operating means 20) operated when changing the setting items, and the light emitting section 32 is caused to emit light when the setting items change. For example, the first operating means 10, which is a push button, is provided with the light emitting section 32 (it may be provided near the first operating means 10). Since the first operating means 10 is provided on the support section 30, it can be said that the light emitting section 32 provided on the first operating means 10 is also indirectly provided on the support section 30. The light emitting section 32 provided in the first operating means 10 is basically provided for producing a predetermined presentation effect. For example, the light is emitted during the valid operation period in an operation request presentation that prompts the player to operate the first operation means 10. The player understands that it is the timing to operate the first operating means 10 because the first operating means 10 emits light.

The light emitting section 32 provided in the first operating means 10 is made to emit light when a setting item is changed by operating the second operating means 20 (see FIG. 13). In other words, the light emitting section 32 provided in the first operating means 10 is used to notify the player that the settings have changed. By doing so, there is no need to separately provide the light emitting section 32 to indicate that the settings have changed.

Third Specific Example The light emitting mode of the light emitting section 32 when the setting items are changed by operating the second operating means 20 is different from the light emitting mode of the light emitting section 32 at other times. Specifically, the light emitting unit 32 emits light in one or more of the lighting modes for effects when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the notification effect in order to enhance the effects of the various effects that make up the notification effect. Suppose that it is set so that there is a case. The light emitting mode of the light emitting unit 32 when the settings change (hereinafter referred to as a specific light emitting mode to distinguish it from the above-mentioned effect light emitting mode) is different from any of the above effect light emitting modes. By doing this, it becomes easier to understand that the settings have changed.

Furthermore, if the timing at which the predetermined condition is met during the notification performance and the timing at which the setting items are changed by the operation of the second operating means 20 overlap, priority is given to the light emitting unit 32 emitting light in a specific light emission mode. Do it like this. In other words, the light emitting section 32 emitting light in the presentation light emitting mode is canceled, and the light emitting section 32 emits light in the specific light emitting mode. Therefore, regardless of the situation in which the settings are changed, the support function provided by the light emitting section 32 can be enjoyed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The gaming machine 1 may have only one of the items described in "2) Automatic operation function" and the items described in "3) Support function when adjusting settings".

Although the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, the same technical concept can be applied to other gaming machines such as reel-type gaming machines, except for the configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines. It is.

Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

・Means 1-1
an operation means that can be operated by a player; a performance execution means that executes an operation request performance that prompts the player to operate the operation means; and at least a part of the operation request performance, the operation means is actually operated. an automatic operation function control means for switching ON/OFF of an automatic operation function that is reflected in the performance as if the operation of the operation means has been performed even if the operation means has not been operated, and in a state where the automatic operation function is turned on. . A gaming machine, wherein the automatic operation function is turned off when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request performance.
Even if the automatic operation function is turned on, when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request performance, it is considered that the player has an intention to operate the operation means, so the automatic operation function is not activated. Make sure the function is turned off. From the player's perspective, it can be said that the usability of the automatic operation function is improved because there is no need to take any separate action to turn off the automatic operation function.

・Means 1-2
In a state where the automatic operation function is ON, when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request performance, the automatic operation function is turned OFF, and the operation is not reflected in the performance. The gaming machine according to means 1-1, characterized in that:
Even if the automatic operation function is ON, when the operation means is actually operated in the operation request performance, it is considered that the player has the intention to operate the operation means, so the operation is not performed. should be reflected in the performance (if the operation is not reflected in the performance, the player may feel uncomfortable).

・Means 1-3
The performance execution means is capable of executing an operation-free performance in which the operation of the operation means is reflected in the performance, although the player is not prompted to operate the operation means, and the automatic operation function is turned on. Means 1-1 characterized in that in a state where the automatic operation function is not turned off and is maintained in an ON state even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation-free performance. Or the gaming machine according to means 1-2.
The actual operation of the operating means in a performance that does not require any operation is an operation to enjoy the effect of the performance that does not require any operation, and there is a possibility that it is not the player's intention that automatic operation is unnecessary. Therefore, it is preferable not to switch the automatic operation function from ON to OFF in response to an actual operation in a non-operation-required performance.

・Means 1-4
A fixed mode in which the automatic operation function is not turned OFF and remains ON even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation request performance while the automatic operation function is ON; The gaming machine according to any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that a player can arbitrarily set the game machine.
There is a possibility that there are players who enjoy the automatic operation function in some operation-required performances and who wish to operate the operating means themselves in other operation-required performances. For such players, it is undesirable for the automatic operation function to be turned off by actually operating the operation means in the operation request presentation. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a mode in which the automatic operation function remains ON even if the operation means is actually operated in the operation request performance.

・Means 2-1
an operating means that can be operated by a player; a setting adjustment means that changes predetermined settings related to the game upon detection of the operation of the operating means; A gaming machine characterized by comprising: a light emitting section that emits light when a matter changes.
According to the above gaming machine, since the light emitting section emits light to clearly indicate that the settings have changed, the usability of the function for changing the settings is improved.

・Means 2-2
Means 2-1, characterized in that the device comprises a support section that supports the operation means so that at least a part of the operation means is exposed on the upper surface side, and the light emitting section is provided on the support section. The gaming machine described in .
By doing so, it is easy to determine whether the light emitting section is emitting light when the operating means is operated.

・Means 2-3
The gaming machine according to means 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the operation means is not subject to an operation request presentation that prompts the player to operate during the valid operation period. .

1 Gaming machine 10 First operating means 20 Second operating means 30 Support section 32 Light emitting section 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

a support portion that protrudes toward the player and is provided with a first operating means and a second operating means on the upper side that can be operated by the player;
a setting adjustment means for changing predetermined settings related to the game in response to the detection of the operation of the second operation means;
A performance that may occur in a notification performance from when the decorative pattern that notifies the winning/failure determination result starts changing until it stops in a manner according to the winning/failure lottery result, and which requires the player to operate the first operating means. a performance execution means for performing an operation performance requesting;
Equipped with
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the setting items are changed by operating the second operating means, a light emitting section included in the first operating means emits light.

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