JP4556413B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine technology in which a game progresses by performing an operation of inserting a game medium such as a spinning cylinder game machine, starting a game, or stopping a spinning cylinder.

Conventionally, for example, a spinning-rotor type gaming machine places a game bet by inserting a game medium or pushing a button, and then operates a start button or a start lever to start rotation of the spinning cylinder. And it has the structure which calculates | requires operation which stops a some rotary drum with each stop button.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-174740 (paragraph number 12)

  By the way, in such a gaming machine, a game method is adopted in which a game progresses when a player inserts a game ball or operates a button, so that the game progresses unless the player operates the gaming machine. Has no qualities.

  In addition, in such a gaming machine, when a winning is made with a predetermined lottery probability, it becomes a gaming state advantageous to the player, for example, a big hit game, providing the player with a very high gameability, In some cases, it has the qualities of requiring repeated regular games that attempt to become a big hit game. Accordingly, during the big hit game, there is a tendency that the operation of inserting the game medium, the operation of the start lever or the start button, or the operation of the stop button is actively advanced.

  On the other hand, in the normal game, the game performance is lower than that in the big hit game, and there is a tendency that the burden of playing the game medium, operating the start lever and start button, or operating the stop button is increased. Also, depending on the player's poor physical condition and skin condition, the operation of the start lever and stop button may be painful.

For this reason, during a normal game, there is a tendency that aggressive operations are difficult to be performed, which may lead to a decrease in the operating rate of the gaming machine.
Therefore, in the present invention, by reducing the work effort and the burden received from the operation so that the progress speed of the game does not decrease, the operating rate of the gaming machine is improved and the customer satisfaction of the player is improved. The purpose is to do.

As means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the invention of claim 1 is a game media input signal, a game start signal, a game stop signal, a game shortening signal, or A gaming machine provided with a game progress processing means for inputting a game symbol stop signal and executing a process related to the progress of the game, and that the operation has been performed optically, electrically, or magnetically. A plurality of non-contact operation detection means for detecting by contact, and when the non-contact operation detection means detects an operation, a game progress non-contact that outputs a signal related to the progress of the game to the game progress processing means corresponding to the operation Each non-contact operation detecting means is used as a switch for instructing to stop the game symbol, and each of the plurality of non-contact operation detecting means is arranged at a position corresponding to a vertex of a triangle. ing This is the gist.

  Accordingly, when the non-contact operation detecting means detects that the operation has been performed optically, electrically, or magnetically without contact, the game progress non-contact signal output means corresponds to the detected operation. A signal related to the progress of the game is output to the processing means. On the other hand, the game progress processing means that has received the signal executes processing related to the progress of the game in response to the signal.

Note that, as in the gaming machine according to claim 2, the plurality of non-contact operation detecting means may be arranged at positions corresponding to the vertices of the triangle.

  By solving the above-mentioned problem, the gaming machine of the invention of claim 1 is such that a signal related to the progress of the game is input to the game progress processing means without contact, and a signal related to the progress of the game is transmitted. The extremely high effect of reducing the burden of operation for input, reducing the cause of slowing down the progress of the game, improving the operating rate of the gaming machine, and improving the customer satisfaction of the player Play.

In addition, the non-contact operation enables, for example, an operation method in which the fingertip is only moved sideways. It is possible to perform, and it is possible to digest the losing game between jackpots and jackpots with a minimum of physical and mental burden. Therefore, Ru can be achieved and the improvement of the reduction and utilization of the player's burden.
Further, when each non-contact operation detecting means used as a switch for instructing to stop the game symbol is arranged in a staggered manner, as shown in FIG. 12, the one arranged at the position corresponding to the apex of the triangle is selected. When operating, it is possible to operate the switches in various orders by simply waving your finger from the right to the left, or just inserting it in the middle and then waving from the left to the right.

Next, an embodiment of the invention will be described.
1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of an operation state of the contactless operation device 3 of the gaming machine 1, and FIG. 4 is a contactless operation device. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of the contactless detection circuit 5 and the push button switch circuit 7 of the contactless operation device 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 corresponds to the contents of the symbols formed on the belt 9 (in particular, the first belt 9A, the second belt 9B, and the third belt 9C are distinguished). The belt-type symbol display device 11 expressing a state advantageous to the player, the upper receiving tray 13 of the gaming ball, the lower receiving tray 15, the gaming ball capturing device 17 for taking in the gaming ball from the upper receiving tray 13, and the gaming ball A game ball payout device 19 for paying out to the upper tray 13, an operation input button 21 for causing the game ball take-in device 17 to take in a game ball or causing a game ball storage device (not shown) to take in a game ball, and a belt A belt rotation starting device 23 for starting the rotation of the belt 9 in the pattern display device 11; a stop button 25A for stopping the rotation of the first belt 9A; a stop button 25B for stopping the rotation of the second belt 9B; A stop button 25C for stopping the rotation of the belt 9C (the stop buttons 25A, B, and C are simply referred to as a stop button 25 when there is no need to distinguish them), below the belt rotation starting device 23 and the stop button 25. And a non-contact operating device 3 provided.

  Here, the gaming machine 1 has a configuration in which a game ball is inserted and the rotation of the belt-type symbol display device 11 is started and then stopped by the stop button 25. However, in the scope of the present invention, the gaming machine 1 It may be one that inserts medals, or one that has a drum-type or image-type symbol display device.

  The belt rotation starting device 23 is substantially the same as a conventional spinning cylinder type game machine, although detailed explanation is omitted. The rotation is started by operating the belt rotation starting device 23, and the operation of the stop button 25 is performed. The rotation of the belt rotation starting device 23 and the stop button 25 are not described in detail, but they perform the same functions as those provided in a conventional rotary type game machine. .

Next, the configuration and operation of the contactless operation device 3 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the non-contact operating device 3 includes a slit 29 formed in a groove shape from a decorative panel 27 along the belt rotation starting device 23 and the stop button 25. As shown in FIG. 3 (B), the slit portion 29 has a ceiling portion 31 and a floor portion separated by an interval of about 3 cm, for example, so that the player's finger 35 can move laterally without touching. 33.

  The ceiling portion 31 faces the nail side of the finger 35 and has a shape that gradually becomes deeper from both sides 31A and 31B toward the groove depth 31C as shown in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 4A, the portion 33 also has a shape that gradually deepens from both sides 33A, 33B toward the groove depth 31C.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, the light receiving glass plate 37 having a slightly smaller shape than the ceiling portion 31 is formed on one ceiling portion 31 arranged to face the slit portion 29 in this manner. As shown in B), the finger 35 is interposed (embedded) without protruding so as not to obstruct the lateral movement of the finger 35.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, a light projection glass plate 39 having a shape slightly smaller than the floor portion 33 is provided on the other floor portion 33 as shown in FIG. It is inserted (embedded) without protruding so as not to obstruct lateral movement.

Five light receiving elements 41 are installed in the light receiving glass plate 37 of the ceiling portion 31, and light is input through the light receiving glass plate 37.
In the light projection glass plate 39 of the floor 33, five two-color light emitting elements 43 are installed, and light is projected onto the light receiving element 41 through the light projection glass plate 39. Here, the two-color light emitting element 43 emits red light and blue light. The two-color light emitting element 43 may be any element as long as it emits light.

With such a configuration, when the two-color light emitting element 43 of the floor 33 emits light, the player can visually recognize the light emission and can perceive the current state.
Further, if the finger 35 is inserted between the two-color light emitting element 43 and the light receiving element 41, the light projection of the two-color light emitting element 43 does not enter the light receiving element 41. When this is used, the finger 35 can be detected without contact.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the finger 35 is put into the left end 29A of the slit portion 29 and moved to the right in the groove, the two-color light emitting element 43 and the light receiving element 41 It will cross one after another. In other words, the two-color light emitting element 43 and the light receiving element 41 at five locations cross one after another without contact.

  The five sets of the two-color light emitting element 43 and the light receiving element 41 are named the first sensor 51, the second sensor 52, the third sensor 53, the fourth sensor 54, and the fifth sensor 55 from the left. As shown in FIG. 5A, each of the sensors 51 to 55 is a conventional non-contact detection circuit 5 including a two-color light emitting element 43 having two light emitting elements and a light receiving element 41. It has the composition of. Terminals 57 and 59 are for driving the light emitting elements 61 and 63, and a terminal 65 is for output. Accordingly, when driving power is supplied to the terminal 57, the light emitting element 61 emits red light, and when driving power is supplied to the terminal 59, the light emitting element 63 emits blue light. When the light emitting elements 61 and 63 emit light, the output terminal 65 is at a low level, and when the light 35 enters the light receiving element 41, the terminal 65 is at a high level.

The specific operation of the contactless detection circuit 5 will be described later.
The push button switch circuit 7 in FIG. 5B has a circuit configuration of the belt rotation starting device 23 and the stop button 25. The push button switch circuit 7 includes an A contact 67 and an output terminal 69. When the A contact 67 is in an open state, that is, when it is not operated, the output terminal 69 is in an open state and the A contact 67 is closed. In the state, that is, in the operated state, the closed state is entered.

  Next, a configuration in which the first sensor 51, the second sensor 52, the third sensor 53, the fourth sensor 54, the fifth sensor 55, the belt rotation starting device 23 and the stop button 25 are connected is shown in the block diagram of FIG. Based on

  The gaming machine 1 is based on a belt-type symbol display device 11 having a belt-control board 75, a main board 71 that provides a game using the belt-type symbol display apparatus 11, a command from the main board 71, and the like. A sub-control board 73 that provides effects such as decoration and sound effects, a game ball take-in device 17 having a take-in device board 77, and a game ball payout device 19 are provided.

The main board 71 includes an input interface 79 for inputting a signal from the outside and an output interface 81 for outputting a drive signal to the outside.
The input interface 79 is connected to the belt rotation starting device 23 described above, the stop buttons 25A, B, and C, and the second sensor 52, the third sensor 53, the fourth sensor 54, and the fifth sensor 55. Yes.

  The output interface 81 includes light emitting elements 61 and 63 of the second sensor 52, light emitting elements 61 and 63 of the third sensor 53, light emitting elements 61 and 63 of the fourth sensor 54, and light emission of the fifth sensor 55. Elements 61 and 63 are connected.

  With this configuration, the main board 71 selectively selects the states of the belt rotation starter 23, the stop buttons 25A, B, and C, the second sensor 52, the third sensor 53, the fourth sensor 54, and the fifth sensor 55. , The light emitting elements 61 and 63 of the second sensor 52, the light emitting elements 61 and 63 of the third sensor 53, the light emitting elements 61 and 63 of the fourth sensor 54, and the fifth sensor 55. The light emitting elements 61 and 63 can be selectively driven to emit light.

  In addition, the take-in device board 77 of the game ball take-in device 17 includes an input / output interface 83 that inputs a signal from the outside and outputs a drive signal to the outside. The first sensor 51 and the light emitting elements 61 and 63 of the first sensor 51 are connected.

Thereby, the capture device substrate 77 can selectively input the state of the input button 21 and the first sensor 51 and can selectively drive the light emitting elements 61 and 63.
The gaming machine 1 is connected to sensors, actuators, lamps, and the like in addition to the illustrated sensors and light emitting elements, but description thereof in FIG. 2 is omitted.

The gaming machine 1 described above operates as follows.
1. When the throw button 21 is operated, the game ball take-in device 17 takes in a specified number of game balls. Here, when the throw button 21 is pressed once, five game balls are taken in, and when operated three times, 15 game balls are taken in.

When the game ball is captured, a capture signal TS is output from the game ball capture device 17 to the main board 71.
2. When the capture signal TS is input, the main board 71 determines whether or not the game is ready to start by a game preparation completion determination process (not shown), and if it is ready, the start lamp is turned on although illustration is omitted. Thus, the operation of the belt rotation starting device 23 is requested. In this state, an input of operation of the belt rotation starting device 23 is waited, and if there is an operation, a game process (not shown) is started.

  3. The main board 71 starts the game process, determines whether the belt-type symbol display device 11 is ready, and if it is ready, the belt 9 can be stopped although illustration is omitted. Display the stop lamp to be displayed. And operation of stop button 25A, B, C is input.

  4). When the stop buttons 25A, B, and C are operated, the stop lamps corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 25A, B, and C are turned off, and a belt stop signal BTS is output to the belt-type symbol display device 11. In the game process, when all the stop buttons 25A, B, and C are operated, the prize number signal PS is sent to the game ball payout device 19 based on the contents of the symbol represented by the belt type symbol display device 11 at that time. For example, a process for setting a flag indicating that the state is output or the player is in an advantageous state is performed. If the flag indicating that the player is in a favorable state is a bonus game, the bonus game process is started.

The contents of the above processes 1 to 4 are the contents of the processes performed by the conventional gaming machine. It should be noted that the contents of processing 1 to processing 4 are not strictly required for the purpose of the present invention.
Next, processing unique to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a first sensor control processing routine that is repeatedly executed by the game ball take-in device 17, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a second sensor control processing routine that is repeatedly executed by the main board 71.

  5. When it is determined in the main board 71 that the game process in the process 4 is once completed or in the bonus game process, it is determined that the next game ball is put in a standby state. It is output to the device 17.

  When the game input standby signal TTS is input by the game ball take-in device 17, it is determined whether there is a game input standby signal TTS in the first sensor control process shown in FIG. 6 (S100). The process proceeds to a process of lighting the light emitting element 61 of the first sensor 51 in red (S110). As a result, the first sensor 51 emits red light to indicate that the player is ready for operation.

Next, it is determined whether the light incident on the light receiving element 41 of the first sensor 51 is blocked (S120), and this state is waited until the light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked.
In the standby state, when it is detected that light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked, that is, that the first sensor 51 is operated, the first sensor 51 indicating that the first sensor 51 is turned on next. An ON signal is output (S130).

  Next, the light emitting element 63 of the first sensor 51 is lit in blue (S140), and this routine is temporarily ended. Thereby, the fact that the first sensor 51 is operated is expressed by blue light.

In response to the output of the first sensor 51 ON signal, the game ball is taken in.
Here, when the game ball is captured, the capture signal TS is output from the game ball capture device 17 to the main board 71 in the same manner as in the process 1.

  6). When the main board 71 receives the acquisition signal TS, the main board 71 executes the process 2 and determines whether there is an acquisition signal TS of the second sensor control process shown in FIG. 7 (S200). The process proceeds to a process of lighting the light emitting element 61 of the next second sensor 52 in red (S210). As a result, the second sensor 52 emits red light to indicate that the player is ready for operation.

Next, it is determined whether the light incident on the light receiving element 41 of the second sensor 52 is blocked (S220), and this state is waited until the light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked.
In a standby state, when it is detected that light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked, that is, that the second sensor 52 is operated, the second sensor 52 indicates that the second sensor 52 is turned on next. An ON signal is output (S230).

  Next, the light emitting element 63 of the second sensor 52 is lit in blue (S240), and this routine is temporarily terminated. Thereby, the fact that the second sensor 52 is operated is expressed by blue light.

  The second sensor 52 ON signal has the same function as the operation signal of the belt rotation starting device 23, and a game process (not shown) is started. In the game process, a bonus lottery is performed and the belt-type symbol display device 11 is caused to start rotating the belt 9.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the third sensor control processing routine. A flowchart of the fourth and fifth sensor control processing routines is also shown.
7). When the game process is started, it is determined whether the third sensor control process shown in FIG. 8 can be stopped (S300), and the light emitting element 61 of the next third sensor 53 is lit in red from the standby state up to that point. The process proceeds to processing (S310). As a result, the third sensor 53 emits red light to indicate that the player can operate to stop the first belt 9A.

Next, it is determined whether the light incident on the light receiving element 41 of the third sensor 53 is blocked (S320), and this state is waited until the light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked.
In the standby state, when it is detected that the light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked, that is, that the third sensor 53 is operated, the third sensor 53 indicating that the third sensor 53 is turned on next. An ON signal is output (S330).

  Next, the light emitting element 63 of the third sensor 53 is lit in blue (S340), and this routine is ended once. Thereby, the fact that the third sensor 53 has been operated is expressed by blue light.

Here, when the third sensor 53 ON signal is output, the stop signal BTS of the first belt 9A is output with the same kind of function as when the stop button 25A is operated.
Further, it is determined whether or not the fourth sensor control process can be stopped (S400), and the process shifts from the standby state until then to the process of lighting the light emitting element 61 of the next fourth sensor 54 in red (S410). As a result, the fourth sensor 54 emits red light to indicate that the player can operate to stop the second belt 9B.

Next, it is determined whether the light incident on the light receiving element 41 of the fourth sensor 54 is blocked (S420), and this state is waited until the light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked.
In the standby state, when it is detected that the light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked, that is, that the fourth sensor 54 is operated, the fourth sensor 54 indicating that the fourth sensor 54 is turned on next. An ON signal is output (S430).

  Next, the light emitting element 63 of the fourth sensor 54 is lit in blue (S440), and this routine is temporarily terminated. Thereby, the fact that the fourth sensor 54 is operated is expressed by blue light.

Here, when the fourth sensor 54 ON signal is output, the stop signal BTS of the second belt 9B is output with the same kind of function as when the stop button 25B is operated.
Alternatively, it is determined whether the fifth sensor control process can be stopped (S500), and the process shifts from the standby state until then to the process of lighting the light emitting element 61 of the next fifth sensor 55 in red (S510). As a result, the fifth sensor 55 emits red light to indicate that the player can operate to stop the third belt 9C.

Next, it is determined whether the light incident on the light receiving element 41 of the fifth sensor 55 is blocked (S520), and this state is waited until the light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked.
In the standby state, when it is detected that the light incident on the light receiving element 41 is blocked, that is, that the fifth sensor 55 is operated, the fifth sensor 55 indicating that the fifth sensor 55 is turned on next time. An ON signal is output (S530).

  Next, the light emitting element 63 of the fifth sensor 55 is lit in blue (S540), and this routine is ended once. Thereby, the fact that the fifth sensor 55 is operated is expressed by blue light.

Here, when the fifth sensor 55 ON signal is output, the stop signal BTS of the third belt 9C is output with the same kind of function as when the stop button 25C is operated.
In the game process, when all the stop buttons 25A, B, C or the third, fourth, and fifth sensors 53, 54, and 55 are operated, the contents of the symbols represented by the belt-type symbol display device 11 at that time are displayed. Based on this, a prize number signal PS is output to the game ball payout device 19, and a process for setting a flag indicating that the player has entered a state advantageous to the player is performed. If the flag indicating that the player is in a favorable state is a bonus game, the bonus game process is started.

As described above, the gaming machine 1 can perform all operations of throwing in a game ball, starting operation, and stopping operation without contact, and the burden on the skin and the like is reduced.
Moreover, it is possible only by crossing the finger 35 or the like in the slit portion 29 formed in a horizontal row in the vicinity of the place where the conventional stop button 25 is installed, and it is customary without being aware of the operation position. It is possible to do this, and the mental burden is reduced.

  In addition, the red light indicates that the operation is possible, and the blue light indicates that the operation has been performed. Therefore, the operation without any clues due to non-contact is visually complemented and taught to ensure the operation. By doing so, operability is improved.

  As a result, the burden of operation is reduced, the cause of lowering the game progress speed is reduced, the operating rate of the gaming machine is improved, the customer satisfaction of the player is improved, and the big hit and the big hit There is an extremely excellent effect that it becomes possible to digest the off-line game with a minimum physical and mental burden.

Next, the gaming machine 101 will be described.
9 is an explanatory diagram of a part of the gaming machine 101, FIG. 10 is an external view of the non-contact operating device 103 of the gaming machine 101, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a usage state of the non-contact operating device 103, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the usage method of the non-contact operating device 103. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the gaming machine 101 includes a contactless operation device 103 instead of the contactless operation device 3 of the gaming machine 1. Note that the gaming machine 1 and the gaming machine 101 basically have the same configuration, and the same reference numerals are assigned to the same configuration, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The non-contact operation device 103 includes a non-contact operation surface 85 on the right side of the stop buttons 25A, B, and C. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the non-contact operation surface 85 has a surface inclined from the decorative panel 27 in the back direction (the gaming machine 101 side as viewed from the player), as shown in FIG. The contactless operation device 103 is placed on an inclination that makes the contactless operation device 103 and the finger 35 difficult to touch without forcibly bending the finger 35 during operation with the finger 35.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the non-contact operation device 103 capable of performing an operation without touching the finger 35 as described above includes a groove-shaped slit portion 129 that is operated by inserting the finger 35, and a slit portion. 129 is provided with a ceiling portion 131 located on the nail side of the finger 35 inserted in the 129 and a floor portion 133 facing the ceiling portion 131.

Between the ceiling portion 131 and the floor portion 133, a left sensor 151, a middle sensor 153, and a right sensor 155 are configured.
The light receiving element 41 of the left sensor 151, the light receiving element 41 of the middle sensor 153, and the right sensor are provided on the side 131A opposite to the floor 133 of the ceiling 131 in which the left sensor 151, the middle sensor 153, and the right sensor 155 are configured. 155 light receiving elements 41 are arranged.

  The light emitting element 143 for the left sensor 151, the light emitting element 143 for the middle sensor 153, and the right sensor 155 are located on the opposite side 131 </ b> B from the opposite side 131 </ b> A of the ceiling 131 and in the vicinity of the light receiving element 41. A light emitting element 143 is disposed.

  On the floor 133 at a position facing the ceiling 131, a two-color light emitting element 43 for the left sensor 151, a two-color light emitting element 43 for the middle sensor 153, and two colors for the right sensor 155. A light emitting element 43 is disposed.

  With the above configuration, the left sensor 151 of the non-contact operating device 103 functions in substantially the same manner as the third sensor 53, the middle sensor 153 functions in substantially the same manner as the fourth sensor 54, and the right sensor 155 includes the fifth sensor. Functions almost the same as 55.

  In the non-contact operating device 103, the light-emitting element 143 for the left sensor 151 and the two-color light-emitting light-emitting element 43 emit light in the same timing and at the same emission color, and similarly for the middle sensor 153. The light emitting element 143 and the two-color light emitting element 43 emit light in the same manner, and the light emitting element 143 for the right sensor 155 and the two-color light emitting element 43 similarly emit light.

Therefore, the non-contact operation device 103 can output the stop signal BTS of the first belt 9A, the second belt 9B, and the third belt 9C.
Therefore, if the left sensor 151 is operated, the first belt 9A is stopped, if the middle sensor 153 is operated, the second belt 9B is stopped, and if the right sensor 155 is operated, the third belt 9C is stopped. In addition, in the two-color light emitting element 43 and the light emitting element 143, the input enabled state is expressed by red light emission, and the input is expressed by blue light emission.

Moreover, the contactless operation device 103 can further reduce the input labor for contactless input, as shown in the explanatory diagram of the operation example of the contactless operation device 103 in FIG.
For example, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the finger 35 is inserted deep into the slit portion 129 and then moved in the arrow YA direction, the sequential input of the left sensor 151, the middle sensor 153, and the right sensor 155 is completed. . That is, it is possible to sequentially input the three left sensors 151, the middle sensor 153, and the right sensor 155 by only slightly moving the finger 35 to the right.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, after inserting the finger 35 in the direction of the middle sensor 153, the finger 35 is moved in the direction of the arrow YB, then returned to the direction of the arrow YC, and moved in the direction of the arrow YD. 153, the right sensor 155, and the left sensor 151 can be sequentially input. That is, the middle sensor 153, the right sensor 155, and the left sensor 151 can be sequentially input only by shaking the finger 35 once to the right and left.

  Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12C, the left sensor 151 and the right sensor 155 are inserted by slightly inserting the finger 35 into the slit portion 129, moving it in the arrow YE direction, and then turning back and inserting it in the arrow YF direction. Thus, it becomes possible to sequentially input the middle sensor 153. That is, it is possible to perform pinching by simply reciprocating the finger 35.

  As described above, the non-contact operating device 103 can perform non-contact input in a desired order by simply swinging the finger 35 to the left and right in addition to substantially the same effect as the gaming machine 1. There is an extremely excellent effect that the burden is reduced.

Next, a technique used in addition to or instead of the configuration of the gaming machine 1 or the gaming machine 101 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram of the sensor button 251. The sensor button 251 is disposed on the decorative panel 27 and includes a proximity-type or touch-type switch surface 253. As a result, the sensor button 251 can detect an operation in the vicinity of the switch surface 253 or simply by touching the switch surface 253. In addition, since it is a technique to detect based on a change in capacitance, resistance, induced electromotive force, or the like and is a commonly used technique, detailed description is omitted.

  The sensor button 251 is configured to have the same function as when the main board 71 inputs a signal when an operation is detected and the stop buttons 25A, B, and C are sequentially operated, for example.

  In other words, the sensor button 251 is operated, for example, the switch surface 253 is operated without contact, or the stop button 25A, B, and C are sequentially pressed only by touching the switch surface 253.

  The purpose of the sensor button 251 is to enable the operation of a plurality of buttons by operating a single button. For example, from the insertion of a game ball to the start of a symbol and the subsequent stop of the symbol once. The idea is to make it possible by button operation.

  Further, by continuing the operation of the sensor button 251, for example, by keeping the switch surface 253 touched, for example, the game ball is repeatedly inserted from the start of the game ball to the start of the symbol and then stopped. Also good. The shape may be any type such as a lever type or a handle type.

  By simply touching in this way, the operation is repeatedly executed, so that the physical burden is reduced and the mental burden of repeating the detachment game operation during the detachment game is reduced. Very effective.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, when a hitting manual lamp 255 is installed in the vicinity of the sensor button 251 and a bonus flag is entered, the lamp is turned on when it becomes advantageous to the player. You may make it the structure which lights.

  By doing so, the player sees the lighting of the manual lamp 255, stops the switch operation automatically repeated by the sensor button 251, and sequentially presses the stop buttons 25A, B and C by himself / herself. It becomes possible to obtain an opportunity to switch to the operation. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a bonus game without missing the game by stopping on the bonus symbol by yourself. Therefore, the idea designed to improve the gameability when the stop button 25 is operated when the bonus game flag is entered is respected, and the player can obtain the gameability as designed. It has an extremely excellent effect.

Further, a configuration may be added in which the function of the sensor button 251 is limited or disabled when the manual lamp 255 is turned on.
As a result, when a bonus flag is entered, automatic input by the sensor button 251 cannot be performed, and manual input by the player is surely performed.

Alternatively, when a bonus flag is entered without using the manual lamp 255, the automatic input by the sensor button 251 may be limited or stopped.
Therefore, in any case, it is prevented that the player enters the bonus game accidentally without enjoying the manual game while the player is operating the sensor button 251 in a uniform and customary manner. The

  The gaming machines 1 and 101 described above can input signals related to the progress of the game by either button operation or non-contact operation, and reduce the operation burden by non-contact operation. The player can select the operation that makes the input point of the signal clear by performing a reliable operation with a button operation, and the player himself / herself can select his / her preference according to his / her mood, physical condition, or game state. It is possible to provide the gaming machines 1 and 101 that can select the operation method.

  Therefore, the causes and factors for reducing the progress speed and digestion speed of the game are reduced, the operating rate of the gaming machines 1 and 101 is improved, and the customer satisfaction of the player is improved. .

  In the gaming machines 1 and 101 shown in the modified examples, when a bonus, hit, or the player is in an advantageous state, it becomes impossible or impossible to input without contact or continuous operation. It is possible to give up that a particular state has been reached. Therefore, it is possible to notify the player of an advantageous state by a passive method in which input by non-contact or continuous operation cannot be performed. In other words, not only an active notification method such as notifying that the bonus flag has been entered by lighting the lamp, but also providing a notification method that makes the player feel that the player is in a favorable state by a passive method. It becomes possible. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that the game performance can be improved by the new notification method.

  In addition, in the case of a specific state, it is possible to provide a game method that restricts or guides the operation by the player to the operation of the operated member, for example, the operation of pressing a button. It is possible to prevent the user from making an input without contact or continuously without noticing the gaming state in which the number of prizes obtained changes depending on the stop timing. In other words, for example, in the case of a spinning-type game machine, when a bonus flag or a winning flag is entered, if the symbols are stopped in a predetermined order, the winning symbol is drawn in with a high probability, Some are designed to increase the number of prizes earned by accurately targeting bonus symbols or specific symbols. If you perform non-contact or continuous operation on such a game machine, you can continue to play in the same customary stop order before the flag is turned on, or you can continue to operate without aiming at a specific symbol exactly There is a risk of it. Therefore, by only accepting or guiding the operation of pressing the button here, it becomes possible to cancel the uniform customary operation before the bonus or the hit flag is entered and to perform the best operation at that time. It is possible to prevent the player from suffering unintended disadvantages.

  In addition, the non-contact operation enables, for example, an operation method in which the fingertip is moved only horizontally, so that, for example, the design can be stopped by simply moving the fingertip horizontally. It becomes possible, and it becomes possible to digest the off game between the bonus game and the bonus game with a minimum physical and mental burden. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden on the player and improve the operation rate.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various embodiments can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Next, the correspondence between the structure of the claims and the embodiment of the invention will be described.

  The game progress processing means of claim 1 corresponds to the belt-type symbol display device 11, the game ball take-in device 17, the game ball payout device 17, the main board 71, the sub control board 73, and the like. The non-contact operation detecting means includes first, second, third, fourth and fifth sensors 51 to 55, left, middle, right sensors 151, 153 and 155, sensor buttons 251 and game progress non-contact signal output. The means corresponds to the terminal 65, the input interface 79, and the input / output interface 83.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the operation state of the non-contact operating device 3 of the gaming machine 1. It is explanatory drawing of the non-contact operating device. 3 is a circuit diagram of a non-contact detection circuit 5 and a push button switch circuit 7 of the non-contact operating device 3. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a first sensor control processing routine that is repeatedly executed by the game ball capturing device 17; 7 is a flowchart of a second sensor control processing routine that is repeatedly executed by the main board 71; It is a flowchart of a 3rd sensor control processing routine. FIG. 49 is an explanatory diagram of a part of the gaming machine 101. 1 is an external view of a non-contact operating device 103 of a gaming machine 101. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the use condition of the non-contact operating device 103. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the usage method of the non-contact operating device 103. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the technique used in addition to or instead of the structure of the gaming machine 1 or the gaming machine 101.

Explanation of symbols

1, 101 ... gaming machine, 3, 103 ... non-contact operating device,
5 ... Non-contact detection circuit, 7 ... Push button switch circuit,
9 ... belt, 9A ... first belt, 9B ... second belt, 9C ... third belt,
11 ... Belt-type symbol display device, 13 ... Upper saucer, 15 ... Lower saucer,
17 ... Game ball take-in device, 19 ... Game ball payout device, 21 ... Insert button,
23 ... Belt rotation starting device, 25, 25A, 25B, 25C ... Stop button,
27 ... Decorative panel, 29, 129 ... Slit, 29A ... Left end,
31, 131 ... Ceiling part, 31A, 33A ... Both sides, 31C ... Deep groove,
33, 133 ... floor, 35 ... finger, 37 ... light-receiving glass plate, 39 ... floodlight glass plate,
41... Light receiving element, 43... Two-color light emitting element,
51 ... 1st sensor, 52 ... 2nd sensor, 53 ... 3rd sensor, 54 ... 4th sensor,
55 ... 5th sensor, 57, 59, 65 ... Terminal, 61, 63, 143 ... Light emitting element,
67 ... A contact, 69 ... output terminal, 71 ... main board, 73 ... sub control board,
75 ... Belt control board, 77 ... Capture device board, 79 ... Input interface,
81 ... Output interface, 83 ... Input / output interface, 85 ... Non-contact operation surface,
131A ... opposite side, 131B ... opposite side, 151 ... left sensor, 153 ... middle sensor,
155 ... right sensor, 251 ... sensor button, 253 ... switch surface,
255 ... Manual lamp, BTS ... Stop signal, PS ... Prize number signal,
TS ... Take-in signal, TTS ... Game input standby signal

Claims (2)

A game that executes a process related to the progress of a game by inputting a game medium input signal, a game start signal, a game stop signal, a game shortening signal, or a game symbol stop signal as a signal related to the progress of the game. A gaming machine equipped with progress processing means,
A plurality of contactless operation detection means for detecting that the operation has been performed optically, electrically, or magnetically without contact;
Above for the contactless operation detection means detects the operation, and a game progress contactless signal output means for outputting a signal relating to the progress of the game to a game progress processing means corresponding to the operation,
Each non-contact operation detecting means is used as a switch for instructing to stop the game symbol,
A plurality of said non-contact operation detecting means are arranged in a staggered manner . In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A plurality of the non-contact operation detecting means are respectively arranged at positions corresponding to the vertices of a triangle.

Images